Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, May 07, 2026
Ty's Take
Lot of moving parts this week—the county's hammering out its comprehensive plan while the state's throwing money at opioids and disaster recovery, the Forest Service is running saws in the ranger district, and U.S. 160 is still a work in progress. On the surface it looks like ordinary machinery, the kind of thing that happens in any small mountain town trying to keep itself together. But underneath it's the real question Archuleta County keeps bumping up against: how do you plan for the future when the future keeps changing faster than your roads can handle? Chimney Rock opens again in a couple weeks, the tourists will come, the water fights will simmer, and somebody's still got to figure out what happens the next time fire comes down off the ridge. For now, we're doing the work. That's all any of us can do.
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Weather Alerts
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued May 6 at 8:51PM MDT until May 7 at 9:00AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures expected. * WHERE...Central Yampa River Basin, Lower Yampa River Basin, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, San Juan River Basin, Central Colorado River Basin, Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, and ...
Pagosa Springs SUN
This retrospective column looks back at notable events and announcements from May 7 in previous years, offering readers a glimpse into the community's past.
A century of Pagosa Springs history comes alive through archived newspaper accounts spanning from 1926 cattle drives and mountain pass conditions to 1951 park improvements and 1976 discussions about housing shortages, showing how similar challenges have persisted in the community.
County moving forward with contractor for comprehensive plan update
Archuleta County commissioners approved a $140,000 contract with HR Green to update the county's comprehensive plan, with state grants covering $87,500 and the county providing the remainder, prioritizing public input and water supply planning. The planning commission will play a central role in...
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Archuleta County and the surrounding region can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration to recover from drought-related economic losses. Loans up to $2 million are available with interest rates...
Governor announces new tool to help Coloradans navigate life after disaster
Governor Polis unveiled the Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool, a new online resource offering step-by-step guidance for residents and businesses recovering from natural disasters. The free, 24/7 accessible platform organizes recovery information by user type and disaster stage, connecting...
CDOT's U.S. 160 reconstruction project is on track for completion this fall, with crews working aggressively to finish the disruptive Lewis Street intersection work before summer tourism season, taking time off for Fourth of July festivities. Meanwhile, private property owners along Country Center...
Colorado awarded $11 million across 24 organizations in a highly competitive fourth round of opioid treatment funding, with applications requesting nearly $40 million from settlement dollars secured by the state attorney general. The projects will expand recovery services, housing support and...
Victims of auto theft encouraged to file for victim’s assistance
The Colorado State Patrol is urging victims of vehicles stolen after April 24, 2024 to apply for victim assistance before current fiscal year funding expires. The program helps reduce financial hardship by offering alternative transportation and reimbursement for repairs, with qualifying victims...
Chimney Rock National Monument to open for season May 15
Chimney Rock National Monument opens its 2026 season May 15, offering guided tours, educational programs and cultural demonstrations exploring ancestral Puebloan heritage and astronomy. The season kicks off with a lecture series beginning May 19 and includes the free two-day "Life at Chimney Rock"...
Lecture series to feature David Bouquet speaking on ‘Southwestern Native Rock Art’
Local geology and archaeology expert David Bouquet will present a free lecture on May 19 exploring rock art across Puebloan sites in the Southwest, from ancient examples at Hovenweep and Bears Ears to cultural treasures lost during the creation of Navajo Lake. The presentation includes stunning...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: A Report on Recent Wildfire Discussions, Part One
An editorial explores Archuleta County's adoption of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, which takes effect July 1 and establishes new building standards designed to help structures withstand wildfire damage while allowing some exemptions. The code represents a local step toward wildfire...
‘Massive Amounts of Money’ Doomed Colorado’s Landmark 2024 A.I. Law
Colorado's landmark 2024 artificial intelligence consumer protection law is being gutted by a new compromise bill, with state lawmakers scrapping most regulations after facing intense lobbying by tech companies. The scaled-down legislation would require only basic disclosures about automated...
OPINION: Early Childhood Education an Essential Service in Pagosa Springs
An opinion piece argues that Wings Early Childhood Center's infant and toddler care is essential to Pagosa Springs' economic development, allowing 45 families to remain in the workforce while raising young children. Without the center's services, the community would face a 20 percent increase in...
READY, FIRE, AIM: I Shoulda Been a Therapist
A personal column reflects on therapy sessions and current political concerns, referencing a recent Tucker Carlson interview that doubled as a public therapy session exploring his troubled relationship with Donald Trump. The author muses on how divisive political figures can drive people to seek...
OPINION: Colorado Municipal League Calls to Dialogue Regarding Transportation Funding
The Colorado Municipal League opposes both a transportation funding ballot initiative and a legislative bill designed to blunt its effects, citing concerns that municipalities would lose revenue for roads and transit. The league calls for constructive dialogue on transportation funding after the...
Logging Trucks Working in Pagosa Ranger District
The San Juan National Forest's Pagosa Ranger District will conduct timber harvesting and log hauling through year's end on several forest roads as part of vegetation management aimed at reducing fire danger and improving wildlife habitat. Forest visitors should exercise caution around heavy...
Colorado Opioid Abatement Council Awards $11 Million to 24 Organizations
The Colorado Opioid Abatement Council distributed $11 million across 24 organizations in its most competitive funding round yet, with demand for services nearly four times the available dollars. The Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council received $446,000 to expand peer recovery support for...
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