Trials in sex assault case delayed

News

By Mike Wiggins on January 16, 2026

The trials for two men accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Ouray County in 2023 have been postponed.

Gabriel Trujillo and Ashton Whittington were set to go to trial starting Feb. 9, but Seventh Judicial Chief District Judge Cory Jackson on Thursday agreed to delay those trials at the request of prosecutors and attorneys for both men.

Trujillo is now scheduled for trial July 29-Aug. 7. Jackson didn’t immediately set a new trial date for Whittington during his hearing on Thursday....

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Welcome to the snow-deo

January 14, 2026

Main, News...

Public: Rebuild Ouray PD

Residents seek retention of independent agency after departure of interim chief

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

January 14, 2026

Ouray residents sent a clear message this week: They want to maintain an independent police department instead of permanently relying on the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. Faced wi...

Main, News...

Tax questions linger as lodge proceeds with housing plans

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 14, 2026

MTN Lodge in Ridgway is moving forward with plans to convert the hotel to workforce housing for four years starting in February, though the town has yet to cement an agreement with the owners about pa...

News

County OKs permit for guest ranch

Stipulations require Gold Mountain to account for bighorn sheep

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

January 14, 2026

Gold Mountain Ranch will be allowed to operate a guest ranch in Ouray County, and county commissioners hope the special-use permit they approved in December will allay community concerns about wildlif...

News

EV charging station approved for 4-H Center

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 14, 2026

A high-speed electric vehicle charging station is coming to the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds parking lot as early as July. During a regular meeting Tuesday, county commissioners unani...

News

Public renews debate over parking for recreation at Senator Gulch

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

January 14, 2026

New signs ordered for County Road 361 and the Senator Gulch parking area have renewed debates over how to improve safety at the high-use access point for winter recreation. The parking area below a ga...

Feature

Looking Back

January 14, 2026

Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago January 20, 1966 Two men, injured Thursday night when their ore truck plunged over a ...

Columns, Feature...

1884 ‘Big Snow’ a reminder: Careful what you wish for

By Carolyn Snowbarger

January 14, 2026

So far this winter we have had a reprieve from icy sidewalks and snow shoveling — a far cry from what Silverton experienced with the legendary "Big Snow” in March 1884. We are complaining about the pe...

News

County chooses contractor for Corbett Creek bridge project

Bid awarded for Corbett Creek work

January 14, 2026

Ouray County commissioners have awarded a more than $1 million construction contract to replace the bridge over Corbett Creek into Whispering Pines, more than five years after initiating the project. ...

Columns, Feature...

Birdwatching: An equal opportunity hobby for the family

By Mary Menz Special to the Plaindealer

January 14, 2026

Birdwatching is one of the most accessible hobbies for people of all ages. Little special equipment is required, though beginners often find binoculars and a guidebook to help them identify bird speci...

Obituaries

Penelope Hanshaw

January 14, 2026

September 26, 1931 – December 21, 2025 Penelope “Penny” Hanshaw of Ridgway, Colorado, passed away in her sleep on December 21, 2025. Born September 26, 1931, to Donald and Ruth Miller in Salem, MA, sh...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines