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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

Main, News...

Firefighters gain ground on Gold Mountain Fire

Sheriff allows some evacuees to return home; blaze shifts away from populated areas

By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

Residents forced to flee the Gold Mountain Fire north of Ouray nearly two weeks ago returned to charred landscapes but fully intact homes Wednesday, an indication that authorities believe the threat h...

Main, News...

Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

A scaled-back Fourth of July celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and 150th birthday of Ouray attracted thousands to the city, despite the cancellation of fireworks, water fights and...

News

First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 8, 2026

Even though the Gold Mountain Fire is still burning, Ouray County officials are already thinking about flash flood risks in the burn scar as Colorado moves into monsoon season. “This is a predictable ...

News

Water providers ask customers to pull back

Ridgway enacts mandatory irrigation restrictions

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

Water managers in Ouray County are asking residents to curtail water use and avoid putting more demand on their distribution systems in light of the Gold Mountain Fire and ongoing tinder-dry condition...

News

Looking Back

50 Years Ago

July 8, 2026

July 7, 1966 Charges have been filed in Ouray County Court against three Ouray youths for violation of state statutes in climbing over a fence at the municipal swimming pool last Friday and breaking b...

Daniel Schmidt daniel@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines