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Ridgway to market itself as destination, not crossroads

A consultant has recommended that Ridgway reimagine its marketing campaign to bring outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and regional explorers to town....

July 22, 2026

News

Trust, county close to conserving open space park

Ouray County is much closer to getting a new open space park on the Silver Mountain Mine property. The Trust for Land Restoration has received a $180,...

July 15, 2026

News

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

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 ...

July 8, 2026

Main, News

City curtails holiday events, keeps parade

Fourth of July events in Ouray will be scaled back this year in response to the Gold Mountain Fire, with the July 3 fire department benefit concert an...

July 1, 2026

News

In light of staff survey, commissioners vow to govern better, improve pay

Ouray County commissioners responded to the good, the bad and the ugly from the “2026 Employee Viewpoint Survey,” saying they were pleased county empl...

July 1, 2026

News

July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo

Ouray businesses and residents will have to hold their collective breath awhile longer until city officials decide whether the Fourth of July parade w...

July 1, 2026

Main, News

County to pursue use tax

Ouray County voters likely will be asked this fall to approve a use tax on both new vehicle purchases and construction material purchases, with most o...

June 24, 2026

News

County policy would govern AI use

Ouray County commissioners want to regulate how employees use artificial intelligence when doing county work and limit cybercrime risk. Commissioners ...

May 6, 2026

News

County to tighten rules for agriculture exemption permits

The rules will be tightened for those wanting to obtain Ouray County’s agriculture exemption permits. Ouray County commissioners authorized the Land U...

May 6, 2026

News

Commissioners: Serious about not overspending

Ouray County commissioners are serious about ensuring county departments don’t overspend this year. They spent 90 minutes on April 29 reviewing the ty...

May 6, 2026

Main, News...

Evacuations ordered near Cutler Creek as rain pummels burn scar

Oak Street closed due to mud, flooding

By Mike

July 29, 2026

UPDATE, 9:45 p.m. U.S. Highway 550 reopened between Ridgway and Ouray Wednesday night, authorities announced at 9:15 p.m. Emergency officials encouraged motorists to be cautions when driving through a...

Main, News...

Rain on burn scar triggers flooding, evacuation

Hydrologist: Above-average rain forecast through September

By Chart Riggall

July 29, 2026

Heavy rainfall over scorched soil sent flash floods raging down Cutler Creek on Sunday night, spilling mud down through Ponderosa Village and briefly shuttering U.S. Highway 550. The torrent of water ...

Main, News...

Fire scorches bottom lines

Reliant on summer tourism, reeling businesses running out of time to claw back lost revenue

By Mike Wiggins, Chart Riggall and Erin McIntyre

July 29, 2026

It didn’t take but a spark and a stiff breeze to turn Justin Mitchell’s summer upside down. During the first few hours of the Gold Mountain Fire, Mitchell — who runs a horseback guiding outfit in the ...

News

Governments team up on flood mitigation

City, nonprofits pitch in $165,000, while financially pinched county searches for more funding

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

July 29, 2026

Government agencies and nonprofit organizations have begun stepping up to help Ouray County pay to protect homes and roads from flooding and mudslides in the aftermath of the Gold Mountain Fire. The O...

Feature

Ridgway-area homes featured on Home Trust tour

By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com

July 29, 2026

An eclectic mix of Ridgway-area houses are on the Home Trust of Ouray County's tour this weekend, with homeowners opening their homes to participants to help raise funds for affordable housing. This y...

Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines