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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.

July 7, 2026 |

Photo – Courtesy of Memorial Hospital of Carbon County

County commissioners appointed Dr. Duane Abels to the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.

During the June 16th Carbon County Commission meeting, the commissioners interviewed Susan Smith and Dr. Duane Abels to fill a vacant seat on the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Board of Trustees. The five‑member board oversees operations and management of the Rawlins medical center.

The commissioners began with Dr. Abels, who also serves as the county’s public health officer. Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked why he wanted to serve on the Memorial Hospital board, and Dr. Abels said his interest comes from having spent several years as a non‑voting member. As a full board member, Dr. Abels said he can continue serving the community and help steer the hospital’s financial direction.

Dr. Abels added that he will also focus on attracting providers to the Rawlins facility, saying he offers unique insight when hiring new doctors. He noted, however, that he will abstain from any votes related to those hires.

Dr. Abels said his years at the hospital have let him watch multiple CEOs come and go and learn what works and what doesn’t.

Next, Commission Chairman Travis Moore asked Dr. Abels to describe his qualifications to serve on the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees. Dr. Abels said his nearly 50 years at the Rawlins medical center, along with his experience as a non‑voting board member, have prepared him for the role.

Commissioner John Espy asked Dr. Abels what he believes is the most important change Memorial Hospital can make to better serve the community. Dr. Abels said he would ensure that both the chief financial and chief executive officers continue to provide the Board of Trustees with transparent financial reporting.

Commissioner Sue Jones asked Dr. Abels about his long‑term vision for Memorial Hospital. He responded that the medical center must attract more long-term providers and improve its financial position.

Commissioner John Johnson questioned if Memorial Hospital should add or remove medical services. Dr. Abels said hospital administrators must ensure that any additional services are financially sustainable and fulfill a public need.

Dr. Abels said he hopes to see more services for seniors, the addition of kidney dialysis, and enhanced orthopedic care. However, he cautioned that OBGYN services are unlikely to return.

Dr. Abels concluded that the current CEO, Kerry Ashment, is doing a good job of working with the Board of Trustees.

The commissioners then interviewed Susan Smith, a member of the Rawlins Senior Center Advisory Council, for a place on the Memorial Hospital Board. Smith was asked the same questions as Dr. Abels, including why she wanted to serve on the Board of Trustees. She said she would bring legal and administrative experience to the role.

Smith was asked what specific strengths she would bring to the Board of Trustees. Smith responded that she previously worked for a medical center and possesses the cognitive skills needed to make sound decisions. On top of those qualifications, Smith said she has over two decades of experience in the financial sector.

Commissioner Espy asked Smith to name one thing she could do to improve Memorial Hospital. Because she is not originally from the area, Smith said she could provide an outsider’s perspective. In addition, she offered her legal services, but noted that she is not certified to practice in the state.

When asked about her long‑term plans for the hospital, Smith said she would like patients to no longer have to travel to Casper or Cheyenne for needed medical care. Vice Chairwoman Bartlett then asked how she would implement those plans. Smith replied that she would need to review the hospital’s finances and identify alternative ways to pay for added services.

Smith said from the outside, the current Memorial Hospital administration appears to be making steady progress.

After interviewing both candidates, the Board of Commissioners held an executive session to discuss their selection. After reconvening the meeting, the commissioners chose Dr. Duane Abels to fill the open Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Board of Trustees position. The commissioners expressed their appreciation that more than one person applied for the role.

The post Dr. Duane Abels Appointed to MHCC Board of Trustees first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 6, 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

Saratoga officials approved $3,000 to identify leaks in the town’s public swimming pool.

During the July 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner presented a contract with American Leak Detection, a Denver, Colorado‑based pool and plumbing inspection company. Penner explained that the town’s public swimming pool has a major leak that he described as “growing like a pretty aggressive cancer.” Because of it, he said the pool is losing a substantial amount of water.

Penner said technicians with American Leak Detection can test the lines feeding the pool and identify where the water loss is occurring.

After the problem areas are located, Penner said town crews can dig down to the pipe and make the necessary repairs. The public works director said a visit from a single American Leak Detection technician will cost nearly $3,000.

According to town documents, adding a second technician would increase the cost by roughly $1,600. However, American Leak Detection only recommends that option for properties with large or multiple pools.

The technician will pressurize the compromised supply lines with nitrogen and use a sonic listening device to identify where gas is escaping underground. Any problem areas will be marked above ground for town crews to repair. The pool must be full, clean, and heated so the worker can enter the water during the inspection.

Penner said the testing will take place at the end of the swimming season, around Labor Day. He asked the governing body to approve the American Leak Detection contract now to ensure the company is available at that time.

Mayor Chuck Davis recommended moving ahead with the work and asked for a motion to approve up to $3,000 for the testing. Councilman Cory Oxford moved, Jerry Fluty seconded, and the motion passed.

The post Saratoga Approves Leak Testing for Public Pool first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

July 6th 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 File Photo

Rawlins officials are working to establish regulations on electric bicycles.

During the June 16th Rawlins City Council meeting, City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave said her office has received calls from residents asking about the legality of electric bicycles, commonly known as e‑bikes.

Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the increasing popularity of e‑bikes has contributed to a nationwide increase in rider deaths and serious injuries. While no deaths have occurred in Rawlins, she said the city is seeing a growing number of e‑bike‑related injuries.

As a result of those incidents, Maberry‑Nave said many state and local governments have begun adopting regulations on e‑bike use. She said residents have asked if Rawlins planned to implement similar restrictions. The city attorney noted that in 2022, the governing body created ordinances regulating electric scooters in anticipation of scooter‑share services such as Lime and Bird launching in the city. However, those companies never expanded into Rawlins.

Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the city’s existing ordinances are unclear regarding the regulation of electric bicycles. She said while the city defines an e‑bike as a motor vehicle, the state removed them from that classification eight years ago.

As a result, she said e‑bikes can no longer be legally classified as motorcycles by the city.

Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the Wyoming Legislature left the oversight of electric bicycles to individual municipalities. For that reason, she is working with the Rawlins Police Department to ensure safe e‑bike use within city limits. The city attorney said she is reviewing recommendations from the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, along with other towns’ regulations, to determine what will work for Rawlins, including potential age restrictions and helmet requirements.

In addition, Maberry‑Nave said other municipalities have ordinances requiring e‑bike riders to follow all traffic laws. Because most violations involve minors, she said many towns fine parents, with penalties increasing based on the number of offenses.

Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the purpose of any potential e‑bike regulations is to give riders, parents, and law enforcement clear rules while promoting public safety and reducing risk in the community. With that goal in mind, she said she will bring amended ordinances to the City Council for future consideration.

The post Rawlins Looks to Establish E-Bike Regulations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

WEDNESDAY, July 1,2026|

Photo – Search & Rescue banner – Bigfoot99 file photo

County officials commended the responders who helped during May’s snowstorm.

During the June 16th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken asked to recognize the county’s Search and Rescue volunteers and workers with the Knife River Corporation. Sheriff Bakken said the two organizations spent over 100 hours assisting the public during May’s spring snowstorm and offered letters of commendation for everyone involved.

Sheriff Bakken said most people assume the county’s Search and Rescue team only helps people stranded in the forest or locates lost individuals. However, he said they provide support in multiple ways during an emergency. The sheriff said Search and Rescue volunteers Michelle Sidun, Mike Lujan, Randy Cragoe, and Tonya French kept the Jeffery Memorial Community Center open for Rawlins residents who lost power during the storm. In addition, Sheriff Bakken said Cacey Daniels and the Knife River crew worked to clear snow off Interstate 80.

Sheriff Bakken said he appreciated everything the Search and Rescue volunteers and Knife River Corporation crews did during the snow emergency, adding that the situation would have been worse without their assistance.

The post County Officials Commend Volunteers Who Assisted During May’s Snowstorm first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

TUESDAY, June 30, 2026|

Photo – Baseball on the field – Bigfoot99 file photo

A Saratoga resident asked the town to add stop signs near the Little League fields to keep children safe.

During the June 17th Saratoga Town Council meeting, resident Richard Hodges requested to have stop signs installed at the intersection of West Hugus Avenue and North 3rd Street. Hodges said the area around the Wood Baseball Fields is very dangerous.

Hodges said something must be done to slow ranch trucks moving through the area. He said traffic‑control signs at the intersection would help.

Hodges said the town must do something to control traffic at the corner of Hugus Avenue and 3rd Street before a child is killed crossing the street.

Hodges, who lives near the intersection, said he isn’t opposed to the traffic around Wood Fields and likes seeing the ballfields used. However, he said he worries a child could be killed if the town doesn’t take steps to slow traffic down.

Hodges said he didn’t believe the area around Wood Fields had any Children at Play signs, prompting Mayor Chuck Davis to ask about posted speed‑limit signs. Saratoga Police Chief John Moore said he was unsure what signs were in place since the baseball fields were put back into use, adding that he will review the speed limit.

Mayor Davis directed Chief Moore to investigate the signage around Wood Fields and determine what, if any, additional traffic‑control measures are needed to keep the children safe.

The post Saratoga Resident Asks for Traffic Signs Near Baseball Fields first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.