Columnists - The Journal

Mr. Know-It-All: Secret shelter?

Citizens Bank demolition reveals Cold War secrets

DATE: Oct 2, 2025 | CATEGORY: Mr. Know It All

A kind of symphony

Black to move and mate DIAG 1 The Grand Swiss tournament, held in September, was one of the most important events of the year. Three of the world’s youngest grandmasters showcased thei...

DATE: Sep 26, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Why voters should pay attention and vote in school board elections

In November, voters living in the Cortez RE-1 and Mancos RE-6 school districts will vote to fill seats on their local school boards. Though congressional and presidential candidates get a lo...

DATE: Sep 26, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

What’s mightier than the sword?

The International Chess Federation’s Grand Swiss tournament qualifies the top two finishers for two of the eight spots in the Candidates Tournament. Eight players then compete for the chance...

DATE: Sep 22, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

A budgetary crisis: What happened during the Special Session

Last week was a difficult week for Colorado – and for our country. The ache of gun violence is persistent nationally, and another school has been impacted by this inexplicable harm. Amid the...

DATE: Sep 21, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Why your Montezuma County property taxes are higher in 2025

The Montezuma County Assessor’s Office has seen an increase in property owners asking about higher property valuations. If your property’s assessed value went up since 2023, you’re not alone...

DATE: Sep 19, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Giving is not always nice

Giving is not always selfless or proof of a good heart. In chess, it can be born of malice and evil intent. Such is the evil that lurked in Dutchman Jan Timman’s heart in 1979, when, in this...

DATE: Sep 15, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Separate the people from the problem

A key to productive conflict management

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

A better deal for students, employers and communities

For too long, we’ve treated “going to college” as if it were the same thing as “getting an education.” But that’s like saying “putting food in your mouth” is the same as “good nutrition.” It...

DATE: Sep 12, 2025 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Principled negotiation

How to reach agreements that last without damaging relationships

DATE: Sep 8, 2025 | CATEGORY: Lessons from the Sandbox

The tortoise and hare

In 1915, Lord Dunsany published the little-known “The True History of the Tortoise and the Hare.” According to the tale, the origin of the famous race was a chess game in which the Hare lost...

DATE: Sep 7, 2025 | CATEGORY: Chess Corner

Thirty-one years of experience proves to be no help

Even in a drought, fly fishing can be fun with the right steps

DATE: Sep 7, 2025 | CATEGORY: Flies & Lies