In light of staff survey, commissioners vow to govern better, improve pay

News

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer, on July 1, 2026

Ouray County commissioners responded to the good, the bad and the ugly from the “2026 Employee Viewpoint Survey,” saying they were pleased county employees said they generally like their jobs, committing to improving compensation and other employment issues, and promising to do better governing the county.

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Fire surges into Cimarrons

Evacuations expand, forest closes as forecast offers little relief

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

A wildfire that started as a wisp of smoke on a cliffside just north of Ouray last weekend exploded to more than 15,000 acres by Wednesday, driven by winds north to the Cimarron Range east of Ridgway....

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City curtails holiday events

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Fourth of July events in Ouray will be scaled back this year in response to the Gold Mountain Fire, with the July 3 fire department benefit concert and the Independence Day parade and kids’ games a go...

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Blaze forces evacuations, destroys family cabin

No word when owners will be able to return

By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

Rachel Nichols helped Russell McCrady when he needed emergency treatment for his dog. Little did she know he would return the favor when she and her husband encountered their own emergency, after they...

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Fire crashes wedding party

Forced to flee, Denver-area couple improvises, moves celebration

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

The navy blue suit was ready for James Lindaman to attach his great-grandfather’s Air Force airman’s pin to the lapel. Michelle Lindaman spent months arranging every detail of her wedding, from the fl...

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Looking Back

July 1, 2026

Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago July 7, 1966 Dynamite charges started Ouray’s Independence Day Celebration with a ban...

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Animal shelter evacuating due to Gold Mountain Fire

Emergency foster homes needed for animals

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

UPDATE at 3 p.m. Wednesday – ALL THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED Second Chance Humane Society is evacuating today due to the Gold Mountain Fire now burning east of Ridgway. The shelter, located on Cou...

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July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Ouray businesses and residents will have to hold their collective breath awhile longer until city officials decide whether the Fourth of July parade will go on as usual. City officials will announce b...

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Evacuation area expanded east of Ridgway, Ouray to discuss July 4 plans

City to hold meeting today at 4 p.m.

By Mike Wiggins

June 30, 2026

The city of Ouray is open but staff is not actively marketing to bring visitors to the area, City Administrator Michelle Metteer said this morning. “We are always looking to find a balance on what is ...

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Firefighters building, reinforcing lines, as high winds return today

By Mike Wiggins

June 30, 2026

Firefighters will focus their efforts today on building and reinforcing firelines in an effort to keep the Gold Mountain Fire from spreading south toward Ouray and west toward U.S. Highway 550. A tota...

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Emergency ballots available for primary election

Voters can participate online, turn in ballots at secure ballot boxes before 7 p.m. deadline

By Erin McIntyre

June 30, 2026

The polls and ballot boxes are open today and the Ouray County clerk wants you to know you have several ways you can vote, given the state of emergency and the Gold Mountain Fire. Ballots for the prim...

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Persistent windy, dry weather hampers firefighters

Feds to assume operational control today; Ouray Fourth of July celebration in doubt

By Mike Wiggins

June 29, 2026

UPDATE, 4:40 p.m.: Firefighters battling the 7,100-acre Gold Mountain Fire on the ground and in the air are focused on preventing the blaze from crossing County Road 14A. Fire crews consider that road...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines