Episode 24 ~ October 1, 2020

Colorado’s vote-by-mail system is widely considered the gold standard in the nation, with multiple checks and balances to prevent fraud and guarantee every registered voter an opportunity to cast their ballot. More about this system and the life of a mail ballot is on the front page. The latest iteration of construction Colorado Highway 13 between Meeker and Rifle is set to end on November 23rd. With work wrapping up, HT staff took a tour of the site this week to learn more about the use of concrete versus asphalt, and what tasks still remain. Read all about it on the front page. Last month young people in Rangely got a new after-school activity, boxing. The popular Sanchez Brother’s Boxing gym focuses on fitness and boxing fundamentals, and is now offering classes for two different age groups. Read more on page 2A Rio Blanco County Public health offers drive through flu vaccine clinics this week and next. 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's opinion section features columns reflecting on the first presidential debate of 2020, a discussion of reliable sources and statistics, and fun covid activities for seniors and grandparents, all on page 4A. Rising temperatures in western Colorado are reducing average runoff from snowpack, robbing the Colorado River system of water and forcing farmers and water providers to plan for a future with less water. More on the impacts of increased temperature and prolonged drought is written on page 5A. Page 6A includes a profile on Tessa Hennessy, a third year CU School of Medicine student completing a rotation in family medicine at Meeker Family Health. On the same page look for news on Meeker School district, like the hiring of a new band and choir director and a new assistant middle school football coach. A