Heavy rains and increased levels in rivers and streams on Oct. 23 led to widespread damage. The San Juan River reached its second-highest level on record.
Local News
The San Juan River peaked at 15.02 feet at about 5:45 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, becoming the second highest flooding event in recorded history for the river, short of only the 1911 flood which peaked …
Heavy rains and increased levels in rivers and streams on Oct. 23 led to widespread damage. The San Juan River reached its second-highest level on record.
Local News
Historic flooding throughout Archuleta County last week caused significant road damage and closures in the region. Roads in the Town of Pagosa Springs and in Archuleta County were affected, …
Opinion
Never before have we heard or spoken the words “catastrophic” and “widespread devastation” so many times in reference to our own community. We hope to never do it again. The last …
Local News
Multiple organizations have announced ways to help the community following the flooding. Following are some of those ways to help. For additional ways to help, keep an eye on www.PagosaSUN.com. …
Local News
As recovery efforts continue following significant flooding in Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, several resources are available to help residents safely dispose of flood-damaged materials, access …
Local News
Last week’s historic flooding led to days of rescues of individuals stranded throughout the county, beginning with a dramatic helicopter rescue on Friday, Oct. 23, of a local couple. That …
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Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux addresses members of the Colorado National Guard deployed to the area.
Government

Area utilities, medical facilities sustain damage

In addition to area roads, highways, water and wastewater infrastructure, last week’s flooding resulted in multiple other infrastructure issues, some of which are ongoing. Power outages …
Local News

San Juan National Forest assisting forest visitors, clearing roadways

Staff on the San Juan National Forest are working in lockstep with counties and the National Guard to access hunters and forest visitors trapped behind road washouts, landslides and high-water …
The San Juan National Forest experienced significant damage from the heavy rains and flooding.
Education

Small school, big impact: Charter school claims 20 percent of poetry finalists in regional contest

Pagosa Peak Open School (PPOS) is proud to announce that four of our middle school students have been selected as regional finalists in the 2026 San Juan Youth Poetry Contest.   Hosted by …
Rotary partners in Niamey, Niger, celebrate the arrival of educational supplies provided through a partnership with the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs. The project includes Braille writing machines, specialized paper and LEGO Braille Bricks to support students who are blind or visually impaired.
Education

Small dots, big dreams: Rotary helps children learn through Braille

What began as an international Rotary service project has become a reality for visually impaired children in Niamey, Niger. Thanks to a partnership between the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs and …
Sports

Pirates to head to Colorado Springs for first-round playoff matchup

The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate football team had its matchup against the Coal Ridge Titans canceled this past week due to the team being unable to travel during severe weather. The …
Lady Pirate Dawson Iverson sends the ball across the net as her fellow Pirates provide backup against the Ignacio Bobcats on Monday, Oct. 26.
Sports

Lady Pirates fall to Mean Moose, Bobcats

The Pagosa Springs High School volleyball team dropped two straight after their win over Monte Vista and fell to 5-14 on the season. The No. 44 Lady Pirates hosted the No. 8 Alamosa Mean Moose …
What Readers Are Saying
Sports

DUST2 Middle School Adventure Team’s 21 riders wrap up season

The DUST2 Middle School Adventure Team had 21 riders hit the dirt this year, bringing high energy, huge smiles and serious work ethic to every single ride.   From excelling in coaches’ …
Sports

Pirates’ season draws to a close

The 2026 Pagosa Springs High School Pirate boys’ soccer season has come to an end earlier than anticipated, but coach Trevor Gian explained he is proud of his team and the way the season ended. …
A trio of Pirate harriers — Weston Sweet, Rylan Ash and Made Stretton — punched their tickets to the season’s final meet on Oct. 31 with their finishes at the Oct. 22 regional meet.
Sports

Trio of Pirates advance to state meet

Despite flooding in Pagosa Springs, the Pagosa Springs High School Pirates hosted the Colorado 3A Region 2 meet on Thursday, Oct. 22. The Pirate cross-country teams welcomed nine teams from …
Local News

Governor commits state support and resources for Southwestern Colorado flood response

Gov. Jared Polis and state agencies are working alongside local officials, tribal partners and community organizations to help Coloradans affected by devastating flooding in Southwest Colorado. Since …
Local News

CDOT requests $65 million in federal emergency relief for Southwest Colorado flood damage

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is requesting federal emergency relief funds to repair significant flood damage to highways across Southwest Colorado as part of the Federal Highway …
Community

SWORD Council awards nearly $1 million in 2027 community grants to address opioid misuse in Southwest Colorado

The SouthWEST Opioid Response District (SWORD) Council announced that it has awarded nearly $1 million in community grants to 12 organizations addressing opioid misuse and strengthening community …
Local News

Town provides flood recovery update

Recovery efforts continue in Pagosa Springs following the October 23-24 flooding. Town crews are making progress clearing debris, assessing damage, and restoring public spaces. Following are …
Local News

Public Health reminds residents to avoid floodwater and take precautions

Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD) reminds residents to take precautions during and after flooding. Floodwater can contain sewage, harmful germs, chemicals and debris that can cause …
U.S. 160 was opened Tuesday afternoon to single-lane alternating traffic between South Fork and Pagosa Springs. Motorists are urged to use caution and slow down for their safety and the safety of crews repairing flood damaged areas close to the travel lanes.
Local News

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass opened to travel Tuesday afternoon

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) opened U.S. 160 between Pagosa Springs and South Fork to travel in both directions on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 3:30 p.m. Although the highway has been …
Local News

Evacuations continue due to flooding

As of Tuesday morning, Oct. 27, flood incident officials reported that 29 missions have been completed, resulting in 33 people and 18 animals being evacuated. The Archuleta County Sheriff's …
Local News

Community flood update meeting set for Tuesday, Oct. 27

Archuleta County residents are invited to attend a community meeting to learn the latest information about the flooding and what comes next. The meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the …
Local News

Flooding Incident Call Center hours to change Tuesday, Oct. 27

The Incident Call Center hours will be changing starting Tuesday, Oct. 27. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please use this number, (970) 508-9928, for general questions …

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Oct 22, 2026

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Obituaries
 Robert E. J. ‘Buck’ Goodyear
June 3, 1938 - Aug. 24, 2026 “A True Highway Man”   Robert “Buck” Goodyear passed away Aug. 24, 2026. Buck graduated from Durango High School in 1956 and spent two years at …
Demetrio Martinez
Demetrio Martinez passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, at his home in Carracas Mesa, N.M. Born and raised in Carracas, Demetrio spent the majority of his life in Durango, …
Jean Macht Taylor
The family of Jean Macht Taylor would like to let the community know of her passing on Oct. 19, 2026. Obituary and celebration of life details to follow.
William ‘Bill’ R. McElhinney
William (Bill) R. McElhinney passed away on Oct. 14, 2026, in Dewey, Ariz., after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tara McElhinney; sons Tim …
Ronald Baker ‘Bud’ Forman
Ronald Baker “Bud” Forman, lovingly known as “Buddaddy,” age 86, of Aledo, Texas, passed away on Oct. 9, 2026. He was born on Sept. 10, 1940, in Denison, Texas, to Walter Inskip “Skip” …
Dave Richardson
On Sept. 11, Dave Richardson, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, went to be with his Heavenly Father. After struggling with dementia for three years, his mind and body are at peace. …

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