Columnists

Longtime girlfriend tired of competing

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been with my boyfriend for 17 years. He has a friend, “Byron,” whom he hangs out with…

February 25, 2026

Big Brother is making you watch him

Froma Harropdu1-i-syn A poster depicting an enormous face gazed from the wall. The caption ran, “BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.”…

February 23, 2026

Action Line

On the Road with the street cleaning machines

The black lines visible on the roads after a street cleaning are from liquid de-icer. The markings will fade naturally…

February 23, 2026

The Western Chronicles

A love letter to my veterinarian

need more veterinarians like mine in the equine field

February 22, 2026

Opinion

Colorado turns 150: Honoring the stories that bind us

As we move through the rhythm of daily life with school drop-offs, work meetings or errands, it’s easy to focus…

February 22, 2026

Tourism Roundup

When snow comes late, we rely on a more resilient Durango

Sarah-Jane Johnson Snow finally arrived, only two months late. An extremely low snowpack does not only shape winter, it influences…

February 22, 2026

Dear Abby

Bathroom guest leads to unfortunate incident

DEAR ABBY: At a recent family gathering, my sister-in-law “Paula” asked my husband if she could use our bathroom. We…

February 22, 2026

Dear Rachel

Dear Rachel: I want to maintain friendship but feel suffocated

(Adobe Stock)cca I have a longtime friend who seems to want more time with me than I want to spend.…

February 20, 2026

From the Humane Society

Improving your pets’ lives with a foster

My home is run by three fuzz balls: a husky mix (Goose), a pocket pittie (Stevie) and one perfect siamese…

February 20, 2026

Opinion

Guest commentary: Don’t wait: Southwest Colorado must prepare now for wildfire season

“Be prepared in advance” is a preachy old saying that is easily ignored and readily forgotten. But the drought and…

February 20, 2026

Opinion

What the public doesn’t know about being homeless

Our country possesses more than sufficient infrastructure to address the housing crisis, yet the public hears only metrics and numbers,…

February 20, 2026

Dear Abby

Fifty years later, former couple cross paths

DEAR ABBY: I met “Bobbie” when we were in college in the early 1970s. We fell in love, got married…

February 20, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

Tony Furtado and Luke Price hit the DAC

Tony Furtado keeps busy. The Portland, Oregon-based artist may be known to most as a musician, a roots and newgrass…

February 19, 2026

Culture Gulch

Black, white, gold – and more gold

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania…

February 18, 2026

Opinion

Durango petition demands ban on masked federal officers, requires visible identification

In the coming weeks, nearly 60 volunteers are fanning out all over the city of Durango in a citizens’ initiative…

February 18, 2026

Dear Abby

Woman finds herself drawn to her stalker

DEAR ABBY: I am 57 and have never been married. I have had many relationships (some good, some bad). Although…

February 18, 2026

Action Line

Why are my elders bugging me?

Boxelder bugs live up to their “bug” moniker when they are in your house, where they like to swarm on…

February 16, 2026

Opinion

Defending democracy means protecting local control of elections

The League of Women Voters’ mission is essential and urgent: Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy. At a time when our election…

February 15, 2026

Opinion

A response to the findings of The Code Rights Project

Good governance as part of any democracy is ever a work in progress. La Plata County is no exception. We…

February 15, 2026

Local First

Local First Foundation’s work in health care

Many people in La Plata County know Local First for its support of locally owned businesses. Fewer may realize that…

February 15, 2026

Dear Abby

Girlfriend taking new romance slow

DEAR ABBY: I have been dating “Rita” for four months. We peck on the lips, hug and hold hands, but…

February 15, 2026

Creating Community

Family voices are being heard at the Capitol about important programs

Most of us currently living grew up in an era when access to public education is the norm. And for…

February 13, 2026

Dear Abby

Angry wife waiting for apology

DEAR ABBY: I have been married 50 years and recently remembered that my husband cheated on me with several different…

February 13, 2026

From the Extension Office

When dietary guidelines change, consider your individual needs

To those who reference the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to inform food choices, your heads must be spinning with the…

February 12, 2026