Columnists - The Durango Herald

Getting our stories – one way or another

Just before the holidays, I visited my grandchildren during their finals. I got a dose of medieval history and thought about the dramatic changes that have occurred in the last 1,500 years. ...

DATE: Dec 27, 2019 | CATEGORY: Shelf Life

Julie Westendorff: La Plata County is on track for a great 2020

Well folks, this is my last column. As the year draws to a close, so will my stint as chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Gwen Lachelt and I have one more year to work for you before...

DATE: Dec 27, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the Chair

Records of the Year Nos. 5 to 1

This week’s column continues from last week, listing the remaining five of what are the top-10 records that came across my desk, turntable and digital music device in 2019. It’s ...

DATE: Dec 26, 2019 | CATEGORY: Downtown Lowdown

Conversations ruined by questions

Dear Abby: I am a big fan and read your column daily. I am writing because I have a very hard time making conversation. I read your mother’s booklet that suggests asking people questions...

DATE: Dec 24, 2019 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Impound this doggerel to get poetic justice

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

DATE: Dec 23, 2019 | CATEGORY: Action Line

My journey is moving ahead to Montezuma County Extension Office

Kopano ea sechaba ka temo. This Basotho phrase translates into, “unity of community through agriculture.” Basotho is the name associated with the people of the mountain kingdom o...

DATE: Dec 23, 2019 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Charles Blow: Impeachment in the House is the real victory

I have been peppered with questions about whether there is any chance the Senate will convict Donald Trump. I have to constantly remind people that impeachment in the House is the...

DATE: Dec 22, 2019 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

The best advice and apps for driving in bad weather

Unless you enjoy living dangerously, getting behind the wheel in a winter storm probably isn’t your idea of fun. “Road surfaces can change quickly between dry, snow-packed and icy...

DATE: Dec 22, 2019 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

David Brooks: I was a socialist once – and then I saw how it worked (or didn’t)

I was a socialist in college. I read magazines like The Nation and old issues of The New Masses. I dreamed of being the next Clifford Odets, a lefty playwright who was always trying to raise...

DATE: Dec 21, 2019 | CATEGORY: David Brooks

Looking back and looking ahead to 2020

As we enter the final days of 2019, the Durango Business Improvement District encourages everyone to shop local for Christmas this season. Did you know that December has become the biggest s...

DATE: Dec 21, 2019 | CATEGORY: What's Up Downtown

Land exchange threatens roadless area, wild rivers

Land exchanges are back in the news with a recently unveiled exchange proposed at the base of Wolf Creek Pass. A private ranch wants to acquire adjacent national forest roadless ...

DATE: Dec 20, 2019 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Husband keeps close tabs on wife

Dear Abby: My 47-year-old daughter is an alcoholic. A year ago, she took several benzodiazepine pills along with the booze and overdosed. My son-in-law found her in time and called 911. ...

DATE: Dec 20, 2019 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby