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LOOKING BACK
Feature
August 7, 2024
OURAY COUNTY
LOOKING BACK
40 YEARS AGO

August 8, 1974 – Over 40 people attended the Ouray City Council meeting Monday night, most of whom opposed the issuance of a new 3.2 beer license in town. After hearing opinions from both sides, the council unanimously voted to deny the application of Frances Ann Holman for a license at 325 Sixth Ave., presently Hopscotch Leathers. Holman and LaVerne Wager proposed to operate the 3.2 establishment as partners. Keith Kelley, Ouray police chief, reported that the requested background check on the applicants had been made, and that “both ladies have a clean record.” Holman presented a petition favoring issuance of the license, and letters of recommendation from R.J. Scoggins, Robert S. Bowers and Dick Warren. Ron Cline, who operates a craft and gift shop near the location proposed for the 3.2 establishment, submitted a letter in opposition which stated that he believed such a business was not consistent with the types of stores presently on Sixth Avenue; that the location would be too near residential areas; and that there already are a number of establishments in town where 3.2 beer can be purchased.

Fire surges into Cimarrons
Main, News...
Fire surges into Cimarrons
Evacuations expand, forest closes as forecast offers little relief
By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
July 1, 2026
A wildfire that started as a wisp of smoke on a cliffside just north of Ouray last weekend exploded to more than 15,000 acres by Wednesday, driven by winds north to the Cimarron Range east of Ridgway....
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City curtails holiday events, keeps parade
Main, News...
City curtails holiday events, keeps parade
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 1, 2026
Fourth of July events in Ouray will be scaled back this year in response to the Gold Mountain Fire, with the July 3 fire department benefit concert and the Independence Day parade and kids’ games a go...
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Blaze forces evacuations, destroys family cabin
News
Blaze forces evacuations, destroys family cabin
No word when owners will be able to return
By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
July 1, 2026
Rachel Nichols helped Russell McCrady when he needed emergency treatment for his dog. Little did she know he would return the favor when she and her husband encountered their own emergency, after they...
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Fire crashes wedding party
News
Fire crashes wedding party
Forced to flee, Denver-area couple improvises, moves celebration
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 1, 2026
The navy blue suit was ready for James Lindaman to attach his great-grandfather’s Air Force airman’s pin to the lapel. Michelle Lindaman spent months arranging every detail of her wedding, from the fl...
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Looking Back
Feature
Looking Back
July 1, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago July 7, 1966 Dynamite charges started Ouray’s Independence Day Celebration with a ban...
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News
In light of staff survey, commissioners vow to govern better, improve pay
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 1, 2026
Ouray County commissioners responded to the good, the bad and the ugly from the “2026 Employee Viewpoint Survey,” saying they were pleased county employees said they generally like their jobs, committ...
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Editor Picks
News
Q & A: Gold Mountain Fire
By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com 
July 1, 2026
The emergency response to the Gold Mountain Fire has been sudden and information is changing from day to day. Here are some answers to questions we have received from readers you might find helpful. I...
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Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
July 2-16, 2026
July 1, 2026
EDITOR'S NOTE: All events are subject to change, given the state of emergency and the Gold Mountain Fire. Thursday, July 2 Ridgway Concert Series: Levi Platero with opener Shelby Means, free concert i...
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Animal shelter evacuating due to Gold Mountain Fire
News
Animal shelter evacuating due to Gold Mountain Fire
Emergency foster homes needed for animals
By erin@ouraynews.com 
July 1, 2026
UPDATE at 3 p.m. Wednesday – ALL THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED Second Chance Humane Society is evacuating today due to the Gold Mountain Fire now burning east of Ridgway. The shelter, located on Cou...
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July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo
News
July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 1, 2026
Ouray businesses and residents will have to hold their collective breath awhile longer until city officials decide whether the Fourth of July parade will go on as usual. City officials will announce b...
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Evacuation area expanded east of Ridgway, Ouray to discuss July 4 plans
News
Evacuation area expanded east of Ridgway, Ouray to discuss July 4 plans
City to hold meeting today at 4 p.m.
By Mike Wiggins 
June 30, 2026
The city of Ouray is open but staff is not actively marketing to bring visitors to the area, City Administrator Michelle Metteer said this morning. “We are always looking to find a balance on what is ...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
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Ridgway, Colorado 81432
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