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Our View: Use joint sales tax dollars for Hermosa to Durango Bike Trail

A burst of tailwind is pushing forward the proposed Hermosa to Durango Bike Trail. And the city of Durango and La Plata County’s joint sales tax dollars are ideal to seed this project as ear...

DATE: Sep 15, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Celebrating 5 years, ‘The Colorado Sun’ inspires

“We belong to you, Colorado.” Larry Ryckman, editor and co-founder of The Colorado Sun said this to readers on Sunday, which marked the fifth anniversary of this journalist-owned, nonpartisa...

DATE: Sep 13, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Musings on office jargon

A couple of surveys published this summer highlight the most annoying examples of office jargon. At The Durango Herald, we compared notes to see what gets under our skin the most. The langua...

DATE: Sep 10, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Buck right to debunk untruths about Jan. 6 defendants

Who does state GOP most represent – conservatives, populists or patriots?

DATE: Sep 8, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Durango VFW squeezed with parents protesting Mothers for Liberty

Durango’s Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4031, found itself in a tricky spot last night. Moms for Liberty, a conservative parental rights group focused on education, had joined the La Plata ...

DATE: Sep 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Encouraged by Haley’s campaign, grounded in reality

On the debate stage a week ago in Milwaukee, GOP presidential primary candidate Nikki Haley came closest to melding conservative ideals with America’s realities. A winning combination, her r...

DATE: Aug 30, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Trump should be on debate stage

“Enough about me” are words you’ll likely never hear coming from Donald Trump. Still, we insist that Trump run a presidential campaign focused on America’s problems, not his own. So why didn...

DATE: Aug 23, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: 1984’s Mountain Gravel v. City of Cortez reinforces ‘no’ to industrial rezone

Residents in north Cortez’s Montview neighborhood remembered hearing about a lawsuit won in the early 1980s in a fight against nearby industrial activity, similar to their quest to stop Inde...

DATE: Aug 20, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Keep unaffiliated voting in primaries

It’s an interesting choice for attorney John Eastman to represent the Colorado GOP in its lawsuit to block unaffiliated voters from Republican primaries. The lawsuit alleges Proposition 108,...

DATE: Aug 16, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: Positive moments with kids beats politics of childrearing

Just before the school year begins, we notice how our students have changed over the summer. Whether they are 4 inches taller or moodier or chattier or hanging with a new crowd, open to othe...

DATE: Aug 13, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our View: COVID-19 response exacting; emergency payments vague

We can’t say enough good things about former San Juan Basin Public Health Executive Director Liane Jollon’s exemplary emergency response to COVID-19. In this new frontier that was the pandem...

DATE: Aug 11, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Our view: Televise Trump’s trial

“Court is a quiet, somber sanctuary, where rules prevent the disorienting chaos we experience online,” said Steven Brill, founder of Court TV, in a Saturday New York Times essay in support o...

DATE: Aug 9, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Videos & Photos

Congressional candidate in hot water with Southern Utes over social media postTribe rebukes Hope Scheppelman for Instagram video30002045Hope Scheppelman carries a sign Sept. 5, 2023, next to protesters on Main Avenue who showed up to voice opposition to a Moms for Liberty keynote speaker. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)The Southern Ute Indian Tribe publicly rebuked Hope Scheppelman, a congressional candidate from Bayfield, for a social media post it says misrepresented the tribe’s political stance and disrespected cultural practices. The post, shared on Scheppelman’s personal Instagram account on June 2, shows a Southern Ute ceremonial sweat lodge with the words “Paid for by Hope Scheppelman for Congress.” The image then cuts to a video of a ruddy-faced Scheppelman sitting in her car, apparently after taking part in a sweat ceremony. In the clip, she claims she was invited to participate. 0VideoYouTube480360Scheppelman, a Republican, announced last month she will challenge U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Grand Junction, in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. Since then, she has actively promoted her campaign on social media. In a statement posted Friday, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe said the post falsely suggested the tribe invited Scheppelman to the ceremony and used the event for campaign purposes, misrepresenting the tribe’s involvement and the nature of the event.“These actions are not only misleading, but deeply disrespectful and will not be tolerated,” the tribe said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.A spokesperson for the tribe declined to comment further until the tribe has a chance to speak with Scheppelman. In addition to implying tribal endorsement, the inclusion of a photo of the sweat lodge disrespected a sacred cultural practice, according to Friday’s statement. Sweat ceremonies carry a deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Southern Ute people. The lodges themselves are considered sacred spaces of healing, reflection and renewal. 5471027Scheppelman Including the image in a political post for personal gain exploited and tokenized those practices, and demonstrated blatant disregard for their sacred nature, the tribe’s statement said. It is not Scheppelman’s first public controversy. She previously drew widespread backlash for her involvement in disputes with Durango School District over the display of pride and Black Lives Matter flags in schools. Her time in Republican Party leadership was also marked by internal conflict and public controversy, including an attempt by local Republicans to remove her from a county-level position.Scheppelman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday. jbowman@durangoherald.com
Congressional candidate in hot water with Southern Utes over social media post
Tribe rebukes Hope Scheppelman for Instagram video
20001041Passersby enjoy the car show at the Cortez fireworks festivities on July 4. Erika Alvero/Special to The JournalPhotos: Fireworks show lights up Cortez sky on Fourth of JulyTopping off the Independence Day celebration Friday in Cortez, the fireworks show was grand as ever.Just west of Parque de Vida was a car show, put on by BumzArodn. Crowds leisurely strolled by looking at the cars while more canopies of families and friends stationed themselves on the grass.The pyrotechnics began blasting into the sky just after 9 p.m., as Parque de Vida had filled with an evening crowd of ready onlookers. Cascades and bursts, sparkles and twists, even the periodic fireball – the fireworks worked their magic as the crowd roared with excitement and watched in awe, with the evening show ending around 9:30 p.m.Passersby enjoy the car show at the Cortez fireworks festivities on July 4. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal10412000Motorcycles and antique cars alike made their way to the Cortez car show. Friday, July 4 in Veterans Park. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13372000Parque de Vida begins filling as friends and family from the Four Corners gather to celebrate Independence Day 2025 in Cortez, (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)9911594Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14851395Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14261675Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14491614Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13961585Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)1367945Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12841515Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)15121476Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14011499Fireworks light the sky above Cortez during the 2025 Independence Day celebration Friday at Parque de Vida. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13891328
Photos: Fireworks show lights up Cortez sky on Fourth of July
Topping off the Independence Day celebration Friday in Cortez, the fireworks show was grand as ever...
Photos: Durango gets ‘Wet and Wild’30002033Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001699Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101645Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002039Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)27181961Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001892Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001639Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001616Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101360Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101864Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002133Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002560Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001784Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001784Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002008Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002211Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)9751530Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001417Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101340Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002147Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001183Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)9751520Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001503Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001405Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001983Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101340Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001928Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001672Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001774Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101563Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001684Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002029Durango’s Fourth of July Parade makes its way up Main Avenue to Buckley Park on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Durango gets ‘Wet and Wild’
Coal Bank Pass rockfall, wall work planned through NovemberDrivers going between Durango and Silverton for fireworks should expect delays30002018Jeff Reichle, project manager with the Colorado Department of Transportation, looks over the rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement site from above U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Colorado Department of Transportation crews are racing to complete rockfall mitigation and replace a retaining wall on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass before snow arrives this fall.Crews are working on slopes between 45 and 90 degrees with boulders perched on a ledge at mile marker 59.3, near Deer Creek. CDOT Project Manager Jeff Reichle said the plan is to excavate from the top down, reducing slopes to about 35 degrees so rocks slide to a stop rather than rolling downhill.30001764A heavy equipment operator looks down from the top of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement site on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)After heavy excavation, CDOT will bring in rope crews to perform lighter excavation, he said. A rockfall catchment wall will be built that will gradually fill with rocks and sediment, eventually becoming a retaining wall.At mile marker 56.9, crews will replace a failing timber crib wall with a mechanically stabilized earth retaining wall on the northbound downslope. Reichle said drivers will see centerline barriers, with lanes narrowed to about 10 feet, as crews dig into the road and install wires and cribbing.“We’re going to cut the road in half, basically right at center line, and dig a hole in the road,” he said. “That’s really the only way to do the work because of the steepness.”0VideoYouTube480360The rockfall work will remove about 12,000 to 14,000 cubic yards of rock and dirt, which will be stockpiled at Andrews Lake for future use in road shouldering and other projects, he said. That’s enough to fill 1,300 dump trucks or nearly four Olympic-sized pools. The work will require patience from motorists, with the rockfall mitigation and wall replacement scheduled to be completed by Oct. 1.The projects have been on CDOT’s list for about 10 years, Reichle said.30001683The Colorado Department of Transportation rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement project on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)The retaining wall at mile marker 56.9 is in poor condition. If it fails or a major rockfall hits, CDOT could face an emergency project and extended full closures.Falling rocks near Deer Creek dwarf the current Jersey barriers, Reichle said. Some boulders are as large as 10 cubic yards – comparable in size to a small dump truck.What to expect over Fourth of July weekendRockfall and wall work on Highway 550 between the summits of Coal Bank and Molas passes will pause through Sunday for the holiday weekend.However, drivers should still expect delays at two traffic signals at mile markers 56.9 and 59.3, according to CDOT.10801080Reichle said wait times will be about two minutes, but could be longer depending on traffic volumes and the automated signals.“Peak periods before and after the Silverton fireworks show will have longer waits,” he said.30002021A heavy equipment operators walk down the slope at the site of the Colorado Department of Transportation rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement site on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Where did the boulders come from?Reichle, a geologist, said he often wonders how these slopes formed.The first and foremost answer is the road itself cuts across the slope, he said. If a road had never been built, there wouldn’t be a falling rock hazard. But it’s also possible a landslide occurred thousands of years ago, or that it and boulders are remnants of glaciers that moved through the canyons thousands of years ago.“It could have been a lateral moraine or a terminal moraine, or something like that, that deposited the large stones as it traveled through this area,” he said.cburney@durangoherald.com30001529The Colorado Department of Transportation rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement project on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)53793495A heavy equipment operator walks at the site of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement site on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000Jeff Reichle, project manager with the Colorado Department of Transportation, looks over the rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement project from above U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002000The Colorado Department of Transportation rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement project on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001972Large boulders are ready to come down the slope at the Colorado Department of Transportation’s rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement site on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001925The Colorado Department of Transportation rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement project on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002046Alternating traffic is open on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001564The Colorado Department of Transportation rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement project on U.S. Highway 550 at Coal Bank Pass on June 12, near Deer Creek. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)1353918Rockfall mitigation and retaining wall replacement on U.S. Highway 550 between the summits of Coal Bank and Molas passes will be paused from July 3 to July 6 for the Fourth of July weekend. (Courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation)
Coal Bank Pass rockfall, wall work planned through November
Drivers going between Durango and Silverton for fireworks should expect delays
20001325Racers descend the starting hill on Saturday at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The JournalPhotos: Cortez BMX hosts state qualifying racesOver 100 riders from youth striders to adults competed Saturday at the Baxter Family BMX track in Cortez20001355Youngsters prepare to take off for the “Striders” or “Balance Bike” race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001631Mila Devoy from Dillon strides down a hill during the 5&Over Balance Bike race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001577Intermediate riders Julia Koskinen and Ronin Cox race neck-and-neck after the opening start on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001359From left, novice riders Gunner Cupps and Madelynn Young embark on the first stretch of their race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001464From left, Rhett Tabor, Camden Weimer, and Vincent Metoyer compete in one of the Balance Bike heats on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001515Expert rider Tiegan Stiebel flies high as he looks to catch competitor Nathan Hulk Smash on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001325Racers descend down the starting hill on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001241Quincy Hunt catches some air as a cohort of expert riders make their way down the track on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001199Riders bend around a curve as they prepare for another rhythm section on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001275Dustin Kelso stays laser-focused on the track ahead in one of the intermediate races on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001275Dustin Kelso stays laser-focused on the track ahead in one of the intermediate races on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001411Competitors prepare for the starting gates to be lifted on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001638Nixon Padilla from Aztec, New Mexico looks down toward his destination on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal20001440Camden Weimer from Durango eyes his competition mischievously before taking off down the final hill of his Balance Bike race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The JournalExpert rider Tiegan Stiebel flies high as he looks to catch competitor Nathan Hulk Smash on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal15152000Youngsters prepare to take off for the “Striders” or “Balance Bike” race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal13552000Mila Devoy from Dillon strides down a hill during the 5 & Over Balance Bike race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal16312000From left, Rhett Tabor, Camden Weimer, and Vincent Metoyer compete in one of the Balance Bike heats on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal14642000Camden Weimer from Durango eyes his competition mischievously before taking off down the final hill of his Balance Bike race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal14402000Competitors prepare for the starting gates to be lifted on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal14112000Racers descend down the starting hill on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal13252000The Cortez BMX track includes multiple “rhythm” sections on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal14902000Nixon Padilla from Aztec, New Mexico looks down toward his destination on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal16382000From left, novice riders Gunner Cupps and Madelynn Young embark on the first stretch of their race on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal13592000Intermediate riders Julia Koskinen and Ronin Cox race neck-and-neck after the opening start on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal15772000Dustin Kelso stays laser-focused on the track ahead in one of the intermediate races on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal12752000Quincy Hunt catches some air as a cohort of expert riders make their way down the track on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal12412000Riders bend around a curve as they prepare for another rhythm section on Saturday, June 21 at the state qualifying BMX races in Cortez. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal11992000
Photos: Cortez BMX hosts state qualifying races
Over 100 riders from youth striders to adults competed Saturday at the Baxter Family BMX track in Cortez
36002401Bloomfield Police Department Chief Phillip Francisco presents the folded U.S. flag to Pamela Sanchez, mother of the fallen officer Timothy Ontiveros, during the funeral service on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)Photos: Hundreds gather to honor fallen Bloomfield Police officer Timothy OntiverosA solemn procession stretched for blocks Monday morning along West Apache Street in Farmington – a display of unity, grief and honor for Bloomfield Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros, 32.About 7 a.m., a large contingent of law enforcement, motorcyclists, friends and grieving family prepared to embark on the motorcade to the 9 a.m. service at the Bloomfield High School football stadium to celebrate the life of the officer. 27001972Bloomfield Police officer Timothy Ontiveros36002401Law enforcement officers from state-wide take the U.S. flag off of the casket for folding during the funeral services for Bloomfield Police Department officer Timothy Ontiveros on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002401Bloomfield Police Department police officers bring the casket and body of officer Timothy Ontiveros onto the field at the beginning of the funeral service on Monday at Bobcat Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002401Law enforcement officers from statewide take part in the folding of the U.S. flag during the funeral services for Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002401Santa Fe Fire Department personnel ring the bell during the funeral service for the fallen Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002401Law enforcement officers from state-wide participate in the twenty-one gun salute for Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros during the funeral service on Monday, June 9, 2025 at Bobcat Stadium. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002401The U.S. flag draped casket of Bloomfield Police Department officer Timothy Ontiveros rests on the football field on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002401New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham presents the flag flown at the state Capitol to Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros' mother, Pamela Sanchez, at the beginning of the funeral service on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002400San Juan County Sheriff's Office deputies salute as the funeral motorcade for Officer Timothy Ontiveros goes by at the intersection of West Blanco Boulevard and First Street in Bloomfield on Monday. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)36002400Bloomfield Fire and Rescue Department fire fighters salute as the hearse transporting the body of Officer Timothy Ontiveros rolls by on Monday, June 9, 2025. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)24013600Bloomfield Police Department Officer Timothy Ontiveros' funeral motorcade traverses off the hill southbound on U.S. Highway 550 on Monday. Officer Ontiveros died of injuries sustained from a gunshot on May 26 during a routine traffic stop. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)
Photos: Hundreds gather to honor fallen Bloomfield Police officer Timothy Ontiveros
A solemn procession stretched for blocks Monday morning along West Apache Street in Farmington – a d...
50764024The ceremonial turning of the tassels.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)Photos: Dolores Class of 2025 celebrates bondsFamilies and friends packed the Dolores High School gymnasium to celebrate 26 graduates walking across the stage on a bright Friday afternoon.“Close, energetic, dedicated, and resilient” are a few of the words that the Dolores Class of 2025 would describe themselves.Dolores High School grads on Friday, May 23, celebrate as confetti flies in the gymnasium.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)40246048The ceremonial turning of the tassels.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)40245076Dolores High School grads on Friday, May 23, celebrate as confetti flies in the gymnasium.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)40246048Student government president Isla Vaughn giving her speech.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)33194883Justice Eubanks singing the national anthem.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)33365526Class president Siena Parr giving her speech.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)21852848Keynote speaker David Hopcia.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)32945437Student government president Trayton Traweek giving his speech.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)28174321Salutatorian Keira LaRose.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)21442873Salutatorian Maya Lowe.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)27554091Dolores graduates cheer during speeches Friday, May 23, in the high school gymnasium. (Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal) 40245822Valedictorian Elia Lowe giving her speech.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)19702893A student's customized cap.(Matthew Tangeman/Special to The Journal)35084536To view or purchase photos of all the graduates, visit photographer Matthew Tangeman’s website at https://matthewtangemanphoto.pixieset.com
Photos: Dolores Class of 2025 celebrates bonds
Families and friends packed the Dolores High School gymnasium to celebrate 26 graduates walking acro...
20001447Students symbolically turn their tassels from the right to the left side of their caps. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)Photos: Hundreds send off the Montezuma-Cortez Class of 2025Friends, family fill Panther StadiumHundreds of family and friends piled into the bleachers at Panther Stadium to watch the graduating seniors receive their diplomas.M-CHS Principal Jennifer Boniface served as emcee, and told the gathered crowd that this ceremony was a testament to 12 years of hard work by this class. “Your journey has not always been easy, but you have persevered and achieved this significant milestone,” she said.The warm evening event opened with music by the Red Sky Drummers, a “Pomp and Circumstance” processional performed by the M-CHS Symphonic Winds, a presentation of colors by the VFW Post 5231 Color Guard, the national anthem sung by the M-CHS Choir, and a blessing given by Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilwoman Tawnie Knight.The Red Sky Drummers play an opening prelude to the Thursday evening graduation ceremony at Panther Stadium. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14272000The VFW Post 5231 Color Guard stands at attention as Montezuma-Cortez High School graduates march into the ceremony. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13342000The M-CHS Symphonic Winds plays the opening processional. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)10342000Graduates and faculty processed in from both sides of the track. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)11551981Students look up at family and friends gathered at Panther Stadium before taking their seats on the field. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12692000Graduates march in. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13112000Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilwoman Tawnie Knight gives an opening blessing for the commencement. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13412000Montezuma-Cortez High School Principal Jennifer Boniface served as master of ceremonies for the graduation ceremony. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12222000Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilman Conrad Jacket tells students to never forget their Cortez home. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13091907M-CHS athletic trainer Mitch Taffe was selected by students to be their graduation speaker. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)11121367Salutatorian Luna Moore looks to the future as she recalls all the lessons she and her classmates learned during their high school years, often unbeknownst to themselves at the time. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12791531Valedictorian Leopold Morey tells his classmates to never stop doubting or questioning. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)10091282Students adorned their caps in colorful and creative ways. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)10391317Graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas, shaking hands with school board members and other dignitaries. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12472000Graduating senior Tay Wheat receives his diploma from Montezuma-Cortez school board president Sheri Noyes. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)10101406Family and friends gathered in the audience shoot confetti into the air when their graduates’ names are read. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13332000This marked a monumental commencement ceremony for choir teacher Marla Sitton, who is retiring after 30 years of teaching. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13641908Graduating senior Sophie Wright receives her diploma. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13171495Graduating senior Sophie Wright receives her diploma. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)11471776Graduates line the track in preparation for the ceremonial turning of the tassels. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12512000Students symbolically turn their tassels from the right to the left side of their caps. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14472000More confetti is shot into the air as the students are officially declared to be graduates. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13252000
Photos: Hundreds send off the Montezuma-Cortez Class of 2025
Friends, family fill Panther Stadium
Durango police nab pet kangaroo for second time in less than a yearIrwin hopped around a downtown neighborhood before being captured14811049Durango Police Department officer Shane Garrison captures Irwin, a red kangaroo, that escaped his confines for the second time in eight months on Monday near East Second Avenue and College Drive. It is legal to own red kangaroos, but police said with pet ownership comes certain responsibilities. (Courtesy of Durango Police Department)For the second time in less than a year, the Durango Police Department captured a pet kangaroo that escaped its confines and went for an early-morning hop through a downtown neighborhood.Irwin, the red kangaroo, was reported on the lam shortly before 6:30 a.m. Monday near East Second Avenue and College Drive – “about where it was the last time we dealt with it,” said Cmdr. Nick Stasi, with the police department.“Somebody driving by saw the kangaroo near the street, and they were concerned for its safety, so they gave us a call,” Stasi said.40002250This still image from video provided by the Durango Police Department shows Irwin the pet kangaroo on the loose Monday in Durango. (Durango Police Department via AP)Officers last dealt with Irwin in September, when he led police on a pursuit through the same neighborhood. While officers may have doubted the reporting party’s veracity eight months ago, this time they had no reason to second-guess the eyewitness’ account.“Our officers, kind of knowing a little bit of the backstory and just the uniqueness of the kangaroo, were very excited to go find this thing again and rescue it one more time,” Stasi said. “It’s not something our police officers do very often, and the chance to snuggle a kangaroo is pretty interesting for us, considering all the other things that are part of our normal duties.”Officers’ biggest concern was keeping Irwin safe, especially making sure he didn’t get hit by a car.“There was really no concern that it was going to attack anybody,” Stasi said. “It was actually very calm.”20641328Durango Police Department officer Shane Garrison captures Irwin, a red kangaroo, that escaped his confines for the second time in eight months. (Courtesy of Durango Police Department)40002250This still image from video provided by the Durango Police Department shows Irwin the pet kangaroo cornered by police. (Durango Police Department via AP)It is legal to own red kangaroos, but with pet ownership comes certain responsibilities, he said. “We are hopeful that the owners of this animal, and any animal, understand that it is the owner’s responsibility to have care over their animal to make sure that it is not getting into dangerous situations,” he said.It was not immediately known how Irwin got loose. It is believed he escaped through an open or unlocked door. No citations were issued.The roo was eventually cornered. Officer Shane Garrison, who grew up on a farm, gave Irwin a little pet, then grabbed it and picked it up like a goat or a calf and carried it to a waiting police vehicle.40002250This still image from video provided by the Durango Police Department shows Irwin being place into custody. (Durango Police Department via AP)Irwin, named after Steve Irwin – aka ‘the Crocodile Hunter’ – was taken to the La Plata County Humane Society. He was picked up later that day by his owners. No officers were scratched or injured.“Apparently, it is very soft, and it was very docile,” Stasi said.Police fielded several media calls Tuesday about the escaped kangaroo, including news outlets from Denver, Albuquerque and The Associated Press.“It’s entertaining,” Stasi said. “I don’t know of any other police agencies in the country who have captured a kangaroo – let alone twice.”shane@durangoherald.com0VideoYouTube4803600VideoYouTube480360
Durango police nab pet kangaroo for second time in less than a year
Irwin hopped around a downtown neighborhood before being captured
17811629Piper Franks presents her diploma to the gathered crowd. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)news@the-journal.comPhoto gallery: Mancos High School graduationHigh school graduation might mark the end of an era, but it’s just one step in a years-long journey for the 28 students in the Mancos High School Class of 2025. This was the message of Mancos staff and student speakers at the Sunday ceremony in the campus’ Performing Arts Center.Piper Franks presents her diploma to the gathered crowd. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)16291781news@the-journal.comGraduating seniors Tilden Begay and Jenna Wilson process up the aisle to their seats during the Mancos High School graduation on Sunday. (Erika Alvero/Special to TheJournal)14151756news@the-journal.comMusic teacher Andrew Saletta conducts the Mancos Bluejay Band for the afternoon commencement ceremony. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13462000news@the-journal.comValedictorian Spencer Eschallier sends off his classmates, telling them not to be confined to a box. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)11741860news@the-journal.comSalutatorian Sarah Knezek tells her classmates they dont have to be perfect to be the hero of their own stories. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13141950news@the-journal.comSocial Studies teacher William Custer was selected as this years graduation speaker. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)13031599news@the-journal.comMancos High School Principal James Hughes delivers opening remarks to the graduates and the hundreds of family members and friends gathered in the Performing Arts Center. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12561541news@the-journal.comMancos High School Principal James Hughes ceremonially moves Chauncey Aspromontes tassel from the right to the left. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)15061350news@the-journal.comPrincipal James Hughes moves Payton Garcias tassel from right to left. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)19101729news@the-journal.comLucas Figueroa receives his diploma from Mancos school board president Emily Hutcheson-Brown. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)15341668news@the-journal.comGraduate Bryant Goodwin receives a bouquet of flowers to take to his family or friends. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)15911902news@the-journal.comAdaline Kearns poses mid-stage with her diploma. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)17891347news@the-journal.comSuperintendent Todd Cordrey presents McKena Johnson with her diploma. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)14451718news@the-journal.comGraduate Bryant Goodwin receives a bouquet of flowers to take to his family or friends. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)15911902news@the-journal.comMany graduates decorated their caps to represent themselves and their next steps.(Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)12561666news@the-journal.com
Photo gallery: Mancos High School graduation
High school graduation might mark the end of an era, but it’s just one step in a years-long journey ...
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Emergency crews suspend search for flooding victims in central Texas amid new flood warnings
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Emergency crews suspend search for flooding victims in central Texas amid new flood warnings
Congress votes against rural hospitals
Washington’s budget cuts are hurting real people in our district
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Congress votes against rural hospitals
Washington’s budget cuts are hurting real people in our district
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