Columnists - The Journal

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

Why a National Conservation Area for the southern Dolores River?

I’m writing to address the growing misinformation surrounding the proposed National Conservation Area for the southern Dolores River. As someone who has worked and lived in this area and who...

DATE: Jan 25, 2026 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

Why Montezuma County commissioners structure their meetings the way they do

Montezuma County Commissioners often receive questions about the structure of their meetings. Residents who attend have sometimes expressed frustration with not receiving immediate answers d...

DATE: Jan 23, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Catching people doing what’s right

How noticing civility helps shape a better community

DATE: Jan 22, 2026 | CATEGORY: Lessons from the Sandbox

Those who bait

The alligator turtle lures unsuspecting fish into its jaws with its tongue, which looks like a tasty worm. As the fish goes for the bait, the turtle’s jaws snap shut and it’s the worm that g...

DATE: Jan 19, 2026 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Welcoming the 2026 legislative session amid federal Medicaid changes, water funding challenges

With the 2026 legislative session starting in just a few days, I’ve been making the most of my time with my family before heading off to Denver. I’ve also had a series of meetings with const...

DATE: Jan 16, 2026 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Something wicked

DIAG 1 In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” Lady Macbeth drugs the king’s guards, allowing General Macbeth to murder King Duncan easily. Similarly, in this week’s position White removes Bla...

DATE: Jan 12, 2026 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner