Send us your celebrations!

The winning team from the Ouray Public Library's Literary Trivia Night on July 24 celebrates its victory. Pictured here, from left to right, are: Khris Dunham, Christine Coyer, Erin Latta, Eric Constantineau, Janet Dunham and Maureen O'Driscoll. The trivia night was a fundraiser for the library's expansion project. Photo and information contributed by Sadie Dunham

News

August 5, 2026

The “Good For You!” page is a place for reader-submitted photos illustrating community, celebrations and more.

Main, News...

Flood ravages homes

County deems trio of Ponderosa Village properties uninhabitable, as residents fear more debris flows imminent

By By Erin McIntyre, Chart Riggall and Mike Wiggins erin@ouraynews.com chart@ouraynews.com mike@ouraynews.com

August 5, 2026

When the fire raged above them on the mountain, the evacuated residents of Ponderosa Village hoped for rain. They wished for anything to help the firefighters get control of the blaze so it wouldn't b...

Main, News...

County floats disaster relief sales tax

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

August 5, 2026

Draft ballot language proposes half-cent tax, with revenue split between county, city, town Ouray County commissioners are in talks to put a half-penny sales tax increase question to voters this fall ...

News

Log Hill won’t join fire authority

Board: No benefit to cost, operational structure

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

August 5, 2026

The Log Hill Volunteer Fire Department will not join the proposed consolidated fire and emergency medical services authority in Ouray County. Board members of the Log Hill Mesa Fire Protection Distric...

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Crews near full containment on fire

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

August 5, 2026

Firefighters who are closing in on fully containing the Gold Mountain Fire have shifted their work to undoing firelines that are no longer needed to prevent erosion. “We've moved out of the suppressio...

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‘We were in a panic’

Flooding relocates part of Dexter Creek, forces couple to seek help with pigs

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

August 5, 2026

Hank and Betsy Nicholson were watching TV at home the night of July 26 when the skies opened up and filled Dexter Creek with rainwater, mud and debris. The creek, which serves as the Nicholsons’ only ...

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Why can rain on wildfire burn scars trigger dangerous flooding? A geologist explains

By By Jen Pierce The Conversation

August 5, 2026

When heavy rain hits burned hillsides, it can set off dangerous floods and debris flows that can move with the speed of a freight train, picking up or destroying anything in their path. These debris f...

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Riders scrutinize Ouray’s new shuttle service

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

August 5, 2026

The launch of a free shuttle in Ouray this summer is off to an uneven start, with riders and a shuttle driver pointing out shortcomings and questioning how the city will determine whether the service ...

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Looking Back

50 Years Ago

August 5, 2026

August 4, 1966 Thurman Grady Rohus entered a guilty plea in district court July 27 to a charge of grand larceny. Judge Fred Calhoun presided. Sentencing will be Aug. 29 following the probation officer...

News

Everything you need to know about the new federal report on the Colorado River’s future

Downstream states face big water cuts, while Colorado is on call for more conservation

By Shannon Mullane The Colorado Sun

August 5, 2026

Colorado water officials knew that they and the three other Upper Basin states would likely be asked to conserve Colorado River water under a new plan spanning the next decade. Now they know the targe...

Ridgway concert series puts trash in its place

Columns, Opinion...

GUEST COLUMN

Ridgway concert series puts trash in its place

By Dave Kehmeier

August 5, 2026

“Hey Landfill, you malignant festering heap of methane-spewing, planet-warming garbage, Recycle and Compost just ate your leftover lunch!” This summer’s concert series was Ridgway’s first ever zero- w...

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Calendar & Events

August 5, 2026

Thursday, August 6 Ridgway Farmers Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Hartwell Park – on Thursday this week due to Ridgway Rendezvous. Youth Garden Club for ages 8-18, "Other Undergrounders" root vegetables, f...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines