Columnists

Has the Purgatory logo always been upside down?

cca Dear Action Line, Rumor among the Purgatory Underground (which, maybe appropriately, sounds a bit like a ski mountain upside…

December 8, 2025

Opinion

The Western Slope’s food insecurity crisis isn’t about geography – it’s about policy

As the holiday season settles over the Western Slope, the region’s beauty disguises a growing emergency: Families are struggling to…

December 7, 2025

Opinion

Southwest Colorado’s journey to 2026: How our stories and landscapes continue to shape who we are

In 2021, the American Association for State and Local History asked communities across the country to start thinking about 2026…

December 7, 2025

Opinion

Making life less affordable, one hidden tax at a time

You know those streaming services that quietly raise their prices every few months, and suddenly you’re paying $49.99 a month…

December 7, 2025

Dear Abby

Teacher has message for parents

DEAR ABBY: I am a teacher. I love my job, and I love my students. However, as I near the…

December 7, 2025

From the Extension Office

What team are you on?

When I say cranberry sauce, many of you can hear the distinctive slurp sound it makes sliding out of the…

December 6, 2025

Opinion

Christian nationalism: History shows the danger of faiths governing

My parents’ guidance: Never talk politics or religion. They must be shaking their heads. Of all the issues of concern…

December 5, 2025

Dear Abby

Wife still communicates with ex best friend

DEAR ABBY: My best friend of more than 10 years, “Ian,” ghosted me. We used to talk about everything –…

December 5, 2025

Downtown Lowdown

Local jazz trio plays a Christmas classic

It’s a hip record. Forget the seasonal-only listening, as The Vince Guaraldi Trio’s soundtrack to Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” classic “A…

December 3, 2025

Creating Community

Celebrating the holidays with toddlers? These simple tips help keep it safe

When you’re decorating, shopping for toys, and hosting friends and family, it’s easy to overlook the little things that keep…

December 3, 2025

From the Chamber

Season of gratitude: Investing in what makes us unique

Jeff Dupont As we transition from fall to winter, the holidays are upon us. It’s the perfect moment to reflect,…

December 3, 2025

Authentic Aging

The holidays: Tyranny (and hope?) to the max!

Early November I’m pretty bummed about the world right now. The recent ICE abduction of the father and his two…

December 3, 2025

Opinion

Southwest rivers at a crossroads: Lessons from the Gila

There are few places left in the Southwest where a river still runs free. The Gila River, winding through deep…

December 3, 2025

Dear Abby

Unwelcome advances may threaten friendship

DEAR ABBY: I’m struggling with my integrity and an important friendship. My friend “Beth’s” husband, “Jerry,” came to my house…

December 3, 2025

Action Line

Where have the CDOT cameras on Highway 550 to Silverton gone?

Colorado Department of Transportation webcams, upper left going clockwise: The Grandview Interchange; Purgatory Resort entrance, Red Mountain Pass and Silverton…

December 1, 2025

Opinion

Divide and conquer: Don’t let them turn us against each other

“Pit race against race, religion against religion, prejudice against prejudice. Divide and conquer! We must not let that happen here.”…

November 30, 2025

Opinion

Epstein files are indicative of a bigger problem for President Trump

On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump indicated he would release Jeffrey Epstein’s “client list,” a promise to pull back…

November 30, 2025

Local First

Shop, eat and love local at Noel Night

Noel Night returns on Friday, inviting Durango to bundle up, stroll downtown and enjoy a beloved holiday tradition. Hosted by…

November 30, 2025

Dear Abby

Sparks fly when ex returns

DEAR ABBY: My son is 27. He has had some problems recently that were so serious I reached out to…

November 30, 2025

Opinion

The hidden cost of doing good in Southwest Colorado

As we enter the season of giving, it’s worth remembering what makes Southwest Colorado such a special place. Our strength…

November 28, 2025

Dear Abby

Man wonders why he’s stayed in marriage

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 38 years. We have three adult children and four grandchildren. I have always…

November 28, 2025

Downtown Lowdown

Four Corners Vinyl Record Club Record Swap is Saturday

There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure when it comes to collecting records. You own it because you want…

November 26, 2025

Opinion

How Lincoln’s 1863 Christmas reprieve sparked today’s presidential turkey pardons

Each year just before Thanksgiving, the president ceremoniously pardons a turkey, a lighthearted moment in his otherwise grueling schedule. The…

November 26, 2025

Dear Abby

Son invites rapist father to wedding

DEAR ABBY: My child “Logan” is the product of a sexual assault. He has located his father and formed a…

November 26, 2025