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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...

A Skyway show worth seeing
Main, News...
A Skyway show worth seeing
September 30, 2026
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Main, News...
Budget slashing begins
Board considers own pay cut, trimming staff, claiming leftover road paving funds
By James Hanlon 
September 30, 2026
Department by department, piece by piece, Ouray County commissioners worked toward cutting $1.5 million from the county’s draft budget at all-day budget sessions Sept. 23 and 29. Commissioners set a 1...
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Ouray sergeant’s job? It’s unclear
Main, News...
Ouray sergeant’s job? It’s unclear
What does the only remaining full-time police employee do for work? Nobody — including Matt Troxell — will say
September 30, 2026
Each weekday, the Ouray Police Department’s sole full-time employee hops in an unmarked black and white SUV for the 15-minute commute from his home in Ridgway to his job in Ouray. Sgt. Matt Troxell ba...
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News
More squeeze, less juice: How proposed disaster relief sales tax compares with other communities
A smaller tax base means Ouray County is asking taxpayers to pay more money to generate less revenue
By Chart Riggall 
September 30, 2026
Ouray County’s proposed sales tax hike to fund future disaster relief would take more out of residents’ and visitors’ pockets to provide a substantially less plush fiscal cushion than other Colorado l...
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Bear breaks into restaurant, leaves
News
Bear breaks into restaurant, leaves
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
September 30, 2026
A large bear broke into Full Tilt restaurant and was found the morning of Sept. 23. Those passing by the restaurant at 515 Main St. filmed the confused-looking bear standing tall and looking out the f...
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City eyes legal action on sewer plant
News
City eyes legal action on sewer plant
Notice of claims sent to four contractors allege 'significant defects and deficiencies' with $17M facility
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 30, 2026
The city of Ouray has taken the first step toward seeking a legal remedy for its troubled wastewater treatment plant, filing notices of claims with four contractors who designed, built and provided se...
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Editor Picks
Looking Back
Feature
Looking Back
September 30, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago October 6, 1966 At a special meeting of the Ouray City Council on Oct. 4, the mayor o...
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News
County considers veteran transport program
Initiative would provide rides to medical appointments, but commissioners want more info
By James Hanlon 
September 30, 2026
Ouray County commissioners want to have more discussions with San Miguel County before partnering on a program that would transport veterans to medical appointments in Montrose and Grand Junction. Mik...
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News
Log Hill tests emergency siren locations
Donations expected to cover most of cost of estimated $26,000 system
By James Hanlon 
September 30, 2026
Don’t be alarmed. The Log Hill Mesa Fire Protection District plans to install an emergency siren system on Log Hill and is exploring possible locations on public property. The siren would alert reside...
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Ouray runners compete in Delta
Feature
Ouray runners compete in Delta
By David Emory 
September 30, 2026
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In Ridgway, new athletic director dives into the details
Columns, Feature...
PREP ROUNDUP
In Ridgway, new athletic director dives into the details
By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer 
September 30, 2026
Stepping into the athletics and activities director position at any high school may not be akin to ascending Jacob’s Ladder, but it captures the gist. Bethany Geist, Ridgway School District’s recently...
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First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
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Ridgway, Colorado 81432
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Ridgway CO 81432

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