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Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 2025 |

Photo – Dixon Airport gate – Bigfoot99 file photo

County Commissioners are partnering with WYDOT to repair the Dixon Airport runway.

Dixon Airport is an important economic driver for Carbon County, offering vital access to Baggs and Dixon and the area’s high‑end recreational ranches. The regional airport holds a B2 rating from the Federal Aviation Administration, meaning planes and business jets with wingspans between 49 and 79 feet may land on the runway.

Speaking at the December 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones announced that the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division is preparing to perform its biennial airport maintenance project. Commissioner Jones said the state agency has contracted a firm to fill cracks and resurface the runway.

Commissioner Jones said WYDOT will cover 80% of the project, with the county responsible for the remaining $9,241.68. The commissioner emphasized that the airport is a strong financial asset for the entire county.

Before a vote could be called, Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett noted that the contract allows WYDOT to terminate the agreement if it cannot secure funding for the runway maintenance project. Vice Chair Bartlett asked if the county could have a similar provision. Commissioner Jones explained that by accepting federal funding, the county is legally committed to the project for 25 years.

County Attorney Ashley Davis agreed, saying it would benefit the county to have the ability to withdraw from an agreement if funding fell short. However, Attorney Davis said the county is bound to a 25‑year commitment every time it accepts federal funding.

Commissioner Jones added that if they withdraw from the agreement, the federal government could lower Dixon Airport’s runway rating and sue the county.

Despite the threat of legal action, Commissioner Jones said the agreement serves the county’s best interest, requiring only a $9,000 investment to preserve Dixon Airport’s rating. Once the crack seal project is completed, the facility will be ready for future improvements to enable the runway to accommodate larger and faster aircraft. Commissioner Jones added that the county cannot afford to pay for the upgrades itself.

Upgrading the Dixon Airport runway to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s requirements will cost upwards of $15 million. However, the FAA is expected to cover 90 percent of the project cost, with WYDOT contributing 6 percent, leaving the county responsible for paying approximately $600,000.

Back at the December 2nd Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Jones thanked the Federal Aviation Administration and WYDOT for allocating funding for future airport maintenance, noting that no single agency could afford to cover all the costs alone.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the 2026 Dixon Airport Crack Seal Project.

The post WYDOT to Assist County with Airport Maintenance first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 2025 |

Photo – UW Extension logo – Courtesy University of Wyoming

University of Wyoming has yet to fill the open Agriculture and Natural Resource Education position in Carbon County.

The University of Wyoming’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator teaches farmers and ranchers across the state land‑use practices and shares the latest research on crops and livestock.

In March, Abby Perry, UW’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for Carbon County, was named the state’s Small Acreage Specialist. Since that time, the university has been searching for someone to fill Perry’s former role.

Speaking at the November 18th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, UW 4‑H Youth Development Extension Educator Emily Haver reported that a new Ag and Natural Resources Educator has still not been found. Due to the lack of qualified candidates, Haver said University Extension Associate Director Dannele Peck is working with stakeholders to fine‑tune the position’s responsibilities.

Haver invited Commissioner John Espy and another commissioner to the November 24th meeting. The UW extension educator said representatives from numerous state and local agencies will attend to discuss how the Ag and Natural Resources Educator can collaborate with their organizations.

In the meantime, Haver said Converse County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Jedidiah Hewlet will represent Carbon County at the Wyoming Stock Growers Association’s Winter Roundup and Trade Show in Casper.

Fast forward to the December 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting. Commissioner John Espy said he and Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett attended the University of Wyoming stakeholder’s meeting to discuss what the county needs in an Ag and Natural Resource Educator. Commissioner Espy said the agencies agreed that the position should prioritize working with Carbon County residents on region‑appropriate gardening and communicating the accomplishments of its various departments.

Commissioner Espy said the Ag and Natural Resources Educator does not need to focus on the county’s agricultural producers because of their existing partnerships with other state and local agencies. Instead, the extension educator should highlight local conservation efforts, such as Carbon County Weed and Pest’s invasive weed management initiative.

Commissioner Espy said Saratoga‑Encampment‑Rawlins Conservation District Manager Joe Parsons attended a meeting where an unspecified conservation method was discussed. Parsons noted that Carbon County had been using the same technique for years. The lack of public communication meant that state representatives were unaware of the county’s ongoing conservation practices.

