Years after acquittal, man gets prison in second case

News

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com on December 31, 2025

TOP STORIES OF THE YEAR: BRIAN SCRANTON CONVICTED OF SEX ASSAULT

Editor’s note: This story contains details about a sex assault case.

Ten years after he was first arrested for alleged sex assault in Ouray County, a Ridgway man was convicted in another sex assault case and sentenced to three years in prison in 2025.

Brian Scranton took a plea deal and was convicted of attempted sexual assault in June, after 18 months of court proceedings that attracted public attention and demand for him to be held accountable. Scranton, who was a community leader and once ser...

Main, News...

EMS plans to shift staff, save costs

Chief seeks to rely less on higher-paid paramedics

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray County Emergency Medical Services wants to implement a new staffing structure this spring to save costs and prepare for a combined fire and emergency services authority. During a Jan. 28 work se...

Main, News...

Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis

Industry slump marked by reduction in wholesale flower prices leaves just one grow facility in county, shaves local government tax revenue

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Michael Cox is the former general manager for Dalwhinnie Group, the landlord for Dalwhinnie Farms. The cannabis industry’s downturn has rea...

News

County navigating federal assistance program changes

Human Services seeks to avoid burdening families with creation of regional hubs

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

February 11, 2026

Ouray County officials are working to figure out what it will mean for clients needing food and other assistance when the Colorado Department of Human Services consolidates resources by creating multi...

News

Crosswalk project bids over budget

City could cut costs or seek more money from state

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray city officials are weighing next steps after a trio of bids to build a pair of pedestrian crosswalks and other improvements at either end of town exceeded the project budget. Public Works Direct...

Feature

Wine Fest returns to Ouray

By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

The fourth annual Ouray Winter Wine Festival just happens to fall on Valentine's Day this year. And that means not only will there be wine — there will be flowers, chocolate and more goodies to help s...

Columns

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Avoid idling cars, make street pedestrian mall

February 11, 2026

Dear Editor: On a beautiful, warm winter day I propped open the front door of the Decker Room at the Art Space on Clinton Street. My intention was to invite in the sun and any passersby who might be e...

Columns

Seeing isn’t always believing: Improve your news literacy on Feb. 22

By Erin McIntyre

February 11, 2026

"I'll believe it when I see it" and "seeing is believing" are two phrases that haven't aged well. Nowadays, I'm skeptical of videos friends send me, photos that look like someone manipulated them and ...

Columns, Feature...

How science fiction, silver built Mount Sneffels

By Carolyn Snowbarger

February 11, 2026

For those of us lucky enough to step onto our decks or open our front doors to a view of the northern San Juans, one silhouette dominates the horizon: Mount Sneffels. Known as the "Queen of the San Ju...

Columns, Feature...

Senior’s work ethic pays off with superb season

By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer

February 11, 2026

The majority of high school student-athletes in Ouray County are headed on a post-graduation pathway in a career in something other than sports. But for some, their drive to excel extends to a desire ...

Calendar & Events, Feature...

Calendar & Events

February 11, 2026

Thursday, February 12 Tech Thursday – Get help with quick tech problems from 4-6 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library, 300 Charles St. Walk-ins welcome. After school Valentine's Day craft time for eleme...

Main, News...

New county manager seeks to lead with heart

After careers in big cities and large governments, Antonio Mendez is shifting his perspective

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 4, 2026

Ouray County is unlike most places Antonio Mendez has lived or worked before, and Mendez brings experience unlike the county has seen in two decades, or possibly ever. Ouray County’s new manager grew ...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines