50 YEARS AGO

May 31, 1973 – H.C McNulty, well-known Ouray resident, was killed last Thursday as he was en route to check the upper spring on his property south of Ouray, just off the Camp Bird Road. A portion of the private road he was traveling apparently gave way, causing his Jeep to flip over and land upside down about 45 feet downhill from the road. McNulty’s body was discovered underneath the Jeep by Wardell Johnson and Jim Langston, who had gone to check on his whereabouts when he had not returned home as expected. The men notified the Ouray County Sheriff’s Department at 8:45 p.m. McNulty received his schooling in Colorado Springs and graduated from the Colorado College. He then became the manager of the Southwest reserve for R.C.A. From there he moved to California where he worked for Consolidated Aircraft. Harold retired about 1959 and came to Ouray.

40 YEARS AGO

June 2, 1983 – OPEN LETTER: To whom it may concern: A CEMETERY IS NOT A DUMP SITE!! Last weekend the Cedar Hill Cemetery received more than welcome visitors attending the graves of relatives and friends. The Cemetery Board stated, however, that some weird soul(s) deposited old car tires, bicycle tires and a picket fence. It would be appreciated if the same misguided characters would come back, collect their garbage and STAY OUT! In any event, the gates will be locked between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., at least for a while. — Max Clark, member of Cedar Hill Cemetery Board, Ouray

30 YEARS AGO

June 3, 1993 – Mike Kern of Ouray has been selected conductor of the Valley Symphony Orchestra for the upcoming season by the VSO board of directors.

Kern was one of three candidates for the position. He was chosen for several reasons, according to Fred Brown, board member. In addition to his musicianship, “Kern exhibited a real knowledge of and caring for his fellow musicians in the concert he conducted last year, and the board likes his general philosophy concerning a community orchestra,” he said. “One of my goals for the orchestra is to perform music which suits the abilities of the performers and will also entertain those attending the concerts, Kern said. “I want to explore having more guest performers and possibly institute a ‘young artist’ guest performer annually.”

20 YEARS AGO

May 30, 2003 – The Ridgway Marshal’s Office and Ouray County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information regarding a reported sexual assault in Ridgway and an attempted sexual assault in Ouray. On May 17, the Ouray Sheriff’s Office received a report from a local female hiker regarding an attempted sexual assault on the Silver Shield Trail near Ouray. The hiker said she was able to fend off the attacker.

On May 21, the Ridgway Marshal’s Office received a report of a kidnapping and sexual assault. The victim, a 24-year-old female, was abducted from in front of her residence in the southwest area of Ridgway at approximately 11 p.m. She was taken to an unknown location where she was physically and sexually assaulted.

Approximately one hour later, the victim was released on Highway 550 south of the Super 8 Motel. According to the Marshal’s Office, the suspects are two white males in a dark color pickup truck with a camper shell. Sheriff Junior Mattivi said the agencies are working together to determine if there is a possible connection between the two incidents.

10 YEARS AGO

June 6, 2013 – Unable to find a new home, the Ridgway Community Food Pantry reached the end of its lease agreement and had to close indefinitely on June 3 until a new location is found. “I feel very sad about the families it is going to affect,” said volunteer Brenda Hernandez. “At least (the temporary closing) is happening in the summer when people seem to have an easier time.” Hernandez estimated the food pantry typically served 30-40 families over the summer, but that number increased to 65 families in winter months. The pantry has moved its equipment to the Ridgway Community Church but does not have enough room to operate there. At the previous location in Trail Town, the food pantry had an arrangement with the building’s owner to pay only for utilities so funds could primarily support food costs. The food pantry is looking for another building owner to arrange a similar agreement or for donations to support rent elsewhere until long term grant support can be acquired.