Whether rider or driver, safety is paramount

Gary Cutler, Trooper

Opinion

By News Staff, on July 31, 2019

TROOPER TIPS

According to the meteorologists it is now officially summer. So that means there will be a lot more motorcycles on our roadways. So that is this month’s topic.

I was a motor officer for the State

Patrol for 11 years, so I have a few insights when dealing with this topic. No matter what angle or side you pick on the subject, it always comes down to one important item: safety for everyone involved is paramount.

When it comes to motorcycles, they are smaller and quicker than other vehicl...

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City administrator to lead Ouray police chief search

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Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer told city councilors Tuesday she will take charge of recruiting a new police chief. That’s a different approach than the city took when it was looking for a p...

Main, News...

ICE FARMERS GET THEIR CROP

A long-awaited cold snap allows Ice Park to open, just in time for festival

By LIA SALVATIERRA

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After weeks of planning for the worst, the Ouray Ice Park has ice to offer after all, just in time for the 31st Ice Festival this weekend. Ice Park Executive Director Peter O’Neil has spent the past t...

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Judge delays assault trials

Attorneys say they're not ready; cases will be heard by Montrose juries

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

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The trials for two men accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Ouray County in 2023 have been postponed, even as the woman and the judge presiding over the cases expressed concerns about ...

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New county manager tackles big ticket items

Mendez focused on 2027 budget, team building

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 21, 2026

Ouray County’s new manager wants commissioners to start thinking about the county’s 2027 budget now — just two weeks into 2026 and three weeks into his new job. During Antonio Mendez’s first work sess...

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Film showcases climber’s return to sport

'Anna' documents how Ouray-based Pfaff pushed ahead after amputation of toes

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 21, 2026

Anna Pfaff’s choice to move onward and, especially upward, resonates beyond world-class peaks in a locally made film on the elite Ouray-based climber. "Anna" is a 22-minute portrait of Pfaff’s return ...

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Ridgway shelves anti-idling ordinance

Citing concerns, town will instead explore zones where running vehicles would be prohibited

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

January 21, 2026

The Ridgway Town Council last week rejected a proposed ordinance aimed at outlawing idling vehicles on public property, citing concerns including enforcement difficulties. The council instead decided ...

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Council appoints Wood, Light to Ouray planning commission

Wood, Light named to planning commission

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In a pair of split votes, the Ouray City Council on Tuesday night appointed John Wood and Pat Light to the Ouray Planning Commission. Councilors voted 3-2 to select Wood for a seat on the commission, ...

Feature

Good for you!

Send us your celebrations!

January 21, 2026

Ridgway Secondary School guidance counselor Terra Malmstrom gave a presentation during a conference celebrating Rudolf Steiner in December at Harvard Divinity School. Her presentation, "Beyond Surviva...

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New county clerk sworn in

January 21, 2026

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Sustainability board to ramp up work in 2026

To-do list includes creating composting options, landscaping incentives

January 21, 2026

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com Ridgway’s Sustainability Advisory Board plans to create residential composting options, incentives for water-conscious landscaping and a zero-waste policy for even...

Calendar & Events, Feature...

Calendar & Events

Jan. 22-Feb. 5, 2026

January 21, 2026

Thursday, January 22 Tech Thursday – Get help with quick tech problems from 4-6 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library, 300 Charles St. Walk-ins welcome. Film club: "Famous Last Words," with the Ouray Pub...

TROOPER TIPS

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines