Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Friday, September 18, 2026
Ty's Take
Highway 160 getting torn up, the planning commission green-lighting another subdivision, the county studying costs for a new admin building, and now water conservation plans that have farmers and ranchers nervous. You'd think somebody at the table was keeping score on all this, making sure the pieces fit together before we commit to them. Instead it feels like we're building the bridge while driving across it. That 2.7 million workforce center grant is real money and real opportunity, but you can't train people for jobs in a county that can't figure out where the water goes or whether the infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Colorfest starts tomorrow, the hot springs are still here, and Wolf Creek's coming into season. Those things matter. But the real work of a town, the unglamorous stuff about roads and water and where we put new houses, that's where Pagosa either gets smarter or gets lucky. We're running out of time to choose.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
U.S. 160 reconstruction work continues at multiple locations in Pagosa Springs, with utility work complete at the 7th Street intersection and crews finishing mainline paving and sidewalk installation. Motorists should expect intermittent delays at the Harman Park and Piedra Road intersection, and...
Build Pagosa receives $2.7 million grant for regional workforce center
Build Pagosa has received a $2.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration for construction of a regional workforce development facility to serve healthcare and construction industries. The award brings Build Pagosa to 90 percent of its $6.5...
Heavy rains cause localized damage, closure of Chimney Rock monument
Following an extreme drought that pushed the San Juan River and Piedra River to record lows in mid-September, heavy rains across Archuleta County from Monday to Wednesday delivered between one and two inches of precipitation and caused localized flooding. Chimney Rock National Monument closed due...
Town’s planning commission approves sketch plan for major subdivision
The Pagosa Springs Planning Commission approved a sketch plan for the Ponderosa Mountain subdivision, a 70-acre mixed residential and commercial development proposed by Modern Community Builders LLC off U.S. 160 and Great West Avenue west of downtown. The commission recommended approval of a...
County to pursue engineering cost study for new admin building project
The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners is considering a detailed engineering cost study for two administration building options: constructing a new facility on county-owned property or purchasing space in the Country Center Drive shopping center. County Manager Longinos Gonzalez...
Town’s proposed 2027 budget unveiled
Pagosa Springs Town Manager David Harris presented the town's initial 2027 budget proposal showing $26.5 million in expected revenues against $30.5 million in expenses, with the shortfall partly offset by a town-only 1 percent sales tax increase approved by voters to fund wastewater system repairs....
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Celebrating ‘Constitution Week’ in Archuleta County, Part One
The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation designating September 17-23, 2026, as Constitution Week in Archuleta County, recognizing the 239th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution's drafting. Citizens are encouraged to study the Constitution and reflect on the rights...
New Plan to Conserve Colorado River Water Has Farmers and Ranchers Concerned
The Colorado Water Conservation Board voted to conditionally approve a state-run conservation program aimed at reducing water use during the 2027 water year to address historically low flows on the Colorado River, though the program requires more certainty from federal and state officials before...
CHAMBER NEWS: Pagosa’s Annual Colorfest Starts Tomorrow, Sept. 18
Pagosa Springs celebrates its 40th annual Colorfest September 18-20, with weekend events including Passport to Pagosa food and wine competition on Friday, hot air balloon mass ascensions on Saturday morning, and Bands, Brews and Barrels at Yamaguchi Park on Saturday afternoon. All activities...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Socialism is Dead — Long Live Socialism!
This opinion column humorously explores the definitions and contradictions of socialism versus capitalism in American society, questioning whether common government programs like Social Security and Medicare constitute socialism.
Chimney Rock National Monument Closed Due to Heavy Rains
Chimney Rock National Monument closed immediately following severe thunderstorms on the evening of September 14 that deposited mud, rocks, and debris across roadways and parking areas. Road crews and monument staff are assessing damage and clearing debris, with the facility remaining closed through...
LIBRARY NEWS: We’ve Built a Community Center
A library column discusses how public libraries across the United States are facing challenges from book bans and staff harassment, serving as important community resources during difficult times.
ARCHULETA SENIORS: Protein is Important for Health
Archuleta Seniors, Inc. emphasizes the importance of adequate protein intake for older adults to maintain strength, muscle mass, and independence, offering nutritious meals through Meals on Wheels, the Community Cafe, and Grab-N-Go programs. The Community Cafe welcomes diners of all ages with...
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