Columnists

Protecting Southwest Colorado: Wildfires, water and our way of life

Katie Stewart After a record-breaking March that left much of our mountain snowpack depleted, forecasters predict June and July will…

July 17, 2026

Opinion

After fur debate, gratitude for Colorado wildlife professionals remains strong

The March meeting of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission centered on proposed changes involving the sale of furs from…

July 12, 2026

Opinion

Honoring the fallen while preparing for the fire season still ahead

In Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, wildfire is a fact of life. Every summer, communities across Western and Southern Colorado prepare…

July 10, 2026

Opinion

Don’t override voters’ will on funding Colorado’s roads and bridges

Drive almost any highway in Colorado, and you can feel the problem in your hands. The wheel chatters over ruts,…

July 5, 2026

Opinion

Colorado’s most important election may be the one you’re skipping

Every November, Colorado voters turn out in impressive numbers. Every June, a different story unfolds. Bill Owens Hundreds of thousands…

June 26, 2026

Opinion

Barb Kirkmeyer: Real solutions, proven leadership for a stronger Colorado

Colorado is one of the most beautiful places in America. From the ranches and farms that feed our communities to…

June 21, 2026

Opinion

Our wins for HD-59 and advancing affordability in Southwest Colorado

We brought real progress home to HD-59 this legislative session. I’m proud to share that 14 of my bills were…

June 19, 2026

Opinion

Understanding who does what: A lesson in municipal, county and state responsibilities

When residents have questions or concerns, one of the most common sources of confusion is determining which level of government…

June 17, 2026

Opinion

Michael Bennet: Colorado’s future is worth fighting for, together

Editor’s note: The Journal Editorial Board invited Democratic and Republican candidates for Colorado governor to submit guest columns for publication.…

June 14, 2026

Opinion

From the mountains to the Capitol: Colorado kids need a champion for youth mental health

Colorado is a state that takes pride in its quality of life – our mountains, outdoor culture and thriving communities.…

June 12, 2026

Opinion

Geothermal energy legislation moves forward with strong bipartisan support

For many Americans, Washington can feel disconnected from the challenges people face at home. Too often, political debates generate headlines…

June 10, 2026

Lessons from the Sandbox

Timeout, not cop-out

How to pause a heated conversation without abandoning the relationship Several years ago, a commercial featured a soap opera star…

June 3, 2026

Opinion

Colorado lawmakers keep dodging debate over public stream access rights

It’s perplexing that preserving legal public stream access remains one of the most untouchable topics in the Colorado legislature. Our…

May 17, 2026

Opinion

Colorado budget passes, but long-term fiscal imbalance remains unresolved

As the Second Regular Session of the 75th Colorado General Assembly winds down, the conversation once again centers on the…

May 15, 2026

Opinion

Legislative session’s final sprint: Votes, signing ceremonies and upcoming town halls

This year’s legislative session ends May 13, and we worked through the weekend to get bills across the finish line.…

May 13, 2026

Opinion

Delivering reliable water for tribal communities in the West

In parts of the Upper Colorado River Basin, families still live without reliable access to safe drinking water. That’s not…

May 8, 2026

Lessons from the Sandbox

When conflict turns into avoidance

Ron Price Editor’s note: This is the fourth segment of a five-column series. Life is all about relationships. That may…

May 1, 2026

Opinion

Keeping Montezuma County beautiful: A balance of policy and partnership

As Montezuma County Commissioners, we have heard our residents’ concerns loud and clear. Across the county, people are seeing an…

May 1, 2026

Chess Corner

Wild hunting dogs

White to move and win

April 24, 2026

Opinion

Who is government? Panel brings public service stories to Cortez stage

Perhaps the most famous quotation from a U.S. inaugural address is John F. Kennedy’s: “And so, my fellow Americans: Ask…

April 24, 2026

Chess Corner

What lurks in pawn chains

Black to move and win Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan won the open division of the Candidates Tournament in historic fashion…

April 20, 2026

Opinion

Backcountry turkey hunting and the Roadless Rule are both worth protecting

Twenty years ago, I had the privilege of first crossing paths with Durango resident David “Elkheart” Petersen at a public…

April 19, 2026

Opinion

Colorado budget cuts will hit schools, Medicaid, SNAP and rural hospitals

As I’m writing this, the House is hearing the “long bill,” which lays out the entire Colorado budget for the…

April 17, 2026

Lessons from the Sandbox

The most dangerous relationship germ

Why invalidation cuts so deeply and how to stop the damage

April 16, 2026