Congratulations to longtime Journal reporter Jim Mimiaga on his retirement.

For 15 years, Jim has kept readers throughout Montezuma County informed on issues ranging from the environment, agriculture, public land, community events, Dolores, Cortez, Towaoc, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Mesa Verde, courts, crime, crashes, local politics and everything in between. This work can take a toll on journalists, and I am so thankful for Jim and his commitment to the community.

In my mind, Jim will forever be remembered as a Montezuma County journalism legend. It is impossible to replace Jim, with his years of community knowledge and tight relationships. But we can only hope that The Journal and Ballantine Communications will invest in hiring a full-time reporter to cover local issues in Cortez and the county.

Enjoy the mountains, Jim. You deserve it.

Sean Dolan

Cortez