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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...

City to keep police department

Ouray to retain on-call model, offer raises to officers, while sheriff leads hiring, training efforts

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

The city of Ouray will retain and rebuild its own independent police department but rely on Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry to lead the hiring and training of its officers until a new police chief c...

Main, News...

Runners go the distance to claim state titles

Ridgway's Hessler, Ouray's Skoloda win 3200-meter races; Demon girls finish second

By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer

May 20, 2026

LAKEWOOD — Both runners had established new personal bests and school records during the regular season. Both entered the state track and field championship ranked No. 1 in their respective classifica...

News

Ouray County EMS to raise fees

Charges for treatment, transport to increase for first time since 2018

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

Ouray County commissioners plan to raise fees for treatment and ambulance transports from Ouray County Emergency Medical Services starting in June. Commissioners reviewed proposed fee increases prepar...

News

Mass evacuation exercise tests county’s preparedness

Half-day event features volunteers feigning injuries, refusing to leave and generally creating chaos — in the name of training for a real emergency

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

At 9:28 a.m., Amy Clewell and her two pretend siblings gathered in her driveway in Elk Meadows, debating whether it was time to call for help. They watched a stream of law enforcement vehicles and fir...

News

Citizens organized against councilor

At least 14 people sent letters to council urging vote against Gulde appointment

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

Former Ouray City Councilor Tamara Gulde ran into an organized effort to keep her from returning to public office earlier this year after she lost the November race for mayor, then sought to fill a va...

Daniel Schmidt daniel@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines