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Local governments brace for possible downturn

After raking in record-shattering sales and property taxes and socking away healthy reserves the last several years in the wake of the pandemic, local...

November 26, 2025

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Police chief, sheriff urge Ouray council to rethink strict response time policy

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 ...

November 19, 2025

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SMPA approves rate increases

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 electri...

November 19, 2025

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Ouray to set aside funding for down payment help

The city of Ouray will earmark up to $100,000 in 2026 for a down payment assistance program aimed at helping middle-income homebuyers who make too muc...

November 19, 2025

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Outgoing mayor offers blunt assessment of election, state of affairs in Ouray

With just a few days left in his tenure, outgoing Ouray Mayor Ethan Funk on Monday lamented the lack of city council candidates in this month’s electi...

November 19, 2025

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Judge delays sex assault trial again

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...

November 12, 2025

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Ouray to pursue 24-hour police coverage

Ouray’s interim police chief will explore implementing around-the-clock police coverage, a significant change aimed at nullifying a new policy the cit...

November 12, 2025

Main, News

Underwood elected mayor

Ouray City Councilor Michael Underwood won election to the mayor’s seat Tuesday night, succeeding on a campaign that emphasized fiscal conservatism an...

November 5, 2025

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Ouray utility bills to rise by 6%

Ouray residents and business owners will see their utility bills rise by 6% next year, as the city seeks additional revenue to meet the requirements o...

November 5, 2025

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Council nixes alcohol at hot springs

The Ouray City Council rejected a proposal Monday to sell alcohol at three special events at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool next year, concluding the cost...

October 29, 2025

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City to keep police department

Ouray to retain on-call model, offer raises to officers, while sheriff leads hiring, training efforts

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

The city of Ouray will retain and rebuild its own independent police department but rely on Ouray County Sheriff Justin Perry to lead the hiring and training of its officers until a new police chief c...

Main, News...

Runners go the distance to claim state titles

Ridgway's Hessler, Ouray's Skoloda win 3200-meter races; Demon girls finish second

By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer

May 20, 2026

LAKEWOOD — Both runners had established new personal bests and school records during the regular season. Both entered the state track and field championship ranked No. 1 in their respective classifica...

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Ouray County EMS to raise fees

Charges for treatment, transport to increase for first time since 2018

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

Ouray County commissioners plan to raise fees for treatment and ambulance transports from Ouray County Emergency Medical Services starting in June. Commissioners reviewed proposed fee increases prepar...

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Mass evacuation exercise tests county’s preparedness

Half-day event features volunteers feigning injuries, refusing to leave and generally creating chaos — in the name of training for a real emergency

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

At 9:28 a.m., Amy Clewell and her two pretend siblings gathered in her driveway in Elk Meadows, debating whether it was time to call for help. They watched a stream of law enforcement vehicles and fir...

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Citizens organized against councilor

At least 14 people sent letters to council urging vote against Gulde appointment

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 20, 2026

Former Ouray City Councilor Tamara Gulde ran into an organized effort to keep her from returning to public office earlier this year after she lost the November race for mayor, then sought to fill a va...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines