Columnists

Action Line

When you try to shop, they tax the meat

cca I’m confused, please help me clarify the taxes on groceries in Durango. As I understand it, prepared foods such…

March 23, 2026

The Western Chronicles

Spring is in the hair

It’s a great time to work on your horse skills and relationship with your horse

March 22, 2026

Tourism Roundup

Working together to support Durango’s economy this spring

Sarah-Jane Johnson Spring in Durango often feels like a reset. As the snow begins to melt and the days get…

March 22, 2026

Opinion

Protect our public lands, protect the La Plata Mountains

Our beautiful area in the Southwest is graced with an abundance of public lands – places that are part of…

March 22, 2026

Opinion

Durango’s water future: Expensive solutions to an overstated crisis

A recent story, “Kicking the can down the road, Durango waits for a water crisis,” about Durango’s alleged water supply…

March 22, 2026

Opinion

The SAVE Act would make voting harder for millions of eligible Americans

In La Plata County and across Colorado, election officials keep saying the same thing: our system is strong, secure, and…

March 22, 2026

Dear Abby

Husband puts food above all else

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married for decades. My husband, who has always been very overweight, has…

March 22, 2026

Dear Rachel

How do I make sense of my neighbor’s contradictory yard signs?

(Adobe Stock)cca Dear Rachel, Several of my neighbors (in the Animas Valley) have “Turn off Social Media. Talk to Your…

March 20, 2026

Opinion

Four years after my Alzheimer’s diagnosis, I’m still holding my own

I got a clean bill of health this week. I took my annual cognitive exam, and it shows no cognitive…

March 20, 2026

Dear Abby

Parents ignore older son’s request

DEAR ABBY: I am in my late 30s. I live halfway across the country from my parents and don’t have…

March 20, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

PJ Moon & The Swappers play a double

Local musician PJ Moon has to make music. It’s an artistic endeavor he’s always chased, even when he moved to…

March 18, 2026

Opinion

Alliance delivers 10x return, investing over $1M into local economy

Economic development in La Plata County can look like many things. It looks like unlocking key funding to develop attainable…

March 18, 2026

Creating Community

Disability issues in the Colorado Legislature

We live in a divided world. I’m referring to the divide between Coloradans who are entirely unaware of the Legislative…

March 18, 2026

Dear Abby

Grown son’s return spoils couple’s ‘fun’

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I are in our early 60s. For the last five years, we have been having…

March 18, 2026

Action Line

How does the time change actually save daylight, anyway?

“Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dalí. We could stay on standard time, but then it’d be getting dark at dinner…

March 16, 2026

Opinion

Colorado deserves better: A troubling eight-year trajectory

Colorado has historically valued independence, controlled spending, and respect for limits on government. As Senate Minority Leader, let me be…

March 15, 2026

Local First

The power of 10%: How small spending shifts strengthen La Plata County

At Local First, we like to say “think local, first” because small choices add up. Even directing a small portion…

March 15, 2026

Dear Abby

Parents’ hobby a red flag of misaligned priorities

DEAR ABBY: My parents have always been wonderful and supportive. As they grow older, it’s hard to see them deal…

March 15, 2026

Opinion

In the shadows: How Mexico’s search collectives reveal migration realities

I’m frequently asked, “Why don’t people go back to their country and make it a better place?” The Other Sidecca…

March 14, 2026

Opinion

Howling at the moon unites Canadian and American snowbirds

U.S.-Canada relations still OK, eh? Yes. Let me explain. The Queen, my Queen, who is from Queens, New York –…

March 13, 2026

Dear Abby

Night spent in separate beds a revelation

DEAR ABBY: I have been married 44 years and have always slept in the same bed with my wife. Last…

March 13, 2026

From the Extension Office

With spring comes dreaded wind, but also an opportunity for change

There’s almost no better time than spring to start an exercise habit. After months of being indoors, we are drawn…

March 11, 2026

Downtown Lowdown

Hans Gruber and The Die Hards to play Anarchy Brewing

Humor belongs in and around music. It’s one of the things that give Hans Gruber and the Die Hards great…

March 11, 2026

Opinion

A year to look back – and look forward

As most are likely aware, on July 4, this country marks the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress’ adoption…

March 11, 2026