BLACK HAWK - This week was similar to many weeks before, except for the angry letters I received that were directed at me personally, instead of to the newspaper. I personally find it unacceptable to be attacked personally and it makes my job...
BLACK HAWK - Some weeks are harder than others to say things I feel may need to be said in our mountain community. This week I have so much I want to share, so bear with me. One thing I want to mention is the “Great Colorado Payback.” This...
Dear writers, columnists, and contributors, By now, everyone is aware we have a podcast in conjunction with the newspaper. We are now in our fifth year as a podcast! In February 2025, we broke 25,000 downloads across all of our episodes! This is...
PEAK TO PEAK - We’re back on the roller coaster. Earlier this week, the National Newspaper Association notified us that we should be lobbying for the termination of Postmaster Louis DeJoy as a result of the devastation into which he has thrust...
Publishing in the US changes today—especially in the universe of small and rural publishers. Because today the Trump adminstration levied a 25% tariff against all products coming...
PEAK TO PEAK - This paper wouldn’t be here for you all to read, without the incredible people who make it happen every week. Here is a current list of contributors, staff and volunteers that work hard to make your newspaper the very best...
BLACK HAWK - Often I find myself wondering about love. I can't imagine there is anyone out there that doesn't ponder this. There are so many kinds of love. Love of a parent, a child, a friend, a lover, a spouse, a beloved pet and more. This week,...
A man of character. A man dedicated to his family and community. Hearing about the loss of our friend Chip Smith weighs heavy on our hearts. The memories of our time with Chip will always be a part of our lives. How wonderful it was to work...
This Monday, January 27, I received a call to unlock our music store so the property folks could check it out for a leak. I was thankful to pull up to the door and find our friend Asher Hughes standing there with a spare set of keys,...
PEAK TO PEAK – However you think of the new administration in Washington, there are changes taking place that will affect us. One thing is dramatically clear: there is little attention paid to Main Street in the new plans, and much power given to...
GILPIN COUNTY - At the January 14 meeting of the Gilpin County Commissioners, The Mountain-Ear (TME) and the Weekly Register-Call (WRC) performed their annual dance/duel in competition to be the newspaper of record for Gilpin County. As you will...
Nederland NEDERLAND - Today I sit at the Nederland office, working on some ideas for 2025, thinking about our accomplishments in 2024 as a TEAM. The year started off with a lot of enthusiasm for new projects and to continue projects...
BLACK HAWK - For over three decades I have made empty promises to myself and others about how much I am going to change in the new year. How I’m going to drink less, exercise more, walk the dog more, clean my house more, be a better mom, be a...
NEDERLAND - I do think Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. I love the music and I start listening to it earlier than most people. From the pop Holiday tunes to the hymns, I love it all. Can you believe Wham’s “Last Christmas” is 40 years...
DENTON, TEXAS - It’s Chrismukkah this year. Twice in eight years! That’s twice, when Hanukkah and Christmas occur at the same time. This year, Hanukkah starts on the night of December 25. I forget what the overlap was in 2016. All my long...
Today, Thursday, December 12, 2024, marks day 6617 days I’ve been working at The Mountain-Ear. During that time we have put 945 newspapers to print. This week is no exception. But I’m not here to talk about this week. Last week, the December 5...
The idea of holiday shopping can be a stressful thing to some but living in the mountains, I find it quite delightful! I’ve not once had to go down into the hustle and bustle of the flats to find a gift. The most unique and special gifts I’ve...
NEDERLAND - As this season of being hyperaware of gratitude approaches I try to stop before saying out loud, “Gratitude, really?” This has not been an easy year. Sitting at the bedside of my teenage son for weeks listening to machines...
Black Hawk- This week marks just about two months of free access to our website, and next week you'll see some changes happening. If you are an online subscriber, you’ll receive an email that says “Create your user account.” If you are a...
I've been sleeping a lot lately. I average 10 to 12 hours a night. My body is tired. My brain is tired. I wake up exhausted. My body keeps telling me to slow down and I'm working on that. I've been working on it for almost 2 years now. Weekends...