Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Thursday, September 03, 2026
Ty's Take
The school board's decision to ask voters for an eighty-million-dollar bond in November is going to focus this town's mind like nothing else on the ballot this fall. You can read the editorials starting to stack up in the Daily Post, and you'll hear it at every coffee counter between here and Bayfield, and that's exactly how it should be. Money for schools always cuts to the bone of what we believe we owe the next generation, and this one comes with real questions about whether we're building for who lives here now or who might move in later. The bond deserves serious thought, not cheerleading or reflexive skepticism. That's the conversation Pagosa Springs needs to have before November.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
‘Adjust the sails’: Let yourself be inspired
Dolly Parton's death in August sparked widespread tributes to her legacy of philanthropy and entertainment, but also led to unfortunate political disputes and vandalism of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Rather than arguing over her beliefs, the community would benefit from simply appreciating the...
The Pagosa Springs SUN archive shares glimpses of local life from a century ago, including 1926 school openings and road construction near Pagosa Springs, 1951 parking reforms on main street, and 1976 school enrollment growth that brought challenges to the high school grades.
Town’s new river access park given official name, data center moratorium approved
The Pagosa Springs Town Council unanimously named the town's new river access park at 1040 E. U.S. 160 the San Juan River Park, chosen because the name reflects the region's Spanish and geographical heritage while remaining open to adding a supplemental name later. The council also unanimously...
Water conservancy district talks Running Iron Ranch lease
The San Juan Water Conservancy District discussed leasing a portion of Running Iron Ranch to an adjacent landowner for cattle grazing access to water this fall, with board member John Kappelman advocating for a transparent public bidding process rather than a private arrangement. Board president...
Monday crash leaves two injured
Two drivers were injured in a collision at U.S. 160 and Aspen Village Drive on Monday, August 31, when a Subaru attempting a left turn was struck nearly head-on by an eastbound Ford Explorer. The Subaru driver was charged with failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
School district again accredited, schools receive performance ratings
Archuleta School District earned accreditation for the third consecutive year and achieved a milestone with all its schools earning performance plan ratings for the first time. The district showed strong growth at both elementary and high school levels based on 2025-2026 Colorado Department of...
New 2027 Colorado driving laws target teen safety
Starting January 1, 2027, Colorado will require all permit applicants under age 21 to complete driver education courses before receiving a learner's permit, with 15-to-17-year-olds needing a 30-hour course and 18-to-21-year-olds choosing between that course or a four-hour awareness program. The new...
Daniels Scholarship applications open
High school seniors in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming can apply for the Daniels Scholarship through October 15, which covers full costs at 25 partner schools or up to $100,000 at other institutions. The program has created over 3,600 alumni and selects students based on character,...
Governor launches Governor for a Day contest
Governor Jared Polis launched a Governor for a Day contest inviting Colorado seventh and eighth graders to submit videos explaining why they want to serve alongside him at the State Capitol. Students must submit their entries by September 7, with the winner announced September 14.
Colorado announces settlement with Meta Platforms
Meta Platforms agreed to pay over $17 billion in a nationwide settlement with 47 states, including Colorado, and implement major child safety reforms on Instagram and Facebook after being accused of designing addictive features that harmed young users. Colorado will receive approximately $615...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Thinking About the School Bond Measure, Part One
The Archuleta School District Board voted unanimously on September 1 to place a $156.5 million bond measure on the November ballot to fund new school facilities and improvements, following nearly two years of community engagement and planning. The bond would provide the local match required for a...
OPINION: The Absurdity of the Colorado River Crisis
Nearly half the water consumed by humans in the Colorado River basin goes to growing livestock feed crops like alfalfa and hay, much of which is exported to countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE despite the river crisis affecting 40 million Americans. Federal subsidies and crop insurance programs...
LIBRARY NEWS: Join Us for Our Grand Opening on Sept. 12
The Ruby M. Sisson Library will hold its Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full schedule of ceremonies, programs, performances, and activities including a blessing by Southern Ute tribe members, children's activities, and musical performances. The library is also...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Live Free or… You Know… Like, Die
New Hampshire's state motto of Live Free or Die originates from a toast written by Revolutionary War General John Stark, whose leadership of untrained farmers achieved a decisive victory against professional European soldiers at the Battle of Bennington in 1777. Stark's successful military career...
CHAMBER NEWS: Colorfest Celebrates 40th Anniversary, Sept. 18-20
Colorfest returns September 18-20 for its 40th anniversary celebration in Pagosa Springs with Passport to Pagosa on Friday evening, Bands, Brews and Barrels on Saturday, and hot air balloon launches weather permitting. The weekend concludes with a balloon glow and debut State of Colorado drone show.
High Fertility Costs Push Americans Abroad for IVF Treatment
Growing numbers of Americans are traveling to Greece and Spain for fertility treatments to escape high U.S. costs, with a single IVF cycle averaging over $29,000 or 35 percent of median household income. While President Trump's administration has proposed fertility coverage policies and discount...
HEALTHY ARCHULETA: Fall is the Ultimate Season for Your Garden
Fall is the ideal season for Archuleta County gardeners to establish plants and build soil for next year's success, with warm soil encouraging root growth and cooler temperatures reducing stress. Free September in the Garden programs will be held Wednesdays at the Vista Lake Community Production...
ARCHULETA SENIORS: Back to School
As school returns to session, seniors and drivers should exercise extra caution around schools, bus stops, and neighborhoods where children may suddenly cross streets or appear in traffic. The Community Cafe at Ross Aragon Community Center offers dine-in and grab-and-go meals Monday through Friday...
EDITORIAL: A Week in Alaska, Part Three
The author reflects on a family reunion in Juneau, Alaska, and shares insights into how the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act transformed indigenous communities by establishing regional and village Native corporations that held 44 million acres. This corporate-shareholder model enabled his...
Archuleta School Board Votes to Place $80 Million Bond Issue on November Ballot
The Archuleta School District Board voted 5-0 on September 1 to place an approximately $79.9 million bond on the November ballot to fund a proposed new PK-8 school and improvements at Pagosa Peak Open School, contingent on voter approval and receipt of a $50 million state BEST grant. The bond would...
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