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Latest News
Main
Wildfire building rules trigger mix of compliance, skepticism
By By Mike Wiggins, Lia Salvatierra and Erin McIntyre lia@ouraynews.com mike@ouraynews.com erin@ouraynews.com 
May 6, 2026
A state mandate requiring local governments to adopt stricter building...
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News
County policy would govern AI use
Manager: 'Folks want to feel we are doing our j obs, not delegating it to AI'
By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer 
May 6, 2026
Ouray County commissioners want to regulate how employees use artifici...
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News
Town to pilot zero-waste rules at concerts
Following strong pushback from businesses, nonprofits, board devises more relaxed regulations
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 6, 2026
The town of Ridgway's Sustainability Advisory Board will pilot “zero-w...
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Beetle Mania
Main, News...
Beetle Mania
Drought conditions prime for insect infestation in county, experts warn
May 6, 2026
In some parts of Ouray County it may look like popcorn grows on trees. The milky, honey-colored pocks on the trunks of ponderosa pines and other trees signal efforts to fend off their attackers: bark beetles that thrive in the intensifying drought conditions facing the state and region. Bark beetles — such as mountain pine beetle species that attack ponderosa pines and others — are considered a no...
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News
Governor Basin cleanup project faces delays
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
May 6, 2026
A collaborative restoration project to clean up mine waste in Governor Basin dating back to 2018 remains on hold, while project partners continue to work out final agreements and how the project will ...
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Looking Back
News
Looking Back
May 6, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago May 5, 1966 At Monday’s meeting of the Ouray City Council, Julius Sonza was hired as ...
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County to tighten rules for agriculture exemption permits
May 6, 2026
The rules will be tightened for those wanting to obtain Ouray County’s agriculture exemption permits. Ouray County commissioners authorized the Land Use and Planning Department to add three requiremen...
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News
City to examine pool house funding options
May 6, 2026
The city of Ouray is taking the first step toward potentially drumming up funding to repair or replace the bathhouse at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. The city council on Monday unanimously signed off on...
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News
City retains employment law attorney
May 6, 2026
The Ouray City Council unanimously agreed Monday to retain an attorney who specializes in employment law. The city is enlisting the services of Denver law firm Ruegsegger Simons & Stern, LLC to provid...
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News
Commissioners: Serious about not overspending
May 6, 2026
Ouray County commissioners are serious about ensuring county departments don’t overspend this year. They spent 90 minutes on April 29 reviewing the types of budget spreadsheets they can access to help...
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Fish out of water
News
Fish out of water
Historic drought leaves little water for endangered species in critical stretch of river
By By Heather Sackett Aspen Journalism 
May 6, 2026
With drought and high temperatures putting unprecedented pressure on water users throughout Colorado, from cities to agriculture, there’s one segment that can be affected first — and maybe worst — whe...
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Middle school makes tracks to Cedaredge
News
Middle school makes tracks to Cedaredge
May 6, 2026
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Features coverage
Looking Back
Feature
Looking Back
April 29, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago April 28, 1966 The postal savings system, a long-time institution of the United State...
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After big rivalry win, Ridgway eyeing playoffs
Feature
PREP ROUNDUP
After big rivalry win, Ridgway eyeing playoffs
By By Bernie Pearce Special to the Plaindealer 
April 29, 2026
The Ridgway girls’ soccer team took the home field ranked No. 12 in Class 2A for a pivotal rematch against long-time nemesis and second-ranked Crested Butte on April 21. The Titans had bested a short-...
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Spirit of Ridgway shines at new retail store
Feature
Spirit of Ridgway shines at new retail store
San Juan landscapes featured prominently at second location for ColoradoCool Apparel
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
April 29, 2026
Ridgway pride rings loud at Colorado-Cool Apparel, where the distinct skyline of the Cimarron Range and symmetry of the Sneffels Range embellish walls full of colorful hats and shirts bearing the word...
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New eatery focused on family, local farms
Feature
New eatery focused on family, local farms
Maven opens in historic building remodeled after fire
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
April 29, 2026
Maven Local Eatery is a farm-to-table family affair. The restaurant, which opened earlier this month at 540 Clinton St. in Ridgway, is owned and managed by a fusion of blood and chosen family. Two of ...
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Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events, Feature...
Calendar & Events
April 30-May 13, 2026
April 29, 2026
THURSDAY APRIL 30 "Sinners" film, tickets $5, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and movie starts at 7 p.m. at the Wright Opera House, 472 Main St. in Ouray. Tech Thursday – Get help with quick tech problems fro...
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Ridgway soccer continues hot streak
Feature
Ridgway soccer continues hot streak
April 22, 2026
Ridgway's Reya Lawler (8) clashes with Bayfield's Aubree Tideman (4) for possession during nonleague action on April 18 at Bayfield High School. The Class 2A Demons sewed up a five-match away stretch ...
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Editor Picks
Send us your celebrations!
News
Send us your celebrations!
May 6, 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 ...
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News
Despite hurdles, basic income programs remain popular
Voters support paying monthly stipend for households in need, but budget crunches across state stand in way
By By Robert Davis The Colorado Sun 
May 6, 2026
Budget gaps in cities across Colorado have made it more difficult to experiment with basic income programs despite their benefits, and experts argue that lack of municipal support could stifle the gro...
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Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events
Calendar & Events
May 6, 2026
Thursday, May 7 Ouray County Republican Central Committee monthly meeting, 6 p.m., Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs Sunshine Room, 50 Third Ave. in Ouray. Ouray Student Art Show opening reception, 4-6...
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Evacuation drill an exercise not in futility
Main, News...
Evacuation drill an exercise not in futility
County's first full-scale training May 15 meant to 'test where our holes are'
By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com 
April 29, 2026
Sirens will wail and residents will likely see emergency vehicles headed through Ridgway, up County Road 5 on May 15. Traffic will filter back into town, with residents headed to an evacuation center....
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Mine owner proposes water treatment
Main, News...
Mine owner proposes water treatment
Unable to reduce heavy metals in Red Mountain Creek, Newmont exploring building plant atop pass
By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com 
April 29, 2026
The company that owns the Idarado Mine is exploring the idea of building a treatment plant on Red Mountain Pass to remove heavy metals from water flowing into Red Mountain Creek. Representatives from ...
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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

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Ridgway, Colorado 81432
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