Ballots are due Tuesday.

Please get them to the polls. It really doesn't get much easier than receiving a ballot in the mail, filling it out in your living room or kitchen table, and returning it to one of our town halls if you don't need to make a trip to Durango. You can also turn in your ballot early if you're not a procrastinator.

It's a pleasant change to have so many people running for school board seats in Ignacio, and Bayfield voters have a choice to make for their board members as well. I thank all of the people who are running - school board meetings are important, and it's a big time commitment, as well.

The Times endorses a yes vote on 2D, the sales tax increase in Bayfield dedicated to street and stormsewer improvements. In the past, the small number of Bayfield voters casting their votes have decided this important issue, so that's another reason to cast your ballots! Speak up, people!

We also recommend a yes vote on La Plata County Question 1B, Bayfield Question 2E, Ignacio Question 2A, and Durango Question 2C. Frankly, this whole thing is a little confusing, but the upshot is that it will allow towns and the county to lease some of their fiber space to companies that - we hope! - will get us some higher speed internet. This is an economic development issue, not just a convenience for those of us who use computers all day.

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I've had the pleasure this week of watching our high school kids - Wolverines AND Bobcats - working hard and giving their best performances at both state band and regional cross country.

Both events were lots of fun, and I was so proud of these students.

Bridget Goddard ran fast last Friday in Pagosa Springs and regionals, and she didn't even realize she qualified for state until Coach Walton told her she had made it! Lexa Fleming was just a few seconds behind her and had a great senior season. We're only losing two seniors this year on the team, so there might be more successes for next year's team.

At state band, I think I was the only media person covering the 1A finals, so I enjoyed being able to shoot as much as I wanted from any angle! After the jostling of football and basketball games, that was kind of interesting.

After each performance, the bands move off the field, rolling away their drums and visual backgrounds. After their exit, the Marching Wolverines lined up at the top of the CSU-Pueblo field and watched Cedaredge perform. Although Cedaredge is a much smaller band, they routinely win top marks at state competition.

When their musicians came off the field, our kids congratulated their performance! I was so proud of their sportsmanship! Or musicianship. Or whatever you call it when our band is polite to another band!

Band Director Derek Smith told me the Marching Wolverines are planning to play their final marching performance this year at the football playoffs home game, slated for Saturday, Nov. 7.

I hope you'll go watch our kids at an event this fall. They appreciate our support!

Thanks for reading.