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From permanent stage to new restrooms, councilors prioritize millions of dollars of improvements The city of Ouray last week began a multi-million dol...

January 31, 2024

Feature

Neighbors and Helpers: Answering the call

Editor's note: The story has been corrected to reflect that Jim Link's wife's name is Katie, not Stephanie. After nearly 30 years, ambulance driver Ji...

January 31, 2024

News

Squeezed businesses may find relief

Four Ridgway businesses apply for state grants aimed at easing rent pressure, aiding expansion For Sally Jo Ocasio, owning The Vault Vintage and Consi...

January 24, 2024

News

Silver mine back in operation

The owners of the Revenue-Virginius Mine recently cleared a final regulatory hurdle with the state of Colorado, allowing them to fully pursue operatio...

January 24, 2024

Feature

Pottery studio reshapes under new owner

Offering memberships and classes, San Juan Potters' Guild carries on legacy of Mountain Dog Arts in Ouray While the opportunity came swiftly and somew...

January 24, 2024

News

Several programs offer property tax relief

Despite attempts from the state legislature and some local taxing districts to decrease this year’s property tax burden, Ouray County residents can st...

January 24, 2024

News

County ponders future revenue strategies

After adding deputies, paramedics, commissioners turn attention to facilities, other staffAfter receiving a budgetary boost from higher property taxes...

January 24, 2024

News

Poll gauges support for child care tax hike

Group says it's seeking input, has no current plans for 2024 measureA group that has long sought additional funding to subsidize child care costs in O...

January 24, 2024

News

Durango Democrat announces Senate bid

Current teacher, former Navy veteran focused on affordable housing, education, health care Durango Democrat Vivian Smotherman has announced she will r...

January 17, 2024

News

Councilor fills vacant Fire District seat

The Ridgway Volunteer Fire District Board has unanimously appointed Ridgway Town Councilor Terry Schuyler to fill a vacancy on the board. Schuyler tol...

January 17, 2024

Main, News...

‘This is the challenge that I needed in my life’

Ouray Ice Park's new executive director trims staff, seeks more buy-in from recreational climbers amid financial crunch

By Chart Riggall

October 21, 2026

In the waning weeks of the 2019 ice climbing season, a 27-year-old Tres Barbatelli stood at the bottom of the Uncompahgre Gorge wondering what he’d just done. Minutes before, he’d rappelled down into ...

Main, News...

Police department dissolved

Council turns over services to sheriff; remaining employee laid off

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 21, 2026

The city of Ouray terminated the sole employee of its police department and turned over its police services to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, officially dissolving a stand-alone law enf...

News

Paramedic fired after three months’ leave

Commissioners pause refilling second EMS vacancy

By James Hanlon

October 21, 2026

A paramedic for Ouray County Emergency Medical Services, who has been on administrative leave since the Gold Mountain Fire, was fired last week after a meeting with county administration went awry. Jo...

News

County wraps up draft budget without layoffs

Initial plan leaves five positions vacant, reduces some departmental hours

By James Hanlon

October 21, 2026

Ouray County’s draft budget for next year proposes five staff reductions from general fund departments – all of which are currently vacant positions. The positions are from administration, the assesso...

News

Veteran transport program approved

October 21, 2026

After resolving concerns about an intergovernmental agreement with San Miguel County, Ouray County commissioners approved a new partnership last week that will transport veterans to medical appointmen...

Daniel Schmidt daniel@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines