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Walk into Sally Jo Ocasio’s The Vintage Vault in Ridgway, and you will see a wide array of fun, ageless treasures both retro and modern. Just give it ...

April 24, 2024

News

Local schools cancel contract with state school-work program

A program helping students with disabilities transition into the workforce has been canceled in Ouray and Ridgway after there weren't enough participa...

March 20, 2024

Feature

Ridgway Wrench pedals to new location

After seven years at 380 Sherman St., across from Hartwell Park in Ridgway, Nate Miller is moving Ridgway Wrench to the industrial park at 621 N. Cora...

February 28, 2024

Feature

CERTIFIABLY MOUTHWATERING

With USDA certification in hand, Ouray Meat & Cheese Market eyes expansion, national market Tony Schmidt’s bratwurst, made from his grandfather’s ...

February 28, 2024

News

County asks public for evacuation plan input

Ouray County is asking residents to take an online survey to help create an up-to-date, effective evacuation plan for the entire county. The county is...

February 21, 2024

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FIFTY YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Ouray Mountain Rescue Team celebrates 50 years of rescue service this coming summer, and while the organization once had to take out a short-term ...

February 14, 2024

Feature

BOOSTING OURAY’S WINTER ECONOMY, ONE GLASS AT A TIME

Winter Wine Festival returns to Wright Opera House Feb. 17 A little more than a year ago, four community members and business leaders sat by the firep...

February 7, 2024

Main, News...

Several homes damaged, 17 people rescued from flooding

By Mike Wiggins

July 30, 2026

At least 17 people were rescued from flooding and debris flows in the Cutler Creek area between Ridgway and Ouray on Wednesday night, authorities said this morning. At least three homes in Ponderosa V...

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...

Ellen Metrick Special to the Plaindealer

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines