Columnists - The Durango Herald

We didn’t start the fire – but what happens if someone does?

Dear Action Line: I can hear the wind howling now as I write this. Considering the warm weather we’re having, how is it looking for fire season? While you're at it, can you find out who ...

DATE: Mar 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Action Line

On Tourism: ‘Locals’ are giving tourists a bad name

Tourism, a pillar of La Plata County’s economy, accounts for about 30% of local revenue, supporting thousands of jobs (6,566 at last count, per Region 9 Economic Development). Visitors injec...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

An honor and a privilege to serve my home district and its citizens

It’s been a busy first month in D.C., setting up our office, assisting constituents, hiring staff, attending committee hearings, participating in floor votes, and so much more. I am proud t...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

On Tourism: What is the Tourism Commission’s destination?

On March 11, Durango City Council will vote on a proposed “Tourism Commission” ordinance, the purpose of which is to foster the growth of tourism, enhance and expand the tourism industry, an...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Halfway marked by bipartisan support, tribal collaboration and recognition

We’re officially halfway through the legislative session. I’m pleased to share my monthly update from the Capitol building. Every session, each legislator has the opportunity to introduce fi...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Charles Hakes: Practicing astronomy in the time shift

Greetings, stargazers. Today we can all say a fond farewell to Mountain Standard Time while we spend at least the next few months living in the Central Standard Time zone. Or at least that i...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: What's up in Durango Skies

Gravestone damaged by decoration

DEAR ABBY: We lost our 16-year-old daughter two years ago to leukemia. It’s been a difficult two years. I am writing to ask if there are rules of etiquette for visiting a loved one at the ce...

DATE: Mar 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Mental health struggles take toll

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 47 years. My wife has suffered from mental illness for more than half our marriage. Two years ago, she went off her medication, became manic for 10 months ...

DATE: Mar 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

A note on history: It can rhyme as well as repeat

History is a funny thing, but we are living in frightening historic times. There are several adages about history, such as “those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.” On...

DATE: Mar 7, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

A rewarding spring

The Durango Business Improvement District encourages you to shop local this April, and you can earn a reward for doing so! BID’s Spring Rewards program is back with more spending levels and ...

DATE: Mar 6, 2025 | CATEGORY: What's Up Downtown

Cuts to Medicaid would affect millions of people

Congress is poised to cut Medicaid. The reasons abound, but most legislators who support the cuts cite reducing federal spending, unwinding the Affordable Care Act, and even some questionabl...

DATE: Mar 5, 2025 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Choose to feed your mind with positive body image

If you’re expecting a lecture on the importance of eating fruits and vegetables for National Nutrition Month, you’re in for a surprise! It’s true, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (anti...

DATE: Mar 5, 2025 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office