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Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |

Photo – Hanna rec center – Bigfoot99 file photo

The head of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation outlined challenges of repurposing Hanna’s former recreation center.

During the February 10th Hanna Town Council meeting, Carbon County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Yvonne Johnson provided the governing body with an update on recent work by her organization. Johnson began by assuring elected officials and residents that the Economic Development Corporation has not given up on the Hanna Recreation Center.

Built in 1983 during the coal boom, the Hanna Recreation Center once served thousands of residents, but by 2024 had only about 30 members left. With operational costs of roughly $300,000 a year and impact assistance money running out, the town closed the facility on July 31st, 2024. Since then, the building has sat vacant and has continued to deteriorate.

Last year, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality hired Ayres Associates to determine what options, if any, were available to redevelop the former Hanna Recreation Center.

In August, the Wisconsin‑based engineering consulting firm presented the governing body with a 10‑page report outlining two possibilities for the building: find someone willing to convert the facility into a factory space or demolish it. At least one Council member favored demolition, but Ayres Associates representative Mike Scholl estimated the cost at more than $600,000, money the town does not have.

Back at the February 10th meeting, Yvonne Johnson said Ayres Associates would like the Council to make a decision about the rec center.

Johnson said since Ayres Associates presented its report, she has been searching for someone willing to take over the building or to provide funding to demolish it. While her efforts have not been entirely successful, Johnson said she will continue to pursue every possible option.

Johnson called for patience as she continues working to find a buyer or secure demolition funding, acknowledging that the town is still paying to maintain the former recreation center. Councilman Sam Sikes urged the Economic Development Director to move quickly and suggested transforming the facility into a community center.

Johnson said Ayres Associates may be exploring ways to market the structure online. Councilman Sam Sikes said selling the building may not be the best option for the town.

Following those less encouraging updates, Johnson shared one positive development. The Economic Development Corporation Executive Director announced that local Conoco gas stations have been sold to a buyer from Utah. Johnson said she is in talks with the new owner about opening a station in Hanna to replace the town’s single fuel‑pump.

With that news, Johnson concluded her presentation to the Hanna Town Council.

As reported by Bigfoot99, Hanna Recreation Board member Dorn Hetzel has established a nonprofit organization intended to assume management of the shuttered facility. The Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center hopes to enter into an agreement with the town to gradually reopen portions of the building, beginning with the weight room and gymnasium. The nonprofit is scheduled to meet with the Hanna Town Council tomorrow evening to finalize the details of the proposed arrangement.

The post Economic Development Gives Presentation to Hanna Council first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |

Photo – Carbon County Courthouse – Bigfoot99 file photo

In Cheyenne, state lawmakers are teeing up additional changes to property taxes while county officials are voicing concerns over more lost revenue.

Both the House and the Senate are looking at bills aimed at reducing the property tax burden on state residents.

Speaking at the February 3rd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Chairman Travis Moore explained that COVID‑era migration into the state increased home values, which resulted in higher property taxes for all residents. At the same time, the state legislature passed a series of property tax increases, further compounding the situation.

As a result, the state legislature passed several property tax relief measures last year. Among them were a 25 percent reduction on the first $1 million of assessed value for all Wyoming homeowners and a long‑term exemption that cuts taxes by 50 percent for residents age 65 and older who have owned and lived in their home for at least 25 years.

Commissioner Sue Jones said two bills aimed at changing the long‑term homeowners tax exemption are making their way through the legislature. House Bill 45 will move up the deadline to file for the exemption from May 25th to March 1st and remove the July 1st, 2027, expiration date.

In addition to the deadline and sunset changes, House Bill 45 also proposes to allow qualifying residents to renew the exemption by simply contacting the county assessor’s office instead of submitting a new application every year. As of Friday, the measure passed the House of Representatives and has moved to the state Senate for potential action.

The state legislature is also considering Senate File 39, which, like House Bill 45, eliminates the July 2027 sunset, but doesn’t alter the application deadline. As of last week, the measure had advanced out of the Senate Revenue Committee and is now waiting for debate by the full Senate.

Back at the February 3rd meeting, Commissioner Jones said the long‑term homeowner tax exemption is too broad and should be limited to residents who are truly in need of tax relief.

Commissioner Jones said millionaires in Teton County appear to be benefiting the most from the property tax cuts.

As of January 20th, 626 Carbon County residents had applied for the long‑term homeowner tax exemption, resulting in an anticipated $83,765 loss in county property tax revenue.

The state legislature is considering other property tax relief measures as well. The House of Representatives is advancing House Bill 67 to expand the state’s veterans’ property tax exemption to include those who served in the Wyoming National Guard or Air National Guard for at least 18 consecutive months. After a unanimous vote of support from the House Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee on February 12th, the measure was referred to the House Appropriations Committee to review its estimated $11.4 million annual impact on the state budget.

The legislature also proposed House Joint Resolution 4, which would ask voters to amend the state constitution to prevent property taxes from rising on a residential home until it is sold. During the February 3rd meeting, Commissioner Jones said the measure was a poor solution to the property tax situation.

The House voted not to bring Joint Resolution 4 forward for discussion.

Combined, the property tax relief measures have reduced the state’s total property tax revenue by approximately $198.5 million. Commission Chairman Travis Moore said the legislature has not provided local governments with a way to recoup that lost revenue.

Altogether, Carbon County has seen a $3.7 million reduction in property tax revenue in the 2025 through 2026 fiscal year.

With a $250 million statewide budget surplus, Chairman Moore said funding cuts are not appropriate at this time.

Commissioner Sue Jones said Carbon County saw its largest property tax increase in 2023, when home values rose by 20.5 percent. By last year, the entire state saw reduced property values, with local assessed values down 22.71 percent. Commissioner Jones said the property tax relief bills have pushed revenue down even more.

Chairman Moore questioned why lawmakers are pursuing such drastic property tax cuts when Wyoming already has one of the lowest residential tax rates in the country. Commissioner Jones said in 2025, Carbon County received $116 million in total tax revenue, adding that state legislators do not appear to recognize how that money is allocated.

Property taxes fund essential services, including law enforcement and road maintenance. They also support community resources such as libraries, museums, and senior centers. Commissioner Jones encouraged residents to understand how their taxes are spent and only take the cuts if their financial situation requires it.

So far this session, several property tax relief bills have already been defeated. Those include Senate File 79, which would have lowered the residential assessment rate from 9.5 percent to 8.3 percent; Senate File 77, which sought to remove the eight‑month residency requirement for the state’s 25 percent homeowner exemption; and House Bill 73, which, like House Joint Resolution 4, aimed to tie property tax assessments to a home’s fair market value at the time of sale rather than annual inflationary increases.

A constitutional amendment will be on this November’s ballot to reduce all residential property tax assessments by 50 percent. Should the “Peoples Initiative” pass, a bill to eliminate the existing 25 percent property tax exemption will go into effect. Another proposed amendment to completely eliminate residential property taxes failed to garner enough votes to be considered by the Wyoming Senate. If Senate Joint Resolution 3 had passed, the state would have lost $644 million in property tax revenue. To make up the shortfall, the Joint Revenue Committee proposed increasing the state sales tax from four to six percent.

At the February 3rd Board of Commissioners meeting, Chairman Moore urged residents to contact their local representatives and ask them to oppose any additional property tax cuts.

The post Lawmakers Consider Changes to Property Tax Laws first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, February 16, 2026 |

Photo – Example of corner crossing – Courtesy US Supreme Court Documents

State lawmakers met in committee last week and advanced a bill clarifying when and where corner crossing is allowed. House Bill 19 states that criminal trespass does not occur if a person travels from one parcel of public-owned land to another.

The statue is the result of a case that began here in Carbon County. In 2021, Iron Bar Holdings sued four elk hunters who used corner crossing to move between parcels of public land on the Elk Mountain ranch. Landowner Fred Eshelman argued that by using a ladder at corners to cross onto parcels of public land, the hunters trespassed the airspace over his land.

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office cited the four hunters from Iowa with criminal trespass. District Court Judge Dawnessa Snyder later acquitted the men. The ranch appealed the case to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which also sided with the hunters.

The appeal court judges cited the Unlawful Inclosures Act of 1885, a federal law that bars private landowners from obstructing access to public lands.

Following the unfavorable verdict, Iron Bar Holdings attorney Robert Reeves Anderson appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court declined to hear the case, leaving the 10th Circuit’s ruling in place.

House Bill 19 attempts to put the intent of 10th Circuit’s ruling—what’s legal and what not—into state law. Bottom line: Citizens are not guilty of trespassing while crossing between two parcels of public land at the corners, provided they do not damage the adjacent private property.

The House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee debated the bill last Thursday, February 12. Casper attorney Ryan Semerad, who successfully defended the four Missouri hunters, told lawmakers that the bill decriminalizes corner crossing.

Semerad said the change will save the state money. Suspected corner crossing cases would be disregarded if the person followed the conditions defined by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes crossing onto public land at a corner without damaging private property.

Semerad said House Bill 19 simply codifies the 10th Circuit Court’s decision into state law.

Representative Karlee Provenza offered an amendment favorable to landowners, arguing the bill’s language is too broad. Provenza said a person should not be permitted to drive an ATV across the corner. Instead, the Albany County Democrat proposed limiting corner crossing to those traveling on foot or on horseback.

Representative Steve Harshman added that the bill should align with Chief U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl’s opinion that a person may not touch private property while crossing between public lands.

Representative Provenza offered another amendment. The Albany County Democrat said she and Representatives Pam Thayer of Rawlins and Marilyn Connolly agree that the measure should also prohibit individuals from damaging private property while corner crossing.

Representative Robert Wharff of Evanston said property boundaries are not always clearly marked.  Even satellite GPS maps, can lead a hunter or sportsman to trespass accidentally at a corner. Representative Wharff argued that the bill should require property owners to clearly mark where their property ends. Attorney Ryan Semerad replied that under the bill, hunters are still responsible for knowing their location. Instead, Semerad said the measure specifically gives law enforcement an easy‑to‑follow guideline when handling corner‑crossing calls.

The Casper attorney said hunters caught wandering around private property can still be charged with criminal trespass.

After hearing from the Committee, Chairman Andrew Byron opened the floor to public comment. Roughly 10 individuals, many wearing hunting clothing for Camo at the Capitol, spoke in support of House Bill 19. Many thanked the Committee for working to legalize corner crossings, saying that clarifying the standard will help eliminate confusion.

Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation Director Kurt Eisenach said that despite a few details that still need attention, such as how to get pack animals over fences, the bill deserves to advance.

Not everyone who spoke at last week’s meeting supported House Bill 19. Wyoming Stockgrowers Association Board member Jim Magagna said the measure infringes on private property rights and goes too far by demanding access to state trust lands, which, unlike federal public lands, are not guaranteed to be open to the public.

In addition, Magagna said some private property owners already allow access to public lands through an established path, adding that they should not be required to let people cross at the corners. Responding to Representative Wharff’s comments about clearly marking property boundaries, Magagna argued that the government, not landowners, should be responsible for conducting surveys.

On the subject of paths, Committee Chairman Andrew Byron asked if Magagna was suggesting that a person should have to follow an established path to reach public land when corner crossing may be faster and easier. Magna said that landowners would prefer people use the provided path instead of making their own route at the corner. Chairman Byron said Magagna’s suggestion would only serve to confuse and inconvenience hunters.

Other opponents to the proposed measure agreed that it encroaches on private property rights, allowing hunters and sportsmen to potentially damage the private land they’re trying to cross, especially when traveling with pack animals.

Chairman Byron closed the public comment portion of the meeting and asked the Committee to amend the bill. Representative Elissa Campbell recommended removing the mention of pack animals, permitting corner crossing only by foot.

Representative Julie Jarvis agreed, saying that removing the pack animal reference will make the bill more likely to pass into law.

Representative Campbell’s amendment passed.

Representative Steve Harshman also recommended an amendment to specify that a person was prohibited from physically contacting or causing damage to private property while corner-crossing, which also passed.

When the amendments were finalized, the House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee voted to advance the bill to the House of Representatives. However, Committee members noted that because this is a budget year, the House may not take up the measure during this session, although they remained hopeful it will move forward.

The post Corner Crossing Bill Heads to the State’s House of Representatives first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, February 16, 2026 |

Photo – Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming logo – Courtesy Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming

The Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming is exploring the possibility of constructing a new recreation center in Saratoga.

The Boys and Girls Club was founded during the Civil War to keep boys off the streets while the men were away fighting. Since that time, the organization has established branches across the country. In 1969, the first Boys and Girls Club in Wyoming opened in Casper. Twenty-one years later, that chapter became the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming, operating in four counties and six municipalities.

Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming Chief Executive Officer Ashley Bright announced that thanks to the efforts of Saratoga resident Daney Tanner and her family, the organization is looking into expanding into the Platte Valley.

While speaking with Daney Tanner, Bright learned of an effort by local attorney Nick Haderlie to build an aquatic center in Saratoga. In 2022, Haderlie proposed constructing an indoor swimming facility to serve the Platte Valley. However, the plan proved unfeasible due to high operating costs, and the project was eventually set aside. Bright said Haderlie’s original proposal is being reconfigured to determine if a newly constructed Boys and Girls Club recreation center would be viable in Saratoga.

Bright said her vision is to construct an entirely new facility on town-owned property between the Saratoga Middle High School and the library on West Elm Avenue. The building would feature two separate gymnasiums: one operated by the Boys and Girls Club and the other by the town.

Saratoga would retain ownership of the land, but the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming would own the facility and lease the second gymnasium back to the town. A local board of directors would oversee the Platte Valley facility. Last November, the Saratoga Town Council approved a resolution expressing support for the proposed recreation center and granting the organization access to the land on Elm Avenue for testing.

Bright said housing both Club and municipal activities in the same building would ensure reliable year-round services that meet the needs of residents.

Bright said the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming is ready to begin construction as soon as the organization has raised $15.5 million. The CEO said the funding will cover the cost to build the facility and maintain operations for two years.

However, Bright emphasized that the plan is not yet finalized. Representatives from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming and local project proponents will host a public meeting on Monday, February 16th, to gather feedback from the community.

The Boys and Girls Club informational meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16th, in the Saratoga Elementary School cafeteria. Bright will also discuss the proposal with the Saratoga Town Council the following Wednesday, February 18th.

Link to Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming: Platte Valley – Boys & Girls Club

The post Boys and Girls Club Interested in Starting Club in Saratoga first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, February 13, 2026 |

Photo – Drawing of Never Forget Park – Courtesy Stacy Crimmins

Saratoga’s Public Works Director recently updated the governing body on a variety of ongoing projects.

Speaking at the February 4th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner announced a series of improvement projects slated to begin once the weather begins to warm. Beginning with Never Forget Park, the town’s military and first responder memorial, Penner said restrooms, curbs, and an irrigation system should be installed this spring.

Continuing his presentation, Penner said Carbon Power and Light has agreed to move a power pole out of the parking area at Kathy Glode Park on the south side of town.

This summer, Penner said he will begin filling potholes around town and work with the Carbon County Road and Bridge Department to address heavy wear and tear on Saratoga Lake Road.

Moving on, the public works director said town crews will continue replacing heavily corroded water valves under West Elm Avenue. After meeting with Engineering Associates, the project’s design firm, Penner said he developed a plan to move the project forward with increased safety and efficiency.

As the project approaches Highway 130, crews will need to tunnel beneath the roadway to replace the water valves. Penner said he’ll provide the Council with a quote for the work in the near future.

Next, the public works director announced that Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel have suspended work for the winter. As reported by Bigfoot99, the Casper-based contractor was hired to replace water and sewer lines on the west side of town as part of the 6th Penny-funded West Bench Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project. Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel did not provide a date for construction to restart, only stating that the company will stay in contact with the town through the season.

Penner also announced the installation of new gateway signs along the north and south entrances to town. Both Penner and Mayor Davis complimented the design.

Together, the two 12-foot-wide monument signs cost $27,184. Designed by Enoch Hart of Wyoming Signs in Casper, the units are part of the Saratoga Planning Commission’s push to improve wayfinding for residents and tourists. Along with the gateway signs, the commission is looking to install six navigation signs, nine directional markers for the River Walk Loop, and three informational kiosks. The Commission is seeking grants to fund the remaining signage improvements.

Penner is expected to provide further updates on these infrastructure and beautification projects at future Saratoga Town Council meetings.

The post Saratoga Council is Updated on Current Projects first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, February 13, 2026 |

Photo – Parked semi-trucks – Bigfoot99 file photo

Wyoming lawmakers, this week, advanced a bill to authorize law enforcement officers to cite commercial drivers for English proficiency violations.

On February 4th, Connor’s Law officially became a federal statute. Named after 18-year-old Connor Dzion, who was killed in 2017 by a distracted commercial truck driver, the measure codifies President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding English proficiency. The mandate requires all commercial driver’s license holders to read and speak English well enough to understand highway signs and converse with the general public.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations already mandated a minimum English language proficiency requirement. However, the Obama administration directed inspectors not to place drivers out-of-service for language violations.

Many officials, including Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, attribute the loosened English requirements to a long-term increase in highway deaths involving commercial drivers. Despite a recent dip in fatalities, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that truck-related deaths have increased by approximately 40 percent over the last decade. In 2021, the United States recorded the highest number of large truck fatalities in nearly twenty years, with 5,788 deaths reported nationwide. To address these safety concerns, Congresswoman Hageman and five other members of Congress introduced House Bill 3608, also known as Conner’s Law.

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol’s fatality crash summary, three deadly collisions involving commercial drivers occurred in Carbon County last year. Speed and driver inattention were cited as the primary causes. Statewide, Highway Patrol recorded 11 deadly CDL crashes since 2025, with one occurring near Green River just last week. The state database does not show if the driver met the minimum language requirements.

In response to the federal legislation, state lawmakers in Cheyenne have advanced House Bill 32, which authorizes law enforcement to fine commercial drivers $1,000 for failing to demonstrate basic English proficiency. The measure also requires officers to remove those drivers from Wyoming’s roads until the language requirement is met. Drivers caught violating the statute multiple times could face up to 90 days in jail.

Speaking at the February 10th House Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee meeting, Wyoming Highway Patrol Administrator Colonel Tim Cameron explained that while troopers previously had the authority to remove commercial drivers from the road for English proficiency violations, enforcement of the regulation was discouraged by the federal government. However, newly enacted statutes, specifically Conner’s Law, have allowed troopers to sideline non-compliant drivers once again. Under House Bill 32, Colonel Cameron said every law enforcement officer in Wyoming will gain the same enforcement power.

Responding to a question from Committee Chairman Landon Brown, Highway Patrol Commercial Carrier Supervisor Lieutenant Kyle McKay said troopers have issued 775 citations for English proficiency violations since President Trump’s executive order went into effect. Additionally, Lieutenant McKay said troopers have arrested 19 drivers for multiple language violations.

Representative Lloyd Larsen asked if the Wyoming Highway Patrol tracks the employers of drivers who violate language proficiency standards. Under the current system, Representative Larsen said drivers face fines while the companies that hire those individuals are not punished. Lieutenant McKay said troopers have access to nation-wide inspection records, including carrier names.

Chairman Landon Brown said the Committee considered holding carriers accountable but could not agree on who is criminally responsible for putting drivers on the road. Representative Brown said citing the operators remains the only viable way to ensure compliance.

Committee Vice Chairman Reuben Tarver asked Lieutenant McKay to explain how a roadside English proficiency test is administered. The commercial carrier supervisor said troopers ask drivers to identify road signs and answer basic questions.

Lieutenant McKay added that drivers can exercise their right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions. Following the trooper’s testimony, Chairman Brown opened the floor to public comments.

Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Policy Advocacy Director Brett Moline said his organization supports the legislation, stating that the measure will reduce highway closures caused by crashes.

Wyoming Trucking Association President Kevin Hawley also addressed the committee in support of the measure. Rather than only fining drivers for English proficiency violations, Hawley recommended targeting the root cause: states that issue commercial licenses illegally.

Hawley said the American Trucking Associations, where he serves as the Wyoming representative, is recommending federal action targeting so-called chameleon carriers. Hawley referred to the February 3rd crash in Jay County, Indiana, where a Kyrgyzstani commercial truck driver killed four people in a head-on collision. The Wyoming Trucking Association president said companies that repeatedly switch Department of Transportation identification numbers make the nation’s highways less safe.

Hawley said the federal government must intervene to ensure commercial driver’s license holders are fully qualified before being allowed on the road.

Representative Lloyd Larsen asked Hawley how House Bill 32 compares with the recently enacted Conner’s Law. The Wyoming Trucking Association president said both measures allow law enforcement to remove drivers from the road, but not their vehicles. Hawley noted that operators often disregard the law and continue driving after being placed out of service. However, the state bill allows repeat offenders to be arrested.

Representative Larsen likened illegal commercial license holders to drug mules, where the mule is punished, but the supplier is not. The Lander Republican asked Hawley how he would modify the bill to target carriers as well as drivers. The Wyoming Trucking Association president replied that the federal government should be responsible for holding carriers accountable, instead of forcing commercial drivers to navigate a patchwork of individual state laws.

Hawley said he is working with Congresswoman Hageman on legislation to improve the federal government’s ability to punish chameleon carriers.

Following public testimony, the House Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee unanimously voted to advance House Bill 32 to the state Senate. Originally written to start on July 1st, the committee amended the measure to go into effect immediately upon Governor Mark Gordon’s signature.

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

Thursday, February 12, 2026 |

Photo – Hanna Recreation Center – Bigfoot99 file photo

A group of Hanna residents have created a nonprofit organization to partially reopen the town’s shuttered recreation center.

During Tuesday evening’s Hanna Town Council meeting, Recreation Board member Dorn Hetzel announced the formation of the Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center. Hetzel said the nonprofit organization plans to take over operations of the closed rec center from the town. As a small organization, Hetzel added that their goal is to only reopen portions of the building.

Built in 1983 during the coal boom, the Hanna Recreation Center was intended to attract miners and their families to northern Carbon County. The 31,000-square-foot facility included a heated pool, weight room, racquetball courts, saunas, and a large gymnasium. As the coal mines began closing in the early 2000s, the town took ownership of the building. Originally intended to serve thousands of residents, by 2024 the facility only had roughly 30 paid members left. Although officials tried to find a way to reduce the town’s financial burden, the $300,000 in annual operational costs were too high to sustain, and on July 31st, 2024, the Hanna Recreation Center was officially closed to the public. Since its closure, the building has remained vacant and fallen further into disrepair.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Dorn Hetzel explained that the Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center is made up of three members: himself, Carbon County Comet owner Mike Armstrong, and fellow resident Katrina Powell. As a nonprofit organization, Hetzel said they can use volunteers to run the rec center, lowering operational costs even further.

Since the facility would be staffed entirely by volunteers, Hetzel said the exact hours of operation are still undecided. He noted that the group is hoping that rec center members will volunteer their time to help support the initiative.

Hetzel said he submitted paperwork for the group to become a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Once approved, the Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center can begin fundraising and applying for grants to operate the facility.

In exchange for a $1 annual lease, Hetzel asked the town to donate water, sewer, and landfill services. The nonprofit will cover all other utilities, including gas and electricity.

When the facility was shuttered, the heating lines were drilled to drain the water and prevent them from freezing and rupturing. Restarting the main system would require repairing all the plumbing, which Hetzel said he has no intention of doing. Instead, he plans to run hot water lines directly to the restrooms to protect them during the winter.

Although the facility will not be heated, Hetzel said the building should remain warmer than the outside air. Additionally, he suggested that members may have access to the saunas in exchange for a small donation to cover electricity costs.

Hetzel addressed the issue of liability. The nonprofit founder explained that the Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center can provide insurance for its volunteers and members. However, Hetzel said the organization is unable to cover the building itself. Consequently, the town may need to continue carrying the facility under its governmental property insurance policy.

Hetzel explained that all members will be required to sign a liability waiver before using the facility. Due to insurance constraints, the nonprofit founder said only adults will be permitted to access the recreation center for the foreseeable future.

The Hanna Town Council expressed approval of the Friends of the Hanna Recreation Center’s proposal but said the town attorney must review the details before the Council signs off on the project. A special work session has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 17th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hanna Town Hall to allow the governing body to continue discussing the agreement.

The post Nonprofit Organization to Take Over Hanna Recreation Center Operations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, February 12, 2026 |

Photo – Uplift Rawlins sign contest – Courtesy Uplift Rawlins

A Rawlins-based community group is seeking sign designs for the organization’s monthly home and business recognition awards.

Last summer, a group of concerned Rawlins’ citizens banded together to beautify the city, calling themselves Uplift Rawlins. In a recent update to Bigfoot99, Uplift Rawlins member Jill Patterson explained that improving the city’s appearance helps both residents and visitors better appreciate the local community.

To encourage community involvement, Uplift Rawlins introduced the Home and Business of the Month Awards. Member Dan Woolley explained that the monthly awards are presented to homes and businesses that improve the visual appeal of the city.

At this time, Home and Business of the Month winners receive a corrugated plastic yard sign, similar to a campaign sign, announcing the award. Uplift Rawlins member Jill Patterson said the organization is now developing permanent wooden signs to replace the temporary plastic ones.

Uplift Rawlins is inviting the community to submit artwork for the new wooden displays. Woolley provided the specific requirements for these designs.

Woolley explained that the winning artwork will be chosen by a public vote. The designer will receive an engraved plaque and official recognition for their contribution.

To enter the Uplift Rawlins sign design contest, email your artwork to [email protected] by Tuesday, March 3rd. Multiple entries will be accepted, but each submission must include the artist’s name and age. The contest is open to all ages.

After all the designs have been received, Uplift Rawlins members will select three finalists based on creativity and how well the artwork fits the wooden sign materials. Later in March, the community will help select the winner through a public vote.

The post Design a Sign Contest Open to Rawlins Residents first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |

Photo – Rawlins City Council – Courtesy City of Rawlins

Despite recent business closures, Rawlins officials say the city still offers plenty of opportunities for residents.

During the February 3rd Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Derek Elliott said he became aware that three businesses had recently closed, including two restaurants and a laundromat. Councilman Elliot said the loss of these businesses will have a negative impact on the city.

Councilman Elliot said he would like to see more businesses open in the city. However, to bring in more stores and shops, the councilman said Rawlins must first attract more residents and visitors.

Councilwoman Tonya Lewman said businesses are closing because the city is losing population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Rawlins lost over 1,200 residents between 2015 and 2024. Without any major attractions, Councilwoman Lewman said the city must rely on its existing residents.

Councilwoman Lewman added that city officials are not standing by while businesses close. She said local organizations and city staff are taking steps to attract more business and housing opportunities to Rawlins.

Councilwoman Lewman encouraged anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the community to join a board or committee, or to run for City Council.

Vice Mayor Darril Garner said residents and city officials place too much emphasis on negative comments. Instead, Vice Mayor Garner urged people to look at all the new storefronts that have recently opened.

Vice Mayor Garner said Rawlins has seen four or five new businesses open this year alone, yet negative comments about the city continue to spread. The vice mayor challenged his fellow Council members to help educate the public about the city’s issues rather than complain about them.

Vice Mayor Garner said he is also guilty of dwelling on the negative, at times, but is working to shift his attention toward the positive.

Councilman Elliot denied disparaging the city, saying the businesses did, in fact, close and that many residents lost their jobs as a result.

Councilman Elliot said the Council must be honest about both the good and the bad happening in the city, adding that without addressing the issues, nothing will change. Following Elliot’s comments, the Council moved on to the next item on the agenda.

The post Rawlins City Council Discuss Recent Business Closures first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |

Photo – Map showing concentration of roadway fatalities by county – Courtesy US Department of Transportation 

County officials are seeking help to reduce fatalities on local roadways.

During the February 3rd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, County Clerk Lisa Smith requested permission to submit a request for proposal, or RFP, for professional services to develop a comprehensive action plan. Clerk Smith said the project is related to the Safe Streets For All grant. Part of the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Safe Streets For All program provides funding for local governments to develop plans aimed at eliminating highway fatalities and injuries.

The Board of Commissioners authorized Clerk Smith to publish the Safe Streets for All request for proposal. She later posted on social media that the county is seeking proposals from qualified transportation planning and consulting firms to develop a comprehensive safety action plan focused on eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries for all users. All proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee, which will make a recommendation to the Board during its April 7th meeting.

All proposals must be received by Clerk Smith no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13th. Submissions received after that time will not be considered. Visit www.carboncountywy.gov for the complete list of RFP requirements.

Link: Search • Carbon County, WY • CivicEngage

The post County to Create a Comprehensive Action Plan for Safer Roadways first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.