Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Wednesday, July 08, 2026
Ty's Take
We're in that squeeze again—Stage 2 fire restrictions kicking in next week, which means the whole county holds its breath until monsoon season actually shows up, and meanwhile the property values keep climbing because people from the Front Range can't stop buying here. The wildfire conversation in today's paper runs the whole gamut, from wolves to renewables to whether we're saving ourselves or pricing ourselves out, and there's some truth in every version of it. What there isn't much of is water—not in the ground, not in the forecast, not in any deal that's going to make everybody happy. A six-year-old having a tantrum and a county trying to figure out its own future aren't that different, come to think of it.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
The Pagosa Springs Sun highlights a local bird species as part of its weekly nature feature.
Six-year-olds, tantrums and tough love
A caregiver reflects on the challenges of managing a loved one's health struggles, including medication refusal and swallowing difficulties, while balancing family responsibilities and decision-making authority. She describes the emotional toll of aging and the daily battles required to keep her...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Can Archuleta County Save Itself? Part Six
Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously approved three ordinances to bid on bankrupt condominium complexes near Village Lake as potential workforce housing. The move comes after the town's previous efforts to build housing on vacant parcels failed to produce results over two decades.
The massive Aspen Acres Fire west of Pueblo has burned over 91,000 acres and destroyed more than 200 structures, making it Colorado's seventh largest wildfire on record. Evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of four counties, with more than 1,300 personnel fighting the blaze and support from...
Pagosa Springs Announces Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Effective July 6
Pagosa Springs implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions starting July 6 in response to worsening fire conditions and extreme drought across southwest Colorado. The restrictions ban additional outdoor activities and require residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution to prevent human-caused...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
A columnist explores the history and cultural significance of the Three Little Pigs tale, tracing its origins from a 1853 Dartmoor story about pixies and a fox to Joseph Jacobs' 1890 English version and Disney's animated adaptation. The piece examines how the story evolved and what it reveals about...
Governor Polis Appoints New Commissioner to Cumbres & Toltec Railroad Commission
Governor Jared Polis appointed veteran railroad executive Ken Bitten to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission, effective July 1, to replace outgoing Commissioner Scott Gibbs. Bitten brings over four decades of railroad industry experience.
ESSAY: The U.S. Has Pastoralists. We Usually Call Them Ranchers.
A new Senate resolution designates 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, recognizing the critical role American ranchers play in food security, ecosystem health, and water management. The nation's ranchers manage roughly one-third of U.S. land through practices that enhance...
REAL ESTATE: How Accurate are Zillow Estimates for Pagosa Home Values?
While Zillow's Zestimate provides a useful starting point for homeowners curious about their property values, local real estate professionals warn that automated algorithms often miss important factors like views, privacy, and condition that significantly affect mountain home prices. Homeowners...
BIG PIVOTS: Colorado Energy Milestone of More Than 50% Renewable
Colorado surpassed a major renewable energy milestone in early 2026, with 53% of the state's electricity coming from renewable sources during the first quarter, up from 43% the previous year. Industry experts believe the state is on track to exceed 50% renewables for the full year, though reaching...
OPINION: Don’t Read Too Much into Election Results
A political analyst cautions against drawing sweeping conclusions from Tuesday's primary election results, in which progressive candidates achieved notable victories, including an upset defeat of a 30-year congressional incumbent. He argues that election outcomes rarely provide reliable indicators...
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