Health Briefs

Nuggets fire coach Malone and won't extend GM Booth in stunning move as postseason looms

Michael Malone coached the Denver Nuggets to the NBA title in 2023. He has them set to make the postseason for a seventh consecutive year. Even amid a four-game slide, they're still in posit...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Trump touts Supreme Court deportation ruling as a major victory, but legal fight is far from over

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is touting a Supreme Court ruling allowing it to resume deportations under the Alien Enemies Act as a major victory, but the immigration fight is f...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Texas measles outbreak tops 500 cases, including multiple at a day care in Lubbock

A day care facility in a Texas county that's part of the measles outbreak has multiple cases, including children too young to be fully vaccinated, public health officials say. West Texas is ...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Cortez announces Earth Day cleanup initiative

Park cleanup set for April 22

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Community

Ex-member of former Gambia dictator's military unit is on trial in the US for torture

DENVER (AP) — A man accused of torturing people suspected in a planned coup against Gambia’s longtime leader was a low-ranking private in the West African country’s military who risked tortu...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

DAC discusses potential elementary reorganization, how to receive input from parents

Reorganization would come into effect for the 2026-27 school year

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Education

Iran's foreign minister says he will have indirect talks with US envoy over Tehran's nuclear program

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran 's foreign minister said Tuesday he'll meet with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman for the first negotiations under the Trump administration seeking to...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

National Park Service restores original Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad webpage

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Park Service has reversed edits and restored content to its webpage about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad in the wake of news reports and public ba...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Why water fluoridation, long considered a public health success story, is under scrutiny

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said he wants communities to stop fluoridating water, and he is setting the gears of government in motion to help make that ha...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Supreme Court blocks order requiring Trump administration to reinstate thousands of federal workers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked an order for the Trump administration to return to work thousands of federal employees who were let go in mass firings aimed at dramati...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Ahead of RFK Jr’s planned N.M. visit, Gallup charter school announces ‘special guest’

School principal cites PE program modeled on JFK fitness plan as draw

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: New Mexico

Denver Nuggets fire coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, AP source says

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets fire coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, AP source says. ...

DATE: Apr 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Associated Press

Videos & Photos

40323024The Mancos Valley Chorus practices for their upcoming “On The Road Again” spring tour at the Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 Grand Ave. in Mancos. (Cameryn Cass/The Journal)Mancos Valley Chorus hits the road againTheir spring tour is right around the cornerAs the afternoon sun illuminated stained glass images of Lady Madonna and baby Jesus in the Mancos United Methodist Church, the Mancos Valley Chorus enlivened the airwaves, as the singers’ sopranos and altos converged to create song.After a few breath exercises and Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do’s, the chorus sang “Route 66” to kick off rehearsal that Tuesday evening. From there, they worked their way through the set list for their upcoming spring tour of shows, “On The Road Again.”Upcoming showsSunday, May 4: Mancos United Methodist Church, 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 6: Christ King Lutheran Chuch in Durango, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7: Cortez United Methodist Church, 7 p.m. Friday, May 9: Mancos United Methodist Church, 7 p.m. “It can mean literally on the road, or it means roads in life,” said Marty Lordier, the chorus’s treasurer. “Or even boats, trains.”Lordier was alluding to some of the other songs they’ll perform, like one she loves called “Freedom Train.”“I love music and singing with good people,” Lordier said. “It gives me joy.”Everyone The Journal spoke with that evening expressed similar sentiments of community and the joy of singing among friends and neighbors.“This gives me hope for a bright future, and it’s a sense of belonging, too,” said secretary and singer Becky Walker. “I have community in chorus.”Maggie Gillette, the director of the chorus said, “We have a lot of fun, and I think that translates into our performance.”0VideoYouTube480360Unlike other groups in the area, the Mancos Valley Chorus doesn’t require auditions and is thus “low stress” by nature.“I think we sound good. There’s people here who like to sing, and when we pull our voices together, we good sound,” said Gillette.Instruments – namely a piano, guitar, bass and drums – complement the songs. Some are performed as solos, duets, even quartets.“We work really hard to put together a high-quality show,” said Raleigh Cato, the president of the chorus. “There’s familiar tunes, tunes you love.”“And it’s familiar faces, singing,” Vice President Carrie Schneider added. “We’re your neighbors.”In recent years, more younger voices have joined, which has brought variety to the chorus’ cumulative voice and new faces to the audience, said Susie Frye, a soprano singer.Amanda Vodicka, a local musician who joined this year, is one of the younger voices.“I’ve learned to challenge myself, and I’ve met new people in the community,” said Vodicka, smiling at her musical peers in the room. “Also, breath control.”She added that “people should come because it’s community art. People from all over the county come together and raise their voices together.”Check out one – or several – of their upcoming shows in Montezuma County or Durango!
Mancos Valley Chorus hits the road again
Their spring tour is right around the corner
Photos/video: Galloping alongThe Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No.530002061The Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5 makes its way up the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Saturday heading to Cascade Canyon. Goose No. 5 was originally built in 1933 and then the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores completely restored it in 1997. The Goose will be in Durango until May 18. Check the D&SNGR website for scheduled times. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002052The Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5 makes its way up the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Saturday heading to Cascade Canyon. Goose No. 5 was originally built in 1933 and then the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores completely restored it in 1997. The Goose will be in Durango until May 18. Check the D&SNGR website for scheduled times. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)0VideoYouTube48036015002002The Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5 makes its way up the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Saturday heading to Cascade Canyon. Goose No. 5 was originally built in 1933 and then the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores completely restored it in 1997. The Goose will be in Durango until May 18. Check the D&SNGR website for scheduled times. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001970The Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5 makes its way up the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Saturday heading to Cascade Canyon. Goose No. 5 was originally built in 1933 and then the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores completely restored it in 1997. The Goose will be in Durango until May 18. Check the D&SNGR website for scheduled times. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001947The Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No. 5 makes its way up the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad tracks on Saturday heading to Cascade Canyon. Goose No. 5 was originally built in 1933 and then the Galloping Goose Historical Society of Dolores completely restored it in 1997. The Goose will be in Durango until May 18. Check the D&SNGR website for scheduled times. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos/video: Galloping along
The Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose No.5
Check out hundreds of snakes on the 'Colorado RattleCam'Located near Fort Collins, this mega den is said to have as many as 2,000 rattlesnakes19201080This undated image made from a video provided by Project RattleCam shows a “mega den” of rattlesnakes in a remote location in northern Colorado. (Project RattleCam via AP)Across northern Colorado, flowers are blooming and the snow is melting. With the spring also comes the return of rattlesnakes and a popular webcam that captures a massive den of one of Colorado’s most spotted snakes.Located somewhere near Fort Collins, this mega den is said to have as many as 2,000 rattlesnakes. The webcam is part of a research project called “Project RattleCam.”0VideoYouTube480360Researchers from California Polytechnic State University and Dickinson College in Pennsylvania are behind the project. According to their website, the biologists are working to “raise awareness about rattlesnakes, their behavior, and their importance in the ecosystem.”Two cameras are part of the project. One is in Northern Colorado at an undisclosed location. Researchers say this is to protect the den and the animals that call it home. The other is in California, which is still hibernating at the moment.The cameras allow researchers to study the animals without disturbing them. It’s also a way to gain the public’s support by sharing the feed online.In Colorado, many of these snakes will be pregnant through the summer and await giving birth. Unlike other snakes, rattlesnakes give birth to live babies. They then spend weeks caring for their young and helping to keep them warm. Typically, snakes live alone, but during this period, they live in a den, which becomes a nursery or “rookeries.”“If you have a whole bunch of expectant mothers together, they don't all give birth exactly at the same time,” Scott Boback, professor of biology at Dickinson College and co-leader of Project RattleCam, told NPR last year. “Essentially, what you have is the opportunity for other mothers to babysit for the mother that actually has given birth to those pups.”The California camera is expected to be operational by July.To read more stories from KUNC, visit www.kunc.org.
Check out hundreds of snakes on the 'Colorado RattleCam'
Located near Fort Collins, this mega den is said to have as many as 2,000 rattlesnakes
24001597041925 Kathe Hayes of Mancos holds her "Dogs Against Trump button. She attended the demonstration with her puppy, Hazel. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)Photos: Protests held Saturday in Cortez and DurangoDemonstrators gather at the Cortez Welcome Center after the hour long demonstration lined many blocks of Main Street. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)31944800Kathe Hayes of Mancos holds her “Dogs Against Trump button. She attended the demonstration with her puppy, Hazel. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)15972400Patty Coen of Mancos leads a group of demonstrators in a series of chants from her megaphone as they walk along Main Street by City Market in downtown Cortez. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)31944800Michael Williams of Cortez displays his “Stop the Madness” sign outside the Cortez Welcome Center on Saturday. He said, “Patriotism and concern brought him out today.” (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)15972400Organizers gather sign-ins from participants at the Cortez Welcome Center. They estimate that 339 people participated in the demonstration. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)15972400Demonstrators line Main Street at Madison Street in Cortez holding signs defending health care, Bears Ears National Monument, due process and free speech, and opposing tyranny and DOGE cuts. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)15972400Demonstrators walk along Main Street heading back toward the Cortez Welcome Center. (Jen Magnuson/Special to The Journal)31944800Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000Around 850 area residents converged at Buckley Park where speakers railed against President Donald Trump’s and his administration’s forced removal of immigrants, and about 700 participants marched to 835 East Second Ave., the Durango office of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, to continue demonstrating. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald)22524000
Photos: Protests held Saturday in Cortez and Durango
Play ball: Demons in action at homeDurango High School baseball wins over Montezuma-Cortez on Tuesday 30002267Duncan Walsh of Durango High School tags out Brady Dale of Montezuma-Cortez High School at home plate on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)Sam Clark of Durango High School beats Michael Krupa of Montezuma-Cortez High School to first base, getting the out on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)27493842Sam Clark of Durango High School throws a pitch to a Montezuma-Cortez High School batter on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22711500The Durango High School dugout looks on while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14752010Landin Padilla of Durango High School tags out Evan Woody of Montezuma-Cortez High School at second base on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20833000Jack Englund of Durango High School is out at first base while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)14512010jm@durangoherald.comSam Clark of Durango High School throws a pitch to a Montezuma-Cortez High School batter on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16673000Durango High School head coach Masen Hibbeler talks with his player Dylan Burns while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15032010Darren Daves of Montezuma-Cortez High School throws the ball toward first base while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)11812010Dylan Burns of Durango High School slides in safe to second base getting by Cory Carver of Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15462010Dylan Burns of Durango High School puts the ball in play while playing Montezuma-Cortez High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13522010Connor Rosenbaugh of Montezuma-Cortez High School throws a pitch to a Durango High School batter on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19022010Landin Padilla of Durango High School is tagged out by Kolby Wirth of Montezuma-Cortez High School at home plate on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)19771500Landin Padilla of Durango High School looks up for the call after being tagged out by Kolby Wirth of Montezuma-Cortez High School at home plate on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)13352010Montezuma-Cortez High School head coach Jake Huff talks to his team while playing Durango High School on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)16462010Ollie Peterson of Durango High School is tagged out on his way to second base by Cory Carver of Montezuma-Cortez High Schoo on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)17082010Duncan Walsh of Durango High School tags out Brady Dale of Montezuma-Cortez High School at home plate on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)21573000Duncan Walsh of Durango High School tags out Brady Dale of Montezuma-Cortez High School at home plate on Tuesday at DHS. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)22673000
Play ball: Demons in action at home
Durango High School baseball wins over Montezuma-Cortez on Tuesday
Photos: Hozhoni Days at Fort Lewis CollegeTribal members come together for two days of celebrating their Indigenous heritage30002251Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)29932146The Hozhoni Days Powwow Grand Entry enters Whalen Gymnasium on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002032Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001987Hozhoni Days Powwow Host Southern Drum: Full Metal Jacket Singers, plays during the Grand Entry in Whalen Gymnasium on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001956Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002161Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001990Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101932Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001684The Hozhoni Days Powwow Grand Entry enters Whalen Gymnasium on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)15001524Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002103Judges listen to Thunder Bay during the drum contest at the Hozhoni Days Powwow in Whalen Gymnasium on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)20101485Dancers make their way around Whalen Gymnasium during the Hozhoni Days Powwow after the Grand Entry on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002101A potentially up-and-coming singer looks during the drum contest at the Hozhoni Days Powwow in Whalen Gymnasium on Friday at Fort Lewis College. The annual two-day event brings tribes together celebrating their Indigenous heritage. The powwow is FLC’s longest-running cultural celebration. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Hozhoni Days at Fort Lewis College
Tribal members come together for two days of celebrating their Indigenous heritage
59994461Pastor Todd Erlandson of Grace Fellowship Church conducts a memorial for Orly Lucero Friday at the Cortez Recreation Center. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)(Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)Cortez gathers to honor Orly Lucero at celebration of lifeLucero was known for his catchphrase ‘Living the dream’Following his death on March 7, David Orlando (Orly) Lucero, 67, was laid to rest on Friday after a celebration of life at the Cortez Recreation Center. Rather than flowers, his family requested that donations be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society.Lucero served as the mayor of Cortez from 2002 to 2010 and a member of the Cortez City Council from 2014 to 2022. He worked as a staking engineer at Empire Electric Association Inc.16001186Orly LuceroLucero was also known for his Christmas light display around the holidays. One of his blowup Santa decorations welcomed community members at the door of the Cortez Rec Center as they arrived to pay their respects.People of all ages crowded inside the rec center gym as a photo slideshow of Lucero began to play while “Vaya Con Dios” by Freddy Fender and “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson played in the background.Pastor Todd Erlandson of Grace Fellowship Church welcomed attendees by reading John 14:1-6 and Psalm 23. Following the reading of the Bible passages, “You Raise Me Up,” by Josh Groban played before Mayor Rachel Medina addressed the family and friends of Lucero.Medina honored the former mayor by speaking of his dedication to public service and his part in multiple projects in Cortez, including the rec center, new high school, the relocation of Walmart and more during his time of public service. He also served on multiple boards, including the Cortez Fire Protection District, Housing Authority, the RE-1 School District, and more.“He lent a helping hand whenever he could,” Medina said.The next speaker was Lucero’s niece, who shared she was still trying to “come to terms” with his death. She spoke fondly of the many stories he would tell.“All I can think of are his stories,” she said. “How many people have that many stories?”She told a humorous story of a time Lucero told her that Mohammed Ali was in the airport while they were traveling, but she didn’t believe him. She ended up missing the opportunity to see Ali in person.She noted that Lucero had impacted countless people in his life by always making them laugh and feel loved, saying she hoped others would always remember Lucero when serving their communities and decorating for the holidays.“You knew exactly who he was, because he always lived fearlessly,” she said.Before Erlandson closed the celebration of life, “Horses in Heaven” by Randy Travis was played.Erlandson spoke of how Lucero’s yard was always decorated for Christmas, and that his proudest moment was when his daughter, Felice, had graduated from pharmacy school.Erlandson also shared a poem called “The Dash” by Linda Ellis, and how it reminded him of the way Lucero had lived his life. The poem focuses on the dash between a person’s birth and date, and how we can forget how vastly important that little dash is.“For it matters not, how much we own/ the cars, the house, the cash/ What matters is how we live and love/ And how we spend our dash,” the poem said.While in chemotherapy, another man in treatment recognized Lucero, and the two struck up a conversation, further emphasizing his impact on others.“Orly lived his dash well,” Erlandson said. “It’s OK to grieve and mourn.”He urged those in attendance to celebrate Lucero’s life, how lived the dream and lived out the words of Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13.“Love the Lord your God with your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor,” Erlandson said. “Then you’ll be living the dream.”After a closing prayer and thanking attendees for their part in the celebration of life, pallbearers wearing Dallas Cowboy T-shirts escorted Lucero’s casket to be taken to the Bayfield Cemetery.People of all ages crowded inside the Cortez Rec Center gym Friday morning for a memorial for Orly Lucero. As a photo slideshow began to play, “Vaya Con Dios” by Freddy Fender and “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson played in the background.Residents view the memorial for Orly Lucero on Friday, March 21 at the Cortez Recreation Center. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)45266863A memorial for Orly Lucero Friday at the Cortez Recreation Center. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)(Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)44615999Photos from the life of Orly Lucero were displayed Friday, March 21 at the Cortez Recreation Center. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)46726345A video presentation at the memorial for Orly Lucero Friday at the Cortez Recreation Center. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)46727008An overview of the crowd Friday at the memorial service for Orly Lucero. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)42386726Mayor Rachel Medina honored Orly Lucero by speaking of his dedication to public service and his part in multiple projects in Cortez, including the rec center, new high school, the relocation of Walmart and more during his time of public service. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)38265542Orly Lucero’s niece recounts her memories of Lucero Friday at the Cortez Recreation Center. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)43265553A crowd gathers outside the Cortez Recreation Center Friday morning before the memorial for Orly Lucero. Friends were asked to wear Dallas Cowboys jerseys in honor of Lucero's passion for the football team. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)46727008The crowd at the memorial for Orly Lucero on Friday morning shared fond and funny memories. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)46727008The casket of Orly Lucero. (Aaron Lewis/Special to The Journal)37724020
Cortez gathers to honor Orly Lucero at celebration of life
Lucero was known for his catchphrase ‘Living the dream’
Durango man charged with officer shooting waives preliminary hearingElias Buck to remain in San Juan County jail through trial640423Elias Buck, 23, is suspected of escaping from the La Plata County Jail and shooting a Farmington Police Department officer while on the looseA Durango man accused of shooting a police officer was transferred from federal prison to the San Juan County Detention Center to face charges.“We transferred (Elias Buck) here to face the local charges,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Decker said. “We brought him here from Otisville, New York.”Buck, 26, is charged with aggravated battery upon a peace officer causing great bodily harm, a third-degree felony in connection to the Jan. 7, 2022, shooting of officer Joseph Barreto of the Farmington Police Department.Buck waived his preliminary hearing in Farmington Magistrate Court, and the case was bound over to the 11th Judicial District Court with an arraignment set at 8 a.m. March 24 in front of District Judge Stephen Wayne.Buck is serving a 10-year sentence in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence is running concurrent to a two-year sentence for charges of escape, assault and aggravated vehicle theft in La Plata County, Colorado.The prior felony of attempted possession of methamphetamine for sale in Arizona in 2019 barred him from possessing a firearm.600503FBMD0a000a700100008b150000742e0000df320000cb37000058470000c26600008c6a00009f6f0000e6740000d0ad0000Farmingtlon police officer Joseph Barreto, who allegedly was shot by Elias Buck. The La Plata County Jail escape charge is directly tied to the alleged shooting of Barreto.Buck was arrested by the Aztec Police Department on suspicion of motor vehicle theft Nov, 27, 2021, and extradited to Colorado. While at the La Plata County Jail, he climbed a perimeter fence and escaped Dec. 27, 2021.Buck resurfaced in Farmington Jan. 7, 2022, with then-girlfriend Victoria Hernandez Rossi.He allegedly was driving drunk at 10:17 p.m. “in the drive-thru at Starbucks,” located at 2900 E. Main St. Buck reportedly was driving a 2009 black Cadillac passenger car “traveling at a high rate of speed,” according to the affidavit for arrest warrant.Police found the Cadillac unoccupied at 10:32 p.m. in the Carl’s Jr. parking lot, and three minutes later, Barreto located Buck and Hernandez Rossi walking in the area of 10th Street and North Fairview Avenue, the affidavit states.The couple claimed they were “running from a dog,” when Barreto asked them to sit down, the affidavit states.Buck asked if he was being detained and when Barreto said yes, Buck allegedly “reached into his waistband, backed up, asked why he was being detained and shot the officer,” according to the affidavit.TimelineNov. 27, 2021: Elias Buck is arrested by Aztec Police after a motor vehicle theft.Dec. 27, 2021: Buck escapes from La Plata County Jail by climbing a perimeter fence.Jan. 7, 2022: Buck allegedly shoots Farmington police officer Joseph Barreto in the right arm after being confronted about an allegation of drunken driving.Jan. 14, 2022: Buck is captured by law enforcement at a Quiktrip Convenience Store in Phoenix.March 6, 2023: Buck is sentenced to two years in prison for escape, assault and aggravated vehicle theft.March 24, 2024: Buck faces arraignment at 8 a.m. in 11th Judicial District Court for allegedly shooting Farmington police officer Joseph Barreto.Buck and Hernandez Rossi fled Farmington after the shooting, and were apprehended at a convenience store in Maricopa County, Arizona.The San Juan County Regional Shoot Team investigated Barreto shooting, on Jan. 8, 2022, and reportedly found a 9 mm Beretta handgun, a wig and a hoodie worn by Buck near a dumpster behind a business at 2324 E. Main St., according to an affidavit.Farmington Police took custody of the Cadillac and searched the vehicle, reportedly finding a 30-round Glock magazine, narcotics, wigs, ammunition and multiple cellphones, according to the search warrant inventory sheet.In February 2022, Farmington Police traveled to Maricopa County Jail, where they took into custody gray Nike shoes with white soles and blue boxer shorts, which according to the search warrant matched what Buck was wearing during the shooting.Buck will remain in the San Juan County Detention Center until the police officer shooting case is completed, according to Decker.0VideoYouTube480360
Durango man charged with officer shooting waives preliminary hearing
Elias Buck to remain in San Juan County jail through trial
Thieves nab pricey bulldogs from Colorado pet store after faking a seizure, sheriff says44963000In this photo released by the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, a Perfect Pets worker holds one of two bulldog puppies stolen from the store, after the dogs were returned by a person who bought the dogs from a street vendor, in Centennial on Monday. (Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office via AP)DENVER – Thieves nabbed a pair of high-priced bulldogs from a Colorado pet store after a man allegedly faked a seizure to distract employees while an accomplice grabbed the puppies from a pen and ran out, authorities said.The theft, which was captured on surveillance video, happened Sunday. Three men walked into a pet store in suburban Denver a few minutes apart, walked around and asked questions about the puppies, which sell for $4,299 each, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said. While a 37-year-old man appeared to be having a seizure, one of the other men lifted the lid off the pen where the puppies were kept, took two and began running out of the store. An employee tried to tackle him and the man dropped the puppies but managed to grab them again and run out with a second man, the sheriff's office said.They got into a gold Cadillac Escalade with tinted windows and no license plates that pulled up outside the store, the sheriff's office said.The man who allegedly faked a seizure was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a felony, theft, and drug possession. Investigators are looking for the other two men and the getaway driver. One of the puppies was later returned by a woman who bought it for $1,500 from a street vendor and realized it looked like the dogs in photos shown in news coverage of the theft, the sheriff's office said. 0VideoYouTube480360
Thieves nab pricey bulldogs from Colorado pet store after faking a seizure, sheriff says
DENVER – Thieves nabbed a pair of high-priced bulldogs from a Colorado pet store after a man alleged...
Photos: Winter storm leaves over a foot of snow30002130Residents in Durango North Village on County Road 203 dig out their cars on Friday as a winter storm leaves the area covered in a foot of snow. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001999Mark Kade, right, being a good Samaritan, hooks up his Toyota 4Runner to a Subaru belonging to Nick Marlow. Marlow went off of U.S. Highway 550 on Friday north of Hermosa as a winter storm moves through the area dropping a foot of snow. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001751Mark Kade, left, being a good Samaritan, looks for a break in traffic to pull Nick Marlows car out of the ditch after he went off of U.S. Highway 550 on Friday north of Hermosa. A winter storm dropped a foot of snow, creating hazardous roads. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 60003940North County Road 250 on Friday as winter storm leaves the area covered in a foot of snow. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002000Durango city snowplows push snow to the middle of Main Avenue on Friday in downtown as a winter storm drops a foot of snow. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002259Unhoused individuals walk through Durango carrying a sleeping back and items on Friday as a winter storm drops a foot of snow in town. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30001976Vehicles follow a Colorado Department of Transportation snowplow on U.S. Highway 550 on Friday near Hermosa as a winter storm moves through the area dropping a foot of snow. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002144Andrew Craig shovels his Durango sidewalk on Friday as a winter storm drops a foot of snow. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002139A car went off of North County Road 250 on Friday as a winter storm dropped a foot of snow, creating hazardous roads. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002040A raven finds a snow-covered garbage bag in the back of a pickup parked at the Durango Post Office on Friday as a winter storm drops a foot of snow in town. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30001971Even as a winter storm drops a foot of snow in Durango, Durangoans still want to get their walk in on the Animas River Trail. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald) 30002273A deer looks for a shrub to nibble on on Friday as a winter storm drops a foot of snow in Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)30002012An unhoused individual walks through Durango on Friday as a winter storm drops a foot of snow in town. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Photos: Winter storm leaves over a foot of snow
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Kremlin says a deal to end the war with Ukraine can't be achieved quickly
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Kremlin says a deal to end the war with Ukraine can't be achieved quickly
Gates Industrial: Q1 Earnings Snapshot
Pakistan says it has 'credible intelligence' India will attack within days
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