Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Friday, May 29, 2026
Ty's Take
Fire restrictions are here, which means somebody up the chain saw the same dry conditions we're all looking at and decided it was time to get serious before July hits hard. The BLM's stage one order across six counties isn't a surprise—it never is anymore—but it's a useful reminder that between the graduation ceremonies this weekend and the budget meetings and all the normal spring business, we've still got that other conversation happening in the background about what happens when August gets here and the monsoon doesn't show. County's already working the grant angle for mitigation work, which is the right move, but grants and caution only go so far when you're ringed by National Forest and the fuel load keeps getting heavier. Congratulations to this year's graduates, and here's hoping they come back to a town that's still here to come back to.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
The Bureau of Land Management has implemented stage 1 fire restrictions across six counties in southwest Colorado as part of wildfire prevention efforts during the fire season.
Saturday ceremonies to feature 100 graduates
Archuleta School District will celebrate approximately 100 graduating seniors across two ceremonies this Saturday, with Pagosa Springs High School holding its 9 a.m. ceremony at Golden Peaks Stadium and San Juan Mountain School hosting its 1 p.m. ceremony at the high school auditorium.
School boards hear draft budgets, BEST grant not awarded
The Archuleta School District board reviewed its 2026-2027 draft budget showing total program funding of nearly $20 million, though the district did not receive a BEST grant for a new pre-K through eighth-grade building. The budget reflects declining enrollment, down from 1,616.8 students two years...
Utah triple homicide suspect extradited
Ivan Miller, a 22-year-old Pagosa Springs resident accused in a March Utah triple homicide, waived extradition and was transferred to Utah authorities on May 25. Miller was arrested locally in connection with the deaths of three women discovered near a hiking trail in Wayne County.
County applying for fire mitigation work grant
Archuleta County is pursuing a FEMA grant to fund fire mitigation work in Martinez Canyon, an untreated fuel area that poses significant risk to residential neighborhoods and critical water infrastructure following the August 2025 Oak Fire. The grant application aims to protect nearly $720 million...
Pagosa Springs town officials are seeking applicants to fill an at-large council vacancy after receiving no letters of interest by the original May 13 deadline. The town has extended the application deadline to June 10, with interviews scheduled for the council's second June meeting.
This editorial celebrates the local class of 2026 as they graduate and enter adulthood, encouraging the community to support young people while embracing values of gratitude, kindness and meaningful connections with loved ones.
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: The Future of Our Public Schools, Part Three
Archuleta School District enrollment has declined roughly 10 percent since 2019, while the district-operated Pagosa Peak Open School has grown from 106 to 129 students and may reach 148 next year. An education commentary discusses long-standing concerns about whether modern schooling adequately...
Thingamajig Theatre’s ‘Come From Away’ Opens Tomorrow at PSCA
Thingamajig Theatre opens its 2026 summer season Friday with the Tony Award-winning musical "Come From Away," a story about 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland after September 11, 2001. The production runs at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts with performances that showcase both...
LIBRARY NEWS: Get Ready for the Summer Reading Challenge
The Pagosa Library is launching Read Wild!, a summer reading challenge running June 1-August 30 featuring badge collection, prizes and raffle opportunities, with a community goal of 250,000 minutes read. The library is also hosting outdoor activities and announcing its new addition will open Labor...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Securing the Border, If You Don’t Mind
An opinion piece discusses Congressman Jeff Hurd's campaign messaging and recent reconciliation with President Trump after the president initially withdrew his endorsement in February over trade policy disagreements.
Colorado’s U.S. Rep. Jason Crow Helps Launch ‘Anti-Corruption Caucus’
U.S. Representative Jason Crow is co-chairing a new congressional End Corruption Caucus with fellow Democrats to combat the influence of dark money and special interests in politics. The caucus aims to increase transparency in campaign donations and address what members call corruption that drives...
‘Phenomenomaly’ Returns to Meow Wolf Denver June 5 Through August 9
Meow Wolf's immersive theatrical experience "Phenomenomaly" returns to Denver from June 5 through August 9, featuring live performances, interactive art installations and collaborative audience participation at no additional cost with general admission. The show blends theater, dance, puppetry and...
CHAMBER NEWS: Coming in June…Car Show, 19th Hole Concerts
The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Car Show June 12-13 at Yamaguchi Park, followed by the 19th Hole Concert Series running Thursday evenings in June, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits. The events feature live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities...
HEALTHY ARCHULETA: Seeds of Resilience… at 4th Annual ‘Siembra al Cena’
Healthy Archuleta kicked off its fourth annual "Siembra al Cena" community gardening program, teaching residents how to grow fresh food in the region's challenging mountain climate. The program emphasizes soil preparation, seasonal crop planning and the mental health benefits of gardening as a...
SENIOR CENTER: Pay Attention to Summer Heat
The Archuleta Senior Center is reminding older adults to take precautions against heat-related illness this summer by staying hydrated, wearing protective clothing and limiting outdoor activities during peak heat. The center provides congregate meals, Meals on Wheels delivery and a cool, safe...
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