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News

Session marked by bipartisan accomplishments

As we hit the 120th day of the 2022 session, I reflect on our accomplishments. After several nights working past midnight, then coming back to work ea...

May 19, 2022

Opinion

Bills aimed at helping our tribal neighbors

The Southern Utes and Ute Mountain Utes are the only two federally recognized tribes in Colorado. Tribal members have been working with us in the Gene...

March 23, 2022

Millions in investments show state hasn’t forgotten importance of agriculture

Traditionally, the Colorado Department of Agriculture doesn’t ask for much. When department heads annually visit the Joint Budget Committee, outlining...

February 10, 2022

Initial bills focus on saving money, cutting crime

This session of the legislature started out with friendly greetings, rousing speeches, mostly-masked gatherings, and what reporters are calling a “las...

January 27, 2022

Opinion

Legislation aimed at advancing state’s vital agricultural industry

My grandfather was a mover and shaker in the Colorado sugar beet industry with Great Western Sugar, and he was also a professor of agriculture at Colo...

April 28, 2021

It’s time to stop giving civics short shrift in the classroom

If you watch enough national news, it’s easy to think that Democrats and Republicans rarely speak, always argue, refuse to compromise, and have nothin...

April 14, 2021

OHV, teacher licensure among frenzy of bills

We’re seeing a lot of action in the Capitol these days, as legislators present their final bills while we collectively prepare to work on the Long Bil...

April 1, 2021

A lot is riding on school testing decision

My last few weeks have been filled with Zooms, phone calls and research concerning a legislative game combining “Mother May I” with the High Hurdles. ...

March 4, 2021

Itâs time we listen to the unheard

My column this week was going to review the work we were doing at the Capitol as we rejoined with other Legislators after so many weeks of working at ...

June 4, 2020

Looming state budget cuts will nick everyone

Colorado’s general fund is taking a pounding during the pandemic. Unless Washington steps in with more aid to state and local governments, legislators...

May 14, 2020

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...

Barbara Mclachlan

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines