Columnists - The Durango Herald

Medical examiners consider range of evidence

A New York state medical examiner certified that Vincent Viafore’s death was a homicide because his “kayak drain plug (was) intentionally removed by (an)other.” The New York Times...

DATE: Nov 4, 2015 | CATEGORY: Coroner's Report

We all need resilience during our aging years

Walking in the desert canyons and stream beds near Bluff, Utah, recently, I noticed ants rebuilding their colonies the very next morning after big rains. It had poured 2 inches i...

DATE: Nov 4, 2015 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Manna enjoys local restaurants’ bounty

Bread for Manna (Soup Kitchen) is one of the organization’s most important fundraisers each year, and this year was no exception. In a departure, the event was actually held at t...

DATE: Nov 3, 2015 | CATEGORY: Neighbors

School district needs to hire support staff

On a number of occasions, we’ve discussed the difficulty we have had in filling support staff positions in the district. Despite competitive salaries, excellent benefits and a st...

DATE: Nov 3, 2015 | CATEGORY: Durango School News

Tourism pays its own way in county, Durango

It’s election season, and we face many decisions about potential increases in taxes, fees and mill levies. All of these sources of revenue are tied to projects or services that we require, d...

DATE: Nov 3, 2015 | CATEGORY: A Take on Tourism

Signs reveal quirks in traffic laws, 1950s-era development

Been meaning to ask you what could be the possible purpose of this sign up on Riverview Drive? And why tell drivers that the fine has been reduced for speeding in a school zone? – Louise Tea...

DATE: Nov 1, 2015 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Travelers lose affection for affinity cards

A recent poll bears out something I already believed to be true and am happy to see: Consumers are finally losing their enthusiasm for airline and other affinity credit cards. Ban...

DATE: Oct 31, 2015 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Grieving for a family changed forever

Each of us has a special day that changes one’s life. Mine was 12 years ago Oct. 31 when my daughter passed away while at college. Grieving the loss of a child is a u...

DATE: Oct 31, 2015 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

San Juan Basin working to help people get insurance

A gentleman came to San Juan Basin Health Department last year for help applying for health insurance. He limped noticeably and winced in discomfort with each step. As I offered ...

DATE: Oct 31, 2015 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Looking downstream

Balancing needs of agriculture, cities and environment

DATE: Oct 31, 2015 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Understanding palliative care and hospice

For many reasons, few of us like to reflect on our own mortality or the circumstances that may accompany our death. But the fact of the matter, of course, is that each of us will ...

DATE: Oct 28, 2015 | CATEGORY: La Plata Health Watch

‘Leaving on a jet plane’ for Big Brothers

Every once in a while an organization creates a fundraiser that just makes me say, “Cool.” That was the case for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado and its Suitcase Pa...

DATE: Oct 27, 2015 | CATEGORY: Columnists

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.