Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Saturday, June 20, 2026
Ty's Take
Water's been the conversation around here for months—drought stage two coming down the pike, highway reconstruction tearing up 160, folks worried about what next summer looks like. But today's real news is simpler and maybe more important: a food drive on Saturday, seniors getting remembered on Father's Day, kids taking the stage in *School of Rock*, a gala for Wings, concerts at the 19th Hole. This is what holds a town together when the big problems feel too big. Pagosa's been through dry spells before, literal and otherwise, and we get through them because somebody organizes a drive, somebody remembers to say thanks, and people still show up to watch their neighbors' kids perform. That matters.
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
Happy Father’s Day from Archuleta Seniors Inc.
Archuleta Seniors Inc. is celebrating Father's Day and honoring the fathers and father figures who have shaped local families and communities. The organization will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth, with no meals or services available. Seniors can participate in free weekly programs...
‘School of Rock, the Musical’ to hit the stage next week
Curtains Up Pagosa will perform "School of Rock, the Musical" at Pagosa Springs High School with three evening shows June 25-27 and a matinee on June 27, featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tickets are $22.50 for adults and $18.34 for seniors and students, available online or at the door.
Healthy Archuleta to hold food drive Saturday
Healthy Archuleta is hosting a community food drive Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Market to support local food pantries. Community members can volunteer, donate groceries from a provided list, or contribute homegrown produce to help ensure food security throughout Archuleta...
Wings Grand Gala promises a night of elegance and memories
Wings Early Childhood Center is hosting its inaugural Grand Gala fundraiser Wednesday, June 24, at Keyah Grande Guest House featuring jazz music by Max Miller and a silent auction with travel experiences. Tickets are $100 and available at Tangled or online, with proceeds supporting quality care and...
The new Ruby Sisson Library will reopen Monday, June 22, in its newly renovated section with a bright children's room, meeting space, and expanded collections accessible through a new front entrance. The original library building will reopen September 4, with a grand opening celebration planned for...
19th Hole Concerts to continue June 18
The 19th Hole Concert Series continues tonight at Pagosa Springs Golf Club from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with Mike Blakely performing and Pagosa Community Initiative as the featured nonprofit. The series concludes June 25 with Bo DePena and Aspire Medical Services, with all proceeds supporting local youth...
Law enforcement looking for runaway juvenile
Law enforcement is searching for a runaway juvenile in the Pagosa Springs area.
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
U.S. 160 reconstruction continues with Hot Springs Boulevard paving nearly complete and the overlook parking lot set to reopen. Work at the complex Lewis Street intersection is progressing through utility completion, with concrete paving and sidewalk work expected soon.
PAWSD board authorizes upcoming move into drought stage two
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District board authorized moving into drought stage two once water level triggers are reached, expected within a week. Stage two restricts irrigation to even or odd days and reduces the monthly water threshold before higher rates apply, aiming for a 20-30...
Commissioners discuss new transfer station
The Archuleta County Commission voted unanimously to reject a $500,000 state grant for relocating the Pagosa Springs transfer station, citing concerns about the planning process and lack of notification to neighboring property owners. The decision comes after years of planning and design work on...
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
City Market Customers Turning Change into Meals
City Market's "Summer of a Million Meals" campaign has raised over $4,500 as of June 17, translating to 13,500 meals for Care and Share Food Bank. Customers can round up purchases or donate $1, $5, or $10 at checkout through Sunday, June 21.
EDITORIAL: Some Very Expensive Mistakes, Part Two
An opinion piece examines the history of costly government decisions in Pagosa Springs, focusing on the ongoing Pagosa West subdivision proposal by the Dragoo family. The revised plan will be considered by the Town Planning Commission on Tuesday, June 23, with public testimony welcomed.
Senate Candidate Hickenlooper Declines to Debate Challenger Gonzales
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper has declined to debate his Democratic primary challenger, state Senator Julie Gonzales, at multiple forums and events ahead of Colorado's June 30 primary. Gonzales has criticized the incumbent's avoidance of direct public engagement on policy differences.
OPINION: Considering the Long Struggle for Educational Opportunity on Juneteenth
An opinion piece examines how education became a tool for freedom for formerly enslaved people after Juneteenth, following centuries of laws that criminalized teaching enslaved and free Black people to read. The article highlights the continued struggle for educational opportunity in America's...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Dad Jokes on Father’s Day
A humorous column reflects on Father's Day and the tradition of "dad jokes," contrasting them with the author's father's more sophisticated joke-telling style. The writer suggests the prevalence of low-quality dad jokes may be a sign of cultural decline.
EVIL MISTRESS: A Lifelong Affair with Music, Part Twenty-Five
A music column explores the creation of a rock opera concept album featuring the character Captain Rumbelly, developed as an introspective examination of troubled emotions and past trauma. The project included contributions from multiple musicians and resulted in a theatrical recording experience.
‘Montana Plan’ Targeting Corporate Money in Politics Secures Enough Ballot Signatures
Montana campaign organizers announced they surpassed the signature requirement to place Initiative 194, known as "The Montana Plan," on November's ballot to restrict corporate spending in elections. The all-volunteer effort collected nearly 50,000 signatures across all 56 counties, directly...
Affordability Tax Credit Likely Not Available for Colorado Families
Colorado's Family Affordability Tax Credit will likely remain inactive for the next two years due to projected insufficient revenue growth, state economists announced. The credit, which reduced child poverty by 37 percent when activated in 2025, would require at least 3 percent annual revenue...
HIGHWAY 160 RECONSTRUCTION: Week of June 22-28
U.S. 160 reconstruction work at the Lewis Street intersection continues with utility work largely complete and concrete paving planned for the coming week. Crews will pause work July 3-6 for the Fourth of July holiday, with a supervisor and traffic specialist on call if needed.
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.