Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Friday, June 12, 2026
Ty's Take
The BLM's push to lease parcels for oil and gas drilling in this county isn't new—it's the rhythm of federal land management, the same dance we've done for decades. But it's hitting different now, because the same week the agency's looking to open those leases, our town council is chasing grant money to fireproof the Upper San Juan watershed, and everybody in this room knows those two things are working against each other. You can't spend half your time trying to keep this forest from burning and the other half inviting industrial activity into the tinderbox. The county commissioners are working on economic development strategy while we're still arguing about what kind of economy we actually want—tourism dollars and timber jobs versus the risk that comes with opening up federal land to extraction. It's not a moral question so much as it is a practical one: we need to know which future we're building toward.
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach Pagosa Springs Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Pagosa Springs SUN
BLM seeks initial input for December sale of oil and gas leases in Colorado
The Bureau of Land Management is accepting public input through July 9 on a proposed December 2026 sale of oil and gas leases covering 114 parcels and 126,744 acres in Colorado, including areas in Archuleta County. Before any drilling can occur, operators must submit detailed development plans for...
The Upper San Juan Watershed Enhancement Partnership is seeking a state Wildfire Ready Action Plan grant worth roughly $400,000 to map wildfire risks and create mitigation strategies for the watershed. The plan would require a $100,000 local match, with the town of Pagosa Springs being asked to...
Chamber gearing up for 17th annual car show
The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 17th annual car show June 12-13 at Yamaguchi Park, featuring classic vehicles, live music, food vendors, and new attractions including a cornhole tournament and model car show. Vehicle registration is $50 for the first car and $35 for...
Commissioners discuss Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy items
Archuleta County commissioners discussed the five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy during a May 26 work session, with Commissioner Veronica Medina raising concerns about hiring difficulties and the town's outdated 3-mile annexation plan last updated in 2011. The discussion...
Sponsor Slot AvailableReach Pagosa Springs Locals Every MorningGet your business in front of engaged local readers. Boat dealers, realtors, restaurants, contractors, home services your audience is reading this right now.Become a Sponsor
Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: The Mystery of Project 102, Revealed? Part Two
Pagosa Springs Town Council approved first reading of three ordinances allowing the town to serve as a "stalking horse" bidder in bankruptcy auctions for three condominium complexes—Masters Place, Village Pointe, and Elk Run Townhomes—totaling 70 units as part of an affordable housing strategy. The...
Billionaire-Backed Super PACs Shape Colorado Governor’s Race
Colorado's Democratic gubernatorial primary has become a $20 million race heading toward the June 30 primary, driven by strong fundraising performances and billionaire-backed super PAC spending. The competition has intensified as major candidates build campaign war chests ahead of the election.
Thingamajig’s Production of Musical ‘Company’ Opens Tomorrow Night
Thingamajig Theatre Company opens Stephen Sondheim's "Company" on June 12 at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, joining two other summer productions exploring themes of relationships and community. The musical follows a 35-year-old New Yorker navigating love and commitment amid advice from...
Dine’Tah Navajo Dancers to Perform at Great Sand Dunes on Saturday, June 20
Great Sand Dunes National Park will host the Dine'Tah Navajo Dancers on June 20 with two free programs: a morning presentation on Route 66's impact on tribal communities and an evening cultural performance featuring traditional Navajo music and dancing. Standard park entrance fees apply.
HEALTHY ARCHULETA: Youth Experience in the Healthy Archuleta Gardening Classes
Healthy Archuleta's five-week gardening program "Siembra la Cena" has taught community members of all ages practical skills while building connections and supporting local food pantries. Participants praised the hands-on learning and patient instructors for creating an educational experience that...
THE DAILY YONDER: Ghosts of Housing Past (and Present)
A bipartisan bill would expand rural lending by allowing farm credit institutions to lend on homes in towns with populations up to 10,000, up from the current 2,500-person limit set in 1971. However, housing experts say increasing mortgage access alone won't solve rural America's acute housing...
OPINION: Learning from Our Questionnaire for Primary Election Candidates
Colorado candidates responding to primary election questionnaires overwhelmingly cited affordability as the top issue facing constituents, from housing costs to healthcare and groceries. Democratic candidates frequently mentioned opposing Trump administration policies, while responses revealed...
SENIOR CENTER: The Difference Between Aging and Growing Old
This article examines the distinction between the physical processes of aging and the mindset choices involved in growing old, exploring how lifestyle and attitude shape the aging experience.
LIBRARY NEWS: Teachers are Our Heroes
The Pagosa Springs Library will close June 15-21 for moving operations into its new addition, reopening June 22 with expanded services including a children's room, meeting space, and outdoor garden. The library is seeking volunteer help for the move and welcomes donations of sturdy boxes.
Rural News Wire is a daily local news digest for Pagosa Springs and rural America. We aggregate and curate, original reporting belongs to the sources linked above. Support local journalism by visiting their sites.
Subscribe free to get this digest in your inbox every morning.