Rio Blanco County is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19. Late last week nine cases were reported, with an additional five reported on Monday. On Wednesday the public health department reported 8 additional cases in Meeker and 1 in Rangely.

Public Health Director Alice Harvey told the HT that “we have seen evidence of community spread.” She also says some of the cases have been traced to visiting hunters, others to out-of-county recreational travel.

As of Wednesday November 11th, there are more than 20 active cases in the county, with one person hospitalized in critical condition. Public Health is advising residents to stay at home and/or distance from others if possible, wear a mask and cancel all non-essential gatherings.

You can find up to date information from the public health department at facebook.com/rioblancopublichealth or at HT1885.com. You can also find a more detailed article in this week’s print edition on page 2A.

Also on page 2A a breakdown of the methods Rio Blanco County voters used to cast their ballots in the 2020 election, a clarification on the elk creek lawsuit story from the november 5th edition, and a press release about at least 10 stolen county road signs.

In other news, this week the HT spoke with Master-Class Falconer Andrew McBride, an expert of 50 years. McBride described the process of becoming a master falconer, raising and taking care of hawks and other raptors, the joys of collaboration between human and animal, and his upcoming presentation at the Old West Heritage Culture Center in Meeker on Friday, Nov. 13 from 7-8 p.m. Find that story on the front page, along with more specific details about the event, and PHOTOS.

Meeker Trustees had a busy and discussion filled meeting last week. Topics included the 2020 business grant program, funding options for county dispatch, a $2500 donation to the Meeker Mustang Makeover, a newly signed contract with Overton Recycling, and a presentation from John Leary of River’s Edge, who asked the board to consider partnering for the betterment of riparian health. In other business the town is looking to fill two positions, including a police officer. Finally mayor Kent Borchard warned the community that “covid-19 is not something to ignore” and reiterated public health requests for mask usage and social distancing.

Award Winning HT Editor Niki Turner dives deep into the story of Bob and Gaila Bell in this week’s print edition. Bob is a veteran who served in Vietnam as a member of the 11th Armored Cavalry, a highly decorated US army regiment. The story, which you can find on the front page, details the Bells’ history, the fight for Bob’s treatment with the VA, effects of Agent Orange exposure and more.

Rangely Police Chief Ti Hamblin has been working to obtain mental health help for the Rangely Police Department employees through the “Heart and Mind Initiative.” This includes psychological services to better help officers and dispatchers cope with the inherent trauma of the job. Read more on page 3A.

An investigation into Moffat County’s Department of Human Services program about caseworkers allegedly falsifying reports was reported on by the Colorado Sun last month. A second article by the Sun published Wednesday states Moffat County’s DHS Director left her position the day after the original article was published, and, according to documents from a Moffat County Commissioner meeting, said Moffat was looking for a new director to oversee departments in Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties. That info as well as the latest discussions on DHS by Rio Blanco County Commissioners is on page 6A

Read the full episode transcript at https://tinyurl.com/rbcnews30