Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, July 09, 2026
Ty's Take
You can read a lot in what this week's news says about who we are right now. The water conservancy is mapping out another year of strategy. The hospital came through clean. The town and county finally hammered out a tourism agreement instead of jawing at each other. That's the machinery of a small place trying to keep itself running—nothing glamorous, nothing that makes the Denver papers, but it matters. What matters more is that somewhere in those budget meetings and audit reports and cemetery regulations is the understanding that we've got to build something that works for everybody here, whether you're Ute, whether you're fourth-generation local, whether you bought the condo three years back. Road work, water rights, fire smoke—these aren't separate problems. They're the same problem. How do we stay?
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Weather Alerts
Extreme Heat Watch
Extreme Heat Watch issued July 9 at 2:06AM MDT until July 12 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 108 possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest, southwest, and west central Colorado and east central, northeast, and southeast Utah. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat will significantly inc...
Pagosa Springs SUN
A century of Pagosa Springs history reveals vibrant Independence Day celebrations drawing record crowds in 1926, major forest fires threatening the county in 1951, and the successful 28th Red Ryder Roundup in 1976. Each event left its mark on the community, from large tribal delegations and parades...
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
Construction crews are making progress on U.S. 160 reconstruction, installing curb and sidewalk work while continuing excavation at the Lewis Street intersection. Officials remind pedestrians to use marked crosswalks at 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th streets rather than crossing the active work zone.
Water conservancy discusses 2026-2027 strategic objectives
The San Juan Water Conservancy District board is focusing its 2026-2027 strategy on completing a water demand study to support potential construction of a reservoir at Running Iron Ranch. Board president Randy Cooper emphasized the need to move beyond discussion and develop a concrete funding...
Hospital district receives clean audit
Pagosa Springs Medical Center received a clean audit with strong financial indicators, including a 10 percent total margin and 142 days of cash on hand in 2025. The hospital's performance outpaced many comparable facilities and Colorado hospitals statewide.
Town council approves revised tourism agreement with county
Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County approved a revised tourism agreement clarifying that county lodging tax funds must go toward advertising and marketing only, while town funds can support broader priorities like child care and housing. The agreement passed with one dissenting vote and updates...
County approves consultation letter to tribes for Cloman Park 3-phase power extension
Archuleta County commissioners unanimously approved a tribal consultation letter regarding a power line extension project to the Forest Health Timber Products sawmill in Cloman Park. The consultation is required by federal grant guidelines and will notify five tribes of the project's potential...
Town adopts new rules and regulations for Hilltop Cemetery
Pagosa Springs adopted updated rules for Hilltop Cemetery including new requirements for bench permits and stricter guidelines on ornamental objects and flower placement near grave sites. The revisions, developed after community input, aim to improve maintenance and clarify cemetery regulations...
The Colorado Department of Education is accepting applications through September 30 for the Educator Recruitment and Retention program, which offers up to $7,500 to aspiring teachers in shortage areas who commit to three years of service. The program targets high-need fields including special...
Tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke
As wildfires burn across Colorado, health officials recommend steps to protect against smoke including wearing N95 masks outdoors, keeping windows closed, and using HEPA air cleaners indoors. Those experiencing breathing difficulties should contact their healthcare provider, and air quality...
Weminuche Audubon Society to meet on Riverwalk for July meeting
Weminuche Audubon Society is hosting an outdoor July meeting featuring a native plant garden tour and guided wetland walk along the Riverwalk with Pagosa Wetland Partners volunteers. The group will explore the geothermal-fed wetlands habitat, which they monitor monthly for water quality and...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Can Archuleta County Save Itself? Part Seven
A local editor critiques the town council's lack of transparency in presenting information about three recently approved ordinances, comparing their minimal staff analysis to the detailed 88-page documentation provided for subdivision proposals. The editor questions whether unanimous votes on major...
PHOTO ESSAY: Pagosa’s July Fourth Parade
Pagosa Springs celebrated Independence Day with a morning parade down Hot Springs Boulevard followed by community events at Yamaguchi Park and the Chamber of Commerce Park 2 Park Arts and Food Fair. The celebration drew large crowds honoring military service and local traditions.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Crane Day Success
Habitat for Humanity successfully placed four modular homes on their permanent foundations during a crane operation that transformed a neighborhood cul-de-sac. The project involved volunteer preparation, community support, and professional crane services to lower costs for partner families building...
Four States Stalling the Deal to Secure Native American Tribal Rights to Colorado River Water
A historic tribal water rights settlement for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe is stalled in Congress after four Upper Basin states opposed the agreement. The blockade leaves thousands of Native Americans in northern Arizona without reliable access to running water...
THEATRE: Notes from the Artistic Director
Thingamajig Theatre's artistic director reflects on the unique energy of repertory theater, where artists perform three different Broadway musicals within a single season. He credits the community's enthusiasm and dedication from cast, crew and volunteers for making the 2026 summer season a...
INTEL FROM THE IVORY TOWER: Hyper-Partisan Voters, Making Hyper-Bad Choices
Political scientist research shows hyperpartisan voters increasingly support scandal-plagued candidates from their own party rather than reject them. The trend reflects rising negative partisanship where voters prioritize opposing the other side over accountability within their own party,...
Patients Face a Thicket of Red Tape Trying To Maintain Consistent Health Coverage
A heart transplant patient died after struggling to maintain prescription coverage when switching health insurance plans, exposing gaps in the fragmented U.S. healthcare system. Bureaucratic barriers between insurers and drugmakers routinely delay or prevent patient access to critical medications...
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