Fire bans sweep across region

This graphic shows what's allowed and not allowed under Stage 1 fire restrictions on public lands. An intensifying drought and high wildfire danger prompted several agencies to ban fires in and around Ouray County this week, including the city of Ouray, the county, the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Courtesy Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests

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By Carolina Brown And Mike Wiggins, on July 2, 2020

Federal and local agencies moved swiftly and simultaneously this week to implement fire bans across Ouray County and the surrounding region, citing parched conditions and a high wildfire danger.

Ouray County commissioners, Ouray city councilors, and the Uncompahgre and Tres Rios field offices of the Bureau of Land Management all announced Stage 1 restrictions on Tuesday. Montrose County commissioners and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests approved restrictions on Wednesday, wit...

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Two needs, one project

Ouray County is wrangling with dual affordable housing and child care crises. Waterview aims to make a dent in both

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

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In a first for Ouray County — and maybe the country — the Waterview affordable housing development will attempt to solve two problems under one roof. The first of those problems is providing an afford...

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Finalists offer varied experience

Public can meet trio vying for top Ouray job tonight

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The three finalists for Ouray city administrator run the gamut in terms of their work experience. One is a career law enforcement officer. Another is a current administrator in a Colorado mountain tow...

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For reimagined pool bathhouse, all possibilities are on the table

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A larger, brighter entryway. An overhauled locker room that doesn’t place the showers next to the toilets. More gym space. Those were just a few of the opinions Ouray County residents offered Monday w...

Feature

Now in 10th year, Ridgway film fest finds ‘growth spurt’

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By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

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Arielle Bielak thinks of the Ridgway Independent Film Festival as a child. In its infancy, it was a novel, inward-facing event, screening a handful of films for a small audience for a night or two. Th...

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Recommended changes include concise BOCC comments, adopting consent agenda

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

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Ouray County leaders will refine meeting processes for efficiency to benefit the public and county staff following a request from the county clerk and recorder. These meetings should be a friendly pro...

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Trial set for March in Ridgway sex assault case

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

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A judge has set a five-day trial in March for a Ridgway man accused of sexually assaulting a woman last year. Defense attorney Vince Felletter entered a not-guilty plea on behalf of 49-year-old Brian ...

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The juniper and the Townsend’s Solitaire

By Mary Menz Special to the Plaindealer

November 13, 2024

Birds typically limit their singing to spring and summer when defending their territories and trying to attract mates. But when the calendar rolls into fall, migratory species travel to warmer climate...

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Judge orders sex assault suspect to be tried as adult

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

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A judge has ruled that a teenager accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl inside the home of the now-former Ouray police chief days before he turned 18 will be prosecuted as an adult. Sevent...

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County revises budget, boosts allocations to sheriff’s office

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

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The majority of more than $379,400 in general fund expenditures added to the county's $23.8 million 2025 spending proposed in September is going toward the Ouray County Sheriff ’s Office. During a fir...

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NEWS BRIEFS

Grant award celebration planned

November 13, 2024

Grant award celebration planned The Ouray County Community Fund will be celebrating grants to 23 local nonprofits during an award ceremony at 5 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Decker Room at Space to Create, 675 ...

Columns, Opinion...

John Fremont’s Colorado legacy

By Carolyn Snowbarger

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John Charles Fremont (1813-1890) is a famous and infamous figure in the 19th century. He was a major general for the Union Army during the Civil War, served as a U.S. senator from California, and led ...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines