Commissioners repeal policy requiring approval to fill every staff vacancy

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By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com, on November 11, 2026

Ouray County commissioners will no longer review renewing individual staff positions every time there is a vacancy, after hearing concerns that it was a burden on staff and raised questions from the public and press about resignations and terminations.

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Keep calm and build on

November 11, 2026

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Water battle likely headed for trial

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

DELTA – A Colorado water court judge appears likely to let supporters and opponents of a pipeline diversion from Cow Creek into Ridgway Reservoir duke out their claims at a trial scheduled for next ye...

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Shuttle service to shut down

Montrose-Ridgway-Ouray bus will stop at end of year due to lack of local funding

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

The OurWay commuter shuttle service that runs between Ouray, Ridgway and Montrose will shut down at the end of this year due to lack of funding. After nearly three years, the pilot program’s $531,000 ...

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CDOT plans projects for 2027, future

Agency apologizes for lax weed control on highways, eyes more Billy Creek work in 2028

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

The Colorado Department of Transportation has no major construction planned next year in Ouray County, but more projects are in store for the future. CDOT staff presented a roundup of current and futu...

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Ridgway will pull from reserves to cover expenses in 2027

Town to discuss more cuts Nov. 19

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

The town of Ridgway will continue to draw down its general fund reserves to cover expenses in 2027, even as town leaders plan to discuss more budget cuts later this month. During a budget retreat on H...

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Ouray sewer, water rates to rise 4% next year

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

Ouray residents and business owners will pay close to $5 a month more for water and sewer service in 2027, as the city seeks to ensure there is enough money in its utility funds to cover debt payments...

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60 Years Ago

50 Years Ago

November 11, 2026

November 10, 1966 The Academy Award winning musical “Mary Poppins” will reopen the Chipeta Theatre on Thanksgiving Day. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon L. Wrye of Cleveland, Ohio, have purchased the Chipeta Theat...

Our subscription rates are increasing. Here’s why

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FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Our subscription rates are increasing. Here’s why

November 11, 2026

We don't know of many businesses that announce when their prices are increasing. Usually it just happens and then customers decide whether to keep paying. Take restaurants, for example. You sit down a...

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State sees decline in animal collisions north of Ridgway

Crashes down 18 months after underpass built, but CDOT wants more data

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

A wildlife underpass completed along U.S. Highway 550 in 2024 has produced a moderate reduction in crashes north of Ridgway, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. CDOT officials told...

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Town weighs sewer treatment options

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

November 11, 2026

Ridgway will likely upgrade its sewer plant at its current location, behind the public works property at 501 Otto St. The council had examined some alternative sites but they presented their own chall...

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Hurd fends off Dem challenger to retain seat

By By John Ingold and Jesse Paul The Colorado Sun

November 11, 2026

Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd has fended off Democratic challenger Dwayne Romero and kept Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, one of the state’s most competitive, in the GOP’s hands. The Associate...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines