Author - News

News

After criticism last spring, group must meet several tourism promotion standardsThe Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce will continue marketing tourism p...

January 17, 2024

News

Deal helps protect bighorn sheep habitat

Montrose sheep ranch retires grazing permits south of OurayEfforts to protect bighorn sheep habitat in the San Juan Mountains recently received a boos...

January 10, 2024

News

Fire District struggles to fill open seat

For more than two months, the Ridgway Fire Protection District Board of Directors has been short a board member and the district has struggled to find...

January 10, 2024

News

Fire Department plans training center

Shipping container in Ridgway would offer permanent, year-round opportunitiesLocal public safety organizations may soon have a permanent training faci...

January 10, 2024

Feature

‘What else is there for me but this?’

Throughout Shea Freedom’s life, timing has been everything for better and for worse. It was everything when his mother passed away right before he was...

January 10, 2024

News

New program to fill energy workforce gaps

Initiative aimed at training for small-scale energy efficiency jobs For years, local renewable energy companies have struggled to find enough qualifie...

January 3, 2024

News

County eyes permit fee increases

Marijuana businesses expected to bear largest brunt of hike For the first time since 2008, Ouray County is expected to increase user fees across a bro...

January 3, 2024

News

Updated resolution secures public winter road access

In a win for winter recreationists and environmentalists, Ouray County commissioners last month approved an updated resolution designating certain cou...

January 3, 2024

News

Commissioners preview priorities, tout accomplishments

Ouray County commissioners discussed prioritizing public health, environmental protection and affordable housing projects in 2024, and reviewed highli...

January 3, 2024

News

County attorney receives glowing review

County Attorney Leo Caselli on Dec. 20 received glowing remarks from Ouray County commissioners during his annual performance review, earning 97 out o...

January 3, 2024

News

Animal shelter evacuating due to Gold Mountain Fire

Emergency foster homes needed for animals

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

UPDATE at 3 p.m. Wednesday – ALL THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED Second Chance Humane Society is evacuating today due to the Gold Mountain Fire now burning east of Ridgway. The shelter, located on Cou...

News

July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Ouray businesses and residents will have to hold their collective breath awhile longer until city officials decide whether the Fourth of July parade will go on as usual. City officials will announce b...

News

Evacuation area expanded east of Ridgway, Ouray to discuss July 4 plans

City to hold meeting today at 4 p.m.

By Mike Wiggins

June 30, 2026

The city of Ouray is open but staff is not actively marketing to bring visitors to the area, City Administrator Michelle Metteer said this morning. “We are always looking to find a balance on what is ...

News

Firefighters building, reinforcing lines, as high winds return today

By Mike

June 30, 2026

Firefighters will focus their efforts today on building and reinforcing firelines in an effort to keep the Gold Mountain Fire from spreading south toward Ouray and west toward U.S. Highway 550. A tota...

News

Emergency ballots available for primary election

Voters can participate online, turn in ballots at secure ballot boxes before 7 p.m. deadline

By Erin McIntyre

June 30, 2026

The polls and ballot boxes are open today and the Ouray County clerk wants you to know you have several ways you can vote, given the state of emergency and the Gold Mountain Fire. Ballots for the prim...

Daniel Schmidt daniel@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines