Columnists - The Journal

Montezuma County landfill: Self-funded through user fees, not taxes

The Montezuma County Landfill operates under a financial structure known as an “enterprise” operation, a model designed to ensure the facility pays for itself rather than relying on general ...

DATE: Feb 20, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

The Swiss cheese defense

In 1792, King Louis XVI’s 900 Swiss guards tried to protect the king against a mob of more than 20,000 revolutionaries at the Tuileries Palace. Despite a valiant effort, the Swiss guards wer...

DATE: Feb 15, 2026 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

A look back at the week Feb. 16-22

The following is a recap of local events for this time period throughout history. 25 years ago (2001) Tibbetts Middle School Duck Stamp competition drawings are on display through March 1 at...

DATE: Feb 13, 2026 | CATEGORY: This Week In Local History

A busy month: Public education bills and hard conversations about health care and immigration

It’s been a very busy start to the legislative session, and I look forward to spending an extra day with my family next weekend for Presidents Day. We’ve had a ton of constituents visit the ...

DATE: Feb 13, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

To err is human

The prestigious Tata Steel Chess tournament in the Netherlands is a multiweek event that concluded on Feb. 1. Nordirbek Abdusattorov won the event, and fellow Uzbek Javokhir Sindarov placed ...

DATE: Feb 9, 2026 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Colorado’s roadless areas are worth more than minerals and timber

Last fall was my nineteenth season of public lands elk hunting in southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. During eight days I hunted for a total of 63.5 hours (or 7.93 hours a day on averag...

DATE: Feb 8, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

How solar storms light up the sky

Greetings stargazers. The current sunspot cycle maximum continues to amaze. Several times during the past year, the Aurora Borealis has been visible in the Durango sky. It was here again a c...

DATE: Feb 6, 2026 | CATEGORY: Southwest Life

The Rail World of northwestern New Mexico

Dear Mr. Know-It-All: I’ve been hearing people talk about a railroad in San Juan County for as long as I can remember. What’s the status on the latest railroad project? Signed, Trainspo...

DATE: Feb 6, 2026 | CATEGORY: Mr. Know It All

What our mountains make possible: Colorado athletes shaped by place

When the Winter Olympic Games open in Italy later this week, athletes from across the country will compete under the American flag. Among them will be competitors with roots right here in Co...

DATE: Feb 6, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

A smart general

What is white’s best move?

DATE: Jan 30, 2026 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Is our Democracy in jeopardy?

Most would agree we are living in turbulent times. Throughout our history, Americans have faced profound challenges, beginning with the American Revolution and the creation of our nation its...

DATE: Jan 28, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Life is soup, and you are a fork

The word fork is derived from the Latin furca and dates back to about 2400 B.C. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used forks. Forks are here to stay, you might say. During the Shang Dynasty,...

DATE: Jan 26, 2026 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner