Columnists - The Journal

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

An unlikely place for tight-knit friendship: The professional gravel peloton

Shared passion, competitiveness lead to close bonds

DATE: Nov 23, 2025 | CATEGORY: Columnists

Keeping Montezuma County clean begins with each one of us

Montezuma County is known for its stunning landscapes, rural charm and strong sense of community pride. From the open vistas to the quiet country roads, the county’s natural beauty is one of...

DATE: Nov 21, 2025 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

The cup is half-full

White to move and win DIAG 1 The World Cup in India this November is one of the most important chess tournaments of the year. That’s because the top three finishers qualify for three of...

DATE: Nov 17, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner