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For Ouray, public works, public safety, pool at forefront of 2026 budget

Ouray city leaders are prepared to spend millions of dollars on capital construction projects in 2026, including proposed improvements at the Ouray Ho...

September 17, 2025

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Ridgway hotel to convert to housing

Ridgway’s largest hotel plans to convert to construction and hotel workforce housing for a new Four Seasons development in Mountain Village for at lea...

September 10, 2025

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With federal funds in limbo, Ouray seeks options to reduce wildfire danger

Ouray city leaders are exploring other ways to address dead, fallen trees littering neighborhoods and hillsides now that it's unclear when a large-sca...

September 10, 2025

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City to hear public input on wayfinding sign solutions

The Ouray City Council will hold a work session Monday to discuss possible solutions to concerns raised by residents and business owners about new way...

September 10, 2025

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County plans to provide COVID vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines should be available at Ouray County Public Health this fall, though uncertainties remain.At the request of Gov. Jared Polis, the Col...

September 10, 2025

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Senator gets earful from local leaders

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper encouraged local nonprofit leaders and public officials to persevere, find ways to do more with less money and look for op...

September 3, 2025

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Reality varies from initial vision

Three years after Space to Create opened in Ridgway, Ouray County’s affordable housing guinea pig is a bit of a mixed bag for residents and the public...

September 3, 2025

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Trust to preserve, donate more Red Mountain mining claims

Another cluster of mining claims on Red Mountain Pass will be preserved for the public and protected from further development.The Trust for Land Resto...

August 27, 2025

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Public Health urges stricter tobacco regs

Ouray County Public Health is asking local governments to more strictly regulate nicotine and tobacco retailers to help prevent underage use, by requi...

August 27, 2025

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County eyeing properties for new facilities

Ouray County leaders are inching forward on a long-term facilities plan, beginning to identify potential locations for new county buildings and focusi...

August 27, 2025

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‘There’s not a day where I don’t do something impactful’

Community paramedicine brings vital care to mountain, rural places

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

November 19, 2025

Editor’s note: There’s a proposal to start a community paramedicine program here in Ouray County, and we wanted to know more about how these kinds of services work in other places in Colorado where th...

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Commissioner: ‘My patience is gone’

Claiming continued poor behavior, Nauer asks Padgett to take 'timeout,' attend meetings remotely

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

Ouray County Commissioner Michelle Nauer has asked Commissioner Lynn Padgett to take a "timeout" and attend meetings by Zoom while the county makes leadership transitions over the next few months, cit...

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Police chief, sheriff urge Ouray council to rethink strict response time policy

Councilors table plan requiring officers to live within 10 miles of city after concern from leaders

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The Ouray City Council on Monday pitched and then quickly ditched a proposal to require police officers to live within 10 miles and a 10-minute drive from the city after local law enforcement and city...

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SMPA approves rate increases

Monthly base, peak energy charges to rise in 2026 as electric cooperative prepares for escalating wholesale power costs

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The San Miguel Power Association board of directors on Tuesday approved dual rate increases in 2026 for the second year in a row, as the rural electric cooperative continues to grapple with higher who...

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Ridgway hires North Carolina agency for tourism, marketing

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The town of Ridgway has hired a North Carolina-based agency for its tourism and marketing services, choosing an outside perspective familiar with rural communities. During a Nov. 12 town council meeti...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines