In a time when newspapers espoused political affiliations, the publication was officially Republican.
However it was Turner's policy not to denounce the Democrats, and proclaimed a sincere respect for both parties.
In 1990, both the Ridgway Sun and Ouray County Plaindealer were purchased by Guy and Marcia Wood.
In 2011, the Sun was merged into the Plaindealer In a statement published in the Ridgway Sun's print editions, the paper's goals were described: The Ridgway Sun is a frequent winner of Colorado Press Association awards in its class, and in 2007 Publisher David Mullings received the state’s "Service to the First" (Amendment) award.
He was recognized for initiating action against the Ouray County Board of County Commissioners that resulted in an open process of selecting planning commissioners, and for enduring sharp and anonymous attacks on the newspaper and his credibility for the challenge.