Pagosa Springs Daily Digest Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Ty's Take
The Swiss Roll Fire sitting at 36 percent contained is a reminder that we're not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot. Yes, fall is coming and the monsoons did their part, but one dry week in September and we're right back where we started. Meanwhile, the community center is open, the Plein Air Festival will draw people here to paint the San Juans in their best light, and Seeds of Learning is expanding childcare so parents can actually work. These are the things we build when we're not running from fire. Keep an eye on the forest service updates, but don't stop building.
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Pagosa Springs SUN
Swiss Roll Fire 36 percent contained
The Swiss Roll Fire reached 36 percent containment as of September 19, with contained areas on the west and northwest portions of the fire west of Quartz Ridge Trail. Firefighters continue monitoring the fire and conducting preparation work along Quartz Road after several days of moisture reduced...
Autumn Plein Air Festival planned for Sept. 21-24
The Autumn Plein Air Festival will bring regional artists to Pagosa Springs from September 21 to 24 to paint Southwest Colorado's fall landscapes. A free public gallery reception is set for September 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Two Old Crows gallery, where attendees can meet artists and purchase...
We have built a community center
Pagosa Springs celebrated the completion of its new Ruby Sisson Library facility during the library director's second anniversary, marking a year of community support for funding and construction without facing the book bans and closures affecting libraries nationwide. The expanded library now...
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Pagosa Daily Post
EDITORIAL: Celebrating ‘Constitution Week’ in Archuleta County, Part Three
The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners designated September 17 through 23, 2026, as Constitution Week in Archuleta County, urging citizens to study the Constitution and reflect on American rights and responsibilities. Local activist Candace Jones spoke during public comment to emphasize...
Colorado Looking at $1.6 Billion Budget Deficit Next Year
Colorado state economists forecast a nearly $1.6 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year, with Medicaid costs driving the majority of the shortfall as enrollment and service demand continue rising faster than allowed spending growth. The Colorado Legislature, facing its third consecutive...
READY, FIRE, AIM: Trucks for the Taliban
An opinion piece humorously examines the Taliban's preference for Toyota trucks over American-made vehicles, noting that Afghanistan's imports from the U.S. total only $651,000 annually. The author reflects on the cultural and practical reasons for vehicle choices across different regions and...
ESSAY: The Duke Chronicles, Part Two
A dog named Duke was picked up in Archuleta County by a concerned citizen and transferred to animal control, then to Elk Park Animal Hospital for surgery on a head wound that became infected. The owner, traveling in the Boston area, described a frustrating process of retrieving information from...
The History and Future of American Public Lands
Walt Dabney, a retired National Park Service superintendent and former Texas State Parks director, will speak on October 6 at Pagosa Springs Public Library about the history and future of American public lands. Dabney's 43-year career in park management and public land policy will provide insight...
‘Seeds of Learning’ Now Offering Childcare for Toddlers
Seeds of Learning in Pagosa Springs now accepts children as young as 18 months old to address the shortage of quality childcare for toddlers in Archuleta County. The program requires children to be walking but no longer mandates potty training, allowing families to enroll younger children while...
Urging Pagosa Residents to be Prepared for Threatening Conditions
As National Preparedness Month, Pagosa Springs residents are encouraged to prepare for weather emergencies by signing up for Nixle alerts and creating family emergency plans given the area's three limited primary escape routes. Residents should pack go bags, prepare pet supplies, establish...
With Mail-Ballot Question Settled, Concerns Focus on Election Interference
Voting rights groups and Democrats are launching voter protection initiatives with thousands of volunteers deployed to polling sites across the country as concerns rise about potential election interference and voter intimidation. The campaigns come after the U.S. Supreme Court blocked the Trump...
Essay by Pagosa Springs Town Manager Published in ‘Gov Business Review’
Pagosa Springs Town Manager David Harris was recognized as one of Gov Business Review's Top 10 Town Managers of 2026 for his leadership approach published in the September 2026 issue. Harris's article highlights how direct public education about infrastructure challenges, including sewer system...
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