50 YEARS AGO July 16, 1970 - Two children were seriously injured in a car-bicycle accident at u:55 a.m. Monday, four and eight-tenths miles north of Ouray, on U.S. 550. James Ross, 8, suffered a broke...

Dear Editor: To all the graying, older, white guys seeking to enlighten women and children working minimum wage jobs in retail stores about mask wearing: Stop the cowardly bullying. Right now. Step up...

Dear Editor: The most significant men in my life have all had honor able careers in the military or law enforcement. They spent years keeping America and our communities free and as safe as possible. ...

FRIDAY, JULY 10 LIVE MUSIC: David Nunn at the Courtyard at 610 in Ridgway. Two 90 minute seatings available at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $10, reserve online. SATURDAY, JULY 11 PRESENTATION: Tamara Jacob...

The crowds were smaller, the parades shorter, and no water fights or fireworks marked Independence Day in Ouray, but locals were determined to find ways to celebrate during an unusual time. After offi...

A pandemic wasn’t going to stop local musicians from releasing their tribute to the mountains and the area they love. Ouray band You Knew Me When released its latest album, “Songs of the San Juans” re...

Kelly Schaffner had just watched “True Grit” for the first time — the original, of course. And now she approached the window at the Ouray Visitors’ Center, seeking the best way for her and her husban...

50 YEARS AGO July 9,1970 - Letter to the Editor: Today I have been informed that my sons, ages 11 and 13 cannot operate a power lawn mower, outside of their own yard. I really thought I was being a re...

Dear Editor: My wife and I are totally disgusted by the complete lack of U.S. flags being displayed on July 4 in the town of Ridgway! What is wrong with you people? Gary Manley Ridgway

Dear Editor: All Lives Matter Oh, to have the people that have come out with that phrase believe it in their hearts. Then that beautiful phrase, “...that all men are created equal, that they are endow...

Dear Editor: You already know that you live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, but did you know you are likely the friendliest people in the country? We recently had the misfort...

Dear Editor: As a public figure, I recognize that I have a somewhat reduced expectation of privacy than does a private citizen; therefore, I would like to clarify my statement which was not quoted in ...

Dear Editor: After reading about Dr Sims and his belligerent attitude when asked to wear a mask in many shops in Ouray, two things occurred to me. First, the merchants in Ouray have the right and obli...

Dear Editor: Mammals and birds are thought to host 1.7 million undiscovered types of viruses which may be waiting for their chance on the world stage, so our current pandemic could prove to be a pract...

Dear Editor: You have been doing such an outstanding job rejuvenating the Plaindealer, I subscribed and even donated to your Report for America project. Insightful writing on timely county topics in e...

Dear Editor: We’d like to thank the Plaindealer for their excellent reporting on the “To mask or not to mask” article last week and the BOCC for promptly holding an emer gency meeting to declare masks...

The idea of aging has been on my mind lately. I'm not really sure why. Perhaps the impending half-century celebration of my birth is it. Yes, pretty sure that's it. I will be so in December. When I wa...

Dear Editor: Hearing of the passing of Albert Adams last week makes me sad. Remembering Albert Adams makes me smile. What a character! For over 20 years, he was the owner, manager, buyer, ski tuner, s...

Dear Editor: Three and a half years ago my classmates and I watched as Donald Trump was inaugurated into office. I remember walking to the Capitol feeling very uneasy and afraid. We got to the front l...

By Gail Zanett Saunders In the early morning hours of Ouray County’s golden age of mining wagons and pack trains filled Ouray’s streets with smells and noise. Everything from lumber, coal, food, and ...