Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, May 14, 2026
Ty's Take
You can read between the lines on a slow news day—the water conservancy talking grants and ranch management, the county patting itself on the back for a 3.2 percent unemployment rate, the school district bringing in a new middle principal. These are the stories of a place trying to hold steady. What catches my eye is that sales tax collections dropped while the economy supposedly hummed along, which means either tourists are spending less at the hot springs or locals are tightening their belts, probably both. The real news isn't in any one headline but in the gap between them—we're managing, but barely, and everyone from the county commissioners to the water board to the school knows it. That's why tonight's Community Conversations about school funding and infrastructure matters more than the turnout will suggest. Pagosa's been through boom and bust cycles before. The question is whether we're smart enough this time to plan for what comes next.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Historical archives from the Pagosa Springs Sun reveal drilling projects planned in the 1920s, a grandmother's relocation in 1951, and mill modernization efforts in 1976. These glimpses into the county's past highlight the region's evolution from resource extraction to industrial development.
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
U.S. 160 reconstruction continues with utility work at Lewis Street and planned closures at Hot Springs Boulevard from June 1-15. The Lewis Street intersection remains the most complex phase of the project, requiring complete demolition and replacement of underground infrastructure.
Community Conversations series to continue May 21 with look at school funding, infrastructure
The Archuleta School District superintendent will present findings on school funding at a May 21 Community Conversations meeting, including results of a BEST grant application. The free public event is part of a four-part series examining local infrastructure and funding needs.
Archuleta County Democratic Club to meet May 19
The Archuleta County Democratic Club will meet May 19 at Uncle's to hear from State Board of Education candidate Barbara Clementi. The monthly gathering invites all interested voters to learn about upcoming elections.
Water conservancy talks grants, ranch management
The San Juan Water Conservancy District is pursuing grant funding and planning a 50-year water supply and demand study in partnership with local water agencies. The board also discussed fencing improvements at Running Iron Ranch to prevent livestock from accessing U.S. 160.
County Fleet Department reports stable budget
Archuleta County's fleet department reported a stable budget and completed major vehicle maintenance projects, including a water truck rebuild and systematic vehicle repurposing. The department has also launched a countywide vehicle rebranding initiative and addressed five fleet accidents this year.
County’s March unemployment rate drops to 3.2 percent
Archuleta County's unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in March, down from 4.2 percent in February. The county's labor force totaled 6,603 residents, with 212 unemployed, reflecting a tightening job market.
Hanging flower baskets still on sale, Car Show set for June 12-13
The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is selling hanging flower baskets while supplies last, with deliveries expected around Memorial Day. The popular Car Show returns June 12-13 with registration open for classic and custom vehicles.
March sales tax collections down 1.01 percent
Archuleta County sales tax collections dropped 1.01 percent in March compared to last year, translating to $15,560 less in revenue. Year-to-date figures show a 3.22 percent decline through the first three months of 2026.
State honors Colorado foster families, including Pagosa Springs couple
Colorado honored five foster families this month, including a Pagosa Springs couple recognized for their commitment to caring for teens and youth with behavioral health needs. Foster families provide critical support to children entering state care.
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: A Safe Place for Young Men with Developmental Disabilities, Part Two
A Safe Place in Pagosa celebrated the groundbreaking for Aspen House, a group home for young men with developmental disabilities after 11 years of planning. The project represents a critical gap-filling solution for adults aging out of family care systems.
Cost of the Iran War Rises… and So Does Inflation
Pentagon officials reported the Iran war has cost $29 billion to date as inflation hit 3.8 percent, with fuel prices driving the jump. Congressional lawmakers questioned the accuracy of spending estimates amid rising costs for American families.
School District Selects Janae Ash as New Middle School Principal
Archuleta School District promoted Janae Ash, the current assistant principal, to lead Pagosa Springs Middle School following the departure of Joshua Sanchez. Ash brings 19 years of district experience and a strong record of building positive school culture.
READY, FIRE, AIM: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, Also Known as ‘UFOs’
An administration official announced plans to identify and release government files related to unidentified aerial phenomena and extraterrestrial life. The directive signals a potential shift toward greater transparency on previously classified UFO-related materials.
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: 25% of Americans Now Reporting Zero Income?
Roughly one in four American households now report zero income, with West Virginia leading at 34 percent, according to recent analysis. Economists remain skeptical about positive economic reports amid ongoing concerns about job growth and inflation.
PCC Southwest to Celebrate 367 Graduates on May 16
Pueblo Community College Southwest will graduate 367 students earning 454 degrees and certificates on May 16 in Cortez. This year's class includes nearly triple the number of concurrent enrollment graduates from local high schools compared to last year.
Denver Court Finds ICE Exhibiting ‘Manifest Noncompliance’ with Injunction
A federal judge in Denver ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Colorado are continuing to make unlawful warrantless arrests in violation of a November injunction. The court ordered ICE to implement new training and reporting procedures to ensure compliance.
Tonight’s ‘Community Conversations’ Will Address Potential Tax Increases
Archuleta County residents face potential November ballot measures on a $126 million PreK-8 school facility, medical center funding, and lodging tax increases. Free Community Conversations starting May 13 will allow citizens to hear directly from government leaders about these proposals.
How the Strait of Hormuz Affects Your Cost at the Gas Pump
Gasoline prices have surged to an average of $4.52 per gallon as supply disruptions from the Iran war affect the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Global oil markets mean Middle Eastern supply problems drive price increases everywhere.
OPINION: The Global Epidemic of Violence in an Age of Impunity
A global epidemic of violence has escalated to unprecedented levels, with over 130 armed conflicts now active worldwide, according to international analysis. The breakdown of political institutions and legitimacy is driving increased violence as militarized responses replace negotiation and...
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