Author - News

News

Ouray man suspected of vandalizing restaurant

A Ouray man was arrested last weekend after he allegedly broke out a window at the Outlaw Restaurant.William Kropuenske, 33, was booked into the Montr...

April 16, 2025

Main, News

Ouray’s new top cop promises integrity, accountability and transparency

For more than a year, Ouray’s search for a police officer proved fruitless, yielding only the same copy-and-paste monthly update to the City Council —...

April 9, 2025

Main, News

City buys property for police, housing

The Ouray City Council signed off Monday night on the purchase of a two-story building across the street from City Hall, with the intent of converting...

April 9, 2025

News

Design options unveiled for hot springs bathhouse

An architect unveiled Monday night three potential concepts for the design of the exterior of a new bathhouse at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, giving th...

April 9, 2025

News

School improvements slated for summer

The areas where Ridgway School District students gather to socialize, eat, study and host musical and theatrical performances will receive roughly $1 ...

April 2, 2025

News

Library seeks support for expansion

When Jerry Hellman wants to read a book, he buys one — he’d rather read it on his own time than have to rush to return it to the Ouray Public Library....

March 26, 2025

Main, News

City pays $120K to settle lawsuit

The city of Ouray and its insurer paid former Police Chief Jeff Wood $120,000 to settle the wrongful termination and defamation lawsuit he filed again...

March 20, 2025

News

Vote to spend more on signs postponed

A frustrated Ouray City Council tabled a decision Monday night whether to give a Minneapolis company another $3,600 to make a prototype base for the $...

March 19, 2025

Main, News

Ouray hires interim police chief

Four months ago, Michelle Metteer and Daric Harvey were vying to lead Ouray’s city government. Now they are working together to stabilize and restore ...

March 12, 2025

Feature

Bringing lyrics to life: ‘Stolen Seasons’ musical debuts

Joan Shapiro poured a lifetime of experiences — unsuccessful love matches, mistakes made, lessons learned — into 251 pages when she published “Stolen ...

March 12, 2025

Main, News...

EMS plans to shift staff, save costs

Chief seeks to rely less on higher-paid paramedics

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray County Emergency Medical Services wants to implement a new staffing structure this spring to save costs and prepare for a combined fire and emergency services authority. During a Jan. 28 work se...

Main, News...

Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis

Industry slump marked by reduction in wholesale flower prices leaves just one grow facility in county, shaves local government tax revenue

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Michael Cox is the former general manager for Dalwhinnie Group, the landlord for Dalwhinnie Farms. The cannabis industry’s downturn has rea...

News

County navigating federal assistance program changes

Human Services seeks to avoid burdening families with creation of regional hubs

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

February 11, 2026

Ouray County officials are working to figure out what it will mean for clients needing food and other assistance when the Colorado Department of Human Services consolidates resources by creating multi...

News

Crosswalk project bids over budget

City could cut costs or seek more money from state

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

Ouray city officials are weighing next steps after a trio of bids to build a pair of pedestrian crosswalks and other improvements at either end of town exceeded the project budget. Public Works Direct...

Feature

Wine Fest returns to Ouray

By Plaindealer Staff Report Plaindealer@ouraynews.com

February 11, 2026

The fourth annual Ouray Winter Wine Festival just happens to fall on Valentine's Day this year. And that means not only will there be wine — there will be flowers, chocolate and more goodies to help s...

Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines