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Tours adapt to slow start to season
Ouray County Road and Bridge Superintendent Ty Barger, left, and Blackford's Welding and Construction contractor Ed Witherspoon talk during a road grading operation near County Road 26 on May 31. The county hired contractors to help get roads open this year. Daniel Schmidt — Ouray County Plaindealer
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By Daniel Schmidt, on June 7, 2023
Tours adapt to slow start to season

After above-average snowfall rendered some popular trails impassable, local off-road vehicle rental and Jeep tour companies now face a familiar reality heading into June.

As the West’s drought deepened through last winter, these businesses raked in more profits when trails opened sooner compared to previous years.

While the current situation is familiar for industry veterans, the prospect of some trails remaining closed past July 4 means they could feel the financial sting after several abnormal...

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...
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...
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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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...
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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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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