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MONDAY, July 13, 2026|

Photo – Building plans – Courtesy Triple D Construction

Rawlins officials debated the need for more restrictive building codes, with some arguing that stricter rules could limit growth.

During the July 7th Rawlins City Council meeting, Mayor Jacquelin Wells introduced an ordinance to amend the city’s building codes. Building Official Mike O’Brien explained that the state of Wyoming requires local governments to approve the latest International Building Code, or IBC, every three years. O’Brien said the amended ordinance codifies the 2024 codes into municipal law as part of that state‑mandated requirement.

O’Brien said the city is currently operating under the 2021 IBC and asked the governing body to adopt the 2024 codes.

Councilman Steve Sanger asked if the city could loosen restrictions set by the latest International Building Codes. O’Brien replied that they can make them stricter, but not less restrictive, prompting Councilman Sanger to ask if the city could automatically update its building codes to match the new regulations without the need for a formal ordinance.

Building Official O’Brien said the state adopts the standard International Building Codes, but Rawlins must add its own restrictions into its local ordinance. Councilman Sanger expressed his disapproval of the additional regulations, saying they may create unnecessary difficulties for builders.

O’Brien replied that the International Building Codes specifically direct builders to ask local governments about any additional requirements.

Councilman Steve Sanger asked if it would be simpler for the city to adopt the new building codes as written, without any additional requirements. City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave said the codes must be changed to conform with the city’s zoning regulations.

Vice Mayor Darril Garner agreed that adopting the newest International Building Codes, without any changes, would help contractors know exactly what standards they must meet to build in Rawlins. The vice mayor said more restrictive codes may discourage development.

Building Official Mike O’Brien said every municipality has its own regulations that builders must follow. Vice Mayor Garner said the closer Rawlins follows the established building codes the more likely developers will choose to work in the city.

O’Brien said the city largely follows the International Building Codes but, like other local governments, is more restrictive in certain instances, such as wind and snow‑load requirements.

Councilman Steve Sanger said contractors are more likely to build in an area when they can buy the same material for every job. By adding stricter regulations, he said municipalities are making development more difficult and costly.

O’Brien explained that the standard building codes, as set by the International Code Council, are insufficient for Carbon County’s weather, adding that every local government sets its own requirements based on the area’s unique conditions. He said contractors tend to follow the strictest rules in the region where they’re working.

Following the discussion, the Rawlins City Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2024 International Building Codes on first reading. All changes to municipal ordinances require three readings during three separate public meetings.

The post Rawlins Council Debate Restrictive Building Codes first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 10, 2026 |

Photo – Courtesy of the City of Rawlins

Rawlins officials celebrated the success of a recent community cleanup effort.

This past Monday, the city of Rawlins held its 13th annual Clean-Up Day. Speaking at the July 7th Rawlins City Council Meeting, Public Information Officer Mira Miller announced that the event was a success, with nearly 70 volunteers collecting trash on the city’s east side.

Miller said in total, the Clean-Up Day volunteers picked up 440 pounds of trash. With the same size crew, she said they collected one‑and‑a‑half times as much garbage as the previous year.

Miller said volunteers also performed needed maintenance on the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter.

The public information officer thanked all the people who took part in this year’s Clean-Up Day.

Miller reiterated that the 13th annual Clean‑Up Day was a success, and the volunteers received a round of applause from the City Council and those attending the meeting.

The post Rawlins Clean-Up Day Volunteers Collect 440 Pounds of Trash first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 10, 2026 |

Photo – AI-generated image courtesy of ChatGPT

Despite the dry weather, county officials are not prepared to institute fire restrictions at this time.

Recent warm, dry, and breezy conditions in our area, coupled with little rainfall, have left grasses and brush thoroughly dried out. Speaking at the July 7th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Fire Warden John Rutherford said those conditions have put the county at risk of wildfires.

The continuing fire danger led the town of Encampment to cancel its 4th of July fireworks show.

Fire Warden Rutherford said our area has been fortunate not to see any major fires yet this season. However, with wildfires erupting in surrounding states, he said Carbon County is under significant threat.

Rutherford said he hopes crews will be ready when a wildfire starts. While the Rocky Mountain Multi‑Agency Coordination Group has set Carbon County to Preparedness Level 4, meaning federal agencies have increased staffing with more resources in the region, Rutherford said he fears it still won’t be enough to stop a major blaze.

Higher regional fire activity can drain shared resources, leaving fewer personnel available for Carbon County. According to Watchduty.org, a real‑time wildfire tracking website, major fires have broken out in Montana, Colorado, and Utah.

Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked if the county was likely to enter fire restrictions in the near future. Rutherford said that while other counties have entered restrictions, he isn’t prepared to do so. He said he’s waiting until the Bureau of Land Management acts, noting that roughly 40 percent of the county is managed by the BLM.

While Carbon County is not under fire restrictions at this time, Rutherford said he is prepared to adopt them as soon as the BLM does.

Fire Warden Rutherford said he was simply glad Carbon County made it through the 4th of July weekend without fire restrictions.

The post Carbon County Holds Off on Fire Restrictions Despite Elevated Wildfire Danger first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 10, 2026 |

Photo – Courtesy of John McCoy

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is building artificial beaver dams to improve downstream water quality.

Earlier this month, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced that it, and several partner agencies, installed and restored 130 beaver dam analogs around Lone Tree Creek and Bolton Creek.

Game and Fish Aquatic Habitat Biologist John McCoy said the state agency recognizes the environmental benefit of beaver dams.

McCoy said beaver dams also filter water, reducing downstream sediment and erosion.

To replicate the ecological effects of beaver dams, Wyoming Game and Fish has been building artificial barriers, known as beaver dam analogs, on streams that feed into the North Platte River. McCoy said the dams support greater trout growth.

McCoy said Game and Fish biologists build the dam analogs in areas with past beaver activity or in places where they hope to see more of it. He said the goal is for local beavers to take over maintenance of the artificial dams and recalled a case where that happened.

The dam analogs are made from nearby materials, including sticks, mud, and sagebrush. As biologists improved their methods, McCoy said the analogs began to function more like natural dams.

In May and June, Game and Fish biologists built 100 beaver dam analogs on Lone Tree Creek in the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest and repaired 30 existing dams on Bolton Creek. McCoy said the dams can’t be constructed in every location. Biologists look for areas with a wide flood plain where beavers would naturally choose to build. He said Lone Tree Creek showed signs of past beaver activity, making it an ideal site for a dam analog.

McCoy said the ultimate goal of the beaver dam analog project is to extend the green‑up period by raising the water table through the creation of small ponds. He said the pools slow down streams, allowing more water to seep into the ground.

McCoy added that larger beaver ponds can make good homes for trout, but said neither Lone Tree nor Bolton creeks support the species. He said every beaver dam analog is permitted through the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office to ensure they comply with existing water rights.

The post Wyoming Game and Fish Builds Artificial Beaver Dams to Improve Water Quality first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 9, 2026 |

Photo – Event Poster

The city of Rawlins is preparing for a weekend filled with events and celebrations.

July 4th was the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Tomorrow, July 10th, marks the 136th anniversary of Wyoming’s statehood. In light of these milestones, Rawlins will host a series of community activities over the weekend, including Half‑Way Days, which highlights the city’s place on the Continental Divide Trail, and the county’s primary sesquicentennial event.

Half‑Way Days is a collaboration between the city of Rawlins and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, which maintains one of the country’s three major long‑distance hiking routes alongside the Appalachian and the Pacific Crest trails. Speaking at Tuesday evening’s Rawlins City Council meeting, House District 15 Representative and Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer noted that Rawlins sits near the center of the 3,000‑mile-long trail.

The city is holding a three‑day festival to celebrate its unique place on the trail. Thayer said the event will feature live music from local and national artists.

In addition to live music, Thayer said Derick Lugo, an author and thru‑hiker who has completed all three major trails, will speak, as will representatives from the Bureau of Land Management, the Wyoming Office of Recreation, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. She said that along with various games and activities, there is something for everyone at this weekend’s Half‑Way Days.

Thayer said the city has $8,000 in gear and prizes to give away, including tents, hiking socks, and shoes. She said Continental Divide Trail hikers are adjusting their schedules to be present at this weekend’s event.

Thayer said over 50 volunteers and 40 sponsors helped organize Half‑Way Days, adding that the event shows Rawlins can accomplish big things through community effort.

During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones said Half-Way Days isn’t the only event happening in Rawlins this weekend.

Friday is the county’s main 250 celebrations. The Carbon County 250 Committee created a short documentary for the occasion called “Legacy for a Nation: Journeys to Carbon County,” which features interviews with prominent residents and reenactments of significant historical events. The film will be shown three times on Friday: 4:30 and 7:30 inside the historic depot, and 9:30 p.m. outdoors in Depot Park.

Commissioner Jones said the 250 Committee used artificial intelligence to bring old black‑and‑white photographs to life for the film.

Commissioner Jones thanked the 250 Committee members, including Candy Moulton and the museum directors, for working hard to ensure the county’s semiquincentennial celebrations are among the best in the state.

Also on July 10th, Rawlins’s Harvey Field Airport is hosting the Sky Festival. The family‑friendly event will feature plane displays, an aircraft show, vendors, food, entertainment, and activities for children.

This weekend’s events, including Half-Way Days, the county’s 250 celebrations, and the Harvey Field Sky Festival begin tomorrow morning. A complete list of activities can be found at www.rawlinswy.gov or on the City of Rawlins Facebook page.

The post Rawlins To Host Half-Way Days, 250 Celebration, And Sky Festival This Weekend first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 8, 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

Despite a projected loss, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County reports a generally positive financial outlook.

Memorial Hospital administrators delivered their monthly presentation to the Board of Carbon County Commissioners on Tuesday. Chief Financial Officer Joy Coulston announced that cash on hand, defined as the number of days the facility can function without additional income, had risen to 24.7 days in May. Coulston noted this was an improvement over April’s 20.52 days cash on hand.

However, Coulston said Memorial Hospital posted a loss of nearly $37,000 that month, which she attributed to a lower patient count.

Even with the loss, Coulston said she was encouraged that expenses also dropped in May, prompted by the lower patient census, a trend she said hadn’t occurred in the past.

In the year she has served as Memorial Hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, Coulston has been working to create a budget, something the Rawlins medical center had not officially had before. Speaking to the Board of Commissioners, Coulston explained that her upcoming 2026 through 2027 budget shows a $196,000 loss, largely stemming from the day‑to‑day functions of the hospital. However, she said the deficit may be offset by grants and other funding sources.

Coulston said the current shortfall is comparatively small, given Memorial Hospital lost approximately $338,000 in the previous fiscal year. She said she is trying to keep the medical center operationally strong while maintaining its ability to grow.

Coulston allocated $877,000 in charity care in the upcoming budget. The chief financial officer said the funds will be used for financial assistance, adding that she raised the amount in anticipation of greater patient demand.

Coulston said she would rather have patients apply for financial assistance than leave their bills unpaid.

Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kerry Ashment acknowledged that Coulston’s budget was modest and said he anticipates making the Rawlins medical center profitable.

Earlier in the meeting, Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Hinkle noted that her and CEO Ashment attended the inaugural Wyoming Healthcare Policy Summit in Laramie. While there, Hinkle said many attendees assumed that Memorial Hospital was still close to bankruptcy.

In response, Hinkle said she wrote an article detailing the medical center’s financial turnaround since Ashment became CEO. In it, Hinkle reported that Memorial Hospital has lowered its outstanding debt from $9 million to $3 million over the past 18 months, brought medical billing in‑house, streamlined payment processes, and strengthened relationships with insurers.

Hinkle wrote that hospital administrators have made meaningful progress, but work is ongoing. A continued dedication to financial, operational, and workforce stability will ensure Memorial Hospital can serve the people of Carbon County for generations to come.

The Board of County Commissioners encouraged hospital administrators to maintain their efforts to bring Memorial Hospital of Carbon County out of debt.

The post MHCC Reports Improved Financial Outlook Despite Projected Loss first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 8, 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

Saratoga officials approved leasing a section of land to install a new sign pointing visitors to the Hobo Hot Pools.

During the May 6th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner announced that the way-finding sign for the Hobo Hot Pools, located on the corner of 1st Street and East Walnut Avenue, had been removed, presumably by the wind.

Penner said Antionette Acleoni, who owns the property where the sign once stood, applied for a permit to replace it. However, after reviewing the documentation, Penner said he discovered that the town had no formal authority to have a sign in that location. He said he will work with Town Attorney Kylie Waldrip to draft an official lease.

Three months later, at the July 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Penner presented a draft lease for the hot pools wayfinding sign. He said Attorney Waldrip had a few details left to finish and asked Mayor Chuck Davis to sign the document once they were resolved.

Penner said Attorney Waldrip’s questions about the lease were largely tied to utility obligations and maintenance responsibilities. Instead of paying rent to Acleoni, the town will handle all maintenance on the property, including mowing, weeding, and snow removal. The site also has electricity, which will power the new sign. Under the lease, the town will cover all utility costs, which in this case is limited to electricity.

The lease is set for 20 years, expiring on June 30th, 2046, and could not be terminated unless the town failed to meet its obligations. Waldrip asked to add a provision allowing the agreement to be canceled with 30 days’ notice. In a written response, Penner suggested a 90‑day notice instead.

The Saratoga Town Council voted to have Mayor Davis sign the lease after Attorney Waldrip finished her review. Penner said the new sign meets all municipal and state requirements.

The post Saratoga Approves Lease For New Hobo Hot Pools Wayfinding Sign first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 8, 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

County officials oppose letting residents set off their own fireworks.

During the 4th of July, many municipalities stage fireworks shows. However, some towns, including Medicine Bow, allow the public to set off their own pyrotechnics under the supervision of firefighters.

During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Fire Warden John Rutherford said residents have asked him about establishing a location to legally shoot their fireworks. Rutherford said he opposes the idea due to safety and logistical concerns.

Fire Warden Rutherford is referring to Matthew Lynch, who tried to light a firework and throw it outside a Gillette bar. The device detonated instantly, severely damaging his hand and injuring four other people.

The county fire warden encouraged the public to attend one of the many free fireworks shows held throughout the county.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner John Johnson said he agreed with Fire Warden Rutherford’s position on the use of fireworks.

Fireworks are illegal in Carbon County under Resolution 1981-8. The provision states that it is unlawful for any person to possess, store, sell, or use fireworks without a permit from the county fire warden. The ban applies to all unincorporated areas and surrounding public lands of Carbon County. Violators may be fined up to $500 and sentenced to a maximum of 90 days in jail.

Technically, towns are also under the jurisdiction of the county’s fireworks ban. However, Wyoming State Statute 35‑10‑205 gives municipalities the authority to adopt rules that are more or less restrictive than the surrounding county. As a result, towns can host their own fireworks shows without seeking a permit from the fire warden as long as the county is not under fire restrictions. Municipalities within Carbon County also have their own fireworks rules, preventing residents from setting them off outside of sanctioned events and locations.

As it stands, the sale and use of fireworks will remain illegal in Carbon County, according to Fire Warden Rutherford.

The post County Officials Oppose Public Fireworks Sites Over Safety Concerns first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 7, 2026 |

Photo – Credit card example. AI-generated image via Microsoft Copilot.

Rawlins residents are now required to pay credit card processing fees for certain municipal services.

On July 1st, the city of Rawlins instituted a 2.5 percent fee on credit and debit card payments. Finance Director Laura Malone explained that the charges only apply to services funded through the general fund, such as building permits and court costs.

Finance Director Malone clarified that the 2.5 percent credit card fee does not apply to residents’ monthly utility payments. The city’s card processor offers a special rate for those payments, allowing customers to continue using credit or debit cards without the convenience fee.

Malone said the 2.5 percent processing fee reflects the average rate set by major credit card companies.

The city currently pays roughly $30,000 a year in credit and debit card processing fees. Finance Director Malone said shifting that expense to residents gives the city added financial flexibility.

Malone said the 2.5 percent charge also gives residents more control over how their tax money is spent. Under the previous system, when the city paid all credit card fees, residents were essentially covering other people’s processing costs.

To avoid the credit card processing fee, Malone recommended paying by cash or check. She added that checks can be mailed to Rawlins City Hall, but cautioned against sending cash.

The city also provides an outside drop box where residents can deposit payments, although Malone warned against placing cash in it.

Finance Director Malone said residents won’t see the 2.5 percent fee unless they’re using a credit card to pay court costs, enroll in recreation programs such as the golf course, shooting range, or rec center, or purchase a building permit.

The charge also applies to renting city‑owned buildings, including park pavilions and the historic depot.

To reiterate, city residents’ monthly utility payments are not subject to the 2.5 percent credit card processing fee, only general‑fund municipal services.

The post Rawlins Adds Card Processing Fee For Some City Services first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 7, 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

Saratoga officials agreed to spend up to $5,000 to continue the process of taking ownership of the town’s library.

Last year’s statewide property tax cuts resulted in lower revenues for local governments. Carbon County lost approximately $500,000 in residential property tax revenue last fiscal year, prompting a funding reduction to outside services, including museums, senior centers, and libraries.

The Carbon County Library System saw a 53 percent reduction in its county contribution, prompting Library Board members to seek additional financial support from participating municipalities. That request led Saratoga officials to begin the process of taking ownership of the town’s library branch from the county. The arrangement would move building‑maintenance responsibilities to the town, potentially freeing additional county funding for the library system as a whole.

The process for Saratoga to assume ownership of the library began last year, but progress has been slow. The property is technically owned by Carbon County School District Two. The school district originally deeded the land to the county on the condition that if it was no longer used as a library, ownership would revert to the school. As part of its agreement with Saratoga, the county planned to place a deed restriction on the property requiring that it be used for the public good, but not specifically as a library, given that the concept of a library may evolve in the future. The county needs the school district to approve the change before the deal can be finalized.

During the July 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis announced that he was still in talks with School District Two and the county to have the town assume ownership of the library building and the 1.2 acres of land it occupies.

Mayor Davis said before the deal can move forward, a survey is needed to establish who owns which portions of the property.

Mayor Davis said he contacted Engineering Associates to handle the required survey work. The local infrastructure consulting firm offered to identify the boundaries of blocks two through five in the Valley View Addition, which includes the Saratoga Library, and determine the ownership status of properties in the area. The findings will help to clarify which properties the town owns and show where additional survey work may be needed.

Mayor Davis said the project is not expected to cost more than $5,000.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously approved up to $5,000 for Engineering Associates to survey the Valley View Addition. After finishing the job, Engineering Associates will provide cost estimates for surveying additional properties in the area the town may be interested in selling.

The post Saratoga Approves Survey Funding As Library Ownership Talks Continue first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.