Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Wednesday, August 05, 2026
Ty's Take
The Rio Blanco Fire shutting down Echo Canyon Reservoir for boating while aircraft work overhead is a hard reminder of where we sit right now. Late summer in the San Juans means fire season is real, not theoretical, and the closure tells you CPW is taking no chances with their own operations. Meanwhile, hunting licenses go on sale Monday morning and the usual August scramble will happen, which is fine, but the timing deserves a look. We've got active firefighting happening in our backyard, smoke that settles in the valley depending on the wind, and a lot of folks still thinking about where they're headed come fall. Pay attention to fire conditions before you head into the high country after elk or mule deer. The mountains are beautiful in August, but they're also unforgiving.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Pagosa Panhellenic gathering to be held Aug. 11
Sorority women from Pagosa Springs are reviving their annual gathering after an 11-year hiatus, with organizer Sherry Spears leading the effort. The Panhellenic luncheon will take place Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Alley House Grille, featuring hors d'oeuvres and requesting a $10...
Remaining big game hunting licenses go on sale Aug. 4 at 9 a.m.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will release remaining big game hunting licenses on Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. through online, phone, and in-person sales. Hunters should prepare ahead of time by updating their account information and identifying their desired hunt codes before the sale begins.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife has temporarily closed boating at Echo Canyon Reservoir, 6 miles south of Pagosa Springs off U.S. 84, to allow helicopters to safely scoop water for fighting the Rio Blanco Fire. Shore fishing and hiking remain permitted as the closure aims to protect both the public and...
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering free admission to all Colorado state parks throughout August for active-duty military, veterans, and National Guard members upon proof of military service. The free pass applies only to park entry and does not cover camping, boat registrations, hunting...
Healthy Archuleta envisions community food hub rooted in food, connection and opportunity
Healthy Archuleta is developing a Community Food Hub in Archuleta County that would connect local growers, food entrepreneurs, and residents while providing workforce training and a gathering space for the community. The vision emerged from an April Food Summit and includes gardens, food-production...
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Pagosa Daily Post
UPDATE: Rio Blanco Fire, August 3
The Rio Blanco Fire south of Pagosa Springs had grown to approximately 1,114 acres with 11 percent containment as of Monday morning, with six helicopters and air tankers supporting firefighting efforts. A community meeting will be held Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Archuleta County Extension...
EDITORIAL: Ballots, Taxes, and Debts, Part Two
A columnist reflects on the Archuleta School District's potential $122 million bond issue facing voters in November, noting how public debt has grown roughly 250-fold since 1952. The editorial examines rising costs of major infrastructure projects like the Snowball Treatment Plant and questions...
‘Initiative 195’ Submits Petitions to Place Progressive Income Tax on Colorado Ballot
Supporters of Initiative 195 submitted more than 157,000 signatures to Colorado's Secretary of State's office seeking to establish a graduated income tax system on the November ballot. The measure would increase the state income tax rate to 7.4 percent for income above $500,000 and 8.4 percent for...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Flat Earth vs. Flat Taxes
A columnist uses flat earth conspiracy theories as an analogy for comparing how misinformation spreads, drawing parallels to heated debates about tax policy. The piece explores how passionate believers in false theories can feel defensive when their views contradict mainstream understanding.
THEATRE: Thingamajig’s Summer Season Enters Its Final Weeks
Thingamajig Theatre Company's summer season at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts continues through mid-August with performances of "Come From Away," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "Company." On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the company will present a special performance of "Fiddler on the Roof" benefiting...
Complaint Filed Against Victor Marx for Illegal Campaign Fundraising
A GOP operative filed a campaign finance complaint against gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx, alleging he is accepting unlimited donations through an online merchandise store in violation of Colorado law. Marx's campaign acknowledged receiving the complaint and stated it is addressing...
OPINION: Colorado Joins Anti-Tariff Lawsuit
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined 25 other states in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's new tariffs affecting 99.4 percent of U.S. imports. The coalition contends the tariffs are unlawful and will burden American consumers and businesses already struggling with high...
STRONG TOWNS: Pickleball Courts in Van Buren, Maine
Van Buren, Maine, painted pickleball courts on a town ice rink for just over $5,000 in volunteer labor and materials, compared to a contractor's $100,000 estimate. The successful project inspired community engagement and helped establish the Van Buren Revitalization Association, which has won...
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