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Affordable housing nonprofit to expand across state

Telluride-based Rural Homes is entering a new era of affordable housing work across the state after bringing on a new CEO and looking beyond pilot pro...

December 24, 2025

News

Commissioners appoint replacement clerk

Ouray County commissioners have appointed a current employee to replace outgoing Clerk and Recorder Cristy Lynn when she leaves her position in Januar...

December 24, 2025

Feature

Coffee, community, conversation at Colorado Girl

People poured in around large dark wooden tables lining the entryway of a sun-soaked room, cupping coffee and entrenched in conversation. Colorado Gir...

December 24, 2025

News

Space to Create owner, management address complaints, pledge fixes

Space to Create’s owner and property management company are pledging to remedy issues with Ouray County’s first affordable housing project and re-esta...

December 17, 2025

News

Following concerns, town delays adopting anti-idling ordinance

Ridgway town councilors decided to delay final approval of a new anti-idling ordinance after hearing public concerns and discussing other issues relat...

December 17, 2025

News

County pauses most 4-H Center events

Ouray County leaders decided Tuesday to cancel most 4-H Event Center and Fairgrounds events after San Juan Skijoring in January, until the county come...

December 17, 2025

Main, News

Vehicle problems toss wrench at sheriff

Gio Mendoza’s coworkers thought he was missing for more than an hour. Emergency dispatchers were scrambling to get in touch with him. They had no idea...

December 10, 2025

Main, News

Resident: Tax money should fund ‘creatives’

A Ridgway woman is proposing the town give "creative" residents a monthly, unconditional cash payment to encourage them to stay living and working in ...

December 10, 2025

News

Commissioner opposes change to cost-savings policy

Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett voted against a minor change to the county's new cost-savings policy, citing unclear language as the reason she...

December 10, 2025

News

County OKs budget, will diminish savings

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to accurately reflect the county's disaster fund balance heading into 2026. Ouray County commissioners ap...

December 10, 2025

News

Animal shelter evacuating due to Gold Mountain Fire

Emergency foster homes needed for animals

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 1, 2026

UPDATE at 3 p.m. Wednesday – ALL THE ANIMALS HAVE BEEN EVACUATED Second Chance Humane Society is evacuating today due to the Gold Mountain Fire now burning east of Ridgway. The shelter, located on Cou...

News

July 4 water fights canceled, but parade decision in limbo

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Ouray businesses and residents will have to hold their collective breath awhile longer until city officials decide whether the Fourth of July parade will go on as usual. City officials will announce b...

News

Evacuation area expanded east of Ridgway, Ouray to discuss July 4 plans

City to hold meeting today at 4 p.m.

By Mike Wiggins

June 30, 2026

The city of Ouray is open but staff is not actively marketing to bring visitors to the area, City Administrator Michelle Metteer said this morning. “We are always looking to find a balance on what is ...

News

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...

News

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...

Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines