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No. 2 top story of 2020: Voters oust sheriff in county’s first recall
Former Ouray County Sheriff Lance FitzGerald used this photo as part of his campaign to retain his job, after a tumultuous year in which he was arrested for alleged DUI and involved in various alcohol-fueled domestic incidents. Facebook photo
News
By Mike Wiggins, on December 29, 2020
No. 2 top story of 2020: Voters oust sheriff in county’s first recall

In Ouray County’s first recall election in its 143-year history, voters overwhelmingly chose to oust Sheriff Lance FitzGerald, concluding he was unfit to serve in office after a series of legal and personal troubles in late 2019 that carried over into early 2020.

They replaced him with Ouray’s former police chief and city administrator, Justin Perry.

FitzGerald won office in 2018 by just 11 votes. A little more than 18 months later, just 196 out of 2,527 people voted to keep him in his positio...

Firefighters gain ground on Gold Mountain Fire
Main, News...
Firefighters gain ground on Gold Mountain Fire
Sheriff allows some evacuees to return home; blaze shifts away from populated areas
By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
Residents forced to flee the Gold Mountain Fire north of Ouray nearly two weeks ago returned to charred landscapes but fully intact homes Wednesday, an indication that authorities believe the threat h...
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Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on
Main, News...
Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
A scaled-back Fourth of July celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and 150th birthday of Ouray attracted thousands to the city, despite the cancellation of fireworks, water fights and...
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First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency
News
First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 8, 2026
Even though the Gold Mountain Fire is still burning, Ouray County officials are already thinking about flash flood risks in the burn scar as Colorado moves into monsoon season. “This is a predictable ...
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News
Water providers ask customers to pull back
Ridgway enacts mandatory irrigation restrictions
By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
Water managers in Ouray County are asking residents to curtail water use and avoid putting more demand on their distribution systems in light of the Gold Mountain Fire and ongoing tinder-dry condition...
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News
Looking Back
50 Years Ago
July 8, 2026
July 7, 1966 Charges have been filed in Ouray County Court against three Ouray youths for violation of state statutes in climbing over a fence at the municipal swimming pool last Friday and breaking b...
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News
Following outcry, Ouray seeks gym solutions
City may move fitness center to empty building, assess bathhouse for possible remodel
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
The city of Ouray is thinking about moving the fitness center from inside the historic bathhouse at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool to an empty building across the street from the Ouray Community Center. C...
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Editor Picks
A foam-filled Fourth
News
A foam-filled Fourth
July 8, 2026
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Good For You!
Feature
Good For You!
Celebrating 90 years, Neighbor to Neighbor's 20th anniversary and Ridgway mayor honored with good governance award
July 8, 2026
Neighbor to Neighbor celebrated its 20th anniversary in Ouray County with a potluck at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk at Ridgway State Park on June 25. Pictured here from left to right are: Alice Goertz, Patty Ratliff...
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Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
July 9-23, 2026
July 8, 2026
Thursday, July 9 Ridgway Concert Series: Black Uhuru with opener Psylo, free concert in Hartwell Park, 6 p.m. No dogs or outside alcohol allowed. Youth Garden Club: Compost Basics for ages 8-18, from ...
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Some evacuated areas will reopen to residents Wednesday
News
Some evacuated areas will reopen to residents Wednesday
By erin@ouraynews.com 
July 7, 2026
The Ouray County sheriff is allowing some residents to return to their homes in evacuated areas starting Wednesday morning. The sheriff's office approved re-entry for credentialed residents who live i...
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Wildlife displaced by fire, residents can help by providing water for animals
News
Wildlife displaced by fire, residents can help by providing water for animals
Commissioners to discuss emergency plans for flooding
By James Hanlon, Special to the Plaindealer 
July 7, 2026
Wildlife escaping the Gold Mountain Fire are moving closer to town, prompting state wildlife officials to advise the public on how they can simultaneously help animals and give them the space they nee...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

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