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FRIDAY, July 31, 2026|

Photo – Map of proposed 5K during WAM conference – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins will apply to host the 2028 Wyoming Association of Municipalities conference.

During the July 21st Rawlins City Council meeting, Mayor Jacquelin Wells introduced a measure to submit a proposal to the Wyoming Association of Municipalities to have the city host the 2028 summer conference. The Wyoming Association of Municipalities, more commonly known as WAM, is the statewide organization that represents Wyoming’s cities and towns and provides training, legislative advocacy, networking, and support for local governments. WAM also holds annual summer and winter conferences in different municipalities around the state.

City Clerk Lynn Shearer explained that WAM submitted a request for proposals, or RFP, for cities to host the 2028 summer conference. Clerk Shearer said she drafted a proposal to put Rawlins forward as a candidate.

Clerk Shearer said Rawlins last hosted a WAM conference in 2003.

She said Carbon County School District One administrators have agreed to hold the event at the Rawlins High School. The city clerk said the facility has enough space to accommodate all aspects of the WAM conference.

Shearer said the city must provide lodging for 350 attendees. The clerk said she has been in contact with motels and short‑term rental operators to arrange the necessary accommodations.

Shearer said WAM also requires the host city to hold a large dinner reception for all the guests. She said the Wyoming Frontier Prison has volunteered to serve as the venue, and the city will provide tables, chairs, and outdoor heaters.

Shearer said other municipalities that have held WAM conventions have organized special events, such as a 5K race for attendees. If Rawlins is chosen for the 2028 conference, she said she would like to arrange a marathon on the Continental Divide Trail, noting Rawlins is the only Wyoming city situated directly on the 3,000‑mile route. Runners would start near the high school and head north out of the city on Highway 287 before turning left onto the Continental Divide Trail. Shearer suggested providing commemorative gear for participants.

Shearer said vehicles can be stationed along the route to pick up racers and return them to the starting point.

She said vendors, exhibitors, and other groups from across the county have also agreed to join the WAM conference, extending the event beyond the city.

The city clerk said Rawlins is often seen as simply a stop along Interstate 80, but she noted it also sits at the midpoint of the Continental Divide Trail and is known for its place on the Lincoln Highway and for serving as an airmail stop in the 1920s, a point she wants WAM attendees to recognize.

Following the discussion, the Rawlins City Council unanimously voted to submit a proposal for the city to host the 2028 Wyoming Association of Municipalities summer conference.

Documents provided by the city show that hosting a WAM convention can cost between $19,000 and $43,000. However, some of those expenses can be covered by WAM and through guest registration fees.

The post Rawlins Applies to Host 2028 WAM Summer Conference first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

FRIDAY, July 31, 2026|

Photo – National Night Out announcement – Courtesy Rawlins Police Department

Everyone is invited to meet Carbon County’s first responders at the 43rd National Night Out in Rawlins.

This Tuesday, August 4th, the city of Rawlins is hosting National Night Out. Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward explained that the annual event builds stronger relationships between the community and its first responders.

National Night Out was created in 1984 by Philadelphia resident Matt Peskin to promote partnerships between police and the community. Since that time, the event has grown to include over 37 million people in 16,000 communities across the United States.

The Rawlins National Night Out will be held at Bolton Park, on the city’s south side. Police Chief Ward said the neighborhood outreach initiative is traditionally attended by law enforcement and emergency service agencies from across the region.

Rawlins first responders will serve free hot dogs and hamburgers, and a bounce house will be set up for kids. Live music is planned as well.

As mentioned, National Night Out was started in Philadelphia as a way for the community to meet police officers outside emergency situations. Chief Mike Ward said that purpose isn’t as relevant in Rawlins, where most people know their law enforcement personally. Even so, he said Tuesday’s event will be a good opportunity to connect with Rawlins officers and have a good time.

The 43rd Rawlins National Night Out is this Tuesday, August 4th, at Bolton Park from 5 to 8 p.m.

The post RPD to Host National Night Out on August 4 first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 30, 2026 |

Photo – Saratoga Chamber Flyer

The public is invited to the 30th, and last, Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival.

Two weeks from now, on August 15th, the Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce will host the 30th Annual Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival at Veterans Island Park in Saratoga. Chamber Director Gabi Johnson said this year’s event will feature five breweries from around the state.

Steinley Cup attendees can sample a selection of beers from the participating breweries while enjoying live music. Johnson said family‑friendly activities will also be available for kids and people who choose not to drink.

After the beer tasting, judges and attendees will select their favorite brewery, with the winner receiving bragging rights and a trophy to display for the year. However, with this being the last Steinley Cup, Johnson said she might have something extra for the winner, though nothing has been finalized.

Yes, after three decades, this will be the final Steinley Cup. The event has always featured Wyoming breweries exclusively, but with those beers now widely available across the country, Johnson said the concept has lost some of its uniqueness.

To stay relevant, Johnson said other microbrew festivals have started bringing in out‑of‑state brewers and larger distributors. To avoid that trend, she said the Steinley Cup will end this year. The chamber director said 30 years seemed like a good time to stop hosting the event.

Johnson said the Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce is developing an event to take the Steinley Cup’s place. While nothing has been decided, she said a food competition is the most likely option.

That decision will be made later in the year. For now, Johnson is focused on the 30th annual Steinley Cup. She encouraged people to attend Saratoga’s final microbrew festival.

The 30th Annual Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival will take place on Saturday, August 15th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Veteran’s Island Park in Saratoga. Admission is $35 and includes unlimited beer tasting and a commemorative mug. Steinley Cup T‑shirts will be available for purchase.

The Saratoga Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to help staff the event. Anyone willing to work the gate, sell concessions and merchandise, judge the competition, or assist with setup and cleanup should call the Chamber at 326‑8855 or visit saratogachamber.org for details.

The post Final Steinley Cup Microbrew Festival Set for August 15th first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 30, 2026 |

Photo – File Photo

A Rawlins business owner has proposed a way to expand the city’s annual 4th of July fireworks show.

As reported by Bigfoot99 and Bandit102, during the June 16th Rawlins City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Darril Garner expressed his desire for the city to host the state’s largest fireworks show, although he acknowledged that the idea was unlikely to happen.

The vice mayor isn’t alone in his view, however, as at least one other member of the community would like to see the city’s fireworks display improved. Speaking during the Citizen’s Participation portion of the July 21st Rawlins City Council meeting, Michael’s Big City Steakhouse owner and Search and Rescue volunteer Mike Lujan said Vice Mayor Garner’s idea inspired him to consider ways to expand the annual pyrotechnics show. Lujan suggested having this radio station host a live July 4th presentation prior to the fireworks.

Lujan explained that he would like to build a stage for an orchestra, either professional or local band, to perform during the fireworks show. He said the music would be synchronized with the pyrotechnics and broadcast live on this radio station.

If live music isn’t feasible, Lujan said Bigfoot99 and Bandit102 could play prerecorded music in conjunction with the pyrotechnics.

Lujan said Rawlins Fire Chief Allen Robinson, who oversees the city’s annual fireworks show, has confirmed that he can make it happen.

Lujan also recommended including food trucks and family activities. He asked the Council to picture his idea for an expanded 4th of July event.

In his opinion, Lujan said the city shouldn’t be entirely responsible for planning a more elaborate program. Instead, he said the Council members could establish a board or committee to oversee the event.

Lujan said money will be the limiting factor in his proposed July 4th show. Even so, the restaurant owner said he believes people will want to contribute to the event and even offered to make the first donation.

By beginning the planning process now, Lujan said the city will have enough time to have everything in place by next 4th of July.

The City Council thanked Lujan for his idea. However, under municipal procedure, the governing body does not comment on matters raised during Citizen’s Participation to maintain meeting order, uphold public‑notice requirements, and ensure efficient proceedings.

The post Rawlins Business Owner Proposes Expanded July 4th Celebration first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 29, 2026 |

Photo – Open AI Generated

Rawlins officials questioned whether state law requires insurance on borrowed vehicles and if the city should adopt the same requirement.

During the July 21st Rawlins City Council meeting, Mayor Jacquelin Wells introduced a measure to amend the city’s municipal code on failure to maintain liability coverage. City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave explained that the change was needed to bring the city’s ordinances in line with state statutes and allow the Rawlins Police Department to cite drivers accordingly.

Section 10.15.070 of the Rawlins Municipal Code prohibits a vehicle owner from operating or allowing someone else to operate their motor vehicle without state mandated liability insurance. The ordinance was intended to mirror Wyoming law, but unlike the state provision, the city’s codes only apply to vehicle owners and say nothing about non‑owner operators.

Councilman Steve Sanger said Wyoming law also fails to address how to handle non‑owner operators, such as when someone borrows another person’s car. He questioned what would happen if he were involved in a traffic collision while driving someone else’s car if the owner lacked insurance, and added that the state statute is also unclear on the issue. Councilman Sanger asked if the city was attempting to correct the state’s oversight with the proposed ordinance changes.

City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave said she could not speak to what the legislature intended. However, she added that Wyoming law does, in fact, allow officers to issue a failure‑to‑maintain‑coverage citation even when the driver does not own the vehicle.

Mayor Jacquelin Wells asked Police Chief Mike Ward to speak on the matter. Chief Ward explained that drivers are required to ensure the vehicle they are operating is properly insured, whether it belongs to them or not.

Chief Ward said the responsibility of making sure a vehicle is insured lies with both the owner and operator. Without that requirement, he said the public would have to pay for the damage caused by uninsured vehicles.

Councilman Steve Sanger said Wyoming law specifically states that the owner is responsible for maintaining insurance coverage. He asked how the law applies to non‑owner operators.

Councilman Sanger said state law is vague about who should provide insurance coverage for a car. Chief Ward responded that as chief of police, he interprets the law to apply to the driver, even when the vehicle doesn’t belong to them, adding that other states read it similarly.

Chief Ward noted that his officers can already issue citations under the state statute. However, those cases are sent to the county court instead of being handled in municipal court like other violations of city ordinances. He said adopting the state’s language allows the city to hear those charges locally rather than sending them to a higher court, a position encouraged by the Carbon County Attorney’s Office.

Councilman Steve Sanger reiterated that the state law the city is attempting to adopt is too vague. He said the opening of the statute makes the owner responsible for insurance, but the wording becomes less clear as the provision continues. Still, the councilman said he understands why failure‑to‑maintain‑insurance cases belong in municipal court instead of county court.

As the conversation continued, Chief Ward offered an example of an uninsured driver running a red light. He said that under the city’s current ordinances, officers cannot separate the local and state citations, requiring all offenses to be handled in county court.

By adopting the state statute, Chief Ward said Rawlins police officers can bring all the charges into the municipal court.

Following the discussion, the Rawlins City Council unanimously voted to amend the municipal code on failure to maintain liability coverage to match state law on first reading. As with all ordinance changes, the measure must be read and passed during three separate public meetings before being adopted into law.

The post Rawlins Council Advances Insurance Ordinance for Borrowed Vehicles first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 29, 2026 |

Photo – Open AI generated

The public is invited to attend a candidate meet and greet in Encampment this Friday.

On Friday, July 31st, in the Encampment Opera House, political candidates from federal, state, and local races will hold a meet‑and‑greet. Event organizer Mayvon Platte said the forum will feature United States Senate candidate Jimmy Skovgard, with Harriet Hageman possibly taking part. Platte said a number of other candidates have also agreed to participate.

Platte said Wyoming gubernatorial candidates Brent Bien and Megan Degenfelder will be present, with a representative from Eric Barlow’s team coming as well. Only one Secretary of State candidate, Qwenton Eagle Oviatt, will be there, as Rachel Rodriguez‑Williams is unable to attend.

Platte said Curt Meier, who is running for re‑election as Wyoming State Treasurer, may be there on Friday. His political rival, Scott Smith, has not responded to Platte’s invitation. However, Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Tom Kelly has confirmed he will be present.

Platte said county and local candidates will also take part in Friday’s meet‑and‑greet, adding that she is optimistic the event will be well attended by both political candidates and members of the public.

The candidate forum will begin with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a sung prayer. Because the event is taking place around dinnertime, refreshments will be available, including meat and cheese platters, fruit and vegetable trays, and drinks. While the event is scheduled to end at 7:30 in the evening, Platte said that time can be extended to ensure residents have a chance to meet the candidates and have their questions answered.

The candidate meet-and-greet beings at 4:30 p.m. this Friday, July 31st, in the Encampment Opera House, located at 622 Rankin Avenue. Admission is free.

Platte encouraged the public to attend the event to ensure their leaders are good stewards of our constitutional republic.

The post Candidate Meet-and-Greet Brings Federal, State and Local Races to Encampment Friday first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 28, 2026 |

Photo – Courtesy of Carbon County Clerk’s Office

Absentee ballots for next month’s primary elections can be picked up at the Carbon County Clerk’s Office.

Primary election day is Tuesday, August 18th. Absentee voting started last Tuesday, July 21st. County Clerk Lisa Smith said registered voters can get absentee ballots by calling or visiting her office in the Carbon Building in Rawlins.

Smith said residents are not required to provide a reason to vote absentee. Ballots are available to all eligible Carbon County voters.

If you’re planning to pick up a ballot for a family member, you need your photo ID and a signed letter authorizing you to collect the ballot on their behalf.

Clerk Smith said Carbon County residents can register to vote until 5 p.m. Monday, August 3rd. Voters can still register after the deadline, but they must do so in person at the clerk’s office and cast an absentee ballot.

In addition, voters may still register at the polls on election day.

This year, Smith said the state has adopted stricter proof of identity rules.

Carbon County residents without a Wyoming driver’s license may use a passport, tribal ID, a Wyoming college identification card, or a military ID. Additional accepted forms of identification can be found on the Carbon County Clerk’s Office website.

Clerk Smith said a Wyoming driver’s license does not need to show your current address. She added that the county elections office will also accept out‑of‑state licenses, but they must be accompanied by other documents proving your residency.

Several Wyoming politicians, including Secretary of State Chuck Gray, have expressed concerns about the security of absentee and mail‑in voting. Clerk Smith assured residents that Carbon County’s elections are closely monitored to prevent fraud.

Clerk Smith encouraged the public to vote in the upcoming primary elections. She said that due to a lack of candidates, many November contests will be decided next month.

For more information about absentee ballots, registering to vote, or any other elections‑related questions, call the Carbon County Clerks Office at 328‑2650, email [email protected], or visit the Carbon Building at 215 West Buffalo Street in Rawlins. The public is advised that the Carbon Building’s elevator is currently out of order. Voters unable to climb the stairs are asked to call the Clerks Office for assistance.

All absentee ballots must be returned to the Carbon County Clerk’s Office by 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 18th.

The post Absentee Voting Underway for Carbon County Primary Election first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 28, 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

The Carbon County Library System has a new director, albeit part-time. This arrangement appears likely to continue.

The Carbon County Library Board met last week to discuss its priorities and pass a budget for the current fiscal year. After handling clerical matters, the Board chose Deb Riker to serve as its new chairperson. The previous chair, Addie Myers, recently resigned.

Myers isn’t the only person connected to the county’s libraries to step down. After nearly three and a half years as director of the Carbon County Library System, Maria Wenzel left in September. Her departure came shortly after the county’s annual contribution to the system was cut by more than 50 percent due to statewide property‑tax relief programs.

Library Foundation member Jenita Calton stepped in to serve as interim director until Wenzel’s replacement could be found. In May, the Library Board announced that a new director had been hired: Jacob Ray. In an open letter, the Board wrote that Ray worked in Alaska’s North Slope and understood the unique challenges of operating rural libraries.

Despite the Board’s optimism, Ray served as Library System director for only six weeks. In his resignation letter, he wrote that remaining in Carbon County would not benefit his professional career.

At the July 22nd Carbon County Library Board meeting, Jenita Calton was appointed interim director once again. However, this time, she will only serve part time.

The Library Board asked Wyoming State Librarian Abby Beaver, who was attending the meeting virtually, if any other library system in the state uses a part‑time director. Beaver said she didn’t believe so, but added that the Board should review state law to ensure they remain in compliance.

State Librarian Beaver recommended reaching out to Big Horn County Library Director Barbara Johnston, as she has experience running a library system on a severely reduced budget.

For now, Jenita Calton will serve as interim director for the Carbon County Library System. She asked to wait before searching for a permanent replacement again to avoid further disruptions to library employees. While Calton acknowledged that she may not be able to fulfill all the duties of the library director while working part time, she said the stability of having a consistent director will benefit staff.

The Library Board members agreed they may need to revisit the duties of the library director before reopening the position, saying times have changed and the role may need to look different than it has in the past. Instead of a traditional director, Board member Kathy Beck recommended having the position focus on financial responsibilities and helping branch managers increase engagement.

The Board will review the proposed changes to the director’s position at a future meeting. The members also approved the work Calton has already completed as interim director. As reported by Bigfoot99 and Bandit102, Calton created a budget that keeps all seven of the county’s branches open. Under her Partner Program, the Library System is asking towns to contribute to staffing while the Library Foundation, which fund raises for all the county’s branches, covers operational costs. Supported by a $30,000 contribution from the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, this model ensures that every branch can remain open for at least five hours a week.

The post Carbon County Library System Appoints Part-Time Interim Director Amid Budget Cuts first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MONDAY, July 27, 2026|

Photo – Subsidence off of CR 291 – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99

County officials approved the Abandoned Mine Land Division’s latest project.

During the July 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz announced that the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s Abandoned Mine Land Division is preparing to work on County Road 291, also known as Hanna Draw Road. Fritz presented a contract between the county and the state agency for Commission Chairman Travis Moore’s signature.

Chairman Moore asked Fritz to explain why the Abandoned Mine Land Division intends to drill into County Road 291 and why attorneys are involved with the project. The Road and Bridge superintendent explained that the state will use a special slurry mixture to fill underground mines and prevent them from collapsing.

Deputy Attorney Ashley Davis added that the contract is needed to cover any accidental damage to county property.

The Town of Hanna, originally named Chimney Springs, was founded in 1889 to supply coal for the Union Pacific Railroad. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Hanna coalfield covers roughly 750 square miles. Over the town’s 137‑year history, countless mine workings were dug, reaching depths between 30 and 330 feet beneath the surface. After the mining companies left in the early 2000s, the ground settled, water entered the mines, and roof supports failed, creating large surface voids known as subsidence.

The voids have been a persistent problem for the town. Active subsidence regularly opened near the original Hanna Elementary School, on the corner of School and 2nd streets. A new school was built two blocks to the north and the state’s Abandoned Mine Land Division began a nearly $10 million subsidence mitigation project to fill the Hanna Number Four mine with 42,500 cubic yards of void-filling grout.

Just two years after that project was completed, a subsidence opened on County Road 297, one of two major routes connecting Hanna to Highway 30. Contractors with the Abandoned Mine Land Division drilled into the mines and pumped a special slurry mixture into the underground voids, making the road safe to drive on. However, one year later in July 2024, County Road 297 was closed again after another cavity was discovered but Abandoned Mine Land Director Don Newton reported that it was most likely caused by a collapsed drill hole and not a new subsidence.

And now, more voids have started opening north of Hanna, on County Road 291.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to have Chairman Moore sign the Surface Owner Consent agreement with the Abandoned Mine Land Division and the state’s contractor, BRS Engineering Incorporated.

The post Abandoned Mine Land Division to Start New Project Near Hanna first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MONDAY, July 27, 2026|

Photo – Two pets available at Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter has pets awaiting their permanent homes.

The majority of Carbon County’s stray and feral cats and dogs are taken to the Rochelle Animal Shelter in Rawlins. Currently, the facility is home to four cats and 18 dogs, seven of which are enrolled in the Cage to Save program. The program pairs shelter dogs with inmates of the Wyoming State Penitentiary. The prisoners spend nine weeks training the animals in essential manners and basic obedience.

Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper, who oversees the city’s animal shelter, said the Cage to Save program has been a success.

In April, the Cage to Save program saw its 100th graduate, a young adult Labrador retriever mix named Benny. Lieutenant Hooper said Benny is still available for adoption, noting he may not make a great first impression, but would nevertheless make a loving pet for a patient owner.

Each month, Bigfoot99 and Bandit102 work with the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter to highlight pets waiting for adoption. This month, Lieutenant Hooper asked to feature Buddy, a white four‑year‑old Shepherd-Husky mix. She said Buddy is a loving dog who can get along with other animals if given time.

Lieutenant Hooper also chose to spotlight Julius, a young adult orange cat. She said Julius is affectionate and interacts well with other animals.

Lieutenant Hooper credited Pet Partners of Carbon County for taking most of the county’s stray cats, significantly reducing the burden on the Rawlins animal shelter.

The shelter also has one turtle, though the police lieutenant said it can’t be adopted until an animal‑cruelty case wraps up.

Animal Control Officers Leah Ketner and Lisa Eriksson assist Lieutenant Hooper at the Rochelle Animal Shelter. Because the three officers split their time between patrolling the city and managing the facility, Lieutenant Hooper said volunteers are always welcome to help care for the animals.

Lieutenant Hooper said volunteers simply need a love of animals and the ability to follow instructions.

The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is always in need of donations of pet supplies. Due to numerous unexpected medical expenses, Lieutenant Hooper said monetary donations are also especially needed at this time.

To meet an animal, volunteer, or drop off donations, visit the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 2711 East Murray Street Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., or call 328‑4534 to schedule an appointment. All adoptable animals are posted on the shelter’s Facebook page and on Petfinder.com. Adoption fees are $35 for cats and $50 for dogs.

The post Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter has Several Dogs Ready for Adoption first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.