Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Main, News...
Padgett sails to victory
Democrat commissioner bests Perkovich, elected for fourth time
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 6, 2024
Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett easily won re-election Tuesday night, defeating Republican challenger Michael Perkovich to retain the District 1 seat. Padgett, a Democrat who touted her 12 year...
this is a test
Main, News...
Long lost llamas recovered
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 1, 2024
It’s homecoming season for two llamas, who went missing back in July along the high crests of the West Fork of the Cimarron. The condition of Clavio and Cisneros after they were retrieved: “Excellent,...
this is a test
Main, News...
Mooove ’em out
October 30, 2024
this is a test
Main, News...
Dual rate changes on horizon
SMPA access charge would go up in January, followed by tiered energy rate in May
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
October 30, 2024
The San Miguel Power Association board of directors will vote next month on whether to approve a pair of rate changes aimed at generating more revenue to help offset continued increases in operational...
this is a test
Main, News...
Statements: Padgett demeaning, hostile
At least 3 county workers tell investigator commissioner treats employees poorly
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
October 30, 2024
At least three more Ouray County employees have submitted statements criticizing County Commissioner Lynn Padgett's behavior, as part of an investigation sparked by the road and bridge superintendent'...
this is a test
Main, News...
Alpinist remembered by hometown friends
Sixteen years after his father died in ascent, Ridgway native Michael Gardner dies on Nepal peak
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
October 23, 2024
Michael Gardner chose courage as consistently as he stirred it in others. It was clear, as seven Ridgway High School alumni traded stories of their late childhood friend, that his gentle fearlessness ...
this is a test
Complaint filed against commissioner
Main, News...
Complaint filed against commissioner
County road superintendent alleges harassment; Padgett counters it 'smacks of politics'
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
October 17, 2024
Ouray County's road and bridge superintendent has filed an official workplace complaint against County Commissioner Lynn Padgett, making it public just as ballots were sent out for the Nov. 5 election...
this is a test
Main, News...
CRYSTAL RESERVOIR
Senator vows to go to bat for Ouray
During visit, Bennet says he'll help draft bill to transfer ownership of reservoir to city
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
October 16, 2024
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet said he will draft a bill to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray, a move that could help secure the long-term future of the reservoir, which was drawn...
this is a test
City enlists senator’s help to try to acquire Crystal Reservoir
Main, News...
City enlists senator’s help to try to acquire Crystal Reservoir
By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Lia Salvatierra mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com lia@ouraynews.com 
October 9, 2024
The fight over a beloved, partially drained reservoir may be resolved in Congress, as the city of Ouray has requested help from U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet to try to acquire Crystal Reservoir, the Full M...
this is a test
Main, News...
HILLS OF GOLD
October 2, 2024
Erin McIntyre — Ouray County Plaindealer The fall colors are spectacular on Red Mountain south of Ouray and across the San Juans. This photo shows the golden aspen trees on the hillside above some his...
this is a test
High court overrules county judge
Main, News...
High court overrules county judge
Evidence can be used in alleged sex assault case involving ex-police chief's home
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
October 2, 2024
The Colorado Supreme Court has overturned a county court judge's decision to punish the district attorney's office for not following evidence rules and prohibit evidence not provided to the defense by...
this is a test
Main, News...
County OKs new rental rules
Over objections from some, ordinance increases permits, stiffens regulations
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
October 2, 2024
Ouray County commissioners unanimously adopted a new short-term rental ordinance Tuesday despite an outpouring of concern from some current permit holders who said the new ordinance is ambiguous. Ten ...
this is a test
Main, News...
‘Ridgway doesn’t really have a cohesive story’
Businesses strategize, regroup, seek help after slow summer
By By Mike Wiggins, Erin McIntyre and Lia Salvatierra mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com lia@ouraynews.com 
September 25, 2024
Since opening The Vault in Ouray in 2017, Sally Jo Ocasio has moved her vintage clothing and goods store four times. She survived a fire that wiped out her storefront at one location and dodged a 25% ...
this is a test
Main, News...
DA resigns, citing toll on health
Seth Ryan, who was set for re-election in November, laments workload, turnover
By Erin McIntyre and Mike Wiggins erin@ouraynews.com mike@ouraynews.com 
September 25, 2024
Seventh Judicial District Attorney Seth Ryan announced on Monday he's resigning from his position effective Oct. 31, days before he would have won re-election. The Republican incumbent was running uno...
this is a test
Main, News...
FAWNING OVER YOU
September 19, 2024
This unusually colored fawn pictured here with its twin is called a piebald deer, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife terrestrial biologist Alyssa Kircher. The white pattern is a result of a gene...
this is a test
Affordable rentals project gets $100K boost from Ouray
Main, News...
Affordable rentals project gets $100K boost from Ouray
Oak Street project could break ground in spring
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 18, 2024
The Ouray City Council unanimously agreed Monday to donate $100,000 toward an affordable housing project on Oak Street, boosting the chances it will break ground next spring. The money will go to the ...
this is a test
Main, News...
Gravel crushing proposed near homes
County will weigh cost savings against impacts to Whispering Pines
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 18, 2024
Ouray County commissioners are considering a proposal from the road and bridge superintendent for a gravel crushing operation across from the Whispering Pines subdivision that could create around a mo...
this is a test
EYES ON THE SKY
Main, News...
NEIGHBORS AND HELPERS
EYES ON THE SKY
Daily dedication of Ouray County's weather observers helps sustain decades of data, inform region's climate history
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
September 4, 2024
Every morning, Karen Risch drinks a cup of coffee, puts on a sun, rain or snow hat and heads to her yard. She checks eight different instruments to collect weather data: gathering temperature highs an...
this is a test
Ex-police chief to sue Ouray
Main
Ex-police chief to sue Ouray
Wood alleges city violated free speech, due process rights
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
September 4, 2024
Former Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood plans to sue the city of Ouray, alleging city leaders violated Wood’s constitutional rights when then-City Administrator Silas Clarke fired Wood in June. In a notic...
this is a test
FULFILLING PAT’S DREAM
Feature, Main...
FULFILLING PAT’S DREAM
The Old Firehouse aims to realize philanthropist Pat O’Leary’s vision of a gathering space that preserves history and boosts the economy
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
August 28, 2024
Pat O’Leary isn’t here. But his spirit, his fingerprints, are everywhere at the corner of North Lena and Clinton streets in Ridgway. The grand piano in the community event space that he learned to pla...
this is a test
  • 1
  • …
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
‘Big box’ tightens on Gold Mountain Fire
Main, News...
‘Big box’ tightens on Gold Mountain Fire
Aided by cooler temps, rain, firefighters increase containment to 24%
By Chart Riggall 
July 22, 2026
Surveying a sprawling map of the northern San Juans last week, Mike Smith was deep in a geometry of fire. Fingers tracing fire lines and ridges, Smith – the current incident commander over Gold Mounta...
this is a test
County eyes recovery funds
Main
County eyes recovery funds
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 22, 2026
Federal program could offer nearly $3 million — if cash-poor leaders can find matching dollars Ouray County could receive nearly $3 million in federal funding to protect homes, roads and other infrast...
this is a test
Spring targeted for tree-thinning effort
News
Spring targeted for tree-thinning effort
Without additional funding, original scope for Ouray-area project may reduced
By Chart Riggall 
July 22, 2026
A joint wildfire mitigation effort to remove dead or diseased trees from the city of Ouray’s perimeter is expected to move forward next spring, though with a potentially more limited scope. Officials ...
this is a test
News
City reorganizes planning department
Administrator ditches director post, divides duties among consultant, staff
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
July 22, 2026
Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer is overhauling the city’s community development department, dividing responsibilities among a third-party consultant and two city employees rather than consol...
this is a test
News
Ridgway to market itself as destination, not crossroads
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
July 22, 2026
A consultant has recommended that Ridgway reimagine its marketing campaign to bring outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and regional explorers to town. The idea is to shift tourists’ perception away fr...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy