HANGING OUT

Ice climber Andrew Belhm (above) belays Michael Aschmann on Jan. 9 at the Ouray Ice Park. The 2021 elite mixed ice climbing competition begins with qualifying rounds today and the finals will be live-streamed at it a.m. Saturday at ourayicepark.com. Crowds will not be allowed due to the pandemic - only competitors, Ice Park staff and volunteers are allowed on-site. The qualifying rounds will be taped but not broadcasted live. PHOTO BY KOEN LICHTENBELT/Special to the Plaindealer

Index.php

By Carolina Brown, on January 21, 2021

HANGING OUT

The Ouray Ice Park’s 26th annual Ice Festival is virtual this year, complete with a livestreamed competition, virtual auction and virtual closing ceremony.

The livestreaming of the event at ourayicepark.com was made possible by donations from the Colorado Tourism Office, Colorado Lottery and the City of Ouray and sponsors including Ouray Silver Mines and several big-name outdoor companies. Those donations will cover the cost of livestreaming the competition.

Given that cost — estimated to be m...

Main, News...

UPDATE: Pilot in fatal crash identified as Canadian man

Investigation underway to determine cause of crash at Silver Jack Reservoir

By Mike

July 13, 2026

Editor's note: This story has been changed to correctly indicate the change in the team overseeing the fire response. The pilot who died when his aircraft went down in Silver Jack Reservoir Sunday was...

News

Firefighting aircraft goes down in Silver Jack

Body of pilot recovered from crash scene by dive team late Sunday

By Plaindealer Staff

July 12, 2026

An aircraft fighting the Gold Mountain Fire went down in Silver Jack Reservoir in southwestern Gunnison County on Sunday night and the body of the pilot has been recovered from the crash. One person w...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

News

A foam-filled Fourth

July 8, 2026

Feature

Good For You!

Celebrating 90 years, Neighbor to Neighbor's 20th anniversary and Ridgway mayor honored with good governance award

July 8, 2026

Editor's note: The caption on the photo of Carl Dismant's birthday has been corrected to include Barry Maclennan's name, instead of Paul Elmont ______________ Neighbor to Neighbor celebrated its 20th ...

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 ...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines