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Ouray County to pursue local mask order
A sign at a Ouray County business instructs customers that masks are required inside. A new order from Gov. Jared Polis relaxed mask restrictions in counties with low COVID-19 case counts, but Ouray County commissioners are expected to adopt a local order requiring them in public, indoor spaces and some outdoor areas.
Covid
By News Staff, on April 6, 2021
Ouray County to pursue local mask order

Ouray County Commissioners will pursue a local mask order this week, returning to tighter restrictions after the state relaxed requirements last week for small, rural counties.

At a meeting Tuesday morning, the commissioners instructed County Attorney Carol Viner and Public Health Director Tanner Kingery to update the language of last summer’s mask mandate, which required masks in public places such as stores, restaurants when not eating and drinking, and in lines or areas outside business...

‘Big box’ tightens on Gold Mountain Fire
Main, News...
‘Big box’ tightens on Gold Mountain Fire
Aided by cooler temps, rain, firefighters increase containment to 24%
By Chart Riggall 
July 22, 2026
Surveying a sprawling map of the northern San Juans last week, Mike Smith was deep in a geometry of fire. Fingers tracing fire lines and ridges, Smith – the current incident commander over Gold Mounta...
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County eyes recovery funds
Main
County eyes recovery funds
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 22, 2026
Federal program could offer nearly $3 million — if cash-poor leaders can find matching dollars Ouray County could receive nearly $3 million in federal funding to protect homes, roads and other infrast...
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Spring targeted for tree-thinning effort
News
Spring targeted for tree-thinning effort
Without additional funding, original scope for Ouray-area project may reduced
By Chart Riggall 
July 22, 2026
A joint wildfire mitigation effort to remove dead or diseased trees from the city of Ouray’s perimeter is expected to move forward next spring, though with a potentially more limited scope. Officials ...
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News
City reorganizes planning department
Administrator ditches director post, divides duties among consultant, staff
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 22, 2026
Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer is overhauling the city’s community development department, dividing responsibilities among a third-party consultant and two city employees rather than consol...
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News
Ridgway to market itself as destination, not crossroads
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 22, 2026
A consultant has recommended that Ridgway reimagine its marketing campaign to bring outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and regional explorers to town. The idea is to shift tourists’ perception away fr...
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Ouray County Fair still scheduled for Aug. 13-15
News
Ouray County Fair still scheduled for Aug. 13-15
July 22, 2026
The 109th annual Ouray County Fair is scheduled to proceed as planned, even if the fairgrounds remain the headquarters for the Gold Mountain Fire operations. The fair is scheduled from Aug. 13-15 at t...
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Editor Picks
Ride-along reveals value of alpine ranger program
Columns, Opinion...
GUEST COLUMN
Ride-along reveals value of alpine ranger program
By Sue Dreamweaver Spielman 
July 22, 2026
I'm not a Jeep enthusiast or an off-highway vehicle user, but I am a hiker and photographer who cares deeply about our high-country environment. After recent discussions at county commissioners' meeti...
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Toth seeks to grow Wright Opera House’s appeal
Feature
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS
Toth seeks to grow Wright Opera House’s appeal
By By Chloe Kiparsky Special to the Plaindealer 
July 22, 2026
When Heather Toth moved to Ouray County in 2013, her first question was, “Where’s the theater; where’s the art space?” The arts are a necessity, not a luxury, according to Toth. She values third space...
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Good For You!
Feature
Good For You!
July 22, 2026
Proud parents Katie and Willem Geyer of Ouray welcomed their son Willem “Liam” Pieter Geyer to the world at 5:52 p.m. on July 14, weighing 6 lbs. 8 oz. Liam, also known by his nickname "Pork Chop," wa...
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Charles ‘CJ’ John Turner
Obituaries
Charles ‘CJ’ John Turner
July 22, 2026
August 27, 1960 – July 7, 2026 Born Charles John Turner on August 27, 1960, in Nashua, NH, CJ “Turbo” Turner comes full circle to rest beside his beloved Mother, Joanne Turner. CJ was one of a kind, r...
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Quinn Nicholas Strickler
Obituaries
Quinn Nicholas Strickler
July 22, 2026
September 23, 1993 – March 14, 2026 Quinn Nicholas Strickler, 31, passed away on March 14, 2026, in Santa Barbara, California, due to an unforeseen heart issue. He was born in Ridgway, Colorado, to Br...
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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
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Ridgway CO 81432

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