by Mary Pat Haddock
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Ted Donahue, Ridgway Elementary School’s principal for the past three years, has accepted a position in Montrose. Describing the amicable circumstances of Donahue’s departure, Superintendent Cheryl Gomez said, “We are grateful for his instructional leadership over the last three years.”
“I am very grateful to the Ridgway School District and the community of Ridgway for the opportunity that they have provided me," Donahue said. "They have entrusted me with the well-being of their children and I can think of no higher compliment. I have done my best to live up to the high expectations we set for ourselves and with the help of this wonderful staff we have done some amazing work. I will have nothing but good memories of this time in my career.”

by Mary Pat Haddock
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Ouray native Clyde Sherman Williams, known as “Sherm” to his friends, passed away on Apr. 22 in his home in Montrose. He is survived by his wife, Susan Rahn, six children, two stepchildren and many grand- and great-grandchildren.
Williams entered the law enforcement field in California and later moved to Montrose, where he became a police officer. He finished his career as Ridgway’s town marshal. Williams’ daughter, Jamie Freyman, said, “He loved it (being a marshal), every day was an accomplishment to him. He felt like town was secure.” Freyman remembers times when visitors broke down while coming through Ridgway and her father would pay for a hotel room for the family for the night and help them get back on their way the next day.

by Mary Pat Haddock
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During its April meeting, the Ridgway school board discussed using email addresses provided by the school district for board communications. Board member Steve Larivee said, “I’m not comfortable with that.” Board member Julie Wesseling responded, “I kind of like it.” Board chair Jeff Synowic asserted, “The pros are that it’s all centralized under the district’s umbrella so they are custodian of the emails.”
Board member Bart Skalla commented, “So, if somebody pulled the sunshine law stuff then we can just transfer it (the emails) over (to the entity requesting to view the public record.) So let’s do it for board members who want but those who don’t can opt out.”

Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce president Alan Todd (far left) and Town of Ridgway Mayor John Clark (left) were among those in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Acme Healing Center and their Old West Fruit Stand's grand opening celebration on Saturday. Owner Chris Sanchez is pictured next to his wife, the event's ribbon cutter, Beverly Sanchez. Acme General Manager David Niccum along with Acme Crested Butte's store manager Stephanie Cantu (far right) look on. The dispensary is currently open for medical marijuana card holders only, and the Old West Fruit Stand will carry fresh fruits and vegetables from now until next winter for all. Inside, honeys, jams and other products made throughout the Western Slope are available, as well as art work sold on consignment.

Plaindealer photo by Mary Pat Haddock