Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Friday, June 05, 2026
Ty's Take
Stage 1 fire restrictions are up, the water conservancy is still working through the Rio Blanco dispute, and folks down in Arboles are worried about drilling—which means the usual spring conversation is happening all over again, the one where we talk about who gets what and who pays the price. But look at the other half of today's paper: our kids just pulled in over a million dollars in scholarships, the stargazers are bringing in someone who actually worked Apollo, and we've got music and movies coming this summer. That's Pagosa. We're a place holding two things at once—the hard arguments about resources and development, and the stubborn belief that good things are still possible here. The trick is remembering both matter.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
CO150 film fest to feature selection of motion pictures celebrating 150 years of Colorado history
A statewide film festival celebrating Colorado's 150th birthday will screen 25 classic films at over 30 local venues across the state, with the Liberty Theatre in Pagosa Springs hosting selections from June through October. The Colorado150 project showcases movies shot in or featuring Colorado...
San Juan Stargazers to hear from Tom Hanchett of Apollo Mission Control
Tom Hanchett, an Apollo Mission Control veteran who worked on launches for all seven Apollo missions, will speak at the San Juan Stargazers meeting on June 4 at the Community United Methodist Church. The 89-year-old Pagosa Springs resident invites the public and local students to hear firsthand...
19th Hole Concerts opening night slated for June 4
The 19th Hole Concert Series kicks off June 4 at the Pagosa Springs Golf Club with musician Bob Hemenger performing, with all proceeds supporting local nonprofits including Wings Early Childhood Center. The summer concert series runs four consecutive Thursday evenings of live music from 5:30 to...
BLM implements Stage 1 fire restrictions
The Bureau of Land Management implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions across seven Southwest Colorado counties on May 29 due to extreme fire danger and persistent drought conditions. Restrictions limit campfires to agency-provided grates, prohibit smoking outside designated areas, ban explosive...
Residents voice concerns over drilling projects at Arboles community forum
Arboles residents gathered at a county forum to voice concerns about oil and gas drilling operations in New Mexico that are using county roads in Archuleta County, with complaints about heavy truck traffic, speeding at night, and noise from energy companies including Gore Energy and Hilcorp Energy....
Class of 2026 earns more than $1 million in scholarships
Pagosa Springs High School's class of 2026 earned more than $1 million in scholarships during its 116th annual commencement, with 12 students achieving 4.0 GPAs and over $160,000 coming from local organizations and businesses. The 81 graduating seniors were honored at Golden Peaks Stadium on May 30.
Commissioners approve agreement modification for maintenance on Forest Road 631
Archuleta County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement modification with the U.S. Forest Service to fund magnesium chloride application and maintenance on Forest Road 631 twice yearly following multiple vehicle rollovers. County officials stressed the maintenance challenge posed by the...
Suspect identified in damage to U.S. 160 reconstruction
Police arrested Thomas Dornfeld, 66, on May 25 for riding a scooter through freshly poured concrete on the U.S. 160 reconstruction project on May 12, causing damage estimated between $5,000 and $20,000. Dornfeld was charged with criminal mischief as a class 5 felony, and the incident caused delays...
Water conservancy discusses Rio Blanco water dispute
The San Juan Water Conservancy District discussed its potential role in litigation regarding a Rio Blanco property dispute where one landowner's construction of berms may be redirecting the river and flooding neighboring properties. The board is investigating whether the district has any claims...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Questions… About Pagosa Springs Medical Center’s TABOR Issue, Part Three
About two dozen voters attended a community forum about Pagosa Springs Medical Center's potential ballot measure to renew its TABOR waiver, which expires in December if not renewed. CEO Rhonda Webb explained the hospital receives $2.4 million annually in property tax revenue to support its $50...
Colorado’s Three Republican Candidates for Governor Square Off in First Full Debate
Colorado Springs ministry leader Victor Marx faced his two Republican rivals for governor in their first televised debate, where both state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and state Rep. Scott Bottoms criticized him as untrustworthy and unqualified. Marx, leading in fundraising with $2.7 million raised,...
THEATRE: Summer Happens Fast. These Stories Won’t Wait.
The Thingamajig Theatre Company's 2026 summer season has launched with the production of 'Come From Away,' which audiences received enthusiastically with standing ovations and strong emotional responses. The theater company is offering multiple stories throughout the summer season.
READY, FIRE, AIM: Peter Thiel and The Antichrist
A local columnist explores philosophical and theological questions about technology billionaire Peter Thiel and his writings on artificial intelligence and religious themes. The piece examines biblical interpretations of the Antichrist while questioning whether advanced technology poses spiritual...
Experience World-Class Fishing in Colorado for Free, June 6-7
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is waiving fishing license requirements on June 6-7 for Free Fishing Weekend, allowing anyone to fish Colorado's 6,000 miles of streams and 1,300 lakes and reservoirs at no cost. CPW is also hosting Get Outdoors Day on June 6 in Colorado Springs where the first 650...
Free Suicide Prevention Trainings for Colorado Families, Community Members, Educators
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced free virtual suicide prevention trainings for families, educators, and community members to recognize warning signs and understand the state's Extreme Risk Protection Order law. The trainings address Colorado's elevated suicide rate and firearm...
LIBRARY NEWS: Travel By The Book
The Pagosa Springs Library will close June 15-21 to move into its new addition while the original section undergoes renovations, with the facility expected to reopen June 22 with expanded services and a new front entrance. The library's column discusses travel writing and the importance of engaging...
SENIOR NEWS: Helping Seniors Thrive on a Fixed Income
Archuleta Seniors, Inc. helps local seniors manage fixed incomes through congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, wellness activities, and connections to community resources at the Ross Aragon Community Center. The center offers nutritious meals at suggested donation rates and welcomes community members...
HEALTHY ARCHULETA: Under the Same Sun
Healthy Archuleta held a Spanish-language community meeting with live interpretation services, featuring mindfulness exercises and listening activities that emphasized inclusive dialogue and face-to-face connection. Participants praised the organization's efforts to ensure the Hispanic community...
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