2019 Top Story No. 3: Top leadership turns over

News

By Mike Wiggins, on January 1, 2020

STORIES OF THE YEAR: NO. 3

Local governments experienced turnover at the highest levels in 2019, as all three Ouray County law enforcement agencies received new leaders and Ouray and Ridgway hired new administrators.

The year began with two immediate changes, with Lance FitzGerald being sworn in as Ouray County sheriff and Katie Sickles being fired as Ouray city administrator in January.

FitzGerald defeated then-Undersheriff Joel “BB” Burk by just 11 votes to replace retiring Sheriff Junior M...

Main, News...

HILLS OF GOLD

October 2, 2024

Erin McIntyre — Ouray County Plaindealer The fall colors are spectacular on Red Mountain south of Ouray and across the San Juans. This photo shows the golden aspen trees on the hillside above some his...

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High court overrules county judge

Evidence can be used in alleged sex assault case involving ex-police chief's home

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

October 2, 2024

The Colorado Supreme Court has overturned a county court judge's decision to punish the district attorney's office for not following evidence rules and prohibit evidence not provided to the defense by...

Main, News...

County OKs new rental rules

Over objections from some, ordinance increases permits, stiffens regulations

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

October 2, 2024

Ouray County commissioners unanimously adopted a new short-term rental ordinance Tuesday despite an outpouring of concern from some current permit holders who said the new ordinance is ambiguous. Ten ...

News

Candidate takes aim at county spending

Perkovich says he'll prioritize public safety, roads; Hurd, Simpson seek support at GOP event

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 2, 2024

Criticizing Ouray County government spending as “out of control,” Republican commissioner candidate Michael Perkovich questioned what his opponent has done to help county citizens and said he would pr...

News

County weighs savings in gravel-crushing plan

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 2, 2024

Ouray County officials are weighing the value of saving an estimated $80,000 to run a month-long gravel crushing operation next to Whispering Pines, but wants to meet with neighbors to gauge their inp...

News

County considers final courthouse fixes

Contractors, leaders discuss HVAC, electrical systems; taxpayers likely on hook for biggest repair

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 2, 2024

After more than three years of trying to diagnose and remedy mechanical and electrical problems with $8.8 million worth of renovations to the Ouray County Courthouse, county leaders are negotiating fi...

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NEWS BRIEFS – Oct. 3, 2024 edition

Gas station fight ends in arrest

October 2, 2024

Gas station fight ends in arrest A fight at the Shell gas station in Ridgway escalated to the point where one man allegedly pulled a gun on another, resulting in his arrest. Deputies with the Ridgway ...

News

District attorney seeks more funding

Outgoing prosecutor asks for 13% budget increase for better pay, additional employees

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 2, 2024

The Seventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office is requesting about $22,000 more from Ouray County in 2025 to pay for better pay and benefits, two more full-time equivalent employees for the evidence ...

News

County proposes $3.15M hike in 2025 budget

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 2, 2024

A first look at Ouray County’s preliminary 2025 budget shows a projected $3.15 million spending increase from the 2024 approved budget, nearly double the increase seen from 2023 to 2024. This first-dr...

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POLICE LOG

October 2, 2024

OURAY POLICE The following is an excerpt of cases handled by the Ouray Police Department from Sept. 2530: Sept. 25 Officer took a report of lost property at the Police Department. Officer discovered a...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

How can Ridgway help itself? Capitalize on ‘True Grit’

October 2, 2024

Dear Editor: The Plaindealer’s Sept. 26 story about the plight of Ridgway’s businesses got me thinking. The interstate highway system made travel faster — but at a price: Hundreds of small towns throu...

STORIES OF THE YEAR: NO. 3

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines