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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

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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

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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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Sweet sounds of summer

June 24, 2026

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County to pursue use tax

Likely ballot measure would raise money for roads, EMS

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

June 24, 2026

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 of the tax dollars going to the county’s Road and B...

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Will fire authority ease insurance woes?

Experts say consolidation may not help homeowners gain, keep coverage

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

June 24, 2026

Home insurance experts say the proposed consolidation of fire and emergency services in Ouray County may not necessarily help homeowners gain and keep insurance coverage. Leaders of the possible conso...

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Celebration honors past, looks to future

Ranch History Museum marks 20th birthday Saturday with expansion preview

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

June 24, 2026

The Ouray County Ranch History Museum is celebrating its 20th birthday with a preview of what it wants to be when it grows up. During a celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 27, survey stakes and...

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Ridgway council seeks more efficient meetings

After recent heated tone, councilors emphasize preserving casual culture

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

June 24, 2026

Ridgway town councilors want to run meetings more efficiently while preserving the council’s casual culture. After trying out informal strategies to shorten the length of meetings, the council may con...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines