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

Main

A weekend full of pride

August 20, 2025

News

City retains lawyer in light of sewer problems

Mayor says he doesn't think the city will take legal action, but firm will review potential defect claims

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

August 20, 2025

The city of Ouray will hire an attorney who could help potentially pursue legal claims against the contractors who built and equipped the city’s new $17 million wastewater treatment plant, which has b...

News

Ridgway opens door for tourism marketing

Town follows through on plan to seek bids for services; chamber to seek to keep contract

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

August 20, 2025

The town of Ridgway is opening up a competitive process for its tourism and marketing services after years of handing the task to the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce. The shift toward a competitive p...

Letters

Time to lower the speed limit on U.S. 550

August 20, 2025

Dear Editor: Hardly a week goes by without another fatal accident on U.S. Highway 550, it seems. Or am I just imagining things? Winter or summer, events conspire, someone dies and the road is closed f...

Letters

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Revisiting postal history

August 20, 2025

Dear Editor: I read with interest Ms. Snowbarger’s column, “The West’s Unsung Heroes? Post Offices” in the Aug. 7, 2025, issue of the Plaindealer. Postal history, particularly that of Ouray County and...

Daniel Schmidt daniel@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines