Run, don't walk: How a Ridgway athlete is improving dramatically

Ridgway sophomore Orion Catron, left, tries to stay ahead of Delta High School runner Grady Hellman during the Ramble at the Reservoir at Ridgway State Park on Sept. 19. Catron placed fifth out of 57 finishers in the 5K race with a time of 20:42.9. Catron started running as a freshman and has improved significantly this year, posting a personal best and the third-fastest boys' time in school history at the Sweitzer Lake Invitational on Sept. 26. Photo by David Emory | Special to the Plaindealer

Columns, Feature

By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer on October 8, 2025

PREP ROUNDUP

Run, don’t walk: How a Ridgway athlete is improving dramatically

Orion Catron first ran because he really, really didn’t want to walk.

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The pinnacle of autumn

October 8, 2025

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State eyes Ouray County for wolf release

Wildlife officials won't disclose dropoff site for up to 15 wolves this winter, but Billy Creek a possibility

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

Wildlife officials are eyeing Ouray County for the next release of gray wolves in southwest Colorado this winter to help fulfill a mandate from voters to re-establish a self-sustaining population of t...

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Hiring freeze, no pay raises for county

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

Ouray County plans to enact a hiring freeze and eliminate raises, including cost-of-living adjustments, to help balance its 2026 budget. After a nearly four-hour special work session on Sept. 29, comm...

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Fire chief vows to clean up fireworks trash found by visitors

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

Michal Nowicki was looking for a panoramic view above Ouray when he hiked near the "Switzerland of America" sign last week. He found it — along with a mess. Dozens of empty cardboard boxes formerly co...

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Covid vaccines available at public health department

COVID vaccines available at Public Health

October 8, 2025

Ouray County Public Health is offering COVID-19 vaccines, though there is currently a waitlist. The department administered 47 doses of the vaccine between Sept. 3 and Oct. 6 and is now waiting on new...

News

Ridgway bans artificial turf for most new projects

Councilors split on restrictions that apply to residential properties, non-recreational uses

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

The Ridgway Town Council has approved new landscaping rules that ban artificial turf for non-recreational uses, including residential properties. The rules comply with a new state law prohibiting the ...

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City considers outdoor lighting rules

Draft ordinances would restrict brightness, allow police to enforce nuisance on private property

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

October 8, 2025

The city of Ouray doesn’t have a comprehensive ordinance regulating outdoor lighting, and city officials have decided it’s about time to get one. The city council on Monday directed staff to create tw...

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How the San Juans got their name from an early trailblazer

By Carolyn Snowbarger

October 8, 2025

The San Juan Mountains are not just a mountain range; they are the jagged, breathtaking spine of southwestern Colorado. This is a land of untamed peaks, alpine meadows and sheer rock faces. Our mighty...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Ridgway post office locked a paid box

October 8, 2025

Dear Editor: I read with interest the reporting from Lia Salvatierra in the Sept. 25 edition regarding the Postal Service probe of locked boxes in Ridgway and wondered who alerted her to the matter. I...

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Looking Back

October 8, 2025

Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago October 14, 1965 Philip F. Icke, Ouray attorney, gave an address on most common legal...

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Duplan appointed to Planning Commission

Last Planning Commission vacancy filled

October 8, 2025

Ouray County commissioners unanimously approved appointing Shellie Duplan to fill a vacancy on the Ouray County Planning Commission, filling the last vacancy since an exodus of four planning commissio...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines