Mike Smedley
Position: Staff reporter

Action Line: Options for Snowdown provide comic relief

I didn’t get Snowdown Follies tickets. And I don’t want to dress up in tights and a cape for the comic-con theme. What am I supposed to do this week? – Putting the “down” in Snowdown ...

Code office is a ‘fine’ way to report city to itself

On the heels of the column reminding residents and business owners to remove snow from their sidewalks, who fines the city when the city neglects to do the same with city properties? – Sandy...

A brush with greatness? Not for snow-top drivers

With all the recent winter weather, we see many a car driving along with snow piled on the roof. What’s the purpose of this? Is it to show that it snowed? Or do these drivers have no garage ...

In a turn for the worse, cars drive on train tracks

I heard through the grapevine that a car got stuck driving up the railroad tracks downtown. Could you try to (ahem) “track” down this rumor. If true, do we need to erect Do Not Enter signs a...

Shovel your hovel? Some folks flake out after storm

I know this is a yearly request, but last week’s storm demonstrated Durango’s utter cluelessness when it comes to snow, inability to drive notwithstanding. Could you please once again inform...

Yuletide doggerel unleashed as poetic license expires

‘Twas the day before Christmas and all through our towns, Events of the past year brought smiles and frowns. Traditions aplenty for this time of year; So her...

Free downtown parking, for a limited time only

Could you clarify the city’s loading-zone policy? A meter reader told me that the city changed its policy a year ago. The “Commercial Loading” signs no longer apply, but will be left there. ...

Predicting foul weather can be a chancy job

As the one who answers pesky practical questions, please tell us what the “chance of precipitation” means. Thursday evening’s forecast was for 40 percent snow. Does that mean it will snow 40...

By posting, USPS put its stamp on social media

I noticed these signs at the local Post Office. I can’t help but wonder why anyone would follow the U.S. Post Office on social media. Facebook? Instagram? What’s next, following the IRS on T...

Durango goes green with all these blooming bags

What’s with all the green plastic flowers around town? You know, the ones that look like little plastic bags, artfully knotted and with a floral flourish on top. I see more of these all the ...

Rules lack teeth for defining a ‘healthy snack’

While shopping at Walmart, I saw something weird: One of the aisles had an overhead sign touting “Healthy Snacks,” however, the “healthy” items on the shelves were anything but. We’re talkin...

Cyclists throw caution to the wind at huffy-toss

A recent Police Blotter item in The Lycra-clad clan is a close-knit community, so to speak, and attending their secret rituals requires undercover reporting. But it’s impossible...