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
CREATING SPACES FOR OTHERS
Main, News...
CREATING SPACES FOR OTHERS
Ouray's new parks director seeks public collaboration to make most of city's jewels
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
February 5, 2025
Long after the early winter sun dipped behind Twin Peaks, after he filled the daylight hours contemplating grant applications and reviewing plans spread across a conference table, Joe Brown took the s...
this is a test
Main, News...
Manager faces criticism
Hunt 'crushed' after commissioners insist on improvement
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
February 5, 2025
Ouray County commissioners spent more than an hour Wednesday criticizing County Manager Connie Hunt’s job performance in the last year, saying they felt some recurring issues hadn’t been addressed, sh...
this is a test
Main, News...
Cop rips city over hiring process
Officer says department needs new chief, other help now, suggests he may resign
By Mike Wiggins and Erin McIntyre mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
February 5, 2025
A Ouray police officer criticized city leaders Monday night for restarting the search for a new police chief rather than selecting one of the finalists for the job, and said he might quit. Officer Bra...
this is a test
‘I want to build something really cool’
Main, News...
‘I want to build something really cool’
New chief takes helm as county emergency medical services grows, modernizes
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 29, 2025
Nathan McCullough's new desk is stickered all over with pink Post-it notes about supply orders, grants, paying volunteers and reminders about determination, positivity and faith. For the past six mont...
this is a test
Main, News...
Search for police chief starts over
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 29, 2025
If the city of Ouray’s search for a new police chief mirrored the career arc of a law enforcement officer, it would be back at the training academy. Seven months after firing Police Chief Jeff Wood an...
this is a test
Main, News...
Mobile home park deal inked
Swiss Village residents set to close on land in May for $2.5M
By Erin McIntyre and Mike Wiggins erin@ouraynews.com mike@ouraynews.com 
January 29, 2025
Residents of Swiss Village Mobile Home Park are under contract to purchase the land their homes sit upon, a crucial step toward ensuring the park between the Uncompahgre River and the steep cliffs on ...
this is a test
The man behind the tower
Main, News...
The man behind the tower
Marcus Garcia's 'artwork' serves as focal point of Ice Fest competition
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 22, 2025
It peers out from the Uncompahgre Gorge like a swan with a body of rock and ice, daring climbers to reach its head. Rooted at the foot of the gorge, a slab of rock is sandwiched between two distinct s...
this is a test
Main, News...
Ouray to take over via ferrata
Nonprofit to transition out of management, as guides, users hail move
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 22, 2025
The city of Ouray is expected to take charge of the operations of the Ouray Via Ferrata within the next year, overseeing an outdoor attraction that has simultaneously surged in popularity and stirred ...
this is a test
SADDLE UP AND RIDE
Main, News...
SADDLE UP AND RIDE
January 15, 2025
this is a test
Report: Padgett likely treated workers poorly
Main, News...
Report: Padgett likely treated workers poorly
Commissioner apologizes; county plans to adopt code of conduct
By By Deb Hurley Brobst and Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 15, 2025
Ouray County commissioners will develop a conduct policy for both elected county leaders and staff in the wake of a final report on an investigation of Road and Bridge Superintendent Ty Barger’s compl...
this is a test
An adventurer of ‘considerable abilities’
Main, News...
An adventurer of ‘considerable abilities’
Whether he was testing his own athletic limits or mentoring others, avalanche victim Don Moden Jr. was passionate about the outdoors
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 15, 2025
It was a workout day for Don Moden Jr. For the 57-year-old Ridgway athlete and adventurer, that could take many forms — a gravel bike ride along County Road 24, a run on one of the countless ribbons o...
this is a test
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
Feature, Main...
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
January 8, 2025
In the shadows of the Uncompaghre Gorge, Sonya Wilson carefully swung her ice axe and kicked her crampons up a frosty pitch. Hooked into belayers watching from above, neighboring climbers treading up ...
this is a test
Main, News...
Ridgway man killed in avalanche
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 8, 2025
A Ridgway man was killed Tuesday after being caught in an avalanche while backcountry skiing near Red Mountain Pass. Ouray County Coroner Glenn Boyd identified the victim as 57-year-old Donald Moden J...
this is a test
Main, News...
Donors emerge in effort to save homes
Philanthropists commit $900K toward purchase of Ouray's Swiss Village
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
January 8, 2025
The people who climbed the stairs at the Ouray Community Center and filled the seats inside the City Council hearing room carried the heavy weight of worry and desperation with them. The mother of two...
this is a test
Home for the holidays
Main, News...
Home for the holidays
Perennial renters. Globetrotters. Forced minimalists. For financial and other reasons, they've spent most of their lives moving from place to place. Now, for the first time, these new Waterview homeowners are putting down roots in Ouray.
By LIA SALVATIERRA 
December 27, 2024
When Diane Todd pulled her white Chevy pickup into the driveway of her new home in Ouray, she jumped out of the car and gave her next-door neighbor a hug. It was the first time they had met, and both ...
this is a test
SUITE DREAMS ON STAGE
Main, News...
SUITE DREAMS ON STAGE
December 18, 2024
Dancer Ruby Noel, pictured at the center, reacts with the rest of the snowfl ake ballerinas during a scene. The dance program included more than 100 young dancers from across the region.
this is a test
Ridgway carried Padgett to victory
Main, News...
Ridgway carried Padgett to victory
County voters' favor for Democratic candidates stronger than ever
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
December 18, 2024
Just like four years ago, Democrat Lynn Padgett has Ridgway-area voters primarily to thank for lifting her to victory and securing a second four-year term as a Ouray County commissioner. Padgett won 5...
this is a test
A VISIT WITH SANTA
Main, News...
A VISIT WITH SANTA
December 11, 2024
this is a test
Minturn manager accepts Ouray job
Main, News...
Minturn manager accepts Ouray job
Metteer slated to start in March; unclear if she'll have a hand selecting police chief
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
December 11, 2024
Minturn Town Administrator Michelle Metteer will become Ouray’s next city administrator, transitioning from one small mountain community that boasts abundant outdoor recreation but struggles with affo...
this is a test
Cattle rustling suspected in region
Main, News...
Cattle rustling suspected in region
Brand inspector, law enforcement investigating more than 180 cows reported missing
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
December 11, 2024
While some might think cattle rustling is a thing of the past — dating back to the days of shootouts with outlaws and no-good robbers holding up banks and trains — it appears the crime is alive and we...
this is a test
  • 1
  • …
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 7
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
News briefs
Ouray County included in potential wolf release area, county’s $50,000 Swiss Village contribution pending deed restrictions 
By LIA SALVATIERRA 
July 30, 2025
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 update from Colorado Parks and Wildlife given to ...
this is a test
Bill drafted to cede reservoir
Main, News...
Bill drafted to cede reservoir
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 30, 2025
Federal lawmakers are working on legislation to transfer Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray. The city received a draft of incomplete, boilerplate legislation last month that would grant it ownersh...
this is a test
Perfect swarm forms near state park
Main, News...
Perfect swarm forms near state park
Skipped spring mosquito treatment triggers complaints about pests
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 30, 2025
Complaints about increased mosquito activity near Ridgway State Park have prompted officials to ask what happened with preventative treatments, which usually happen in the spring and curb the populati...
this is a test
Town wins condemnation case
Main, News...
Town wins condemnation case
Judge: Ridgway proved trail 'serves a legitimate public purpose,' will pay property owner $45,000
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
July 30, 2025
The town of Ridgway will be allowed to condemn private property to build a trail from the River Park subdivision to Ridgway Secondary School. According to an order from Seventh Judicial Chief District...
this is a test
Price drops for water system rebuild
News
Price drops for water system rebuild
Construction to begin in August
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
July 30, 2025
Construction for Ridgway’s new water diversion system is scheduled to begin in August at a much lower cost than expected. During a special town council meeting on July 24, councilors approved a constr...
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