100 years ago: “The youthful culprits who broke into the Park school took books, tablets, pencils, erasers and other school supplies, indeed not even a pretty school ma’am’s powder and rag was spared. Suspicion pointed to several 8th-grade lads, who after being closely questioned by the head of school admitted their guilt.”

75 years ago: “Edna Farley, who for two years has been teaching at Long Lane School south of Durango, has been hired to teach in the Central Elementary School of Durango. The classes and teacher were added to alleviate crowded conditions in the third and fourth grades of the Central school, which already has an enrollment larger than at any time last year.”

50 years ago: “La Plata County Extension Agent Ivan Lorenz reports the freezing temperatures this week did inflict some crop damage but apparently it will not be too severe. ... Some places in the county reported temperatures as low as 18 degrees.”

25 years ago: “Limited production could begin as early as next week at the Valiant Chair Co. in Bayfield, which was seriously damaged by an arson-caused fire in July. ... The fire was ruled arson by the La Plata County Sheriff’s Department, which is continuing to investigate the crime.”

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