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Friday, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 |

Photo – Pumpkin Run flyer – Courtesy Carbon County Library

The Carbon County Library Foundation invites the community to its annual fall fundraiser in Rawlins. One week from tomorrow, on Saturday, September 27th, the Carbon County Library Foundation will host its 11th annual Pumpkin Run fundraiser at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course in Rawlins. Foundation Treasurer Jenita Calton said that the event will feature a variety of pumpkin-themed activities.

Contestants in the Tough Pumpkin Obstacle Course will navigate a series of challenges while carrying a pumpkin.

Tickets for next Saturday’s event cost $15 for children, $25 for adults, and $55 for families. However, the Library Foundation is offering a $5 discount on all tickets purchased through its event website. A link will be included in this story when it’s published on the Bigfoot99 website later today.

Carbon County Library Foundation Vice President Mira Miller said the ticket price includes access to all the day’s activities, plus a complimentary pumpkin.

Families attending the event will receive gift bags containing a Library Foundation magnet and snacks.

Bomgaars is supplying pumpkins for this year’s event at cost. Library Foundation Vice President Miller said the organization had hoped to feature locally grown pumpkins, but the price would be too high.

Library Foundation Treasurer Jenita Calton thanked the sponsors who helped make this year’s fundraiser event possible.

Library Foundation Vice President Miller invited the entire county to next Saturday’s Pumpkin Run. Miller said the event offers a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the season while supporting your local library.

The Carbon County Library Foundation’s 11th annual fall Pumpkin Run is Saturday, September 27th, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course in Rawlins. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Pumpkin Run Online Ticket Sales: Pumpkin Run 2025 | Carbon County Library Foundation Inc

The post Upcoming Event to Feature Pumpkin Themed Activities first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 | 

Good news if you need to borrow money from a bank.

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 4.00% to 4.25%.

The cut marks the first reduction in the interest rate since December 2024 and is primarily driven by concerns over a weakening job market, with hiring slowing and unemployment rising.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced the rate cut during a news conference on Wednesday.

The cut is expected to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, offering relief on variable-rate debt and short-term loans, though the impact on mortgage rates will be more indirect and gradual.

Borrowers will likely see lower interest rates within weeks, as these are tied directly to the prime rate, which moves with the federal funds rate.

Mortgage rates will likely be unaffected, at least, at first.  Rates on home loans are influenced more directly by the 10-year treasury yield.

In general, economists expect a lag of nine to twelve months before the full effects of the rate cut are felt in areas like hiring, wages, and consumer spending. The Fed may make further cuts in October and December, depending on economic data.

Here’s some advice for consumers. Paying down high-interest variable-rate debt like credit cards and HELOCs—Home Equity Line of Credit–remains a priority, as even small rate cuts won’t eliminate high balances.

Wednesday’s quarter-percent rate cut followed months of pressure from President Trump for the central bank to lower borrowing costs.

The post Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rate on Wednesday first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 | 

Photo – Senator John Barrasso – Bigfoot99 file photo

In the United States Senate, Republicans will invoke the so-called “nuclear option” to allow for the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s nominees.

For the past seven months, senate Democrats have obstructed or slow-rolled nominees. Republicans have described the situation as an “untenable situation.” Confirmation of numerous positions have been delayed because of the stonewalling.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) spearheaded the effort, arguing that the Senate must return to expeditious confirmations and function effectively as a legislative body.

Senate Democrats are currently holding up more than 150 nominees who have been approved by Senate committees. On September 11, Senate Republicans secured a 53-45 vote along party lines to change procedural rules and allow for the faster confirmation of Trump’s nominees.

Speaking on the senate floor Wednesday, Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said voting for the nominations will begin this week.

Historically, most nominations were confirmed on the Senate Floor by a voice vote or unanimous consent. In President Barak Obama’s first term, 856 nominees were confirmed that way. The number was 530 in President Joe Biden’s first term following the controversial presidential election in 2018 and the chaos that followed in January 2019.

None of President Trump’s nominees have been confirmed since he took office earlier this year.

Senator Barrasso ran through a list of nominees who have been approved by senate committees but blocked by Democrat leaders using existing rules. Among the nominees who have been blocked are Principal Deputy Administrator for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Another is the Inspector General at the Central Intelligence Agency. Many nominations are for ambassadors to NATO allies. Senator Barrasso said that even the Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center had been blocked from confirmation by senate Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the move by Republicans to take back their power. Schumer called it a “sad, regrettable day” that undermines Senate norms and enables unchecked executive power. Democrats argued that the rule change erodes minority rights and sets a precedent that could harm future administrations.

However, Republicans countered, saying that their plan was based on a 2023 proposal by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) and Angus King (I-Maine), which had aimed to streamline confirmations during President Biden’s term.

The post Republicans to Invoke Streamlined Option to Confirm Presidential Nominations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 |

In Utah, prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man charged on Tuesday with last week’s murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk during a rally at Utah Valley University in Orem.

The attack was carried out during Kirk’s appearance in a courtyard on the campus.

County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges prior to the appearance of Robinson in court to hear the charges against him.

The prosecutor will seek the death penalty against 22-year-old Robinson, the man accused of killing the conservative activist.

Robinson is charged in court documents with seven counts, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly hiding the rifle and clothing worn during the shooting, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.

On Tuesday afternoon, Judge Tony Graf appointed an attorney to represent Robinson. After reviewing the suspect’s financial situation, the judge found that Robinson is indigent, meaning he cannot afford legal fees.

The next hearing date for the suspected shooter is set for September 29, 10 a.m. local time.

According to the Utah prosecutor, Robinson told his roommate, a transgender man, that he had planned the shooting for over a week and said he hoped to keep it a secret until he “died of old age.”

Robinson was sloppy before and after the murder of Kirk, which happened one week ago today. The suspect left a trail of incriminating text messages, as well as physical evidence, including an imported Mauser .30-06 bolt action rifle – wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the campus in Orem.

Judge Graf, in Utah’s Fourth District Court, ordered Robinson, who wore a suicide resistant vest during the video hearing, to remain in jail without bail. The judge advised the defendant that prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the case.

Meanwhile, the FBI is investigating as many as 20 people who had some level of knowledge of the attack prior to the killing of Kirk on September 10, 2025.

The post Utah Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty Against Kirk’s Shooter first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 |

The rate of suicide in Wyoming has dropped, but the state continues to report some of the highest numbers of self-harm in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

Wyoming has historically ranked at or near the top state for suicide rates, having been number one for the last three years prior to 2022 and consistently among the top five states since 1996.

The peak year for suicides here was 2021 when 32.5 deaths per 100,000 residents. Suicide rates declined to between 26.3—28.2 since 2022.

Although the suicide rate has declined, Wyoming now ranks just behind Alaska (28.1 suicides per 100,000 residents) and Montana (26.7 suicides per 100,000 residents).

The suicide rate here has remained among the highest in the nation for the last 25 years.

Governor Mark Gordon has responded to the issue. In the last few years, Wyoming instituted a 24-7, state-based lifeline, called the 988 system.

Individuals who call the system can use English or Spanish to access free, one-on-one assistance.

Stephan Johnsen of the Wyoming Department of Health said about 90 percent of calls received at the call center are answered in Wyoming, not out of state.

Text and chat functionality, as well as geolocation, were incorporated in the system late last year.

Governor Mark Gordon and the Wyoming Department of Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program recently recognized the significant efforts being made across the state and progress made to address suicide.

In recent release, Governor Gordon said, ““September gives us a vital opportunity to continue our efforts to bring awareness, normalize help-seeking behavior, and connect individuals to life-saving resources and support. “Thanks to the thoughtful, collaborative approach taken by state agencies, local partners, and dedicated individuals, we are making strides destigmatizing the discussion and lowering suicide rates.”

The work is paying off slowly, but steadily. Following a peak in 2021 of 32.5 deaths per 100,000 residents, suicide rates since have declined to between 26.3—28.2 since 2022.

Wyoming is reported to have 26.5 suicides per 100,000 residents, just slightly behind Montana, but still down significantly from the 2021 rates, according to recent data from the CDC.

Federal officials always make a link to guns, pointing out that states with the highest suicide rates also have high gun ownership rates. Other factors likely play a role, as well, but are not included in the push to throw shade on firearms.

If you need to reach out to someone for mental health assistance, call or text 988 then press 1. You can use this website, 988 Lifeline – If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.

The post Wyoming Suicide Rates High but Numbers are Decreasing first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga outdoor swimming pool – Bigfoot99 file photo

In Saratoga, the governing body approved a motion to purchase a zipline for the town’s public swimming pool.

During the September 2nd Saratoga Town Council meeting, Recreation Director Carter Edwards presented a quote from Maryland-based Poolside Adventures for an AquaZip’N zipline. At $18,111.50, Edwards said the price exceeds his budget by a little over one hundred dollars.

The AquaZip’N is a poolside zip line and rope swing, with a self-retracting trolley system. The Poolside Adventures quote also includes a launch pad mat and safety sign for $16,999. The remaining price is made up of shipping and handling.

Recreation Director Edwards said town employees will install the device.

Mayor Chuck Davis asked if the zipline was in stock, ready to ship.

Edwards said yes, adding that he and the Poolside Adventures representative have been conversing for roughly half a year.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to approve the $18,111.50 to Poolside Adventures for a new zipline at the municipal swimming pool. The attraction should be ready by next summer.

The post Saratoga Swimming Pool Will Have New Attraction Next Summer first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 |

Photo – Hanna Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

In Hanna, town officials are preparing to allow residents to shoot rodents on their private properties.

In recent years, Hanna’s prairie dog population has increased, particularly at the town cemetery. The burrowing rodents have dug into coffins and unearthed human remains.

This past April, the Hanna Town Council discussed contacting the Wyoming Game and Fish Department about reintroducing foxes to help control the prairie dog population. The predators were removed years ago following reports of attacks on neighborhood pets.

Instead of reintroducing foxes, the governing body authorized specially trained town employees, including Marshal’s Department deputies, to use air rifles to kill prairie dogs and other burrowing rodents. The measure strictly prohibited residents from participating.

Despite the town’s best efforts, the prairie dogs continued to multiply.

During the September 9th Hanna Town Council meeting, Mayor Charlie George introduced Ordinance 413, allowing residents to dispatch rodents on their properties using air or spring-powered rifles.

Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales explained that the measure allows residents to shoot specific types of rodents and reptiles.

Under Ordinance 413, residents are responsible for identifying their target and ensuring the area beyond it is safe.

The measure passed on first reading. As with all ordinance amendments, Ordinance 413 must be read and approved at three separate public hearings.

The post Hanna Council to Allow Residents to Dispatch Prairie Dogs first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 |

Photo – MHCC – Bigfoot99 file photo

Recent revenue numbers indicate that Memorial Hospital of Carbon County is beginning to see a turnaround after years of financial hardship.

For years, rural hospitals across the country have struggled with low-to-slow reimbursements from insurance companies, limited patient volume, and challenges in recruiting new providers and specialists. Memorial Hospital in Rawlins has been no exception. The challenges have been real.

Hospital officials here attribute the positive shift at MHCC to a combination of strategic decision-making, a renewed focus on operational efficiency, and a series of leadership changes that have positioned the hospital for sustainable growth.

Last week, Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Hinkle at the hospital shared a social media post highlighting key improvements that the medical facility has achieved over the past year.

Hinkle said she wants to inform the public that Memorial Hospital is beginning to recover, despite the nationwide downturn.

Hinkle said that earlier this year, the Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees hired Kerry Ashment as Chief Executive Officer and Joy Coulston as Chief Financial Officer. Ashment, who brings 26 years of executive healthcare experience, joined the hospital in March, replacing Interim CEO Gerald Parton. Coulston, appointed in July, has 19 years of experience in healthcare finance. Hinkle said the medical facility is making strong progress under the new leadership.

The addition of a full-time CEO and CFO isn’t the only reason Memorial Hospital is improving. Hinkle emphasized that the hospital’s dedicated medical staff have spent years working to strengthen operations and deliver more consistent care.

Hinkle said Memorial Hospital of Carbon County has also seen an increase in inpatient admissions. In 2024, the 25-bed facility saw an average of 1.8 patients per day. This year, that number has risen to seven. Hinkle clarified that not all 25 beds are designated for inpatient care, with several reserved for emergency room visits and post-surgical recovery.

The Chief Operating Officer said the increased patient census is a sign that Memorial Hospital is improving.

Also in her social media release, Hinkle announced that Memorial Hospital has increased its cash on hand, or the number of days it can operate without new income. Hinkle said that figure has grown from two days to 17 over the past year, adding that administrators are working to maintain that momentum.

Memorial Hospital administrators have also created a reserve account, commonly referred to as a rainy-day fund, to ensure employees are always paid on time.

Additionally, Hinkle said Memorial Hospital has scored at or above the state average on its Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys. The Chief Operating Officer said the high level of patient satisfaction confirms that recent improvements are having a positive impact.

With the growing challenges faced by rural hospitals, Hinkle emphasized the importance of providing the public with accurate information about the status of their local medical facility.

As part of its ongoing push for transparency, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County is hosting its first community meeting next month. Hinkle said the public will receive updates on the facility’s progress and sustainability, with an opportunity to ask questions of hospital administrators. Hinkle said she hopes the meeting will provide the community with the facts needed to counter misinformation about the hospital.

The Memorial Hospital of Carbon County community town hall meeting will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9th, in the hospital cafeteria. Light refreshments will be provided during the event.

Attendees are asked to register ahead of time so staff will be prepared for the estimated turnout. A QR code linking to the registration website is included on the event flyer.

Additionally, Memorial Hospital has launched a community survey, inviting residents and medical providers to share anonymous feedback on the medical center’s strategic priorities. A link to the online survey can be found on the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Facebook page.

The post MHCC Reports Improvement with Financial Struggles first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025  |

President Donald Trump, appearing on Fox News this morning, said that Charlie Kirk’s suspected assassin was arrested and is now in custody.

The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was turned into officials by his father.

Kirk, a conservative activist, co-founder of Turning Point USA and friend of Vice President JD Vance, was shot and killed in Orem, Utah earlier this week while speaking at an event on the campus of Utah Valley University.

The shooting occurred on September 10 in the university’s courtyard.

Authorities reported that the gunman fired from the roof of the Losee Center, located 100–200 yards from the stage, before fleeing the scene.

The Vice President escorted Kirk’s body on Air Force Two from Utah to his home in Arizona on Thursday night.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Wednesday, at a news conference, that prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the case.

The post Suspect in Kirk Shooting is In Custody first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025  |

Photo – Truck delivering items to fairgrounds multiplex – Courtesy Julie Webb

Carbon County officials are looking to upgrade emergency generators.

During the September 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Emergency Manager Lenny Layman asked for permission to contact Buildings and Grounds Manager Jeff Askins. Layman said he wants to determine the cost of installing a previously purchased emergency generator at the Carbon County Fairgrounds multi-use building.

Emergency Manager Layman explained that in the past, the Office of Emergency Management and Carbon County Public Health partnered to purchase two electrical generators, one designated for the Carbon County Coordination Center, referred to as the C4. The other was intended for the Fairgrounds Multiplex. However, Layman said the second generator was never put in place and he’d like to determine the cost of having it installed.

The Fairgrounds Multiplex is the county’s primary shelter and evacuation site.

Board Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked if the generator would be better utilized at the Jeffrey Memorial Community Center. Emergency Manager Layman said he discovered that the Jeffery Center’s generator cannot be relocated, and he would like to install the backup power unit at its original destination, the Fairgrounds Multiplex.

The Board approved Layman’s request to determine the cost of installing the emergency generator at the Fairgrounds. Vice Chair Bartlett asked if the Board should consider purchasing a new generator for the Jeffrey Center as well. Layman said the current generator powers the entire building except the elevators, which would be useful for moving emergency supplies from the basement during an outage.

The Board directed Layman to include an estimate for upgrading the generator at the Jeffrey Memorial Community Center as part of his proposal to install the existing backup power unit at the Carbon County Fairgrounds Multiplex.

The post Emergency Manager Looks at Costs to Install Emergency Generators first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.