Chart Riggall
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Articles by Chart Riggall
Will Coloradans choose the ‘right to hunt’?
Colorado’s vote next month on whether to amend the state Constitution by codifying the right to hunt and fish has intensified debate among hunters, conservationists and legal experts over exactly who — and which parts of the state — should take the lead in its wildlife management policy.
Will Coloradans choose the ‘right to hunt’? - Ouray County Plaindealer
AMENDMENT 83 Will Coloradans choose the ‘right to hunt’? Proposed constitutional amendment asks who should dictate wildlife policy Colorado’s vote next month on whether to amend the state Constitution by codifying the right to hunt and fish has intensified debate among hunters, conservationists and legal experts over exactly who — and which parts of the state — should take the lead in its wildlife management policy.
Measure would require personal info on ballots
AMENDMENT 84 Measure would require personal info on ballots Colorado voters will decide in November whether to require that people provide partial Social Security or driver’s license numbers, in addition to their signature, when returning mail ballots in order to have their vote counted.
Local briefs: Trial set in retaliation case, active short-term rental rules temporarily waived due to fire
Ouray council won’t support mayor’s bid for municipal advocacy position The Ouray City Council declined on Monday to endorse Mayor Michael Underwood’s application to be appointed to the Colorado Municipal League’s Executive Board, citing concerns it would place too many demands on his time given his responsibilities as mayor. After hearing those concerns, Underwood joined Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Schiffer and councilors Jenny Hart and Peggy Lindsey Scott in opposing the endorsement. Councilor D...
Ridgway seeks input on water supply plan
Ridgway seeks input on water supply plan Draft deems water health 'promising' through 2050 Ridgway officials are moving toward incorporating a long-term vision for the town’s water supply into its master plan under a state law requiring increased water planning from local governments.
Reservoir transfer bill clears Senate
Reservoir transfer bill clears Senate Federal legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray cleared the U.S. Senate last week, sending the bill to the House of Representatives as the clock winds down for Congress to finish the deal.
SMPA plans Four Corners solar project
SMPA plans Four Corners solar project Utility: Array, ba ttery storage could meet up to 40% of consumer power needs San Miguel Power Association has joined three other southwest Colorado electricity providers in throwing their weight behind a sprawling solar facility near Cortez that could meet up to 40% of their consumer power needs, the utility announced Monday.
A Monster celebration
A Monster celebration Federal legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray cleared the U.S. Senate this week, sending the bill to the House of Representatives as the clock winds down for Cong... this is a test Board considers own pay cut, trimming staff, claiming leftover road paving funds Department by department, piece by piece, Ouray County commissioners worked toward cutting $1.5 million from the county’s draft budget at all-day budget sessions Sept. 23 and 29.
Looking Back - Ouray County Plaindealer
Looking Back Compiled from the files of Boards to vote this month on sheriff 's $1.1M annual proposal to police Ouray Ouray County and the city of Ouray are hammering out the details of an agreement that would enlist the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office to provide full law enforcement services to the city for potentiall...
Crystal Reservoir transfer bill clears Senate, but clock’s ticking - Ouray County Plaindealer
Federal legislation to transfer ownership of Crystal Reservoir to the city of Ouray cleared the U.S. Senate this week, sending the bill to the House of Representatives as the clock winds down for Congress to finish the deal. After moving out of committee earlier this summer, senators passed the Crystal Reservoir Conveyance Act by unanimous consent Wednesday.
Ouray sergeant’s job? It’s unclear - Ouray County Plaindealer
Ouray sergeant’s job? It’s unclear “I spent 10 months, 60 hours a week working here to put this place back together to sit here for 10 months since then and twiddle my thumbs and have rights taken away from me,” she told the Plaindealer after she resigned. “I can’t do a lot of my job that I did before.” *** On at least three occasions since March, the Plaindealer has asked Troxell what he does on a daily basis for work.
Barbara Ellen Weber
Barbara Ellen Weber January 6, 1947 – September 18, 2026 Board considers own pay cut, trimming staff, claiming leftover road paving funds Department by department, piece by piece, Ouray County commissioners worked toward cutting $1.5 million from the county’s draft budget at all-day budget sessions Sept. 23 and 29. Commissioners set a 1...
Alpine Ranger program in jeopardy
Alpine Ranger program in jeopardy Without more funding, backcountry patrol could be eliminated in 2027 A backcountry patrol program created by Ouray County to fill the void left by federal staffing cuts could be on the chopping block for next summer without additional funding sources, according to Sheriff Justin Perry.
In Ridgway, new athletic director dives into the details
PREP ROUNDUP In Ridgway, new athletic director dives into the details Stepping into the athletics and activities director position at any high school may not be akin to ascending Jacob’s Ladder, but it captures the gist. Bethany Geist, Ridgway School District’s recently hired AD, exudes the energy it takes to climb rung after rung to get the job done.
More squeeze, less juice: How proposed disaster relief sales tax compares with other communities
More squeeze, less juice: How proposed disaster relief sales tax compares with other communities A smaller tax base means Ouray County is asking taxpayers to pay more money to generate less revenue Ouray County’s proposed sales tax hike to fund future disaster relief would take more out of residents’ and visitors’ pockets to provide a substantially less plush fiscal cushion than other Colorado locales that have pursued similar measures.
A Skyway show worth seeing
Fall colors have come early and quickly for the aspen groves on Red Mountain Pass, including this stand of trees near Crystal Reservoir pictured on Tuesday. Peak color is happening now in the San Juans, and the route along the San Juan Skyway – the 236-mile loop through Ridgway, Rico, Dolores, Cortez, Durango and back up through Silverton and Ouray – is a spectacular drive.
With inflated spending, commissioners break faith of voters, staff
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR With inflated spending, commissioners break faith of voters, staff Dear Editor: Uncompahgre Riverway Trail founder, longtime volunteer ready to step down Chip Marlow, the man who spearheaded the construction of the Uncompahgre Riverway Trail from Ridgway to Ridgway State Park, has maintained the multiuse path largely by himself for many years. Now 80 y...
County widens search for more disaster aid
County widens search for more disaster aid Feds den y grant request to protect public infrastructure Ouray County officials must renew their search for additional disaster aid after the federal government dashed their hopes for another significant potential funding source this week.
‘Super El Niño’ won’t be savior for West Slope - Ouray County Plaindealer
‘Super El Niño’ won’t be savior for West Slope Officials: Warming Pacific temps may bring more snow but won't wipe out drought or fill reservoirs GRAND JUNCTION — Amid a stream of bad news for Western Slope water stakeholders last week, Russ Schumacher had the pleasure of opening the sluice.
Ouray’s Metal: The Families Who Came and Stayed
Ouray’s Metal: The Families Who Came and Stayed In a year of unprecedented events, the City of Ouray truly evidenced the resiliency of this mountain community. 2026 delivered continued drought, warm temperatures, a shortened winter season, and at the height of summer, a wildfire that threatened the city’s very existence. And yet, Ouray prevailed. Evidencing its metal, Ouray continued to celebrate its 150th anniversary with all the enthusiasm of the traditional Fourth of July.
Love of This Place
Photo Credit: Travis Perkins Love of This Place The 150th Committee Members who facilitated these events include John Wood as lead, Cynthia (Cox) Lacey, Ashley Fellin, Lou Hart, Kat Papenbrock, Bruce Ward, Paige (Zanett) Sackman, and Peggy Lindsey as Council Representative.
Disaster tax not ‘backfill’ for fire costs, leaders say - Ouray County Plaindealer
Disaster tax not ‘backfill’ for fire costs, leaders say In the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s declaration of the Gold Mountain Fire as a major federal disaster, Ouray County commissioners say the potential influx of additional federal funds doesn't moot the need for a proposed sales tax to fund disaster relief.
Local Briefs - Ouray County Plaindealer
Local Briefs Gold Mountain Fire closure area reduced The closure area associated with the Gold Mountain Fire was reduced on Tuesday, reopening several roads and recreation areas in time for fall color season.
Gunnison River anglers question feds’ plan to reduce Blue Mesa releases
Gunnison River anglers question feds’ plan to reduce Blue Mesa releases Flows in Gunnison Gorge could drop as low as 200 cfs in effort to maintain hydropower, rebuild storage As this year’s historic drought drags on, conflicts over how to share and manage water are bubbling over. Gunnison River anglers and boaters say federal water-management decisions are causing increased water temperatures, prompting fishing closures and creating serious economic impacts to outfitters and businesses.
2026 Labor Day parade and rodeo
2026 Labor Day parade and rodeo Ouray County Labor Day Rodeo Grand Marshals Linda and Ed Ingo ride in the parade on Monday. The Ingos, who operate the Fisher Ranch next to the fairgrounds, were honored by the Ouray County Rodeo Association. Ed’s ranching roots stretch back more than 130 years, and the Fisher Ranch has evolved with Ed and Linda’s leadership to build a commercial herd of red Angus cattle.
Jean Sellers - Ouray County Plaindealer
Jean Sellers Jean Sellers passed Monday morning, September 7th, 2026. She was 69 years old. No services are planned. Jean lived a full life, traveling the world with her husband, making friends in remote places and always learning local cuisines. She raised three wonderful and loving children, volunteered for just about everything, and achieved much in the work she pursued. Throughout her life she was happiest when hosting parties and preparing good food for family and friends.
Looking Back - Ouray County Plaindealer
Looking Back Compiled from the files of Colorado is on track for its warmest year ever. Source flows are diminishing or at historic lows. So why has only one water provider in Ouray County ordered cutbacks this summer? In the early days of summer, it remained a matter of some debate where the drought of 2026 ranked in the annals of long, hot Colorado summers. For Cary Denison, Ouray County’s representative on the Co...
Fourteen measures to appear on statewide ballot
Fourteen measures to appear on statewide ballot Graduated income tax, right to hunt and fish, anti-trans measures set to go before Colorado voters in November The Colorado secretary of state’s office on Friday certified the list of ballot measures going before voters in November 2026 — and once again, the list is a long one.
Water restrictions exception, not rule
Water restrictions exception, not rule Colorado is on track for its warmest year ever. Source flows are diminishing or at historic lows. So why has only one water provider in Ouray County ordered cutbacks this summer? In the early days of summer, it remained a matter of some debate where the drought of 2026 ranked in the annals of long, hot Colorado summers.
Crews working to fill 1950s-era well along U.S. 550
It’s not what you think. A towering steel drill rig that’s been perched along the side of U.S. Highway 550 in recent weeks isn’t probing for gas, or oil, or even a route to the Far East. The operation is instead part of a state program to plug thousands of abandoned, or “orphaned” wells across Colorado. Work to fill in the decades-old well just north of Cedar Hill Cemetery is expected to be completed by Labor Day, according to Josh Murdock, general manager of Utah-based contractor Delsco Northwest.
Trump declares disaster for Gold Mountain, Aspen Acres fires
President Donald Trump has signed off on a major disaster declaration for the Gold Mountain and Aspen Acres fires that unlocks millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency relief funds for the state. Colorado’s Office of Emergency Management confirmed Friday that Trump approved the declaration, coming on the heels of an intensive lobbying campaign by federal, state, and local elected officials.
Looking Back - Ouray County Plaindealer
Looking Back 50 Years Ago September 1, 1966 “We definitely intend to continue pushing forward with plans for a college in Ouray,” stated Warren Gibbs, speaking for the board of directors at a meeting last Saturday. Directors present at the meeting were chairman Robert Jindra, Ray Schey and Gibbs. It was further stated that as soon as suitable land is transferred to the corporation, preliminary work to raise the necessary funds can begin.
Hickenlooper hopeful for fire disaster order
Hickenlooper hopeful for fire disaster order Senator tours flood-damaged areas, surveys planned fire mitigation efforts U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper said Friday he was optimistic the Trump administration will declare the Gold Mountain Fire a federal disaster, arguing Congress “wouldn’t settle for” the White House withholding relief funds from Colorado for the second year in a row.
Who is the MTN Lodge?
Who is the MTN Lodge? Dear Editor: Senator tours flood-damaged areas, surveys planned fire mitigation efforts U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper said Friday he was optimistic the Trump administration will declare the Gold Mountain Fire a federal disaster, arguing Congress “wouldn’t settle for” the White House withho...
Cleanup project at former mine site to take until 2028, Thorin says
Cleanup project at former mine site to take until 2028, Thorin says A representative from Thorin Resources, the owner and operator of the Revenue-Virginius Mine, told Ouray County commissioners last week the company expects to complete a federally supervised cleanup project at the site by the fall of 2028.
Mining proposal faces unanimous scrutiny
Mining proposal faces unanimous scrutiny Finance managers get cool reception from commissioners in bid for $110M federal grant to revive gold and silver mine in Governor Basin Kris Peterson and Alex Klemt said it was an algorithm that led them west from Colorado Springs, up a rough dirt road past the Camp Bird Mine, and into the lofty tundra of Governor Basin.
Michael A. Williams
August 24, 1951 – August 8, 2026 Michael A. Williams, 74, of Montrose, CO, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026. Born on August 24, 1951, in Camp Rucker, Alabama, Mike grew up in Holt, Michigan, where he graduated from Holt High School in 1969. He went on to earn a degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University in 1973.
Rudy Gonzales - Ouray County Plaindealer
Rudy Gonzales March 10, 1947 – August 12, 2026 Experts: Age-old forests, climate change, extreme drought created prime conditions for Gold Mountain Fire In the summer of 1879, the largest wildfire in Colorado history at the time tore through 26,000 acres of rugged forest about eight miles south of Silverton and presaged a vast shift in its landscape. ...
Good For You! - Ouray County Plaindealer
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 page is dedicated to photos of people doing community related activities here in the region or celebrating accomplishments and recognition of locals.. – Photos should be clear and in focus.
With help of Ouray volleyball coach, player enthusiasm spikes on court
PREP ROUNDUP With help of Ouray volleyball coach, player enthusiasm spikes on court Four seasons ago when Brian McDowell came on the scene to assume the head coaching reins of Ouray High School volleyball, he was called to resurrect a program that had fallen on hard times. Limited success on the court contributed to low turnout that barely filled a six-player roster.
Meet Ouray County’s new teachers - Ouray County Plaindealer
Editor’s note: We have continued the tradition of including Q&A profiles of new teachers in the Ridgway and Ouray school districts in the newspaper this year, to help introduce these new leaders to the community. We invited teachers to submit responses and received the information you see printed here. Ridgway School District also has a new art teacher, Katie Orpet; a new learning specialist, Bethany Geist; and a new middle school science teacher, Jenny Brown.
Factors behind the fire: What drove its spread?
In the summer of 1879, the largest wildfire in Colorado history at the time tore through 26,000 acres of rugged forest about eight miles south of Silverton and presaged a vast shift in its landscape. Laying waste to the coniferous forests in its path, the Lime Creek Fire opened the door for huge stands of brilliant green aspens to move in and replace their spruce-fir counterparts.
Officials push Trump for disaster declaration
Officials push Trump for disaster declaration Polis: Federal funding needed to help pay for $17M in damages from Gold Mountain, Aspen Acres fires Federal, state and local officials pushed this week for President Donald Trump to issue a disaster declaration for the Gold Mountain and Aspen Acres fires that would open the door to additional federal funding for relief and remediation efforts.
Pilot’s death ruled an accident - Ouray County Plaindealer
November 5, 1953 – August 15, 2026 Debra Lynn Todd, 72, of Ouray, Colorado, passed away on August 15, 2026. She was born November 5, 1953, in Hutchinson, Kansas. She was the daughter of Chester and Ka... this is a test
Bear killed after entering Ridgway home, killing chickens
State wildlife officials killed a young, female bear that entered a Ridgway home on Saturday after days of conflicts and at least one incident with the bear killing chickens. Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Manager Kelly Crane warned bear activity has ramped up significantly, with the bruins seeking food anywhere they can find it.
Blue Mesa, the largest reservoir in Colorado, is a quarter full. What’s being done about it? - Ouray County Plaindealer
Blue Mesa, the largest reservoir in Colorado, is a quarter full. What’s being done about it? The federal reservoir is a proxy for water conditions in Colorado and Lake Powell. This year, it's showing the strain Blue Mesa Reservoir, the largest in Colorado and an emergency savings bank for Lake Powell, has been on a crash course with critically low water levels this summer, the kind that halt power production and keep dam managers up at night.
Flood work could begin within week
Flood work could begin within week Ouray County officials said Tuesday that flood mitigation work below the Gold Mountain Fire’s burn scar could begin as soon as next week, while warning that storms in the coming days could trigger further debris flows and accompanying property damage.
Looking Back - Ouray County Plaindealer
Looking Back Compiled from the files of Historic drought, wildfires, high feed prices strain local ranchers One breezy afternoon in mid-July, Mike Potter's phone started making all kinds of noise. “It goes, beep, beep, beep, beep!” shouted the Ridgway rancher, brandishing his flip phone from the pocket of h...
By James Hanlon james@ouraynews.com - News
Historic drought, wildfires, high feed prices strain local ranchers One breezy afternoon in mid-July, Mike Potter's phone started making all kinds of noise. “It goes, beep, beep, beep, beep!” shouted the Ridgway rancher, brandishing his flip phone from the pocket of h... this is a test Ouray County officials said Tuesday that flood mitigation work below the Gold Mountain Fire’s burn scar could begin as soon as next week, while warning that storms in the coming days could trigger fur...
Everything you need to know about the new federal report on the Colorado River’s future - Ouray County Plaindealer
Everything you need to know about the new federal report on the Colorado River’s future Downstream states face big water cuts, while Colorado is on call for more conservation Colorado water officials knew that they and the three other Upper Basin states would likely be asked to conserve Colorado River water under a new plan spanning the next decade. Now they know the target amount: up to 200,000 acre-feet, or 65 billion gallons of savings among the four states.
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