Columnists - The Durango Herald

Beware: ‘New,’ ‘improved’ may give you less for more

This summer, beware of the word “new” and its sidekick, “improved.” The travel industry, flush with profits, is touting improvements to its products now, just as people begin to p...

DATE: May 7, 2016 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Getting to know the facts about mechanic’s liens

In my experience as a Colorado construction law attorney, few things are as misunderstand in construction disputes as mechanic’s liens. In principal, a mechanic’s lien is simple:...

DATE: May 7, 2016 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Every Student Succeeds tour will seek comments statewide

For years, politicians rightfully grumbled about the federal overreach of the No Child Left Behind Act, the nation’s education law and even we often could be heard saying, “It would be nice ...

DATE: May 7, 2016 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

View from the Fort

Although graduation is over and students have dispersed for the summer, our music faculty will be busy with a variety of performances, workshops and more. Marc Reed is coordinatin...

DATE: May 5, 2016 | CATEGORY: View from the Fort

Southwest Florida provides rest, recuperation and fly fishing

I’ve been to Southwest Florida (SWF) before, so when she who must be obeyed suggested we spend the month of April there for some “RR and FF,” I jumped at the opportunity. I knew ...

DATE: May 5, 2016 | CATEGORY: Flies & Lies

Green is the theme on golf courses around the area

The myth is finally broken as I was going to wash my car and, well, you know the rest. But the best thing of all was I did not have to wash it as the weather saved me from dropping a gazilli...

DATE: May 4, 2016 | CATEGORY: Clubhouse Porch

Wise mentor’s lessons shaped my career, life

My teacher, a towering figure in forensic pathology and New York City‘s chief medical examiner for a quarter century including on Sept. 11, has died. Dr. Charles S. Hirsch was 79. ...

DATE: May 4, 2016 | CATEGORY: Coroner's Report

Plant yourself in this gardening series

Life is a series of firsts – first steps, first words and first day at school. First crush (and subsequent first broken heart), first roller-coaster ride and first concert. As we grow older,...

DATE: May 4, 2016 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Wrestling with big questions without clear answers

I am way out of my league here, but this loss of roles we experience as we age has me exploring ego and self-identity. We begin our lives just being. We are here, with no agendas...

DATE: May 4, 2016 | CATEGORY: Authentic Aging

Bill would re-enact presidential primary

I heard loud and clear across the 59th House District that voters were not happy that they did not have the opportunity to have a vote on who would be Colorado’s pick for president of the Un...

DATE: May 3, 2016 | CATEGORY: From our Congressman

Bruce Fassett named Cattleman of the Year

Folks in the livestock industry work hard all year, so the annual La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association Banquet offers a chance to catch up with friends, enjoy a good dinner, raise mone...

DATE: May 3, 2016 | CATEGORY: Neighbors

Calculate how much money you’ll need to retire

What’s your magic number for retirement? Grab a pen and write it down: $___. Have you taken all of your expenses and spending into account? Are you aiming too high or too low? ...

DATE: May 3, 2016 | CATEGORY: Money Savvy