Columnists - The Durango Herald

Time expired long ago for too-tall parking meters

By Mike Smedley Special to the Herald Why is the city spending $30,000 to lower 400 parking meters to meet ADA specifications if parking is free for people with disabil...

DATE: Nov 19, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

In time for the holidays, a seasonal primer on luggage etiquette

It’s the season of the squeeze. That should require absolutely no explanation, but just in case: Picture thousands of stressed-out holiday travelers in airport terminals, train st...

DATE: Nov 19, 2017 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Man can’t drive, left isolated

DEAR ABBY: My husband had a medical event that left him unable to drive. He is very isolated despite my efforts to keep him connected. His children live an hour away, and it’s up to me t...

DATE: Nov 19, 2017 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Sen. Gardner’s vote can determine fate of Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

With the onset of winter, it’s never too early to daydream of next year’s adventures. Nowhere compares with the raw, spontaneous wildness of Alaska’s primeval landscapes teeming with abundan...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: Thinking Green

Paella – main dish of Valencia – is no joking matter

Paella is the main dish of Valencia. Even though it is served elsewhere in Spain, it originated here. The rice produced in Valencia is a wonderful short-grain rice that is flavor...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: An American in Spain

What’s Up Downtown Singing With Santa and Tree Lighting

The annual Singing with Santa and Community Christmas Tree Lighting event will be held on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. The public is invited to this long-standing Durango tradition. ...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: What's Up Downtown

Ellingson: Social workers lead change, champion justice

Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu said centuries ago, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In 2000, the University of Denver took that single step and brought a M...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: On Education

Carrera: Fair District Colorado’s proposals anything but

Redrawing political boundaries every 10 years to make sure everyone is fairly represented is no easy task. In 2011, as the lone member on the Colorado Reapportionment Commission ...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Priebe: The foundation of a family’s future – affordable maternity care and birth control

Affordable maternity care and birth control benefits not only women, but also families and our entire community. Considering these services essential to our families and community turns the ...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Teen will be Thanksgiving cook

DEAR ABBY: I am a 17-year-old girl and somewhat spoiled. My mother delivers breakfast in bed to me daily. My dad eats a burger for dinner, but Mom cooks a rib-eye steak with a loaded bak...

DATE: Nov 18, 2017 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Remember that we are raising adults, not children

San Juan Basin Public Health is currently working on improving the well-being of youths across La Plata County through the implementation of the Communities That Care framework. ...

DATE: Nov 17, 2017 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Francis: Big oil and gas behind county commissioner attacks

I read with interest Matt Dempsey’s Dempsey, the opinion editor of Western Energy Alliance’s “Western Wire,” condemns Lachelt’s dual role as public official and executive director of the n...

DATE: Nov 17, 2017 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

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.