Author - The Durango Herald

Thank you, Pine River Valley Bank, for 28 years

What makes a small place a real town, anyway? An old newspaper adage is that a town needs a school, a post office, a bar, a church, (to balance each other out, I suppose!) and a n...

DATE: Feb 12, 2015 | CATEGORY: Opinion

If you don't like dogs, don't have them

Actually, I think that applies to children, as well, but we'll stick to dogs for this week. I have a sad walk when I go to the post office in Bayfield because I have to pass two d...

DATE: Feb 5, 2015 | CATEGORY: Opinion

$18 million available for training for beginning farmers, ranchers

By Traci Bruckner Center for Rural Affairs The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than $18 million in funding available to support training, mentoring, and d...

DATE: Jan 22, 2015 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Vandalism is sad commentary

Looking at racial epithets spraypainted on your church is sad. Along with the Lions Club, where my husband is a member, the museum where I've covered events and learned about our ...

DATE: Jan 15, 2015 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Preparedness begins at home, resulting in stronger communities

By Sharon Loper As 2015 begins, it's an opportunity to take stock of our lives and examine what we can do to make them better and improve the community around us. While the holida...

DATE: Jan 8, 2015 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Bell ringing can be hectic this year

It's easy in December to get too caught up in presents, cards, cookies and parties and blow off the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. I'm not pointing fingers. I've done it to...

DATE: Dec 11, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion

CSU offers commonsense ways to avoid holiday fraud

Tis the season! Whew, we have made it past Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there are still 20 shopping days left. It is also a busy time for theft! In 2013, consumers paid $1....

DATE: Dec 4, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion

We give thanks and honor Aria, Dylan

When it comes to raising children, there are highs and lows. Most of us, thankfully, don't have to deal with the pain that the Cranes have had to face. Brian and Wendy...

DATE: Nov 20, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion

What is the best way to honor veterans?

As the Mazurs were getting ready for work and school Tuesday, we had a discussion around the kitchen as we ate cereal, drank caffeine, made sandwiches, and tried to get out the door by 7:20 ...

DATE: Nov 13, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Upper Pine: check smoke alarms this Sunday

By Tom Kaufman Upper Pine River Fire Protection District Roughly two out of three fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or smoke alarms that are not working....

DATE: Oct 30, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Sales tax hike would be good for Bayfield

I'm not a big fan of sales taxes. They are regressive, and honestly, as a former business owner, they are a pain in the posterior to collect and remit to the state. That being sai...

DATE: Oct 20, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Farm Bureau urges 'no' vote on Prop 105

From the La Plata County Farm Bureau Colorado's statewide ballot will include Proposition 105. If passed, Proposition 105 will require Colorado foods made with genetically enginee...

DATE: Oct 9, 2014 | CATEGORY: Opinion