Answers largely remain elusive in fatal Jeep wreck

The Jeep recovered from the fatal accident on Camp Bird Road that happened Sept. 12, 2022. Photo by Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer

News

By Mike Wiggins, on October 13, 2022

An autopsy of a Jeep tour driver who died along with two others in a backcountry accident last month found no evidence of a medical event preceding the accident, nor any drugs or alcohol in his system.

The medical exam conducted on the body of 72-year-old Don Fehd revealed he did not suffer a health condition such as a heart attack or stroke before driving off a cliff about 3 miles up County Road 361 on the morning of Sept. 12, Ouray County Coroner Colleen Hollenbeck told the Plaindealer. Toxicol...

Main, News...

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PRESERVED

Saving Swiss Village

Collaboration to buy Ouray mobile home park could serve as model elsewhere in Colorado, as residents celebrate with applause, tears

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

June 23, 2025

It took an attorney willing to work for free and hop on a midnight phone call in the middle of her vacation. It took two couples who had never met before performing remarkable acts of generosity and h...

Obituaries

Eva Schoonover

December 19, 1982 – June 19, 2025

June 23, 2025

Eva Schoonover, 42, of Montrose, Colorado died Thursday, June 19, 2025, at her home in her husband’s arms. Eva was born at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on December 19, 1982, to Mark and Lynne Stovice...

News

Snow shed fire continues to burn on Red Mountain Pass

U.S. 550 remains closed for safety

By Erin

June 23, 2025

UPDATE, 3 p.m.: The highway has reopened with alternating lanes of traffic. Authorities urge motorists traveling through the area to use caution, as firefighters are still active in the area. ––––––– ...

Main, News...

Fireworks shot at homes

Council enacts blanket ban as police look for truck

By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com deb.hurley.brobst@gmail.com

June 18, 2025

Ouray city leaders moved swiftly this week to ban all personal fireworks in the city, days after homes near Lee’s Ski Hill were shot with a barrage of pyrotechnics on Sunday night that ignited multipl...

News

Home Trust to close on rental property

Ouray triplex will be retained as affordable housing

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

June 18, 2025

Five new affordable rental units are coming to the city of Ouray, as the Home Trust of Ouray County will close next month on its second affordable housing acquisition. The property at 835 Second St. i...

News

Sex assault trial delayed

Defense seeks DNA expert; attorneys disagree on possible venue change

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

June 18, 2025

The trial of one of three men accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl inside the home of the former Ouray police chief has been delayed. Nate Dieffenderffer, 20, was scheduled to stand trial...

News

City pulls back on plans for Fellin Park stage

Search on for funding as price tag drops to between $1M and $1.6M

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

June 18, 2025

Ouray city councilors are much happier with revised plans for a permanent stage in Fellin Park. Now the challenge is finding money to pay for it. Councilors on Monday looked at two scenarios that drop...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RV Park’s treatment has long-lasting effect

June 18, 2025

Dear Editor: My mother and father bought a trailer at the 4J+1+1 RV Park in 2005 and loved living there. My mom even lived there alone for 10 years after my dad passed. She is getting older so we buil...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Commit to climate action

June 18, 2025

Dear Editor: I salute Hansa Devi and the Ridgway Town Council for their part in making Ridgway, Colorado, the first in the world to fly the Earth Flag! In 2023 the Pew Research Center study found that...

Letters, Opinion...

New building a wart on face of mountain

June 18, 2025

Dear Editor: During the past few months myself, valley floor ranch folks, Ridgway residents and others have been asking about the building that has been under construction for a period of time located...

Looking Back

June 18, 2025

50 Years Ago June 19, 1975 Dick Guadagno, Ridgway, came to the Ouray City Council meeting Monday night to ask council approval of a project to renovate the historic Horsethief Trail this summer. Guada...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines