Columnists

Aging, the most powerful teacher of all

There are many moments of considerable learning as we wander this path called aging. It seems like every day there’s…

December 31, 2025

Woman finds support from unlikely source

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 50-year-old woman who has lived with orthopedic challenges because of a congenital metabolic condition. Despite many…

December 31, 2025

Action Line

Why are speed bumps only where I don’t want them?

You can barely notice this speed bump, and it doesn’t slow you down much when you drive over it. (Action…

December 29, 2025

Opinion

There’s no getting around this if we want to avoid the cliff ahead

In 2012, political ads suggested that some of my policy proposals, if enacted, would amount to pushing grandma off a…

December 28, 2025

Opinion

Leading with purpose, serving with heart: Durango’s progress and 2025 achievements

As the close of 2025 approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve made…

December 28, 2025

Dear Abby

Jilted wife blames herself

DEAR ABBY: My ex-husband and I were best friends. We shared everything – dreams, laughs and struggles. I was convinced…

December 28, 2025

Creating Community

Open enrollment deadline nears for 2026 health insurance coverage

Colorado’s health insurance open enrollment period is heading into its final stretch, with Jan. 15 as the last day to…

December 26, 2025

Opinion

Durango’s budget gaps and the project that will not die

Several recent Herald articles have caught my attention. One article reported that the city of Durango has decided to postpone…

December 26, 2025

Dear Abby

Loss of son has grown harder to bear

DEAR ABBY: My son died of cancer at 33. It was heartbreaking. My daughter-in-law, “Belinda,” had grown distant before his…

December 26, 2025

Downtown Lowdown

High Country Hustle will help ring in new year

Colorado is the leading dealer in the sounds of upbeat and stretched-out bluegrass. The past five decades have seen dozens…

December 24, 2025

Opinion

Building community through books: Maria’s Literary Foundation makes reading accessible to all

It has been a wonderful first year of Maria’s Literary Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Maria’s Bookshop. Our team began…

December 24, 2025

Dear Abby

Dinner unexpectedly comes with show

DEAR ABBY: I’m an active senior man. To keep my beard looking attractive, a hairstylist trims it every two weeks.…

December 24, 2025

Sports

A wish list for the new year

FARMINGTON – My usual state of mind during the holiday season doesn’t always sit well with others. The Grinch and…

December 23, 2025

Action Line

What’s up with holiday/snow delay garbage pickup?

Mike Kane catches John Archuleta, a residential operator with Waste Management Inc., during his route in time to add items…

December 22, 2025

Local First

Local contributions make a tangible difference

Localism is everything here in La Plata County. It’s in the friendly smile of your barista who remembers your order,…

December 21, 2025

Opinion

La Plata County commissioners reflect on 2025 challenges and progress

As the final days of 2025 approach, we want to reflect on the year coming to a close – and,…

December 21, 2025

Opinion

This winter season, give thanks – and give back through volunteerism

December is often called the month of giving – not just in gifts, but in spirit. Beyond presents and celebrations,…

December 21, 2025

Dear Abby

Remarried dad’s behavior makes daughter cringe

DEAR ABBY: My parents were married for 50 years. My Dad remarried a nice lady a year after Mom died.…

December 21, 2025

From the Humane Society

A fond farewell: Looking back and leaping forward with LPCHS

This will be my last article for The Durango Herald as the La Plata County Humane Society executive director. After…

December 19, 2025

Opinion

On history: The real Antifa – World War II veterans who fought fascism and tyranny

Last Saturday, Dec. 13, the nation honored fallen service members with wreaths placed on graves across America. On Dec. 7,…

December 19, 2025

Dear Abby

Man sees ‘signs’ amid heartache

DEAR ABBY: I’m a 55-year-old man who dated a very special lady, “Dawn,” for 12 years. We were both married…

December 19, 2025

Downtown Lowdown

Folk jam brings people together

It’s good to challenge yourself. Put yourself into various situations that may cause fear: jump off a high dive into…

December 17, 2025

Opinion

We must not succumb to the darkness of hate and fear

There is a particular horror in violent attacks on holy days and in holy places. This is terror in its…

December 17, 2025

Dear Abby

Babysitting brings marriage to brink

DEAR ABBY: My wife and I stopped having sexual relations eight years ago. She keeps our two grandchildren 11 to…

December 17, 2025