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Opinion

Joy of Purpose: The student becomes the teacher

Decades ago, Trisha Oakland took acting classes at the Sherbino Theater. She was an elementary school student at the time, growing up in Ridgway. Now,...

August 11, 2021

Joy of Purpose: Hanging in there

Tim Foulkes grew up in the foothills of Colorado and went to Columbine High School. Yes, that high school. He’s grateful for his middle-class upbringi...

July 7, 2021

Joy of Purpose: Helping people heal

Aimee Quadri-Chavez’s parents moved to Ouray 50 years ago. She grew up in Colona and now lives in Ridgway. With a degree in sociology from Fort Lewis ...

June 23, 2021

Joy of Purpose: Imagine the possibilities

[tecnavia_gallery slug='joy-of-purpose-imagine-the-possibilities-gallery' view='carousel']In our work with young people, we often encourage them to li...

April 21, 2021

Joy of Purpose: It’s within your reach

Many purpose-driven jobs are in what is alternatively called the philanthropic, nonprofit or independent sector. We joke that it might as well be call...

April 1, 2021

Main, News...

EMS plans to shift staff, save costs

Chief seeks to rely less on higher-paid paramedics

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray County Emergency Medical Services wants to implement a new staffing structure this spring to save costs and prepare for a combined fire and emergency services authority. During a Jan. 28 work se...

Main, News...

Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis

Industry slump marked by reduction in wholesale flower prices leaves just one grow facility in county, shaves local government tax revenue

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Michael Cox is the former general manager for Dalwhinnie Group, the landlord for Dalwhinnie Farms. The cannabis industry’s downturn has rea...

News

County navigating federal assistance program changes

Human Services seeks to avoid burdening families with creation of regional hubs

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

February 11, 2026

Ouray County officials are working to figure out what it will mean for clients needing food and other assistance when the Colorado Department of Human Services consolidates resources by creating multi...

News

Crosswalk project bids over budget

City could cut costs or seek more money from state

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray city officials are weighing next steps after a trio of bids to build a pair of pedestrian crosswalks and other improvements at either end of town exceeded the project budget. Public Works Direct...

Feature

Wine Fest returns to Ouray

By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

The fourth annual Ouray Winter Wine Festival just happens to fall on Valentine's Day this year. And that means not only will there be wine — there will be flowers, chocolate and more goodies to help s...

Alexandra Mitchell Jeff Pryor

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines