Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |

Photo – Bureau of Reclamation logo – Courtesy Bureau of Reclamation

The Bureau of Reclamation will begin a flushing flow, north of Alcova Reservoir, later this week.

In what is essentially a spring-cleaning project, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, at the request of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, will increase water flowing through the Gray Reef Dam. Beginning Thursday, March 5th, and continuing through the 14th, discharge rates will rise during the early morning hours into the afternoon from 500 cubic feet per second, about the volume of a large hot tub, to 4,000 cubic feet per second, roughly comparable to a medium sized swimming pool. Flows will return to normal in the evening, and the process will begin again the next morning.

Dams like Gray Reef block the natural floods that normally flush a waterway, allowing fine silt and sediment to accumulate over time and clog the gravel river bottom. Speaking to Bigfoot99 during last year’s flushing flow, Wyoming Game and Fish Casper Region Public Information Specialist Janet Milek said the Bureau of Reclamation increases water discharge rates at the Gray Reef Dam to create a strong enough current to clear sediment from trout spawning areas.

The Bureau of Reclamation conducts the flushing flow at this time every year. Game and Fish Casper Region Fisheries Supervisor Matt Hahn said the schedule is set to ensure the work happens just before peak trout spawning season.

Hahn said studies show that the flows are critically important to trout spawning and to sustaining wild trout populations in the North Platte River. In the past, trout numbers often fell below 400 fish per mile and could only be maintained by stocking several hundred thousand fingerlings every year. Since annual flushing flows began in 1995, the river’s population has risen to an average of more than 3,500 trout per mile.

Every day for ten consecutive days, the Bureau of Reclamation will increase water flows from the Gray Reef Dam to eight times the normal rate. Fisheries Supervisor Matt Hahn said the flush begins in the middle of the night and finishes by the next morning. Since work occurs overnight, anglers at Gray Reef Dam are unlikely to notice the increased flow. However, those fishing the North Platte River near Casper will see the river rise by early afternoon.

Given the direction of flow on the North Platte River, anglers in areas south of the Gray Reef Dam, including Saratoga, will not be affected by the flushing flow. Casper Region Public Information Specialist Janet Milek, however, warned people traveling to the Alcova Reservoir over the next week to be aware of the rising water levels.

The Gray Reef Dam flushing flow is scheduled to begin this Thursday, March 4th, and last until Saturday, March 14th.

The post Flushing Flow to Start North of Alcova Reservoir Later This Week first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |

Photo – UPRR’s Big Boy engine – Bigfoot99 file photo

The world’s largest operational steam locomotive will embark on a tour of the western United States later this month.

That’s the sound of unit 4014, the last operational Big Boy locomotive, as it pulled into Medicine Bow in July 2024. After heading south last year, the world’s largest operational steam locomotive is scheduled to return to Carbon County once again later this month. Big Boy 4014 will leave the Union Pacific Steam Shop in Cheyenne at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 29th, stopping in Laramie at 11:15 and again in Medicine Bow at 1:30 in the afternoon. After half an hour, the locomotive will continue to Rawlins for an overnight layover that is not open to the public. The following morning, Big Boy 4014 will head westward, with stops in Wamsutter, Rock Springs, and Green River before continuing into Utah, Nevada, California, and back.

Between 1941 and 1944, the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York built 25 Big Boy locomotives for Union Pacific Railroad. The 4‑8‑8‑4 units, a reference to their wheel arrangement, were specifically designed to haul freight on the steep grades of the Wasatch Mountains between Ogden, Utah and Green River, Wyoming. Big Boys operated for 20 years, with most of the fleet retiring by 1962. Of the original 25 units, only eight survive today. Most are on static display in museums across the country, including Steam Shortline Park in Cheyenne.

Unit 4014 is the only Big Boy locomotive currently restored to operating condition. In 2013, Union Pacific reacquired unit 4014 from the Rail Giants Train Museum in Pomona, California, for restoration. After an 11‑day, 1,260‑mile trek, Big Boy arrived at the Union Pacific Steam Works in Cheyenne with the aid of several diesel locomotives. On May 8th, 2014, then‑Cheyenne Mayor Richard Kaysen greeted the newly arrived train in a video provided by Union Pacific.

For two years, Union Pacific crews upgraded the Steam Shop to accommodate the 133‑foot, 600‑ton locomotive, and in August of 2016, restoration work officially began. Unit 4014 was completely disassembled, and its driving wheels were sent to Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania for specialized repairs. As the locomotives had been out of service for over 50 years, many parts had to be made by hand. The engine was also converted from coal to fuel oil.

After four years of work, Big Boy 4014 was officially christened at the Cheyenne Depot Museum on May 4th, 2019. Since that time, the locomotive has typically gone on one or two major tours per year, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Big Boy’s 2026 tour kicks off on Sunday, March 29th, in Cheyenne. After a 30-minute stop in Medicine Bow, the locomotive will continue westward, before returning to Medicine Bow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24th.

Click the below link to watch Big Boy in real time:

404 | Union Pacific

The post Famous Steam Engine Starts New Tour This Month first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |

Photo – Sign at the entrance to Hanna – Bigfoot99 file photo

Hanna officials will apply for grant money to buy new wayfinding signs after agreeing on a design.

On February 23rd, the Hanna Town Council held a special meeting to, among other items, finalize an application for a Destination Development grant. Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales said the purpose of the workshop was to determine the type and number of signs the Council wanted.

Every two years, the Wyoming Office of Tourism reinvests a portion of state tourism dollars into the community through its Destination Development grant program. The Carbon County Visitors Council, also known as Discover Carbon County, submits applications to the state agency on behalf of local municipalities. For example, Saratoga’s representative to the Carbon County Visitors Council, Ellie Dana, will request Destination Development funding for improvements to river access at the Hobo Hot Springs. The Town of Hanna is requesting tourism dollars to install wayfinding signs. During the 2024 grant cycle, Hanna officials requested funding to install a new sprinkler system at Energy Park on the southwest side of town.

At the February 23rd work session, Hanna Mayor Charlie George suggested highlighting the town’s existing points of interest.

Councilman David Felix asked if a sign could be installed on Highway 30, listing the town’s attractions. Clerk Gonzalez explained that the Destination Development grant will not cover that type of project. The signs would need to be within town limits and the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s rights-of-way.

Councilman Sam Sikes suggested adding a sign on Jefferson Road directing visitors to the Seminoe Reservoir and Miracle Mile. However, Councilman Sikes said a similar plan had been reviewed in the past, but the Bureau of Land Management required the marker to meet very specific requirements.

Councilman Felix recommended requesting eight wayfinding signs through the Destination Development grant: two standard road signs pointing to the Hanna Basin Museum and six larger signs directing visitors to other points of interest.

The Town Council agreed that the signs should be orange and blue to match the Hanna Miners’ team colors. Next, the discussion turned to the type and specific location for each of the six larger wayfinding signs. Clerk Gonzales said the final specifications must be approved by WYDOT, adding that the state agency has the authority to remove the signs at its discretion, an eventuality she hopes never occurs.

In the end, the Hanna Town Council chose to request eight orange and blue wayfinding signs through the Wyoming Office of Tourism’s Destination Development grant program. The final design and placement will be determined by the town’s selected sign maker and WYDOT. If approved, the funding will be awarded during the next grant cycle in 2028.

The post Hanna Council Interested in Grant for Wayfinding Signs first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, March 2, 2026 |

Photo – Corner-crossing example – Courtesy Supreme Court document

The corner‑crossing bill advances to the state Senate despite objections from agricultural and recreational groups.

On Wednesday, February 26th, the Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee met to discuss House Bill 19. The measure seeks to codify the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision legalizing crossing between public parcels of land at the corners, given that the individual does not damage the adjacent private property in the process. The Committee passed the bill on a three to two vote, sending it to the full Senate.

House Bill 19 stems from a 2021 case in Carbon County, where Iron Bar Holdings sued four Missouri elk hunters who crossed at a point where two parcels of private land adjoin two parcels of public land on Elk Mountain. Landowner Fred Eshelman argued that by using a ladder to cross over his fence, the hunters trespassed through his private airspace.

The hunters were cited for criminal trespass but were acquitted in Carbon County District Court. Iron Bar Holdings appealed the ruling to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which also sided with the hunters, citing the Unlawful Inclosures Act of 1885, a federal law that prohibits private landowners from obstructing access to public lands. However, the federal court only ruled on the legality of accessing federal land, not property owned by states or local governments.

Earlier this year, the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee introduced House Bill 19, which seeks to codify the federal ruling into state law. The measure would also extend corner crossing to include entering land owned by the state of Wyoming and local governments, provided the person is authorized to access the land in the first place.

After hearing testimony, both for and against the measure, the House Committee passed House Bill 19 with a single amendment. The change requires that corner crossing be done only on foot, not with pack animals or any type of vehicle. The full House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 32 to 28, and it was sent to the Senate for further consideration by that chamber’s Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee.

The Senate Committee met earlier this week to discuss House Bill 19, where House Committee Chairman Andrew Byron explained the intent of the three-page bill.

Bill opponents testified that some corners are not properly marked, forcing hunters to rely on inaccurate GPS reading to find a legal crossing point. Representative Byron responded that hunters, anglers, and hikers are entirely responsible for ensuring they cross at the correct location. The Lincoln and Teton County Republican said objections appear to stem from landowners’ unwillingness to allow more members of the public to access federally held land.

Representative Byron was referring to comments made by Representative Marilyn Connolly, who, during the February 19th session of the House of Representatives, said her Johnson and Sheridan County constituents are concerned about fence damage as more people travel to previously inaccessible public-land parcels.

Senator Brian Boner questioned the need for the measure, saying landowners and hunters typically reach agreements on access without involving law enforcement. Representative Karlee Provenza, who also serves on the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee, agreed that in most situations the parties involved are able to reach an agreement. However, the Albany County Democrat said House Bill 19 responds directly to the earlier case in which an out‑of‑state landowner sued to block the public from accessing federal land.

Representative Andrew Byron added that House Bill 19 does not prohibit landowners from building fences up to the corner. The Lincoln and Teton County Republican said corner crossers would be responsible for accessing public land without touching any private property, including fences.

Following those comments, Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee Chairman Bill Landen opened the floor to public testimony. Wyoming Stockgrowers Association board member Jim Magagna said his organization opposes House Bill 19 as written. Magagna objected to including state-owned lands, saying access to state trust lands is a privilege granted by the State Board of Land Commissioners rather than a guaranteed right.

Magagna provided the Committee with a potential amendment excluding all state-owned land, not just trust lands, from the measure.

Wyoming Backcountry Hunters Association member Buzz Hettick also spoke against House Bill 19. Hettick’s organization helped defend the four Missouri hunters against Iron Bar Holdings in their criminal trespass case. Instead of rushing to enact legislation, Hettick recommended giving landowners and sportsmen time resolve the issue among themselves.

Wyoming Backcountry Hunters Association Co‑Chairman Guy Litt said the 1885 Unlawful Inclosures Act already bars landowners from blocking access to public land. Litt said the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals relied in part on the 1913 MacKay vs Uinta Development Company ruling, in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that public land may be accessed on horseback.

Litt said House Bill 19 only adds confusion to an issue he views as already settled.

Wyoming Farm Bureau Policy Advocacy Director Kelly Carpenter said her organization strongly opposes the measure. Carpenter agreed that corner crossing is an important issue but said Farm Bureau members are already working to open inaccessible checkerboard property through land swaps. The policy advocacy director recommended excluding state-owned land and presented an amendment to limit crossing to marked corners.

Carpender said House Bill 19, as written, would confuse sportsmen and add unnecessary complexity to ranchers’ lives.

Jessi Johnson, Government Affairs Director for the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, also opposed the bill. Johnson asked the Committee to delay a decision for one year so her organization can bring sportsmen and landowners together to draft a proposal they all support.

The Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee heard testimony from three additional members of the public, all of whom opposed the current iteration of House Bill 19. While several committee members favored removing state‑owned land from the measure, they said any such change should be taken up by the full Senate. The committee instead voted to add the Wyoming Farm Bureau’s recommendation that corners be clearly marked before crossing, and advanced House Bill 19 on a three‑to‑two vote. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The post Corner Crossing Bill Advances to State Senate for Consideration first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, February 27, 2026 |

Photo – U.S. penny – Bigfoot99 file photo

Lawmakers decline to consider a bill to standardize the state’s penny rounding policy.

On February 13th, the Wyoming House of Representatives chose not to consider a bill by Teton County Representative Mike Yin. House Bill 71 proposed specific guidelines for handling cash transactions when pennies become scarce. Under the proposal, totals ending in one, two, six, or seven cents would be rounded down to the nearest nickel. For example, a $1.07 purchase would be rounded to $1.05. Totals ending in three, four, eight, or nine cents would be rounded up to the nearest nickel. Credit, debit, check, and exact‑change cash payments would be unaffected.

Without clear guidance from the state, Wyoming businesses and municipalities have had to develop their own approaches to handling cash transactions. The Town of Medicine Bow has been working on a penny rounding policy that closely matches Representative Yin’s proposed bill.

Speaking at the January 12th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Clerk and Treasurer Karen Heath explained that under the town’s proposed system, cash utility payments will be rounded to the nearest nickel. Other payment methods will not be affected.

Councilman Lee Cook questioned the legality of over or undercharging residents for utility payments. Town Attorney Cameron Smith offered to research the matter and, during the following meeting on February 9th, reported that the town appears to be within its legal rights to round pennies.

In the end, the Medicine Bow Town Council voted not to institute an official penny rounding policy until Caselle, the town’s billing program, introduces a software update to automatically round utility payments.

In Cheyenne, as a non-budget bill introduced during the budget session, House Bill 71 would have needed a two-thirds majority vote just to be considered for introduction.

The post State Lawmakers Decline to Consider Penny Rounding Bill first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, February 27, 2026 |

Photo – Hobo Hot Pool – Courtesy Town of Saratoga

Saratoga officials agree to seek state funding to improve the Hobo Hot Springs.

During the February 18th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Ellie Dana, the town’s representative to the Carbon County Visitors Council, announced that the Wyoming Office of Tourism distributes funding to each county every two years. In the most recent funding cycle, Dana said Carbon County received state support for new signage and for hiring Destination Development Specialist Cindy Loose.

Last year, Destination Development Specialist Loose coordinated with groups around the county to identify ways to strengthen tourism in each municipality. The findings from the individual groups will be used to request funding for specific projects during the 2026 Office of Tourism funding cycle.

At the February 18th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Dana said that in 2024 the town requested state funding for extensive improvements to the Hobo Hot Springs and the surrounding area. However, the request was ultimately denied.

Dana said 2026 marks the next Wyoming Office of Tourism funding cycle. The Visitors Council representative recommended requesting funds to improve the hot springs once again. To increase the chances of approval, Dana divided the project into multiple phases. The first phase, adding more signage, is already being managed by a group of Saratoga residents.

The next phase involves improving the appearance of the North Platte River banks and increasing restroom access. If approved, Dana said the state funding will be used to install boulders along the riverbank and provide portable restrooms.

The remaining phases include improving the parking area and constructing a new ADA-compliant restroom.

Dana requested authorization to present the Hobo Hot Springs improvement plan to the full Carbon County Visitors Council board. The Saratoga Town Council unanimously approved her request.

The post Saratoga Council Agrees to Apply for State Funds for Hot Pool Improvements first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, February 27, 2026 |

Photo – Damage to CR603 – Courtesy Carbon County Road and Bridge

County officials have selected a contractor to repair County Road 603.

In October, County Road 603, south of Baggs near the Colorado border, was closed to all traffic after underground water and heavy rainfall caused a section of the roadway to slide down the adjacent hillside. The route has remained closed since that time.

County Road and Bridge Superintendent Kandis Fritz reported that the Wyoming Department of Transportation is using federal Bridge Investment Program funds to replace a bridge over the Little Snake River at no cost to the county. Fritz said if County Road 603 isn’t repaired by spring, the state’s contractor will be unable to reach the bridge site, and the project will be canceled. If that happens, the county would be required to repay WYDOT for encumbered engineering costs totaling roughly $600,000. Fritz said she would rather put that money toward fixing the road.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners approved a $65,000 contract with Engineering Associates to design water mitigation efforts for County Road 603. After receiving the design documents, Fritz issued requests for proposals from contractors to perform the drainage and repair work.

Speaking at the February 17th Board of Commissioners meeting, Road and Bridge Superintendent Fritz said four companies attended last month’s pre‑bid construction meeting, but only two submitted bids, both over $300,000. Fritz asked the Board to award the job to the lowest bidder: Savery Creek Enterprises out of Dixon.

Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked where the funding will come from. Fritz responded that she reallocated over $600,000 from other county road projects to pay for the County Road 603 repairs.

Commissioner John Johnson called for a vote, saying WYDOT won’t be able to complete the nearby bridge replacement project unless County Road 603 is passable. The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to award the job to Savery Creek Enterprises for $311,499. Fritz said the contract states that repair work must be completed by the end of March, weather permitting.

The post Commissioners Select Contractor to Repair County Road first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, February 27, 2026 |

Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

Unexpected permitting fees and delays may hinder companies from installing fiber‑optic internet in Rawlins.

In January, the Rawlins City Council approved franchise agreements for two communications companies: Visionary Communications and All West Wyoming. Both providers plan to install new fiber‑optic lines in the city, giving residents additional options for high‑speed internet.

The franchise agreements give the companies authority to install new underground utilities in the public rights‑of‑way. In return, the city receives compensation for ensuring that the work is done properly.

Per state statute, all franchise agreements must be approved three times during three separate public meetings. Both Visionary and All West were set for final approval at the February 17th Rawlins City Council meeting. However, before the agreements could be passed, the governing body was presented with a resolution to change rights‑of‑way permit costs. Under the amended fee schedule, franchise holders would be required to pay $325 for every 350 feet of subsurface work done in the public right-of-way.

Mayor Jacquelin Wells opened the floor for public comment. Visionary Broadband Chief Executive Officer Brian Worthen suggested meeting with other franchise holders, including All West Wyoming, Rocky Mountain Power, and Black Hills Energy, before approving the new fees. Worthen said his company is prepared to pay for access to the rights‑of‑way but added that the proposed increases may force Visionary Communications to scale back construction, leaving some residents without fiber‑optic service.

Worthen said Visionary Communications is prepared to spend $2,000 per home to bring fiber‑optic internet to Rawlins and asked the governing body not to delay approval of the franchise agreement while it debates the permit fees.

All West Communications Government Relations Director Marty Carollo questioned how the city arrived at the proposed fees, saying that other municipalities typically charge between 17 and 25 cents per foot, not a dollar as proposed in the resolution. Carollo said permitting fees must, by law, cover the cost of city staff to oversee the work, not make money.

Mayor Wells closed the public comment period and moved on to the next agenda item. Later in the meeting, the governing body voted to table the final reading of the Visionary Communications and All West Wyoming franchise agreements until the resolution amending the right‑of‑way fee schedule is approved.

When the resolution was brought up for a vote, Public Works Director Cody Dill explained the new permitting costs. Dill said that during a recent water main break, city crews damaged an underground communications line, which cost $7,500 to repair. The public works director said the amended fee structure is intended to compensate the city for any potential future damages.

Dill added that under the new fee schedule, most subsurface utility installation costs would fall below $10,000.

Mayor Wells asked City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave if she consulted other municipalities before drafting the resolution. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said cities across the United States have adopted similar measures. She added that city staff are heavily burdened by subsurface utility work and the new fees are designed to address those demands.

Mayor Wells asked if any other Wyoming municipalities have similar permit fees in place. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said she believed Rawlins would be the first, adding that other towns are waiting for the city to set a precedent before potentially following suit.

Next, Councilman Steve Sanger asked what the communications companies paid to install subsurface utilities in other Wyoming communities, saying the proposed fees may prevent them from operating in Rawlins. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said prices ranged between $150 and $750 per city block and reiterated that the proposed fees are simply meant to recoup the city’s costs to oversee the communications companies’ work.

Councilman Sanger recommended meeting with the franchise applicants before approving the new right-of-way permit fees.

Vice Mayor Darril Garner agreed that city officials should meet with franchise holders and applicants before approving the fee resolution. Vice Mayor Garner said the communications companies are ready to begin construction and it would be inappropriate to approve an unexpected price increase at this time.

Instead of a high permit fee, Councilwoman Tonya Lewman suggested adding a rule requiring the franchise holder to pay for any damages they cause while installing underground utilities. All West Communications Government Relations Director Marty Carollo said the existing agreement already requires all franchise holders to be fully insured and bonded against accidental damage.

Vice Mayor Garner asked the communications companies if delaying their franchise agreements would affect their construction schedules. Visionary Broadband CEO Brian Worthen replied in the affirmative, adding that his company is at a standstill until the agreement is approved.

Worthen said the city stands to benefit from expanded access to fiber‑optic internet, which could help attract new businesses and encourage young people to stay. The Visionary Broadband CEO expressed frustration that the governing body is requiring franchise applicants to wait while it decides on the new right‑of‑way permit fees.

Mayor Wells acknowledged the positive impact fiber‑optic internet will have on the city and considered holding a special meeting to address the franchise agreements separately from the amended fee schedule. However, the mayor expressed concern that a special meeting would put undue pressure on city staff. Instead, the governing body agreed to revisit the franchise agreement during its next regularly scheduled meeting on March 3rd. In the meantime, city staff will begin reaching out to franchise holders and applicants to arrange a meeting to discuss future right‑of‑way permit fees.

The post Franchise Agreements Delayed While Council Decides Fee Changes first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, February 26, 2026 |

Photo – Parked trucks – Bigfoot99 file photo

State lawmakers continue advancing a bill that would allow sheriffs and police to cite commercial drivers for language deficiencies.

On Tuesday, February 24th, the Senate Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee met to discuss several items, including House Bill 32. If passed, the measure will allow every law enforcement agency in Wyoming to issue citations to commercial drivers who fail to demonstrate a basic English language proficiency. House Bill 32 was drafted in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order reinstating minimum language requirements for commercial truck drivers, a standard that was reduced under the Obama administration.

Speaking at the February 24th session of the Senate Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee, Wyoming Highway Patrol Operations Commander Lieutenant Colonel Karl Germain described House Bill 32.

House Bill 32 authorizes all Wyoming law enforcement officers, including sheriff’s deputies and local police, to issue $1,000 tickets to drivers who fail a roadside English proficiency test. In addition, the drivers are “taken out of service” and cannot continue driving until they can pass the language test. Repeat offenders may be cited another $1,000 and arrested. Lieutenant Colonel Germain clarified that the measure does not give those officers authority to conduct federal Department of Transportation safety inspections.

Highway Patrol Commercial Carrier Supervisor Lieutenant Kyle McKay said President Trump’s executive order went into effect last June. Between that time and beginning of this year, the Wyoming Highway Patrol found 775 commercial truck drivers in violation of the English language proficiency requirement, with 19 arrested for repeated offenses.

Sweetwater County Senator John Kolb asked what happens after a truck driver is taken out of service for failing the language test. Lieutenant McKay responded that in most scenarios, the trucking company must send a replacement driver, which may take considerable time. At that point, Highway Patrol is gone and the new driver simply continues on his way.

Lieutenant McKay added that federal law prohibits officers from writing a ticket to a co-driver unless they were driving at the time of the inspection.

In a follow-up question, Senator Kolb asked if Highway Patrol informs other agencies when drivers are put out of service for failing the language test. Lieutenant McKay said all violations are uploaded to a nationwide database.

District 20 Senator Ed Cooper, who represents Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties, asked if House Bill 32 simply codifies federal statutes, specifically Connor’s Law. Lieutenant Colonel Karl Germain said the state measure is entirely unique, sharing only the English language test with federal law and walked the Committee through the roadside testing process.

Lieutenant Colonel Karl Germain explained that under Connor’s Law, only Highway Patrol Troopers with Department of Transportation training can take noncompliant commercial drivers off the road. House Bill 32 specifically gives all Wyoming law enforcement officers the authority to do the same.

After reviewing the bill, Committee Chairman Senator Stephan Pappas opened the floor to public comment. Wyoming Trucking Association President Kevin Hawley spoke in support of the measure. Hawley commended Wyoming lawmakers and the Highway Patrol for acting on President Trump’s executive order when other states disregarded the new regulations.

Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police Executive Director Allen Thompson echoed Hawley’s comments.

Not everyone testified in support of House Bill 32. University of Wyoming Graduate Research and Engagement Librarian Kendra Cowley said the measure is not aimed at creating safer roads, but instead at discriminating against immigrant commercial truck drivers.

Cowley said House Bill 32 would allow officers to make subjective determinations about a driver’s English proficiency, opening the door to what she described as further discrimination against people of color. The University of Wyoming librarian added that most commercial drivers pass through Wyoming without incident and questioned the need for increased enforcement.

Senator Kolb clarified that the measure does not discriminate against anyone beyond those who are unable to demonstrate the federally mandated minimum language proficiency. For that reason, the Sweetwater County Senator said he supports House Bill 32.

Committee Chairman Senator Pappas refuted Cowley’s earlier statement that noncompliant drivers pose little danger. The Laramie County Republican said they present a risk to everyone on the road because they cannot comprehend traffic control signage.

Following the Chairman’s statements, the Senate Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee voted to move House Bill 32 to the full Senate with no amendments. The Senate must pass the measure two more times before it can be signed into law by Governor Mark Gordon.

The post CDL English Proficiency Bill Moves to State Senate for Consideration first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, February 26, 2026 |

Photo – CDT marker – Courtesy Discover Carbon County Wyoming

Rawlins officials commit to enhancing the city’s standing as a tourist destination.

In a recent media release, Rawlins Public Information Officer Mira Miller wrote that the city is the only location where the Union Pacific Railroad’s Historic Transcontinental Rail Corridor, the Lincoln Highway, the First Transcontinental Air Mail Route, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, and the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail intersect.

Speaking to Bigfoot99, Public Information Officer Miller said city officials are pursuing ways to highlight Rawlins as a one‑of‑a‑kind historic destination.

City Manager Matt Hall described Rawlins as an “anthropological anomaly,” adding that the city is the largest community located directly on the Continental Divide Trail. Positioned at the midpoint of the 3,100‑mile route between Mexico and Canada, Rawlins is a frequent stopping point for long‑distance hikers. Combined with the historically significant trails and routes that converge in Rawlins, Hall said the city should be recognized across Wyoming.

The City Council recently issued a resolution in support of securing destination development grant funding and private partnerships to highlight the unique aspects of Rawlins. Public Information Officer Miller said the money will be used to develop ways to strengthen the city’s reputation among those unfamiliar with its historical significance.

City Manager Hall added that the goal of the destination development study is to potentially establish interpretive sites in the downtown district to encourage people to visit the community. However, Hall said the project is too early in development to say exactly what the final plan will look like.

Last November, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer and members of the Continental Divide Trail Community Committee discussed an idea to construct a gathering place for hikers along West Cedar Street, between 1st and 5th Streets, called the Multi‑Block Destination District.

City Manager Hall agreed that the area where the Union Pacific transcontinental rail corridor, Lincoln Highway, and CDT intersect would be the best location for a future attraction.

Hall said that when concrete plans are in place, city officials will reach out to the Wyoming Office of Tourism for funding. The city manager said he believes the state agency is likely to financially support a lesser‑known tourist destination such as Rawlins.

Hall added that state lawmakers have indicated they would like to use tourism money collected from those popular sites to help improve the profile of smaller locations.

Public Information Officer Mira Miller said city officials are encouraged by the potential economic benefit of the proposed project and the opportunity to bring more traffic to local businesses.

The post Rawlins Officials Will Enhance City’s Tourism with Historic Trails first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.