Author - News

News

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

News

Crews working to fill 1950s-era well along U.S. 550

Reclamation part of orphaned and abandoned well program

By Chart Riggall

September 4, 2026

It’s not what you think. A towering steel drill rig that’s been perched along the side of U.S. Highway 550 in recent weeks isn’t probing for gas, or oil, or even a route to the Far East. The operation...

Main, News...

Trump declares disaster for Gold Mountain, Aspen Acres fires

By Chart Riggall

September 4, 2026

President Donald Trump has signed off on a major disaster declaration for the Gold Mountain and Aspen Acres fires that unlocks millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency relief funds f...

Main, News...

Hickenlooper hopeful for fire disaster order

Senator tours flood-damaged areas, surveys planned fire mitigation efforts

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

September 2, 2026

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper said Friday he was optimistic the Trump administration will declare the Gold Mountain Fire a federal disaster, arguing Congress “wouldn’t settle for” the White House withho...

Main, News...

County employees remain on paid leave

EMS paramedic, deputy emergency manager sent home days after fire started

By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com

September 2, 2026

Ouray County has had two emergency-related employees on paid administrative leave since the early days of the Gold Mountain Fire. A third employee, Road and Bridge Superintendent Ty Barger, was placed...

News

Businesses share struggles with senator

'You guys are in crisis,' Hickenlooper tells proprietors wrestling with aftermath of Gold Mountain Fire

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

September 2, 2026

Ouray County business owners bent the ear of U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper on Friday, sharing stories of declining profits and mass cancellations in the wake of the Gold Mountain Fire in the hopes the D...

Daniel Schmidt daniel@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines