Author - News

Columns, Feature

Anniversaries a reminder of power of this place

The "power of place" is the theory that physical locations shape our lives, identities and ultimate destinies. This concept suggests that a geographic...

June 17, 2026

Columns, Opinion

War to peace: rebranding the San Juans

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

Main, News...

Evacuees in limbo as fire grows

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

June 28, 2026

Dottie Miller hopped online on Friday, running over checklists of items to take with her in the event of an emergency. It’s practically an annual ritual for her, just to make sure she has everything s...

Main, News...

Ouray cancels Fourth of July fireworks

By Mike

June 28, 2026

The city of Ouray has canceled its Fourth of July fireworks display in light of dangerous fire conditions. Brooke Warren, a spokeswoman for the city, said this morning Fire Chief Adam Kunz made the de...

Main, News...

Extreme fire danger persists

Gold Mountain Fire burns as more firefighting resources expected to arrive

By Mike Wiggins And Erin Mcintyre

June 28, 2026

UPDATE, 10:45 p.m. The Gold Mountain Fire made a big run this afternoon and evening, fueled by high winds. The blaze, reported at 570 acres this morning, grew to 4,217 acres as of this evening, accord...

Main, News...

Gold Mountain Fire grows, prompts evacuations north of Ouray

By Mike

June 27, 2026

Click here to read the NEW, UPDATED STORY POSTED AT 10:20 a.m. Sunday, June 28 here. UPDATE, 11:16 p.m.: A pre-evacuation notice has been issued for County Road 17 from Whispering Pines to Black Lake....

Main, News...

Sweet sounds of summer

June 24, 2026

Carolyn Snowbarger

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines