Mike Smedley
Position: Staff reporter

Police return device fast and with humor to boot

Uh oh. I knew parking was strictly enforced in Durango, but seriously? Why would the city impound its own fleet? Is Durango a parking dictatorship? Sign me, Vladimir Bootin When...

Confusion dogs law enforcement at wildlife area

A couple of weeks ago, a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer informed me that dogs are to be “on leash” at Pastorius Reservoir. The officer provided a lengthy lecture. Two days later, a La P...

Pushy pedestrians put the cross in crosswalk

Is it me or are Durango pedestrians getting more aggressive? I’ve experienced more and more walkers who don’t pause when entering an intersection. They jump right out into the street. Sheesh...

Franken-fauna only threatens gardens, not health

Here’s a photo of a deer taken north of town. Yikes! Do you suppose this deer has been camping on our uranium mill tailings or lapping up heavy metals from the Animas River? Sign me, “The Ve...

City has concrete laws regarding sidewalk cows

A friend and I encountered this colorful cow, apparently lost from the Chicago “CowParade” art exhibit, and she (the cow and not my friend) was partially blocking our path on the sidewalk. I...

Glass recyclers are in the clear with open containers

I was taking my glass to the recycling station. On the way, it occurred to me that there were several beer and alcohol bottles in the mix. Having an open container in the car is illegal in m...

Mysterious trailer pops up on the radar screen

My husband and I saw this trailer on Missionary Ridge the other day. It’s by the transmission towers at the west end overlooking Durango. What is it and what’s it doing up there? – Michelle ...

A battery of questions about hydrants, recycling

Since fires dominate the news, I’m curious why the city has pink fire hydrants. Is the city out of red paint? Not that pink is bad or anything. I just thought fireplugs should be red. Sign m...

Subaru parade needs a steering committee

We’ve noticed lots of older black and dark blue Subaru Outbacks in Durango. I mean, there are four within three blocks of our house. Recently, when I went for a wine-and-beer run, a young ma...

Watermelon board has colorful option to slapping

Much to my frugal husband’s horror, I’ve been purchasing pre-cut watermelon. I’m sick of buying the whole watermelon only to find it either over- or under-ripe. Yes, yes. I know I can return...

License plates at forefront of controversy

I’ve been wondering why many Colorado vehicles don’t have front license plates? Doesn’t the law say Colorado drivers need both? Maybe these people want to be pulled over for roadside dancing...

Officials hold their fire on blaze-buzzing drones

After the reports of some idiot flying a drone over the 416 Fire, why doesn’t law enforcement shoot down the thing with a shotgun? Seriously. Just blast it out of the sky with a 12-gauge. Th...