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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...

News
City administrator to lead Ouray police chief search
By Mike Wiggins 
January 21, 2026
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...
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ICE FARMERS GET THEIR CROP
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 
January 21, 2026
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
Main, News...
Judge delays assault trials
Attorneys say they're not ready; cases will be heard by Montrose juries
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 21, 2026
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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News
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
Feature
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
News
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
January 21, 2026
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, ...
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Good for you!
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
News
New county clerk sworn in
January 21, 2026
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News
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...
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Calendar & Events
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...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
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Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

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Ridgway CO 81432

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