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Once in ‘crisis,’ Ouray police rebuilding

Daric Harvey needs another dry erase board. The one hanging on the wall next to his desk is out of room, crammed with a checklist of goals and initiat...

September 24, 2025

Main, News

Ouray to ditch large downtown signs

The city of Ouray is prepared to scrap a series of new large signs installed this summer in the downtown core meant to direct drivers to various locat...

September 17, 2025

News

Councilors: Ouray residents, company need to do better securing trash

With bears loading up on calories in preparation for hibernation, some Ouray city councilors said they're looking for both residents and the city's tr...

September 17, 2025

News

Pickleball tournament hits Ridgway this weekend

When members of the Ridgway Pickleball Club decided to launch a pickleball tournament two years ago, their biggest challenge was organizing it in just...

September 17, 2025

News

Interim police chief retained through Dec. 31

Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer has extended the contract of Interim Police Chief Daric Harvey through the end of the year.Harvey was hired ...

September 10, 2025

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City proceeds with plans to remodel city hall, police station

The city of Ouray is moving ahead with plans to remodel a portion of the Ouray Community Center and a building across the street that will house the p...

August 27, 2025

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City retains lawyer in light of sewer problems

The city of Ouray will hire an attorney who could help potentially pursue legal claims against the contractors who built and equipped the city’s new $...

August 20, 2025

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Administrator secures positive review, raise

Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer received high marks on her first job performance review and will secure a 6% pay raise early next year.City ...

August 20, 2025

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Interim chief has first shot at permanent job

Interim Ouray Police Chief Daric Harvey will be given the first crack at the permanent police chief position through an internal interview process arr...

August 6, 2025

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City approves rooftop deck for library

The Ouray Public Library will get its rooftop deck — and at its preferred location.The Ouray City Council voted Monday night to amend the library’s le...

August 6, 2025

Main, News...

Ridgway to grow capacity to fight wildland fires

Additional staff, engine can enhance skills, create more revenue

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

December 3, 2025

Ridgway’s wildland firefighters have mopped up hotspots in Nevada, fought wildfire on the front lines in California and protected structures at home in Colorado. Since the Ridgway Fire Protection Dist...

Main, News...

County chops event center operations to aid budget

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

December 3, 2025

Ouray County is performing triage on its 2026 budget as 2025 revenues are coming in lower than expected, placing even more pressure on the county’s general fund savings. County leaders have been worki...

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New council’s first task: Fill vacancies

After soliciting applications, councilors to interview, pick appointments Jan. 5

December 3, 2025

Ouray city leaders swore in a new mayor and city councilor Monday night, then turned their attention to the council’s most pressing issue: Finding and appointing two more councilors to fill out the ra...

News

Slow start to snow season

Wave of storms helps, but snowpack in San Juans well below normal

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

December 3, 2025

A series of post-Thanksgiving storms delivered desperately needed snow to the moisture-starved San Juans, but snowpack at the start of December remains well below average in Ouray County and the surro...

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SEASON OF SHARING

Ridgway Ouray Community Council

December 3, 2025

Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines