Columnists - The Durango Herald

Transparent fee puts the ‘bill’ in sustainability

So I get this flyer in the city utilities bill about “Sustainability in Durango.” It says that “to increase transparency,” there’s now a $2.30 monthly “fee” to fund “sustainability efforts.”...

DATE: Mar 5, 2018 | CATEGORY: Action Line

James: When luck is just luck

Do you ever think about luck? Man I do. It’s always there, mashed somewhere between love, snuff, horses and coffee. Good luck, bad luck, lot’s of luck, no luck, it seems there is...

DATE: Mar 5, 2018 | CATEGORY: Watch Yore Topknot

Samuelson: Why fossil fuels survive

WASHINGTON – Anyone who tells you that dealing with climate change is simply a matter of sweeping away the obstructionism of oil companies is living in a dream world. The real obstacle is us...

DATE: Mar 5, 2018 | CATEGORY: Robert Samuelson

Workshop to address managing water needs in a dry year

Last month was all about soil, and yes, soil is where everything starts. If you build it, plants, flowers and fruit will come. If you ask a farmer or rancher – and if they’re wor...

DATE: Mar 5, 2018 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Wedding set for woman’s birthday

DEAR ABBY: I’m struggling because my stepson has chosen to get married on my birthday. I have been his stepmother for 18 years. It feels like a punch in the chest. My in-law family membe...

DATE: Mar 5, 2018 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

When you’re tall, flying isn’t easy

Jim Fox dreads flying. With good reason. At 6-feet-10, the former NBA player has to squeeze himself into economy class seats, which isn’t always possible. On a recent f...

DATE: Mar 4, 2018 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

New resident spreads rumors

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I live in a beach-front condominium complex with a population of mostly retired people who are friendly and active. Last year, a divorced woman moved in and was we...

DATE: Mar 4, 2018 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Schultheis: None dare call it treason

Three or four weeks ago, I found myself marching in front of the San Miguel County Courthouse with a crowd of sign-carrying demonstrators. Most of the other placards dealt with w...

DATE: Mar 3, 2018 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

McLachlan: Keeping lands in agriculture

The average rancher or farmer in Colorado is 60 years old. Some are transitioning into handing over their property to family, who will carry on the work and traditions into the n...

DATE: Mar 3, 2018 | CATEGORY: From the State House

Lachelt: Taking input to heart, Commission works for change

Every day there is a lot going on at La Plata County, as our various departments work to provide the services you rely on from your local government. These services include road ...

DATE: Mar 3, 2018 | CATEGORY: From the Chair

Laszlo: Making, not breaking, sage-grouse recovery

If you’ve farmed, ranched or owned land in the West, you’ve probably participated in a few discussions about the greater sage-grouse and its imperiled habitat. After two years of ...

DATE: Mar 3, 2018 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Ex complicates work romance

DEAR ABBY: I have a crush on a guy I work with. I’m 19, and he’s 26. He has a kid, which actually doesn’t bother me. I love kids and have taken care of them most of my life. My problem i...

DATE: Mar 3, 2018 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

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.