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Ridgway may expand wildland fire operations

The Ridgway Fire Protection District is looking to expand its wildland firefighting capabilities by hiring two new positions and buying a new, top-tie...

September 17, 2025

News

County’s first safety fair this weekend

Witness airbags explode, a medical helicopter landing and how to drive an excavator — all without harm or injury at Ouray County’s first safety fair o...

September 17, 2025

News

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

Main, News

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

News

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

News

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

Main, News

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

News

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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EMS plans to shift staff, save costs

Chief seeks to rely less on higher-paid paramedics

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray County Emergency Medical Services wants to implement a new staffing structure this spring to save costs and prepare for a combined fire and emergency services authority. During a Jan. 28 work se...

Main, News...

Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis

Industry slump marked by reduction in wholesale flower prices leaves just one grow facility in county, shaves local government tax revenue

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Michael Cox is the former general manager for Dalwhinnie Group, the landlord for Dalwhinnie Farms. The cannabis industry’s downturn has rea...

News

County navigating federal assistance program changes

Human Services seeks to avoid burdening families with creation of regional hubs

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

February 11, 2026

Ouray County officials are working to figure out what it will mean for clients needing food and other assistance when the Colorado Department of Human Services consolidates resources by creating multi...

News

Crosswalk project bids over budget

City could cut costs or seek more money from state

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray city officials are weighing next steps after a trio of bids to build a pair of pedestrian crosswalks and other improvements at either end of town exceeded the project budget. Public Works Direct...

Feature

Wine Fest returns to Ouray

By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

The fourth annual Ouray Winter Wine Festival just happens to fall on Valentine's Day this year. And that means not only will there be wine — there will be flowers, chocolate and more goodies to help s...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines