Letters to the Editor – The Durango Herald

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‘When I complained to USPS, stonewalled’

I live in a rural area with mailboxes on the road. The postal delivery I have experienced is dismal. For example, squeezing packages into my mailbox that don’t fit, whereby I’ve had to use p...

DATE: Nov 5, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Set aside differences, fix streetlight’

On Sept. 14, 2023, Katie Marie Siegrist, 27, was walking her dog along Animas View Drive near the United Campground of Durango. Struck from behind by a black 1987 Jeep, Siegrist succumbed to...

DATE: Oct 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

15th Street the problem, not Third Avenue

I just read a recent proposal to solve the Malfunction Junction quandary by turning the north end of Third Avenue into a cul de sac. I suggest that Third Avenue is not the problem at the jun...

DATE: Oct 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Prop. HH to bring ‘needed funds for education’

Recently, a letter writer suggested that reserves in the Colorado Education Fund be used to provide better pay for teachers. It is clearly critical that we improve teacher pay and embarrassi...

DATE: Oct 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Coming to defense of the Herald’

I’m glad readers are coming to the defense of The Durango Herald and free speech. When I was the Special Sections (magazine) editor for the paper several years ago, I remember letters accusi...

DATE: Oct 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Canceling derby: ‘Alarm without cause!’

Recently, I attended the La Plata County commissioners meeting, where they voted to cancel the Demolition Derby because of safety concerns. Commissioner Marsher Porter-Norton said because th...

DATE: Oct 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

A ‘no’ vote on Prop. HH ‘a huge win’

Most Colorado residents are already outraged at having to pay high property taxes. To placate the public, liberals in Denver have come up with an unconstitutional ballot initiative deceptive...

DATE: Oct 29, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Vote ‘no’ on Props. HH, II’

By placing Propositions HH and II on the Nov. 7 ballot, the Colorado Legislature is asking voters to give them permission to renege on prior commitments. Prop. HH is particularly insidious b...

DATE: Oct 26, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

How about ‘Hoch Way’ after Greg Hoch?

The city is seeking a new name for the street between Backcountry Experience and River City Hall. The obvious choice is “Hoch Way,” after Greg Hoch, retired city of Durango Planning & Commun...

DATE: Oct 24, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Vote for our future, Prop. HH’

Our children deserve a quality education. Colorado is ranked 49th among 50 states in teachers’ pay. Our kids are our future and educating them is our responsibility. Not providing the fundin...

DATE: Oct 22, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘Herald favored our freedom of speech’

I am writing in response to a letter from Oct. 15, 2023, with the headline “Herald has liberal/progressive bias.” I appreciate the time the letter writer took to write. I appreciate that we ...

DATE: Oct 22, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘No clear shot of hoax creature’

I caught the Sunday edition with yet another blurry photo of Bigfoot. Despite modern cameras, no clear shot of the hoax creature ever appears. At least you kept him below the fold. But I ask...

DATE: Oct 22, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Photos: A day for boatersAnimas River Days boaters compete on Saturday at Durango Whitewater Park

Animas River Days boaters compete on Saturday at Durango Whitewater Park

Artists reveal ‘Droplets’ mural at Animas River DaysProject involving nine artists was a ‘massive undertaking’ to portray collective vision

The city of Durango and nine artists unveiled the “Droplets” mural on Saturday during Animas River Days at the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility.The reclamation center and Santa Rita Park were bustling with residents and visitors who showed up for a day of water sports in 82-degree weather.The mural features a series of water droplets containing depictions of wildlife along the Animas River, and the personalities or styles of each artist who worked on them.

Silas Armstrong, an artist who worked on the piece, said the project was a massive undertaking for a group of artists who would presumably find trouble fitting all of their unique ideas into one piece.But they pulled it off.“They initially thought there’s gonna be way too many cooks in the kitchen, but we managed to make it work,” he said.The nine artists are: Armstrong, Cindy Atchison, Chelsie Begoody, Laurie Cullum, Mariah Kaminsky, Parker Ledford, Jordanne Pelkey, Maddie Sanders and Hannah Wilson.“Droplets” uses a color spectrum representing the seasons. The largest droplets break up the major scenes of the Animas River depicted in winter through autumn.“I chose to depict mine in yellow because it just happened to fall in the summer location, but also to represent the 2015 (Gold King Mine waste water spill) disaster that tainted the river and turned it yellow,” he said.

He said a shining sun portrayed over the entire scene is a symbol of hope. The mural also includes depictions of how ecological damage effects the community and the ecosystem downriver from Durango.Armstrong said locals might recognize his art behind Jean Pierre Bakery, Cafe and Wine Bar, a mural of Bart Simpson from “The Simpsons.”He also had a mural at The Hive, a youth community hub, before it announced the closure of its 1150 Main Ave. location.“It’s been one of the best experiences of my life,” he said of the project. “Super-talented artists. Really just honored and flattered enough to work with some of the great artists that are here.”“Droplets” came together through a partnership between the artists, the city of Durango and The Walls Project, a nonprofit that uses art and creativity to drive positive change in communities.The art project came together right on schedule. Tom Donley, The Walls Project’s chief financial officer, said in March the public unveiling of the mural was slated to happen during Animas River Days.Tommy Crosby, economic opportunity manager for the city, said in March the mural was made possible because a separate landscaping project at the reclamation center was completed under budget by about $100,000. The mural’s price tag was about $45,000.Two art installations, a sculpture by Alex Bond called “Whispers in Water” and a kinetic piece depicting a kayaker riding waves by Jeff Wise, were also included in the mural project.cburney@durangoherald.com

Project involving nine artists was a ‘massive undertaking’ to portray collective vision

Photos: Riders compete in the IHBC mountain bike pro races

Photos: Riders battle it out in IHBC men’s professional road raceAnother successful Iron Horse Bicycle Classic road race held on Saturday

Another successful Iron Horse Bicycle Classic road race held on Saturday

Photos: Iron Horse Bicycle Classic women’s professional road raceSaturday’s women’s race for first place was a thriller, with Durango’s Lauren Aggeler earning a come-from-behind victory

Saturday’s women’s race for first place was a thriller, with Durango’s Lauren Aggeler earning a come-from-behind victory

Photos: 2024 Iron Horse Bicycle Classic McDonalds Citizen TourMultiple area cyclists hit the highway for the annual event on Saturday

Multiple area cyclists hit the highway for the annual event on Saturday

Photos: Durango High School’s Class of 2024 graduates285 seniors receive their diplomas on Friday night

285 seniors receive their diplomas on Friday night

Photos: Steamworks wins annual ‘Battle of the Animas’Steamworks created separation from the pack near the end to win on Wednesday; Ska Brewing takes second, Eolus places third

mhollinshead@durangoherald.com

Steamworks created separation from the pack near the end to win on Wednesday; Ska Brewing takes second, Eolus places third

PHOTOS: Bayfield High School’s Class of 2024 graduatesSeventy-two graduating students celebrate milestone on Sunday at Wolverine Country Stadium

Seventy-two graduating students celebrate milestone on Sunday at Wolverine Country Stadium

PHOTOS: Durango 9-R’s Title VI Native American Education program celebrates Class of 2024Graduates represent seven tribes, including Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute and Navajo Diné, on Saturday

Graduates represent seven tribes, including Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute and Navajo Diné, on Saturday