Action Line - The Durango Herald

Don’t be taken in by the ‘taking out’ of fourth-graders

I was somewhat startled by an emailed newsletter from the San Juans Mountains Association, of which I’m a longtime member. It announced: SJMA “will also soon be taking out some fourth-grader...

DATE: Feb 5, 2018 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Lack of winter weather can’t bring down Snowdown

I noticed our snow shovel had some cracks – the one time I used it this winter. So I visited our friendly Koeger’s Ace Hardware to get a backup shovel. Walking past Rite Aid, I noticed the s...

DATE: Jan 28, 2018 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Debate about presidential photo needs to be reframed

I would like to know why our president and vice president’s pictures are not in our Social Security office. And no, I am not happy about it! It is disrespectful, illegal and unpatriotic! Tha...

DATE: Jan 21, 2018 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Internet sales, downtown evolution tax receipts

We’re a year into higher parking fines with a basic overtime fee now $25. The rationale was to increase funds for the city. Meanwhile, sales tax receipts have been dubbed “lukewarm.” Is ther...

DATE: Jan 14, 2018 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Probe shows Junction Street not shady lane

Resurfacing of Junction Road last summer was puzzling because the alligator-skin pattern of asphalt deterioration at Miller School indicated an area of greater need. Potholes compelled refil...

DATE: Jan 7, 2018 | CATEGORY: Action Line

With safety, Durango can be a trippy place

Is Durango the safest town in America? See the attached photo. Sign me, Capt. Safety You know a city is serious about safety when a torn-up sidewalk or leaky fire hydrant requires...

DATE: Dec 31, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Math on paper products reads like pulp fiction

First, there was Fake News. Now, there’s Fake Math. Just look at the paper towel and toilet paper aisle at the grocery store. The cost-conscious consumer confronts paper-towel packaging that...

DATE: Dec 24, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Christmas doggerel’s bark is worse than its bite

‘Twas a week before Christmas and all through our towns, Events of the past year brought smiles and frowns. Traditions aplenty for this time of year; So here...

DATE: Dec 17, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

There’s a lot to digest in ‘sewer consumption’ fee

Recently, I reviewed my city utility bill. Admittedly, it’s the first time I really looked at it in detail. To my surprise, the bill said we “consumed” $25 worth of sewage. Yuck! I thought w...

DATE: Dec 10, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Mesa Verde map gets lost in translation on iPhone

When I pull up “Mesa Verde” on Google Maps using my Apple iPhone, “Mesa Verde” appears in what looks to be Japanese. Why is this? It’s not just my phone, I have used numerous iPhones and it ...

DATE: Dec 3, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Hunting, eating sparrows might ruffle some feathers

Before you and Mrs. Action Line hang up your blaze orange for the season, I need help with a quirk discovered while reading the paper and eating my oatmeal. In the Herald’s “Hunting Guide,” ...

DATE: Nov 26, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Time expired long ago for too-tall parking meters

By Mike Smedley Special to the Herald Why is the city spending $30,000 to lower 400 parking meters to meet ADA specifications if parking is free for people with disabil...

DATE: Nov 19, 2017 | CATEGORY: Action Line