Author - News

Letters, Opinion

Let it be known: Care must come before cuts

I just watched (well, when I first wrote this) the president of the U.S. meet with seven key European leaders, along with Ukrainian President Zelensky...

September 3, 2025

Letters, Opinion

Highway near Billy Creek can be improved

The article regarding all the accidents on U.S. Highway 550 left the impression that little could be done. That is probably true on the section south ...

September 3, 2025

Letters, Opinion

Don’t allow U.S. 550 to become like ‘Killer 82’

Whether local or visitor, commuter or sightseer, we are all affected by the tragic fatalities, devastating injuries and, yes, even the miraculous walk...

September 3, 2025

Letters, Opinion

Honor Labor Day, remember working families

Each year, our community gathers to celebrate Labor Day — a holiday meant to honor the sacrifices and victories of working people in America. But as I...

September 3, 2025

Letters, Opinion

County shouldn’t use public land to meet needs

I'm disappointed to read in the Aug. 28 Ouray County Plaindealer that Ouray County commissioners Lynn Padgett and Jake Niece even considered a Bureau ...

September 3, 2025

Letters

Lucky to have newspaper

Thank you, Mike and Erin at the Plaindealer, for screening such an excellent documentary, “For the Record,” on June 28 at the Wright Opera House.The e...

July 9, 2025

Letters

Vote harms those in need, helps the wealthy

This is an important update on the state of the big, ugly bill that was passed last week by a 218-214 margin in the House of Representatives. Yes, our...

July 9, 2025

Main, News...

The pinnacle of autumn

October 8, 2025

Main, News...

State eyes Ouray County for wolf release

Wildlife officials won't disclose dropoff site for up to 15 wolves this winter, but Billy Creek a possibility

By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

Wildlife officials are eyeing Ouray County for the next release of gray wolves in southwest Colorado this winter to help fulfill a mandate from voters to re-establish a self-sustaining population of t...

Main, News...

Hiring freeze, no pay raises for county

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

Ouray County plans to enact a hiring freeze and eliminate raises, including cost-of-living adjustments, to help balance its 2026 budget. After a nearly four-hour special work session on Sept. 29, comm...

Main, News...

Fire chief vows to clean up fireworks trash found by visitors

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

October 8, 2025

Michal Nowicki was looking for a panoramic view above Ouray when he hiked near the "Switzerland of America" sign last week. He found it — along with a mess. Dozens of empty cardboard boxes formerly co...

News

Covid vaccines available at public health department

COVID vaccines available at Public Health

October 8, 2025

Ouray County Public Health is offering COVID-19 vaccines, though there is currently a waitlist. The department administered 47 doses of the vaccine between Sept. 3 and Oct. 6 and is now waiting on new...

Dear Editor:

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines