Christian Burney

Durango

Writer and journalist for The Durango Herald. Opinions are my own. Retweets and follows don't necessarily signal endorsements.

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Articles

Melissa Youssef says she’s proudest of Durango City Council’s resilience during her tenure

5 days ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Two-term councilor faced a pandemic, legal battles and political polarization Former Durango City Councilor Melissa Youssef helped guide the city through an accounting scandal, a global pandemic and the hiring of a new city manager during her two terms in office. In addition to the “constant stream of big events and defining moments,” Youssef’s tenure was shaped by council infighting and increasing political polarization.
Durango Mesa Park Foundation to convey 392 acres to city for park preservation

6 days ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Parcel serves as open space that connects to BLM land As road and water infrastructure work continues in the early development of Durango Mesa Park, the Durango Mesa Park Foundation is preparing to convey 392 acres of open space to the city for preservation as parkland. The transfer involves a large parcel on the northeast end of Durango Mesa that overlooks flatter land designated for future events, active recreation and sports.
Weekend showers to give way to tranquil weather in La Plata County

6 days ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Rain, snow expected in Durango; San Juan Mountains could receive accumulation Durango is in for a cool, wet weekend according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, which forecasts rain and snow through Saturday and freezing overnight lows through Wednesday. Meteorologist Kris Sanders said a cold front, driven by a low-pressure system moving in from the north, will meander over the Four Corners and linger through the weekend.
More signs of aging infrastructure uncovered in Durango alley

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

City to use radar, other tools to locate buried utility lines It’s not uncommon for utility crews in Durango to break ground and find an old water or sewer pipe that isn’t where infrastructure maps say it should be. “We’ve been running into these situations where we’ll start digging and we’ll say, ‘Well, the 16-inch waterline is supposed to be over there but it’s right here where we need to put our storm/sewer,’” said Laura Rieck, spokeswoman for Durango Public Works.
Plane crashes are rare, but Durango airport firefighting team is always ready

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Fire crew adds $1 million vehicle to fleet amid ongoing safety upgrades Fire Chief and Public Safety Manager Dennis Ray said there has never been a commercial aircraft crash at Durango-La Plata County Airport in his 27 years there. He said smaller general aircraft incidents, such as flat tires or failure to deploy landing gear, occur infrequently – less than once a month. But that doesn’t mean the airport’s Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Division can let down its guard.
Newly elected Durango city councilors take office

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Mayor’s gavel passed to Gilda Yazzie Newly elected Durango city councilors Kip Koso, Shirley Gonzales and incumbent Jessika Buell took their oaths of office Tuesday in Smith Council Chambers at City Hall. Outgoing Councilor Olivier Bosmans, who attended the meeting virtually, congratulated the new councilors on their election and thanked residents for their support over the past four years. He said it was an honor to serve the Durango community and appreciated his conversations with residents.
Residents rally for the planet during Earth Day Durango 2025

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Student groups take environmental stewardship, sustainability into their own hands Earth Day Durango 2025 kicked off Saturday morning with the annual Procession of the Species, in which some participants dressed up as plants and animals and made their way up Main Avenue. The parade led to Buckley Park, where representatives of nonprofits, student groups and businesses mingled with the public to the tune of live music.
Durango hits record 77 degrees on Thursday

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

April temperatures slightly above average; May could bring surge The temperature in Durango reached a record 78 degrees on Thursday, breaking the previous high for April 10, according to the National Weather Service. It surpassed the previous record of 77 degrees set in 1960, said Lucas Boyer, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction. The new record is 18 degrees above the average high of 60 degrees for April 10. The record for April 11 is 77 degrees, set in 2023.
Durango resident to celebrate 102nd birthday on Monday

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Margaret Turnell: ‘It's been a good life. We've had our ups and downs, but that's just part of (it)’ Longtime Durango resident Margaret Turnell turns 102 on Monday. Her family, arriving Friday evening and through the weekend, is planning a neighborhood celebration. Turnell is sharp. She spends her days being “lazy,” as she puts it, occasionally cooking vegetable soups, visiting with friends and family, quilting, and reflecting on fond memories.
Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees appoint new president

1 week ago | durangoherald.com | Christian Burney

Heather Shotton is college’s first Native American leader The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of Heather Shotton as the college’s next president after naming her as the only finalist last month. Shotton, a citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne nations, will be FLC’s first Native American president, the college said in a news release Friday. She officially assumes office on July 1.