Commissioner Espy said stakeholders and University of Wyoming representatives agreed that public communication should be a central responsibility of the county’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator.

For information on how to apply, call the University of Wyoming Extension Office at 766‑3566 or email [email protected].

The post Carbon County in Need of Agriculture & Natural Resource Educator first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, DECEMBER 15, 2025 |

Photo – Seminoe Dam – Bigfoot99 file photo

Hanna officials have declined to comment on the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project in their official capacity, though they may do so as private citizens.

Utah‑based rPlus Hydro is pursuing a large‑scale infrastructure project at Seminoe Reservoir. The energy company has proposed building a 13,000-acre-foot man‑made lake on top of nearby Bennett Mountain, connected to the existing reservoir by a 1,000‑foot underground tunnel.

Speaking at the November 4th meeting of the Carbon County Commissioners, rPlus Hydro Managing Director of Hydro Strategy Matthew Shapiro explained that 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.

When complete, the Seminoe Pumped Storage Facility is said to be capable of generating up to 900 megawatts of electricity, roughly the same power output as the coal-fired Dave Johnston Power Plant in Glenrock, Wyoming.

As the project makes its way through the permitting process, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is asking the public to submit comments in favor of or against the proposed facility.

During the December 8th Hanna Town Council meeting, the governing body was asked if they would like to comment on the Seminoe Pumped Storage project. Mayor Charlie George said he attended the November 4th County Commissioners meeting, adding that the rPlus Hydro representatives were unable to clearly explain the impact the project will have on the area.

Mayor George continued, saying that Seminoe Reservoir is below normal water levels. Councilman David Felix added that Managing Director of Hydro Strategy Shapiro acknowledged that the upper lake will experience 400 acre‑feet, or over 130 million gallons, of annual evaporative loss.

In June of 2024, rPlus Energies Program Manager Lars Dorr explained that Seminoe Reservoir’s water level would fluctuate by 6 to 18 inches when the facility is operating. Later, Director of Hydro Strategy Shapiro clarified that pumping operations will be scaled back if the water level gets too low.

Back at the December 8th meeting, Mayor Charlie George said Seminoe Reservoir is already far lower than usual, even without the pumped storage project drawing water from the lake.

Hanna Public Works Director Larry Korkow said the pumped storage facility will likely have a negative impact on nearby bighorn sheep herds and the Miracle Mile, a designated blue‑ribbon trout fishery downstream of Seminoe Reservoir. Korkow is not alone in his concerns. In its official FERC comments, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department recommended that the project suspend operations during critical wildlife periods, such as breeding and migration.

Mayor George noted that a portion of the 25 miles of new transmission lines needed to connect the pumped storage facility to the electrical grid would cross private land, adding that if property owners are unwilling to grant access, rPlus may pursue eminent domain. Without any positive feedback on the project, Mayor George said he will not be submitting an official comment.

Mayor George also advised the Town Council not to submit an official comment on the project. Instead, Hanna residents are being asked to visit the FERC website and post their own comments.

Donna Pipher, Hanna’s Carbon County Economic Development Corporation representative, asked if negative public comments will have any effect on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision to permit the project. Mayor George responded that he’s not certain but will be submitting his own comments as a private citizen. Councilman Felix added that FERC is still investigating the impact the project will have on the environment.

Donna Pipher said that even though the Miracle Mile is more than 40 miles north of Hanna, it still draws people through the town, contributing to the local economy. If the project harms the world‑renowned fishery, it must be stopped.

A link to FERC’s Seminoe Pumped Storage Project comment page will be posted on the Hanna town website. All public comments must be submitted by January 2nd.

The post Hanna Officials Will Not Comment on Seminoe Pumped Storage Project first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, DECEMBER 15, 2025 |

Photo – Wyoming Community Gas logo – Courtesy Wyoming Community Gas

Wyoming Community Gas supports local communities by funding public improvement projects. Wyoming Community Gas is a nonprofit natural gas consortium made up of 23 member communities.

Wyoming Community Gas Commercial Business Development Manager Kevin O’Donnell explained that each year, the consortium redistributes the majority of the previous year’s profits to member communities in proportion to their usage.

After finalizing its annual budget, Wyoming Community Gas informs each member of the reallocation funding it will receive. O’Donnell said the funds are intended for projects that benefit the entire community.

In Carbon County, Rawlins, Saratoga, Sinclair, and Hanna are part of Wyoming Community Gas. O’Donnell said Sinclair applied for funding to install lights for its upcoming Christmas event. Rawlins directed its allocation toward way‑finding sign improvements, while Saratoga divided its share among four community event programs. Hanna will use its funding for a series of beautification projects.

Commercial Business Development Manager O’Donnell said all projects must be approved by the Wyoming Community Gas Board, composed of representatives from each participating community. Once approved, the gas consortium requires proof that the funds were used for the intended purpose.

Wyoming Community Gas also offers a competitive grant program open to all municipalities in the Choice Gas Program, not just members. Eligible projects include arts, culture, and other community improvements. O’Donnell explained that after reviewing applications, the Wyoming Community Gas Board makes a blind selection of two projects to fund.

O’Donnell encouraged all 48 communities in the Choice Gas Program to apply for a Wyoming Community Gas grant. Additional details are available at Wyoming Community Grants | Wyoming Community Gas.

The post Wyoming Community Gas Offers Competitive Grants to Municipalities first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |

Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

One Rawlins City Council member questioned giving employee bonuses while the city faces a budget crisis.

During the December 2nd Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Steve Sanger introduced a measure to amend the fiscal budget, allocating $52,499.16 in compliance pay for city employees. Although called compliance pay, Mayor Jacquelin Wells clarified that it is technically a holiday bonus.

According to documents provided by the city, the majority of the bonus money, nearly $16,000, is designated for the police and fire departments. The remaining $36,500 will be distributed among the city’s public works, streets, recreation, and utilities departments.

Councilman Derek Elliot asked why the bonuses were not included when the budget was set in June. Interim City Manager Matt Hall explained that the matter is traditionally brought up for a vote to allow the governing body to decide whether the compliance pay is warranted.

Councilman Elliot said that in better times he would support the measure. However, the councilman said he believes the city isn’t in a financial position to take $52,000 out of the general budget for the holiday bonuses.

The City of Rawlins is facing a budget shortfall driven by more than $50 million in water infrastructure projects, including renovations to the Sage Creek Springs transmission line, replacement of a high‑pressure water pipe under Interstate 80, and installation of two new water storage tanks. In addition, the city contributed over $2 million from its reserves and impact assistance funds toward the $10 million Edinburgh Street rebuild project.

No other council members commented on the matter and a vote was called. The budget amendment passed, with Councilman Elliot voting in opposition of the measure.

The post Rawlins Council Member Questions Employee Bonuses first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow entrance sign – Bigfoot99 file photo

The Town of Medicine Bow has contracted with Carbon County Senior Services and the local health clinic to ensure residents have access to medications and other services.

During the December 8th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Clerk and Treasurer Karen Heath introduced Resolution 2025-7. Treasurer Heath read the resolution, which establishes a contract between the town and the Medicine Bow Health Center.

Under the contract, the town agrees to provide $1,000 to ensure the Health Center remains stocked with essential medications and first aid supplies.

Speaking at the March 11th, 2024, Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Mayor Justin George explained that the town had previously contracted with the clinic but ended the agreement following alleged financial misuse. Mayor George said the agreement guarantees the clinic is stocked with the medications residents need, which means they no longer have to travel out of town to fill their prescriptions.

Since that time, the town has doubled its financial contribution to the Medicine Bow Health Center. The Town Council unanimously voted to approve Resolution 2025-7.

Afterwards, Treasurer Heath introduced Resolution 2025-8, a purchase agreement with Carbon County Senior Services.

Speaking at the April 8th, 2024, meeting. Treasurer Heath explained that the purchase agreement requires Carbon County Senior Services to provide all Medicine Bow residents over the age of 60 with a variety of health and wellness services.

In 2024, the town agreed to pay Carbon County Senior Services $625 for the listed amenities. This year, the governing body agreed to increase its contribution to $1,000.

Resolution 2025-8 passed unanimously.

The post Town of Medicine Bow Assures Residents Have Access to Essential Services first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |

Photo – CCSO badge over county map – Courtesy CCSO

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office is exploring a partnership with a South Dakota telemedicine provider.

