Episode 22 ~ September 17, 2020

Thanks for listening to Rio Blanco County news. Here’s our community newscast for the week of September 17. Whether you prefer to vote in person, by mail, or drop off, this week’s front page has a comprehensive guide to voting in the November 3rd election. It also addresses the nationwide concerns over mail-in vote security, lists details about in-person polling locations and ballot drop boxes for Rio Blanco County, and more. On Friday the HT crew spent the day at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, honing our live streaming skills, to bring the people of the internet near and far a broadcast of the 2020 Meeker Mustang Makeover. The event, which also attracted in-person attendance, is being called a “record success,” by event organizers. Meeker School Superintendent Chris Selle told the District Board this week that Colorado’s Proposition EE on this year’s November Ballot is currently the only viable hope for Rural School Funding in the Next few years. Prop EE would generate said funds by increasing State taxes on nicotine products. It would also raise funds by imposing a new tax on e-cigarettes. More updates on Meeker School District, including the high school construction project are on page 2A. Rangely’s Department of Public Health and Environment holds two drive through flu vaccination clinics next month. Find times and locations in News Briefs on page 3A Rio Blanco County is one of three in Colorado to receive approval to transition into the “Protect Our Neighbor” status for COVID-19 response. The status, which was also granted to Mesa and Gilpin counties was granted based on certain metrics like ability to do contact tracing, hospital capacity and others. The new Covid status also allows all businesses to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Large gatherings of up to 500 people will also be permitted. Social distancing and mask usage are still required by the state as part of the change. More on Protecting Our Neighbors on page 6A Also on 6A, a photo of Meeker Library’s new “Charlie Cart”, part of an educa