County weighs lodging tax measure

News

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com on August 13, 2025

Voters could be asked in November to approve 6% tax to fund public safety, housing, child care

Ouray County commissioners are considering a ballot measure this fall to levy a new lodging tax in the unincorporated county to help pay for public safety, housing and child care initiatives and programs.

Main, News...

Ute dancers perform at film fest

October 22, 2025

Main, News...

Board makes offer on top job

On same day commissioners pick Peace Corps director, interim manager resigns

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

Ouray County’s new county manager will travel from Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, for the job, if he accepts the position. Ouray County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to offer the county’s to...

Main, News...

Federal shutdown threatens food assistance program

By By Lia Salvatierra and Erin McIntyre lia@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

Food assistance for low-income residents in Ouray County will likely be cut off at the end of the month due to the federal government shutdown, leaving an estimated 170 households with less money and ...

Main, News...

Woman’s body found in mine shaft

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

A Ridgway woman who was reported missing Monday night was found dead in a deep, water-filled mine shaft on Red Mountain Pass. Rescuers found Jennifer Nelson, 54, early Tuesday morning after accidental...

News

City OKs purchase of new police vehicles

Interim police chief sought five hybrid SUVs to replace aging fleet; council authorizes three

By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

The Ouray City Council approved the purchase of three new police vehicles Monday night, allowing the police department to start rotating in new patrol cars for an aging fleet that hasn’t been replaced...

News

County clerk announces resignation

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

Commissioners to appoint replacement for Lynn, who's moving to help family Ouray County Clerk and Recorder Cristy Lynn announced Tuesday she will resign from her position at the end of this year to re...

News

Without funding, county likely to end wastewater surveillance

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

Ouray County’s wastewater surveillance program is due to end this spring unless outside funding becomes available. The program relaunched in January and tests for the presence of COVID-19, respiratory...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lodging tax a way for visitors to pay their way

October 22, 2025

Dear Editor: I am writing this letter to encourage people to vote for Ballot issue 1A in the upcoming Nov. 4 election. The issue would place a 6% lodging tax on shortterm rentals, campgrounds, RV park...

Letters, Opinion...

Safer highways start with safer drivers

October 22, 2025

Dear Editor: I find it interesting that the condition of our highways is often blamed for a lot of traffic accidents and even deaths. I believe that we should look closer at what is really our biggest...

Letters, Opinion...

New Blue Lakes parking poorly designed

October 22, 2025

Dear Editor: I hiked the Blue Lakes Trail Friday and had a chance to see the new parking arrangement that's been put in place at the trailhead. I know the previous parking was helter-skelter, so I was...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

First-day school event felt like family

October 22, 2025

Dear Editor: After reading the recent articles about our candidates for the Ouray School Board, I feel compelled to clarify at least one claim. There was more than one teacher singing, dancing and wel...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines