Episode 23 ~ September 24, 2020

This week Rio Blanco’s Board of County Commissioners got an update on the proposed plan to transfer local emergency dispatch services to Colorado State Patrol’s regional call center in Craig. CSP Communications director Jeff Davis told the Board that as of right now, such a transfer would not be possible due to considerations for staffing, training, and related concerns for public safety. More on the informational work session is on the front page. During a work session and regular meeting Commissioners discussed additional strategies for balancing the 2021 budget including restructuring employee healthcare plans reducing retirement benefits, and eliminating or consolidating certain departments. Commissioners also got a COVID-19 update from Rio Blanco County’s Public Health department. More on county government happenings starts on page 2A “This coming Tuesday, September 29th marks the 141st anniversary of the “Meeker Incident,” which culminated in the White River Ute tribe being driven from the White River Valley into Utah..more about the day and its significance is written on page 2A Rio Blanco County Public health offers drive through flu vaccine clinics in the next two weeks. Clinic one will be in Meeker at the Fairgrounds on Thursday October 1st from 4:30 to 6:30. The second clinic will be in Rangely on Tuesday October 6th from 4:30 to 6:30 at 101 E. Main Street, between the library and public health office building. For questions call RBC Public Health at 878 9520 This week letters to editor discuss topics like Rio Blanco County dispatch, local fuel prices, a kudos to Ducey’s and WREA, passing of Justice Ruth BAder Ginsberg, the personal cost of a statewide lockdown, and more, along with this week’s editor column are on page 4A Check page 5A for Part 3 of a information series on the White River and Douglass Creek Conservation districts Meeker High School Alumni Jay Sullivan and current senior Sophia Goedert share perspectives on the new High School Building on page 6A Meeker’s Chamber of Commerce wel