Columnists - The Durango Herald

Rabies: What La Plata County residents need to know

The most recent known case of rabies in La Plata County occurred in June 2023 when a bat found in a Durango home tested positive for the virus. While there was no direct human contact, expos...

DATE: Mar 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: From the Humane Society

Durango Contra Dance: No need to be a wallflower

Dancing is exercise. You put yourself on a dance floor and surrender your body to the sounds of the band or the D.J. providing the audio motivation for your movement, and unless you’re mimic...

DATE: Mar 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: Downtown Lowdown

Poem continues to resonate

DEAR ABBY: While doing some house cleaning, I came across a column of yours that I had clipped and tucked away. On one of the pages I had dog-eared was the poem, “Decide to Forgive.” I was s...

DATE: Mar 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

From goals to habits: How SMART goals can transform your health

The New Year is already in the rearview – are your health goals keeping up? I’ve heard the same thing repeatedly from clients: “I know what to do, but I just don’t do it.” Sound familiar? We...

DATE: Mar 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Healing Nutrition

We didn’t start the fire – but what happens if someone does?

Dear Action Line: I can hear the wind howling now as I write this. Considering the warm weather we’re having, how is it looking for fire season? While you're at it, can you find out who ...

DATE: Mar 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Action Line

On Tourism: ‘Locals’ are giving tourists a bad name

Tourism, a pillar of La Plata County’s economy, accounts for about 30% of local revenue, supporting thousands of jobs (6,566 at last count, per Region 9 Economic Development). Visitors injec...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

An honor and a privilege to serve my home district and its citizens

It’s been a busy first month in D.C., setting up our office, assisting constituents, hiring staff, attending committee hearings, participating in floor votes, and so much more. I am proud t...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

On Tourism: What is the Tourism Commission’s destination?

On March 11, Durango City Council will vote on a proposed “Tourism Commission” ordinance, the purpose of which is to foster the growth of tourism, enhance and expand the tourism industry, an...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Halfway marked by bipartisan support, tribal collaboration and recognition

We’re officially halfway through the legislative session. I’m pleased to share my monthly update from the Capitol building. Every session, each legislator has the opportunity to introduce fi...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Charles Hakes: Practicing astronomy in the time shift

Greetings, stargazers. Today we can all say a fond farewell to Mountain Standard Time while we spend at least the next few months living in the Central Standard Time zone. Or at least that i...

DATE: Mar 9, 2025 | CATEGORY: What's up in Durango Skies

Gravestone damaged by decoration

DEAR ABBY: We lost our 16-year-old daughter two years ago to leukemia. It’s been a difficult two years. I am writing to ask if there are rules of etiquette for visiting a loved one at the ce...

DATE: Mar 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Mental health struggles take toll

DEAR ABBY: I have been married for 47 years. My wife has suffered from mental illness for more than half our marriage. Two years ago, she went off her medication, became manic for 10 months ...

DATE: Mar 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Dear Abby

Photos: Thousands take to the streets for ‘No Kings’ march and rally in Durango

Photos: Navajo Trail OpenFriday was the first day of the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest Golf Club

Friday was the first day of the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest Golf Club

Photos: Durango Fire Protection District opens Station 2

Photos: Hundreds gather to honor fallen Bloomfield Police officer Timothy OntiverosA solemn procession stretched for blocks Monday morning along West Apache Street in Farmington – a display of unity, grief and honor for Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros, 32.About 7 a.m., a large contingent of law enforcement, motorcyclists, friends and grieving family prepared to embark on the motorcade to the 9 a.m. service at the Bloomfield High School football stadium to celebrate the life of the officer.