Columnists

Opinion

Behold Donald of Deliria, where imperialism replaces diplomacy, force replaces reason

There’s a great scene in “Lawrence of Arabia” when Peter O’Toole’s Lawrence comes back from battle and meets with Gen.…

January 21, 2026

Dear Abby

Wife tired of being told to whom she can talk

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for 40 years and share the same friendships – joint, his…

January 21, 2026

Food

Five secret food combinations that increase energy, burn fat and heal your body

Many people eat well yet still struggle with low energy, stubborn weight or chronic inflammation. The issue is often not…

January 19, 2026

Action Line

Gaslit by free parking and fake snow?

As long as you are patronizing businesses that share the block with the Gaslight movie theater, you can park there…

January 19, 2026

Opinion

La Plata County working to make land-use code more navigable for residents

Since the Land Use Code was adopted in 2020, La Plata County commissioners have consistently heard from residents, builders, agricultural…

January 18, 2026

Local First

A year to show up for local

As we enter a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the months ahead and considering how we…

January 18, 2026

Dear Abby

Neatnik’s patience nears its end

DEAR ABBY: I am neat and organized, but my wife is the opposite. She’s messy and disorganized. I knew it…

January 18, 2026

From the Humane Society

What will your pet achieve in the new year?

As January comes to a close, it is a good time to reflect on our hopes for our dogs and…

January 16, 2026

Opinion

Unsung heroines: How two women revolutionized access to reproductive health care

A woman came to me with a sad and perplexing story shortly after I began practicing obstetrics and gynecology. She…

January 16, 2026

Dear Abby

Relationship has withered on the vine

DEAR ABBY: I am a senior woman in great shape. I am active, and I have never had a problem…

January 16, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

Animal Soul ‘itching to release some music’

Local musician Anthony Braun was reared on killer music. Guitar player and musical director for local band Animal Soul, he…

January 14, 2026

Opinion

What reporting on three rural Western Colorado city councils has taught me

For the past year and a half, I’ve been reporting weekly on municipal government in three rural Western Colorado towns.…

January 14, 2026

Dear Abby

Relatives take sides as accusations, denials pile up

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 51-year-old mother and grandmother whose kids don’t talk to me. The reason: My son, “Aaron,” was…

January 14, 2026

Food

The truth behind ‘zero sugar’ sweeteners

Fran Sutherlindu1-i-syn At first glance, zero sugar sounds like a win. But what’s often overlooked is what replaces the refined…

January 13, 2026

Southwest Life

What Polarization tells us about objects outside our solar system

Everything we know about things outside of our solar system is from the light we receive. I am using the…

January 12, 2026

Action Line

What are those things on the U.S. Highway 160 west hillside behind the Holiday Inn parking lot?

Stone piers from the tipple from an old coal mine are all that remain on the hillside behind the Holiday…

January 12, 2026

What's Up Downtown

What’s up with Snowdown

Tim Walsworth Snowdown is upon us once again, for the 47th year. The annual cabin fever reliever bills itself as…

January 11, 2026

Opinion

Colorado health care is breaking families – you can help

The American health care system stands at a dangerous crossroad – one that millions can feel in their wallets, health…

January 11, 2026

Opinion

Welcoming the 2026 legislative session amid federal Medicaid changes, water funding challenges

With the 2026 legislative session starting in just a few days, I’ve been making the most of my time with…

January 11, 2026

From the Chamber

Start the year embodied: Grounding your leadership presence in 2026

Jeff Dupont As we begin 2026, there’s one resolution that can elevate both your personal life and your work life:…

January 11, 2026

Dear Abby

Co-workers dismissive of youthful newcomer

DEAR ABBY: I am a 31-year-old woman who is not yet established in life. I have no husband or boyfriend,…

January 11, 2026

Southwest Life

The Camino Real, Bernardo Gruber and the Jornada Del Muerto

Along the 1,700 miles of the Camino Real, the royal road from Mexico City to Santa Fe, one of the…

January 10, 2026

From the Extension Office

CSU Extension weighs in on this year’s health trends

Safety in numbers, they say. Perhaps sage advice when you’re adventuring in the backcountry or unsafe areas. Yet, the need…

January 9, 2026

Creating Community

La Plata County Healthy Homes program targets radon risk during national awareness month

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas produced by the natural decay of uranium…

January 9, 2026