Top Stories
U.S. 160 reconstruction information
Work will begin on Monday, March 24, with the removal of permanent pavement markings and the installation of temporary striping to prepare the work zone for turning the eastbound lanes of U.S. 160 into two-way traffic. Traffic shifts should be expected during this operation.
BoCC approves property purchase agreement for new admin building site
During its regular meeting held on Tuesday, March 18, the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) unanimously approved a purchase and sale agreement for the property located at 2901 Cornerstone Drive for the purpose of constructing a new county administration building.
Hydrant testing agreement discussed
At its March 13 board meeting, the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) Board of Directors discussed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Archuleta County Sheriff’s …
Town council moves toward fall election for sales tax increase for sewer repairs
On March 18, the Pagosa Springs Town Council again considered bringing a town-only sales tax increase in front of the town’s voters to create a revenue stream which would pay for critical repairs and upgrades to the town’s aging wastewater system.
PAWSD hears drought plan presentation
At its March 13 meeting, the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) Board of Directors heard a presentation on the district’s drought management plan.
Town, county hear initial community housing needs assessment results
A community housing needs assessment spearheaded by the Town of Pagosa Springs, Archuleta County and the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation is nearing completion, as initial results were shared at the joint town and county work session held on Feb. 25.
Other local news

San Juan National Forest leadership thinking ahead about 2025 wildfires

While March feels early to start thinking about fire mitigation on public and private lands, a two-acre fire broke out in dry grass and aspen the evening of March 12 on the San Juan National …

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment to host virtual town halls for federal workers

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is hosting a series of virtual town halls to share resources for Colorado’s federal workers impacted by recent federal layoffs and …

Friday delay, closures announced due to inclement weather

Note: This post will be updated as The SUN is informed of additional closures and delays. Delays and closures have been announced due to Friday's inclement weather: • The Archuleta …

Town council discusses town-only sales tax increase to pay for sewer repairs

On March 4, the Pagosa Springs Town Council discussed the possibility of holding a November election to increase the town’s sales tax in order to create a revenue stream to pay for critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades to its aging wastewater system.

Water districts discuss cooperation on Running Iron Ranch lease

The Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) and San Juan Water Conservancy (SJWCD) boards of directors discussed the possibility of cooperating on completing a final lease for the Weber family at the Running Iron Ranch at recent meetings.
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Obituaries
Lourdes ‘Lou’ Roseann Fay
Lou passed away Feb. 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A memorial service was held on Feb. 22, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Delta, Colo.
Mary Francis Polanco
Born in Dulce, N.M., on April 17, 1938, Mary Francis Polanco went peacefully home to the Lord on March 7, 2025. Mary resided in Dulce, the headquarters of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, which she was a member of.
Darlene Shaw
love that Ron Shaw and family announce the passing of Darlene Shaw on March 9, 2025, at the age of 85.   She leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter and unwavering loyalty that will be …
Angie Martinez
Angie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witness on July 6, 1973, and lived her life lovingly telling others about Jehovah. She loved her family and was truly hospitable to all who came into her kitchen and were warmed by her delicious home cooking. You always knew you were loved with her warm hugs and beautiful smile.
Robert Dale Sprague
Robert Dale Sprague, 89, of Monte Vista, Colo., passed away on March 7, 2025. He was born on Aug. 16, 1935, in Denver, Colo., to Charles Robert Sprague and Mary Madeline Muehlbaur.
Sports
The No. 7 Pagosa Springs High School Lady Pirate basketball team fell to the No. 2 Timnath Cubs in the Great 8 round of the 4A girls’ basketball playoffs on Wednesday, March 12.
The Pagosa Springs High School Pirate track and field teams were unable to dust off at the Dust Off Durango on Saturday, March 8, with the event canceled due to inclement weather.
Business
Town, LPEA reach easement agreement for electrical substation
On March 4, the Pagosa Springs Town Council approved the first reading of an ordinance dedicating an easement on town-owned property to La Plata Electric Association (LPEA), allowing LPEA to use five acres on the property for a new electrical substation. 
Region 9 receives grant for growing Colorado’s semiconductor and advanced industry ecosystems
On March 4, the Global Business Development Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced the latest market study grant recipients of the Colorado …
Tickets available for April 29 Building Business Excellence Forum
The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce is excited and proud to bring the first Building Business Excellence Forum to Pagosa Springs on April 29, 2025 at the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Clubhouse. 
Regional partners awarded $1.7 million in Proposition 123 funds to create affordable homeownership housing units
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Housing, has awarded $1,753,000 to Ignacio, Pagosa Springs and Silverton, as part of Proposition 123 (Prop 123) initiative to support the development of affordable housing. 
Business Spotlight: SGD Springs delivers reliable solutions for garage doors and more
SGD Springs , a Texas-based manufacturer, supplies high-quality springs to businesses across various industries, including garage door repair companies and truck storage systems. With more than …
Delani Smith
High Country Title announces new era for local title services, Delani Smith new manager
High Country Title announces new management, bringing a fresh vision, updated office, and enhanced services to better serve the real estate agents, home buyers and sellers of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County.
Colorado Department of Transportation map of the U.S. 160 concrete work zone in downtown Pagosa Springs between North 8th Street and North 1st Street.
U.S. 160 reconstruction project to start March 17
The U.S. 160 reconstruction project is set to officially begin on Monday, March 17, “weather permitting,” according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Community development board hears housing, workforce development updates
Local interest in a workforce housing project spearheaded by the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC) continues to grow, PSCDC Executive Director Emily Lashbrooke reported Feb. 12, with two homes sold and additional families working to purchase the majority of those still available.
Town council denies short-term rental transfer variance request
On Feb. 18, the Pagosa Springs Town Council denied a variance request for a onetime exception to the town’s short-term rental (STR) regulations.
Education
The Archuleta School District Board of Education (BOE) heard an update from Finance Director Eric Burt during its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, in regard to the state’s anticipated $1 billion shortfall and the new School Finance Act (SFA) that was passed last spring and scheduled to take effect in July.
The Foundation for Colorado Community Colleges has opened its scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year, offering funding opportunities for students attending or planning to attend one of the 13 Colorado Community College System (CCCS) colleges next academic year. 
Government
Opinion

It’s still the West against itself

Nearly 80 years ago, Bernard DeVoto, the Utah-born writer and historian, wrote an essay titled “The West Against Itself” for Harper’s Magazine. DeVoto summed up the platform …

The weight of a pebble

“The entire ocean is affected by a pebble.”   Blaise Pascal’s quote sheds illumination on the interconnectedness of all life. He precedes this with, “The least …

In the making: the final brushstroke

I scrambled for something to write about for the next deadline. I’d been in the hospital for four days from this horrible respiratory syncytial virus. Time to pull myself up by the strings …

Stay informed and supportive

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s U.S. 160 reconstruction project is a few short days away, with work anticipated to start Monday, March 24. We hope your patient pants are ready. …
Things to do

Archuleta County Public Health Department to participate in National Public Health Week

The Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is proud to announce its participation in National Public Health Week (NPHW) April 7-13, aligning with the national theme, “It Starts …
Faith

SpiritFire Inspirational Living Center to hold eclipse, equinox events

The 11 a.m. service on Sunday, March 23 will be “Commanding the Highest Expression of Yourself with the Violet Flame” with Shayla Azriel. A love donation will be accepted. …
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 …