Columnists

Defending democracy means protecting local control of elections

The League of Women Voters’ mission is essential and urgent: Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy. At a time when our election…

February 15, 2026

Opinion

A response to the findings of The Code Rights Project

Good governance as part of any democracy is ever a work in progress. La Plata County is no exception. We…

February 15, 2026

Local First

Local First Foundation’s work in health care

Many people in La Plata County know Local First for its support of locally owned businesses. Fewer may realize that…

February 15, 2026

Dear Abby

Girlfriend taking new romance slow

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating “Rita” for four months. We peck on the lips, hug and hold hands, but…

February 15, 2026

Creating Community

Family voices are being heard at the Capitol about important programs

Most of us currently living grew up in an era when access to public education is the norm. And for…

February 13, 2026

Dear Abby

Angry wife waiting for apology

DEAR ABBY: I have been married 50 years and recently remembered that my husband cheated on me with several different…

February 13, 2026

From the Extension Office

When dietary guidelines change, consider your individual needs

To those who reference the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to inform food choices, your heads must be spinning with the…

February 12, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

Damn the Moon: ‘There’s been no looking back’

Local band Damn the Moon was born out of a meeting at a music festival. It was a straightforward connection:…

February 11, 2026

Dear Abby

‘Mr. Handsome’ needs to get over himself

DEAR ABBY: My husband is 76 but doesn’t look a day over 60. He has a full head of hair…

February 11, 2026

Action Line

How come the Herald can’t predict the weather, poke a fire and other things?

The Durango Herald has begun using National Weather Service forests from this location, 37.27°N 107.88°W (Elev. 6598 ft.), the same…

February 9, 2026

Flyfishing Around the World

Why flyfishing?

“The charm of fishing is that it's the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions…

February 8, 2026

Opinion

A busy month: Public education bills and hard conversations about health care and immigration

It’s been a very busy start to the legislative session, and I look forward to spending an extra day with…

February 8, 2026

Opinion

Seven states, zero solutions: Leadership failure on the Colorado River

As a Coloradan and water engineer with 48 years on the front lines, I am outraged – not merely disappointed…

February 8, 2026

Opinion

Balancing public safety and individual privacy: A delicate trade-off

During my first year as a city councilor, I’ve come to realize that many decisions we make involve complex trade-offs,…

February 8, 2026

From the Chamber

The power of community collaboration

Jeff Dupont As we prepare for Southwest Colorado Rocks on Feb. 19, we celebrate far more than individual achievements. This…

February 8, 2026

What's Up Downtown

Snowdown is over, now what?

Tim Walsworth Snowdown is now complete, so what’s next? I personally loved Snowdown this year! I scored Follies and Fashion…

February 8, 2026

Dear Abby

Spouse of serial cheater ready to even score

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I are approaching our 40th anniversary. Friends and family have already begun to mention the…

February 8, 2026

Opinion

Serving rural Southwest Colorado’s unique transportation needs on the CDOT commission

This past July, I was sworn in as the District 8 Transportation commissioner, serving and advocating for transportation needs in…

February 6, 2026

Dear Abby

Treatment of elderly mother raises hackles

DEAR ABBY: I have been happily married for 30 years. Unfortunately, my wife’s family (two older sisters and her mother,…

February 6, 2026

Dear Rachel

How do I talk to my neighbor about their glaring lights?

cca Welcome to Dear Rachel, a new column in which I answer your questions about relationships, communication and how to…

February 6, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

Patsy O’Brien takes solo show to Dolores

Patsy O’Brien is a musician who lives in the best of both worlds. The Ireland born, now Colorado-based guitar player…

February 4, 2026

Opinion

Colorado’s roadless areas are worth more than minerals and timber

Last fall was my nineteenth season of public lands elk hunting in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. During eight days…

February 4, 2026

Dear Abby

Couple still maintain two homes

DEAR ABBY: I am a widow who has been dating a widower for the past eight years. He’s a wonderful…

February 4, 2026

Action Line

Is the environment going to the dogs?

Loretta Action Line hangs out in the San Juan high country. (Action Line) Dear Action Line, As I was contemplating…

February 2, 2026