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Big crowds, more energy expected for Ice Fest

The 28th annual Ouray Ice Festival could look much like the event did before COVID struck, with the most sponsors since the pandemic started, a packed...

January 18, 2023

News

Wildlife underpass planned on U.S. 550

Work is expected to begin next year on an estimated $13.5 million project on U.S Highway 550, which will include a wildlife underpass and fencing near...

January 11, 2023

News

County attorney earns high marks

Ouray County Attorney Leo Caselli earned near-perfect scores from commissioners on his first annual performance review, which was approved by the boar...

January 11, 2023

News

Discounted state parks pass now included with vehicle registrations

Vehicle registration fees in Colorado now include a $29 charge for the new “Keep Colorado Wild” pass, which is intended to generate funding for state ...

January 11, 2023

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State park joins Dark Sky mentorship program

Ridgway State Park is taking a step toward becoming an International Dark Sky Place by participating in a mentorship program that will help officials,...

January 11, 2023

Behind the badge: Meet Deputy Harlow

Deputy Dustin Harlow, the Ouray County Sheriff’s Department’s newest employee, asked Undersheriff Tammy Stroup for a reserve position just a few weeks...

January 5, 2023

News

Perimeter Trail’s last leg set for completion

If elk could walk over the horizontal bands that mark the mountains surrounding Ouray, maybe people could too, a young Bob Risch thought. The idea wou...

January 5, 2023

News

After 8 years, Ben Tisdel looks beyond public office

Ouray County Commissioner Ben Tisdel will pass the torch to Michelle Nauer on Jan. 10, leaving a board he believes is getting back to normal business ...

January 5, 2023

News

Single-use bag fee goes into effect

Colorado is tightening restrictions on single-use bags used by businesses, but the new rules that took effect on Jan. 1 will have little impact on man...

January 5, 2023

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Outgoing coroner reflects on pain, acts of kindness

Death can be tragic, but for Colleen Hollenbeck it has also been a teacher and, somewhat ironically, a harbinger of hope in humanity. Hollenbeck will ...

January 5, 2023

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A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

December 10, 2025

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Vehicle problems toss wrench at sheriff

Maintenance costs pile up as agency wrestles with delays in replacing patrol cars

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

December 10, 2025

Gio Mendoza’s coworkers thought he was missing for more than an hour. Emergency dispatchers were scrambling to get in touch with him. They had no idea the Ouray County sheriff’s investigator was stran...

Main, News...

Resident: Tax money should fund ‘creatives’

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

December 10, 2025

A Ridgway woman is proposing the town give "creative" residents a monthly, unconditional cash payment to encourage them to stay living and working in town. Ridgway resident Tia Mihelarakis proposed a ...

News

Commissioner opposes change to cost-savings policy

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

December 10, 2025

Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett voted against a minor change to the county's new cost-savings policy, citing unclear language as the reason she canceled her attendance at a statewide conference...

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County OKs budget, will diminish savings

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

December 10, 2025

Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to accurately reflect the county's disaster fund balance heading into 2026. Ouray County commissioners approved the county's 2026 budget during their regul...

Kylea Henseler

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines