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The stiff-tailed Ruddy Duck
The courting behaviors of the Ruddy Duck were unique enough to lead renowned ornithologist Paul A. Johnsgard to nickname it "the punk rock star of waterfowl." The duck is one of many bird species you can spot at Ridgway Reservoir. AdobeStock photo
By Sue Hirshman, on April 21, 2022
The stiff-tailed Ruddy Duck

The uniqueness of the Ruddy Duck makes it so enduring to everyone who is watching this special duck.

– Paul A. Johnsgard

One of the many bird species you can spot at Ridgway Reservoir is this funny little duck, named for its stiff, spiky tail.

The Ruddy Duck is one of many birds who either call this body of water home or use it as a stopping point on their migration routes for rest, food and survival.

I am always so thrilled to see this funny little duck with so many unique characteristics. He is ...

County turns attention to prairie dogs at 4-H Center
Main, News...
County turns attention to prairie dogs at 4-H Center
County manager insists on controlling rodents despite pushback from commissioner
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
June 17, 2026
Ouray County will control the prairie dog population at the 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds. Ouray County Manager Antonio Mendez said he has yet to decide on a method, but that the end goal is contro...
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Main, News...
Gym members decry removal of free weights
City cites structural issues, will pursue short-term fix
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
June 17, 2026
The sudden removal of most of the free weights from the fitness center at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool has angered members who say the city eliminated one of the primary reasons they work out there. Cit...
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News
Town accepts grant to explore all-electric rules
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
June 17, 2026
The Ridgway Town Council has decided it’s willing to take a chance on a grant-funded public process in pursuit of an all-electric building code for new construction. Councilors unanimously voted on Ju...
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News
After hiatus, Ridgway to fly flag during Pride Month
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
June 17, 2026
Ridgway town councilors voted last week to fly the pride flag at Ridgway Town Hall for the remainder of Pride Month, after deciding not to last year. At a June 10 meeting, Councilor Polly Kroger reque...
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News
Library seeks money from city for expansion
State agency says local buy-in will improve chances of grant; council to consider funding request during fall budget talks
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
June 17, 2026
The Ouray Library District has asked the city of Ouray to contribute $100,000 toward its expansion, hoping to pair it with other funding from local and state governments. In a June 2 letter, which als...
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We’re keeping the racks, but bring more quarters
Columns, Opinion...
FROM THE PUBLISHER
We’re keeping the racks, but bring more quarters
By Erin McIntyre 
June 17, 2026
When I called to inquire about purchasing refurbished newspaper racks, the gal seemed a bit surprised. "We don't sell many newspaper racks," she said. "Most of the calls we get are people wanting to k...
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Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Plaindealer maintains its important mission
By Dear Editor: 
June 17, 2026
Dear Editor, Before moving to Ouray five and a half years ago, my only experience with a small town newspaper was the one in my husband's home town, population 2,500. If I wanted to know who lunched w...
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Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Help highway look good
By Dear Editor: 
June 17, 2026
Dear Editor, Recently a section of U.S. Highway 550 in Ouray County became available for adoption through the Colorado Department of Transportation's Adopt a Highway program. The program relies on vol...
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Anniversaries a reminder of power of this place
Columns, Opinion...
Anniversaries a reminder of power of this place
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
June 17, 2026
The "power of place" is the theory that physical locations shape our lives, identities and ultimate destinies. This concept suggests that a geographic location is never merely a dot on a map or a set ...
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News
Looking Back
50 Years Ago
June 17, 2026
June 16, 1966 Ray Scoggins has purchased from Oscar Thurman a refreshment stand at the Ouray municipal pool. It has been renamed the Poolside Patio and will be managed by Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Scoggins, p...
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News
County to charge for special event permits
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
June 17, 2026
Ouray County leaders plan to charge a fee for special event permit applications and formalize the permit process. County leaders are still deciding how much they plan to charge for applications, which...
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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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195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

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