Feds propose restrictions on Blue Lakes recreation

Lower Blue Lake is located at the base of Mt. Sneffels in the Uncompahgre National Forest, southwest of Ridgway. A new plan unveiled by the U.S. Forest Service proposes limiting visitors in a newly created Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Zone and requiring permits for overnight use in some areas. Adobe Stock/Krzysztof Wiktor

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By Erin McIntyre, on May 5, 2022

Ridgway adopts planet Earth flag

Town council approves request 4-1

By By Lia Salvatierra lia @ouraynews. com

May 16, 2025

Welcome to Ridgway, Colorado, U.S.A., Earth — the first place in the world to formally adopt and fly the International Flag of Planet Earth. The Ridgway Town Council voted Wednesday night to raise the...

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Sex assault trial may be moved, delayed

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

The trial of one of three men accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the former police chief's home could be postponed and moved out of Ouray County. Cindy Hyatt, one of the attorneys fo...

Main, News...

Skimpy snowpack slipping away

Liquid content of snow in Gunnison River Basin among lowest since 1981

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

The warning lights have been blinking for months. The city of Ouray postponed its annual Cabin Fever Day in mid-February for lack of snow on Lee’s Ski Hill, then moved the event to Fellin Park on Marc...

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County launches search for new manager

Commissioners to pay consultant more than $30K, aim for finalist interviews in September

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

May 14, 2025

The search has begun to find a new manager after the Ouray County commissioners hired Peckham & McKenney to consult on the hiring process. The county will pay the company $30,500 plus about $2,500 for...

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Police: Axe-wielding woman destroyed bear statue

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

A Grand Junction woman was arrested over the weekend after she allegedly walked into Ouray Grocery, grabbed an axe inside the store and approached employees before leaving and using the axe to destroy...

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Power line work to delay Red Mountain traffic this summer

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

Motorists navigating Red Mountain Pass should expect intermittent delays for the next several months as San Miguel Power Association enters the next phase of a multiyear project to rebuild its power l...

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County receives support from opioid settlement money

Funds to pay for substance abuse treatment, expand juvenile services

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

Newly awarded opioid settlement money will create a program to pay for substance abuse treatment and expand juvenile services in Ouray and San Miguel counties. The $385,000 in grant money came from $1...

Feature

Meet your neighbor: Rob Rose

By By Chloe Kiparsky Plaindealer intern

May 14, 2025

Editor's note: During focus group discussions we held earlier this year, to gather feedback for our upcoming redesign of the newspaper, we heard from some Plaindealer readers that they wanted to see m...

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NEWS BRIEFS

Fire contained on Log Hill, delays expected on U.S. 50

May 14, 2025

Fire contained on Log Hill A wildfire on Log Hill Mesa burned 2 acres before fire crews were able to contain it this week, putting out hot spots as high winds threatened to spread the flames. The Log ...

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County to hire own alpine rangers to patrol backcountry

In light of Forest Service firings, commissioners tell staff to find funding

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

Ouray County plans to fill gaps left by U.S. Forest Service firings earlier this year by creating its own alpine ranger program. During a May 7 work session, Ouray County Undersheriff Tammy Stroup ask...

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More fire, EMS merger details shared

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 14, 2025

Leaders of Ouray County’s fire and emergency services entities shared new details about their plan to consolidate into one county-wide emergency response unit during a meeting with county commissioner...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines