Ex-contractor's claims played key role in dismissal

In this photo, Jessica Tice is pictured in 2015 with her dog, Lorax. She was working as a patrol sergeant with the Vail Police Department at the time. Tice works part-time in law enforcement in Ouray County, and formerly worked as the evidence technician at the Ouray Police Department, before she filed a complaint alleging misconduct. Courtesy photo

News

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com, on June 26, 2024

Ex-contractor’s claims played key role in dismissal

A complaint from the Ouray Police Department's former evidence technician played a key role in the termination of the agency's chief of police this week.

News

City relaunches police chief search

By Plaindealer Staff Report

January 24, 2025

The city of Ouray will start over its search for a new police chief after city leaders said they received “overwhelming” feedback from residents that they want a “more thorough and inclusive” process....

Main, News...

The man behind the tower

Marcus Garcia's 'artwork' serves as focal point of Ice Fest competition

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 22, 2025

It peers out from the Uncompahgre Gorge like a swan with a body of rock and ice, daring climbers to reach its head. Rooted at the foot of the gorge, a slab of rock is sandwiched between two distinct s...

Main, News...

Ouray to take over via ferrata

Nonprofit to transition out of management, as guides, users hail move

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

January 22, 2025

The city of Ouray is expected to take charge of the operations of the Ouray Via Ferrata within the next year, overseeing an outdoor attraction that has simultaneously surged in popularity and stirred ...

News

Legislators to back K-12 funding, rural values

Suckla seeks to equalize state funding; Simpson wants to bolster prosecutor fellowship program

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 22, 2025

Ouray County’s state legislators are looking to fast-track state funds into local coffers, help staff district attorneys’ offices and uphold the state’s commitment to fully fund K-12 education in the ...

News

Choice for Ouray police chief narrows to pair

Bayfield police chief no longer in consideration, leaving Delta sergeant Furstenfeld, Montrose commander Valerio

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

January 22, 2025

The search for Ouray’s new police chief has narrowed to two candidates whose careers have placed them in the closest proximity to the city. With input from incoming City Administrator Michelle Metteer...

News

Nearly $1M grant to assist with Ironton drought, mining impacts

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 22, 2025

Ironton Park’s fens, wetlands and stream channels will see nearly $1 million to rehabilitate drought and mining impacts at the headwaters of the Uncompahgre River. The $931,000 grant awarded by the U....

Letters, Opinion...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Despite headlines, my mother deserves love and support

January 22, 2025

Dear Editor: I write this letter not to you, but to my mother, Lynn Padgett. One of my earliest memories is holding her hand as we walked through Ouray, knocking on doors and meeting residents. I didn...

Feature

RIDGWAY SPLITS WITH TELLURIDE, DOVE CREEK

January 22, 2025

Feature

ICE FEST TURNS 30

Weekend event packs in film screening, conversation with founders, clinics, climbing competition

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 22, 2025

Ouray Ice Park’s 30th Ice Festival doubles as a four-day long birthday party that is equal parts celebration and reflection of three decades as a keystone of Ouray winter. “There's going to be an ener...

Looking Back

OURAY COUNTY

LOOKING BACK

40 YEARS AGO

January 22, 2025

January 24, 1975 – Most of the threehour meeting of the Ouray City Council Monday night was concerning garbage and the new two-hour parking restrictions on Main Street. About 20 citizens of this commu...

Obituaries

Rose Ellena Widegren

January 22, 2025

January 25, 1946-January 19, 2025 Rose Widegren was born in the doctor's office in Hotchkiss, Colorado, on Jan. 25, 1946. She was the third of five children born to her mother, Agnes Egger Welch, and ...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines