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The three finalists for Ouray city administrator run the gamut in terms of their work experience. One is a career law enforcement officer. Another is ...

November 13, 2024

News

For reimagined pool bathhouse, all possibilities are on the table

A larger, brighter entryway.An overhauled locker room that doesn’t place the showers next to the toilets. More gym space.Those were just a few of the ...

November 13, 2024

Feature

Now in 10th year, Ridgway film fest finds ‘growth spurt’

Arielle Bielak thinks of the Ridgway Independent Film Festival as a child. In its infancy, it was a novel, inward-facing event, screening a handful of...

November 13, 2024

News

Trial set for March in Ridgway sex assault case

A judge has set a five-day trial in March for a Ridgway man accused of sexually assaulting a woman last year.Defense attorney Vince Felletter entered ...

November 13, 2024

News

Judge orders sex assault suspect to be tried as adult

A judge has ruled that a teenager accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl inside the home of the now-former Ouray police chief days before h...

November 13, 2024

News

Administrator search narrows to 3

The search for Ouray’s new city administrator has narrowed to three finalists who will be in town at the end of next week for a tour, interviews and a...

November 6, 2024

News

After years of hikes, some rate relief

Utility rates for the average Ouray resident will inch up by less than $2 a month next year, providing some financial relief after years of sharp incr...

November 6, 2024

Main, News

Dual rate changes on horizon

The San Miguel Power Association board of directors will vote next month on whether to approve a pair of rate changes aimed at generating more revenue...

October 30, 2024

News

Padgett picks up speed on campaign donations

Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett hauled in more than twice as much money in donations as her opponent in the race for the District 1 seat on the...

October 30, 2024

Feature

New hardware store a family affair

When the Family Dollar store closed in Ridgway earlier this spring, Ace Hardware saw an opportunity. And the Hill and Fedel families, in turn, saw an ...

October 30, 2024

Main, News...

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...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines