Columnists

Beyond advancing medical and scientific innovation, federal grants help rural students and communities

Durango raised me, from preschool at Needham Elementary through Durango High School graduation. I am now a neuroscientist at the…

June 22, 2025

Dear Abby

Relationship appears to be leveling up

DEAR ABBY: I am a woman in my mid-20s who has had only abusive, toxic and horrendous relationships after entering…

June 22, 2025

Opinion

Rep. Hurd must stand up for CD3 with a full-throated declaration: Our public lands are not for sale

Right now in Washington, D.C., members of Congress are seriously considering selling our public lands to pay for extending tax…

June 20, 2025

Dear Abby

Divorcee has no desire to wed again

DEAR ABBY: I am twice divorced and recently celebrated my 61st birthday. I look pretty fantastic, and I’m in great…

June 20, 2025

Thinking Green

Public lands targeted in massive budget bill

The United States Senate is presently considering one of the greatest existential threats to public lands in recent memory. A…

June 20, 2025

Downtown Lowdown

Shinyribs plays Silverton and Dolores

Kevin Russell went back to his roots for his latest release. The frontman of the Austin, Texas-based swamp-boogie, rootsy-soul and…

June 18, 2025

From the Humane Society

Keeping your dog safe in the car this summer: What La Plata County pet owners need to know

As summer heats up in La Plata County, the La Plata County Humane Society urges all dog owners to take…

June 18, 2025

Dear Abby

Ex-wife has held secret for 30 years

DEAR ABBY: My ex-husband was found dead in his home three months ago. He was a bitter man who never…

June 18, 2025

Opinion

Erasing parks’ and monuments’ past is unlawful and insults the people who suffered that history

As the philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” It’s true that…

June 17, 2025

Strength in Well-being

From processed to powerful: Why whole foods are your best weight loss weapon

Have you ever felt stuck in your weight loss journey – like no matter what you try, the scale refuses…

June 16, 2025

Action Line

Do as I say, not as I do

These signs are posted at several locations along the Animas River Trail. (Photo submitted by reader) Dear Action Line, The…

June 16, 2025

Opinion

One fine day … three generations of Durangoans walking and talking together

I took a walk one fine day recently, looking around, people-watching, enjoying myself, feeling the sun warm on my shoulders.…

June 15, 2025

Opinion

On history: Ignorant or maligned, attempts to rewrite and whitewash history cannot stand

On June 4, we witnessed another brazen example of the sinister and ill-informed attempt by the Trump administration to whitewash…

June 15, 2025

Opinion

Medicaid work requirements a disaster for rural America, extend well beyond health outcomes

As the Senate debates imposing work requirements and potential cuts to Medicaid, rural America stands at the front lines of…

June 15, 2025

Dear Abby

Recipient responds to gift with sharp tongue

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I recently moved out of state. His only living relative, a sister, recently came to…

June 15, 2025

Creating Community

New Medicaid program to kick in for kids with disabilities, complex medical needs

Coming July 1, there is a new Medicaid program in Colorado for kids with disabilities and complex health needs. The…

June 13, 2025

Opinion

Attention trivia buffs, a ‘hootie of blowfish’ and more animal group names

If you play trivia regularly this will be good information for you. Animals that are gathered together in a group…

June 13, 2025

Dear Abby

Man can’t brush off silence about treatment

DEAR ABBY: I found out that, behind my back, my best friend has been (secretly) growing hair for the past…

June 13, 2025

Creating Community

Learn food safety for your summer barbecues

With the days getting longer and the evenings warmer, more and more La Plata County residents are likely headed outside…

June 11, 2025

Downtown Lowdown

Group Shower driven by music

Band will play Saturday at Nordfest III

June 11, 2025

Stewards of the Land

If not you, then who?

Alpine Loop Ambassadors Adela Pizarro-Conte and Myste French clean burned trash out of a fire ring at a BLM designated…

June 11, 2025

Opinion

The escalating challenges of ranching in a hotter, drier Colorado

Jeff and Nicole Helmer have been ranching livestock in Southwest Colorado for 20 years. “Most every year is drier than…

June 11, 2025

Dear Abby

Colleague’s mockery hits a nerve

DEAR ABBY: A few months ago, I found out my adult child is transgender. Nobody knows yet except for me,…

June 11, 2025

From the Extension Office

So, what’s bugging you this spring?

Most of us get very excited as the days get longer and the plants are greener, and spring is officially…

June 10, 2025