Columnists - The Journal

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

Colorado River crisis demands leadership before Washington takes the reins

On Nov. 11, the seven states that share the Colorado River missed a critical deadline. The Department of the Interior asked them to agree on the bones of a post-2026 management plan – the ru...

DATE: Nov 16, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Funding for Healthy School Meals for All means active kids and business for local farmers

I’m proud to say that Election Day was a win for Colorado families with the passage of Propositions LL and MM, which will extend the Healthy School Meals for All program and boost SNAP assis...

DATE: Nov 14, 2025 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

The power of looking for the good

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling – it’s a lens that changes everything you see.

DATE: Nov 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: Lessons from the Sandbox

Pseudo pins

DIAG 1 Lions use teamwork to hunt bigger prey like water buffalo and giraffes. In chess, black’s bishop and knight use teamwork to take down bigger prey – namely, white’s queen. White’s...

DATE: Nov 10, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

From a modest win to bigger goals: Delivering for Colorado

On Oct. 24, my first bill as your congressman, the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act, passed both the House and Senate. I’m proud to be among the first freshmen in this Congre...

DATE: Nov 7, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

One sacrifice too many

The chess community was recently shocked by the sudden death of 29-year-old Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. As one of the world’s most popular and well-liked players, he was omnipresent on th...

DATE: Nov 3, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Repeal of the Public Lands Rule endangers the West’s lands and livelihoods

For those of us living in the West, public lands are deeply woven into our culture. They offer habitat for wildlife, access to rivers, recreational trails, cattle grazing, and oil and gas de...

DATE: Nov 2, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Strong communities rely on engaged citizens who show up and get involved

Though national politics often garner the lion’s share of media coverage, many will tell you that it’s local government that most directly impacts citizens’ day-to-day lives. Look at your ro...

DATE: Oct 31, 2025 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns