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State to reduce highway speeds near Ridgway
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HIGHWAY 550 SAFETY
State to reduce highway speeds near Ridgway
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to lower the speed limit for traffic along a half-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 550 north of Ridgway, near a section of road where the highest number of accidents have occurred in recent years. Ouray County commissioners requested a speed study on U.S. 550 in the county last fall, ahead of a spate of fatal accidents this summer, which prompted public ...
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News
CORRECTION
November 26, 2025
An article on Page 6 of the Nov. 20-26 edition incorrectly reported the Ridgway Town Council's votes on a new anti-idling ordinance. The ordinance was approved 5-1, with Councilor Michelle Montague vo...
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
Ouray County Peacejam
November 26, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
News
News
Local governments brace for possible downturn
At forum, leaders forecast flat or declining revenue in 2026 after years of record taxes
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
After raking in record-shattering sales and property taxes and socking away healthy reserves the last several years in the wake of the pandemic, local governments in Ouray County say revenues have fla...
Main, News...
Commissioner: ‘My patience is gone’
Claiming continued poor behavior, Nauer asks Padgett to take 'timeout,' attend meetings remotely
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 19, 2025
Ouray County Commissioner Michelle Nauer has asked Commissioner Lynn Padgett to take a "timeout" and attend meetings by Zoom while the county makes leadership transitions over the next few months, cit...
Features coverage
Weehawken Creative Arts
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
Weehawken Creative Arts
November 26, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
A passion that’s choc-full of potential
Feature
A passion that’s choc-full of potential
After bouncing around rental kitchens, entrepreneur ramps up Gus Chocolate from new off-grid home
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
November 26, 2025
Past a gate, at the end of a dirt road on Log Hill Mesa, is an Ouray County-style Willy Wonka factory. From his off-grid home, Nathan Montgomery churns small batches of chocolate, entirely powered by ...
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Nov. 27-Dec. 11, 2025
November 26, 2025
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 28 Community potluck, 5 p.m. in the Decker Room, 675 Clinton St. in Ridgway. Bring a dish to share or take what you need, donations accepted for Feeding America. For more info call Ter...
George and Michael Gardner Fund
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
George and Michael Gardner Fund
November 19, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Correct Usage
November 19, 2025
Thursday, November 20 "Fraud Watch: What Every Local Should Know" free panel discussion about fraud awareness and prevention with local experts at the Sherbino Theater, 604 Clinton St. in Ridgway. Doo...
UpstART Theater
Feature
SEASON OF SHARING
UpstART Theater
November 12, 2025
Editor's note: The Ouray County Plaindealer is continuing its tradition of featuring nonprofit organizations based in Ouray County, serving Ouray County in a series of profiles called Season of Sharin...
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In San Juans, a case of winter whiplash
Columns, Opinion...
In San Juans, a case of winter whiplash
By Karen Risch 
November 26, 2025
Ouray finally woke up to its first measurable snowfall Monday, Nov. 24. While waiting for the magic of winter’s arrival, late or not, I found myself wondering: Would this 2025-2026 season’s first meas...
News
SMPA approves rate increases
Monthly base, peak energy charges to rise in 2026 as electric cooperative prepares for escalating wholesale power costs
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
November 19, 2025
The San Miguel Power Association board of directors on Tuesday approved dual rate increases in 2026 for the second year in a row, as the rural electric cooperative continues to grapple with higher who...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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