Speaking at the December 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that his department is in talks with Avel eCare, a Sioux Falls-based virtual healthcare company. Through Avel eCare’s Crisis Care service, Sheriff Bakken said deputies will be able to access mental health support at any time, whether in the jail, in schools, or out in the field.

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust gave Wyoming $2.4 million to expand law enforcement’s access to virtual behavioral health support across the state. The Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police partnered with Avel eCare to deliver those services.

According to Avel eCare’s website, Crisis Care enables law enforcement officers to connect with licensed behavioral health professionals around the clock using a secure, cellular‑enabled tablet. Avel also links individuals to local behavioral health resources for follow‑up care.

Sheriff Bakken explained that deputies often encounter people in the midst of a mental health crisis while responding to emergency calls. However, those individuals do not always meet the criteria for a Title 25 hold, which allows for involuntary psychiatric commitment when someone poses a danger to themselves or others. The sheriff said the Crisis Care service may prove useful in those situations, adding that Carbon County is not alone in exploring the option.

Sheriff Bakken said he has personally responded to calls where an individual was suffering from a psychiatric emergency but did not qualify for a Title 25 hold. The sheriff said he hopes the Crisis Care service can provide those people with the help they need.

Commissioner John Johnson thanked the sheriff for considering the Crisis Care service, adding that mental health usually doesn’t get the response it deserves. Sheriff Bakken agreed, saying that through the service, deputies can connect people with psychiatric support wherever it is needed.

Sheriff Bakken said he will report back to the Board of Commissioners when he has more information about the Avel eCare partnership.

The post Sheriff’s Office Looks at Partnership with Telehealth Provider first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 |

Photo – Zelda and Bud – Courtesy Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter

This Christmas, the Rawlins shelter is inviting families to foster pets for the holidays.

The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is asking local families to open their homes to shelter animals through its Home for the Holidays program. Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper, who oversees the shelter, explained that the initiative lets people foster a dog or cat for a short time, providing companionship to the animal during the Christmas season.

Through the Home for the Holidays program, the Rawlins shelter supplies food and medical care for the foster animals.

The Rochelle Animal Shelter is currently home to six cats and 13 dogs, seven of which are enrolled in the Cage to Save Program, where inmates at the Wyoming State Penitentiary train the animals in basic obedience.

While every animal deserves a home, Lieutenant Hooper asked to spotlight Bud, a younger medium-haired black and tan rottweiler mix. The police lieutenant said Bud is energetic and sociable but must be the only pet in the household.

Lieutenant Hooper said even though Bud is lovable and graduated from the Cage to Save Program, his need to be the only pet has made it difficult to find an adopter.

Next, the police lieutenant asked to highlight Zelda, an overweight six‑year‑old tabby available for adoption. Lieutenant Hooper said Zelda can be very affectionate, but, like most cats, only when it suits her.

Lieutenant Hooper said Zelda gets along with other cats but would do best in a home with older children.

Zelda was also featured in Bigfoot99’s September Rawlins animal shelter spotlight. Two Pets are Ready for Adoption in Rawlins – Bigfoot 99 Radio

Lieutenant Hooper encouraged those interested in adopting an animal or participating in the Home for the Holidays foster program to visit the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter Facebook page. If you see an animal you’d like to meet, visit the shelter in person.

People who are unable to open their homes to a dog or cat this holiday season can still support the Rawlins animal shelter through donations. Lieutenant Hooper said the shelter always accepts monetary contributions to cover animals’ medical needs and also welcomes pet toys, treats, and food. The shelter regularly provides free pet food to needy families.

For more information about adoption, volunteering, or fostering, contact the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 328-4534. The shelter is open from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The post Animal Shelter Opens Home for the Holidays Pet Program first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

December 11th 2025 |

Photo – Bigfoot 99 file photo

Hanna officials say they’re disappointed with the way the Carbon County Library Board has treated the town.

December 1st, 2025, was the 100th anniversary of the Carbon County Library System. To mark the occasion, the Library Board has arranged celebration events at the individual branches. The Hanna Library is hosting its event tomorrow, December 12th.

At Tuesday’s Hanna Town Council meeting, Clerk Vivian Gonzales explained that the governing body wasn’t given advance notice of the centennial celebration. Clerk Gonzales said she learned about the event that day, adding that the Library Board has asked Mayor Charlie George to attend.

Recent property tax relief bills have slashed the amount of tax revenue local governments received this fiscal year. As a result, the Carbon County Library System saw a 53% reduction in county funding, resulting in fewer operating hours at every branch.

Due to the decline in funding, the Library Board has repeatedly discussed the possibility of closing the Hanna and Medicine Bow branches.

Both branches were originally slated to close in September. Each branch received a reprieve through grants from Rocky Mountain Power, the Wyoming Intertie Community Investment Program and from local contributions. The donations extended the tentative closing dates for both branches until next month.

Speaking at Tuesday’s town council meeting, Treasurer Ann Calvert said she believed that the Hanna Library was not going to be included in the centennial celebrations because of the impending closure.

Clerk Gonzales agreed, saying that Hanna and Medicine Bow representatives attended a previous Library Board meeting, prompting the two branches to be included in the event schedule. Councilman Sam Sikes recommended using the celebration money to continue funding the library.

Mayor Charlie George expressed frustration that the Library Board appeared to overlook the town when planning the centennial events.

Later in the meeting, the governing body returned to the topic of the town’s library. Mayor George said the council must decide how to proceed if the Library Board cuts funding for Hanna’s branch. The mayor said the town is already contributing more than it should for a service only available to public for a handful of hours each week.

The town also pays the full cost of water, sewer, and garbage service.

Treasurer Calvert again said that the library board was not going to include the town’s library in the centennial celebrations due to the planned closure. The treasurer added that she asked why the Hanna and Medicine Bow branches were not adequately funded under the current fiscal year’s budget but did not receive a definitive answer.

Treasurer Calvert said the Hanna Library appears destined to close if the town doesn’t assume ownership of the facility. Councilman David Felix said the Library Board has not given the town accurate operational costs or attendance figures, essential details the town would need if it were to take over the branch.

Mayor George said the unfortunate reality is that Hanna lost revenue from this year’s property tax relief bills passed by the Wyoming Legislature,  leaving the town unable to fund the library.

Mayor George expressed his support for the town owning the library, but warned that the governing body must consider the financial impact before making any decision.

Treasurer Calvert said the town needs to know exactly how much money it costs to operate the library. This is the needed information that the Library Board has not provided.

Councilwoman Ellen Freeman said a Library Board representative attended a recent Carbon County Council of Governments meeting and reported to COG that labor makes up the most of the Library System’s spending. When pressed to use volunteers, Councilwoman Freeman said the Library Board representative resisted.

According to information provided by the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, staffing accounts for 79% of the Library System’s budget.

Mayor George said the governing body needs detailed financial information from the Library Board before deciding whether to assume ownership of the branch.

The Hanna Library’s 100th anniversary event is tomorrow, December 12th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The post Hanna Library Hosts 100th Anniversary Celebration December 12th first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

December 11th 2025 |

Photo – CC Museum Poster

Carbon County Museum Director Tom Mensik is inviting the public to what is described as a “bigger, better Christmas event” this weekend.

This Saturday, December 13th, the Carbon County Museum is hosting its annual Christmas celebration. Museum Director Tom Mensik said this weekend’s event will include the usual activities, along with new games and festive decorations throughout the building.

The new games include a Price Is Right-style Plinko board, Santa Bowling with a foam ball launcher, and a family‑friendly version of beer pong called Santa Pong, which uses fruit punch instead of alcohol. Mensik explained that the new games will serve as a fundraiser, with participants required to purchase tickets to play. However, unlike a traditional carnival, every player will win a prize.

The cookie and ornament decorating will still be free.

In addition to the new games, the Carbon County Museum will offer a selfie station where attendees can take photos in front of the Christmas lights. Mensik said unfortunately, Santa was unable to attend this weekend’s event on such short notice.

Mensik said attendees can also view the museum’s new vintage Christmas ornament exhibit. The museum director explained that most of the ornaments were handmade by Marjorie Daley, wife of prominent sheep rancher John Richard Daley.

The classic ornament display will remain open until after New Year’s Day.

The Carbon County Museum’s Winter Wonderland Carnival is this Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free, but tickets are required to play the new games.

The post Carbon County Museum’s Christmas Carnival December 13th first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.