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Owl Creek Pass, Silver Jack Reservoir areas reopen after fire

The closure area associated with the Gold Mountain Fire was reduced on Tuesday, reopening several roads and recreation areas in time for fall color se...

September 16, 2026

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Local news briefs

Ouray library to add outdoor drop box The Ouray Public Library will install a book return drop box outside the Ouray Community Center, allowing patron...

July 22, 2026

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Fall tax increase question still a possibility

Ouray County commissioners indicated last week they are still interested in asking voters this fall to approve a use tax to raise money for road and b...

July 22, 2026

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County changes, reopens some mandatory evacuated areas

Ouray County officials changed the evacuation status for some areas on Wednesday, as firefighters gained more control of the Gold Mountain Fire. Zones...

July 22, 2026

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Firefighting aircraft goes down in Silver Jack

An aircraft fighting the Gold Mountain Fire went down in Silver Jack Reservoir in southwestern Gunnison County on Sunday night and the body of the pil...

July 12, 2026

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County hires finance director

An economist and finance strategist has been hired as Ouray County's chief financial officer. Ouray County announced this week it has hired Jason Schr...

June 10, 2026

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Primary ballots mailed to voters

Ouray County voters should begin receiving ballots in the mail this week in advance of the June 30 primary election. Most of the competition for the p...

June 10, 2026

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Town seeks millions in federal money for sewer plant

Ridgway is asking for $2.25 million in congressionally directed spending to rebuild part of its sewer plant to comply with state standards. The fundin...

April 22, 2026

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Man arrested at Ridgway restaurant

A Montrose man was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Ridgway after the Montrose Police Department asked the Ridgway Marshal’s Office for assistance in det...

April 22, 2026

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Ridgway municipal election results

Ridgway will keep its long-time mayor and add a new face to its town council. According to initial election results from the town released late Tuesda...

April 8, 2026

Local briefs: Ridgway appoints two to sustainability board, updates marshal overtime policy

Town seeks bike park design proposals, moves forward with pre-approved ADU plan designs

By James Hanlon

September 17, 2026

New members appointed to sustainability board The Ridgway Town Council appointed Terry Schuyler and Christiane Frischmuth to the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board after brief interviews at the Sep...

Main, News...

County: Layoffs likely

Commissioners, administrators warn of job cuts to close $1.5 million gap; staff criticizes leaders for not addressing problem earlier

By James Hanlon

September 16, 2026

Ouray County will likely need to lay off employees to make up a projected $1.5 million gap between requested expenses and revenue next year, county officials warned at a budget workshop on Sept. 9. Th...

Main, News...

Disaster tax not ‘backfill’ for fire costs, leaders say

By Chart Riggall

September 16, 2026

In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s declaration of the Gold Mountain Fire as a major federal disaster, Ouray County commissioners say the potential influx of additional federal funds doesn't ...

News

Town considers options for sewer plant location

By James Hanlon

September 16, 2026

The Ridgway Town Council wants to see some dollar estimates before deciding where to build a new wastewater treatment plant. Town staff briefed the council on three possible locations north of town at...

News

City prepared to pay fees for housing project

Despite some councilors' misgivings, Ouray in line to give more money to deed-restricted apartment complex

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

September 16, 2026

The city of Ouray is set to provide up to $225,000 to a nonprofit organization to cover water and sewer tap and building permit fees for a 13-unit affordable housing project. At City Administrator Mic...

Plaindealer Staff

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines