Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, May 28, 2026
Ty's Take
Water's always been the argument that matters most in high country, and this week the Southwestern Water Conservation District found their person to settle some of it—at least on paper. The new general manager's got to thread a needle that gets tighter every year: keeping the ranches and farms alive, making sure the town doesn't run dry when August rolls around, and doing it all while the Front Range keeps looking thirsty over the mountains. Whoever takes that job knows they're managing not just numbers but the whole reason people stayed here instead of leaving. That's not easy work.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
This article appears to be a placeholder or stub with minimal content about historical lookbacks from the Pagosa Springs Sun.
Historical archives reveal that a 1926 cemetery cleanup day drew 200 volunteers who improved grounds with gravel and fence work, a 1951 sawmill fire destroyed thousands in timber despite quick firefighter response, and 1976 brought lingering snow conditions attracting late-season outdoor...
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
U.S. Highway 160 reconstruction work is shifting traffic from the south side to the north side of the highway, with Hot Springs Boulevard and the overlook parking lot closing June 3-18 for utility and paving improvements. Motorists should use alternate routes and stay informed through the project...
Chamber gearing up for season of community events
Pagosa Springs is preparing for a busy season of summer events, including the Chamber's annual car show June 12-13 featuring classic vehicles and live music, and the 19th Hole Concert Series running Thursday nights through June with live entertainment and nonprofit spotlights.
CDOT unveils transportation plan for next 10 years
Colorado's Department of Transportation approved a 10-year infrastructure plan for over 250 projects statewide, focusing on fixing aging roads and bridges, improving safety, and enhancing transportation options despite limited funding. About 55 percent of planned projects include pavement work...
Southwestern Water Conservation District names sole finalist for general manager position
The Southwestern Water Conservation District board named Andrew Straub-Heidke as its sole finalist for general manager after a nationwide search to replace retiring Steve Wolff. Straub-Heidke brings extensive Colorado water management experience and familiarity with southwestern Colorado's...
Community Conversations series to continue June 1 with look at hospital funding
Pagosa Springs Medical Center CEO Dr. Rhonda Webb will discuss rural hospital finances and local funding strategies at a free Community Conversations event on June 1 at 5:30 p.m. The session is the third in a four-part public discussion series examining major community issues.
Town council discusses future of sanitation system
Pagosa Springs town officials are developing a long-term strategy to replace or repair the aging wastewater conveyance system that pumps sewage 7 miles uphill to a treatment plant plagued by equipment failures since 2015. New interim director Phil Bennet aims to keep the current system operational...
Town council denies appeal alleging that town staff incorrectly approved plat amendment
The Pagosa Springs Town Council rejected an appeal from Mountain Vista Townhomes challenging a plat amendment approval for two nearby properties, ruling that the minor subdivision designation was appropriate. The townhome association had argued for a major subdivision classification to require more...
Summer EBT nutritional benefits to begin late May
Colorado will distribute Summer EBT benefits to nearly 500,000 children in late May, providing a one-time $120 grocery benefit per eligible child to help reduce summer hunger. New bilingual online tools allow families to check enrollment status and manage accounts ahead of the benefit rollout.
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: The Future of Our Public Schools, Part Two
Archuleta School District experienced a 7 percent enrollment decline between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a statewide trend of falling public school attendance across Colorado. The district is considering a controversial proposal to consolidate schools and build a new PreK-8 facility on Vista...
The Data Center Battle Moves into Congress
Data center expansion is becoming a contentious political issue in Congress and communities nationwide, with lawmakers debating how to manage their massive electricity demands and impacts on local utilities. Grassroots opposition is intensifying while industry lobbying spreads millions to promote...
‘A Community Conversation’ on June 1 Will Address Possible Ballot Measure for PS Medical Center
Pagosa Springs Medical Center CEO Dr. Rhonda Webb will discuss hospital funding strategies and sustainability at a free community conversation on June 1, with a separate session on county lodging tax proposals scheduled for June 10. The ongoing dialogue series explores potential ballot measures...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Modern Music
A commentary examines the rise of artificial intelligence-generated music that copies established artists like Drake, arguing that computer-generated songs rely on plagiarism rather than genuine creativity. The piece critiques both the technology and the subject matter, suggesting that AI-created...
THE DAILY YONDER: Anna Nelson on Food Security at Home and Abroad
Anna Nelson, executive director of the Food Security Leadership Council, discusses the need for stronger U.S. investment in agricultural research and development to improve global food security. Nelson, a former State Department official, argues that food security should be a national priority with...
Recreation Coalition Seeking Input on Draft Community Plan on June 3
The Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition is hosting a community open house on June 3 to gather final feedback on its draft regional recreation and conservation plan before finalizing the document. The plan aims to guide outdoor recreation projects and help position the coalition to pursue future state...
Three Medical Routines Older People Should Probably Skip
Recent medical research suggests some common health screenings and procedures may be unnecessary or risky for older patients, including colonoscopies after age 75, removal of common skin lesions, and certain thyroid medications. Doctors are increasingly questioning whether benefits outweigh...
Congressional Republicans Ditch ICE Funding Vote and Leave Town
Senator John Hickenlooper blocked a Republican effort to pass a $72 billion ICE funding bill that would have included a slush fund potentially benefiting election-related convictions. Hickenlooper successfully introduced an amendment to prevent payouts to people convicted of election crimes,...
CSU Extension to Host ‘Bioblitz’ Event in Downtown Pagosa
Colorado State University Extension is hosting the first Annual Archuleta County BioBlitz on June 20 in downtown Pagosa, inviting community members to help scientists document local species and ecosystem data. The hands-on event features expert-led walks and talks, with registration open for $25...
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