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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...

‘There’s not a day where I don’t do something impactful’

Community paramedicine brings vital care to mountain, rural places

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

November 19, 2025

Editor’s note: There’s a proposal to start a community paramedicine program here in Ouray County, and we wanted to know more about how these kinds of services work in other places in Colorado where th...

Main, News...

Commissioner: ‘My patience is gone’

Claiming continued poor behavior, Nauer asks Padgett to take 'timeout,' attend meetings remotely

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

Ouray County Commissioner Michelle Nauer has asked Commissioner Lynn Padgett to take a "timeout" and attend meetings by Zoom while the county makes leadership transitions over the next few months, cit...

News

Police chief, sheriff urge Ouray council to rethink strict response time policy

Councilors table plan requiring officers to live within 10 miles of city after concern from leaders

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The Ouray City Council on Monday pitched and then quickly ditched a proposal to require police officers to live within 10 miles and a 10-minute drive from the city after local law enforcement and city...

News

SMPA approves rate increases

Monthly base, peak energy charges to rise in 2026 as electric cooperative prepares for escalating wholesale power costs

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The San Miguel Power Association board of directors on Tuesday approved dual rate increases in 2026 for the second year in a row, as the rural electric cooperative continues to grapple with higher who...

News

Ridgway hires North Carolina agency for tourism, marketing

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 19, 2025

The town of Ridgway has hired a North Carolina-based agency for its tourism and marketing services, choosing an outside perspective familiar with rural communities. During a Nov. 12 town council meeti...

LIA SALVATIERRA

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines