When Sandy and I were first married I often had difficulty understanding what she was trying to say. After almost three years, I now speak “Sandy” flu...
March 18, 2021
Josh White manages a ranch locally. He has a blue heeler named Josie. She’s not your typical heeler. Most blue heelers would pick a fight with a chain...
February 18, 2021
Shortly after I graduated from Montrose High, Tom Berto, myself, Joe Crane, and Allen Frigetto went to Detroit to work at Hazel Park racetrack. We arr...
January 21, 2021
'Twas the night before Christmas, I musta’ been totally soused. I thought I saw reindeer pullin’ a fat man on a sleigh, land on top of our house. They...
December 17, 2020
For over two years, Sandy's been busy as a bee Taking care of her horse Digger, the cat Hobo, and me. Diggers' not much trouble, and Hobo's so easy it...
October 22, 2020
Opinion
I can’t remember how old I was, but I must have been really young because it’s the first time I can remember hearing of the Easter bunny. Dad was work...
July 15, 2020
Columns
At 17 years of age, my dad (Fred Richardson) went to work for Marie Scott. Marie was the previous owner of what is now the Double RL Ranch. I remember...
May 21, 2020
Shep and I were of the same opinion that all a guy really needs in life is a full belly and a warm place to sleep. I think that the year was 1958. I w...
April 16, 2020
Opinion
I’ve always been a dreamer, and I hope that never changes. Sixty-three years ago I was daydreaming in a first grade classroom in Ridgway while the tea...
March 19, 2020
Opinion
Editor’s note: We hope you enjoy the first column from our newest contributor, Willie Richardson of Ridgway. Willie is a natural storyteller who has t...
February 19, 2020
News
June 6, 2025
A judge sentenced a Ridgway man to three years in prison Thursday for sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman in 2023 after he claimed he was drunk and thought she was his wife. Brian Scranton, 49, hu...
Main, News...
Three years after federal prescribed burn destroyed their home, family has no answers or compensation
June 4, 2025
She spent three months carefully itemizing everything they lost in the fire, trying to remember what was in kitchen drawers and closets. Every piece of silverware, furniture, clothing, appliances and ...
Main, News...
Expecting funding cuts, West Region Wildfire Council trims staff, ends free services
June 4, 2025
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the West Region Wildfire Council received $7,184.63 donations from individuals in 2023. The Plaindealer received this information from the no...
News
Swiss Village residents say limitations too restrictive
June 4, 2025
The Ouray City Council postponed approving a series of deed restrictions for the Swiss Village Mobile Home Park on Monday after residents who are on the cusp of buying the property objected, saying th...
Feature
After leading special education services in the San Juans for 12 years,Tammy Johnson is retiring, giving way to a new director
June 4, 2025
A good administrator never forgets what it’s like to be a teacher. Those are the words signing off Tammy Johnson’s email and ones she’s lived by while leading the Uncompahgre Board of Cooperative Educ...
