Author - News

Main, News

There isn’t a perfect translation for “hill” in Chinese.That's something Natasha Hessler discovered when she arrived at the famous creek crossing duri...

November 5, 2025

Columns, Feature

On the course, they’re competitors. On weekends, they’re training partners

Separately, the Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride High School cross country teams are among the smallest in the state. Each is successful in their own righ...

October 29, 2025

Columns, Feature

As fall championships approach, a look back at memorable moments for Ridgway, Ouray

In my career as a journalist, I’ve covered dozens of state championship games and events. At this point, it might even be in the triple digits — and t...

October 22, 2025

Columns, Feature

Young Ouray volleyball squad showing progress

The second win of the season is rarely cause for celebration. But when the Ouray High School volleyball team defeated Pinnacle 25-18, 25-18, 20-25, 26...

October 15, 2025

Columns, Feature

Run, don’t walk: How a Ridgway athlete is improving dramatically

Orion Catron first ran because he really, really didn’t want to walk. As a freshman at Ridgway High School, he wasn’t connecting with classmates or pu...

October 8, 2025

Columns, Feature

New Ouray athletics director seeks to build attendance, program support

Like many with remote positions, Leah Klempner and her husband explored the country through their travels. They made their way to Ouray in 2020 and im...

September 24, 2025

Columns, Feature

Soccer aims to build on successful season

A longtime goal for the Ridgway High School girls’ soccer program was to make it to the second round of the state playoffs, travel to the Front Range ...

May 28, 2025

Main, News...

‘I did it for the animals’

Continuing a tradition she started more than 20 years ago, Ridgway's Dana Ivers partners with land trust to shield 170 acres from development

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 12, 2025

Dodging prairie dog holes, Dana Ivers walked through her roughly 170-acre property on the southern side of Ridgway, admiring the sound and clear color of snowmelt rushing through ditches and into her ...

Main, News...

Judge delays sex assault trial again

Over objections to another holdup, defense says DNA expert not available in January

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 12, 2025

The trial for one of three men accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in Ouray County in 2023 has been postponed for a second time. Seventh Judicial Chief District Judge Cory Jackson agreed...

News

Ouray to pursue 24-hour police coverage

Interim chief suggests change after council OKs response time policy that could impact his job status

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 12, 2025

Ouray’s interim police chief will explore implementing around-the-clock police coverage, a significant change aimed at nullifying a new policy the city council adopted last week that could otherwise m...

News

County hires deputy attorney, makes other transition plans

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 12, 2025

Ouray County commissioners have hired a new deputy county attorney and made transition plans for three other vacant county leadership roles. For varying reasons, four top-level county roles were vacat...

Letters, Opinion...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SMPA’s rate structure is regressive

By Dear Editor:

November 12, 2025

Concerning the proposed San Miguel Power Association rate increase: Has the recent peak/off-peak rate structure worked to reduce the demand charge from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Associatio...

By Matt Meyer Special to the Plaindealer

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines