Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Latest News
Runners go the distance to claim state titles
Main, News...
Runners go the distance to claim state titles
Ridgway's Hessler, Ouray's Skoloda win 3200-meter races; Demon girls finish second
By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer 
May 20, 2026
LAKEWOOD — Both runners had established new personal bests and school ...
this is a test
News
Ouray County EMS to raise fees
Charges for treatment, transport to increase for first time since 2018
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 20, 2026
Ouray County commissioners plan to raise fees for treatment and ambula...
this is a test
Mass evacuation exercise tests county’s preparedness
News
Mass evacuation exercise tests county’s preparedness
Half-day event features volunteers feigning injuries, refusing to leave and generally creating chaos — in the name of training for a real emergency
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 20, 2026
At 9:28 a.m., Amy Clewell and her two pretend siblings gathered in her...
this is a test
City to keep police department
Main, News...
City to keep police department
Ouray to retain on-call model, offer raises to officers, while sheriff leads hiring, training efforts
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
May 20, 2026
The city of Ouray will retain and rebuild its own independent police department but rely on Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry to lead the hiring and training of its officers until a new police chief comes on board. City councilors on Monday instructed City Administrator Michelle Metteer to put together a plan featuring those key elements and will formally approve it at a future meeting. The inform...
Read More
this is a test
Citizens organized against councilor
News
Citizens organized against councilor
At least 14 people sent letters to council urging vote against Gulde appointment
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
May 20, 2026
Former Ouray City Councilor Tamara Gulde ran into an organized effort to keep her from returning to public office earlier this year after she lost the November race for mayor, then sought to fill a va...
this is a test
News
Ridgway rolls out banner program
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 20, 2026
A banner ornamenting Ridgway’s skyscape is waving over Sherman Street and is now available to advertise town-sponsored and nonprofit events in town. The banner structure is the product of more than a ...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
News
News
Local Briefs
Man arrested after shots fired in home Free naloxone
May 20, 2026
A Ouray man was arrested and booked into the Montrose County Jail on suspicion of menacing, reckless endangerment, illegally discharging a firearm and prohibited use of a firearm after law enforcement...
this is a test
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
May 20, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago May 19, 1966 The Ouray City Council was asked Monday night to consider redirecting th...
this is a test
News
After prolonged debate, idling rules fail
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 20, 2026
“Idle-Free Ridgway” remains a motto rather than a rule after the Ridgway Town Council last week voted down an anti-idling ordinance that has drawn zealous support and opposition over the past five mon...
this is a test
News
No-idling ordinance stalls after months of debate
By LIA SALVATIERRA 
May 14, 2026
“Idle-Free Ridgway” remains a motto, rather than a rule after the town council voted down final approval for an anti-idling ordinance that drew zealous support and opposition over the past five months...
this is a test
Ouray childcare model a blueprint for others
Main, News...
Ouray childcare model a blueprint for others
A year after two daycares opened within affordable housing development, builder looks to replicate template in three other cities
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 13, 2026
The solution to the statewide childcare shortage might be here in Ouray County, where a blueprint for building childcare-ready affordable homes was drafted. It’s been a little more than a year since t...
this is a test
Main, News...
County tests: No mold problem in meeting rooms
After commissioner claims 'toxicity,' manager says 4-H, courthouse spaces safe to use
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 13, 2026
Ouray County commissioner meeting rooms don’t have a mold problem, according to testing ordered after Commissioner Lynn Padgett said the facilities caused her to feel sick and used it as justification...
this is a test
Features coverage
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
May 21-June 4, 2026
May 20, 2026
THURSDAY MAY 21 After-school story time for elementary students, 4–4:45 p.m. at the Ouray Public Library, 320 Sixth Ave. Community book club, noon-1 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library. Bring lunch and...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
May 14-28, 2026
May 13, 2026
Thursday, May 14 Tech Thursday - Get help with quick tech problems from 4-6 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library, 300 Charles St. Walk-ins welcome. Saturday, May 16 Spring cleanup at the Cedar Hill Ceme...
this is a test
Good For You!
Feature
Good For You!
May 6, 2026
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chris Williams, who graduated from Ridgway Secondary School in 2013, poses for a photo with his wife, Ena, and son, Sam. Williams spent four years flying F-35B Stealth fighter ...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
May 6, 2026
THURSDAY MAY 7 Ouray County Republican Central Committee monthly meeting, 6 p.m., Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs Sunshine Room, 50 Third Ave. in Ouray. Ouray Student Art Show opening reception, 4-6 ...
this is a test
Looking Back
Feature
Looking Back
April 29, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago April 28, 1966 The postal savings system, a long-time institution of the United State...
this is a test
After big rivalry win, Ridgway eyeing playoffs
Feature
PREP ROUNDUP
After big rivalry win, Ridgway eyeing playoffs
By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer 
April 29, 2026
The Ridgway girls’ soccer team took the home field ranked No. 12 in Class 2A for a pivotal rematch against long-time nemesis and second-ranked Crested Butte on April 21. The Titans had bested a short-...
this is a test
Special Sections

Best of

Business and Real Estate

Summer Guide

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Larry Gene Haller
Obituaries
Larry Gene Haller
May 20, 2026
September 18, 1944 – May 9, 2026 Larry Gene Haller was born September 18, 1944, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Owen and Dorothy Haller. He passed on May 9, 2026, at home in Ridgway, Colorado. Larry m...
this is a test
Beefed-up alpine ranger program returns
News
Beefed-up alpine ranger program returns
State grant allows county to add sixth ranger to patrol backcountry, focus on safety, education
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 13, 2026
Ouray County’s alpine ranger program is back and bigger this year with the help of a state grant. The public will see alpine rangers patrolling areas including Yankee Boy Basin, Imogene Pass and the A...
this is a test
Two candidates vie for seat on San Miguel Power board
News
Two candidates vie for seat on San Miguel Power board
Election to represent Ridgway, Log Hill contested for first time since 2014
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 13, 2026
For the first time in more than a decade, there’s a contested election for the District 6 seat on the San Miguel Power Association board of directors, representing all of Ridgway, much of Log Hill and...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Savage would bring expertise, connection to SMPA board
By Dear Editor: 
May 13, 2026
As San Miguel Power Association District 6 members prepare to vote, for the first time in quite some time we have a choice between two excellent candidates. I encourage members to take a close look at...
this is a test
War to peace: rebranding the San Juans
Columns, Opinion...
War to peace: rebranding the San Juans
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
May 13, 2026
For decades, the San Juans were valued primarily for what could be pulled out of them. These mountains were a brutal, dangerous locale defined by the extraction of silver, gold and other metals. As Wo...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy