Author - News

Columns, Feature

How the San Juans got their name from an early trailblazer

The San Juan Mountains are not just a mountain range; they are the jagged, breathtaking spine of southwestern Colorado. This is a land of untamed peak...

October 8, 2025

Columns, Opinion

Dam it: the story of Ridgway State Park

Our neighborhood reservoir, Ridgway State Park, has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.The park is a modern chapter in the long and ...

September 10, 2025

Columns, Feature

The West’s unsung heroes? Post offices

The American West, including the Western Slope of Colorado, experienced significant population growth in the latter decades of the 19th century. “Boos...

August 6, 2025

Columns, Feature

The rise, fall and rise of Ouray County

Why did thousands of people, most of whom had never even heard of Ouray, Ridgway or Colona, come to this remote part of Colorado? The history of Ouray...

July 9, 2025

Columns, Feature

County’s historic churches home to ample stories

When does a mining camp truly become a town? It happens legally with official documents of incorporation. It occurs economically when businesses arriv...

July 2, 2025

Columns, Feature

Scenic Last Dollar Road connects to rugged past

It is time to begin planning our explorations into the San Juan Mountains again. Be certain to include another trek on Last Dollar Road, connecting Ri...

May 7, 2025

Main, News...

Ute dancers perform at film fest

October 22, 2025

Main, News...

Board makes offer on top job

On same day commissioners pick Peace Corps director, interim manager resigns

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

Ouray County’s new county manager will travel from Santiago de Queretaro, Mexico, for the job, if he accepts the position. Ouray County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to offer the county’s to...

Main, News...

Federal shutdown threatens food assistance program

By By Lia Salvatierra and Erin McIntyre lia@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

Food assistance for low-income residents in Ouray County will likely be cut off at the end of the month due to the federal government shutdown, leaving an estimated 170 households with less money and ...

Main, News...

Woman’s body found in mine shaft

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

October 22, 2025

A Ridgway woman who was reported missing Monday night was found dead in a deep, water-filled mine shaft on Red Mountain Pass. Rescuers found Jennifer Nelson, 54, early Tuesday morning after accidental...

News

City OKs purchase of new police vehicles

Interim police chief sought five hybrid SUVs to replace aging fleet; council authorizes three

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

October 22, 2025

The Ouray City Council approved the purchase of three new police vehicles Monday night, allowing the police department to start rotating in new patrol cars for an aging fleet that hasn’t been replaced...

Carolyn Snowbarger

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines