County: Forest Service violated federal law

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, center, visits with, left to right, Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett, Ouray Mayor Ethan Funk, then-interim City Administrator Joe Coleman and Ouray District Ranger Dana Gardunio during a visit to Crystal Reservoir in October. The county claims the U.S. Forest Service violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it partially drained the reservoir last spring. Erin McIntyre — Ouray County Plaindealer

News

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com on March 26, 2025

Letter alleges agency failed to follow proper procedures before Crystal Reservoir drawdown

Ouray County leaders sent a letter to the U.S. Forest Service arguing the agency violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it partially drained Crystal Reservoir and proposed permanently removing it last year.

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OFF WITH THE LACES

March 26, 2025

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Padgett: County should pay legal bill

Commissioner seeks reimbursement of $11,000; board to discuss request in April

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett is asking the county to pay nearly $11,000 for the attorney she hired after the county road and bridge superintendent filed a harassment complaint against her la...

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Conduct policy talks marked by conflict

Commissioners approve guidelines after hours of tension-filled debate

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

Ouray County commissioners spent six hours debating two new policies – specifying how they should treat each other and the public – in meetings last week and this week that devolved into the type of c...

News

Library seeks support for expansion

New foundation forms to raise money for $1.6M Ouray project

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

When Jerry Hellman wants to read a book, he buys one — he’d rather read it on his own time than have to rush to return it to the Ouray Public Library. His wife, Bonnie, though, is a loyal library patr...

News

County rejects tax refund request

Owner of building without water, electricity irate after assessor classifies land as commercial

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

Ouray County commissioners refused a Ridgway property owner's request for a tax refund and asked him to leave the room for disorderly conduct during a meeting Tuesday. Brent Kimball lives in the 127-y...

News

Museums ask town for help with expansion, easement problems

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

Leaders of the Ouray County Ranch History Museum and the Ridgway Railroad Museum have asked the Ridgway Town Council for help moving along expansion plans on their shared property, saying they’ve reac...

News

Safety solutions sought for backcountry road

County leaders to invest in more avalanche risk signs, revisit possibility of creating new parking area

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

Ouray County leaders agreed to invest in better signs and revisit talks about a new parking area to make County Road 361 safer for users including recreationists, mine operators and county road and br...

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NORTH FORK INVITATIONAL

March 26, 2025

Feature

A THRIFT SHOP WALKS INTO A BAR

At homey Cahoots, shop for a vintage item, sip a unique cocktail and settle into a board game

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

When people walk inside Cahoots Tavern they sometimes double check with owner Crystal Tadlock to make sure they haven’t accidentally broken into someone’s home. There’s generations of art and tchotchk...

Feature

THE REBIRTH OF CHIPETA LODGE

Ridgway resort celebrates completing years of renovations, spa grand opening

By Erin McIntyre erin@ouraynews.com

March 26, 2025

In Native American culture, seeing a white buffalo is a good omen – a sign of hope, renewal and good things to come. The sacred symbol is one that resonated with the owners of the Chipeta Lodge Resort...

Obituaries

Jean Ann Starbuck Bosworth

March 26, 2025

April 20, 1925-February 11, 2025 Jean passed on peacefully at her home with her eldest son Ned and partner Gale by her side. She was 99 years old. Jean was one of three children born to Gladys Matthew...

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines