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Athletic field halfway to fundraising goal

When Ridgway Secondary School students returned to class last week, they did so once again without a soccer field outside the back door of the school ...

September 4, 2024

News

Ouray to use ex-administrator as consultant

Silas Clarke left his job as the Ouray city administrator this week, but he will consult city leaders on certain issues through the end of this year. ...

September 4, 2024

Feature, Main

FULFILLING PAT’S DREAM

Pat O’Leary isn’t here. But his spirit, his fingerprints, are everywhere at the corner of North Lena and Clinton streets in Ridgway. The grand piano i...

August 28, 2024

News

Ouray public works director named acting administrator

Ouray Public Works Director Joe Coleman will serve as the acting city administrator while the City Council searches for a permanent replacement for ou...

August 21, 2024

News

Citizens criticize plan to spend $300K on new signs

A plan to spend roughly $300,000 to build and install 22 signs directing visitors and residents to various landmarks around Ouray drew objections this...

August 21, 2024

News

Perkovich continues to outraise, outspend Padgett

Republican candidate Michael Perkovich continues to outraise and outspend Democrat incumbent Lynn Padgett in the race for the District 1 seat on the O...

August 21, 2024

Main, News

Residents mobilize to save Ouray mobile home park

When the chips are down, Paula Damke isn’t one for sitting by idly. The news that broke in early June that the Swiss Village Mobile Home Park in Ouray...

July 31, 2024

Main, News

Ouray leader finalist in Telluride

Outgoing Ouray City Administrator Silas Clarke is a finalist for the Telluride town manager job.Telluride town officials announced Tuesday Clarke is o...

July 31, 2024

Main

Unaffiliated candidate withdraws

Unaffiliated Ouray County commissioner candidate Jacob Torrey is dropping out of the District 1 race, leaving voters to choose between Democrat incumb...

July 24, 2024

Feature

‘Dragon Play’ blends magic, realism at Sherbino Theater

Productions about love and relationships are as old as theater itself. But add the mythical element of dragons, a dash of magic and a storyline that j...

July 24, 2024

Main, News...

Firefighters gain ground

Sheriff allows some evacuees to return home; blaze shifts away from populated areas

By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

Residents forced to flee the Gold Mountain Fire north of Ouray nearly two weeks ago returned to charred landscapes but fully intact homes Wednesday, an indication that authorities believe the threat h...

Main, News...

Despite fire, downsized Fourth celebration marches on

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

A scaled-back Fourth of July celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States and 150th birthday of Ouray attracted thousands to the city, despite the cancellation of fireworks, water fights and...

News

First fire, then floods? Leaders start planning for next potential emergency

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 8, 2026

Even though the Gold Mountain Fire is still burning, Ouray County officials are already thinking about flash flood risks in the burn scar as Colorado moves into monsoon season. “This is a predictable ...

News

Fire pushes stressed wildlife into urban areas

By By James Hanlon Special to the Plaindealer

July 8, 2026

Wildlife escaping the Gold Mountain Fire are moving closer to town, prompting state wildlife officials to advise the public on how they can simultaneously help and give animals the space they need. Wi...

News

Water providers ask customers to pull back

Ridgway enacts mandatory irrigation restrictions

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

July 8, 2026

Water managers in Ouray County are asking residents to curtail water use and avoid putting more demand on their distribution systems in light of the Gold Mountain Fire and ongoing tinder-dry condition...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines