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Recent Work

I currently work at The Durango Herald, a local print and online publication in Durango, Colorado. I cover the city of Durango and K-12 education in the county. I also run the paper's TikTok account, working to expand our online audience and engage people through short-form vertical video storytelling.

Durango Herald •

Durango’s underground tunnels still stir the pot, leading some to question what’s fantasy and fact

El Rancho co-owner Chris Lile walks in a tunnel of the business below the sidewalk Tuesday in downtown Durango. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)
Despite historians’ assurance that the Durango tunnels were used for coal storage, rumors remain about other potential uses.
The tunnels, mostly located in the 900 and 1000 blocks of Main Avenue, were reportedly used for coal storage beginning in the 1880s. Local historians and the Animas Museum have addressed rumors that the tunnels were used for other l...
Durango Herald •

CDOT requests federal aid for road damage across Southwest Colorado

There was significant damage to roadways throughout Southwest Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Transportation is requesting federal aid to help with repairs. (Courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation)
The Colorado Department of Transportation has requested $65 million in federal relief funds to aid in the repair of damaged highways across Southwest Colorado after flooding and heavy rainfall last week.
CDOT estimated $65 million in damages to federal-aid roadways, including s...
Durango Herald •

Trails reopen around Durango after heavy rainfall

The Animas River flowing at about 11,000 cubic feet per second over the Animas River Trail below 32nd Street on Friday afternoon at the 32nd Street put-in in Durango. The trail was closed due to high waters, but has since reopened. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
Trails in and around Durango are open after heavy rain last week, but officials are still asking for best trail practices to keep them in good condition.
The Animas River Trail faced closures as a result of heavy rain and high river...
Durango Herald •

Drain cleanup planned ahead of upcoming rainfall in Durango

Heavy rain is expected to head Durango’s way later this week, and the city’s public works department is preparing the same way it did ahead of the most recent storm system. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald file)Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald
The city of Durango’s Public Works department prepped drainage systems ahead of the heavy rainfall last week and plans to do the same ahead of the next storm system expected this weekend to prevent drainage backups.
Ahead of the last storm system that rolled th...
Durango Herald •

New Durango community engagement manager focused on expanding civic input

Jessica Morrison is the city’s new community engagement program manager. (Durango Herald file)
The city of Durango hired a new community engagement program manager who said she hopes to include even more voices from the public on city projects.
Jessica Morrison previously spent 20 years in education and nonprofit work before moving into her community engagement role with the city. Morrison has only been in the role for about a month, but her focus moving forward is equity and access for Durango...
Durango Herald •

September, October far surpass average monthly rainfall in Durango

A wet September and October make up a majority of Durango’s precipitation for the year so far, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction. (Shane Benjamin/Durango Herald file)
After last week’s heavy rain, October has more than tripled its average monthly precipitation in Durango, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
As of Monday, Durango had received 4.28 inches of rain in October alone, said Lucas Boyer, a meteorologist with the NWS. On average, October...
Durango Herald •

Another storm system headed Durango’s way beginning Friday

Another storm system is expected to roll into Durango later this week, and the National Weather Service is monitoring it closely because of already wet conditions after storms earlier this month. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)
The wet weather stretch in Durango and La Plata County isn’t over yet, with more rain expected to arrive Friday and last through the weekend.
Light rain is expected to begin Friday, with a “bigger push of moisture” arriving Sunday, said Lucas Boyer, meteorologist with...
Durango Herald •

Longtime Durango postal worker heads into retirement

Michael Schumann has been with the U.S. Postal Service for more than 30 years, about 26 of those in Durango. He is retiring Oct. 30. (Gabrielle Wallace/Durango Herald)
For nearly 30 years, Michael Schumann has delivered mail to the people and businesses of Durango – and he always tries to do it with a smile.
After about 26 years, he will be stepping down as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service at the end of the month. His work, smile and contributions to the community will be missed – but...
Durango Herald •

City of Durango to consider if higher overfill trash fine is appropriate deterrent

In response to a “bad bear year,” Durango City Councilor Kip Koso suggested increasing fees for overloading or overfilling trash cans in the hope of deterring customers from the practice and decreasing wildlife attractants. ((Jerry McBride/Durango Herald file)Jerry McBride
The city of Durango might consider raising trash overfill fees, among other measures, to deter residents from overfilling cans and attracting wildlife, but the fine amount is yet to be determined.
City Councilor Kip Koso propo...
Durango Herald •

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd fields good, bad, neutral feedback in Bayfield

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd met with constituents in Bayfield on Friday as part of his “Coffee with Your Congressman” tour. (Gabrielle Wallace/Durango Herald)
BAYFIELD – U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd met with constituents in Bayfield on Friday morning, where he appeared personable and engaged with constituents from across Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
Residents had the opportunity to see another side of Hurd – who doesn’t make public appearances in CD3 often – as he thanked constituents who favored him a...
Durango Herald •

City of Durango to pursue residential parking permit program

The city is pursuing a residential parking permit program in response to resurfaced concerns as a result of the city hall and police department project. (Christian Burney/Durango Herald file)Christian Burney
Durango City Council directed staff members to consider two different residential parking permit programs for the Boulevard neighborhood.
With council’s direction, city staff members are pursuing what were listed as options two and three of four presented.
Option two looks at imposing time l...
Durango Herald •

Resident and city of Durango lawsuit verdict still out

An overview for the city hall and police department project as of Oct. 6, 2026. (Screenshot)
The city of Durango and owner of the Smiley Building, Charles Shaw, faced off in court Thursday and Friday over the city hall and police department project.
Sixth Judicial District Court Chief Judge Kim Shropshire said her decision will likely take a couple of weeks, if not longer.
“We’re pleased that the judge is going to take the time to make a considered decision after reviewing everything,” said Mark...