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Feature

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com on November 5, 2025

From log home to modern loft, home tour benefits affordable housing

If you’re the type of person who watches home improvement shows, you know what shiplap and wainscoting are, or you drive past historic homes and think, “I wonder what that place looks like inside,” you might want to check out the upcoming home tour in Ouray.

Main, News...

Ridgway girls run down state title

Young team blows past competition to hoist Class 2A cross country trophy

By By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer

November 5, 2025

There isn’t a perfect translation for “hill” in Chinese. That's something Natasha Hessler discovered when she arrived at the famous creek crossing during the Colorado State Cross Country Championship ...

Main, News...

ELECTION 2025

Underwood elected mayor

Hart joins council, which needs to fill two spots

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 5, 2025

Ouray City Councilor Michael Underwood won election to the mayor’s seat Tuesday night, succeeding on a campaign that emphasized fiscal conservatism and a vow to fix what he perceives as a disconnect b...

News

Property tax hikes pass for cemetery, fire districts

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 5, 2025

Voters Tuesday night approved tax increases for the Cedar Hill Cemetery District and the Ouray Fire Protection District. A measure to increase the cemetery district’s mill levy from 0.33 mills to 1 mi...

News

ELECTION 2025

Voters approve new county lodging tax

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 5, 2025

Voters in unincorporated Ouray County approved a new 6% lodging tax that is expected to provide more than $182,000 in additional funding during a tight 2026 budget year and into the future. The measur...

News

ELECTION 2025

Fagrelius, Meruelo win school board seats

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

November 5, 2025

Ouray voters have chosen two former educators to join the Ouray School Board, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election. Three candidates competed for two open seats on the school board,...

News

Hurd introduces reservoir legislation

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 5, 2025

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd has introduced legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, identical to a Senate bill introduced in September, after w...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

County makes right call on prairie dogs

November 5, 2025

Dear Editor: I would like to offer a different perspective in support of the decision by the Ouray County Board of County Commissioners to proceed with management of the prairie dog colony at Top of t...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A humble request for less puzzle pain

November 5, 2025

Dear Editor: Is it just me, or is the Plaindealer crossword puzzle often taking pleasure by inflicting pain on others (sadistic)? For example, here are some actual clues (and answers) from the Oct. 9 ...

Letters, Opinion...

Citizens have benefited from Weiser’s record

November 5, 2025

Dear Editor: Attorney General Phil Weiser is running for governor of Colorado. As attorney general he has a proven record that has been advantageous to the citizens of Colorado. Recently President Don...

Columns, Opinion...

As daylight dwindles, how can we curb energy use?

By Karen Risch

November 5, 2025

Ouray’s first frost occurred Oct. 17, three weeks after the average frost date, Sept. 26. It was a fitting end to a hot, droughty summer. Occasional downpours helped but were no substitute for a full ...

News

Ouray utility bills to rise by 6%

Acting on public input, council ditches plan for new signs at Rotary Park, Hot Springs Pool entrance

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 5, 2025

Ouray residents and business owners will see their utility bills rise by 6% next year, as the city seeks additional revenue to meet the requirements of the loans on its new wastewater and water treatm...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines