100 years ago: “Tomorrow the voters of Durango will decide whether the school directors shall go ahead and erect a suitable school building to make this city the educational center of the Western Slope. The Herald has favored the proposition, first, because conditions at present are at a standstill, and if we are to keep moving we must inaugurate improvements that will show the outside world that we have faith in the future of this city and the San Juan Basin. Second, good schools and good roads are the two vital things.”

75 years ago: “Numerous cases of influenza in Cortez have necessitated the closing of schools in the town for an indefinite period.”

50 years ago: “Claude Deering is the new chairman of La Plata County board of commissioners following the annual first-of-the-year re-organization. Andrew Fletcher is the vice chairman.”

25 years ago: “A senior-laden Bayfield varsity boys basketball team used a strong inside game to defeat the Durango junior varsity 70-54 Thursday night in Bayfield.”

Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.