Here’s our community newscast for the week of December 17, 2020

Twenty-year-old Colten Fritzlan, a rodeo star with Rio Blanco County connections, finished third in the National Finals Rodeo this year. It was his first time competing at the national event. Fritzlan netted more than two-hundred-forty-one-thousand dollars in season earnings. Photo and Zapcode video on page 1B.

A special report from the HT’s Lucas Turner investigates oil and gas wastewater spills in the Piceance Basin. More than 700,000 gallons of produced water, a hazardous waste byproduct, was spilled in the basin in 2019. More on PAGE 1A.

The HT continues the CoLab On Edge mental health series with the story of Janay Barfoot, a Lakewood resident who discusses the stigma associated with sharing mental health struggles. Read her story on PAGE 2B. Watch for more coverage, and features from Rio Blanco County residents, in the coming weeks.

Whatever you’re going through, crisis counselors and professionally trained peer specialists are always available to help. Call the Colorado Crisis Services hotline at 1-844-493-TALK (8255). There is no wrong reason to reach out.

The state moved Rio Blanco County to Level Orange on their COVID dial framework Monday, Dec. 14, according to the CDPHE website. This further reduces capacity rates for various small businesses and makes the county ineligible for new variance requests. More on PAGE 1A.

Rio Blanco County’s COVID dial movement has been a bit chaotic. The county was Level Green for several weeks, then CDPHE informed the Public Health Department they’d be moving to Level Red. Instead, RBC was moved to Level Yellow. It took five days for the CDPHE to update the dial dashboard to reflect that. RBC was supposed to be in Level Yellow for three weeks, but was moved to Level Orange early. (You don’t have to use this, I just need to blurt it out. Cuz it’s RID-IC-U-LOUS.)

The United States hit 300,000 COVID-related deaths Dec. 14. Locally, however, case counts were down in both Meeker and Rangely last week. More statistics on page 3B.

In the opinion section this week, editor Niki Turner reminds us to “just keep swimming” (Dory voice in background … COPYRIGHT BE DAMNED), the Meeker School Board lays out the case for keeping kids in school, and Kaye Sullivan thanks her “trail angels.” That and more on pages 4-5A.

Rio Blanco County commissioners had a busy meeting Tuesday with not one, but two meetings. Coverage of the regular meeting is on Page 2B, and the 2021 budget approval report is on page 8A.

Chilly weather made its way to Rio Blanco County this week and is expected to stick around. There’s no better time to enjoy the crisp winter air with a buddy or two, and Rangely’s Kaisley Sanford did just that with her pet rooster Tony. Photo on PAGE 1A.

The Sanfords also won Rangely’s Snowflake Pet competition with goat “Billy the Kid.” A photo, and results from this year’s Christmasfest, on page 7A.

You can still enter to win $50 in Holiday Bucks through our Shop@Home promo in both Meeker and Rangely. Sign up for the sweepstakes at any of the businesses advertised on pages 6 and 7A.

Congratulations to this week’s winners, Jake and April Butler, who entered at Northwest Auto in Meeker, and Wade and Chris Allred, who entered at EZ Auto in Rangely.

All that and more in this week’s edition, in print and online at ht1885.com

Thank you for supporting community journalism.

Thanks for listening to another edition of Rio Blanco County news. Here’s our community newscast for the week of December 10

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Santa's ride was extra souped-up this year thanks to efforts by ERBM Recreation and Park District, Rio Blanco County Sheriff's office, Meeker Police Department and Rio Blanco Fire Protection District. A Santa parade, complete with a siren-sounding entourage, made its way around Meeker Saturday morning. You can find a video on our youtube channel or facebook page.

The Upstairs Gallery in the Hugus Building is closed, but you can still shop a wide variety of locally crafted gifts by window shopping. Keep an eye on our facebook page, for a video showing off many of the cool items available. You can help raise funds for the Pioneers Health Foundation and Meals on Wheels Program by purchasing a Jingle Mingle box. More about that, upstairs gallery window shopping, and all of the COVID-19 testing information is in the news briefs on page 3A.

Rookie cowboys Colten Fritzlan of Rifle and Ty Wallace, originally from Collbran, Colorado, and now Oklahoma, have been cleaning house and moving up in the standings at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in the bull riding competition. As of press time, Wallace is sitting as the World Bull Riding Leader, followed by Ky Hamilton, and in the third spot, rookie Colten Fritzlan. More is in the sports section on page 1B.

There you can also read about season B sports, which have been delayed as statewide COVID cases rise. The news follows communication between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado High School Activities Association late Sunday night.

On the front page, you’ll find the first in a series of stories on mental health: Colorado’s shadow epidemic: heightened anxiety, depression are testing families, communities and colorado's already frayed social safety net. If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, counselors and professionally trained peer specialists are here to help. Call Colorado’s Crisis Service hotline at 1 844 493 TALK, that’s 1 844 493 8255

This week’s opinion and editorial section includes the weekly editor’s column, a message from local healthcare providers, a first hand account of what it’s like to have COVID-19, the power of adversity, and the importance of getting help for your mental health. All that stuff starts on page 4A

Page 8A has answers from Doctor Albert Kreuger regarding uncertainty about COVID-19 vaccine side effects. And check there for the county beat, with updates on the county commissioners work sessions and regular meeting.

Ever wondered about the origins of christmas lights? Well now you can learn ALLL about it on page 3B, AND find pictures of christmas lights around meeker at HT1885 dot com

Page 3B also has information about the Colorado Secretary of State certifying the 2020 election results, and, new quarantine guidelines from the CDC.

That’s all for this week’s highlights, there is a LOT more in the print edition and online at HT1885 dot com

Thank you for supporting community journalism.

Though our contest has already ended, you might still have fun searching for all of the snowflakes hidden throughout this week’s paper. Hint, there are more than 40.

The latest on COVID-19 in this week’s print edition can be found first on the front page with an update on the state’s color coded dial system and risk levels. And on page 3B, read about the state report that lists outbreak information in Meeker and Rangely, including at the County Jail, and the Walbridge Wing.

We also spoke this week with Rio Blanco County Public Health director Alice Harvey for out 7th COVID-19 question and answer session. You can view the whole thing at facebook dot com slash ht 1885 slash live

The season of Advent started last Sunday. In lieu of inside worship, St. James Episcopal in Meeker has added advent candles outside the building for everyone to enjoy. Pictures are on page 3B.

The Hagin family of Rangely shared their experience with the HT this week, of managing a diagnosis of an incredibly rare genetic disorder called HIVEP2, of which only 48 cases have been identified worldwide.

And in Meeker, New owners means fresh energy at Meeker General Mercantile. Jason and Brenda Purkey are the proud new owners of the business, which has been community cornerstone for more than 30 years.

More about the Hagin family and MGM’s new ownership on the front page.

This week’s opinion editorial secion starts on page 4A, including the editors colum on stigma, snowflakes and sensationalizing, letters to the editor including one asking the community to help limit health consequences of COVID-19 before the pandemic is over, and a letter asking community members to support the non-profit Meeker Education Foundation on Giving Tuesday, which is coming up on December 8th .

The 11th annual day encourages Coloradan’s to give to non-profit organizations that serve their local communities. This year a $1million dollar incentive fund boosts the value of every donation. More information is on page 2A and at Colorado gives dot org

Also on page 2A, read about Meeker’s first ever quantum computer, built by Dr. Bob Dorsett.

News briefs are on page 3A, including dates, times and other information about a virtual meeting of the White River Algae Study Technical Advisory group, the Upstairs Gallery window shopping opportunities, upcoming visits from Santa Clause, Pioneer’s Medical Center’s jingle mingle on the go and COVID-19 testing options.

Page 8A has an update on the latest Town of Rangely Board of Trustees meeting. Trustees discuss ordinances for off highway vehicles, municipal code and more.

Football season may be over but the sports section is still here, this week with a story on 20 year old Rifle resident and bull rider Colten Fritzlan, who is competing this week in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Fritzlan is ranked 10th in the world for the bull riding competition. That story on page 1B

Christmas tree permits are now available online at forest products dot blm dot gov. Permits cost $10 per tree. And Colorado Parks and Wldlife is seeking applications for wetland and riparian restoration, enhancement, and creation projects to support its Wetlands Program Strategic Plan. More about tree permits and up to $2.5 million in CPW grant awards are also on page 1B

Here’s something found in a 1920 edition of the Herald:

“A well meaning person called our attention to the numerous errors in last week’s issue of The Herald. Listen cully! Errors are our trade-mark so to speak. In our younger days, a country editor, our mistakes in orthography and grammar were the cause of considerable grief. We have gotten over that. They don’t worry us anymore.”

That’s all for this week’s highlights, find more in print and online at HT 1885 dot com

Thank you for supporting community journalism.

The Rio Blanco County Historical society and Bureau of Land Management White River Field office are seeking stories, photocopies, or archival information about the Yellow Creek Schoolhouse to help complete the historical record. If you’d like to contribute or just want to learn more about the historic structure on state highway 64 between Meeker and Rangely, contact Teresa Reed.

During a special board of health meeting with county commissioners Tuesday, Public Health Director Alice Harvey said a change in behavior was needed, recommended strong action, and asked the board to use messaging in support of mask wearing, limited gatherings and minimizing social activity.

Dr. Albert Krueger from Pioneers Medical center spoke in support of public health recommendations, and repeated the call for mask wearing, hand-washing and social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus. Dr. Krueger also submitted a letter to the editor this week titled, “Is this the season to love your neighbor as yourself?”

Rio Blanco county has reported its first death due to complications from the virus. The individual was a resident of the Wallbridge Wing in Meeker, but will not be identified for privacy reasons. As of Friday Meeker had 39 active cases, Rangely had five. More on that story is also online.

And in even more COVID related news, the Meeker Rec Center closed Tuesday due to an outbreak of COVID-19 among district staff members. Although the term outbreak may sound scary, its actually just a technical definition.

The state of Colorado’s public health guidance on preventing workplace outbreaks defines an outbreak as “two or more people who are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a workplace/facility, with onset within 14 days.”

Rec District staff also shared updates virtually this week with its board of directors about the lap pool leak. Though surface cracks were identified as a likely cause of the leak early on, additional detection work has confirmed leaking water was actually coming from the pool’s main fill line.

Page 7A also has an update on the Rangely food bank, and a summary of the latest Town of Meeker Board of Trustees meeting, who discussed using reserve funds to balance the budget, and a Colorado Department of Transportation recommendation to move an existing radar speed feedback sign closer to the Pioneers Medical center.

The Meeker Rec Center wasn’t the only entity that had to make sudden adjustments due to the surge of coronavirus cases. Colorado Northwestern Community College will go online after thanksgiving, Meeker School District is transitioning to hybrid learning and the Meeker Chamber of Commerce has chosen to cancel this year’s parade of lights. More on these updates on page 2A

This week’s print edition has more on county happenings, with summaries of the board of commissioners Nov. 10th and Nov. 17th regular meetings. Find those updates on page 8A.

Other special content this week includes three student perspectives on COVID-19, a list of things to be thankful for this thanksgiving, the conservation corner discussing forest health and watershed impacts, and a plea from an Emergency Room Physician currently recovering from COVID-19. He compares his struggle against the virus to his special forces experience, describing the virus as a hunter.

After shutting out the Paonia Eagles 470 in their last regular season game, the Meeker Cowboys headed to Strasburg, marking their 7th year straight in the playoffs. An exciting game ended dramatically in the last 30 seconds with an interception by Strasburg. Final score 36-34, Strasburg. Great game and great season Meeker Cowboys.

And the Western Slope League Champion Rangely Panthers secured the title by defeating the Gilpin County Eagles 28-20. As of this recording, the team was taking the field for their quarterfinal playoff game against the Dove Creek Bulldogs. Good luck Panthers!

NOTE the fill transcript of this episode is at https://tinyurl.com/rbcnews31

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

Rio Blanco County Public Health confirmed 8 new cases of COVID-19 this week, 2 of which have led to hospitalization. The total case count is 9, with 8 in Meeker, and one in Rangely. You can find more details on our website, HT1885.com

The unofficial election results for Rio Blanco County are in, including local votes on term limits. Residents have chosen to place term limits on the County Assessor, Clerk and Recorder, Commissioners and Treasurer. They also voted not to put term limits on the Sheriff or the Coroner. Total voter turnout in Rio Blanco County this election was 81.22 percent.

More results on state and national elections are also on the front page, along with the outcome of the Elk Creek Ranch litigation reported in the October 29th Edition. lk Creek Ranch Owner’s Association prevailed in its lawsuit against developer William H. Wheeler for breaching his fiduciary duties while he was a director on its board. Again you can find more details on the case on the front page.

After more than two weeks of almost daily workshops, the county commissioners are ready to start making decisions about the county’s 2021 budget. In the workshops, department heads were able to share their requests — and concerns, in some cases — with the commissioners. A recap of the first week of workshops is on page 2A

Find upcoming events and announcements in our news briefs section on page 3A. This month Taj Mahal Blues will perform at the Tank Center for Sonic Arts in Rangely and you can watch online. The Western Rio Blanco County swimming pool and hot tub will be closed November 13th through the 22nd for repairs and maintenance. Colorado Northwestern Community College upcoming events are Museum Curation, Basic Search and Rescue, and a Women’s COBRA Self Defense Program. All that, and information on COVID-19 testing options in the area are on page 3A

Last month the Department of Veterans Affairs rolled their VA Mobile Medical Unit into Rangely for the first time. The Unit provides non-urgent, preventative health care services to veterans living in rural areas of Colorado and Utah.

In other Rangely news, long time resident Tarrah Patch has opened a new Flower Shop at 101 South White Avenue. The new store, the Wildflower was made possible with the acquisition of assets from the Meeker Flower Shop.

This week’s conservation corner explains the White River Integrated Water Initiative. More on the Conservation Corner, the VA Mobile Health Unit, Rangely’s newest business The Wildflower, and the kick off of LEAP in 2021 are on page 5A.

This time 100 years ago in The Meeker Herald it was written: “Some candidates (on both tickets) were assured of election, but when the votes were counted they say there was a good deal of unnecessary lying.”

More from past editions in Days Gone By on page 4B, where you can also find public notices, including local government meeting agendas and budget notices, invitations to bid, and more.

For the second time this season the Cowboys shut out an opponent. The Cedaredge Bruins struggled to get their offense going against the Meeker defense and the Cowboys came away with a definitive 44-0 win. The HT also broadcasted the game live on our Facebook page, you can watch the whole thing in the sports section of our website.

And the Rangely Panthers bested the Hayden Tigers 44-6. The win extended their record to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in league play. The Panthers will look to keep their perfect record when the Vail Christian Saints travel to Rangely on Friday, Nov. 6.

That’s all for this week’s news highlights. Find even more in print and online at ht1885.com Thank you for supporting community journalism.

RBC Sheriff | Friday, October 30, 2020 by Rio Blanco Herald Times

Clerk & Recorder | Thursday, October 29, 2020 by Rio Blanco Herald Times

Thanks for listening to another edition of Rio Blanco County news. Here’s our community newscast for the week of October 29th.

Check this week’s news briefs on page 3A for information on a host of spooky Halloween events, including trick or treat “ at the White River Museum from 5-7 pm, a Halloween parade in front of the Walbridge Wing from 4-5:30 pm, and the ERBM’s annual Pumpkin Eats n’ Treats from 3-5pm.

News briefs on page 3A also list COVID-19 testing locations in Rio Blanco County, news from The Tank Center for Sonic Arts in Rangely, ERBM program updates and an upcoming free legal clinic on November 11th.

Thanks to a large amount of snow arriving on Colorado’s Western Slope this week, many fire restrictions are set to end on Friday. Remember to use fire responsibly as warm weather is set to return next week.

Wildland firefighters from the BLM’s White River Field Office in Meeker made state and national news this week for leaving a handwritten note at a home in the path of the East Troublesome Fire in Grand County. Read more about the crew’s efforts on the front page.

Also on a front page, see a photo from the annual 4-H Night at Hogwarts fundraiser last Saturday. A reminder to drop off your mail ballot, and another dive into Rio Blanco County’s ongoing budget process. This week’s story focuses on the Sales & Use Tax department, which has already agreed to major cuts in 2021 and could go away entirely after next June, despite generating nearly $2 million in revenue for the county this year.

In more county news, Rio Blanco has seen another uptick in COVID-19 cases, with four positives reported in the last seven days. Public Health Director Alice Harvey warned that the county was on the verge of community transmission, and reminded residents to be vigilant. Nationwide more than 40 states including Colorado are reporting a surge in case counts, hospitalizations and deaths. More is on page 2A. County Public Health also shared recommendations for 2020 trick-or-treating on page 4A. Stick around that neighbor for this week’s editor’s column on the value of public participation, and Meeker High School senior and HT Intern Sophie Geodert’s update on how high school students are handling and adapting to homecoming in the middle of a pandemic.

While you’re there don’t forget to take a peek at upcoming CNCC programs in Meeker, including topics like basic search and rescue, women’s self defense, truffle making, decorative candies and more.

Resurfacing on Colorado Highway 64 is complete. The 18 mile project focused on a 1-inch leveling and 1.5-inch hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay and the installation of new guardrail. The HMA is expected to add 10 years of life to the highway.

With a few days until the 2020 election, the HT asked RBC Clerk and Recorder Boots Campbell about voter turnout so far this election. 4,240 ballots were sent out. 112 (2.64%) were undeliverable and 1,900 (44.8%) have been returned.

And an upcoming Yampa-White-Green basin roundtable meeting has an “action packed” agenda, including YWG Basin Roundtable’s proposed position statement on Demand Management, the White River Integrated Water Initiative grant request, Updates from the Yampa River Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) and more.

All those updates, Highway 64 resurfacing, voter turnout, the water conservation corner and results from the 2020 elk bugling contest are on page 5A.

The full transcript of this episode is available at https://tinyurl.com/rbcnews28

Here’s our community newscast for the week of October 22nd.

Rio Blanco County Public Health Director Alice Harvey has been selected by the Meeker Chamber of Commerce as Meeker’s citizen of the year. The chamber presented Harvey with plaque recognizing leadership and commitment to the health of our community.

Though we may be in the clear from blistering late summer heat, fire season is not over yet. Extreme drought and fire conditions continue to plague northwestern Colorado. RBC Sheriff Anthony Mozzolla says the fire protection district responded to five human started fires last week, four of which were started by hunters. Rio Blanco County is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. More about conditions and specifics of stage 1 fire prohibitions and exemptions are listed on the front page.

Two residents who tested positive for COVID-19 anonymously shared details with the HT about their experience with the virus. Both people reported continued effects even after being considered technically recovered from the virus, both saying they would get tired for no reason, even when they were able to get a good amount of sleep. That story also on this weeks front page.

In Letters to the editor this week, two names you may recognize, Doctor Krueger speaks in defense of Dr. Anthony Fauci as the leading infectious disease expert in the country, and asks community members to be good neighbors and help slow the spread of coronavirus by wearing masks and avoiding gatherings until an approved vaccine is available to the general public.

Those thoughts and more on pages 4A and 5A.

Meeker’s board of trustees approved a building permit waiver for a new sleep lab at Pioneers Medical center and got an update from the Meeker Chamber of Commerce, which has 15 new members. Among other updates, Director Stephanie kobald told trustees that OHV Riding is now the number one inquiry at the visitor center. More details are on page 2A, and the chamber’s 2020 annual report is published on page 8A.

County Commissioners heard from the department of human services Tuesday. DHS head Barb Bofinger said reports of child welfare concerns are increasing as lockdowns have lifted and kids return to the classroom. Bofinger also said they are also seeing more drugs in Meeker than before, noting that she didn’t expect either trend to reverse given the state of the economy and other factors. The board of commissioners also chose to allocate COVID funds to purchase desktop computer replacements for employees as well as laptops to add remote work capabilities, and to use in sheriff patrol vehicles. All that and more is in the County beat on page 6A.

Budget workshops for County departments are ongoing, and the HT is covering them as time and space allows. Expect detailed stories on the workshops in coming days and weeks. As an example, Sales and Use Tax Director Deb Morlan confronted county commissioners for not doing their research about her department before proposing a 25% reduction, and for making comments about her department being unnecessary and a waste of taxpayer money.

Meeker Cowboys High School football team shut out Gunnison 48 to nothing on Friday night to a packed Starbuck stadium. We also streamed the game live, and you can watch the whole thing at https://www.facebook.com/heraldtimes1885

Rangely Panthers also won their game against the Soroco Rams with a score of 56 to 12. putting the panthers record at 2 and 0. Read all about both football games and other sports updates, including a story about USA Lifting coming to meeker, on pages 1B, 2B and 3B.

This weeks public notices start on page 5B, including local government budget notices, meeting agendas, the 2019 delinquent tax list, and lots more.

That’s all for this week. Find more in print and online at ht1885.com Thank you for supporting community journalism.