Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Friday, May 01, 2026
Ty's Take
The fire readiness meetings and the power shutoff policy discussions—they're the same conversation wearing different hats. We've got agencies showing up to talk about what's coming this summer, and LPEA explaining why they might cut power to prevent ignitions, and meanwhile the county's approving money for the airport runway. None of it's wrong, but it all points to the same thing: we're building and living in a place that nature is increasingly ready to remind us doesn't belong entirely to us. The question isn't whether to prepare—it's whether we're preparing for the place we have, or the place we wish we had.
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Weather Alerts
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 30 at 9:41PM MDT until May 1 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 expected. * WHERE...Lower Yampa River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Central Colorado River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Animas River Basin and San Juan River Basin Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 AM MDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freez...
Pagosa Springs SUN
End of Life Education to hear from coroner on April 30
County Coroner Brad Hunt will discuss his role and answer community questions at End of Life Education on Thursday, April 30 at 1 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church. The session may include optional CPR training demonstrations by emergency responders.
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
Starting May 4, U.S. 160 traffic will shift to one-lane alternating patterns for two weeks as crews begin excavation and paving work near the former courthouse. The Lewis Street intersection closure continues through late May or early June, with students advised to use alternate routes for school...
Agencies respond to multiple fires Tuesday
Three fires totaling 7 acres burned along Deep Canyon Road near Chimney Rock on April 28, with multiple local and federal agencies achieving containment within hours. The cause of the fires remains under investigation.
Local governments hear about upcoming fire danger, LPEA’s new power shutoff policy
County Sheriff Mike Le Roux warned local officials the area faces an exceptionally active fire season and urged residents to report fires promptly, noting larger blazes begin as small ones. La Plata Electric Association briefed commissioners on its new public safety power shutoff policy during high...
Bill to override disaster declaration denials introduced in Congress
Colorado's congressional delegation introduced the Disaster Declaration Transparency Act to allow Congress to override presidential denials of federal disaster relief. The bill aims to address FEMA's rejection of Colorado's requests for assistance following 2025 flooding and fires that caused...
Lawsuit against LPEA dismissed
A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging La Plata Electric Association's separation from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, ruling the organization's bylaws did not require member approval. The case cost LPEA over $100,000 in legal fees.
Commissioners approve funds for airport runway project
County commissioners unanimously approved matching funds for Stevens Field Airport's runway rehabilitation project, allocating $131,579 for 2026 and committing to $550,595 for 2027. The FAA will cover 95 percent of construction costs, with runway work scheduled for 2027.
Legislation introduced by Colorado lawmakers would establish a congressional override process for denied disaster declarations, requiring presidential notification within 24 hours and allowing expedited congressional action. The bill addresses FEMA's recent denials of Colorado's requests for...
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Historical newspaper excerpts document community life from 1926, 1951, and 1976, including changes in property ownership, post office leadership transitions, and construction growth in Archuleta County.
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: A Government Obsessed with Recreation? Part Seven
An editorial discusses local government spending priorities, questioning whether acquiring Reservoir Hill property justifies foregoing other community initiatives in the town's budget planning.
Colorado Law Will Prohibit Sales of Dogs, Cats in Pet Stores
Governor Polis signed legislation prohibiting Colorado pet stores from selling dogs and cats starting next year, aiming to reduce puppy mill demand and encourage shelter adoptions. The law, named after a dog from a puppy mill, still allows direct purchases from legitimate breeders.
OPINION: Protecting the Right to Vote in Colorado
The League of Women Voters expressed alarm over a Supreme Court ruling weakening voting rights protections, emphasizing Colorado's 2025 Voting Rights Act gains importance as federal safeguards erode. The group called for Congress to restore full protections against discriminatory election practices.
HEALTHY ARCHULETA: Spring Gardening Opportunities in Pagosa Springs
Healthy Archuleta launches its Seed to Supper gardening program beginning in May, offering five weekly evening classes at local community gardens for residents of all experience levels. Participants will learn skills from soil preparation to harvest in Pagosa's challenging 90-day growing season.
‘End of Life’ Education Program Today to Feature County Coroner
County Coroner Brad Hunt will speak at today's End of Life Education program beginning at 1 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church, discussing his role and state law changes affecting coroners' responsibilities. The community event emphasizes the importance of understanding end-of-life planning...
LIBRARY NEWS: A New Library Goes Green
The expanded Pagosa library is incorporating green features including EV charging stations, solar panel installation, and geothermal heating to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The facility will also host programming about sustainable technology and native pollinator gardens.
SENIOR NEWS: Driving Vehicles, in the Golden Years
Archuleta Senior Services will offer an AARP Smart Driver Course to help seniors maintain safe driving skills while preserving independence, with participants potentially qualifying for auto insurance discounts. Regular health checks and awareness of warning signs help older adults determine if...
EDITORIAL: A Government Obsessed with Recreation? Part Six
An editorial examines proposed government land purchases and staff reliability in public decision-making, urging transparency in how municipal employees provide information to elected boards. The author expresses concern about potential conflicts of interest in town development plans.
Colorado Senate Passes Bill to Address Sports Betting Addiction
The Colorado Senate passed bipartisan legislation establishing protections against problem gambling and online sports betting addiction, including limits on deposits and credit card use. The bill responds to a surge in gambling-related calls to the state hotline and growing concerns about youth...
Judge Rules in Favor of Unaffiliated Voters, as Primary Election Arrives
A federal judge upheld unaffiliated voters' right to participate in Colorado's June primary elections, rejecting a Republican Party challenge filed after a previous court ruling changed opt-out requirements. The decision allows the election to proceed as scheduled without late-hour changes to...
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