Videos E-edition
Investigators close case on mine shaft death
A metal grate covers the mine shaft near the Spirit Gulch area on Red Mountain Pass where Ridgway resident Jennifer Nelson accidentally drowned on Oct. 20, 2025, while hiking with dogs. The hole was uncovered until after Nelson's death. State officials estimate there are at least 23,000 hazardous mine features across Colorado that have been identified, but there are likely even more that aren't yet documented. Photo courtesy Colorado Division of Mine Reclamation and Safety
News
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com, on September 23, 2026
Investigators close case on mine shaft death
Nearly a year later, authorities conclude Ridgway resident Jennifer Nelson accidentally drowned

Eleven months after rescue volunteers found Jennifer Nelson's body in a water- filled mine shaft on Red Mountain Pass, investigators are left wondering what her final moments looked like.

Popular trail needs new steward
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Popular trail needs new steward
Uncompahgre Riverway Trail founder, longtime volunteer ready to step down
By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
Chip Marlow, the man who spearheaded the construction of the Uncompahgre Riverway Trail from Ridgway to Ridgway State Park, has maintained the multiuse path largely by himself for many years. Now 80 y...
Main, News...
Judge to hotel: End workforce housing
Injunction prohibits MTN Lodge from housing resort construction workers
By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
A district court judge has ordered Ridgway's largest hotel to stop housing construction workers who are building a new Four Seasons in Mountain Village. In a preliminary injunction filed Sept. 16, the...
County: Layoffs likely
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County: Layoffs likely
Commissioners, administrators warn of job cuts to close $1.5 million gap; staff criticizes leaders for not addressing problem earlier
By James Hanlon 
September 16, 2026
Ouray County will likely need to lay off employees to make up a projected $1.5 million gap between requested expenses and revenue next year, county officials warned at a budget workshop on Sept. 9. Th...
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Town considers options for sewer plant location
By James Hanlon 
September 16, 2026
The Ridgway Town Council wants to see some dollar estimates before deciding where to build a new wastewater treatment plant. Town staff briefed the council on three possible locations north of town at...
News
City prepared to pay fees for housing project
Despite some councilors' misgivings, Ouray in line to give more money to deed-restricted apartment complex
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 16, 2026
The city of Ouray is set to provide up to $225,000 to a nonprofit organization to cover water and sewer tap and building permit fees for a 13-unit affordable housing project. At City Administrator Mic...
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Local agencies can do more to protect public lands
By Alex Menard 
September 16, 2026
Dear Editor: The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service are proposing two management changes with profound effects on our public lands throughout the West and in our local mountain...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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Ridgway, Colorado 81432
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