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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...

‘There’s not a day where I don’t do something impactful’

Community paramedicine brings vital care to mountain, rural places

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

November 19, 2025

Editor’s note: There’s a proposal to start a community paramedicine program here in Ouray County, and we wanted to know more about how these kinds of services work in other places in Colorado where th...

Main, News...

Commissioner: ‘My patience is gone’

Claiming continued poor behavior, Nauer asks Padgett to take 'timeout,' attend meetings remotely

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

Ouray County Commissioner Michelle Nauer has asked Commissioner Lynn Padgett to take a "timeout" and attend meetings by Zoom while the county makes leadership transitions over the next few months, cit...

News

Police chief, sheriff urge Ouray council to rethink strict response time policy

Councilors table plan requiring officers to live within 10 miles of city after concern from leaders

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The Ouray City Council on Monday pitched and then quickly ditched a proposal to require police officers to live within 10 miles and a 10-minute drive from the city after local law enforcement and city...

News

SMPA approves rate increases

Monthly base, peak energy charges to rise in 2026 as electric cooperative prepares for escalating wholesale power costs

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The San Miguel Power Association board of directors on Tuesday approved dual rate increases in 2026 for the second year in a row, as the rural electric cooperative continues to grapple with higher who...

News

Ridgway hires North Carolina agency for tourism, marketing

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The town of Ridgway has hired a North Carolina-based agency for its tourism and marketing services, choosing an outside perspective familiar with rural communities. During a Nov. 12 town council meeti...

Barbara Mclachlan

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines