Columnists - The Durango Herald

The Hermit Monk of New Mexico’s Organ Mountains

The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in southern New Mexico has unique geology, birds, reptiles, plants, and human history – including a murdered monk. As we approach the Chris...

DATE: Dec 9, 2023 | CATEGORY: Gulliford's Travels

Can we clear the flame-broiled air? Maybe not

Dear Action Line: I drive by Burger King almost every day on the way to work and I’m always confused when I see the train plume in the middle of the day. … Then I realize it’s the restau...

DATE: Dec 9, 2023 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Being well-prepared is integral to SJMA’s success

During a week in late July, it dawned on me that even if I could carve out a full week to venture away from my desk to see the SJMA staff in action, I could not actually get to all of them, ...

DATE: Dec 9, 2023 | CATEGORY: Stewards of the Land

Catadioptric telescopes for Christmas

Greetings, stargazers. I hope you are enjoying the change in weather. My December column has occasionally been used to list some things you might want to put on your astronomical observing w...

DATE: Dec 9, 2023 | CATEGORY: What's up in Durango Skies

Embracing change for a healthier future

As San Juan Basin Public Health prepares to permanently close its doors on Dec. 31, our community is presented with an opportunity to reflect with gratitude on past efforts and with optimism...

DATE: Dec 8, 2023 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Conflicts over wolves mostly ‘social, governance issues’

The restoration of wolves to Colorado is an historic conservation effort to return and preserve the integrity of wild ecosystems in the Southern Rocky Mountains. This is why I feel compelled...

DATE: Dec 8, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

‘When, in what areas can we recreate shared experiences’

A chance encounter brought up some of my happiest memories, while at the same time tying into a series of conversations I have been party to about what we are missing as a society. It was a ...

DATE: Dec 8, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Christmas goose isn’t only one getting fat

We are in the midst of the great Caloric Festival that occurs between Thanksgiving and New Years, followed by often ill-fated resolutions. And, now, this annual time period has gotten worse....

DATE: Dec 8, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Apollo Suns is a collective ‘band that jams’

They’re “kind of” a jam band. Like Frank Zappa or Return to Forever are “kind of” jam bands. But for the jam-band naysayers don’t let that descriptor dissuade you from the Canadian instrumen...

DATE: Dec 7, 2023 | CATEGORY: Downtown Lowdown

Colorado pay gaps extend to non-state employees

I follow the state budget very closely. Perhaps it doesn’t sound as fun as many things I could be doing – skiing, hiking, rafting, getting a root canal – but when you run a nonprofit, charit...

DATE: Dec 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: Creating Community

Restless teens rely on melatonin to initiate sleep, but should they?

It’s December. Darkness engulfs us 11 hours a day. It’s not even 5 p.m. and the world’s biggest light bulb retires for the night. This should leave plenty of time for our eyes to communicate...

DATE: Dec 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: From the Extension Office

Spread the holiday cheer right here

With the recent snowfall, winter has officially arrived here in Southwest Colorado; and like so many of us, the Durango Chamber is excited to receive the much-needed moisture as we head into...

DATE: Dec 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: From the Chamber