Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Ty's Take
The wildfire code taking effect next month is the kind of thing that sounds like bureaucratic overhead until you're watching embers blow across your roof—and by then it's too late. Pagosa's been lucky compared to some of what we've seen burn through the San Juans, but luck isn't a strategy, and the National Forest that surrounds us has plenty of fuel. The town's been working toward this for a while, and it matters that homeowners actually understand what's being asked of them before July 1 rolls around. Read up on it. Talk to your neighbors about defensible space. This isn't punishment—it's the price of living in a place this beautiful and this dry.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Colorado Proud Recipe of the Month: Mexican Red Chile Beef Stew
This month's Colorado Proud recipe celebrates Mexican Red Chile Beef Stew, a slow-simmered dish that showcases the state's world-class beef and legendary chiles. Colorado's ranching industry remains the backbone of agriculture, with over 2.5 million head of cattle and billions in annual economic...
Whose voice am I listening to?
A local Bible study leader explores the spiritual distinction between doubt that weakens faith and self-doubt that leads to sin, drawing on theological teachings about the three-part human nature: spirit, soul, and body. The reflection encourages believers to listen to God's voice rather than their...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: PAWSD Looks Ahead… to a Potential Budget Crunch, Part Two
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District faces potential budget concerns as capital investment fees from new construction have fallen far short of projections in 2026, threatening the district's debt service coverage ratio. The newly operational $44 million Snowball Water Treatment Plant,...
THEATRE: Actors Now in Rehearsal for Thingamajig’s 2026 Summer Rep Season
Thingamajig Theatre Company's 2026 summer season is underway with rehearsals beginning for three productions, starting with "Come From Away" on May 29. The season showcases a growing blend of nationally-known professional artists alongside emerging local talent from Southwest Colorado.
Wildfire Resiliency Code Takes Effect July 1 in Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs will enforce new fire-safety building standards starting July 1, requiring fire-rated roofing, ember-resistant venting, and other wildfire-resistant materials for new construction and major renovations. Residents are urged to prepare for fire season by signing up for town and county...
READY, FIRE, AIM: When the News is Less Like Homework…
A local columnist reflects on how news consumption has shifted from straightforward fact-reporting to opinion-driven programming, and expresses frustration over the challenge of distinguishing truth from manufactured narratives in today's media landscape. The piece humorously critiques a Washington...
Republican Colorado Governor Candidates Kirkmeyer, Bottoms Face Off in Debate
State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer and State Representative Scott Bottoms debated Thursday as Republican candidates for Colorado governor, with Kirkmeyer emphasizing her legislative experience and bipartisan deal-making while Bottoms positioned himself as an outsider focused on conspiracy-driven...
ESSAY: We’re Not Ready for the Parched Summer Ahead
The Colorado River Basin is heading into a parched summer with insufficient preparation to manage the crisis, leaving agricultural communities at greatest risk of losing irrigation water during critical growing seasons. Experts warn that fallowing farmland without proper planning and transition to...
Applicants Sought for Vacancy on Pagosa Springs Town Council
Pagosa Springs is accepting applications to fill one vacant at-large seat on the town council, with the appointment scheduled for June 16. Eligible residents interested in shaping the town's future can submit completed applications by June 10 to Town Hall.
OPINION: Governor Polis Helping to Hand Out ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ Cards
An opinion piece argues that Governor Polis' recent commutation of Tina Peters' sentence, following federal pressure from President Trump, sends a troubling message that election crimes may be overlooked if perpetrators have presidential support. The commentary contends the action rewards...
U.S. Senate Votes to Freeze Members’ Pay During Future Shutdowns
The U.S. Senate approved a resolution preventing senators from receiving paychecks during government shutdowns that occur after the 2026 elections, though the measure does not affect House members. The bipartisan effort aims to discourage shutdown brinkmanship by making lawmakers share financial...
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