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A cautious Ouray City Council approved a $16.8 million budget for 2026 on Tuesday, leaving a handful of vacant jobs unfilled and slashing capital proj...

November 26, 2025

News

As scams climb, experts offer insight on how to avoid them

Anyone can become the victim of fraud. In Ouray County, one person lost $17,000 after being coerced into setting up a series of bank transfers. Proper...

November 26, 2025

News

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

News

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

News

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

Main, News

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

News

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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Tassel worth the hassle

Ouray County schools celebrate graduation, with Ouray School graduating 12, Ridgway Secondary School graduating 20 students in the class of 2026

May 27, 2026

Ouray School graduation, photos by Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer Ridgway Secondary School graduation, photos by Erin McIntyre – Ouray County Plaindealer

Main, News...

Governments push for better transit service

County, city, town want OurWay shuttle to run more frequently, be more user-friendly

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 27, 2026

Ouray County’s three local governments are calling for the OurWay shuttle to run more often and become more user-friendly. Local government leaders want the Montrose-to-Ouray service to run at least s...

News

County denies permit for disc golf tourney

Log Hill neighbors complain about impacts; property owners claim they were 'trying to take the right steps'

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

May 27, 2026

Ouray County commissioners on Tuesday denied a permit for a disc golf tournament on residential properties on Log Hill Mesa, after hearing further complaints from the public. Land Use Department staff...

News

Citizens petition city to pave Oak Street

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 27, 2026

A group of residents has petitioned the city of Ouray to pave Oak Street, claiming the work is needed to control dust, accommodate increased traffic and preserve an important thoroughfare for resident...

Feature

Award-winning ‘Lord of the Rings’ parody comes to Ouray

'Fly, You Fools!' plays at the Wright Opera House Friday-Monday

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

May 27, 2026

You know the lines. Or at least you’ve seen the memes — and the myriad spinoffs of them. “One does not simply walk into Mordor.” “One ring to rule them all.” “What about second breakfast?” “You shall ...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines