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County approves letter of intent to purchase Cornerstone property
During a regular meeting held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the board unanimously approved a letter of intent (LOI) with Pagosa Partners I Inc. for the purchase of a property located at 2901 Cornerstone Drive for the purpose of constructing a new county administration building.
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Commissioners discuss potential impacts of federal funding freeze
During a work session held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on Feb. 4, the BoCC discussed potential impacts of the federal funding freeze issued by President Donald Trump and the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Jan. 27.
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Fire district board approves impact fees
Citing a rapidly expanding community with increased demand for emergency response services, the Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) Board of Directors voted Tuesday to impose new impact fees on a …
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Tempers flare at PAWSD board meeting

Tensions erupted at the Jan. 30 meeting of the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) Board of Directors, where a dispute over the procedure for setting agendas turned into a heated argument between board members that included accusations that staff were subverting board authority and the district manager offering his resignation.

Record high temperatures set

Pagosa Country has been experiencing an unusually dry winter, with little to no snow on the ground in most parts around town. 

Pagosa Area Recreation Coalition work to shape the future of outdoor recreation

Like many Colorado mountain towns, Pagosa Springs thrives on tourism and outdoor recreation, with over 50 percent of its land base as public lands. 

County landfill to open on Wednesdays

The Archuleta County landfill located at 9179 County Road 500 will now be open on Wednesdays to receive trash. 

Eligible Coloradans can get assistance to pay a portion of their home heating bills

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) reminds residents statewide that they may be eligible for assistance to pay a portion of their home heating bills this winter, as well as lower their energy costs for years to come. 

Health insurance tax time enrollment period underway

Though the open enrollment deadline of Jan. 15 has passed, there is one more opportunity for residents to explore options for health insurance through Colorado Connect for Health during an easy …

Real risks of speed: Colorado State Patrol investigates more than 560 crashes involving a speeding driver in 2024

Speeding remains a leading cause of traffic crashes in Colorado and increases the severity of injuries when a crash occurs. Last year, Colorado State Patrol (CSP) troopers investigated more than 560 …

Eligible Coloradans can get assistance to pay a portion of their home heating bills

In advance of  National Energy Assistance Day  this Friday, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) reminds residents statewide that they may be eligible for assistance to pay a …
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County commissioners approve strategic plan

The Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved its 2025-2028 strategic plan during its Jan. 21 regular meeting.
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Obituaries
Maurice Woodruff
Maurice Woodruff Sept. 25, 1939-Dec. 6, 2024  Maurice was born in Hollywood, Calif., to June Whitaker and Maurice Woodruff Sr.
Joe Bob Leake
In Loving Memory Joe Bob Leake Born Oct. 6, 1944 Died Jan. 19, 2025, at the age of 80 Born in Lubbock, Texas, Joe Bob lived in Pagosa Springs for 49 years.
Linda Kay Schoonover
Linda Kay Schoonover, 71, longtime resident of Pagosa Springs, passed peacefully Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. A joint come-and-go memorial service for Linda and Bill will be held at the Timber Ridge Clubhouse, 31 Shooting Star Drive, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on Feb. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.
William Ray Schoonover (Bill)
A lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, William Ray Schoonover (Bill), 75, passed Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. A joint come-and-go memorial service for Bill and Linda will be held at the Timber Ridge Clubhouse, 31 Shooting Star Drive, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on Feb. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.
John Dudley Snider Sr.
John Dudley Snider Sr., of Pagosa Springs, Colo., passed away on Jan. 23, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born on Aug. 1, 1942, in Des Moines, N.M., the eighth of nine children.
Sports
Get ready to bump, set and spike your way to success in the 9- and 10-year-old youth instructional volleyball league. 
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The Pagosa Springs High School Lady Pirate wrestling team won its first tournament of the season on Saturday, Feb. 1, in Del Norte at the Rio Grande Women’s Showdown. 
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The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate wrestling team hosted its second Intermountain League dual of the season on Saturday, Feb. 1, against Alamosa.
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Education

Apply now for Colorado’s free universal preschool

Colorado families continue shaping history, with more than 19,000 applications already submitted for Colorado Universal Preschool’s 2025-2026 enrollment. 

Community group hears school buildings report, discusses next steps

A multigenerational group of more than two dozen parents, educators and community leaders gathered Monday evening inside Pagosa Springs Middle School (PSMS) to begin mapping a vision for the future of educational spaces in Archuleta School District (ASD).
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October count shows slight decreases in student enrollment across state

Data released by the Colorado Department of Education on Jan. 15 shows slight declines in the state’s student enrollment count, with a 0.1 percent decrease reflected in prekindergarten through high school grades since 2023.

Pagosa Springs Middle School releases second-quarter honor roll

Pagosa Springs Middle School has released its honor roll for the second quarter.
Business
The federal grazing fee for 2025 remains $1.35 per animal unit month for public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and $1.35 per head month for lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
The Chamber will host its Annual Gala and Community Awards on Friday, Feb. 7, starting at 6 p.m. at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse. 
Government
Opinion

Entering eternity and the eternal now

I wonder. If I pray in the morning for the end of the Israel-Hamas war and for peace of mind and spirit for Daniel who is suffering alone in his room from a stroke, how can God receive and answer my …

The Salton Sea’s weirdness is what’s appealing

Fascinating and fetid, the Salton Sea in southern California lures me back, every year. Driving south from Utah, I take bits of historic Highway 66 and then skirt Joshua Tree National Park to …

They walk on high places

Our daughter came home Sunday morning with sermon notes. “God doesn’t call qualified people. He calls them and then He qualifies them.” It’s so true; it’s the Holy …

Hey, Utah, Americans love our public lands

If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while hoping in vain for different results, then Utah’s leaders surely need to talk to a mental health professional. …
Things to do
Cheri Minnier-Wells

Community United Methodist Church to host ‘Matters of the Heart’ workshop Feb. 13

Are politics getting you down? Is your job stressing you out? Are your kids driving you up the wall? Are you feeling pressure from finances, an overloaded schedule, health issues or even no snow? …
Faith

SpiritFire Inspirational Living Center announces upcoming events

Spiritual topics are discussed every Tuesday at the SpiritFire Inspirational Living Center.   Upcoming events Feb. 12, 1 p.m.: Talk on getting to know your gut health with Andi …
Web extras
Lamar's Super Bowl appearance marks a political reckoning for the NFL.
Kendrick Lamar’s big Super Bowl moment
The rapper has mastered the delicate balance between commercial success and politically charged music. How far will he push the envelope on one of the world’s biggest stages?
4 Vet-Approved Tips to Show Your Pets Love this Valentine's Day
(Family Features) For pet parents in the U.S., Valentine's Day is another chance to shower their pets with love. This Valentine's Day, consider these vet-recommended ways to show your pets just how much you love them.
Average US salary by state
SoFi examines the average salary in the U.S. and how income varies from state to state
Celebrity engagement ring trends for 2025
VRAI examines celebrity engagement ring trends for 2025, including styles, shapes, and settings.
The wind and terrain can quickly change how a fire, like this one near Los Angeles in January 2025, behaves.
How satellites and AI help fight wildfires today
Fire spotters used to watch with binoculars from forest towers. Now, technology can help forecast fire behavior, but human experience is still essential.
Contributed
Top 10 Trusted Sources to Buy TikTok Likes
Jumping into the fire that’s the TikTok scene is a lot like stepping onto a never-ending escalator of content—sometimes, you’re up; sometimes, you’re down. For many users just …
Top 16 Trusted Sources to Buy TikTok Followers
Perhaps the best technique to boost and grow a sizeable presence on TikTok is to buy followers. If you wonder whether purchased followers will really become huge fans and buy the products …
Smart Money Management: How to Save Money on a Low Income
Managing finances and saving money on a low income can seem daunting, but with strategic planning and smart decisions, it's entirely possible to make the most of every dollar. This article outlines …
Buying Magic Mushrooms Online: Top 4 Brands & 6 Legal Alternatives Reviewed (2024)
Online stores selling magic mushrooms and psilocybin edibles are popping up across the internet, offering shipping to the United States, Canada, and Europe. Are the days of meeting up with the local dealer over?
Elevate Your Digital Security: Premier Antivirus Solutions and Cybersecurity Tools for Pagosa Springs, CO
In today's interconnected world, securing your computer network is essential to safeguard valuable data and maintain seamless operations. As cyber threats evolve, robust cybersecurity solutions …