Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Friday, June 26, 2026
Ty's Take
Day Lumber hitting a hundred years out here is the kind of thing that stops you cold if you've been paying attention to what's happened to timber towns across the West. This outfit has weathered the spotted owl wars, the downturn, the fires, the market crashes—and it's still here, still employing people, still part of the skeleton that holds Archuleta County together. Meanwhile we're watching the planning commission green-light another big subdivision, PAWSD tightening the drought screws, and the county basically asking itself what it wants to be when it grows up. You can want progress and worry about sprawl at the same time; you can admire what Day's built and still wonder what the next hundred looks like if we don't figure out water, fire, and who this place is really for. That tension isn't going away, and it shouldn't—it's what keeps a community honest.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Pagosa Country sees record high temperature
Pagosa Springs recorded a record high temperature of 89 degrees on June 17, beating the previous mark of 87 degrees set in 1986. The area has experienced unusually warm weather with highs lingering in the 80s, while the San Juan River flow remains dangerously low at just above record levels.
Day Lumber celebrates a century
Day Lumber marked its 100th anniversary on June 19, celebrating a century of operations that began in Missouri in 1926 and relocated to Pagosa Springs in 1946. The family business has evolved through logging, sawmill, and retail operations across three generations of the Day family.
Town planning commission approves sketch major subdivision for Pagosa West
The Pagosa Springs Planning Commission approved a sketch subdivision plan for Pagosa West, a 100-acre residential and mixed-use development along US Highway 160. The revised proposal, which scales down initial plans and adds setbacks and tree preservation, still faces community concerns about...
PAWSD moves into stage two drought restrictions
The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District has moved to stage two drought restrictions due to critically low water levels in Hatcher Reservoir and the San Juan River. The new restrictions limit irrigation to weekdays with odd-even day requirements and increase water rates for usage above 4,000...
Voter turnout remains low as June 30 primary nears
Voter turnout remains low in Archuleta County with only 1,868 of 11,936 mailed ballots returned ahead of Colorado's June 30 primary election. County officials urge voters to use ballot drop boxes or bring ballots to voting centers in person rather than rely on mail delivery.
Hospital district signals intent to have fall ballot question
The Upper San Juan Health Service District signaled its intent to place a ballot measure before voters in November regarding a potential TABOR tax waiver extension. The board unanimously approved a resolution to participate in the November election, with a final decision expected in July.
Chamber highlights upcoming events
The Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce is promoting upcoming summer events, including a June 25 Business Happy Hour and the Park-to-Park celebration running July 2-5 at local parks. Both events showcase local businesses and community spirit during the busy summer season.
County approves revised tourism advisory board agreement with town
Archuleta County commissioners unanimously approved a revised agreement with the Town of Pagosa Springs clarifying how tourism tax funds are spent and managed. The updated intergovernmental agreement ensures the county's 2 percent lodging tax is segregated from town funds and used specifically for...
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
Crews working on the US Highway 160 reconstruction project will pause work during the Fourth of July holiday weekend and resume July 6. Upcoming work includes sidewalk demolition, fire hydrant installation at the Humane Society, and base preparation for paving after the holiday.
County commissioners discussed a potential ballot measure to increase the lodgers' tax rate at an Aspen Springs community forum, with priority given to road improvements and public safety. Current state law would allow the county to raise its 2 percent tax rate an additional 4 percent, generating...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Can Everybody Just Get Along? Part One
An editorial examines tensions in local government regarding comprehensive planning, highlighting water scarcity as a critical issue since 90 percent of diverted water supports agricultural use. The county is working to update its community plan to meet new state grant requirements and address...
THEATRE: ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Opens Tomorrow at Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts
Thingamajig Theatre Company opens 'Fiddler on the Roof' tomorrow at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts, completing its summer repertory season with this Broadway classic. The production features professional performers and local artists telling the story of a village family navigating tradition...
Post Office Will Refuse to Deliver Mail Ballots Unless States Submit to Trump Order, Says Postmaster
The U.S. Postal Service announced it will refuse to deliver mail ballots in states that don't submit voter lists to the federal government under a proposed rule tied to a Trump administration executive order. Democrats warn the policy could effectively eliminate mail voting in Democratic-led states...
BIG PIVOTS: Can El Niño Save the Colorado River?
The Colorado River Basin faces critically low water levels as Lake Powell approaches minimum power pool, with El Niño offering uncertain relief. Scientists warn that climate change and warming temperatures continue to reduce river flows, making the 1922 water-sharing agreement increasingly obsolete.
READY, FIRE, AIM: ‘Enshittification’ in America
An opinion piece explores the term 'enshittification'—the decline of once-useful products into increasingly poor services—as a pattern seen across modern capitalism. While some industries like craft beer and specialty foods have improved, many others exhibit this deterioration in quality and user...
LIBRARY NEWS: Come See Your New Library!
The Pagosa Library has completed Phase One of its expansion, featuring a new children's room, public meeting space, and restored services with improved parking access. The library invites the community to celebrate the project and offers an Adopt-a-Tree program for the new outdoor garden.
Linda Parelli to Offer ‘Happy Horse’ Cinic in Del Norte, July 25-26
Equestrian trainer Linda Parelli is returning to Colorado after seven years to offer a two-day 'Happy Horse Happy Life' clinic in Del Norte on July 25-26. Auditor spots remain available for those interested in learning hands-on horsemanship techniques directly from the world-renowned instructor.
HEALTHY ARCHULETA: Uniting Local Mental Health Professionals
Healthy Archuleta launched the Behavioral Health Collaborative, bringing together local mental health professionals to share knowledge and expand access to care in the community. The group met for the first time in June and plans to hold three to four meetings annually to strengthen the local...
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Reflecting on the Reflecting Pool… and the Screwworm
An essay critiques the Trump administration's cuts to agricultural monitoring programs, which led to the screwworm parasite spreading from Mexico and threatening U.S. cattle. The author argues that ignoring expert warnings about funding cuts has created a costlier problem than prevention would have...
ARCHULETA SENIORS: The Difference Between Loneliness and Isolation
Archuleta Seniors Inc. highlights the difference between loneliness and social isolation, emphasizing how both conditions threaten senior health and wellbeing. The organization encourages isolated seniors to participate in congregate meals, activities, and volunteer opportunities to maintain...
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