Author - News

Feature

The public will be able to view a showcase of student inventions, science experiments, art projects and beyond at the second annual Uncompahgre STEAM ...

January 29, 2025

Feature

Mexican eatery adds second location in county

Editor's note: The interview for this business feature was conducted in Spanish and translated by Chloe Kiparsky. A new taste of Mexico came to Ouray ...

December 25, 2024

Feature

Nature photography exhibit opens in Ouray

A new photography exhibit will transport viewers to nature landscapes at the Wright Opera House. Shanda Akin and Betsy Botsford’s photography show, "S...

November 6, 2024

Feature

‘Constitution’ play takes stage this weekend

Playwright Heidi Schreck earned her college tuition by traveling the country doing speeches on the U.S. Constitution for prize money. Her award-winnin...

November 6, 2024

Feature

ONCE TEAMMATES, NOW FRIENDLY RIVALS

The track and field and cross country athletes from Ridgway and Ouray who once were teammates now compete against each other. The split in the teams e...

October 23, 2024

News

After 45 years, Columbine Gift Shop to close

After 45 years in business, Columbine Gifts & Silver will close its doors for the last time this fall. Owner Liz Kuehling has made the decision th...

August 28, 2024

Feature

Spotlight on the Arts: Ridgway’s surprise sculptures

This summer, Ridgway residents may have noticed new sculptures springing up around town, without explanation. But they're not staying forever, and one...

August 26, 2024

Main, News...

OURAY COUNTY'S 'THIRD PLACES'

OURAY’S LIVING ROOM

More than a bouldering gym for the adventurous, Basecamp Ouray proves to be rock that supports, strengthens and builds community

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 19, 2025

Penny Price curled up on a couch at the foot of a climbing wall, plotting out how she’d try and get to the top. The 8-year-old’s parents and other surrounding climbers toyed with a smartphone app that...

Main

Outfitter settles wildfire claims

Firm pays $500K to Forest Service but denies liability

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

February 19, 2025

A San Miguel County hunting outfitter will pay the U.S. Forest Service $500,000 to resolve allegations it was liable for a 2019 wildfire east of Ridgway. The settlement agreement, announced last week ...

News

Commissioners shift focus to new manager

Board to hire interim leader or consultant to help deputy manager run county

By Deb Hurley Brobst Special to the Plaindealer

February 19, 2025

Ouray County commissioners either will hire an interim county manager or a consultant to help run the county when County Manager Connie Hunt leaves her position March 31. It's the first time the count...

News

In Ouray, the thin blue line could narrow even further

Officer may jump to sheriff's office as council, police to meet next week

By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com

February 19, 2025

The ranks of the Ouray Police Department, frayed by a delay in hiring a new police chief and an inability to find another police officer, appear to be on the verge of thinning further. Interim Police ...

News

Engineer tapped for water repairs

Ridgway aims to finish $8M reconstruction of diversion system by end of year

By Lia Salvatierra lia@ouraynews.com

February 19, 2025

The town of Ridgway selected an engineer to design a portion of the town’s pricey repairs to its water system, which was destroyed by record monsoonal events last summer. The goal is to finish constru...

By Chloe Kiparsky Plaindealer intern

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines