Columnists

State’s teacher shortage needs an effective plan for action

McLachlandu1-i-syn When Colorado’s 2017 session began, I wrote about the importance of Colorado’s teacher shortage, and why I was coming…

April 29, 2017

From our Congressman

Brooks: Increasing loss of faith in civilization is ominous

Brooksdu1-i-syn They basically told human history (mostly Western history) as an accumulation of great ideas and innovations, from the Egyptians,…

April 29, 2017

From the State House

2017 brings new notices of property valuations

Larsondu1-i-syn Some time this month, the La Plata County Assessor’s Office will send property owners a Notice of Valuation, either…

April 29, 2017

From our Congressman

Make this time of year safe for both people and bears

April: Make this time of year safe for both people and bears

April 29, 2017

Dear Abby

Daughter is in the doghouse after pets leave hairy mess

I agreed to let them bring their dogs if they cleaned up after them, but it hasn’t happened. The dogs…

April 29, 2017

View from the Fort

Music opportunities abound during FLC’s summer break

Blaylockdu1-i-syn The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, however, is still running strong, and many of our faculty have…

April 28, 2017

Stewards of the Land

Creating fire-adapted communities: It takes a village

Each fire affected residents differently. Many people were evacuated because of the Missionary Ridge and Valley fires, often for a…

April 28, 2017

Froma Harrop

What it means to be truly liberal on the abortion issue

Froma Harropdu1-i-syn Thus, one cannot fathom the ongoing crusade by abortion rights activists to crush Heath Mello, a moderate Democrat…

April 28, 2017

Dear Abby

Teen struggles after heroin addiction claims dad’s life

Heroin controlled Dad’s life ever since I was little, but that never stopped me from being me. My family has…

April 28, 2017

A Take on Tourism

The 5 “W’s” of the Durango Welcome Center

What: The Durango Welcome Center is the community’s “welcome mat” for visitors, new residents and long-time locals. It was built…

April 27, 2017

On Real Estate

Home inspection: What can you expect the seller to fix?

After your home inspector inspects the home, they will normally meet with you and verbally review the major things that…

April 27, 2017

From the Extension Office

For healthy food, seek out natural, simple ingredients

Yes, companies find ways to label food to make us think it is healthy. The old test continues to be…

April 27, 2017

Thomas Friedman

Friedman: So a Hindu, a Muslim and a Jew play golf in Dubai

Thomas L. Friedman, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for The New York Times.<br><br>(CREDIT: Josh Haner/The New York Times)du1-i-syn Dubai is…

April 27, 2017

Dear Abby

Classmate won’t stop bullying despite pleas from her friend

DEAR NOT A BULLY: People bully others for a variety of reasons. Among them, because they are angry and enjoy…

April 27, 2017

Dear Abby

While wife’s sex drive races, husband is stuck in neutral

When we talked about past relationships, he mentioned women hounding him to have sex, so I don’t think it’s me.…

April 26, 2017

From our Congressman

New tax plan is ‘voodoo economics’ all over again

Paul Krugmandu1-i-syn Trump sold himself to voters as unorthodox as well as effective. He was going to be a different…

April 25, 2017

Nicholas Kristof

A closer look at administration’s ‘pro-life’ policies

du1-i-syn When women and girls don’t have access to family planning and reproductive health care, they’re more likely to suffer…

April 25, 2017

Dear Abby

Daughter throws in the towel on fighting mother’s grudge

For the last six years, she has ignored my phone calls and text messages. I have sent cards and gifts…

April 24, 2017

Dear Abby

New house responsibilities put wife down in the dumps

I am thankful that my husband provides for the family and puts a roof over our heads, but now that…

April 24, 2017

Action Line

Pooch owner pooh-poohs property protocol

Ah yes, the lame “It’s Durango” excuse. This dismissive utterance is but a cheap alibi to justify quirks, rudeness, ineptitude,…

April 24, 2017

Dear Abby

Man comes clean too late with the truth about his STD

Now I’m worried I have it, too, and I’m breaking up with him because of it. I feel he should’ve…

April 23, 2017

The Travel Troubleshooter

Ticked off over a ticket? Try using some tech tools

The Miami Parking Authority’s citations, usually for $42 apiece, have arrived in the mail intermittently since 2014 for violations that…

April 23, 2017

Dear Abby

Dear Abby: Widower in new relationship is shunned by sisters-in-law

This woman has brought me out of my depression and sorrow. I can’t understand how people I thought cared for…

April 22, 2017

From our Congressman

With North Korea, we do have some cards to play

du1-i-syn Given that Pyongyang has had nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles for more than a decade, why the panic now?…

April 22, 2017