Report: Clubhouse fire caused by pool heater

The old clubhouse, which had been closed and mostly vacant for years, was destroyed in a fire Saturday night. Photo courtesy Drew Berger

News

By Liz Teitz, on March 28, 2023

The fire that destroyed the former Fairway Pines clubhouse on Log Hill Mesa in November started in the maintenance room, according to Ouray County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Bernie Chism.

In a report released Tuesday, Chism wrote that the fire originated in a pool heater, then spread to combustible materials next to the heater. The ignition source was “electric heat energy.”

The fire then spread to other items in the room, then to the rest of the structure.

Chism closed the case after ...

Main, News...

A TRIBUTE TO ROSIE

November 20, 2024

Main, News...

It’s official: Electricity rates to rise next year

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

November 20, 2024

San Miguel Power Association customers will pay more for power used during peak-demand hours starting in May, and more for access to services starting in January. The association's board of directors ...

Main, News...

Mobile home park sale talks stall

Unable to agree on purchase price, Swiss Village residents seek help from city

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 20, 2024

The residents of Swiss Village Mobile Home Park in Ouray have reached a stalemate in their effort to buy the land underneath their homes, potentially casting doubt on the future of the park. Swiss Vil...

News

Finalists make pitch for top job

Ouray council could offer administrator post to one of three candidates on Nov. 27

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

November 20, 2024

The elevator pitches are done. The jam-covered brie, crackers, fruit and brownies left over from the community reception were eaten up. The 8 a.m. interviews are finished. All that’s left is a decisio...

News

County attorney retains high performance scores

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 20, 2024

Ouray County Attorney Leo Caselli received a near-perfect annual performance review score from county commissioners for the third year in a row, scoring 98 out of 100 points across 10 characteristics....

News

Vacation rental owners push back on proposed ADU rule changes

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 20, 2024

A plan to keep accessory dwelling units from being used for short-term rentals in Ridgway has prompted objections from some short-term rental license holders who claim they can't otherwise afford to l...

News

Town to consider pitching in on new down payment program

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

November 20, 2024

The town of Ridgway is considering supporting a new down payment assistance program that offers up to $100,000 in loans for homebuyers in the local workforce who earn at or below 150% of the area’s me...

News

POLICE LOG

November 20, 2024

OURAY POLICE The following is an excerpt of cases handled by the Ouray Police Department from Nov. 12-18: Nov. 13 Officer returned a phone call in regards to a certified VIN inspection. Officer return...

News

CITY OF OURAY BRIEFS

Police chief candidates narrowed

November 20, 2024

Police chief candidate field narrowed The number of candidates for the Ouray police chief job has been narrowed to six. Interim City Administrator Joe Coleman told city councilors Monday city staff an...

News

OURAY COUNTY BRIEFS

County to address addressing problems

November 20, 2024

County to address addressing Ouray County leaders want to tackle the issue of confusing, duplicative or poorly posted property addresses that cause problems, including access for emergency services. D...

Looking Back

OURAY COUNTY

LOOKING BACK

40 YEARS AGO

November 20, 2024

Nov. 22, 1974 Of 25 Ridgway students entering the 30-hour Starvathon at the school Nov. 16-17, 13 were dropouts. The Starvathon began at 4 p.m. Nov. 15, and ended the next night at 10 p.m. Mr. and Mrs...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines