Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Latest News
Main, News...
Fatal crash on pass involved marijuana
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
The driver of the vehicle that went off Red Mountain Pass on Aug. 5 ha...
this is a test
News
City proceeds with plans to remodel city hall, police station
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
The city of Ouray is moving ahead with plans to remodel a portion of t...
this is a test
News
Trust to preserve, donate more Red Mountain mining claims
Nonprofit under contract to purchase land near Ironton Park
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Another cluster of mining claims on Red Mountain Pass will be preserve...
this is a test
Bears start packing on pounds
Main, News...
Bears start packing on pounds
Wildlife officials urge residents to avoid attracting bruins as they seek food before hibernating
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Bears have entered the time of year where they seek food for at least 20 hours a day, trying to pack on the pounds before the first snow flies. The compulsive eating, called hyperphagia, helps prepare the bruins to survive hibernation. The furry creatures are wandering in search of food and water. Whether they find acorns and berries, bird feeders or rotting trash is really up to humans. Though it...
Read More
this is a test
News
Public Health urges stricter tobacco regs
Nurse recommends requiring local retail licenses; gas stations say program unnecessary
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Ouray County Public Health is asking local governments to more strictly regulate nicotine and tobacco retailers to help prevent underage use, by requiring local retail licenses on top of state-require...
this is a test
News
County lodging tax question will be on November ballot
August 27, 2025
Ouray County voters living in the unincorporated part of the county – outside Ridgway and Ouray – will be asked to approve a new 6% county lodging tax to fund local law enforcement, fire protection se...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
News
News
EMS, public health school partner to assess new program
August 27, 2025
Ouray County Emergency Medical Services is partnering with the Colorado School of Public Health to assess the need for a new community paramedic program. Paramedic Cat Lichtenbelt said EMS is aiming t...
this is a test
News
Ridgway Athletic Park open house set for Aug. 28
August 27, 2025
The town of Ridgway will host an open house tonight (Thursday) to elicit public input on the design of baseball fields and pickleball courts at the Ridgway Athletic Park. The meeting is scheduled for ...
this is a test
News
Temporary road closures set for Aug. 28, Sept. 9
August 27, 2025
Motorists traveling between the valley floor and Log Hill Mesa should prepare for temporary road closures and lengthy detours today (Aug. 28) and Sept. 9 as the Ouray County Road and Bridge Department...
this is a test
News
County eyeing properties for new facilities
Consultant's report says additional 3.5 acres, 30,000 square feet of space needed
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Ouray County leaders are inching forward on a long-term facilities plan, beginning to identify potential locations for new county buildings and focusing on easy public access. Commissioners reviewed a...
this is a test
State Patrol conducts first DUI checkpoint in decade
News
State Patrol conducts first DUI checkpoint in decade
Officers contact nearly 800 drivers, issue one summons during nearly four-hour event
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
The hundreds of commuters who pass through Ouray County's only traffic light during the work week are accustomed to delays and traffic. Last week, they encountered another short delay: the first DUI c...
this is a test
Waterview project may include rentals
News
Waterview project may include rentals
Market demand could reshape second phase of development
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
The second phase of the Waterview Homes affordable housing development at the south end of Ouray may include rental units, a pivot for nonprofit developer Rural Homes, which has historically stuck to ...
this is a test
Features coverage
Meet Ouray County’s new teachers
Feature
Meet Ouray County’s new teachers
August 27, 2025
Editor’s note: We have continued the tradition of including Q&A profiles of new teachers in the Ridgway and Ouray school districts in the newspaper this year, to help introduce these new leaders to th...
this is a test
The purrfect addition to the team
Feature
The purrfect addition to the team
Second Chance welcomes new vet, reopens public clinic
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
Dr. Hannah Coenen didn't know at first she wanted to be a veterinarian. She studied wildlife biology and spent a year working in wildlife rehabilitation before deciding on this career path. But she di...
this is a test
Painter opens gallery-studio in Ridgway
Feature
Painter opens gallery-studio in Ridgway
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
August 27, 2025
A mop of hair obscures the face of a young boy curled over his own knees, barefoot on the street staring at a cellphone. But most distinct is not the faceless human figure, but the colors and distinct...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Aug. 28-Sept. 18, 2025
August 27, 2025
THURSDAY AUGUST 28 Heather and Douglas live music, 7 p.m. at The Courtyard at 610, 610 Clinton St. in Ridgway. Entrance through the alley on Cora Street. Tickets $15 in advance at sherbino.org or $20 ...
this is a test
Meet your neighbor: Mike Potter
Feature
Meet your neighbor: Mike Potter
By By Natasha Hessler Special to the Plaindealer 
August 20, 2025
Michael Potter has been cattle ranching on the same plot of land on County Road 23 since 1967. But, at the moment, you will find no cows on the property. From mid June until late October, his herd of ...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Aug. 21-Sept. 4, 2025
August 20, 2025
Thursday, August 21 42nd Annual San Juan Chamber Music Festival, evening salon concert at a private home, must purchase tickets in advance at ocpag.org. Tech Thursday – Get help with quick tech proble...
this is a test
Special Sections

Best of

Business and Real Estate

Summer Guide

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We must thwart this attack on democracy
August 27, 2025
Dear Editor: Ouray County residents, like Americans everywhere, are realizing the cold and seemingly intentional cruelty of Donald Trump’s relentless quest to dismantle our government and replace it w...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Public safety headed in the right direction
August 27, 2025
Dear Editor: I am so pleased to see the direction public safety issues are going in the city of Ouray as well as Ouray County after some difficult times. Michelle Metteer is a treasure as your new adm...
this is a test
Late monsoon welcome, but it won’t fix deficit
Columns, Opinion...
Late monsoon welcome, but it won’t fix deficit
By Karen Risch 
August 27, 2025
This year's missing monsoon finally showed up the night of Aug. 22. By the next morning, Saturday, a much wetter, greener, cooler world greeted Ouray County residents and summer visitors. Interestingl...
this is a test
A weekend full of pride
Main
A weekend full of pride
August 20, 2025
this is a test
City retains lawyer in light of sewer problems
News
City retains lawyer in light of sewer problems
Mayor says he doesn't think the city will take legal action, but firm will review potential defect claims
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
August 20, 2025
The city of Ouray will hire an attorney who could help potentially pursue legal claims against the contractors who built and equipped the city’s new $17 million wastewater treatment plant, which has b...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy