Jeff Rice, Sterling Journal-Advocate Journalist Profile

Articles

The Grizzled Scribbler: Sonnenberg is the right choice to lead Colorado FSA

1 day ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

“So, looks like ol’ Jerry found himself an honest job after all, huh?” I marked my place on my Kindle reader, realizing I wouldn’t be finishing Madonne Miner’s essay in “Modern Literature” on Offred’s ability to find romance in reproductive captivity any time soon. “Nosmo, how’s life treating you?” I asked rhetorically. Nosmo King, my […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: May 13, 2025 at 9:18 AM MDT
Rural hospital infrastructure bill first step toward better health care

3 days ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

A bill directing a survey of capital needs among Colorado’s rural hospitals should soon be signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. The measure, House Bill 25-1223, is the creation of Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, and Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. It is part of an ongoing effort by state leadership to address the worsening […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: May 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM MDT
State treasurer tells Logan county Dems, ‘It’s time to pick a side’

1 week ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young teased the idea of running against U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans in the 8th Congressional District Saturday. Young was in Sterling for the Logan County Democratic party’s Hands Off – Call to Action dinner and delivered a stripped-down keynote speech. Literally, stripped down. As he spoke, Young removed his jacket, necktie […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: May 6, 2025 at 2:57 PM MDT
Sonnenberg appointed to direct Colorado FSA offices

1 week ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

Logan County Commissioner and former state senator Jerry Sonnenberg has been appointed executive director of the Colorado Farm Service Agency. FSA is a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It supports farmers and ranchers by providing disaster relief, conservation programs, commodity price guarantees, and loan programs. It also implements agricultural policy and manages various programs through […] Subscribe to continue reading this article.
New fire training structure gets workout during Fire on the Plains

2 weeks ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

Nearly 90 firefighters from a dozen departments in Colorado converged on the Sterling Fire Department Training Center Saturday for the annual Fire on the Plains training session. Dave Distefano, regional training officer for the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, said the training alternates each year between Sterling and La Junta. “Both departments have […]
Sterling, Haxtun credit unions announce merger in the works

2 weeks ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

If all goes well, the Sterling and Haxtun credit unions will merge by the end of the year. Sterling Federal Credit Union CEO Darrin Blankenbeckler announced the proposed merger Friday evening during the credit union’s 87th annual membership meeting. Blankenbeckler said the boards of directors of the two institutions have been in discussions for several […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: April 28, 2025 at 10:03 AM MDT
Fire destroys RV, damages two homes in south Sterling

2 weeks ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

Fire destroyed a recreational vehicle and damaged two Sterling homes Thursday. According to the Sterling Fire Department, units were dispatched just before 5 p.m. to the 500 block of Elwood at the report of a camper on fire. Enroute, the responding units were told the burning camper was parked between two homes, and both of […] Subscribe to continue reading this article. Originally Published: April 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM MDT
So satisfying to watch the water set free

2 weeks ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

“Ya find the durndest things on the internet these days.”I was sitting alone enjoying a cup of coffee at a popular diner recently, hip-deep in one of Wodehouse’s treatises on the virtues and sins of 19th century British aristocracy, when my childhood buddy Nosmo King parked himself in the chair opposite me. “Y’know,” he began without preamble, “if you undercut the downstream side of a beaver dam foundation, it’ll collapse itself.”This is why I wear my “Proud Liberal” ballcap to have coffee.
City Council approves 4-store marijuana store limit for Sterling

3 weeks ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

Sterling’s marijuana ordinance got its latest tune-up Tuesday as City Council adopted an ordinance limiting the number of pot shops in the city to four. A previous version of the ordinance had limited the number to three. Two weeks ago the council deleted the limit altogether with an ordinance that clarified definitions in the ordinance. Councilman Kellan Raffaeli and Mayor Matt Foos voted against the ordinance; both are advocates of letting the market decide the number of outlets.
UPDATED: Pelton scores victory for ag; SB25-128 passes out of House

3 weeks ago | journal-advocate.com | Jeff Rice

UPDATED: Pelton scores victory for ag; SB25-128 passes out of House