Columnists

The U.S. has cheap power – policy is making it more expensive

America’s strength has long depended on building – farms, factories, power plants and the infrastructure that allows communities to grow.…

April 20, 2026

Sports

Kelly: The Masters’ no-cellphone policy would be refreshing change in all sports

From professional to high school games, experiences would improve

April 17, 2026

Dear Rachel

How do I convince my neighbors to fire-proof their property?

(Adobe Stock) Dear Rachel, I, like many Durangoans, am worried that an unprecedented fire season is on the horizon. My…

April 17, 2026

Dear Abby

Man’s online shopping drains patience

DEAR ABBY: My husband of 50 years sits in his chair for hours at a time making online purchases he…

April 17, 2026

Business

How sustainable businesses strengthen La Plata County

In a place like La Plata County, where our outdoor landscapes, rivers and open spaces are central to our identity,…

April 17, 2026

Opinion

We are losing local farmland – and with it, open space and stability

“The farmer is the only man in our economy who buys everything at retail, sells everything at wholesale, and pays…

April 17, 2026

Opinion

La Plata County Commissioners: Prepare for wildfire season right now

The La Plata County Commissioners are using this space to issue an urgent call to action to every resident and…

April 17, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

Lawn Chair Kings turn 25

It was a quarter century ago when local rock band Lawn Chair Kings first came onto Durango’s scene. A perfect…

April 15, 2026

Dear Abby

Flirty drinking buddy crosses the line

DEAR ABBY: We were friends with a couple we met about five years ago. We went out together a few…

April 15, 2026

Opinion

Backcountry turkey hunting and the Roadless Rule are both worth protecting

Twenty years ago, I had the privilege of first crossing paths with Durango resident David “Elkheart” Petersen at a public…

April 15, 2026

Dear Abby

Friend’s husband busy behind her back

DEAR ABBY: I have a new close friend, and I am conflicted about whether I should inform her about her…

April 13, 2026

Opinion

Appeals court errs in Peters’ case, but her guilt remains

Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters hasn’t been exonerated. Colorado’s most infamous election denier is still guilty of a litany…

April 13, 2026

Action Line

Momma always said ‘clean your plate’

In Colorado, driving with an obscured license plate is a Class B traffic infraction that can result in a fine…

April 13, 2026

Dear Abby

Son keeps mom an emotional hostage

DEAR ABBY: My wife recently immigrated to our current residence in the U.S. from Canada. She has a 23-year-old son…

April 10, 2026

Opinion

Colorado budget cuts will hit schools, Medicaid, SNAP and rural hospitals

As I’m writing this, the House is hearing the “long bill,” which lays out the entire Colorado budget for the…

April 10, 2026

Opinion

The White House AI framework leaves rural America behind

The administration released its National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence in March, offering Congress seven legislative priorities meant to establish…

April 10, 2026

Opinion

Colorado’s wolf restoration program is working – and worth protecting

Colorado’s wolf restoration program has hit a few bumps, but overall has been successful in beginning the restoration of a…

April 10, 2026

From the Extension Office

If water changes landscapes, its availability can also change our actions

It’s a seasonal reward to escape to the desert in spring. With a mere 150 miles between us, we can…

April 9, 2026

What's up in Durango Skies

Welcome to galaxies season

The Artemis II crew captured this view as the Earth sets behind the Moon during a lunar flyby April 6,…

April 8, 2026

Dear Abby

A good friend told me I’m a fraud

DEAR ABBY: A longtime friend recently accused me of lying about my education, and I’m still stunned by it. I…

April 8, 2026

Opinion

From Vietnam draft luck to 42-year-old recruits smoking weed

Men of my age remember distinctly where they were when the draft was televised during the Vietnam War. The war…

April 8, 2026

Creating Community

Community Connections looks to the future

Winston Churchill is attributed with saying, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Changing often…

April 7, 2026

Dear Abby

Friends unaware of silent suffering

DEAR ABBY: I have a neurological disorder and can no longer keep up with my friends (who used to be…

April 6, 2026

Opinion

Jail didn’t reform me – it just taught me to survive the system

Of course I spent a fair amount of time in jail – more than 200 days – and I never…

April 6, 2026