Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Latest News
Main, News...
‘Super El Niño’ won’t be savior for West Slope
Officials: Warming Pacific temps may bring more snow but won't wipe out drought or fill reservoirs
By Chart Riggall 
September 23, 2026
GRAND JUNCTION — Amid a stream of bad news for Western Slope water sta...
this is a test
Judge to hotel: End workforce housing
Main, News...
Judge to hotel: End workforce housing
Injunction prohibits MTN Lodge from housing resort construction workers
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
A district court judge has ordered Ridgway's largest hotel to stop hou...
this is a test
Investigators close case on mine shaft death
Main, News...
Investigators close case on mine shaft death
Nearly a year later, authorities conclude Ridgway resident Jennifer Nelson accidentally drowned
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
Eleven months after rescue volunteers found Jennifer Nelson's body in ...
this is a test
Popular trail needs new steward
Main, News...
Popular trail needs new steward
Uncompahgre Riverway Trail founder, longtime volunteer ready to step down
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
Chip Marlow, the man who spearheaded the construction of the Uncompahgre Riverway Trail from Ridgway to Ridgway State Park, has maintained the multiuse path largely by himself for many years. Now 80 years old, Marlow is ready to retire and hopes a younger group of volunteers can take over. “I’m worn out and tired,” he said. Founded in 1989, Marlow’s nonprofit Uncompahgre Riverway Inc. raised more ...
Read More
this is a test
City ready to cut losses with building
News
City ready to cut losses with building
More than a year after purchase, council tells staff to sell empty Sixth Avenue property for reduced price
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
When the two-story building across the street from Ouray City Hall went up for sale last spring, Ouray city leaders scrambled to buy it, envisioning a top-tobottom renovation culminating in a new, lar...
this is a test
News
Board recommends denial of Pleasant Valley subdivision for teacher housing donation
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
An attempted act of generosity began to fall apart when the Ouray County Planning Commission recommended Ouray County commissioners deny a request to subdivide a parcel of land in Pleasant Valley that...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
News
News
Ouray to evaluate cost of fixing bathhouse
Contractor will be paid $85K to assess facility condition
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
The city of Ouray will spend up to $85,000 to evaluate the condition of the Ouray Hot Springs Pool bathhouse and determine what it would cost to remodel the facility. A divided Ouray City Council info...
this is a test
News
County widens search for more disaster aid
Feds den y grant request to protect public infrastructure
By Chart Riggall 
September 23, 2026
Ouray County officials must renew their search for additional disaster aid after the federal government dashed their hopes for another significant potential funding source this week. Despite previousl...
this is a test
County OKs permit for Colona restaurant expansion
News
County OKs permit for Colona restaurant expansion
New owners of old roadhouse plan to open barbecue eatery
By James Hanlon 
September 23, 2026
Ouray County commissioners approved a special use permit Tuesday for a restaurant expansion at the old roadhouse in Colona, which is expected to reopen as a barbecue eatery. The property at 35 Hotchki...
this is a test
News
Local briefs: Ridgway appoints two to sustainability board, updates marshal overtime policy
Town seeks bike park design proposals, moves forward with pre-approved ADU plan designs
By James Hanlon 
September 17, 2026
New members appointed to sustainability board The Ridgway Town Council appointed Terry Schuyler and Christiane Frischmuth to the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board after brief interviews at the Sep...
this is a test
County: Layoffs likely
Main, News...
County: Layoffs likely
Commissioners, administrators warn of job cuts to close $1.5 million gap; staff criticizes leaders for not addressing problem earlier
By James Hanlon 
September 16, 2026
Ouray County will likely need to lay off employees to make up a projected $1.5 million gap between requested expenses and revenue next year, county officials warned at a budget workshop on Sept. 9. Th...
this is a test
Main, News...
Disaster tax not ‘backfill’ for fire costs, leaders say
By Chart Riggall 
September 16, 2026
In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s declaration of the Gold Mountain Fire as a major federal disaster, Ouray County commissioners say the potential influx of additional federal funds doesn't ...
this is a test
Features coverage
Looking Back
Feature
Looking Back
September 23, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago September 22, 1966 Lady Bird, the tiny mule colt foaled by a Shetland pony, is dead, ...
this is a test
Closing out Ouray’s hottest summer on record
Columns, Feature...
Closing out Ouray’s hottest summer on record
By Karen Risch 
September 23, 2026
Summer 2026, from June through August, was over-the-top hot in the Lower 48 states and Ouray as well. It was also the warmest summer “in 132 years of record-keeping.” (Ava Berger, “This summer was hot...
this is a test
Ramble at the Reservoir
Feature
Ramble at the Reservoir
September 23, 2026
this is a test
Proprietor stitches together new business
Feature
Proprietor stitches together new business
Ouray's Terrier Leather & Goods offers variety of handmade crafts
By By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com 
September 23, 2026
Jake Beechler's leatherworking career started when the nylon sheath for his Leatherman tool wore out. He decided to make a new one himself, one that would last. “Instead of buying another one for eigh...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Sept. 24 - Oct. 7, 2026
September 23, 2026
Thursday, September 24 39th Annual Jeep Jamboree in Ouray, visit jeepjamboreeusa. com for schedule and details. Free day-long leaf-peeping trip hosted by United Church of the San Juans, starting at 8:...
this is a test
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
Sept. 17-30, 2026
September 16, 2026
Thursday, September 17 Stillhouse Junkies live music, doors open at 6 p.m. at the Wright Opera House, 472 Main St. in Ouray. Advance tickets $20 at thewrightoperahouse.org, $25 day of show, $35 reserv...
this is a test
Special Sections

Best of

Business and Real Estate

Summer Guide

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
With inflated spending, commissioners break faith of voters, staff
By J Gary Dunn 
September 23, 2026
Dear Editor: It is not surprising that Ouray County finds itself in a financial bind because of profligate spending. The pandemic greatly increased visitation to Ouray County and sales tax revenue has...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Areas beyond Blue Lakes deserving of protection
By Kim Shinew 
September 23, 2026
Dear Editor: I would like to thank the previous contributors for sharing their thoughts regarding the use of off-road/off-highway vehicles (ORVs/OHVs) in the backcountry, specifically around Camp Bird...
this is a test
Worst. Summer. Ever.
Columns, Opinion...
GUEST COLUMN
Worst. Summer. Ever.
By Dave Kehmeier 
September 23, 2026
Wow, what a summer. Is it just me, or does it seem like we’ve been trapped in the UFC Octagon under the Claw on the White House lawn since June getting the stuffing knocked out of us by a tag team of ...
this is a test
Steve Easley
Obituaries
Steve Easley
September 23, 2026
June 7, 1950 – September 11, 2026 Steve was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas. He met Cheryl when they were young teenagers, beginning a friendship that would grow into a lifelong ...
this is a test
Bonnie Jean Noble
Obituaries
Bonnie Jean Noble
September 23, 2026
March 1937 – September 13, 2026 Bonnie Jean Noble passed away on September 13, 2026 after a long courageous battle with lung cancer in the comfort of her Grand Junction home. Bonnie was born in March ...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy