Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
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.

Main, News...
EMS plans to shift staff, save costs
Chief seeks to rely less on higher-paid paramedics
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 11, 2026
Ouray County Emergency Medical Services wants to implement a new staffing structure this spring to save costs and prepare for a combined fire and emergency services authority. During a Jan. 28 work se...
this is a test
Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis
Main, News...
Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis
Industry slump marked by reduction in wholesale flower prices leaves just one grow facility in county, shaves local government tax revenue
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 11, 2026
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Michael Cox is the former general manager for Dalwhinnie Group, the landlord for Dalwhinnie Farms. The cannabis industry’s downturn has rea...
this is a test
News
County navigating federal assistance program changes
Human Services seeks to avoid burdening families with creation of regional hubs
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
February 11, 2026
Ouray County officials are working to figure out what it will mean for clients needing food and other assistance when the Colorado Department of Human Services consolidates resources by creating multi...
this is a test
News
Crosswalk project bids over budget
City could cut costs or seek more money from state
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
February 11, 2026
Ouray city officials are weighing next steps after a trio of bids to build a pair of pedestrian crosswalks and other improvements at either end of town exceeded the project budget. Public Works Direct...
this is a test
Wine Fest returns to Ouray
Feature
Wine Fest returns to Ouray
By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com 
February 11, 2026
The fourth annual Ouray Winter Wine Festival just happens to fall on Valentine's Day this year. And that means not only will there be wine — there will be flowers, chocolate and more goodies to help s...
this is a test
Columns
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Avoid idling cars, make street pedestrian mall
February 11, 2026
Dear Editor: On a beautiful, warm winter day I propped open the front door of the Decker Room at the Art Space on Clinton Street. My intention was to invite in the sun and any passersby who might be e...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Seeing isn’t always believing: Improve your news literacy on Feb. 22
Columns
Seeing isn’t always believing: Improve your news literacy on Feb. 22
By Erin McIntyre 
February 11, 2026
"I'll believe it when I see it" and "seeing is believing" are two phrases that haven't aged well. Nowadays, I'm skeptical of videos friends send me, photos that look like someone manipulated them and ...
this is a test
How science fiction, silver built Mount Sneffels
Columns, Feature...
How science fiction, silver built Mount Sneffels
By Carolyn Snowbarger 
February 11, 2026
For those of us lucky enough to step onto our decks or open our front doors to a view of the northern San Juans, one silhouette dominates the horizon: Mount Sneffels. Known as the "Queen of the San Ju...
this is a test
Senior’s work ethic pays off with superb season
Columns, Feature...
Senior’s work ethic pays off with superb season
By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer 
February 11, 2026
The majority of high school student-athletes in Ouray County are headed on a post-graduation pathway in a career in something other than sports. But for some, their drive to excel extends to a desire ...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
February 11, 2026
Thursday, February 12 Tech Thursday – Get help with quick tech problems from 4-6 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library, 300 Charles St. Walk-ins welcome. After school Valentine's Day craft time for eleme...
this is a test
New county manager seeks to lead with heart
Main, News...
New county manager seeks to lead with heart
After careers in big cities and large governments, Antonio Mendez is shifting his perspective
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 4, 2026
Ouray County is unlike most places Antonio Mendez has lived or worked before, and Mendez brings experience unlike the county has seen in two decades, or possibly ever. Ouray County’s new manager grew ...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy