Ear to the ground

“Are you keeping a running tally anywhere of the number of times Ronnie James Dio has been mentioned in the “Ask the Diver” column?”

– Member of the public expressing curiosity about the mysterious inner workings of Durango’s weekly newspaper

Silverton Brewery

resurrected

For the first time in more than 85 years, a brewery is back in Silverton. The Silverton Brewery has opened its doors, but according to our most recent reports, was still awaiting a liquor license.

The original Silverton Brewery was apparently of some note, offering several options to thirsty prospectors. The brewery’s owner also went on to build the now historic Teller House Hotel on Silverton’s Greene Street. But the dream ended abruptly.

The Silverton suds factory closed its doors in 1920 when Prohibition hit, and the constitutional amendment banned all alcohol in the United States. When Prohibition was repealed 13 years later, the Silverton Brewery remained closed.

Now in 2005, the microbrewery craze has finally landed in Silverton. Billing itself as the “Highest Altitude Brewery in the World,” the Silverton Brewery has opened in name but so far lacks frothy substance. According to a report in theSilverton Standard,  the brewery has opened its doors but began its 21st century life dispensing shot glasses and T-shirts.

The owner plans eventually to brew four types of beer on premises. Among them are a Locomotive Lager, Prospector’s Pilsener and a High Altitude Hefeweizen

Help from

Harry Potter

Harry Potter is back, and just like his last visit to Durango, the young wizard will roll into Maria’s Bookshop at the stroke of midnight July 15. British author J.K. Rowling has completedHarry Potter VI: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and its release is scheduled for July 16.

Not only will Maria’s give you a nine-hour jump on other local Hogwarts-heads, a portion of your Harry Potter purchase can boost a local charity. The independent book seller is currently taking reservations for the book, and for each copy reserved, Maria’s will donate $5 of the cover price to the Durango Discovery Museum. Reserved copies can be picked up at the Midnight Release Party which takes place from 10:30 p.m.-midnight at Maria’s Bookshop on Fri., July 15.