Author - News

Columns, Opinion

For decades, the San Juans were valued primarily for what could be pulled out of them. These mountains were a brutal, dangerous locale defined by the ...

May 13, 2026

Columns, Feature

A valley of broken promises and bitter water

For anyone driving the lonely stretch of Colorado Highway 141 through the West End of Montrose County, the sign for “Disappointment Valley” usually pr...

April 8, 2026

Columns, Opinion

Wyatt Earp’s brief, quiet chapter in the San Juans

Wyatt Earp wasn’t born a legend. He was an opportunist, a man with a keen eye for the next horizon and a knack for finding — or perhaps stirring up — ...

March 11, 2026

Columns, Feature

How science fiction, silver built Mount Sneffels

For those of us lucky enough to step onto our decks or open our front doors to a view of the northern San Juans, one silhouette dominates the horizon:...

February 11, 2026

Columns, Feature

1884 ‘Big Snow’ a reminder: Careful what you wish for

So far this winter we have had a reprieve from icy sidewalks and snow shoveling — a far cry from what Silverton experienced with the legendary "Big Sn...

January 14, 2026

News

County hires finance director

By Plaindealer Staff

June 10, 2026

An economist and finance strategist has been hired as Ouray County's chief financial officer. Ouray County announced this week it has hired Jason Schrock for the position and he will start in July. Ou...

News

County to provide free reproductive health services

By LIA SALVATIERRA

June 10, 2026

Ouray County Public Health will now provide free reproductive health services for patients under 25 years old, under new agreements approved by county commissioners Tuesday. The yearlong program calle...

News

Primary ballots mailed to voters

By Plaindealer Staff

June 10, 2026

Ouray County voters should begin receiving ballots in the mail this week in advance of the June 30 primary election. Most of the competition for the primary election is at the state and federal level....

Main, News...

A well-deserved honor

June 10, 2026

Main, News...

Police sergeant sues Ouray

Lawsuit accusing city of broken promises, defamation followed internal complaints against staff, councilor

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

June 10, 2026

The Ouray Police Department’s sole sworn officer has filed a lawsuit against the city, accusing city officials of broken promises, unprofessional behavior and defamation. The lawsuit follows a series ...

Carolyn Snowbarger

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines