Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Ty's Take
The water district staying in Drought Stage 1, the school board wrestling with questions nobody's got easy answers to, Habitat for Humanity pushing a new housing push, and the federal government just now realizing there's a healthcare desert out here—it all points to the same thing. Pagosa's got real problems that don't get solved by a car show or a nice spring day, and most days we're all just trying to keep the lights on and the doors open. The Bioblitz in June is the kind of thing that reminds us what we're protecting, though—the land itself, the water coming up hot from the earth, the reason people stayed here when it would've been easier to leave. That's worth remembering when the bills come due.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
A Pagosa Springs resident shares her journey to stay physically active after physical therapy, realizing that maintaining muscle strength requires consistent movement and exercise. Rather than struggle alone, she reached out to family for support, asking grandchildren to join her on weekly walks...
Archuleta County’s inaugural Bioblitz set for June 20
Archuleta County is hosting its first Bioblitz on June 20, a community science event where residents can explore local biodiversity along the San Juan Riverwalk and Reservoir Hill with expert naturalists. The family-friendly event costs $25 for adults and $10 for children and includes dinner and a...
Native grasses provide critical ecosystem services often overlooked in favor of wildflowers and trees, from storing carbon below ground to preventing soil erosion and supporting wildlife. Archuleta County residents can benefit from planting native grass species like blue grama and little bluestem...
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Pagosa Daily Post
PHOTO ESSAY: 17th Annual Car Show in Pagosa Springs
The 17th Annual Pagosa Springs Car Show drew hundreds of visitors and 117 vehicles to Yamaguchi Park in June, featuring a Show 'n' Shine competition, live music, food vendors, and a cornhole tournament. Community sponsors and volunteers made the free event possible, with Al and Janelle Bryant...
EDITORIAL: Archuleta School Board Wonders How You Would Vote, Part Three
An Archuleta School District editorial explores the financial challenges of building a new PreK-8 school on Vista Boulevard, noting the estimated $220 million in debt including bond interest. The piece suggests that seeking a Colorado Department of Education BEST grant could reduce local taxpayers'...
PAWSD Remains in Drought Stage 1 for the Time Being
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District remains in Drought Stage 1 as local reservoirs drop significantly and San Juan River flow continues at record lows compared to historical averages. Residents face irrigation restrictions between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m., plus a water rate surcharge for...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Elephants in Rooms
A Daily Post columnist reflects on the history of American news media, tracing how newspapers shifted from promoting political opinions in the 1800s to adopting neutral stances to attract wider audiences. The piece examines modern media skepticism by discussing journalist Ken LaCorte's exploration...
Upcoming ‘Crane Day’ for Habitat for Humanity to Mark Expanded Housing Campaign
Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County will celebrate Crane Day in late June, marking the placement of four final modular homes that complete its "15 Homes in 5 Years" campaign. With support from USDA Rural Development loans, the organization has helped 22 local families become homeowners while...
Federal ‘Rural Health Fund’ Meets a Healthcare Desert, Part One
A KFF Health News investigation examines how a $50 billion federal rural health fund struggles to address healthcare crises in places like Martin County, North Carolina, where a hospital closure left residents without emergency services. Rural areas across America continue facing critical gaps in...
Chimney Rock Announces July Schedule of Programs
Chimney Rock National Monument is offering multiple July educational programs including guided tours of ancestral puebloan sites, astronomy-focused presentations, and Native American flute performances. Visitors can choose from morning, afternoon, and evening options ranging from $10 for children...
OPINION: ‘Even God Cannot Change the Past’
A retired educator's opinion piece warns against efforts to rewrite the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, citing deleted Department of Justice records and presidential pardons as threats to historical accuracy. The writer argues that democracy depends on citizens maintaining accurate historical...
61 Boys on Girls Sports Teams in Jefferson County Schools? Apparently Not
Jefferson County Schools clarified that the federal Department of Education's claim about 61 boys on girls' sports teams was inaccurate, explaining those roster positions included male team managers, trainers, and mascots rather than athletes. The federal Office for Civil Rights has refused to...
Limited Spots Remaining for 2026 Colorado Health Symposium
The 2026 Colorado Health Symposium is accepting final registrations for capacity-building workshops on strategic communications, digital tools for advocacy, and movement-building strategies. The event features expert presenters offering practical training on persuasive messaging and data-driven...
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