Columnists - The Durango Herald

In dark of winter, I’m dreaming about seasons, possibilities ahead

Author and philosopher Albert Camus once wrote: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Because Camus was a philosopher, I can ...

DATE: Jan 5, 2017 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Where’s the line between accident and criminality?

When a child dies because somebody did something stupid, should medical examiners certify the manner of death as an accident because no harm was intended? Or homicide – stupidicide, we somet...

DATE: Jan 4, 2017 | CATEGORY: Coroner's Report

In uncertain times, just go with what you know

I‘ll have to apologize. It may be that time of the year for articles, columns and TV programs that recap the past year or more boldly cast predictions on what the new year might bring, but I...

DATE: Jan 3, 2017 | CATEGORY: A Take on Tourism

Trying to understand the new world order in 2017

On all fronts, the actual future confounds the imagined future. WASHINGTON — One insistent question that will shape 2017 is whether we’re witnessing the gradual decay of the post-...

DATE: Jan 2, 2017 | CATEGORY: Robert Samuelson

Should the Bridge to Nowhere get a new name?

Now that the Bridge to Nowhere actually goes somewhere, what do we call it? – Rob Kolter Whenever a bridge is constructed, the strangest thing happens to elected officials. They g...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Local news tracked effects of the war on the fledgling Fort Lewis Junior College

World War II had a major impact on a struggling Fort Lewis Junior College. For example, enrollment dropped from 120 students in 1941 to 50 in 1944. The number of men declined to nine in 1945...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: Duane Smith

Nahodishgish: A place to be left alone

By Terry Tempest Williams On Wednesday, President Barack Obama established the Bears Ears National Monument. Not only is this a beautiful gesture in the name of protecting 1.35 mi...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Thanks to the NPS, ‘rangers’ are still on the loose

For many years at the end of Outward Bound courses, I’d circle-up students on a remote river bank or high peak and pull out my vintage Sierra Club book, On the Loose, by Renny and Terry Russ...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Budget reflects county values, a daunting future

On Dec. 13, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the La Plata County budget for 2017, culminating several months of work crafting a balanced spending plan that reflects the county’s pri...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Reduced demand could result in vacation bargains in 2017

Where will you go in 2017? If you said “nowhere,” then get in line behind the rest of America. But there’s still time to change your answer – and you might want to. Nearly half of...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

From the Extension Office It’s that time of the year again to take measure of your radon levels

January is National Radon Action Month, when all residents – both renters and owners – are urged to test their home for radon. It is recommended that homes be screened every five...

DATE: Jan 1, 2017 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Been wrong before, but still boldly predict 2017 can’t be as weird as 2016

As we warily entertain the idea of political life in 2017, we in Colorado must ask ourselves two basic questions: What just happened? What is going to happen now? To answer either...

DATE: Dec 30, 2016 | CATEGORY: Mike Littwin

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.