Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, June 11, 2026
Ty's Take
Two good people are walking out the schoolhouse door after 53 years of combined service, and that's the kind of story that catches up with a town like ours whether we're paying attention or not. O'Donnell and Jordan didn't make the news by chasing it—they made it by showing up, year after year, in ways that shaped how kids in Archuleta County think about themselves and their future. Meanwhile we're wrestling with new school funding, the water conservancy is still having hard conversations about who gets what from the San Juan, and the county's thinking about a new fairgrounds building to showcase the west we claim to care about. None of that moves an inch without people who believe in the place enough to do the unglamorous work, and we ought to mark the difference between those who do and the rest of us who just live here.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Laura Lewis Marchino, executive director of Region 9 Economic Development District, has been re-elected to the National Association of Development Organizations Board for another two-year term. Marchino is the only Colorado board member representing the national voice for regional development...
Water conservancy talks fence lines, ranch maintenance
The San Juan Water Conservancy District discussed ranch maintenance needs at Running Iron Ranch, including correcting fence lines and managing cattle grazing agreements with the U.S. Forest Service. District leaders also addressed ongoing ditch maintenance responsibilities with nearby landowners.
New western showcase building proposed at county fairgrounds
The Hott Fund is proposing a $1.5 million western showcase building at the county fairgrounds with no county investment required, as the structure will sit on Western Heritage Event Center land. The building will feature exhibit space and a dance hall named after R.D. Hott's longtime friend Margie...
As schools close for summer, local educators and community leaders encourage residents of all ages to continue exercising their minds through learning opportunities available throughout Archuleta County. The area offers numerous resources including libraries, clubs, outdoor activities, and...
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Historical records from 100 and 50 years ago highlight Wolf Creek Pass opening to vehicular traffic in 1926 and community events from 1951 and 1976, including snowfall records and local celebrations. The column preserves memories of regional heritage and noteworthy residents from earlier eras.
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
U.S. 160 reconstruction in Pagosa Springs continues with utility work and concrete pours progressing through mid-June, including temporary closures at Hot Springs Boulevard and Lewis Street intersections. Multiple construction crews are nearing completion of water, wastewater, and electrical work...
Pagosa Springs High School Principal Sean O'Donnell and Assistant Principal Chantelle Jordan retired after a combined 53 years of service to the district, with O'Donnell spending his entire 28-year career at the school. Both educators cited the influence of mentors in their own lives as motivation...
School board discusses next steps for proposed new school funding
The Archuleta School District learned it is first on the waiting list for a $50 million BEST grant but did not receive funding this year, prompting the school board to discuss future bond options and potential ballot measures. The district ranked 18th out of 57 applications and signals good...
PAWSD faces interconnected drought and budget issues
Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District faces record drought conditions and financial challenges as it implements stage one water restrictions and considers moving to stage two based on declining San Juan River flows and Lake Hatcher levels. The district expects reduced water usage following...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: The Mystery of Project 102, Revealed? Part One
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Many Teacher Training Programs Fail to Align with ‘Science of Reading’ Theories
Just over half of U.S. teacher preparation programs now use science-based reading instruction methods, doubling from three years ago, though hundreds of programs still teach outdated practices. Education experts warn that inadequate teacher training in reading science may explain why reading scores...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Advertising the Book of Mormon, but Maybe Not Data Centers
Utah residents in Box Elder County protested a proposed 40,000-acre data center development so forcefully that county commissioners moved their approval vote to a closed meeting. The column compares the Mormon community's measured response to satirical criticism with their aggressive opposition to...
GEO Group Sues Over New Colorado Law Requiring Detention Center Safety Inspections
Private prison operator GEO Group sued Colorado state officials over a new law requiring quarterly health and safety inspections at the Aurora immigration detention facility. The company claims the state law unconstitutionally interferes with federal immigration authority and contradicts federal...
Town of Pagosa Springs Enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Effective June 6
The Town of Pagosa Springs enacted Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on June 6 in response to dry conditions and elevated wildfire danger, prohibiting open fires and personal fireworks while allowing gas grills and indoor stoves. Town officials encourage residents to register for emergency alerts from both...
Polis Administration and Legislature Advance Key Natural Resources, Outdoor Access
Colorado Governor Polis signed multiple water conservation and outdoor recreation bills into law this year, including funding for satellite snowpack monitoring, watershed restoration, and expanded public land access. The legislation represents a coordinated effort between state leadership and...
Colorado Clerks to Mail Out Primary Ballots This Week
Colorado county clerks began mailing primary election ballots this week for the June 30 primary, with unaffiliated voters receiving ballots from both major parties. Voters can update registration through June 22 and still receive mailed ballots, with over 4 million active registered voters in the...
First Southwest Bank Announces Board Changes
First Southwest Bank announced that longtime board member Timothy Gallagher is retiring after more than two decades of service, while appointing David Dragoo and Javier Alberto Soto as new directors. Dragoo leads an outdoor recreation manufacturer, while Soto brings philanthropic expertise from his...
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