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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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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...

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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...

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Persistent windy, dry weather hampers firefighters

Feds to assume operational control today; Ouray Fourth of July celebration in doubt

By Mike

June 29, 2026

UPDATE, 4:40 p.m.: Firefighters battling the 7,100-acre Gold Mountain Fire on the ground and in the air are focused on preventing the blaze from crossing County Road 14A. Fire crews consider that road...

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Evacuees in limbo as fire grows

By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com

June 28, 2026

Dottie Miller hopped online on Friday, running over checklists of items to take with her in the event of an emergency. It’s practically an annual ritual for her, just to make sure she has everything s...

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Ouray cancels Fourth of July fireworks

By Mike

June 28, 2026

The city of Ouray has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks display in light of dangerous fire conditions. Brooke Warren, a spokeswoman for the city, said this morning Fire Chief Adam Kunz made the de...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines