Columnists - The Durango Herald

Acidic mine drainage haunts Western rivers

It was summer 2015 when the Animas River in southern Colorado turned such a garish orange-gold that it made national news. The metallic color came from the Gold King Mine, near the town of S...

DATE: Nov 5, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

McLachlan reflects on 8 years of service listening, compromising and understanding

Only 100 Coloradans at any one time have the job I have been honored to hold for the last eight years as a State Legislator; I never really thought about that until I started nearing the end...

DATE: Nov 4, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Comet’s appearance illuminates Durango’s dark sky policy

Dear Action Line: Recently, we were gifted with the return of a once-every-80,000-years comet. From the college mesa, as I scanned the horizon, my eyes were constantly assaulted by some ...

DATE: Nov 4, 2024 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Giving thanks for fly fishing

My research, using the ever-reliable internet, indicates that modern-day fly fishing was the invention of Charles Cotton, an English poet and aristocrat, sometime in the late 1600s. He was a...

DATE: Nov 3, 2024 | CATEGORY: Sports

Vote 'no’ on Proposition 127: Keep our big cats in the hands of science, not the ballot box

I usually avoid discussing politics with those outside my inner circle. However, failing to explain why I oppose Proposition 127 would be doing a disservice to my former colleagues and lifel...

DATE: Nov 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Katie Stewart is young people’s and Southwest Colorado’s next champion

You know we’re close to an election when every commercial is a political ad. With Nov. 5 rapidly approaching, it’s important that people in Southwest Colorado know that there’s an opportunit...

DATE: Nov 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Invest in ethical hunting and recreation for the true balance of nature

Walk with me. I’ll show you Proposition 127. See that metal cage on public land, covered in snow. There’s a bobcat inside. A fur trapper used cat food as bait. She’s cold, wet and terrorized...

DATE: Nov 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Jilted ex eager to resurrect relationship

DEAR ABBY: I had a five-year relationship with a man. We broke up because he was unfaithful. Even though I’m willing to forgive and still have feelings for him, my kids don’t like this man a...

DATE: Nov 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Unfaithful spouse ponders pass

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced from my ex-husband, “Paul,” for 20 years. I never remarried. The divorce was mostly my fault because I was unfaithful. We never tried to save our marriage. He...

DATE: Nov 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Making endorsements is the right, courageous and ethical thing to do

In late October, The Durango Herald ran endorsements for items on the general election ballot of La Plata County, as well as for president of the United States. Such journalism runs in the f...

DATE: Nov 2, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Donald Trump’s secret weapon? Latinos

Latinos are the ultimate swing voter. Most come from countries with socially liberal policies, but are culturally steeped in conservative values and norms rooted in the Catholic Church. And ...

DATE: Nov 1, 2024 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

The Public Health Water Lab: Safe drinking water for all

Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental need that supports community health, prevents waterborne disease and contributes to our overall quality of life. The La Plata County Public Hea...

DATE: Nov 1, 2024 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Photos: Thousands take to the streets for ‘No Kings’ march and rally in Durango

Photos: Navajo Trail OpenFriday was the first day of the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest Golf Club

Friday was the first day of the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest Golf Club

Photos: Durango Fire Protection District opens Station 2

Photos: Hundreds gather to honor fallen Bloomfield Police officer Timothy OntiverosA solemn procession stretched for blocks Monday morning along West Apache Street in Farmington – a display of unity, grief and honor for Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros, 32.About 7 a.m., a large contingent of law enforcement, motorcyclists, friends and grieving family prepared to embark on the motorcade to the 9 a.m. service at the Bloomfield High School football stadium to celebrate the life of the officer.