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Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis
Main, News...
Formerly a cash cow, bloom wilts on cannabis
Industry slump marked by reduction in wholesale flower prices leaves just one grow facility in county, shaves local government tax revenue
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 11, 2026
The cannabis industry’s downturn has reached Ouray County, leaving only one grow facility currently operating and a handful of retail businesses to ride it out, while local governments manage dwindling tax dollars. Gone is the legalization-era wealth of cannabis cultivation and retail operations in Ouray County and across Colorado, and with it went the wealth of tax money for Ouray County and the ...
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Columns
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Avoid idling cars, make street pedestrian mall
February 11, 2026
Dear Editor: On a beautiful, warm winter day I propped open the front door of the Decker Room at the Art Space on Clinton Street. My intention was to invite in the sun and any passersby who might be e...
News
New county manager seeks to lead with heart
Main, News...
New county manager seeks to lead with heart
After careers in big cities and large governments, Antonio Mendez is shifting his perspective
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 4, 2026
Ouray County is unlike most places Antonio Mendez has lived or worked before, and Mendez brings experience unlike the county has seen in two decades, or possibly ever. Ouray County’s new manager grew ...
City leader pulls police from patrol duty
Main, News...
City leader pulls police from patrol duty
Administrator cites concerns about training, liability; sheriff's office assumes full control of services in Ouray
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
February 4, 2026
Ouray City Administrator Michelle Metteer has pulled the police department’s two remaining officers off of patrol duty and reassigned them to administrative tasks, citing concerns about liability and ...
News
County considers asking voters for tax hike in November
Staff to research potential funding measures for EMS, road and bridge; sheriff won't seek question this fall
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
February 4, 2026
Ouray County leaders want to research and poll the public’s appetite for asking voters for more tax revenue, to raise additional money for the county’s Emergency Medical Services and the Road and Brid...
News
Council, mayor seats up for election
February 4, 2026
Ridgway’s town council has three council seats and the mayor's position coming up for election this spring. Mayor John Clark and councilors Terry Schuyler, Kevin Grambley and Josey Scoville are up for...
Features coverage
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
February 11, 2026
Thursday, February 12 Tech Thursday – Get help with quick tech problems from 4-6 p.m. at the Ridgway Public Library, 300 Charles St. Walk-ins welcome. After school Valentine's Day craft time for eleme...
Good for you! Uncompahgre STEAM Fair
Feature
Good for you! Uncompahgre STEAM Fair
February 4, 2026
The “Good For You!” page is a place for reader-submitted photos illustrating community, celebrations and more. Want to submit a photo for publication? Here are some guidelines for submissions: - This ...
Feature, News...
‘Love Song’ takes to stage for Valentine’s
February 4, 2026
Sometimes audiences need a whimsical, light performance. And that's what folks can expect from UpstART Theater's next play, "Love Song," timed to lead up to Valentine's Day. The all-local cast of perf...
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Feb. 5-19, 2026
February 4, 2026
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5 Ouray County Republican Central Committee monthly meeting, 6 p.m., Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs Sunshine Room, 50 Third Ave. in Ouray. Sewing class: Tote bags, from 1-3 p.m. at...
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Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Prairie dogs should be celebrated, not killed
February 4, 2026
Dear Editor: Thank you for alerting the public to the absurd bluff of Mark Kirk. He is threatening to sue the Ouray County commissioners if they don’t adopt a regulation to accommodate the exterminati...
Sheriff’s office takes on policing for city, meeting scheduled tonight
News
Sheriff’s office takes on policing for city, meeting scheduled tonight
Another officer resigns from police department, leaving sergeant and administrative assistant
By Mike Wiggins 
February 2, 2026
The Ouray County Sheriff’s Office has assumed full responsibility for law enforcement services in the city of Ouray after City Administrator Michelle Metteer reassigned the police department’s two rem...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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