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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

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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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Forest closure expands as fire makes another big run

By Mike

July 2, 2026

The U.S. Forest Service this afternoon expanded the closure area in the Uncompahgre National Forest east of Ridgway, as the Gold Mountain Fire makes another big run. The original closure largely encom...

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Water providers ask customers to conserve

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 2, 2026

Water managers are asking residents to avoid excessive water use and putting more demand on their distribution system. Ridgway Mayor John Clark announced during a Ouray County Board of County Commissi...

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Reservoir to close due to aerial firefighting operation

By erin@ouraynews.com

July 2, 2026

Ridgway Reservoir will close to boaters as soon as planes dispatched to assist with the aerial attack on the Gold Mountain Fire arrive. It's hard to tell exactly when that will be, but Colorado Parks ...

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Fire surges into Cimarrons

Evacuations expand, forest closes as forecast offers little relief

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

July 1, 2026

A wildfire that started as a wisp of smoke on a cliffside just north of Ouray last weekend exploded to more than 15,000 acres by Wednesday, driven by winds north to the Cimarron Range east of Ridgway....

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City curtails holiday events, keeps parade

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 1, 2026

Fourth of July events in Ouray will be scaled back this year in response to the Gold Mountain Fire, with the July 3 fire department benefit concert and the Independence Day parade and kids’ games a go...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines