Ouray alpinist biography release party on Tuesday

“Survival is Not Assured,” the authorized biography of Ouray alpinist Jim Donini, is the center of a celebration at Basecamp Ouray on Tuesday, May 28.

The free event, from 6-8 p.m., is open to the public at 630 Main St. Donini, who has lived in Ouray since 2003, is a world-renowned climber with numerous first ascents, which the book written by author and fellow mountain adventurer Geoff Powter details. The life story describes how Donini overcame personal tragedies, and tells his stories of survival both in the mountains and in his regular life.

Graduations scheduled for this weekend

Ouray High School and Ridgway Secondary School graduates will celebrate at ceremonies this week.

Ridgway’s graduation is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the soccer field behind Ridgway Secondary School.

A parade of decorated vehicles with graduates is planned following the ceremony, which will come through Ridgway.

Ouray’s graduation is scheduled at 1 p.m. Sunday at Fellin Park, in front of the gazebo. Attendees should plan on bringing their own chairs. On Saturday, Ouray also has a senior award night scheduled at 6 p.m. at the school, upstairs in the Abram Performing Arts Center.

Ridgway Fire District purchases property

The Ridgway Fire Protection District purchased 27.85 acres for $1.55 million on May 2, according to county property records.

The land, located at 22327 U.S. Highway 550, is the site of the former Abbott Concrete Plant, most recently owned by Dalwhinnie Group. The property includes a 7,892 squarefoot building.

The fire district plans to use the property for vehicle and equipment storage, according to a department press release. It also plans on using it for fire training, emergency response drills and practice scenarios.

The fire district also may use the property for workforce housing, possibly for regional wildland firefighters.