This week’s print edition is crammed full of relevant information, including 7 pages listing details of the 2020 state of Colorado Ballot initiatives. You can read those starting on page 3B. Also, this week’s public notices starting on page 10b list the 2019 delinquent tax list for Rio Blanco County, budget notices, public meeting announcements, agendas and more…
Speaking of budgets, HT staff spent nearly 3 weeks poring over Rio Blanco County budget discussions, which have focused primarily on the potential to move emergency dispatch to Craig, as well as a “restructuring” of certain county departments, which may or may not save money and help balance $2.3 million budget shortfall. Read all about it starting on the front page.
The discussion surrounding emergency dispatch is still not quite over, as RIo Blanco County Board of Commissioners and staff are still gathering data. The board held a public meeting Tuesday morning prior to the regular meeting, in which Meeker town officials and Sheriff Anthony Mazzola pushed for further clarification and a budget subcommittee to determine the real costs and responsibilities of the local dispatch center. Read about that meeting on page 7A.
Prospective jurors found themselves summoned to court this week for a trial regarding multiple suits, filed by the Elk Creek Ranch Owners Association against William Wheeler of Elk Creek Ranch Development, and against YZ Ranch LLC. Read about the ongoing litigation on the front page.
The Rio Blanco Water Conservation District board has contracted with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. out of Dillon to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed rural water supply district near Rangely, which would aim to provide reliable high quality drinking water to properties outside of the town. More details about the study are on page 2A.
An Ag Water Update meeting will be held on Friday October 16 at 4pm. Topics on the agenda include demand management, the impact of a call on the Colorado River, the Yampa-White-green Basin Implementation Plan, and progress on the local White River Integrated Water Initiative. Online attendance via zoom will be available as well as in person attendance at Meeker Fire Rescue District. More details in the conservation corner on page 4A, or online at whiteriver C D dot com
For those interested in water, Jerd Smith of Fresh Water News shares an update on a million dollar irrigation study being done to evaluate whether hay fields can operate with less water. Read more on page 10A
This week’s column topics include being an advocate for your child’s mental health, a thank you to youth corp, and a groundbreaking explanation of the very thing you’re hearing right now, podcasts. Find those columns on page 4A and 5A
ON page 6A, we hear a foreign exchange student’s perspective on Meeker. Also an interview with Lauren Boebert, who is running for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. You can find the full interview with Boebert in our Podcast feed.
In celebration of another hunting season, check out page 12A for a collage of old photos, titled “Deer of Yesteryear...”
Meeker Cowboy football’s return to the gridiron culminated in victory Friday night. The team faced off with Moffat County Bulldogs, winning the night with a score of 36-14. Rangely Panthers also claimed a win in their first game of the season, going on the road to defeat the Sangre De Cristo High School Thunderbirds, with a final score of 40 to 6. Two very detailed descriptions of both games are written on page 1B
Updates on Meeker and Rangely cross country are on page 2B.
That’s all for this week. Find more in print and online at ht1885.com Thank you for supporting community journalism.
