Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

Friday, February 6, 2026 |

Photo – Two dogs available for adoption – Courtesy Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter

Pets at the Rawlins animal shelter are hoping for a place to call home.

The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is currently home to two cats and nine dogs, including seven enrolled in the Cage to Save Program, where Wyoming State Penitentiary inmates spend nine weeks training the dogs in obedience and basic manners. The program is expected to graduate its 100th dog this April.

The animal shelter is run by Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper. Lieutenant Hooper thanked Pet Partners of Carbon County, a local stray and feral cat rescue, for helping keep the shelter’s cat numbers down.

Each month, Bigfoot99 works with the Rochelle Animal Shelter to highlight a few animals ready for adoption. This month, Lieutenant Hooper asked to feature Batman, an older tan‑colored shepherd‑terrier mix. The police lieutenant said that despite his age, Batman will make a great companion but must be the only pet in the home.

Lieutenant Hooper also asked to spotlight Versace, a nine‑year‑old graduate of the Cage to Save Program. Like Batman, she said Versace should be the only pet in the home.

Lieutenant Hooper said their need to be only pets has made it difficult to find permanent homes for Batman and Versace. Even so, she said both older dogs will make great companions.

Lieutenant Hooper also wanted to mention Denver, a younger black cat. The police lieutenant said Denver is skittish, but likely to grow more comfortable in the right home.

The Rawlins shelter is in need of pet supplies and bedding for animals in its care. Lieutenant Hooper said monetary donations help cover unexpected medical expenses.

To meet an animal, volunteer, or drop off donations, visit the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 2711 East Murray Street during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., or call 328‑4534 to schedule an appointment. All adoptable animals are posted on the shelter’s Facebook page and on Petfinder.com. Adoption fees are $35 for cats and $50 for dogs.

The post Animal Shelter Features Two Older Dogs for Adoption first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, February 5, 2026 |

Photo – Proposed land donation – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The Rawlins City Council voted not to accept donated industrial land.

During Tuesday evening’s Rawlins City Council meeting, elected officials declined to accept five undeveloped parcels west of the Rawlins Municipal Airport. As reported by Bigfoot99, Sinclair Land and Development, LLC, a Wyoming‑based property holdings company, offered a quitclaim deed to the City for five industrial lots on Bonanza and Piper streets. A quitclaim deed transfers ownership of a property without guaranteeing that the title is clear, valid, or free of liens. In this case, the parcels carry $780.48 in unpaid 2025 property taxes.

Speaking at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave said representatives from Sinclair Land and Development approached her about donating the five parcels. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said staff were hesitant to accept the offer unless the city had a clear use for the land.

The plan, which city staff devised, involved relocating the city’s asphalt manufacturing plant from the center of town to the industrial properties. Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the parcels have no liens, show no signs of contamination, and have clearly defined easements, adding that in her view, the deal would benefit the city.

Public Works Director Cody Dill addressed questions about future access to Bonanza and Piper streets should the city build a new asphalt plant on the donated lots. Dill assured the Council that the surrounding areas can be reached from other roads.

Councilman Derek Elliot said the City already owns several properties it intends to sell and questioned the rationale for relocating the asphalt plant closer to a residential neighborhood.

Mayor Jacquelin Wells clarified that the city would not be purchasing the land; it would be a gift.

Public Works Director Dill acknowledged that the donated parcels are close to homes on Glasgow Boulevard, but said the area already contains two other asphalt plants. Relocating the city’s plant to the site would consolidate all asphalt operations in a single location.

If the donation is accepted, Councilman Terry Patterson asked if the existing asphalt plant would be moved to the newly acquired land. Dill responded that he would like to build an entirely new facility, adding that relocating the plant from its current site would improve the City’s appearance. However, with an estimated cost of $4 to $5 million, the public works director acknowledged the project is still in the early planning phase.

Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked what the existing property would be used for if the asphalt plant is moved. Dill said he hasn’t identified an alternative use, saying anything would be better than the piles of gravel and aging asphalt facility that exists there now. Councilwoman Lewman noted that the city could sell the property.

Councilman Elliot asked if the aging plant could produce enough mix to keep road maintenance operations going until a new facility is built. Public Works Director Dill replied that he will use the old plant until it is no longer functional. After that, he will bring in a small portable plant to bridge the gap.

Councilman Bruce Seialff asked how soon the property would need to be fenced off and where the money to do so would come from. Dill said a fence won’t be needed right away. Instead, the public works director said he plans to remove all debris from the property, conduct a survey, and develop a path forward.

Vice Mayor Darril Garner said he lives near the existing asphalt plant. He described a time when the wind blew dust and a foul smell into his home. Vice Mayor Garner said the proposed location would place the facility in even greater proximity to a residential neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Garner asked Dill how he would prevent the wind from blowing dust into the neighborhood, noting that failing to address the issue would violate the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act of 1973. The public works director said the idea is still in the concept phase with a lot of planning left to do. However, Dill said he will address the Vice Mayor’s concerns through dust‑control measures and by constructing a newer‑style asphalt plant.

Vice Mayor Garner asked if the City needs additional industrial‑zoned property. The vice mayor said that unless there is a demonstrated need for such land, he would prefer to see the parcels go to a private developer.

Otherwise, Vice Mayor Garner said he would oppose the donation, adding that the city should be purchasing its asphalt from private companies instead of manufacturing road mix itself. Public Works Director Cody Dill said fresh asphalt isn’t always available from private vendors and noted that the city is saving money by producing the road mix in house.

Before calling for a vote, Mayor Jacquelin Wells thanked Henry Hewitt and John MacPherson of Sinclair Land and Development for offering the parcels to the city. Mayor Wells said in her opinion, the properties will benefit the community.

Despite the mayor’s optimism, the motion to accept the five parcels of land failed on a vote of three in favor, three against, and one abstention. Mayor Wells and Councilmen Patterson and Seilaff voted for the proposal. Vice Mayor Garner, Councilman Steve Sanger, and Councilman Elliott voted against it, and Councilwoman Lewman abstained.

Following the vote, City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave asked if the Council had voted against the plan to build a new asphalt batch plant or the donation itself. Councilman Sanger said the motion was about the property, and that was what the Council voted on.

Councilman Derek Elliott said he voted against both the donation and the proposed asphalt plant. With the motion failing, the city will not accept the five industrial parcels from Sinclair Land and Development.

The post Rawlins City Council Votes to Not Accept Industrial Properties first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, February 5, 2026 |

Photo – Proposed covered seating area – Courtesy Must Love Dogs

The Carbon County dog rescue that helped fund Saratoga’s new animal shelter has also paid for a shaded seating area at the town dog park.

In November, Bigfoot99 reported that Must Love Dogs Sanctuary founder Theresa Manley had secured enough funding to construct a new dog kennel for the Saratoga Police Department. At the time, Manley said that rather than putting up another basic structure, she proposed a facility comparable in scope to the Rochelle Animal Shelter in Rawlins.

Manley said then‑Chief Mike Morris and current Chief John Moore both agreed that the town needs a larger, better‑equipped shelter and asked her to help raise half of the $40,000 construction cost. Thanks to donations from Platte Valley residents and organizations, including Old Baldy Club members, Bank of Commerce, Union Wireless, Karen Youngberg, and the Bruce and Beth White Family Foundation, Manley was able to raise more than $22,000 for the new kennel.

Speaking to Bigfoot99 earlier this week, Manley announced that not only has Must Love Dogs Sanctuary secured the money needed for the shelter, the 501(c)(3) has also raised another $10,000 to construct a shaded picnic area at the Saratoga Dog Park.

Saratoga Public Works Director Emery Penner has drawn up plans for the shaded seating area, showing a 12‑by‑20‑foot slab covered by a slanted roof. The layout includes three benches and a picnic table. Manley said the project is expected to be finished by the end of May.

Manley said two $5,000 donations came in almost immediately, allowing construction of the $10,000 shaded seating area to start this spring. As for the new dog kennel, which will include climate control, storage, and an outdoor play area, the sanctuary founder said the project is expected to be finished in August.

To maintain its tax‑exempt status, Manley said Must Love Dogs Sanctuary must keep a minimum of $3,000 in its bank account. Additionally, the nonprofit requires money to continue caring for dogs. Due to the ongoing generosity of Platte Valley residents, Manley said her funding needs have nearly been met.

Manley thanked Bigfoot99 for helping attract donors, saying that our November report played a role in drawing support for both the kennel and seating area. The Must Love Dogs Sanctuary founder said she is continually surprised by the generosity of the community.

Manley said that continued funding is necessary to keep taking in stray dogs and placing them in homes. The charity founder explained how to donate to Must Love Dogs Sanctuary.

Manley said she has taken a crawl‑walk‑run approach with her dog rescue. Thanks to overwhelming support, the sanctuary founder said she is now in the run phase and hopes to be able to help every community in Carbon County in the future.

The post Saratoga Dog Park Will Have New Covered Seating Area first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

February 4, 2026 |

Photo – Seminoe Dam – Bigfoot99 file photo

County officials are preparing another comment letter opposing the current plans for the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.

Utah‑based rPlus Hydro is proposing a pumped storage facility at Seminoe Reservoir. The company is pursuing the construction of a new 13,000-acre-foot man‑made lake that will be connected to the existing reservoir by a 1,000‑foot underground tunnel. During periods of high energy production, water would be pumped from Seminoe Reservoir into the upper lake. When demand outpaces production, the water would flow back downhill through an underground turbine, generating electricity. The project is expected to help stabilize the electrical grid during periods of low wind generation.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, published a draft environmental impact statement on the proposal and requested comments from residents, landowners, businesses, and local governments. County Attorney Ashley Davis drafted a 12‑page letter on behalf of the Board of Carbon County Commissioners outlining the county’s 12 primary concerns about the project, including potential impacts to critical wildlife and fish habitats, the effect construction could have on the local tourism industry, and the need for the Bureau of Land Management to amend the Rawlins Resource Management Plan.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Attorney Davis said FERC is requesting feedback on proposed changes to the environmental impact statement, specifically plans to relocate the project’s spoils pile and concrete plant off Bureau of Land Management property and onto Bureau of Reclamation land. Attorney Davis said the Bureau of Reclamation may have less strict environmental requirements than the BLM.

In the most recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission environmental impact statement, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department noted that construction noise, vibrations, and lighting could disturb the Ferris–Seminoe Herd, one of the state’s most protected bighorn sheep herds, and recommended limiting work to a four‑month window from May through August. Speaking to Bigfoot99 in December, rPlus Hydro Managing Director of Hydro Strategy, Matthew Shapiro, explained that following Game and Fish recommendations would drive up project costs and lengthen the construction schedule, ultimately causing greater disturbance to the bighorn sheep population.

To allow year‑round construction, the Bureau of Land Management would be required to amend the Rawlins Resource Management Plan. Hydro Strategy Managing Director Shapiro said that relocating the spoils pile off BLM land, adding stricter traffic controls, noise‑reduction measures, and speed limits to minimize impacts on bighorn sheep, and moving the intake structure’s build site farther from the nearby state park should be enough for the federal agency to waive the construction restrictions. Shapiro added that despite moving the spoilage and concrete plant off BLM land and onto Bureau of Reclamation property, enough of the project remains in BLM’s territory to still require those seasonal‑restriction waivers.

At Tuesday’s County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones said, “Even moving portions of the project off BLM land won’t change the underlying land‑use conflict.”

Commissioner John Johnson agreed, saying rPlus Hydro appears to be trying to sidestep Bureau of Land Management regulations. Commissioner Johnson added that if the developers are confident in the proposal, FERC should be allowed to complete its review before any changes are made.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners directed Attorney Ashley Davis to draft a letter expressing the Board’s views of the project for Chairman Travis Moore to sign. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will accept public comments on the amended environmental impact statement until Friday, February 13th.

The post Commissioners Draft Letter Opposing Seminoe Pumped Storage Project first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

February 4, 2026 |

Photo – Rawlins Elks Lodge presents check to St. Vincent De Paul – Courtesy BPOE 609

The Rawlins lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks recently donated $9,000 to local organizations.

On January 29th, Rawlins Elks Lodge number 609 announced that it had made a $6,000 donation to St. Vincent de Paul and a $3,000 donation to Carbon County School District One’s Little Mustangs Backpack Program. The Rawlins Elks Lodge was founded in 1904 on the national order’s principles of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity, and today has roughly 400 members.

Secretary Mike Murry said the charitable group helped create the Little Mustangs Backpack Program, which provides students with bags of kid‑friendly, easy‑to‑prepare food, and continues to support the effort. The Rawlins Elks Lodge also typically contributes to the organization’s needy‑youth Christmas program, Angel Tree. This year, however, Murry said community members and local businesses supplied the funding needed to keep the Angle Tree program going, allowing the lodge to help St. Vincent de Paul provide meals for the needy.

The donation money came from the $41 million Grand Lodge Community Investment Program. Murry explained that the nationwide grant program is divided into five categories, depending on how the money will be used.

However, individual Elks lodges can only access the nationwide grants if they receive a certain amount of member donations. Murry said the Rawlins lodge more than doubled that requirement, allowing the organization to use the grant money to support the community.

This year, the Rawlins Elks Lodge received two Grand Lodge Community Investment Program grants totaling $9,000. Murry said one grant was given to St. Vincent de Paul, while the other supported Carbon County School District One’s free student meal initiative.

In addition to supporting local charities, Murry said the Rawlins Elks Lodge has donated to the National Hoop Shoot Contest, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, and the Rawlins High School soccer program. The organization also backs a wide range of other community initiatives.

Murry said the national Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is focused on helping young people and veterans, adding that the Elks will never forget a veteran. Through the Grand Lodge Community Investment Program, the Order also provides significant educational funding opportunities.

Like other fraternal orders, the Rawlins Elks Lodge depends on the generosity of its members. Murry explained how to join Lodge 609.

The Rawlins Elks Lodge and its members take great pride in helping the community. As they say, the real benefactors in life measure their wealth by what they give, not what they receive.

The post Elks Lodge Donates to Two Local Organizations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 |

Photo – Town of Saratoga logo – Courtesy Town of Saratoga

Saratoga’s latest sewer replacement project is nearly complete.

Last March, the Saratoga Public Works Department and Engineering Associates began drafting plans to use 6th Penny Specific Purpose Tax funding to modernize sewer lines on the west side of town. Known as the West Bench Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project, the plan calls for the use of cured‑in‑place epoxy lining to repair roughly 7,000 feet of deteriorating pipe. Lines that are beyond repair will be dug up and replaced with new synthetic sewer mains.

The Cheyenne‑based contractor, Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel, submitted the lowest bid of $1,482,272.50 and was awarded the project. Work began late last August, with an anticipated completion date of February 17th. As is typical with major infrastructure projects, costs climbed to $1,706,843 once the contractor began work. Nearly $319,000 in change orders has since pushed the current price to $2,025,666.

Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel was expected to suspend work in December because of the winter. However, warmer‑than‑average temperatures and a lack of snow have allowed the contractor to continue the project. Speaking at the January 21st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said the mild conditions have kept the Cheyenne‑based contractor on site, putting the project on track to finish ahead of schedule.

Later in the same meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner presented the second pay application from Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel. Penner said the majority of the $600,839.85 will come from already collected 6th Penny Special Purpose Tax revenue. The remainder will be taken out of the town’s WyoClass government investment account.

Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel provided an itemized list of the material used between October 15th, when the previous pay application was submitted, and January 5th. Public Works Director Penner said he was satisfied with the documentation and explained that the contractor needed to perform an additional $3,385.50 worth of unexpected work in that timeframe.

Documents provided by the town show that Rocky Mountain Sand and Gravel installed $3,348 in eight‑inch PVC sewer line beyond the original estimates and did $172.50 of extra digging. However, the contractor spent $135 less than expected on a manhole cover, bringing the total increase to $3,385.50.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously approved Rocky Mountain’s $600,839.85 pay application. Barring any more unexpected changes, the town still has $725,616.18 left to pay to complete the West Bench Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project.

The post Sewer Line Project Nears Completion in Saratoga first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 |

Photo – Hanna Recreation Center – Bigfoot99 file photo

Hanna’s Carbon County Economic Development Corporation member expresses dissatisfaction with the town’s representation.

During the January 13th Hanna Town Council meeting, Hanna Fire Department volunteer Donna Pipher announced that she attended her first Carbon County Economic Development Corporation meeting, adding that she “didn’t get a lot out of it.” Pipher was appointed to represent the town on the Economic Development Corporation’s 15‑member board in October.

Supported by state and federal grants, local government contributions, and business membership dues, the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses, support existing employers, and promote economic growth throughout the county. Speaking at the January 13th meeting, Hanna representative Pipher said the organization appears to prioritize Rawlins ahead of the county’s less populated municipalities.

During her first meeting, Pipher said she learned she was not eligible to vote on Economic Development Corporation policy. The town representative said she plans to take the steps needed to become a voting member to help ensure that small towns, including Hanna, aren’t overlooked by the organization.

Last August, the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation partnered with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to create a redevelopment roadmap for Hanna’s shuttered recreation center. Built in the 1980s, when “coal was king” and the town was home to more than 3,000 residents, the Hanna Recreation Center offered a heated indoor pool, a weight room, a large gymnasium, and a racquetball court. With fewer than 700 residents now, the governing body closed the facility two years ago to avoid roughly $300,000 in yearly costs. Since then, the building has sat empty, gradually deteriorating in the wind and snow.

The state hired Cheyenne‑based Ayres Associates to create the redevelopment roadmap for the former recreation center. Speaking to the Hanna Town Council last August, Mike Scholl of Ayres Associates explained that the town had two options for the facility: repurpose the building or tear it down. However, neither alternative would be easy or cheap.

Scholl estimated that demolishing the Hanna Recreation Center will cost over $600,000.

Since that time, the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation has been searching for buyers for the former recreation center, but nothing has materialized yet.

At the January 13th Hanna Town Council meeting, Mayor Charlie George thanked Pipher for her work, noting that serving on any board requires a substantial time commitment.

The post Economic Development Member Not Pleased with Representation for Small Towns first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 |

Photo – Teen Dating poster – Courtesy RPD Victim Assistance Program

The Rawlins Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program is offering free healthy teen‑dating classes at the Carbon County Higher Education Center.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. To support the effort, the Rawlins Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program is offering two free informational classes tomorrow, February 4th, and again next Wednesday, February 11th. Victim Assistance Coordinator Rachel Berger explained that the classes will give parents and teens the tools to recognize and prevent dating violence.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly one in 12 teens experience physical dating violence, with high‑school students at even greater risk. Victim Assistance Coordinator Berger said most victims never report the abuse.

Berger said dating violence isn’t always physical. The victim assistance coordinator outlined several behaviors that may indicate someone is experiencing psychological or emotional dating abuse.

Teenagers aren’t always comfortable opening up to friends or family about what they’re dealing with. Berger said the Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships presentations will give parents an opportunity to start an open dialogue with their children about the dangers of dating violence.

The classes are split into two groups, with tomorrow’s presentation geared toward high‑school‑aged kids and next week’s session aimed at middle‑school‑aged teens. Victim Assistance Coordinator Berger said the classes are similar, but with minor variations tailored for each age group.

Berger encouraged all parents and teens to attend one of the two Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships classes. The victim assistance coordinator said information shared during the presentations will benefit everyone, not just those concerned about abuse.

The Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships presentations will be held at the Carbon County Higher Education Center, located at 1650 Harshman Street in Rawlins. Tomorrow’s session is designed for high‑school‑aged kids, and the February 11th presentation is for middle‑school‑aged teens. A parent or guardian must attend with their child. Call the Higher Education center at 328-9274 to request a virtual meeting link if you are unable to attend in person.

For more information about the presentations or teen dating violence in general, call the Rawlins Police Department’s Victim Assistance Program at 328-4530.

The post RPD Victim Advocates Offer Teen Dating Awareness Classes first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, February 2, 2026 |

Photo – The Teen Room at Rawlins Library – Bigfoot99 file photo

The Library Board chair seeks to clarify misconceptions about county library funding.

Wyoming saw a sharp rise in home values as people moved to the state during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Paying well above market prices, these newcomers pushed property taxes higher for all residents. In response, lawmakers enacted several relief measures, including a 25 percent cut for most homeowners and a 50 percent reduction for long‑term residents. However, the legislature did not provide a way for local governments to recover the lost property tax income.

Carbon County saw a $947,000 drop in total property‑tax revenue this fiscal year, nearly $500,000 of which had been earmarked for outside entities such as senior centers, museums, and libraries. In fiscal year 2025 through 2026, the Carbon County Library System’s county allocation was reduced by 53 percent.

Carbon County Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers attended the November 18th meeting of the Wyoming Joint Revenue Committee, where she spoke against the proposed property‑tax reductions. Myers said lawmakers told her they felt obligated to pursue the cuts at the urging of their constituents, even though no one who testified at the meeting fully supported them.

Legislators are considering a constitutional amendment to eliminate all residential property taxes. In its place, the state would institute a two percent sales‑tax increase. Myers said the higher sales tax would not recover the lost revenue, instead placing a heavier burden on less affluent residents and those living in more rural areas, such as Carbon County. The Library Board chairwoman said taxes pay for the essential public services communities rely on.

Upon learning of its budget reduction, the Carbon County Library System reduced hours of operation across all seven libraries, and plans were made to close the Hanna and Medicine Bow locations. Library Board members then approached towns for additional financial support, warning that without it, further hourly reductions or additional closures could follow.

During these discussions, town councils requested up‑to‑date information on what the Carbon County Library System spent to operate each branch and how much individual towns contributed through donated services such as snow removal and trash collection. Myers said she couldn’t provide reliable figures because she was working from an outdated spreadsheet created by former Library Director Maria Wenzel and no longer had access to the raw financial data.

The lack of clear financial data left some towns unsure whether their in‑kind contributions were being counted toward the operating cost of their local branch. While Myers said the Library Board appreciates the donated services, they don’t appear in the library system’s budget because building maintenance falls to the county, which owns most of the library buildings.

Myers said contributions of water, sewer, garbage collection, and snow removal benefit the county, not the library system, adding that the Library Board has never requested funding for those services from the county.

Myers said the Board of Carbon County Commissioners advised towns that they were not responsible for any library closures. While technically true, the Library Board chairwoman asked how the system is expected to operate on just 47 percent of its anticipated budget.

Hanna and Medicine Bow officials have considered opening their own libraries, independent from the county system, should their local branches close. While some municipalities have established independent libraries, such as Frannie and Deaver in Big Horn County, Myers said they can’t offer the same level of service as a county system. As reported by Bigfoot99, the Wyoming State Library currently has no provisions for independent libraries to join the Wyoming Library Database, or WYLD, system. Myers added that independent branches also wouldn’t have access to the Carbon County Library Foundation, which provides financial assistance to the county’s libraries. Without those supports, the Library Board chairwoman said, running a library is much more expensive.

In an email to Bigfoot99, State Librarian Abby Beaver wrote that the individual libraries that make up the WYLD system are responsible for deciding if an independent library has the financial resources, administrative frameworks, and legally required status to join the consortium. Although no formal process exists for municipal libraries to join the WYLD system, Beaver wrote that they are welcome to contact the State Library and the WYLD Governing Board for more information.

The Town of Saratoga is in talks to assume ownership of its library building, taking over maintenance responsibilities from the county. Attorneys for the county and Carbon County School District Two, which currently owns the building, are still finalizing the deal. The school district originally deeded the land to the county on the condition that if it was no longer used as a library, ownership would revert to the district. As part of its agreement with Saratoga, the county plans to place a deed restriction on the property requiring that it be used for the public good, though not necessarily as a library, given that the concept of a library may change in the distant future. Myers said the term “public good” is too vague.

While they haven’t been involved in the negotiations, Myers said the Library Board doesn’t oppose the idea of transferring ownership of the Saratoga Library building to the town. However, she said the board remains concerned about the changes to the agreement. Myers said the Carbon County School District Two Board shares those concerns, adding that its members were unaware of the proposed changes until they heard about them in a Bigfoot99 story.

Myers acknowledged that the concept of a library may change in the future but noted that e‑books have existed for decades without diminishing the need for physical libraries. She said libraries are more than places to check out books, offering residents access to family activities, crafts, games, meeting space, and public computers. As an attorney, Myers said she often uses the Rawlins Library to meet with clients.

Carbon County Library Board Chairwoman Addie Myers is urging residents to contact their state and local representatives to advocate for additional funding for public services, including libraries. Myers encouraged people to ask residents in other parts of the state to press their lawmakers to repeal the tax cuts or backfill the lost revenue.

Myers also asked Carbon County residents to contact the Board of Commissioners and request that the library system’s budget be restored to last year’s level, noting that the full allotment accounts for only 1.5 percent of the county’s overall budget.

The post Library Board Clarifies Misconceptions About Library Funding first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

January 30th 2026 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 file photo

For the second time this week, school district Carbon County #2 received a bomb threat. The threat Thursday, January 29th,  prompted the evacuation of Hanna-Elk Mountain-Medicine High School.

At 9:23 yesterday morning, Carbon County School District #2 parents received an alert stating that H-E-M, located in Hanna, had been the target of a threatening message. District #2 Superintendent Darrin Jennings explained that the messages resembled those sent to the Encampment K through 12 School and Saratoga Middle High School on Wednesday.

Superintendent Jennings confirmed that Thursday’s threat was similar to the voicemails received at the Encampment and Saratoga schools a day earlier. Speaking to Bigfoot99 after Wednesday’s incident, Saratoga Police Chief John Moore said the two schools received voicemails late the previous evening from an individual using a robotic voice changer. The caller claimed to have placed explosive devices in both buildings and threatened to shoot students if they were evacuated.

At 10:09 a.m. on Thursday, parents were notified that law enforcement had cleared H‑E‑M for students to return to class.

Unlike Wednesday’s threats, which affected both Encampment and Saratoga, Hanna‑Elk Mountain‑Medicine Bow High School was the only District Two campus to receive a message on Thursday. Other districts in Wyoming also received the same threat, although it is not yet clear which schools were contacted.

However, like Wednesday’s bomb scare, Thursday’s threat at the north end of Carbon County was also a hoax.

The post HEM High School Receives Threat on January 29th 2026 first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.