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County opposes state proposal for Cow Creek

Ouray County has filed a statement of opposition to the state's proposal for an instream flow water right in Cow Creek, joining the Ouray County Water...

March 9, 2022

News

LET THERE BE DARK

Ouray County now has not only one, but two places recognized for their top stargazing potential and dedication to preserving the night sky. Top of the...

November 24, 2021

News

SAVING THE BLUES

[tecnavia_gallery slug='saving-the-blues-gallery' view='carousel']April and Kevin Rarick had Blue Lakes on their list of must-do Colorado hikes for th...

July 1, 2021

Covid

HAZARDOUS HILLS

[tecnavia_gallery slug='hazardous-hills-gallery' view='carousel']UPDATE: Avalanche warning in effect for Tuesday morning. Read more here. Deputy Mon...

February 10, 2021

News

Commissioner races now contested

Two more candidates have filed paperwork to officially enter the county commissioners’ races – and one will oppose incumbent John Peters and the other...

June 4, 2020

News

County seeks dining, travel variances

Ouray County will ask for permission to let restaurants resume in-person dining, and for locals to be exempt from a state 10-mile travel limit for rec...

May 21, 2020

News

Superintendent finalists narrowed to 2

The Ouray School Board will choose its new superintendent from two finalists, after interviewing three and having one pull her application from consid...

May 14, 2020

Covid

County slows lifting orders

Ouray County plans on loosening restrictions in relation to COVID-19 on a different timeline than the rest of the state, which will relax "stay-at-hom...

April 23, 2020

News

County delays plowing decision

Ouray County has delayed a decision on whether to proceed with plowing high-country roads, after considering a request to postpone clearing snow from ...

April 16, 2020

Main, News...

Pilot dies in reservoir crash

Accident under investigation; man honored with procession

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

An experienced firefighting pilot who was pulling water from Silver Jack Reservoir to battle the Gold Mountain Fire died Sunday when his helicopter plunged into the reservoir northeast of Ridgway. Nic...

Main, News...

Heights, heat add to firefighters’ strain

By By Chart Riggall chart@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

Hotshot Jesse Eaves calls it “The Great Race.” At the small tent city along U.S. Highway 550, Eaves starts each day with a 5 a.m. wakeup call. Thus begins an eight-minute sprint for him and his Califo...

News

County approves hiring fire recovery manager — if it can find funding

By Mike Wiggins and Deb Hurley Brobst mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

Ouray County intends to hire an employee who can help lead the county’s efforts to recover from the Gold Mountain Fire — assuming it can find funding. County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agree...

News

Trust, county close to conserving open space park

Grants, donations put nonprofit on brink of acquiring Silver Mountain Mine property

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

July 15, 2026

Ouray County is much closer to getting a new open space park on the Silver Mountain Mine property. The Trust for Land Restoration has received a $180,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant. Couple that wit...

News

Man gets probation, community service in sex assault case

One of three defendants, Whittington admits to giving alcohol to minor

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

July 15, 2026

A former Ouray County man was sentenced Monday to one year of unsupervised probation for providing alcohol to a then-17-year-old girl who said she was sexually assaulted by two others at the former Ou...

Carolina Brown And Erin Mcintyre

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines