Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

Monday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 |

Photo – Image of proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage – Courtesy rPlus Hydro

Wildlife conservationists held a virtual meeting to oppose the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.

On Thursday evening, representatives from Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting cold-water fisheries, hosted the Seminoe Pumped Storage Public Information Webinar.

Trout Unlimited Wyoming Government Relations Director Patrick Harrington began with a brief overview of the project. The Utah-based energy development company rPlus Hydro is proposing the construction of a 13,000-acre-foot lake on the peak of Bennett Mountain. When wind-generated electricity is abundant, water will be pumped 1,000 feet uphill from the Seminoe Reservoir into an upper storage lake. As energy production declines, the stored water will flow downhill through a newly constructed underground hydroelectric turbine, generating electricity.

Harrington said water will be moved between the lakes faster than the natural flow of the Seminoe Reservoir. Additionally, when operational, the Pumped Storage Project is expected to generate nearly as much electricity as the Jim Bridger Power Station.

Harrington said the facility is expected to take five years to complete and will require building two cement plants, new roads and bridges, and a storage site for earth excavated during construction of the underground powerhouse, known as spoils. The Trout Unlimited Government Relations Director said hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities are likely to be negatively affected during that time.

Harrington said the project will be located perilously close to the world-renowned Miracle Mile, a designated blue-ribbon fishery and vital economic driver for the region. Harrington said the majority of public comments have focused on the project’s potential impact on the Class One fishery. According to the Trout Unlimited Government Relations Director, the current design lacks adequate water temperature monitoring, with the furthest gauge set to be installed at Kortes Reservoir.

Harrington said the project may also elevate levels of dissolved oxygen and sediment in the reservoir, which will have unforeseen consequences for the downstream ecosystem, including the Miracle Mile.

The Trout Unlimited Government Relations Director said the project proponent, rPlus Energies, did not consider it necessary to maintain water quality beyond the Seminoe Reservoir. Harrington said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission disagreed and is now requiring expanded monitoring in the Kortes and Pathfinder Reservoirs.

Harrington said the Board of Carbon County Commissioners has stated the project does not take into account the existing Carbon County Land Use or Natural Resource Management Plans. Additionally, rPlus failed to properly consider the project’s impact on the local population and economy.

Harrington said rPlus failed to offer any alternative plans for the project, stating it would be built how and where they proposed or not at all. Additionally, the upper reservoir will have a significant negative effect on wildlife and livestock grazing.

Next, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation Executive Director Katie Cheesbrough delved into the potential consequences the project may pose to local wildlife. Cheesbrough said rPlus did not account for the disruption to nearby animals caused by year-round use of Seminoe Road during the construction period.

Cheesbrough said the project site overlaps critical sage-grouse, mule deer, and pronghorn habitats. The Wild Sheep Foundation Executive Director said bighorn sheep may face the greatest disruption, emphasizing the significance of the Ferris-Seminoe herd, considered the most important bighorn population in Wyoming.

In closing, Trout Unlimited Wyoming Government Relations Director Patrick Harrington urged the public to submit letters opposing the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Harrington added that coordinated citizen opposition will be essential in preventing the project from moving forward.

Trout Unlimited Wyoming Coordinator Ian McCreary, of Encampment, offered to organize an opposition group in the Platte River Valley. McCreary can be contacted by calling 503-875-6641 or by sending an email to [email protected].

In an interview with Bigfoot99 last month, rPlus Hydro Managing Director of Hydro Strategy Matthew Shapiro refuted some of the claims made by the Trout Unlimited team. Shapiro said studies show that the project will have little to no effect on the Miracle Mile. Additionally, Shapiro said if temperatures drift outside normal ranges and that change is caused by the project, rather than by natural causes, operation may be reduced until temperatures return to normal.

Construction of the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project could begin as early as 2028.

The post Wildlife Groups Hold Virtual Meeting to Oppose Energy Project first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga’s outdoor swimming pool – Bigfoot99 file photo

Saratoga officials address concerns about the town’s recreation department.

During the August 19th Saratoga Town Council meeting, former council member and past Recreation Board member, Kathy Beck, raised concerns about the state of the town’s recreation department, particularly regarding Recreation Director Carter Edwards. Beck said residents were dissatisfied with Edwards’s leadership and accused the Recreation Director of misusing town vehicles and restricting access to gym equipment and facilities.

Mayor Davis addressed Beck’s concerns at the September 2nd Town Council meeting. Councilman Bub Barkhurst began by reading a letter from Recreation Commission President Megan James thanking Beck for bringing her concerns to the governing body’s attention.

In her letter, Recreation Commission President James acknowledged Director Edwards’s positive contributions, including the expansion of fitness and sports programs.

At the previous Town Council meeting, Beck said residents felt the Recreation Department lacked effective communication. Mayor Davis refuted the claim and encouraged the public to contact him directly or attend monthly Recreation Commission meetings.

Former Councilwoman Beck also questioned the lack of information regarding the proposed aquatic center. In 2022, local attorney Nick Haderlie introduced plans to build the Platte Valley Aquatic Center, a $12 to $16 million indoor water sports facility. Confident that he could raise the funds for the project, Haderlie requested a 50-year lease on town-owned land between the Saratoga Library and Middle High School, with ownership reverting to the town if the project failed. Annual operating costs were estimated at $750,000, with Haderlie suggesting using Saratoga’s full recreation budget to support a nonprofit organization created to manage the facility.

At the time, a new Town Council was coming on board and the governing body decided to let the incoming Council decide the matter. However, the proposed Platte Valley Aquatic Center was never revisited, and the project appeared to have been forgotten until earlier this year.

At last week’s Saratoga Town Council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis said the scope of the aquatic center project appears to have changed. Mayor Davis said he met with Haderlie and Recreation Director Edwards two months ago, during which the attorney offered to research the need for a local Boys and Girls Club instead.

Mayor Davis said he has not heard from Haderlie since that meeting.

Beck also questioned the makeup of the town’s Recreation Commission. Mayor Davis explained that most of the previous Commission resigned, requiring the governing body to appoint an entirely new board. Each appointee is serving the remainder of the term left vacant by their predecessor. The Mayor said he has tried to ensure the Commission is made up of both new and old members.

Mayor Davis also addressed concerns about the difficulty of reaching Recreation Director Edwards. The Mayor said Edwards is often out in the community performing his duties rather than working from his office.

During the last Town Council meeting, former Councilwoman Beck said Edwards threatened to hide equipment from gym users. Edwards said pickleball nets were placed in storage to prevent damage. However, the equipment is still available to gym patrons.

Beck also said Edwards restricted access to the gym locker rooms. The Recreation Director acknowledged that the locker rooms are closed. However, Edwards said the rooms are often vandalized and suggested gym patrons shower and change at home instead.

Edwards added that public restrooms are available in the recreation center.

Mayor Davis confirmed that Recreation Director Edwards uses a town-issued vehicle, explaining that travel is a routine part of his job responsibilities.

Former Councilwoman Kathy Beck said residents have complained about the lack of new gym equipment. Mayor Davis said the town recently spent over $13,000 on upgrades, including a new zip line for the pool. Edwards said he is in the process of replacing all the outdated exercise machines.

Other Saratoga residents have mentioned that the outdoor public pool is often cold during morning aerobics classes. Mayor Davis acknowledged that cooler nights lower the temperature of the pool water. Davis said the town is planning to install an insulating cover before next season.

In the end, Mayor Davis said he believed that the town’s Recreation Department is doing well under Rec Director Edwards’s guidance. The Mayor once again encouraged the public to reach out to him personally with any questions or concerns.

The post Mayor Addresses Concerns About Saratoga’s Recreation Department first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, September 5, 2025  |

Photo – SER Conservation District logo – Courtesy SER Conservation District

The Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District offers to help residents test their wells for dangerous chemicals.

On Wednesday morning, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality announced the discovery of elevated groundwater arsenic levels in the Cow Creek Station subdivision and surrounding areas, approximately eight miles south of Saratoga.

Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District Manager Joe Parsons explained that his agency tested water from several wells in the area, confirmed the presence of arsenic, and notified the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, prompting the public announcement.

DEQ states that long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic may cause skin damage, problems with circulatory systems, and increased risk of cancer.

Parsons said the dangerous chemical can be found naturally across the county, adding that the Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District will help homeowners test their wells for contamination.

The Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District stocks a handful of well testing kits at its Saratoga office. Parsons said homeowners may purchase one of the kits for $125 to test their water for arsenic. The completed tests are then taken to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture Analytical Services Laboratory in Laramie.

Parsons said the well testing kits come with easy-to-understand instructions. Samples must be kept cool and delivered to the Laramie Department of Agriculture laboratory within 24 hours.

Parsons said 16 wells in the Cow Creek Station area have tested positive for elevated arsenic levels. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality recommends using ion exchange or reverse osmosis systems to remove arsenic from drinking water. Parsons added that the appropriate system depends on several factors, including cost and household needs.

For more information about well testing, or to obtain a testing kit, call the Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District at 326-8156, or visit the office at 101 Cypress Ave in Saratoga.

The post Cow Creek Station Wells Test Positive for Elevated Levels of Arsenic first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, September 5, 2025  |

The Office of Emergency Management is taking lessons learned from last month’s power outage to strengthen Carbon County’s crisis response policies.

Two weeks ago, a severe lightning storm knocked out electricity for approximately 5,000 Carbon County residents. Some Rocky Mountain Power customers, including many county buildings, were left without service for 16 hours.

In light of the power outage, Emergency Manager Lenny Layman asked the Board of Carbon County Commissioners to create a written critical resource management policy during their September 2nd meeting. Layman explained that during a crisis, his role is to coordinate all resource requests and ensure county agencies receive the supplies they need.

Layman encouraged county agencies to establish as many contracts for services, such as fuel, as possible. In the event of another widespread emergency, Layman said those agreements could be leveraged to help lessen the impact on other county agencies.

Layman said agencies are typically willing to share resources until a crisis hits. For that reason, Layman again urged the Board to create a written policy outlining how the Office of Emergency Management will allocate resources during emergency situations.

Layman explained that in an emergency, resources may be inadvertently mishandled. The Emergency Manager emphasized the need to involve county agencies in the crisis planning to ensure those resources are being used effectively.

Commission Chairman Travis Moore agreed on the need for a comprehensive resource management policy. With a plan in place, Chairman Moore said the county will be better equipped to coordinate and respond to future emergencies.

Commission Chairman Moore agreed to work with County Attorney Ashely Davis on drafting a comprehensive written policy for resource management in Carbon County.

The post Critical Resource Management Policy Next on List for Emergency Management first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, September 5, 2025  |

Photo – Edinburgh Project Update – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is preparing to begin work on Edinburgh Street.

In 2019, Rawlins’ residents approved the use of 6th Penny Tax funds to reconstruct Edinburgh Street between Dunphail and Murray, including upgrades to underground utilities and storm sewers. Two years later, in 2021, the Edinburgh Street repairs were projected to cost $2.3 million. However, due to inflation, the current estimated price has increased by roughly 365%.

Speaking at the May 21st, 2024, Rawlins City Council meeting, City Manager Tom Sarvey explained that the 6th Penny Tax fund contained less than half of the money needed to complete the project.

Concerned that the rate of inflation may put the project permanently out of reach before enough 6th Penny Tax funding was received, the governing body voted to move $1.3 million from the city’s reserve account to the streets department. Additionally, the city set aside $1 million of unallocated impact assistance money from the Chokecherry wind energy project to the Edinburgh repairs.

With design work now complete, Rawlins opened contractor bidding for Edinburgh Street on June 26th, with submissions due by September 9th.

During the September 2nd Rawlins City Council meeting, Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave explained that once the bids are opened, she will ensure all required contracts are in place prior to the start of construction.

Councilman Derek Elliott expressed concern that Edinburgh wouldn’t be finished by the end of the year and asked when construction will begin. Public Works Director Cody Dill said contractors plan to work through the winter and complete the project by next summer.

Councilman Elliot said he believed that the Edinburgh Street project would be completed by the end of this year, making it possible to begin repairs on Washington Street next summer. Public Works Director Dill said while Washington Street is another 6th Penny Tax initiative, the city isn’t prepared to start work on the project. Dill offered to prioritize the repairs at the council’s discretion.

Contractor bids for the Edinburgh Street project are scheduled to be opened at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9th.

The post Work on Edinburgh Project Thought to Go Through Winter first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, September 4, 2025  |

Photo – Former Kum & Go Store on Higley Blvd – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The governing body of Rawlins is considering selling city-owned land.

During a special work session held before the September 2nd Rawlins City Council meeting, Community Development Director Lou Lascano presented a 59-page document listing all 26 city-owned properties.

Lascano began with the 50-acre plot of land between Harshman Street and the 287 Bypass. The site is home to the Rawlins Radio Control Recreation Area, where residents fly remote-control airplanes. The Community Development Director said the city might consider selling the property to a developer, as it did in 2023 when Utah-based Blue Elk Development proposed building approximately 70 tiny homes in the area. However, the site currently lacks water and sewer access, which would need to be rerouted from nearby neighborhoods before construction could begin.

Lascano also said a developer had expressed interest in building assisted living homes on the parcel, but the idea never came to fruition.

Next, the Community Development Director discussed the city-owned property at 1115 North Higley Boulevard, the former Kum and Go. In 2023, all Kum and Go stores were purchased by Maverik, including the Rawlins location. The company moved the store to another site within the city but retains its lease on the original property through the end of 2026.

Lascano said City Manager Tom Sarvey was looking into the cost of ending Maverik’s lease early, enabling the governing body to sell the property.

Lascano said Maverik representatives have shown interest in ending the lease, but the city needs to understand the financial penalties associated with breaking the agreement before moving forward. Additionally, Lascano said the site contains a leaking underground fuel tank, which would become the responsibility of the future owners. Currently, Maverik pays to monitor the tanks. When the lease ends, the city will take over those monitoring duties.

Vice Mayor Darril Garner asked about the monitoring cost. City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave said the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality conducts physical inspections of the tank. Maverik, and later the city, must maintain DEQ insurance, which costs approximately $250 per year, until the contamination is removed.

Community Development Director Lou Lascano reviewed the remaining city-owned lots, each of which could be sold at the governing body’s discretion.

Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked Lascano to identify five properties with strong development potential. Councilman Steve Sanger said the city must know each property’s appraised value and determine if any are encumbered by tax or medical liens before ranking them.

Councilman Sanger instructed Lascano to conduct title searches of the most desirable city-owned lots.

The Councilman also directed Lascano to prepare a checklist detailing the location of utility hookups for each property. With that document, potential developers will have all the information needed to make an informed purchase.

Mass Grading owner Kelly Brendt asked the City Council to consider lowering the price of properties burdened by high liens to make them more attractive to buyers. Mayor Jacquelin Wells said the governing body will consider every offer on a case-by-case basis.

In the end, the City Council instructed Community Development Director Lascano to find out which city-owned properties have liens against them, have the properties appraised, and present his findings at a later date.

The post Rawlins Council Talks About City Owned Properties first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, September 4, 2025  |

Photo – Saratoga Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

The Saratoga Town Council has formally changed its meeting schedule.

During the September 2nd Saratoga Town Council meeting, the governing body adopted Ordinance 888, officially rescheduling regular Town Council meetings. Currently, the governing body of Saratoga meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Ordinance 888 adjusts the schedule to the first and third Wednesday.

Town Clerk Jennifer Anderson read the ordinance by title.

Mayor Chuck Davis first proposed the date change during the August 5th Town Council meeting. Mayor Davis said the town’s payroll system, which operates on Tuesdays, often experiences glitches that require staff attention, making it difficult for them to prepare for that evening’s meeting.

Back at the September 2nd meeting, Mayor Davis reiterated that Ordinance 888 only changes the scheduled date, not the time.

The Town Council unanimously voted to approve Ordinance 888 on the third and final reading. Beginning on October 1st, all Saratoga Town Council meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The next Town Council meeting will still take place on Tuesday, September 16th.

The post Saratoga Town Council Votes to Move Meeting Dates first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, September 4, 2025  |

An online database connects residents with nearby volunteer opportunities.

JustServe.org is a platform provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for nonprofit organizations to share volunteer opportunities. JustServe Carbon County Representative Sharon James said the website makes it easy for volunteers to connect with organizations in need of support.

JustServe.org allows users to search for volunteer opportunities based on their location and the type of service they would like to offer.

Here in Carbon County, James said both the Saratoga and Rawlins libraries are seeking volunteers to review their collections for placement errors. Additionally, the Rawlins Library is looking for someone to read to children.

James said the Carbon County and Saratoga Museums are also looking for volunteers. Both locations need people to perform light landscaping and custodial duties. James added that the Carbon County Museum is seeking an individual to digitally scan approximately 30,000 historical documents and photographs. The Saratoga Museum is also looking for door greeters.

The Rawlins Senior Center is seeking volunteers to help serve meals, answer phones, and set up monthly BINGO games in the Jeffery Center.

JustServe Affiliate Tosha Garner explained that the website offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, both local and remote, making it likely that individuals will find something suited to their interests.

JustServe.org allows individuals to search for service activities that match their specific skills, such as sewing or communication.

JustServe was founded in 2012 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The service expanded into Carbon County approximately five years ago, though adoption quickly stalled. Recently, Carbon County Representative Sharon James was hired to improve the organization’s local reach. While the initial response was slow, James said nonprofits are now reporting a growing number of volunteers.

Faced with tightening budgets, many organizations rely on volunteers to keep services running. James said volunteering not only helps the community, but also establishes personal connections, builds purpose, and improves skills.

A list of available volunteer opportunities can be found at JustServe.org. Additionally, Sharon James regularly posts local service needs on her Facebook page. For more information, email James at [email protected].

The post Volunteers Needed to Serve Several Organizations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, September 4, 2025  |

The County Commissioners chose not to officially support a Florida resident’s campaign to honor The Lawrence Welk Show.

During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, County Clerk Lisa Smith announced that she had received an email from Scott Wheeler of Tallahassee, Florida. Clerk Smith said Wheeler is collecting letters of support for his effort to get Congress to honor the Lawrence Welk Show’s 70th anniversary with a symbolic resolution recognizing its contribution to music and family entertainment. Welk performed at Elk Mountain’s Garden Spot Pavilion sometime in the 1940s or 50s.

Born on March 11, 1903, in Strasburg, North Dakota, Lawrence Welk was a bandleader and television host. In 1951, Welk created The Lawrence Welk Show. The musical variety show debuted nationally on July 2, 1955, and continued in syndication until 1982. With over 1,000 episodes, the show became a Saturday night staple for families across the country.

Florida resident Scott Wheeler is leading a national effort to honor The Lawrence Welk Show on its 70th anniversary by asking Congress to pass a resolution recognizing the show’s impact on American culture. Wheeler is also planning a July 2nd celebration to mark the show’s 1955 nation-wide debut.

Back at Tuesday’s meeting, Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett asked if the Board should take official action on Wheeler’s request. Commissioner John Johnson said he did not believe the initiative would benefit Carbon County.

Vice Chair Bartlett said Clerk Smith’s mention of Wheeler’s letter had drawn sufficient attention from the Board and the matter was quickly dismissed.

The post Commissioners Turn Down Request to Officially Support Honoring Bandleader first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025  |

Photo – CCSO podcast monthly update – Courtesy Sheriff Alex Bakken

Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken provided an overview of his department’s operations for the month of August.

In his second monthly podcast, Sheriff Alex Bakken recapped the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office’s activities from the previous month. The Sheriff began with a brief mention of the Carbon County Fair. Held from August 2nd to August 9th, the fair draws visitors from across the region to Rawlins.

In his August 30th broadcast, Sheriff Bakken explained that this year’s Carbon County Fair was busy, but relatively uneventful. The Sheriff said he will continue working with the Fair Board to ensure the safety of future events.

Next, Sheriff Bakken discussed his department’s August Search and Rescue activity. The first large-scale Search and Rescue operation occurred on August 2nd in the Platte River Wilderness near Elk Horn Point, where a hiker suffered an ankle injury in a difficult-to-reach area. The Sheriff said Search and Rescue volunteers took turns carrying the hiker down the mountainside to the North Platte River, where an Intermountain Health Flight and Ambulance Service helicopter was waiting.

Another Search and Rescue operation occurred on August 20th in the Sheep Creek area of the Medicine Bow National Forest, where a mushroom hunter broke his ankle. Sheriff Bakken said the forager’s wife was able to hike to a nearby road and call for help. As in the earlier operation, Search and Rescue volunteers carried the injured party down the mountain to the medical transport helicopter.

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office also participated in a large fentanyl seizure in the Town of Medicine Bow. Sheriff Bakken said his office, along with Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, discovered 400 illegal fentanyl pills while executing a search warrant at a Medicine Bow residence. The Sheriff thanked the partner agencies for helping get dangerous drugs out of the community.

The month’s most significant event was the widespread power outage that occurred on the evening of August 29th. A powerful storm passed through southern Wyoming, leaving roughly 5,000 Carbon County residents without electricity. According to Rocky Mountain Power Media Team Member Jonathan Whitesides, a lightning strike caused the Platte, Sage Hill, and Parco substations to automatically disconnect from the grid.

Power was restored to the Platte River Valley roughly five hours after the outage. However, large portions of Rawlins remained without electricity until Monday afternoon, with essential buildings such as Memorial Hospital of Carbon County forced to rely on backup generators.

Sheriff Bakken said thankfully, the generators worked as designed.

Sheriff Bakken also thanked Carbon County Emergency Manager Lenny Layman for coordinating the resources necessary to ensure county buildings remained operational during the power outage.

The Sheriff reminded residents that Carbon County remains under Stage One fire restrictions, despite the recent rainfall. Under these restrictions, all open flames are prohibited. Sheriff Bakken directed the public to his Facebook page, Alex Bakken–Carbon County Sheriff, for more information about the restrictions.

On a lighthearted note, Sheriff Bakken announced that on August 9th, he completed the Running for Peace Marathon. The Sheriff ran 26.2 miles along the Medicine Bow Rail Trail to raise money for Citizens Organized to See Violence End, or COVE. The nonprofit organization provides free services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through his GoFundMe campaign, Sheriff Bakken said he raised more than $2,300 for COVE.

The Sheriff said he wasn’t eager to run another marathon.

Finally, Sheriff Bakken said archery hunting season began on September 1st. The Sheriff reminded the public that his office is following the 10th Circuit Court’s ruling on corner crossing, where the activity is legal as long as the person does not physically touch private property while moving between public parcels of land. The Sheriff encouraged both sportsmen and landowners to respect one another throughout the season.

The post Episode #2 of Sheriff Bakken’s Podcast is Available first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.