Community Corner
🌱 Why is Ouray suddenly losing its widely praised interim police chief?
Make time for DESOLATION… Beatuty in the Hardest of Places (Dark Night with Craig Childs) on the Ouray Patch calendar

Hi there, Ouray! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why is Ouray suddenly losing its widely praised interim police chief?
- What makes so many visitors decide to stay in Ouray for good?
- How much GOCO money is headed to Ouray County ranchland?
Also on today's calendar: From Mud to Mug: Make your Own Clay French Press and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Ourayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Ourayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 47 and low of 33 degrees.
- Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 57, low: 36.
- Saturday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 52 and low of 32 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Dispute over extended background check leads to Ouray police chief's last day (ouraynews.com) — Ouray’s interim police chief, Daric Harvey, says he’s leaving after refusing a second, more extensive background check required by City Administrator Michelle Metteer for the permanent chief job, leaving the department leaderless again. The city plans to rely on the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Matt Troxell for coverage while launching another chief search, raising fresh questions about stability in local law enforcement.
![]()
• Why People In Colorado's 'Off The Map' Mountain Village Never Want To Leave (takingthekids.com) — Ouray is portrayed as a tight-knit mountain town where dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and historic Victorian streets shape daily life for fewer than 900 residents. From the hot springs and Ice Park to Fellin Park concerts and local businesses, the piece explains why many visitors end up staying, highlighting the community’s outdoor culture, mining heritage, and strong neighborly connections.
![]()
• GOCO grants send $278k to Western Slope organizations (gjsentinel.com) — Ouray County is set to receive $44,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado for a ranch protection effort, part of a larger $278,000 package for Western Slope projects. The grants support land conservation, habitat restoration, and responsible recreation initiatives across Delta, Mesa, Montrose, and Ouray counties, reflecting a statewide push to turn long-term outdoor plans into on-the-ground action.
![]()
📸 Around Ouray
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Ouray
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- DESOLATION… Beatuty in the Hardest of Places (Dark Night with Craig Childs)
The Sherbino, 604 Clinton St, Ridgway
7:00 pm
Saturday December 20
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- County Offices Closed Fridays
Ouray County, CO Calendar Ouray, CO 81427
8:00 am - CCAT Weekly Member Check-In
Ouray County, CO Calendar
10:00 am - Christmas Eve - County Offices Closed 1/2 Day
Ouray County, CO Calendar Ouray, CO 81427
12:00 pm - Christmas Day - County Offices Closed
Ouray County, CO Calendar Ouray, CO 81427
8:00 am - County Offices Closed Fridays
Ouray County, CO Calendar Ouray, CO 81427
8:00 am - CCAT Weekly Member Check-In
Ouray County, CO Calendar
10:00 am - From Mud to Mug: Make your Own Clay French Press
Weehawken Dance & Aerial – Ridgway Arts Center , 1075 Sherman St Ste 201 , Ridgway
1:00 pm
Friday December 19
Wednesday December 24
Thursday December 25
Friday December 26
Saturday January 10
📣 Ouray Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Chanukah in Telluride
Heritage Plaza , Mountain Village Blvd , Mountain Village
4:00 pm - Gin & Gingerbread
The Sherbino , 604 Clinton St , Ridgway
6:00 pm - Tea and Tarot
Wilkinson Public Library , 100 W Pacific Ave , Telluride
2:30 pm - Christmas Holiday
Telluride, CO Calendar Telluride, CO 81435
8:00 am
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Sunday December 21
Thursday December 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Alpine Bank posted a job opening for Regional Personal Banking Representative I - Ridgway/Ouray in Ridgway. Apply here.
- SavATree posted a job opening for Plant Health Care Specialist in Ridgway. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Ouray here.
🗞 Nearby News
Montrose
- Montrose businesses see successful holiday shopping season (kjct8.com)
- Montrose Jewish community celebrates Hanukkah amid heightened concerns (kjct8.com)
- @YOUR LIBRARY: It's not easy being a teen — but it's pretty fun at the library! (montrosepress.com)
Norwood
Ok Ouray! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.