Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, June 18, 2026
Ty's Take
The town's looking at picking up the old Wyndham properties, which sounds like a straightforward real estate move until you sit with it a minute—this is what happens when a resort town finally admits it can't leave everything to the private market anymore. Meanwhile, PAWSD's wrestling with rate increases and debt service, the school board's still trying to figure out what voters actually want, and somebody decided July 4th fireworks aren't happening this year. It's the kind of week where you can see the bones of how a place actually runs, if you're paying attention: infrastructure costs, water bills, basic services, who pays for the party. None of it glamorous, all of it the reason Pagosa stays standing.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Town moves toward acquiring former Wyndham properties
Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously approved the first reading of three ordinances to acquire nearly 70 residential units from Wyndham properties, addressing the community's critical workforce housing shortage. The three properties—Master's Place, Village Pointe, and Elk Run—represent a...
Colorado’s most important election may be the one you’re skipping
Colorado voters are urged to participate in the June 30 primary election, which often determines the final November ballot but historically draws far fewer participants than general elections. Unaffiliated voters, who make up more than half the state's electorate, can easily participate in either...
This historical retrospective article offers community interest items from Pagosa Springs' past.
Historical accounts from the Pagosa Springs SUN archives recall a 1926 Fourth of July celebration with diverse attractions, a 1951 lightning-caused forest fire that burned 320 acres, and rescue operations from the 1970s in the region.
PAWSD board talks rate increases, debt service issues
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District board faces financial challenges as capital investment fees from new construction fall short of budget projections, potentially threatening debt service coverage ratios required by lenders. Staff discussed how removing grant revenues from debt...
Archuleta County Democrats announce happy hour and food drive
Archuleta County Democrats will host a happy hour and food drive on June 27 to benefit local food share programs whose grants are expiring. Cash donations and specific items like personal care products, paper goods, and pet food are welcomed.
Rep. Katie Stewart to give overview of work done in Colorado House
State Representative Katie Stewart will meet with constituents in Pagosa Springs on June 29 to discuss legislation passed in the 2026 Colorado House session and address community concerns about state financial challenges.
Chamber announces winners of 17th annual car show
The 17th annual Pagosa Springs Area Car Show drew hundreds of visitors and 117 vehicles to Yamaguchi Park, featuring cornhole tournaments, live music, food vendors, and a model car display. A 1972 Chevy Nova claimed Best in Show honors, and numerous volunteers were recognized for making the two-day...
Pagosa Peak Family Dentistry creates new career pathways
Pagosa Peak Family Dentistry is launching the Southern Colorado Dental Assisting School, a 13-week program designed to train local residents for careers in dental assistance and boost the community's healthcare workforce. The school will teach radiography, infection control, and patient care,...
CDOT to conduct speed study on U.S. 160 near Trails Boulevard
The Colorado Department of Transportation will conduct a speed study on U.S. 160 near Trails Boulevard this summer after safety concerns were raised about a dangerous curve where an accident previously closed the highway for five hours. County staff hope the study will support reducing the speed...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Archuleta School Board Wonders How You Would Vote, Part Four
An editorial questions the Archuleta School District's plan to seek a tax increase for a $220 million new PreK-8 facility when existing school buildings remain functional and enrollment has been declining. The author argues the district's functioning classrooms, gyms, art studios, and libraries...
Pagosa Springs Cancels July 4th Fireworks Display
Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously voted to cancel the July 4th fireworks display due to drought conditions and Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, though the vendor has guaranteed a rescheduled show later in the year. The decision avoided additional cancellation fees by acting before the deadline set...
READY, FIRE, AIM: A Flag of Truce, If You Don’t Mind
An opinion piece discusses escalating water disputes among western states over declining Colorado River reservoir levels, with Utah and Wyoming calling for renewed negotiations as a federal deadline approaches. The author laments the pervasive culture of conflict and appeals for cooperation among...
Healthy Archuleta Welcomes Five Youth Interns for Summer Leadership Experience
Healthy Archuleta welcomed five local youth interns for its Summer Youth Leadership Program, offering hands-on learning about nutrition security, health equity, and community cohesion. The program connects young people with local organizations and explores how food systems, mental health services,...
OPINION: Telling the Real History of USA at 250
An opinion column criticizes the corporate sponsorship of America250, the official U.S. bicentennial celebration, arguing the participation of weapons manufacturers and surveillance companies contradicts the revolution's anti-corporate ideals. The author calls for historical truth-telling about...
Federal ‘Rural Health Fund’ Meets a Healthcare Desert, Part Two
A rural North Carolina county that lost its hospital in 2023 is struggling without emergency care access, highlighting how federal Medicaid cuts threaten rural healthcare infrastructure despite a new rural health fund. Healthcare leaders say the fund cannot offset the projected losses from broader...
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: The Generation Reagan Warned Us About?
A commentary warns that American freedom faces its greatest threat since the Civil War, citing a significant decline in U.S. freedom rankings and rising skepticism about democracy among younger generations. The author attributes threats to both government dysfunction and authoritarian foreign...
‘Keep Colorado Constitutional’ Calls All Americans to Join Its Coalition
Keep Colorado Constitutional launches a nationwide coalition seeking to strengthen constitutional governance and address erosion of personal rights including free speech, privacy, property, and due process. The organization invites Americans to join as '150-Year Founders' to influence state and...
Dems Club to Host Cindi Galabota at Next Tuesday’s Lunch Event
The Archuleta County Democratic Club will host Cindi Galabota, director of the Colorado State University extension center, on June 23 to discuss high-altitude gardening, local resources, and wildfire safety. The monthly luncheon meeting welcomes all community members regardless of party affiliation.
Federal Measure Could Undermine State Rideshare Safety Laws
Colorado state lawmakers are urging Congress to remove a federal amendment that would shield rideshare companies from liability for driver misconduct, warning it could prevent victims of sexual assault from holding Uber and Lyft accountable. Over 275 state legislators from 42 states signed the...
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