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Several homes damaged, 17 people rescued from flooding
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Several homes damaged, 17 people rescued from flooding
By Mike Wiggins 
July 30, 2026
At least 17 people were rescued from flooding and debris flows in the Cutler Creek area between Ridgway and Ouray on Wednesday night, authorities said this morning. At least three homes in Ponderosa Village, two homes along County Road 23 and one home on Dexter Creek were damaged by flooding and debris flows triggered by heavy rain that fell along the Gold Mountain burn scar, Ouray County Emergenc...
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‘Big box’ tightens on Gold Mountain Fire
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‘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...
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 ...
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...
Ouray County Fair still scheduled for Aug. 13-15
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Ouray County Fair still scheduled for Aug. 13-15
July 22, 2026
The 109th annual Ouray County Fair is scheduled to proceed as planned, even if the fairgrounds remain the headquarters for the Gold Mountain Fire operations. The fair is scheduled from Aug. 13-15 at t...
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Local news briefs
Ridgway waives work requirement for affordable housing unit, Ouray library adds drop box and more
By Plaindealer Staff 
July 22, 2026
Ouray library to add outdoor drop box The Ouray Public Library will install a book return drop box outside the Ouray Community Center, allowing patrons to return items any time of day. The Ouray City ...
Features coverage
Good for you!
Feature
Good for you!
July 29, 2026
The Wizards of the West celebrate winning the Ouray Parks & Rec Softball League Championship on Tuesday, finishing their season with a 10-2 record. Pictured here in the back row from left to right are...
New bakery humming right along
Feature
New bakery humming right along
From bread to cinnamon rolls to bagels, sourdough stars at space tucked into Ouray KOA campground
By By Chloe Kiparsky Special to the Plaindealer 
July 29, 2026
Taylor Popovich began her baking journey terrified that she would ruin her husband's sourdough starter when he asked her to feed it. Three years later, she now enjoys baking daily for their business, ...
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
July 29, 2026
Thursday, July 30 Ridgway Concert Series: The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. and opener Handmade Moments free concert in Hartwell Park, 6 p.m. No dogs or outside alcohol allowed. "Love's ...
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Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Thank you, community
July 29, 2026
Dear Editor: We were getting ready for bed the evening of June 27 when our power went out. Shortly after we received the evacuation alert on our phone. At this point we were unaware of the fire. We lo...
Rain helps, but region still mired in drought
Columns, Opinion...
Rain helps, but region still mired in drought
By Karen Risch 
July 29, 2026
Two weeks ago, the southwest monsoon arrived, bringing relief to these parched landscapes and their residents. Most afternoons since then, Ouray has had measurable rain. But the condition of these mou...
County eyes recovery funds
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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...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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