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
Feature
November 26, 2025
SEASON OF SHARING
Ouray County Peacejam

Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharing. The purpose is to highlight the meaningful work these organizations perform and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2025. Look for these profiles published weekly from now until Dec. 31. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of nonprofit organizations in Ouray County.

Year established as a nonprofit: 2024

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

Ouray County Peacejam is a youth volunteer organization that encourages Ouray and Ridgway students to see, organize and engage in community service projects in our community, region, state, nation and world.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2025?

Ouray and Ridgway students made a difference through a variety of activities.

They helped the Ute Mountain Ute tribe in Towaoc, by bringing winter clothing items in October and summer items to their Bear Dance and Pow Wow in June. Peacejammers brought household items, bedding, books and toys to the tribe. Peacejammers also had the opportunity to interact and learn about the Ute culture while there.

Peacejammers also volunteered at Ridgway State Park each month, raised funds for the Ouray County Food Pantry, and spread cheer with senior citizens and delivered 2,000 holiday cards to them at assisted living facilities in the region and to the Veterans hospital in Grand Junction.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2026?

We will continue our volunteer work at Round Up River Ranch/Serious Fun Camp in Gypsum for terminally and seriously ill children, continue our relationship with the Ute Mountain Utes and help raise funds for the Ouray County Food Pantry as well as other causes.

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

Come see Peacejammers during Noel Night in Ridgway on Dec. 5 and Yule Celebration on Dec. 6, where they will be offering homemade ornaments, treats and hot chocolate for a donation to the Ouray County Food Pantry.

Please visit our concession stands during summer concerts here in Ouray County. You can also donate online through ouraycopeacejam.org or contact Sveri May to make a donation at 269-207-1183 or at sverimay@ gmail.com.

Thank you to Sveri May for providing this information.

UPDATE: Pilot in fatal crash identified as Canadian man
Main, News...
UPDATE: Pilot in fatal crash identified as Canadian man
Investigation underway to determine cause of crash at Silver Jack Reservoir
By Mike 
July 13, 2026
Editor's note: This story has been changed to correctly indicate the change in the team overseeing the fire response. The pilot who died when his aircraft went down in Silver Jack Reservoir Sunday was...
this is a test
News
Firefighting aircraft goes down in Silver Jack
Body of pilot recovered from crash scene by dive team late Sunday
By Plaindealer Staff 
July 12, 2026
An aircraft fighting the Gold Mountain Fire went down in Silver Jack Reservoir in southwestern Gunnison County on Sunday night and the body of the pilot has been recovered from the crash. One person w...
this is a test
Firefighters gain ground on Gold Mountain Fire
Main, News...
Firefighters gain ground on Gold Mountain Fire
Sheriff allows some evacuees to return home; blaze shifts away from populated areas
By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
Residents forced to flee the Gold Mountain Fire north of Ouray nearly two weeks ago returned to charred landscapes but fully intact homes Wednesday, an indication that authorities believe the threat h...
this is a test
Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on
Main, News...
Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
A scaled-back Fourth of July celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and 150th birthday of Ouray attracted thousands to the city, despite the cancellation of fireworks, water fights and...
this is a test
First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency
News
First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 8, 2026
Even though the Gold Mountain Fire is still burning, Ouray County officials are already thinking about flash flood risks in the burn scar as Colorado moves into monsoon season. “This is a predictable ...
this is a test
News
Water providers ask customers to pull back
Ridgway enacts mandatory irrigation restrictions
By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
Water managers in Ouray County are asking residents to curtail water use and avoid putting more demand on their distribution systems in light of the Gold Mountain Fire and ongoing tinder-dry condition...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News
Looking Back
50 Years Ago
July 8, 2026
July 7, 1966 Charges have been filed in Ouray County Court against three Ouray youths for violation of state statutes in climbing over a fence at the municipal swimming pool last Friday and breaking b...
this is a test
News
Following outcry, Ouray seeks gym solutions
City may move fitness center to empty building, assess bathhouse for possible remodel
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 8, 2026
The city of Ouray is thinking about moving the fitness center from inside the historic bathhouse at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool to an empty building across the street from the Ouray Community Center. C...
this is a test
A foam-filled Fourth
News
A foam-filled Fourth
July 8, 2026
this is a test
Good For You!
Feature
Good For You!
Celebrating 90 years, Neighbor to Neighbor's 20th anniversary and Ridgway mayor honored with good governance award
July 8, 2026
Editor's note: The caption on the photo of Carl Dismant's birthday has been corrected to include Barry Maclennan's name, instead of Paul Elmont ______________ Neighbor to Neighbor celebrated its 20th ...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
July 9-23, 2026
July 8, 2026
Thursday, July 9 Ridgway Concert Series: Black Uhuru with opener Psylo, free concert in Hartwell Park, 6 p.m. No dogs or outside alcohol allowed. Youth Garden Club: Compost Basics for ages 8-18, from ...
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