Columnists - The Journal

Stewart’s 2026 legislative priorities: EMS pay, jail safety, health care subsidies

We have less than six weeks to go before the 2026 legislative session, so I’d like to give an overview of my bills for the coming year. These policy proposals may look different by the time ...

DATE: Dec 19, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Take it

When you come to a fork in the road, take it “When you come to a fork in the road, take it,” Yogi Berra quipped. With this hint in mind, please try to find White’s winning move in this week’...

DATE: Dec 18, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Five mistakes that are sabotaging your weight loss

Are you putting in the work but not seeing the results you expected? You are not alone. Many people make these five common “wellness” mistakes without realizing they are slowing their progre...

DATE: Dec 17, 2025 | CATEGORY: Columnists

Tiny moves: White to move and win

“Tiny Tim, you mischievous devil,” snarled Scrooge. “Now, now,” chided the Ghost of Christmas Future from behind Scrooge’s chair. Playing black, Scrooge thought the game was won with his qu...

DATE: Dec 15, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Rep. Hurd, it’s time to introduce the Dolores River National Conservation Area bill

As County commissioners from Montezuma and La Plata counties with multigenerational histories in the Dolores River Basin, we have spent nearly two decades working together to address the com...

DATE: Dec 14, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Making life less affordable, one hidden tax at a time

You know those streaming services that quietly raise their prices every few months, and suddenly you’re paying $49.99 a month to watch one show? That’s what a lot of Coloradans tell me their...

DATE: Dec 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

The relationship bank account

Relationships can be tricky. Life often feels like it’s moving at breakneck speed, becoming more complicated by the day. People are stretched thin, pulled in multiple directions, and carryin...

DATE: Dec 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Lessons from the Sandbox

Sniff for the unexpected

Young Rudolf the reindeer surprised Santa with his red nose. Santa first thought Rudolf had a bad cold, but then saw his nose emitted a light so bright. The rest went down in history. Like ...

DATE: Dec 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Coming together in a time of need: A ‘thank you’ to our community

Over the past four weeks, Montezuma and Dolores counties have shown our region – and the state – what true community looks like. When the SNAP funding freeze left many of our neighbors sudde...

DATE: Dec 5, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Aesop’s chess fable

Black to move and win a pawn

DATE: Dec 1, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Where have the CDOT cameras on Highway 550 to Silverton gone?

Dear Action Line, Based on COTrip.org, CDOT has apparently removed its road cameras from Purgatory to Silverton that livestream video of road conditions. Instead, we have seven in t...

DATE: Dec 1, 2025 | CATEGORY: Action Line

Lawmakers outline budget crisis, SNAP impacts and immigration concerns at LWV forums

In November, the Montezuma County League of Women Voters hosted two programs to update the community about important issues. Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) and Rep. Katie Stewart (D-Durango...

DATE: Nov 28, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion