Author - News

Opinion

Thanks, Sandy, for giving it one more shot

When people ask how my wife, Sandy, and I met, I tell them the following story: I was afoot in Ridgway one night, and while taking a shortcut through ...

February 16, 2022

Opinion

The only resolution I can keep: make no resolutions

I’m trying to decide which New Year's resolutions I’ll be breaking this year. 1. Quit chewing tobacco. Yeah right! Like that’s gonna happen! I’ll quit...

January 19, 2022

Opinion

An ice-crusted heart is where the home is

Growing up here, I despised the cold and snow. At 6 a.m., 58 years ago, my stepdad Roger and I were driving the team toward the silage pit. The temper...

December 24, 2021

How a mangy Hobo found a home with us

In 2018, a cat showed up in our courtyard. He sat by the door meowing. Sandy opened the door and he marched in like he owned the place. We explained t...

November 18, 2021

Opinion

That cat food is smelling pretty good right now

Sandy has gone to Indiana to visit our family. She left Hobo the cat and me here to look after things. What the heck was she thinkin’?! That's kinda l...

October 21, 2021

A guide to being a real man of the West

About this time last year, Sandy and I decided we wanted to have a turkey for Thanksgiving. Considering myself to be a real man of the West, it occurr...

September 15, 2021

Let’s fulfill Sparky’s prophecy by coming together

Normally my column is lighthearted and humorous, hopefully bringing some joy into someone's life who might be feeling down. This column will be differ...

July 15, 2021

Opinion

I can’t outrun her, so I might as well stay with her

Since Sandy and I just celebrated our third wedding anniversary, I thought it only fitting to write this column. On June 1, 2018, Sandy and I were mar...

June 16, 2021

Opinion

At my age, the pros still outweigh the cons

I'm writing this column on my 71st birthday. Now that I'm a full-fledged, certified, card-carrying member of the social security crowd, I want to info...

May 19, 2021

Opinion

Nonsensical or profound, my favorite ‘Willie-isms’

Not knowing how much time I have left on Earth, I want to share some of my favorite sayings. Some are my originals, but most are quotes from family an...

April 14, 2021

Feature, Main...

Keep calm and build on

By Erin McIntyre

November 11, 2026

Main

Water battle likely headed for trial

By Chart Riggall

November 11, 2026

DELTA – A Colorado water court judge appears likely to let supporters and opponents of a pipeline diversion from Cow Creek into Ridgway Reservoir duke out their claims at a trial scheduled for next ye...

Main

Shuttle service to shut down

Montrose-Ridgway-Ouray bus will stop at end of year due to lack of local funding

By James Hanlon

November 11, 2026

The OurWay commuter shuttle service that runs between Ouray, Ridgway and Montrose will shut down at the end of this year due to lack of funding. After nearly three years, the pilot program’s $531,000 ...

News

CDOT plans projects for 2027, future

Agency apologizes for lax weed control on highways, eyes more Billy Creek work in 2028

By James Hanlon

November 11, 2026

The Colorado Department of Transportation has no major construction planned next year in Ouray County, but more projects are in store for the future. CDOT staff presented a roundup of current and futu...

News

Ridgway will pull from reserves to cover expenses in 2027

Town to discuss more cuts Nov. 19

By James Hanlon

November 11, 2026

The town of Ridgway will continue to draw down its general fund reserves to cover expenses in 2027, even as town leaders plan to discuss more budget cuts later this month. During a budget retreat on H...

Willie Richardson

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines