Ouray police chief fired

Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood is pictured here in a file photo from 2019, shortly after he was hired for the position. Plaindealer file photo by Mike Wiggins

News

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com, on June 26, 2024

Termination cites poor work performance, 'inappropriate' actions; Wood's attorney 'looking at every legal option'

Embattled Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood was fired Monday in the wake of concerns about his behavior and leadership and alleged violations of state law and city policy — problems that led many citizens and, ultimately, city leaders to lose trust in him.

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Food assistance benefits dry up

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 29, 2025

An estimated $51,000 in federal food benefits will no longer be available to 170 Ouray County households starting Friday. The monthlong federal government shutdown without Congressional appropriations...

Main, News...

Mine shaft wasn’t identified as hazard

State vows to secure opening quickly following Ridgway woman's death

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

October 29, 2025

A dangerous, water-filled mine shaft where a woman's body was found last week had not yet been identified for closure by state officials charged with securing hazardous mine openings. Though the state...

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Pushback against wolves grows

Ranchers oppose release in county; feds seek to block state

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 29, 2025

The Ouray County Cattlemen’s Association has objected to releasing wolves in the county, amid other efforts potentially complicating or stifling wolf reintroduction in the region this winter. A letter...

News

Council nixes alcohol at hot springs

Ouray parks director had suggested limited sales at special events next year to generate revenue

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 29, 2025

The Ouray City Council rejected a proposal Monday to sell alcohol at three special events at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool next year, concluding the costs and risks outweigh the potential revenue. Parks ...

On the course, they’re competitors. On weekends, they’re training partners

Feature

PREP ROUNDUP

On the course, they’re competitors. On weekends, they’re training partners

By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer

October 29, 2025

Separately, the Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride High School cross country teams are among the smallest in the state. Each is successful in their own right — especially ahead of the state championship rac...

News

Mayoral hopefuls make pitches to voters

At candidates' forum, Gulde, Underwood agree on most issues, part ways on some

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 29, 2025

Ouray's mayoral candidates agreed last week the biggest challenge facing the city is a breakdown in communication and understanding between the city council and residents and pledged to fix that gap. ...

News

Residents praise interim police chief

Administrator says meet-and-greet important part of process of filling permanent job

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 29, 2025

Mark Rozich and Karen Risch were happy to duck inside Cassidy’s Cafe & Antiques on a rainy evening last week and share their opinions about Ouray’s interim police chief, Daric Harvey. They’re just not...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Setting record straight on fairgrounds

October 29, 2025

Dear Editor: It seems things are NOT going well with Ouray County. From what I've read in the Plaindealer, it seems that Commissioner Lynn Padgett is "hinting" that I did NOT perform my job appropriat...

News

CORRECTION

October 29, 2025

An article on Page 1 of the Oct. 23-29 edition incorrectly stated Ouray County manager finalist Antonio Mendez is originally from the Dominican Republic. Mendez is Dominican-American and was born in t...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Gulde’s experience makes her best choice

October 29, 2025

Dear Editor: We are writing in support of Tamara Gulde for mayor of the city of Ouray. Tamara’s experience as a city councilor, planning commissioner, community master plan steering committee member, ...

Letters, Opinion...

Proposed lodging tax not specific enough

October 29, 2025

Dear Editor: The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners is showcasing its creative writing skills again in the ballot language for Tourist Tax 1A. What exactly will the tax revenue be used for? Ba...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines