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Ridgway adopts expedited process for affordable housing projects

Ridgway has formalized an expedited review process for affordable housing projects, a requirement for applying for Proposition 123 affordable housing ...

November 19, 2025

News

County adopts cost-saving policy

Ouray County commissioners have adopted a new austerity policy meant to help save costs during a tight budget year. Commissioners started talking abou...

November 12, 2025

News

Hurd introduces House bill to transfer Crystal Reservoir to Ouray

U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd has introduced legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir from the U.S. Forest Service to the city of Ouray, identical...

November 4, 2025

News

City attorney resigns

Ouray City Attorney Carol Viner is retiring from her position with the city after nearly a decade. During a Sept. 2 city council meeting, Mayor Ethan ...

September 5, 2025

News

City seeks options to reduce wildfire danger, without federal funds

Ouray city leaders are exploring other ways to address dead, fallen trees littering neighborhoods and hillsides now that it's unclear when a large-sca...

September 5, 2025

News

Hickenlooper hears concerns from constituents

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper encouraged Ouray County nonprofits and public officials to persevere, find ways to do more with less money and look for op...

August 29, 2025

News

Crashes spur calls for change

Zoe Denison has a front row seat to the perils of traveling on U.S. Highway 550. Drivers have crashed through the wildlife fence separating the highwa...

August 20, 2025

News briefs

Ouray County included in potential wolf release area Ouray County could be selected for the state's next site for wolf reintroduction, according to an...

July 30, 2025

News

Some tips on evacuating in case of an emergency

If an emergency happens in Ouray County and evacuation is required, one of the best things you can do is sign up for emergency alerts ahead of time so...

June 18, 2025

Main, News...

Dispute over extended background check leads to Ouray police chief’s last day

City administrator declines to make interim chief permanent

By Mike Wiggins

December 17, 2025

Ouray Interim Police Chief Daric Harvey is leaving his job over his objections to City Administrator Michelle Metteer’s insistence that he undergo a second, more extensive background check to determin...

Main, News...

A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

December 10, 2025

Main, News...

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...

LIA SALVATIERRA

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines