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Proposed merger could make fire chief highest paid official

The current proposal to combine fire and emergency medical services entities in Ouray County could eventually make the new fire chief the highest-paid...

April 1, 2026

Main, News

Ridgway council candidates discuss issues at forum

Seasoned insights squared off with fresh perspective during an election forum last week as both of Ridgway’s mayoral candidates answered questions cen...

March 25, 2026

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County orders property owners to remove gates

Ouray County is warning owners of properties north of Red Mountain Pass they must immediately remove two unauthorized gates blocking public access roa...

March 25, 2026

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County may change rules for high-elevation wastewater systems

Ouray County property owners may be allowed to install composting and incinerating toilets without a septic system in certain areas of the county.Duri...

March 25, 2026

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Businesses weather weak winter

Warm temperatures and limited snowfall weakened sectors of Ouray's winter economy this year, triggering the shortest climbing season in the history of...

March 25, 2026

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Natural gas utility sparks debate with town

A Black Hills Energy presentation and customer survey on electrification sparked debate during a Ridgway Town Council meeting last week about an all-e...

March 25, 2026

Main, News

Mihelarakis advocates for creatives in first bid for office

Tia Mihelarakis believes the Ridgway Town Council deserves a leader with new perspectives — specifically those of creatives, renters and the younger g...

March 18, 2026

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Grambley seeks to foster economy, culture

Kevin Grambley believes being a Ridgway town councilor means supporting initiatives around music, art and other “everyday joys” the town can offer, as...

March 18, 2026

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Greenwood touts knack for learning, open-mindedness

Trish Greenwood isn’t gunning for a seat on the Ridgway Town Council with an agenda — she’s looking to learn and participate now that she’s retiring a...

March 18, 2026

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Counties: ‘Mega projects’ should pay their way

Leaders from Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties say they want developers of “mega projects” in the region to pay for collateral impacts to their ...

March 18, 2026

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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...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines