CDOT to Resurface Ouray’s Main Street Before Tourist Rush
by Beverly CorbellApr 15, 2010 | 343 views | 0 | 2 | | OURAY – It’s been about 10 years since Ouray’s Main Street was repaved, and now that the summer season is coming, the Colorado Department of Transportation is trying to get it done before tourists start pouring in.
Greg Stacy, senior supervisor for maintenance for CDOT, said drainage work along Main Street, also U.S. Highway 550, is underway right now, and the repaving will begin the last week in April or the first week in May. They are projecting the work will take three or four weeks and be complete by April 27.
“We’re trying to get out of there before Memorial Day,” Stacy said.
Laying the new asphalt will take about a week, which is the last part of the process. Prep work includes “milling,” where the old asphalt is removed, he said.
“We come in with a machine that munches it up and cuts into the old pavement, which is all oxidized, and we haul that off and come in and put new asphalt on,” Stacy said. Milling work will be done in three-block chunks, he added.
With flaggers at each end of town, there may be some traffic delays, but two-way traffic will be open the whole route, which goes from Camp Bird Road (County Road 361) at the south end of town to Tenth Street at the north end.
CDOT will also install handicap ramps at all corners and Braille markers for blind people to feel with their feet, he said.
New drop inlet drains will be added between Ninth and Tenth streets, as well, and another across the street from the Ouray Hot Springs Pool that should help prevent mud holes created by standing water in the pool’s parking lot, said Stacy.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Ouray Mining Claim Revisited
Commissioners to Discuss Possible Changes to Mining Claim Assessments
by Gus JarvisFeb 04, 2010 | 237 views | 0 | 8 | | OURAY – In keeping with their agenda to regulate residential development on patented mining claims, the Ouray County Commissioners plan to begin discussions in March on the practicality of assessing mining claims differently for tax revenue purposes.
Mining claims in Ouray County are generally assessed at $1,000 per acre as opposed to their true market value. They are still assessed as vacant land at 29 percent, which is the same as privately owned land across the county.
The county has close to 1,360 patented mining claims in private ownership that comprise an approximate 11,000 acres. The average size of the mining claims is approximately seven-and-a-half acres.
During last year’s numerous public hearings on mining claim regulations, several residents expressed concern that owners of mining claims, who may ultimately decide to build residential structures on their land, pay far less in property taxes than owners of private land. When last August the commissioners decided to regulate residential mining claim development by tweaking or expanding the county’s current codes, rather than drafting a whole set of codes dedicated to mining claims, they decided to focus strictly on mining claim assessment as a priority for changes.
At Monday’s regular meeting in Ouray, the commissioners told County Assessor Susie Mayfield that they would like to schedule a work session in March to begin looking at mining claim valuations and the practicality of assessing them differently.
After the board decides whether or not to tweak the county’s visual impacts code and sends a recommendation to the Ouray County Planning Commission, Commissioner Keith Meinert said he would like to dive into mining claim assessments.
Meinert asked his fellow commissioners, “Can I suggest that immediately after we conclude our visual impact work sessions that we schedule that meeting with the assessor as a work session?” He added that he would like Mayfield to educate the board on what all the issues are surrounding possible valuation changes.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton agreed that the board needs all the information it can get before any valuation changes are made. “We are going to want to know about the cost of undertaking an effort like this,” she said, outlying some of the questions she has going into these discussions. “How would something like this impact property owners? How dramatic will it be? How have other counties taken this up?” She continued, “The community is going to be split on this. A good portion wants us to do this in fairness. What does it do for families that have had these properties [for a long time]? Any information you can gather from other assessors will be helpful.”
Once visual impacts recommendation is made, the commissioners agreed they will schedule a work session with Mayfield sometime in March.
The commissioners also discussed their Land Use Code priorities for this year and plan to consider a resolution on those priorities at their next meeting scheduled for Feb. 8 in Ouray.
by Gus JarvisFeb 04, 2010 | 237 views | 0 | 8 | | OURAY – In keeping with their agenda to regulate residential development on patented mining claims, the Ouray County Commissioners plan to begin discussions in March on the practicality of assessing mining claims differently for tax revenue purposes.
Mining claims in Ouray County are generally assessed at $1,000 per acre as opposed to their true market value. They are still assessed as vacant land at 29 percent, which is the same as privately owned land across the county.
The county has close to 1,360 patented mining claims in private ownership that comprise an approximate 11,000 acres. The average size of the mining claims is approximately seven-and-a-half acres.
During last year’s numerous public hearings on mining claim regulations, several residents expressed concern that owners of mining claims, who may ultimately decide to build residential structures on their land, pay far less in property taxes than owners of private land. When last August the commissioners decided to regulate residential mining claim development by tweaking or expanding the county’s current codes, rather than drafting a whole set of codes dedicated to mining claims, they decided to focus strictly on mining claim assessment as a priority for changes.
At Monday’s regular meeting in Ouray, the commissioners told County Assessor Susie Mayfield that they would like to schedule a work session in March to begin looking at mining claim valuations and the practicality of assessing them differently.
After the board decides whether or not to tweak the county’s visual impacts code and sends a recommendation to the Ouray County Planning Commission, Commissioner Keith Meinert said he would like to dive into mining claim assessments.
Meinert asked his fellow commissioners, “Can I suggest that immediately after we conclude our visual impact work sessions that we schedule that meeting with the assessor as a work session?” He added that he would like Mayfield to educate the board on what all the issues are surrounding possible valuation changes.
Commissioner Heidi Albritton agreed that the board needs all the information it can get before any valuation changes are made. “We are going to want to know about the cost of undertaking an effort like this,” she said, outlying some of the questions she has going into these discussions. “How would something like this impact property owners? How dramatic will it be? How have other counties taken this up?” She continued, “The community is going to be split on this. A good portion wants us to do this in fairness. What does it do for families that have had these properties [for a long time]? Any information you can gather from other assessors will be helpful.”
Once visual impacts recommendation is made, the commissioners agreed they will schedule a work session with Mayfield sometime in March.
The commissioners also discussed their Land Use Code priorities for this year and plan to consider a resolution on those priorities at their next meeting scheduled for Feb. 8 in Ouray.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Ouray to have new Brewery - Ouray Brewery
After a heated City Council meeting a month ago the Ouray Brewery finally received it's approval for a Brewpub License in the City of Ouray. The Ouray Brewery has received it's demolition permit and is now moving forward with tearing out concrete, digging for plumbing lines, shoring up the old trusses and getting ready to start construction. Folks in town are quite excited that a new business will be opening up and particularly fond of having a rooftop patio to take in the spectacular views of the 12,000 foot peaks surrounding Ouray. The Ouray Brewery once open will offer numerous handcrafted beers on tap, great food and a contemporary and modern ambiance. The Ouray Brewery will certainly become one of Ouray's newest and greatest attractions for visitors and ice climbers from around the world.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ouray Ice Park Opens for Winter
CLIMBER READY – Cold and dry weather has made for ideal ice making conditions at the Ouray Ice Park, which plans to open on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 a.m. Sharpen those axes and crampons. It’s finally time to climb. (Photo courtesy of Mike Bryson)
slideshow OURAY – With prevailing frigid temperatures and the hard work of ice-making crews, the Ouray Ice Park already has terrific ice for climbing. They are opening for the season this Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 a.m. – a week earlier than its scheduled opening date.
“So far it has been a banner year as far as making ice goes,” said head ice maker Mike Bryson this week. A cold start to the season and a lack of snowfall are the perfect conditions for creating a good base of ice. “Relatively speaking, it is going to be a year of much more ice than usual.”
Ice Park crews are currently working on upgrading the water delivery system from a four-inch to a six-inch pipe and they are utilizing the former BIOTA water line. This will allow the park to be run on two separate water systems rather than one. Moreover, this year crews will be making ice seven instead of five days a week, as in the past. Bryson said that once the upgraded water delivery system is finished, the ice park may prove to have the best ice climbing conditions yet.
“The new system will enable us to run water with more pressure, which basically means more ice,” Bryson said. “The park will be in the best shape it has ever been in due to the fact we will be able to create more ice.”
Bryson said the park will be opening this weekend but warned that early-season conditions will exist with some thin ice in some areas. He added that some areas of the park may not open this weekend depending on conditions. Crews will make that determination on Friday.
Looking ahead, the 15th annual Ouray Ice Festival and Climbing Competition will be held Jan. 7-10. Great slideshows by Andres Marin, Caroline George, Steve House, Majka Burhardt, Timmy Oneill, and Dave Nettle are planned. There will also be a premier screening of the movie The North Face – a film that re-creates the first ascent attempt on the Eiger.
This year’s Ice Festival will host over 70-plus interactive climbing clinics, including 12 extended-length climbing seminars of six hours each. Nightly slideshows will feature outstanding world-class mountaineers and climbers. Make sure to attend the Petzl/Arcteryx Superhero Party on Saturday, Jan. 9, following a live auction at the Ouray Community Center. The party is always full of surprises and interesting costume, to say the least. All the great evening auctions, parties, fundraisers and meals make the Ouray Ice Festival the premier climber gathering in the world.
Season memberships to the Ouray Ice Park cost $40. Membership fees help keep the Ice Park a free climbing facility and pay for park improvements; those with membership cards receive a 20 percent discount at most member lodges in Ouray as well as a 10-20 percent discount at Ouray’s restaurants and participating retail stores.
For more information about the Ouray Ice Park call 970/325-4288 or visit www.ourayicepark.com.
Posted by Erin Eddy
Written by The Ouray County Watch
slideshow OURAY – With prevailing frigid temperatures and the hard work of ice-making crews, the Ouray Ice Park already has terrific ice for climbing. They are opening for the season this Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7 a.m. – a week earlier than its scheduled opening date.
“So far it has been a banner year as far as making ice goes,” said head ice maker Mike Bryson this week. A cold start to the season and a lack of snowfall are the perfect conditions for creating a good base of ice. “Relatively speaking, it is going to be a year of much more ice than usual.”
Ice Park crews are currently working on upgrading the water delivery system from a four-inch to a six-inch pipe and they are utilizing the former BIOTA water line. This will allow the park to be run on two separate water systems rather than one. Moreover, this year crews will be making ice seven instead of five days a week, as in the past. Bryson said that once the upgraded water delivery system is finished, the ice park may prove to have the best ice climbing conditions yet.
“The new system will enable us to run water with more pressure, which basically means more ice,” Bryson said. “The park will be in the best shape it has ever been in due to the fact we will be able to create more ice.”
Bryson said the park will be opening this weekend but warned that early-season conditions will exist with some thin ice in some areas. He added that some areas of the park may not open this weekend depending on conditions. Crews will make that determination on Friday.
Looking ahead, the 15th annual Ouray Ice Festival and Climbing Competition will be held Jan. 7-10. Great slideshows by Andres Marin, Caroline George, Steve House, Majka Burhardt, Timmy Oneill, and Dave Nettle are planned. There will also be a premier screening of the movie The North Face – a film that re-creates the first ascent attempt on the Eiger.
This year’s Ice Festival will host over 70-plus interactive climbing clinics, including 12 extended-length climbing seminars of six hours each. Nightly slideshows will feature outstanding world-class mountaineers and climbers. Make sure to attend the Petzl/Arcteryx Superhero Party on Saturday, Jan. 9, following a live auction at the Ouray Community Center. The party is always full of surprises and interesting costume, to say the least. All the great evening auctions, parties, fundraisers and meals make the Ouray Ice Festival the premier climber gathering in the world.
Season memberships to the Ouray Ice Park cost $40. Membership fees help keep the Ice Park a free climbing facility and pay for park improvements; those with membership cards receive a 20 percent discount at most member lodges in Ouray as well as a 10-20 percent discount at Ouray’s restaurants and participating retail stores.
For more information about the Ouray Ice Park call 970/325-4288 or visit www.ourayicepark.com.
Posted by Erin Eddy
Written by The Ouray County Watch
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Golf Course purchased near Ouray
Equilibrium Resorts has bought the Divide Ranch & Club golf course facility on Log Hill Mesa.
The lifestyle resort communities company, based in Dillon, announced in a press release last week that it has moved from management to an ownership position by acquiring all the assets to the golf course.
Seller Gary Tharaldson retains ownership in the real estate inventory of the subdivision, which originated in 1994 as Fairway Pines, as Ouray County’s first recreational planned unit development. The PUD allowed developers to create and sell more than 400 lots smaller than six acres around a golf course on Log Hill Mesa.
H.T. Heritage Inn of Erie LLC, a Philadelphia-based corporation led by Tharaldson, bought the Fairway Pines project in June 2006 for a reported $15 million from Fairway Pines Golf Partners Ltd., Pines Development Group LLC, James A. Willey, and the James A. Willey Living Trust.
The project was re-named Divide Ranch & Club in 2007 and a new clubhouse overlooking the golf course, primarily for use by residents of the development, opened in 2008.
Paul Stashick, founder and CEO of Equilibrium Resorts, said the solid membership base, minimal debt on the property and the opportunity to leverage Equilibrium Resorts’ years of experience in the resort business made the purchase a good fit for the company.
“We look forward to continuing to enhance programming at the Divide Ranch & Club and making it the premier club in the southwestern Colorado,” said Stashick. “The focus of these programs are the cornerstones of our company’s vision: lifelong learning, self-actualization, wellness and relationships.”
Equilibrium also announced that the Divide Ranch & Club will be offering an Invitational Gold Membership for a limited time, which includes unlimited golf privileges, fly fishing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, 4x4 excursions, guided hikes and cooking classes with clubhouse chef Steve Poland. The membership includes all fees associated with golf cart rental, range balls and discounts at the pro shop.
The 18-hole golf course, which opened to the public in 1993, has a championship rating and received the “Best Places to Play” award numerous times from Golf Digest magazine.
— Special to The Ridgway Sun
The lifestyle resort communities company, based in Dillon, announced in a press release last week that it has moved from management to an ownership position by acquiring all the assets to the golf course.
Seller Gary Tharaldson retains ownership in the real estate inventory of the subdivision, which originated in 1994 as Fairway Pines, as Ouray County’s first recreational planned unit development. The PUD allowed developers to create and sell more than 400 lots smaller than six acres around a golf course on Log Hill Mesa.
H.T. Heritage Inn of Erie LLC, a Philadelphia-based corporation led by Tharaldson, bought the Fairway Pines project in June 2006 for a reported $15 million from Fairway Pines Golf Partners Ltd., Pines Development Group LLC, James A. Willey, and the James A. Willey Living Trust.
The project was re-named Divide Ranch & Club in 2007 and a new clubhouse overlooking the golf course, primarily for use by residents of the development, opened in 2008.
Paul Stashick, founder and CEO of Equilibrium Resorts, said the solid membership base, minimal debt on the property and the opportunity to leverage Equilibrium Resorts’ years of experience in the resort business made the purchase a good fit for the company.
“We look forward to continuing to enhance programming at the Divide Ranch & Club and making it the premier club in the southwestern Colorado,” said Stashick. “The focus of these programs are the cornerstones of our company’s vision: lifelong learning, self-actualization, wellness and relationships.”
Equilibrium also announced that the Divide Ranch & Club will be offering an Invitational Gold Membership for a limited time, which includes unlimited golf privileges, fly fishing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, 4x4 excursions, guided hikes and cooking classes with clubhouse chef Steve Poland. The membership includes all fees associated with golf cart rental, range balls and discounts at the pro shop.
The 18-hole golf course, which opened to the public in 1993, has a championship rating and received the “Best Places to Play” award numerous times from Golf Digest magazine.
— Special to The Ridgway Sun
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Ouray is great place to play
OURAY – Last week, Ouray was named “Best Destination for Recreation in Colorado” for 2009 by the popular online site, The Official Best Of (www.officialbestof.com).
Ouray will be listed on the website and will be featured on the television program The Best of Colorado, which will air Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. on KCNC (CBS 4) in Denver.
Official Best of solicits nominations for award winners on its website, which is intended to provide TV and web viewers with the official best places to visit in a number of states across America.
Ouray Chamber Resort Association President Karen Avery said it’s been quite the month for Ouray. She notes that the “Best Of” designation comes on the heels of Ouray being named one of the most beautiful towns and villages in the southwest by a book of the same title.
“The Switzerland of America is the perfect escape from the everyday,” said Avery. “Jeeping, hiking, horseback riding and biking are popular summertime activities. The Ouray Ice Park – the first of its kind dedicated solely to the sport of ice climbing – is a huge draw in the wintertime. We host hundreds of the world’s best climbers every January for the infamous Ouray Ice Festival. It’s really quite something.”
Avery noted that there are plenty of cold weather activities for the average Joe, as well. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding are popular options, as well as the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is open year round.
Ouray County Watch Staff
Ouray will be listed on the website and will be featured on the television program The Best of Colorado, which will air Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. on KCNC (CBS 4) in Denver.
Official Best of solicits nominations for award winners on its website, which is intended to provide TV and web viewers with the official best places to visit in a number of states across America.
Ouray Chamber Resort Association President Karen Avery said it’s been quite the month for Ouray. She notes that the “Best Of” designation comes on the heels of Ouray being named one of the most beautiful towns and villages in the southwest by a book of the same title.
“The Switzerland of America is the perfect escape from the everyday,” said Avery. “Jeeping, hiking, horseback riding and biking are popular summertime activities. The Ouray Ice Park – the first of its kind dedicated solely to the sport of ice climbing – is a huge draw in the wintertime. We host hundreds of the world’s best climbers every January for the infamous Ouray Ice Festival. It’s really quite something.”
Avery noted that there are plenty of cold weather activities for the average Joe, as well. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding are popular options, as well as the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is open year round.
Ouray County Watch Staff
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Great Ouray Trail Run Kicks Off for 2nd Season
OURAY – Challenge yourself to a 13.9-mile loop run and contribute to regional youth outdoor education programs this weekend. The second annual Ouray Trail Run takes place Saturday, Oct. 3 on the trails above Ouray, but it’s not your average jog in the park.
Comparable in difficulty to the Imogene Pass Run between Ouray and Telluride, the Ouray Trail Run circumnavigates the City of Ouray using the Silvershield, Ice Park and Portland trails. With the unsurpassed views of Ouray and the surrounding fall foliage, this year’s run will no doubt prove to be one of Colorado’s most beautiful fall events.
“The course is unbelievably beautiful,” race Director Erin Eddy said in an interview on Tuesday. “This has to be one of the most scenic runs in the state because of its timing. The course is just awesome and it is a great race.”
Participants are reminded that the course follows steep and rugged, single-track trails in the high altitude terrain, with a base elevation of 7,700 feet. The course gains over 3,600 vertical feet and includes many steep and loose sections. Another factor participants should keep in mind is the unpredictable fall weather of the San Juan Mountains, which can range from mild and sunny to cold and snowy in a matter of minutes. Ultimately, runners are responsible for their own safety and are expected to use good judgment with regards to their ability to complete the race.
The course will be marked with flagging, cones and signs, and a number of volunteer course marshals will be strategically located to keep runners headed in the right direction.
Eddy said that last year’s inaugural event raised approximately $2,000 for local outdoor education programs, including the San Juan Riding Program, the Ouray Cross County Team, and the Ridgway and Ouray schools’ outdoor education programs. He hopes to raise even more for those programs this year.
“This race is all about getting kids outdoors,” Eddy said.
The $50 race entry fee includes an official race T-shirt, aid-station refreshments, and a post-race barbecue. Prizes, custom made by Ouray glassblower Sam Rushing, will be awarded for overall male and female winners as well as male and female age group winners. Door prizes at the post-race awards ceremony will include Osprey packs, arm warmers, socks and shirts from Sugoi, a sport band for an iPod, and gaiters by JoeTrailMan. Race participants will automatically be entered to win prizes, but they must be present at the ceremony to win.
Race registration will occur on Friday at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool between 5 and 7 p.m., or on race day, between 8 and 9:30 a.m. The race starts and ends at the pool, and has a 10 a.m. start time.
Stick around town after the race for some much-deserved relaxation and revelry at the Ouray Oktoberfest and 45th Annual Jeep Raffle. Popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection, will perform, and there will be kids’ activities and costume contests with cash prizes. Traditional German food such as brats, potato cakes, apple sauce and German chocolate cake are on the menu, as well as Colorado Boy brews and wine. Call the Ouray Chamber for additional information at 800/228-1876.
The Ouray Trail Run is a 501(c)4 corporation and all race proceeds go directly to local outdoor youth recreational programs and local youth recreational clubs. For more information, go to www.ouraytrailrun.com.
Comparable in difficulty to the Imogene Pass Run between Ouray and Telluride, the Ouray Trail Run circumnavigates the City of Ouray using the Silvershield, Ice Park and Portland trails. With the unsurpassed views of Ouray and the surrounding fall foliage, this year’s run will no doubt prove to be one of Colorado’s most beautiful fall events.
“The course is unbelievably beautiful,” race Director Erin Eddy said in an interview on Tuesday. “This has to be one of the most scenic runs in the state because of its timing. The course is just awesome and it is a great race.”
Participants are reminded that the course follows steep and rugged, single-track trails in the high altitude terrain, with a base elevation of 7,700 feet. The course gains over 3,600 vertical feet and includes many steep and loose sections. Another factor participants should keep in mind is the unpredictable fall weather of the San Juan Mountains, which can range from mild and sunny to cold and snowy in a matter of minutes. Ultimately, runners are responsible for their own safety and are expected to use good judgment with regards to their ability to complete the race.
The course will be marked with flagging, cones and signs, and a number of volunteer course marshals will be strategically located to keep runners headed in the right direction.
Eddy said that last year’s inaugural event raised approximately $2,000 for local outdoor education programs, including the San Juan Riding Program, the Ouray Cross County Team, and the Ridgway and Ouray schools’ outdoor education programs. He hopes to raise even more for those programs this year.
“This race is all about getting kids outdoors,” Eddy said.
The $50 race entry fee includes an official race T-shirt, aid-station refreshments, and a post-race barbecue. Prizes, custom made by Ouray glassblower Sam Rushing, will be awarded for overall male and female winners as well as male and female age group winners. Door prizes at the post-race awards ceremony will include Osprey packs, arm warmers, socks and shirts from Sugoi, a sport band for an iPod, and gaiters by JoeTrailMan. Race participants will automatically be entered to win prizes, but they must be present at the ceremony to win.
Race registration will occur on Friday at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool between 5 and 7 p.m., or on race day, between 8 and 9:30 a.m. The race starts and ends at the pool, and has a 10 a.m. start time.
Stick around town after the race for some much-deserved relaxation and revelry at the Ouray Oktoberfest and 45th Annual Jeep Raffle. Popular Bavarian band, The Austrian Connection, will perform, and there will be kids’ activities and costume contests with cash prizes. Traditional German food such as brats, potato cakes, apple sauce and German chocolate cake are on the menu, as well as Colorado Boy brews and wine. Call the Ouray Chamber for additional information at 800/228-1876.
The Ouray Trail Run is a 501(c)4 corporation and all race proceeds go directly to local outdoor youth recreational programs and local youth recreational clubs. For more information, go to www.ouraytrailrun.com.
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