Millennials — the young people born between 1981 and 2000 — are now the largest generation of Americans, but their numbers are generally declining in rural America…
Category: News/Politics
EDITORIAL: The Big Picture, Part One
“We have sold our store and want to let you know how much we sincerely appreciate all our great loyal customers, your smiles, and your friendship. Thank you for the last 4 years….”
EDITORIAL: Red Flags, in a Red County, Part Two
“Should the search and seizure be ordered by the judge, a second hearing then occurs where the gun owner is tasked with proving that they deserve to have their Second Amendment right reinstated……”
EDITORIAL: Red Flags, in a Red County, Part One
“A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO, DECLARING ARCHULETA COUNTY TO BE A SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION COUNTY…”
EDITORIAL: Town Council Looks at Repeal of Impact Fees, Part Two
The Town of Pagosa Springs put impact fees in place back in 2006, based on the claim that new commercial and residential development was going to put added stress on municipal infrastructure and facilities…
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Nine
How much water does drip irrigation save? Estimates suggest that farmers can save at least 40 percent of their irrigation water on a per-acre basis. But it gets better….
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Eight
The region has suffered a serious three-year drought that threatens to continue, and the municipal government has chosen May 11, 2019 as “Day Zero” — the date when drinking water deliveries to homes and non-essential businesses will be shut off…
EDITORIAL: Town Council Looks at Repeal of Impact Fees, Part One
“In addition, it is typically difficult for a municipality to reinstate a fee or tax after it has been eliminated. Keeping fees close to the current level also eases the uncertainty around fees…”
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Seven
“The Colorado outdoor recreation industry is thriving. Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy generates $28 billion in consumer spending annually, and contributes 229,000 direct jobs…”
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Six
The amount of water rights being requested by PAWSD and SJWCD to be extracted from the San Juan River — if sold at the same rate, in the same community — would have been enough water for the current population of Colorado Springs…
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Five
This might be the first time I’ve heard the suggestion that “operational control of the Colorado River System” might be lost…
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Four
When the ‘average age’ of your dams is 72 years, that suggests that some of the dams are older than 72 years. How much older? And how expensive to repair or replace?
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Three
But maybe Colorado taxpayers can come up with millions of dollars… to allow cotton farmers and swimming pool owners maintain their lifestyles in the middle of the Arizona desert?
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part Two
“On March 19, 2019, the Governors’ representatives of the seven Colorado River Basin States and key water districts formally submitted Drought Contingency Plans to Congress for immediate implementation…”
EDITORIAL: Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting; Part One
“The arid West essentially has been reclaimed. The major rivers have been harnessed and facilities are in place or are being completed to meet the most pressing current water demands and those of the immediate future…”
EDITORIAL: Real Conversations, about Real Issues, Part Four
But the meeting where I hoped some real conversation might take place at 5pm at Town Hall: a Council work session focused on the community’s housing crisis. I left disappointed…
EDITORIAL: Real Conversations, about Real Issues, Part Three
“We’re actually adding a few projects. You guys have seen the six projects. Right off the top of my head, Upper Piedra, Arboles, Chromo, Aspen Springs. We’re going to look at an Upper Blanco project…”
EDITORIAL: Real Conversations, about Real Issues, Part Two
As we see in the photo, there were a fair number of empty seats at the table for Ms. Otter’s lunchtime presentation. In fact, the BOCC had provided nearly as many full pizza boxes as there were elected leaders at the meeting…