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Feature

The juniper and the Townsend’s Solitaire

Birds typically limit their singing to spring and summer when defending their territories and trying to attract mates. But when the calendar rolls int...

November 13, 2024

News

Early fall a good time to add native plants

There are more than 3,300 species of native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees that grow naturally in Colorado. Some are specific to the Rocky Mou...

September 11, 2024

Feature

Oregon-grape: A feast for more than the eyes

To truly appreciate the beauty of the Oregon-grape (Berberis repens), it’s critical to meet it at eye level. From a tummy-on-the-ground position (or o...

July 3, 2024

Feature

Red desert paintbrush on display

There are more than a dozen species of paintbrush native to Colorado and all but one find a home on the Western Slope. Of Colorado’s 14 species of pai...

April 17, 2024

Feature

Time to take down bird feeders

While snow and winter weather is still here in Ouray County, bears will soon be active and seeking food to quell their hunger after winter hibernation...

March 27, 2024

Feature

Elephant’s Head: A wildflower with an animal name

All plants have a scientific Latin name and a common name. The Latin name can provide clues to a plant’s defining characteristics or might reference t...

August 9, 2023

Main, News...

‘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...

Main, News...

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...

News

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...

News

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...

News

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...

Mary Menz Special to the Plaindealer

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines