Young Ridgway team shows strong at state track

Ridgway High School freshman Ariel Hessler, center, crosses the finish line in the girls' 1600-meter race during the Class 2A state track and field championships at Jefferson County Stadium on Saturday. Hessler finished 10th with a time of 5:27.54. Alyson McClaran — Special to the Plaindealer

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By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer on May 21, 2025

LAKEWOOD — Ridgway High School’s Sophia Forrest went from stressed to sick to one of the fastest Class 2A girls at the three-day Colorado State Track and Field Championships at Jefferson County Stadium. And it was all during the first trip to state for the soccer player who just this year doubled up with track.

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RUNNING DOWN A DREAM

Freshmen-laden Ridgway relay team captures state title

By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer

May 21, 2025

LAKEWOOD — Ariel and Natasha Hessler didn’t have the same level of confidence during the final baton pass for the Ridgway High School’s 4x800-meter relay team last week. Ariel expected to see Heritage...

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Reported bear attack sparks warnings

Wildlife officers, police urge residents, businesses to take precautions in light of early bear activity

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 21, 2025

A Ouray woman’s claim that she was attacked by a bear last weekend is prompting wildlife and law enforcement officers to remind residents and business owners to take steps to prevent future encounters...

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Pool prices expected to climb

Third increase since 2022 intended to help fund capital needs

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 21, 2025

The city of Ouray is prepared to raise rates again at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Fitness Center, claiming the additional money is needed to fund capital improvements at the pool. Daily admission, ...

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Commissioners appoint one to planning board, reject another

Three vacancies still to fill after Ridgway resident selected

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 21, 2025

Ouray County commissioners appointed Ridgway resident Valentine Szwarc to the Planning Commission and rejected another applicant after advertising four board vacancies for nearly three months. During ...

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NEWS BRIEFS

Federal funding changes could hit Emergency Management budget

May 21, 2025

Ouray County Emergency Management could lose onethird of its budget now that federal money supporting a state grant program may not be renewed. Emergency Manager Glenn Boyd told commissioners Tuesday ...

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County to consultant: Revise facility needs plan

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 21, 2025

Ouray County commissioners asked a consultant to revise its assessment of the county’s long-term facility needs to include more context and information on how to move forward. The 52-page feasibility ...

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Meet your neighbor: Norm Fedel

By By Chloe Kiparsky Plaindealer intern

May 21, 2025

Editor's note: During focus group discussions we held earlier this year, to gather feedback for our upcoming redesign of the newspaper, we heard from some Plaindealer readers that they wanted to see m...

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Tariff turmoil may fuel outdoor retail industry’s efforts to elevate used gear

Will spiking cost of new products make 'circular economy' a financial pillar?

By Jason Blevins The Colorado Sun

May 21, 2025

As an on-again, off-again trade war threatens rising costs for imported foreign- made outdoor recreation products, there’s a glimmer of a silver lining in the looming storm clouds. For years, outdoor ...

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How you can help prevent bear encounters

May 21, 2025

Much of this information is well-known to residents who live in bear country, but with bears more active than normal this spring in the San Juans, authorities say it’s a good reminder on how to avoid ...

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Congratulations, Ridgway Secondary School Class of 2025

May 21, 2025

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Congratulations, Ridgway Secondary School Class of 2025

May 21, 2025

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines