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A new bird species for Ouray County
The first sighting of a Brown Thrasher in Ouray County happened when this bird decided to take residence at Chris Lance’s house in Ridgway. The only other record of this bird in the area is from 1952 in Montrose. Photo courtesy Don Marsh
By Sue Hirshman, on December 3, 2020
A new bird species for Ouray County

Nature awaits

many surprises

For thee

— Enos Mills

A surprise came to me Friday, Nov. 6, when my friend Chris Lance of Ridgway notified me that she had a Brown Thrasher on her property and she thought this was a rare occurrence. Indeed, I agreed with her as I had no reports or people ever seeing this species in Ouray County.

This bird is listed in my “Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas,” as well as other books that I checked that the species is an Eastern and Southern bird, and usually only found Eas...

Ute dancers perform at film fest
Main, News...
Ute dancers perform at film fest
October 22, 2025
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Board makes offer on top job
Main, News...
Board makes offer on top job
On same day commissioners pick Peace Corps director, interim manager resigns
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
October 22, 2025
Ouray County’s new county manager will travel from Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, for the job, if he accepts the position. Ouray County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to offer the county’s to...
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Main, News...
Federal shutdown threatens food assistance program
By By Lia Salvatierra and Erin McIntyre lia@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
October 22, 2025
Food assistance for low-income residents in Ouray County will likely be cut off at the end of the month due to the federal government shutdown, leaving an estimated 170 households with less money and ...
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Main, News...
Woman’s body found in mine shaft
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
October 22, 2025
A Ridgway woman who was reported missing Monday night was found dead in a deep, water-filled mine shaft on Red Mountain Pass. Rescuers found Jennifer Nelson, 54, early Tuesday morning after accidental...
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News
City OKs purchase of new police vehicles
Interim police chief sought five hybrid SUVs to replace aging fleet; council authorizes three
By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com 
October 22, 2025
The Ouray City Council approved the purchase of three new police vehicles Monday night, allowing the police department to start rotating in new patrol cars for an aging fleet that hasn’t been replaced...
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County clerk announces resignation
News
County clerk announces resignation
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
October 22, 2025
Commissioners to appoint replacement for Lynn, who's moving to help family Ouray County Clerk and Recorder Cristy Lynn announced Tuesday she will resign from her position at the end of this year to re...
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News
Without funding, county likely to end wastewater surveillance
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
October 22, 2025
Ouray County’s wastewater surveillance program is due to end this spring unless outside funding becomes available. The program relaunched in January and tests for the presence of COVID-19, respiratory...
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Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lodging tax a way for visitors to pay their way
October 22, 2025
Dear Editor: I am writing this letter to encourage people to vote for Ballot issue 1A in the upcoming Nov. 4 election. The issue would place a 6% lodging tax on shortterm rentals, campgrounds, RV park...
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Letters, Opinion...
Safer highways start with safer drivers
October 22, 2025
Dear Editor: I find it interesting that the condition of our highways is often blamed for a lot of traffic accidents and even deaths. I believe that we should look closer at what is really our biggest...
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Letters, Opinion...
New Blue Lakes parking poorly designed
October 22, 2025
Dear Editor: I hiked the Blue Lakes Trail Friday and had a chance to see the new parking arrangement that's been put in place at the trailhead. I know the previous parking was helter-skelter, so I was...
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Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
First-day school event felt like family
October 22, 2025
Dear Editor: After reading the recent articles about our candidates for the Ouray School Board, I feel compelled to clarify at least one claim. There was more than one teacher singing, dancing and wel...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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