From the Ouray County Herald, Ouray County Plaindealer and the Ridgway Sun

September 27, 1973 – Plaindealer readers who have followed the situation involving the trails around Ouray will be interested in developments as they have occurred this summer. Two projects involving the Twin Peaks Trail and the Dallas Trail were awarded to local contractors Tom Canavan and Adolph Jordon, respectively. TWIN PEAKS TRAIL. Approximately one-half mile of trail was reconstructed from the West City Reservoir at the end of Queen Street around private land to reconnect with the old alignment as it goes into the Oak Creek Canyon. While steep pitches exist that will be further modified in future years as money becomes available, there is now a permanently established public foot access trail. DALLAS TRAIL. Approximately 10 miles of trail was reconstructed and/or received heavy maintenance. Over the years there has been considerable confusion and consternation on the public’s part as to where the trail was. The new access, along County Road 23 just across Corbett Creek, will be appropriately signed and improved when funds become available.

40 YEARS AGO

September 29, 1983 – ADVERTISEMENT: Something good is happening at Loghill Village. Affordable prices… Lots starting at $23,900. And now special terms only 8.9% interest. You can now purchase that beautiful building site you have always wanted at prices and terms you can afford. Between now and October 15, 1983, LOGHILL VILLAGE is offering special terms… with one-third down Loghill will carry the balance at 8.9% (30 year amortized terms with 5 year balloon). LOGHILL VILLAGE is a totally planned year-round residential community with spectacular scenery and all the comforts of contemporary living in a secluded setting. The eastern boundary of the village abuts the new Ridgway Recreational Lake. All utilities are underground and the Village has an excellent water system. A complete SPORTS RECREATIONAL CENTER is now under construction.

Stop by and visit or call. A part of Pan American International Inc.

30 YEARS AGO

September 30, 1993 – Approximately 45 citizens joined county and city officials for the unveiling of the North Ouray Corridor master plan Monday night, Sept. 27. City Administrator David Vince presented the proposal to the community much like an excited youngster presenting a particularly impressive report card to a parent and like a proud parent the community responded with a lot of enthusiasm. “I’ve been attending these meetings right along and I’ve always thought it would be a good idea,” said Jane Bennett of Ouray. “They’ve been very careful to get input and consensus all along, it’s been very well done.” The main feature of the master plan would call for a “river reclamation,” according to Vince.

20 YEARS AGO

October 3, 2003 – Chief Ouray slept here, more than 120 years ago. It seems that the respected Ute leader was one of the first to establish a summer home here in the southern portion of the Uncompahgre River Valley, a pattern of dual residency carried on by some families throughout the community and the county. Last week, archaeologist Steve Baker and a two-man crew completed minor excavations on private property in their search for further evidence of Chief Ouray’s mountain residence. Baker said results were mixed. “The good news, we do have adobe and demonstrated that this is the location of the ruins,” he said.

Unfortunately, flooring and the original house has been destroyed. But, we’ve got this wonderful occupation surface that was here in the time of Chief Ouray.”

10 YEARS AGO

October 3, 2013 – One year after the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership began a replanting and restoration project at Rollans Park in Ridgway along the Uncompahgre River corridor, the hard work of many volunteers is now visible in established tree stands and increased vegetative cover along the river bank. UWP Coordinator Agnieszka Przeszlowska explained UWP’s involvement in Rollans Park began last summer as a cottonwood planting and stream bank restoration project, funded by a grant from the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Town of Ridgway, with support from the county weed department. Volunteers transplanted 22 six to seven foot tall Fremont cottonwood trees to Rollans Park in August 2012 from an overcrowded cottonwood planting in need of thinning in Ridgway State Park.