After tear down and rebuild, agency again faces upheaval

Interim Ouray Police Chief Daric Harvey poses for a portrait at the police department in March. After spending nine months rebuilding the Ouray Police Department and public trust, Harvey left his job on Dec. 17 after he and City Administrator Michelle Metteer clashed over an in-depth background check she planned to conduct in determining whether to hire him for the permanent police chief job. Photo by Erin McIntyre | Ouray County Plaindealer

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By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com on December 31, 2025

TOP STORIES OF THE YEAR: POLICE TURMOIL CONTINUES

After tear down and rebuild, agency again faces upheaval

After more than a year of turmoil that consumed 2024 and bled over into the first quarter of 2025, the Ouray Police Department underwent a complete tear down and transition under an interim police chief who started to stabilize the agency. The city seemed poised to hire a permanent police chief and turn its attention to other pressing matters, such as sorting out response time requirements and addressing officer compensation.

Main, News...

‘This is the challenge that I needed in my life’

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October 21, 2026

In the waning weeks of the 2019 ice climbing season, a 27-year-old Tres Barbatelli stood at the bottom of the Uncompahgre Gorge wondering what he’d just done. Minutes before, he’d rappelled down into ...

Main, News...

Police department dissolved

Council turns over services to sheriff; remaining employee laid off

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 21, 2026

The city of Ouray terminated the sole employee of its police department and turned over its police services to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, officially dissolving a stand-alone law enf...

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Paramedic fired after three months’ leave

Commissioners pause refilling second EMS vacancy

By James Hanlon

October 21, 2026

A paramedic for Ouray County Emergency Medical Services, who has been on administrative leave since the Gold Mountain Fire, was fired last week after a meeting with county administration went awry. Jo...

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County wraps up draft budget without layoffs

Initial plan leaves five positions vacant, reduces some departmental hours

By James Hanlon

October 21, 2026

Ouray County’s draft budget for next year proposes five staff reductions from general fund departments – all of which are currently vacant positions. The positions are from administration, the assesso...

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Veteran transport program approved

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After resolving concerns about an intergovernmental agreement with San Miguel County, Ouray County commissioners approved a new partnership last week that will transport veterans to medical appointmen...

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Watershed protection project extended

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The Emergency Watershed Protection project to mitigate debris flows below the Gold Mountain Fire burn area has received a 45-day extension with a new completion date of Nov. 17. Most construction is s...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Log Hill funds never meant to offset deficit

By Randy Olin

October 21, 2026

Dear Editor: I strongly disagree that the Board of County Commissioners be able to tap into or use monies/funds that were paid by and belong to the residents of Log Hill Village, and designated specif...

Letters, Opinion...

Voters deserve better than Congressman Hurd

By Dave Underwood

October 21, 2026

Dear Editor: As we approach the November election, we’ll doubtless be hearing a lot about U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd’s commitment to local issues. His mailers will almost certainly feature the congressman du...

Letters, Opinion...

Weiser committed to CO

By Tom Heffernan

October 21, 2026

Dear Editor: Phil Weiser is deeply committed to justice and public service. The son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, he will be willing to fight for the American dream. Phil has made it a priority...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Who’s funding statewide measures?

By Carolyn Dresler

October 21, 2026

Dear Editor: We have seven amendments and seven propositions on our Ouray County ballot. Amendments 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 and propositions 132 and 136 have as registered agents people from the Wes...

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Looking Back

October 21, 2026

Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago October 20, 1966 A parent-teacher day was introduced into Ouray schools Oct. 14. This...

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