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Our View: Systemic challenges mean USPS could lose ‘S’ for service

A few decades ago, do you remembering hearing old-timers say that a solid, great job for life was one with the U.S. Postal Service? Well, that career advice has not stood the test of time. I...

DATE: Oct 1, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Contemplating values in potential new Durango logo

On Sept. 19, Durango City Council voted 4-1 for city staff to explore the feasibility of creating and implementing a new city logo that reflects the community’s contemporary values – and det...

DATE: Sep 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Shutdown season more tiresome than pumpkin spice

Effects would ripple through Southwest

DATE: Sep 27, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Colorado librarian wins settlement, our admiration

Librarians really are champions for every patron who walks through their doors. Yes, they get books and information into the hands of people whose lives will be enhanced by them, and take ca...

DATE: Sep 24, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Students without tickets burned in Coach Prime’s light

University of Colorado Boulder football coach Deion Sanders has sure brought the razzle-dazzle to college football. And Sanders is delivering. With his stellar resume as a Hall of Fame corne...

DATE: Sep 22, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Sawdust fire ‘risk could remain long after’ ILC

I have concerns about the rezoning to industrial for the land at 1050 Lebanon Road, Cortez. The proposed use of this land is to include a sawmill. The noise from a sawmill would subject the ...

DATE: Sep 20, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

My View: ‘Biased,’ ‘No 1st Amendment,’ ‘censors’ – strong words

It’s not every day I see my name on a sign at a demonstration in front of The Durango Herald. This was the case on Sept. 12, when about 20 demonstrators, including La Plata County Republican...

DATE: Sep 20, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Many questionable dealings of Biden family’

Over the past year, many questionable dealings of Joe Biden and his family have come to light. There is evidence of bribery, extortion, wire fraud, tax evasion, money laundering, conspiracy,...

DATE: Sep 20, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Boebert, others like her ‘really are idiots’

A government shutdown and other serious issues loom and what is our congresswoman doing? She is getting ushered out of a Denver theater for vaping, being groped by her date and behaving like...

DATE: Sep 19, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Use joint sales tax dollars for Hermosa to Durango Bike Trail

A burst of tailwind is pushing forward the proposed Hermosa to Durango Bike Trail. And the city of Durango and La Plata County’s joint sales tax dollars are ideal to seed this project as ear...

DATE: Sep 15, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Celebrating 5 years, ‘The Colorado Sun’ inspires

“We belong to you, Colorado.” Larry Ryckman, editor and co-founder of The Colorado Sun said this to readers on Sunday, which marked the fifth anniversary of this journalist-owned, nonpartisa...

DATE: Sep 13, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Musings on office jargon

A couple of surveys published this summer highlight the most annoying examples of office jargon. At The Durango Herald, we compared notes to see what gets under our skin the most. The langua...

DATE: Sep 10, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Videos & Photos

Southwest Colorado living historyBayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing30002340Kevin and Chelsea Schlabach with their children Corbin 5, and Cooper, 3, watch the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. (Jerry McBride/Durango) Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14173000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13233000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18643000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19123000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20003000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20743000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17833000Rancher J. Paul Brown takes his sheep down Buck Highway on Saturday during the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing event in Bayfield. The event, celebrating its 24th year, included a parade, 5K fun run, corn hole and arm wrestling tournaments, live music and the Ol’ Timers Picnic. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19393000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14633000Kevin and Chelsea Schlabach with their children Corbin 5, and Cooper, 3, watch the Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald23403000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald23523000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17443000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18483000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18463000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19083000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20003000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19833000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20253000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18153000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19783000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald21953000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald21693000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20003000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18953000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19723000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald32244817The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19493000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald22473000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20003000The Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing parade makes its way on Mill Street on Saturday in downtown Bayfield. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18413000
Southwest Colorado living history
Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing
Fort Lewis women’s soccer cruises to 6-0 win over NM HighlandsSkyhawks improve to 5-0-3 this season following Friday’s win20101728Aubrey Swindle of Fort Lewis College celebrates a goal against New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Gabi Meraz-Fishbein of Fort Lewis College pushes the ball while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14932010Ashlyn Salas of Fort Lewis College strikes a goal while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14472010Ashlyn Salas of Fort Lewis College celebrates her goal with teammates while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)10972010Gabi Meraz-Fishbein of Fort Lewis College goes up for the ball while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22331500Fort Lewis College womens soccer head coach Damian Clarke watches his team play New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18652010Anna Tucker of Fort Lewis College controls the ball while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21041500Anna Tucker of Fort Lewis College sends the ball over a New Mexico Highlands University defender Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15282010Josie Coulter of Fort Lewis College controls the ball while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20791500Fort Lewis College sideline dances after a teammates goal while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13702010Fort Lewis College goalkeeper Riley Bravin controls the ball while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20441500Anna Tucker of Fort Lewis College goes up for the ball while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20882010Haley Stafford of Fort Lewis College strikes a goal against New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16192010Ashlyn Salas of Fort Lewis College celebrates her goal with teammates while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)10972010Fort Lewis College goalkeeper Riley Bravin puts the ball in play while playing New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16012010Aubrey Swindle of Fort Lewis College celebrates a goal against New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17282010Aubrey Swindle of Fort Lewis College celebrates a goal against New Mexico Highlands University Friday at Dirks Field. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22301500
Fort Lewis women’s soccer cruises to 6-0 win over NM Highlands
Skyhawks improve to 5-0-3 this season following Friday’s win
Fall colors beginning to show in Durango30002003Cyclists get ready to hit the trails at the top of Coal Bank Pass on Friday as grasses and plants display their fall colors north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Aspen trees change into their fall colors Friday near Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20973000A small group of aspen trees show their fall colors near the top of Coal Bank Pass on Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18393000Hikers walk through grasses and plants displaying their fall colors on Friday at Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18753000Aspen trees change into their fall colors Friday near Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20073000Cyclists get ready to hit the trails at the top of Coal Bank Pass on Friday as grasses and plants display their fall colors north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20033000Aspen trees change into their fall colors Friday near Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18881500Groves of aspens looking toward Molas Pass are beginning to change in to fall colors on Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19353000Aspen trees change into their fall colors Friday near Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)24761500Grasses and plants display their fall colors Friday near Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19623000Logging trucks make their way down Coal Bank Pass on U.S. Highway 550 Friday as fall colors begin to show north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20263000A car surrounded by changing aspens drives out of Old Lime Creek Road Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18963000Aspen trees begin to change color on Friday on Hermosa Cliffs north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)12693000A colorful aspen grove on the way up Coal Bank Pass on Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19443000Gambel oak in a mix of aspen trees change color in the 416 Fire burn area Friday north of Hermosa. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18573000Gambel oak in a mix of aspen trees change color in the 416 Fire burn area Friday north of Hermosa. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000People walk through a colorful aspen grove on the way up Coal Bank Pass on Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)18963000Dale Piers of Loveland takes a photo of colorful aspen trees on the way up Coal Bank Pass on Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22381500Gambel oak in a mix of aspen trees change color in the 416 Fire burn area Friday north of Hermosa. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18923000Aspen trees reflect in a pool of water on Old Lime Creek Road Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15293000Aspen trees change into their fall colors Friday near Coal Bank Pass north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20333000A colorful aspen grove on the way up Coal Bank Pass on Friday north of Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20003000
Fall colors beginning to show in Durango
Fort Lewis football faces New Mexico Highlands in RMAC openerSkyhawks drop Saturday’s matchup, 31-1720101465Tristen Williams, left, and Parker Cunningham of Fort Lewis College make a tackle on Saturday while playing New Mexico Highlands University at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Fort Lewis College quarterback Braden Wingle throws to a receiver on Saturday while playing New Mexico Highlands University at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17572010Cameron Mack of Fort Lewis College runs the ball on Saturday while playing New Mexico Highlands University at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20791500Cameron Mack of Fort Lewis College breaks a tackle before finally being brought down by three New Mexico Highlands University defensive players on Saturday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18931500Fort Lewis College football head coach Johnny Cox talks with his players during the New Mexico Highlands University game on Saturday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14512010Tristen Williams of Fort Lewis College makes a tackle on Saturday while playing New Mexico Highlands University at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald16141500Zachary Gaumont of Fort Lewis College gets hit by a New Mexico Highlands University player before the ball even gets to him on Saturday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20021500Trey Goughnour of Fort Lewis College takes a hand off while playing New Mexico Highlands University on Saturday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald24361500Tristen Williams, left, and Parker Cunningham of Fort Lewis College make a tackle on Saturday while playing New Mexico Highlands University at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14652010Fort Lewis College quarterback Braden Wingle throws to a receiver on Saturday while playing New Mexico Highlands University at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14071500The Fort Lewis College cheerleaders perform during the New Mexico Highlands University game on Saturday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13532010Fort Lewis College head football coach Johnny Cox watches his players during the New Mexico Highlands University game on Saturday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14842010
Fort Lewis football faces New Mexico Highlands in RMAC opener
Skyhawks drop Saturday’s matchup, 31-17
Durango football plays Grand Junction CentralDemons win shootout 51-2820101753Durango High School plays tough defense against Grand Junction Central High Schoolon Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Durango High School players take the field before the start of the Grand Junction Central High School game on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald10392010Durango High School sophomore Sadie Hanson, 15, sings the national anthem before the start of the Grand Junction Central High School game on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14152010Durango High School sophomore Sadie Hanson, 15, sings the national anthem before the start of the Grand Junction Central High School game on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald12752010Durango High School plays tough defense against Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17532010Durango High School plays tough defense against Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald15831500Durango High School plays tough against Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald11662010Tyler Harms of Durango High School runs for a touchdown while playing against Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13722010Julian Rodriguez of Durango High School sacks the Grand Junction Central High School quarterback on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald15222010Durango High School’s offense listens for the play while playing Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald12372010Durango High School cheerleaders perform with other cheerleaders from area schools during the Grand Junction Central High School game on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13622010Tyler Harms of Durango High School throws a pass while playing Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20171500Jaxon Fancher of Durango High School receives a kickoff while playing Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald22581500Durango High School coaches talk with their players while playing against Grand Junction Central High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13402010Durango High School cheerleaders perform with other cheerleaders from area schools during the Grand Junction Central High School game on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald10262010Malakai Baier of Durango High School tries to break up a Grand Junction Central High School pass on Friday at DHS. Central was called for offensive pass interference on the play, negating a touchdown. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20881500
Durango football plays Grand Junction Central
Durango volleyball plays MontroseDemons lose league opener, 3-020101390Eva Stewart, left, and Anna Folk of Durango High School go up for a block against Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Eva Stewart, left, and Anna Folk of Durango High School go up for a block against Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13902010Brooklyn Messier of Durango High School spikes a kill against Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20561500Durango High School plays Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald11922010Durango High School head volleyball coach Kelley Rifilato yells instructions to her team while playing Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald21391500Durango High School plays Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13072010Durango High School plays Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald10382010Aava Dreger of Durango High School gets the ball over the net while playing Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17321500Durango High School plays Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13582010Aava Dreger, left, and Tyler Trujillo of Durango High School go for the ball while playing Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17111500Eva Stewart of Durango High School sets the ball while playing Montrose High School on Friday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20721500
Durango volleyball plays Montrose
Demons lose league opener, 3-0
Dozens pay tribute to 9/11 service members during Durango stair climbFirefighters, law enforcement complete Sky Steps in honor of fallen first responders40323024Capt. Breaux Burns, left, and Ty Matthys with Durango Fire Protection District participate in the 9/11 Stair Climb on Monday in Durango. The Stair Climb honors service members who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald)Firefighters, law enforcement and community members climbed the Sky Steps just west of Fort Lewis College on Monday in commemoration of service members who responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City.Firefighters said it was a chance to reflect on the commitment and sacrifice men and women in the emergency services made 22 years ago, as well as the dedication first responders give to their communities every day.“There are people entering the fire service that weren’t even alive on that day, which is kind of hard for some of us to believe who were alive that day and remember it,” said Deputy Chief Randy Black, with Durango Fire Protection District.The day began about 9 a.m. at the top of the Sky Steps, with a short speech read by Capt. Mark Fleming with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District.“Your involvement, irrespective of participation in climbing the stairs, pays homage and preserves the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Fleming said.69604640John Learned, carrying the flag, and Chris Ziegler, both with Durango Fire Protection District, make their way to the top of the Sky Steps at Fort Lewis College on Monday. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)Several dozen first responders then descended the Sky Steps and then climbed them, completing five laps to signify the highest point firefighters climbed in the World Trade Center – 110 levels – before the towers collapsed.“When that tower came down, I go, ‘They’re all (expletive) dead,’” said Rich Dory, choking back tears.Dory, who worked with the Chicago Fire Department for 37 years, was part of a FEMA team that went to Ground Zero a week after 9/11 to help dig through the debris in search of victims.He choked up again when remembering the letters family members left on site in those early days.“They were all saying, ‘Daddy, I miss you and I hope you’re OK,’” he said. “That affected me more than anything. … It was brutal.”0VideoYouTube480360The Sky Steps run from the base of East Sixth Avenue and 10th Street to the top of Fort Lewis College Mesa. Firefighters and law enforcement patted each other on the backs and shoulders as they passed each other along the 750-foot route. At the 343rd step, they rang a bell in honor of the 343 firefighters who died on 9/11 in the towers.Several firefighters wore full gear, which weighed 40 pounds. One also carried a chainsaw. They switched off carrying an American flag up and down the steps. At the top of the steps, many touched the remains of a steel I-beam that used to be part of the World Trade Center.Black said 9/11 was one of the worst days for the country and first responders, but emergency workers run toward danger every day in an effort to save lives while others make their escape. Even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, firefighters put their own health at risk in the pursuit of helping others, he said.Breaux Burns with Durango Fire Protection District and law enforcement officials proceed up and down the Sky Steps at Fort Lewis College on Monday. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960mhollinshead@durangoherald.comKen Manwell with Durango Fire Protection District walks up the Fort Lewis College Sky Steps on Monday. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)41754999mhollinshead@durangoherald.comJohn Learned, carrying the flag, and Chris Ziegler, both with Durango Fire Protection District, make their way to the top of the Sky Steps at Fort Lewis College on Monday. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960mhollinshead@durangoherald.comJohn Learned with Durango Fire Protection District, rings the bell on Monday. Durango-area first responders rung the bell on 343rd step to honor 343 FDNY firefighters who died when the Twin Towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2001. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960mhollinshead@durangoherald.comUpper Pine River Fire Protection District Fire Chief Greg French completes the fourth of five laps going up and the down the hundreds of stairs at Fort Lewis College’s Sky Steps on Monday. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960mhollinshead@durangoherald.comMark Fleming with the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District takes a drink of water on Monday atop the Sky Steps at Fort Lewis College. (Matt Hollinshead/Durango Herald)46406960mhollinshead@durangoherald.comThe 9/11 Stair Climb, in its eighth year, was organized by Fleming and Capt. Breaux Burns, with the Durango Fire Protection District.The Stair Climb is in no way intended to be a fun outing or sporting exercise, Burns said. Rather, it reflects the selflessness and ultimate sacrifice others made in the spirit of helping others, he said.“They didn't want to go to the Twin Towers and parish,” Burns said. “So this is to pay homage to the 343 firefighters who died and a bunch of EMS and police officers, as well.”Several participants also served in the military, including Burns and Durango Police Department Chief Bob Brammer.Burns served as a Marine at the time of 9/11. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003, a direct response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he said.0VideoYouTube480360“As firefighters, we're pretty much going to war every day, just in a different manner,” Burns said. “We see some things that other people don't see, and we do things that other people don't do. And we love our jobs, but at times we have a hard job.”Fleming said the Stair Climb is a way to empathize with the service members who died on 9/11, particularly the New York City Fire Department.“I think that participating in a stair climb like this almost makes you (understand) not only what they were up against, but just how physically demanding, mentally demanding this job can be,” Fleming said. “The first responders will give it all to save others.”shane@durangoherald.com
Dozens pay tribute to 9/11 service members during Durango stair climb
Firefighters, law enforcement complete Sky Steps in honor of fallen first responders
Fort Lewis volleyball takes on Angelo StateThe Skyhawks Invitational tournament resumed on Friday 20101378Jordyn Romano of Fort Lewis College kills the ball while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Alina Nunez of Fort Lewis College hits the ball over the net while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18322010Fort Lewis College plays Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald16281500Fort Lewis College plays Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13932010Logan Spragg of Fort Lewis College kills the ball while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald22901500Fort Lewis College plays Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald19802010Fort Lewis College plays Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald 22171500Fort Lewis College plays Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13401935Fort Lewis College head volleyball coach Giedre Tarnauskaite while her team plays Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald21181500J.J. Curry of Fort Lewis College while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18391500Jordyn Romano of Fort Lewis College kills the ball while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13782010Natalia Lambos of Fort Lewis College sets the ball while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald15481500Logan Spragg of Fort Lewis College blocks the ball over the net while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald20041500J.J. Curry of Fort Lewis College serves the ball over the net while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald23041500Lauren Shea of Fort Lewis College kills the ball while playing Angelo State University on Friday at FLC. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald25131500
Fort Lewis volleyball takes on Angelo State
The Skyhawks Invitational tournament resumed on Friday
Durango football plays AztecDurango scores 41-7 win over Aztec High School on Thursday night20101423Dylan Burns of Durango High School watches his extra point kick go through the goal posts while playing Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Burns kicked five extra points in Durango’s 41-7 victory. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango HeraldJackson Hubertus of Durango High School hits Aztec quarterback Landan Frost just as he passes the ball on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13042010Durango High School’s cheerleaders perform during the Aztec High School football game on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald15022010Durango High School and Aztec High School battle it out on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald11122010Julian Rodriguez of Durango High School tackles Kale Watson of Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald17131500Bryce Hughes of Durango High School tackles Aztec running back Baylor Seabolt on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13152010Seb Tripp of Durango High School catches a touchdown pass against Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13212010Seb Tripp of Durango High School catches a touchdown pass against Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald10722010Fans cheer on the Durango High School football team during its game against Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13192010Brett Hamer, left, and Ryan Dugan of Durango High School tackle Baylor Seabolt of Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald15482010Durango High School running back Jaxon Fancher breaks down the field while playing Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18201500The Durango High School Red Pride Marching Band plays during the Demons’ football game against Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald13402010Durango High School quarterback Tyler Harms runs the ball while Israel Silva of Aztec High School tackles him on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14832010Durango youth football players meet the Durango High School football team before the start of the Aztec High School game on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald12592010Peyton Dike of Durango High School runs as Zach Sander of Aztec High School tries to strip the ball from him on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald16652010Jackson Hubertus of Durango High School carries the flag on the field before the start of the team’s game against Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald15051500Dylan Burns of Durango High School watches his extra point kick go through the goal posts while playing Aztec High School on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald14232010jm@durangoherald.comBaylor Seabolt of Aztec High School nearly intercepts a Durango pass on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald10062010jm@durangoherald.comTyler Harms of Durango High School looks for an open receiver while playing Aztec High School football on Thursday at DHS. Photo by Jerry McBride/Durango Herald18241500jm@durangoherald.com
Durango football plays Aztec
Durango scores 41-7 win over Aztec High School on Thursday night
Custom bikes on display during Four Corners Motorcycle RallyThousands of riders roll through Durango area30002104Rob Farino gets ready to leave the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday with his dog Carly in the sidecar. Saturday marks the second day of the rally with events at the fairgrounds, Sky Ute Casino and the Durango Harley-Davidson dealership concluding on Sunday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Hundreds turned out to the La Plata County Fairgrounds, Durango Harley-Davidson and the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio on Saturday for the 30th annual Four Corners Motorcycle Rally.The Durango area hummed with the sounds of motors in the lead up to the rally, which started on Thursday and really kicked into gear Friday with stunt shows, Harley-Davidson demonstrations and bike shows.0VideoYouTube480360Trevor Bird, Durango Harley-Davidson dealership owner and event organizer, previously told The Durango Herald the 30th anniversary is a big deal and he expects to have the largest attendance in the rally’s history.The La Plata County Fairgrounds baseball field hosted more than 600 tents and campsites for Labor Day weekend travelers to make it easy for guests to reach events at the fairgrounds, he said.The Durango-based rock ’n’ roll group Ben Gibson Band jammed while engines revved at the fairgrounds on Saturday where visitors admired rows of V-Twin motorcycles propped up for display for the V-Twin Visionary Performance Motorcycle Show.Among the crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts were people who traveled from across Colorado and New Mexico, some attending the Labor Day weekend celebration for their first time and some longtime fans of the event.Robert Espinosa of V-Claws and Customs in Pueblo rode to town for his first experience at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally. He and his crew displayed Custom V-Claws decorated with elaborate patterns, vibrant colors and creative murals.15002733Motorcycles crafted at V-Claws and Customs in Pueblo were on display for the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. Robert Espinosa said V-Claws and Customs focuses on “real cholo designs” featuring murals and intricate etchings, some of which were handcrafted. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002206Lucky, left, and Val Mulkey look over some of Pueblo-based V-Claws and Customs’ bikes featured at La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday for the 30th anniversary of the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)“Real cholo design, low-rider style,” he said. “Works of art. … Strong candy paint jobs. A lot of engraving, a lot of custom work.”One motorcycle had a 32-inch diameter front wheel, dwarfing the wheels on another ride beside it. Some of the bikes had engravings that were stitched into their metal builds with an engraver tool that looks and functions similarly to a tattoo gun, he said. Other bikes had patterns that were engraved by hand.Espinosa said he hopes the rally receives a big turnout this weekend and encourages people to come out and show support for the motorcycle scene of Colorado and New Mexico.An Albuquerque man who identified himself simply by his first name, Scott, said he met a Denver friend and his wife in Durango for the rally. But the crowd seemed a little thin Saturday afternoon, to his surprise.30002182Riders with the Ives Brothers Wall of Death perform in the Motordome at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Regardless, he said he was looking forward to seeing the Wall of Death performance later in the day, where riders take their bikes into a spherical cage and rely on their momentum to carry them in death-defying loops.He said the weather was perfect and gorgeous for a motorcycle ride with just the right amount of cloud cover. He and his friends’ favorite trip in the area is U.S. Highway 160 between Durango and Pagosa Springs.“It’s been a great day, man. Went downtown and ate at Carver’s, it was excellent,” he said. “Beautiful weather.”Another Pueblo resident, Greg Compton, said he and his partner have attended the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally for the last 20 or so years. Durango to Cortez is among their favorite drives in the area.Food trucks, beer gardens, tattoo artists and motorcycle gear vendors were stationed around the fairgrounds and Durango Harley-Davidson for people’s enjoyment.Flat track races at La Plata County Fairgrounds were slated to start at 5 p.m. Saturday, to be followed by the Ives Brothers’ Wall of Death performance, the Dixxon and V-Twin Visionary Party, the Brawl Awards Ceremony and an after party scheduled to last until 12:30 a.m.Sunday also boasts a packed schedule, starting with the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives Ride beginning at Durango Harley-Davidson. A number of contests and bike shows are scheduled throughout the day.cburney@durangoherald.com30002032The Ben Gibson Band performs at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001500This is the first year that a camping site was provided at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001994A bike that was entered in a bike show at the Four Corners Motorcycle Rally at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on Saturday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Custom bikes on display during Four Corners Motorcycle Rally
Thousands of riders roll through Durango area
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