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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

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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

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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

News

Local briefs: Ridgway appoints two to sustainability board, updates marshal overtime policy

Town seeks bike park design proposals, moves forward with pre-approved ADU plan designs

By James Hanlon

September 17, 2026

New members appointed to sustainability board The Ridgway Town Council appointed Terry Schuyler and Christiane Frischmuth to the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board after brief interviews at the Sep...

Main, News...

County: Layoffs likely

Commissioners, administrators warn of job cuts to close $1.5 million gap; staff criticizes leaders for not addressing problem earlier

By James Hanlon

September 16, 2026

Ouray County will likely need to lay off employees to make up a projected $1.5 million gap between requested expenses and revenue next year, county officials warned at a budget workshop on Sept. 9. Th...

Main, News...

Disaster tax not ‘backfill’ for fire costs, leaders say

By Chart Riggall

September 16, 2026

In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s declaration of the Gold Mountain Fire as a major federal disaster, Ouray County commissioners say the potential influx of additional federal funds doesn't ...

News

Town considers options for sewer plant location

By James Hanlon

September 16, 2026

The Ridgway Town Council wants to see some dollar estimates before deciding where to build a new wastewater treatment plant. Town staff briefed the council on three possible locations north of town at...

News

City prepared to pay fees for housing project

Despite some councilors' misgivings, Ouray in line to give more money to deed-restricted apartment complex

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

September 16, 2026

The city of Ouray is set to provide up to $225,000 to a nonprofit organization to cover water and sewer tap and building permit fees for a 13-unit affordable housing project. At City Administrator Mic...

Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines