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FRIDAY, June 5, 2026 |

Photo – Rawlins CDT Gateway Community Committee Members Don and Christy Hall, Terry and Jill Patterson, Mira Miller with Special Volunteer Jerry Wood – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The public is invited to a Rawlins community cleanup day.

Tomorrow, June 6th, is the first National Trails Day celebration in Rawlins. Rawlins CDT Gateway Community Committee member Mira Miller explained that the city is organizing cleanup efforts on two areas of the Continental Divide Trail, one south of the city and the other in the downtown business district.

The Continental Divide Trail is one of the country’s three major north–south hiking corridors, along with the Pacific Crest Trail on the west coast and the Appalachian Trail to the east. The roughly 3,100‑mile route begins in the Big Hatchet Mountains of New Mexico and ends at Waterton Lakes National Park in Montana. Rawlins sits roughly halfway between the two points, making it a popular stop for through‑hikers.

Rawlins Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer said due to the city’s prominent spot on the trail, she chose to combine the regular annual community cleanup efforts with the National Trails Day celebration.

DDA Director Thayer said to join the cleanup efforts, participants should gather at Depot Park, at 4th and Front streets, at 9 a.m. Crews will work to prepare the surrounding area for upcoming summer activities.

A free breakfast will be served, compliments of Power Company of Wyoming.

Alternatively, cleanup day participants can choose to work on the Continental Divide Trail south of town. City Councilman and Rawlins CDT Gateway Community Committee member Terry Patterson said crews will meet one mile south of Rawlins on Highway 71, also known as the south road, at 9 a.m. From there, everyone will be driven to the work site to remove large debris items from the trail. Councilman Patterson urged participants to come prepared.

Councilman Patterson said he will bring his personal UTV to help move heavy items off the trail and encouraged participants with UTVs to bring theirs as well. He expressed his gratitude to those planning to help with the Continental Divide Trail cleanup project.

The city is donating the landfill fees for items removed from the trail.

In addition to Saturday’s cleanup efforts on the southern portion of the trail, the Rawlins CDT Gateway Community Committee recently improved the northern section as well. To address the lack of water access north of the city, Councilman Patterson and the Community Committee constructed a water cache at mile marker 1659, roughly halfway between Rawlins and Bairoil. He explained that the cache is built from a large toolbox with a tank inside that hikers can use for drinking water.

The Rawlins National Trails Day cleanup starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow, June 6th. Participants may meet at Depot Park or on Highway 71, one mile south of the city. Great Divide Outdoors sporting goods will serve a free lunch after the cleanup.

The post Community Clean-Up Day is Saturday in Rawlins first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

THURSDAY, June 4, 2026 |

Photo – Trees for sale – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is hosting a tree sale and raffle as part of its annual Arbor Day celebration.

Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees. The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10th, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and within two decades every state except Delaware had adopted the observance. On April 28th, 1972, roughly 100 years after its inception, President Richard Nixon designated Arbor Day as a national holiday.

For 31 years, Rawlins has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA, a designation that reflects the city’s commitment to urban forestry and tree care. Parks Superintendent Nate Williams explained that the city is dedicated to the conservation related holiday.

To maintain its Tree City USA status, Rawlins must hold an annual Arbor Day celebration. This year’s event takes place tomorrow and Saturday, June 5th and 6th. Parks Superintendent Williams said the city will be selling trees, stickers, and raffle tickets to support future urban‑forestry projects. In addition, Williams said food trucks and a bounce house will be set up outside the Rawlins Family Recreation Center.

Roughly 80 climate‑appropriate trees and bushes will be on sale during the Arbor Day celebration. Williams said he’s also included grape vines, which aren’t typical for the area’s conditions, but are proven to do well here.

Prices range from $20 for grape vines to $100 for more established trees. Williams said the city does not profit from the tree sales.

The fundraising portion of the Arbor Day celebration comes from the tree raffle and sticker sales. Williams said sticker prices vary widely, but they primarily serve as a way for residents to contribute to the city’s tree planting efforts.

The city’s Arbor Day celebration will take place at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center located at 1616 Harshman Street. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Parks department staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance on tree selection and care.

The post Rawlins Celebrates Arbor Day This Weekend first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

THURSDAY, June 4, 2026 |

Photo – Saratoga logo – Bigfoot99 file photo

Attendees of Saratoga Days will notice a few changes at this year’s event.

Twenty twenty-six marks the 11th anniversary of Saratoga Days, the Platte Valley’s annual community concert event. Like all activities expected to use town‑owned property, draw a crowd, or otherwise involve coordination with the town, Saratoga Days requires the governing body to approve a special events permit. Executive Director Joe Elder submitted an application on behalf of the Platte Valley Community Center.

Speaking at the June 2nd Saratoga Town Council meeting, Elder explained that the event will take place on July 4th, as usual. However, due to the large number of activities planned for this Independence Day, which also marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he said the Saratoga Days concert will begin after the other events have finished.

During Saratoga Days, Bridge Avenue between Highway 130 and North River Street is closed to vehicle traffic. This year, Elder said he would like to close one more block to the north, including East Main Avenue. He said that change would relocate food trucks, which normally park on Bridge Avenue, out of the concert area.

In addition, the outdoor restrooms would also be moved north onto River Street. Police Chief John Moore clarified that Main Avenue would not be closed until after the town’s 4th of July parade because the road serves as an alternate parade route.

Mayor Chuck Davis said he was not opposed to the additional road closure but added that the alley between Highway 130 and North River Street must remain open for emergency vehicles.

The other members of the governing body also voiced their support for the additional road closure and unanimously voted to approve Joe Elder’s Saratoga Days special events permit application.

The post Saratoga Days Event License Approved by Town Council first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

THURSDAY, June 4, 2026 |

Photo – Donation flyer – Courtesy CCSD#2

Carbon County School District Two is requesting meat donations to supplement its student meal program.

Several years ago, Carbon County School District Two, which serves the eastern half of the county, purchased a steer from an H‑E‑M High School student at the county fair. Superintendent Darrin Jennings said that since that time, the district has sought donations of beef and pork to serve to students.

School District Two will accept donations of beef and pork, but not poultry. Superintendent Darrin Jennings said the animal must be butchered and packaged by a United States Department of Agriculture‑recognized processor. The district can also take unprocessed meat and will cover the cost of having it prepared by a USDA‑approved facility. Jennings said the finished product is then distributed throughout the school district.

In addition to adult animals, School District Two will also accept bottle calves and piglets. Jennings said FFA students at H‑E‑M High School can raise the animals until they are ready for slaughter, after which the district pays to have them processed in a USDA‑approved facility.

Due to the fact that reimbursements were not covering meal costs, Carbon County School District Two has withdrawn from the National School Lunch Program, which provided free and reduced‑price meals. Beginning next school year, all students will be required to pay for their lunches.

Superintendent Jennings said the request for meat donations is not directly tied to the departure from the federal program. However, leaving it allows the district to offer a wider range of menu options.

For more information or to donate a cow or pig, call the Carbon County School District Two central office in Saratoga at 326‑5271 and ask for Superintendent Darrin Jennings or Business Manager Sally Wells. The district will arrange to transport the animal to the school or a USDA‑recognized processor.

The post CCSD#2 Asks for Beef and Pork Donations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2026 |

Photo – Seargent Chris Fischer and Deputy Dylan Bilharz and their awards – Courtesy CCSO

County officials thanked emergency personnel for going above and beyond during last month’s severe snow event.

On May 18th and 19th, Carbon County experienced a major spring snowstorm. The event left many residents without power, some for more than a day.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken recognized Sergeant Chris Fischer and Deputy Dylan Bilharz for their efforts during the snow emergency. Sheriff Bakken explained that Deputy Bilharz and Sergeant Fischer responded to an individual in distress at the Flying J truck stop in Rawlins. The sheriff said their actions saved the person’s life.

Sheriff Bakken said Sergeant Fischer and Deputy Bilharz both volunteered to work overtime without being asked, and he presented the two officers with a departmental lifesaving award and a letter of commendation.

The sheriff said other members of his department also received letters of commendation for their actions during what he referred to as last month’s “snowmageddon.” Sheriff Bakken said many individuals took the initiative to work far beyond their scheduled shifts.

Sheriff Bakken said each person acted on their own initiative, far beyond their normal duties, which he said speaks highly of their character. The Board of Commissioners agreed and thanked everyone for their efforts during the snowstorm.

The post County Thanks Emergency Personnel for Actions During Last Month’s Snow Storm first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2026 |

Photo – SPD patch – Bigfoot99 file photo

Saratoga officials approved a 10‑year contract to provide the police department with new body cameras and tasers.

As reported by Bigfoot99 and Bandit102, during the May 6th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Police Chief John Moore asked to enter into a decade‑long agreement with Axon. Chief Moore explained that his department already had two shorter contracts with the law‑enforcement technology company and that the new agreement would combine them into a single long‑term contract.

Under the new agreement, Chief Moore said Axon would provide his officers with new body cameras, tasers, dash cams, and license‑plate‑reader trailers, with scheduled upgrades throughout the length of the contract. At $382,930.14, the chief acknowledged the price was high but explained that the payments would be spread out over 10 years.

The governing body agreed not to vote on the Axon contract until they had time to review the agreement.

The matter was brought up again during the May 20th Town Council meeting. Chief Moore asked the governing body if they had any additional questions about the contract.

Councilman Bub Barkhurst asked about the license‑plate‑reader trailers. He said the technology, which automatically scans every license plate to check for warrants and other law enforcement alerts, has been the subject of controversy after they were deployed in Cheyenne. The Flock‑brand readers share data nationally with federal agencies, including the FBI. In addition, the cameras record not only license plates, but also vehicle make, model, color, and other distinguishing features.

Chief Moore explained that data collected by the Axon plate readers can only be used by the Saratoga Police Department.

Chief Moore said he can control how long the license‑plate data is retained, which is currently set at 30 days.

Councilman Barkhurst noted that Flock is currently facing an active class‑action lawsuit for sharing license‑plate data with federal law enforcement. Chief Moore responded that he would not release the Axon data to other agencies without the Town Council’s approval.

Satisfied with the chief’s explanation, Councilman Barkhurst asked if the contract included periodic technology updates at no additional cost to the town. Chief Moore said it did, adding that the Tasers currently used by his officers are outdated. Under the agreement, Axon would immediately provide new Taser units and upgrade them to the latest model after five years. The chief added that the contract provides for scheduled replacement of all Axon‑brand equipment.

Chief Moore said he will not need any additional Axon equipment for the next ten years unless the town hires more officers. He added that the contract payments will come from money already allocated in the police department’s capital equipment and IT budgets.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously approved the $382,930.14 10‑year Axon contract. Annual payments are set at $38,277.

The post Saratoga Town Council Approves 10-Year Police Equipment Contract first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

WEDNESDAY, June 3, 2026 |

Photo – Seminoe Pumped Storage Project overview – Courtesy rPlus Hydro

Local officials also commented on the potential negative effects of the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Facility.

As reported by Bigfoot99 and Bandit102, the Wyoming Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee met on May 28th to hear testimony about the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project. After hearing from state and federal agencies about their concerns over the impact the project may have on local fish and wildlife, the committee opened the floor to public comment.

During that period, Carbon County Commissioner John Espy testified that his concerns about the project stem from the revised National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, process. NEPA is the federal law that requires agencies to study and disclose the environmental effects of major federal actions before making decisions. However, the NEPA process works differently when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is involved, as it is in this case. FERC directs the environmental review instead of depending on land‑management agencies like the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Reclamation, all of which are involved in this project.

Commissioner Espy said the Board of Carbon County Commissioners relies on the standard NEPA process to identify any potential issues with a project.

Commissioner Espy recommended having the project proponent, rPlus Hydro, work with Wyoming Game and Fish and other resource‑management agencies before beginning the NEPA environmental review process.

The Seminoe Pumped Storage Facility must still be evaluated by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council, which calculates and distributes impact assistance payments to offset the strain large industrial projects place on local infrastructure and government operations. Commissioner Espy said the Industrial Siting Council’s estimated allocation will not cover the cost of maintaining Seminoe Road during construction.

Commissioner Espy said the state has demonstrated that it can balance development with environmental protection but added that he was concerned about the lack of clear information on the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.

After hearing all the testimony, the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee voted to compile the questions raised by the public and committee members and send them to rPlus Hydro, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Wyoming Senators Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, and any current or future permitting agencies.

When the Board of Carbon County Commissioners met on Tuesday, Espy voiced his frustration with his experience testifying in Casper.

Despite his concerns, Commissioner Espy said the meeting provided an opportunity for the county to raise issues about rPlus Hydro’s perceived lack of environmental studies. Additionally, he said the meeting demonstrated that the Board of Carbon County Commissioners is involved in the regulatory process.

Commissioner Espy said he believes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is not meeting the Council on Environmental Quality’s requirements to evaluate a reasonable range of alternatives and hold meaningful public comment periods. He linked those concerns to the state of Wyoming’s refusal to participate as a cooperating agency.

Although local, state, and federal agencies have raised concerns about the project, Commissioner Espy said he believes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will sign off on the Seminoe Pumped Storage Facility. However, rPlus Hydro must still obtain an amendment to the Bureau of Land Management’s Rawlins Resource Management Plan to allow for year‑round construction, which will disturb the Ferris–Seminoe bighorn sheep herd, and to change the visual character of Seminoe Reservoir. Espy said the Board of Carbon County Commissioners will be involved in that process as well.

The post County Commissioner Speaks on the Negative Impacts of Proposed Project first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

TUESDAY, June 2, 2026 |

Photo – Rawlins’ water tank above hospital – Bigfoot99 file photo

Rawlins officials are seeking a State Lands and Investments Board grant to pay for a water infrastructure project.

On Wednesday, May 27th, the Rawlins City Council held a special meeting to approve the submission of a mineral royalty grant to the State Lands and Investments Board. Councilman Steve Sanger introduced the motion to request $1.5 million to pay for a pressure booster station at the intersection of Date and 9th Streets.

Funded with state mineral royalty revenues, the MRG program helps local governments pay for critical public‑service needs, including emergency vehicle purchases and water and sewer infrastructure projects.

The grant request stems from an incident that occurred in late April and early May, where multiple breaks were discovered on the high‑pressure line serving the Hospital and Painted Hills storage tanks. The two tanks provide treated drinking water to roughly half the city. After repairs were completed, Public Works Director Cody Dill reported that 1.55 million gallons of treated water were lost during the weeklong incident, with repair costs totaling between $35,000 and $40,000.

During the May 19th Rawlins City Council meeting, Sunrise Engineer CJ Walker explained that if the high‑pressure line fails, there is no way to maintain water service to higher-elevation areas of the city, a point underscored by last month’s incident. In those circumstances, Walker said residents must depend on the water already stored in the Hospital and Painted Hills tanks while crews repair the line.

Walker recommended installing a pressure‑booster pump station at the intersection of Date and 9th Streets, where the city’s high‑pressure line meets the low‑pressure system. He said a pump at that location would allow crews to reroute the low‑level flow into the high‑pressure system when needed.

Walker said that as the high‑pressure line continues to deteriorate, the city will experience more and more failures. With the booster station in place, he said crews can take the line out of service long enough to complete long‑term repair work.

To install the pressure‑booster station, a portion of Date Street would need to shift to one‑way traffic, and the sidewalk would be extended into the roadway to create space for the pump. Walker said the station is expected to occupy roughly a ten‑by‑ten‑foot section of the sidewalk. The city can either build a small structure or install a cage to protect the station from vandalism, with the final design depending on how much the city is willing to spend. The governing body voted to have Sunrise Engineering design the booster station.

Back at the May 27th special meeting, City Manager Matt Hall explained that the mineral royalty grant application is for $750,000 with the city providing a 50 percent match. Hall added that the State Lands and Investments Board is expected to consider the city’s application during its June 18th meeting.

Hall said the city’s grant match will come from a combination of general fund reserves and a loan to the water enterprise fund. The City Council voted to approve the $1.5 million MRG application.

The post Rawlins Council Votes to Apply for State Grant first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

TUESDAY, June 2, 2026 |

Photo – Mosquito cartoon – Courtesy brgfx on Magnific website

Mosquito spraying in Saratoga is scheduled to begin next week.

During the May 20th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner announced that mosquito season has arrived. Penner said truck-based spraying is expected to start on June 8th, with aerial applications occurring later this month.

Once mosquito spraying begins, applications will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Evening applications reduce the chance of bees encountering the pesticides.

In addition to the ground‑based spraying, the town is planning four aerial treatments throughout the summer, three targeting mosquito larvae and one for the adult insects.

Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS, for all chemicals used in the mosquito‑control program are available at Saratoga Town Hall.

The post Saratoga Announces Mosquito Spraying Schedule first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MONDAY, June 1, 2026 |

Photo – The Museum House – Memories Matter – Courtesy Adene Wuertley

A Bairoil resident has opened a museum to preserve the town’s history.

Adene Wuertley has lived in Bairoil for 50 years, having moved to the small oil‑producing town in 1976 with her husband, Bob. A former teacher, Wuertley said she had long hoped Bairoil would have its own museum, much like other towns in Carbon County.

Over the years, Wuertley said she proposed creating a museum to the Bairoil Town Council, but the governing body showed no inclination to pursue the idea. Instead of waiting for the town to act, she took matters into her own hands, establishing The Museum House – Memories Matter.

Wuertley said Carbon County School District One shut down the Bairoil School in 2013 due to a lack of students. She said that after the closure, she and her friend LB Brantner requested permission to keep items from the building.

Wuertley kept the items in her garage until the opportunity came for her to purchase an additional house and transform it into the unofficial Bairoil museum.

After learning of her efforts, Wuertley said people were eager to loan her items for the museum, including many pieces from the Bairoil School provided by Lori Smith, a former resident and author of Bairoil… The Unfinished Story.

Wuertley encouraged other Bairoil residents to visit her museum and record stories about the town.

The Museum House – Memories Matter is located at 307 Indian Paintbrush Avenue in Bairoil. Wuertley hasn’t established set hours yet. Instead, she asked people to call her at 320-6563 to arrange a time to visit. Admission is free.

The post Bairoil Resident Starts Museum to Preserve Town’s History first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.