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Main, News

Ouray childcare model a blueprint for others

The solution to the statewide childcare shortage might be here in Ouray County, where a blueprint for building childcare-ready affordable homes was dr...

May 13, 2026

Main, News

County tests: No mold problem in meeting rooms

Ouray County commissioner meeting rooms don’t have a mold problem, according to testing ordered after Commissioner Lynn Padgett said the facilities ca...

May 13, 2026

News

Beefed-up alpine ranger program returns

Ouray County’s alpine ranger program is back and bigger this year with the help of a state grant.The public will see alpine rangers patrolling areas i...

May 13, 2026

News

Two candidates vie for seat on San Miguel Power board

For the first time in more than a decade, there’s a contested election for the District 6 seat on the San Miguel Power Association board of directors,...

May 13, 2026

News

Commissioners hedge on compensation requests

A Ouray County employee rescinded a request Tuesday to be paid for the hours she spent outside her regular work week helping run the 4-H Event Center ...

May 13, 2026

News

Town to pilot zero-waste rules at concerts

The town of Ridgway's Sustainability Advisory Board will pilot “zero-waste” rules at the town’s summer concert series, while it continues to craft a b...

May 6, 2026

News

Governor Basin cleanup project faces delays

A collaborative restoration project to clean up mine waste in Governor Basin dating back to 2018 remains on hold, while project partners continue to w...

May 6, 2026

Main, News

Evacuation drill an exercise not in futility

Sirens will wail and residents will likely see emergency vehicles headed through Ridgway, up County Road 5 on May 15. Traffic will filter back into to...

April 29, 2026

News

Town mulls affordable housing mandate

The town of Ridgway will consider requiring developers to reserve 10% of units within market-rate residential projects as affordable housing for local...

April 29, 2026

News

County raises 4-H use fees

Fees for using the Ouray County 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds are going up for the first time in more than a decade, with the aim of making the fac...

April 29, 2026

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...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines