Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

Thursday, AUGUST 21, 2025 |

Photo – Jessica Gifford with a boa – Courtesy Jessica Gifford

A Cody resident wants your snake photos to help build a new educational program.

In August of 2024, 24-year-old Jessica Gifford launched 307 Serpents, a community outreach initiative centered on snakes. Seeing a gap in public awareness, Gifford said she decided to create her own snake education course.

Gifford, a life-long snake enthusiast, has been holding a series of informal educational talks around the state, including Laramie and Cheyenne. Gifford said her presentations begin with 30 minutes of serpent information, followed by a show-and-tell. The snake educator said hands-on interaction is often the best way to help people overcome their fear of the misunderstood reptiles.

The snake presentations are only one aspect of 307 Serpents. Gifford said she also selectively breeds snakes to produce unique, well-tempered animals for the pet community.

In her presentations, Gifford often uses slideshows to highlight snake species she is unable to keep as pets. The snake educator is asking all Wyoming residents, including those in Carbon County, to send her clear, close-up pictures of the state’s native snake species for use in her classes.

Gifford has received her Master Herpetology certification from the Georgia-based Amphibian Foundation and is working toward earning her Venomous Handling certification through the Rattlesnake Conservancy.

The snake educator explained that rattlesnakes, particularly native prairie rattlesnakes, are among the most misunderstood reptiles. While their bites are dangerous to humans and pets, Gifford explained that rattlesnake venom is designed to incapacitate rodents. Unlike many other snake species, prairie rattlesnakes mainly feed on mice and ground squirrels and play a key role in controlling rodent populations.

By keeping rodent populations in check, Gifford said rattlesnakes also help reduce the number of ticks in their hunting areas.

Gifford said a common misconception about rattlesnakes is that the babies are more dangerous than adults. The snake educator said those commonly held beliefs are untrue.

If you or your pet are bitten by a rattlesnake, even a juvenile, Gifford said to immediately seek anti-venom. The snake educator said traditional remedies often do more harm than good.

As 307 Serpents continues to grow, Gifford said she hopes to offer courses in schools and libraries throughout the state.

Gifford is asking anyone with high-quality pictures of Wyoming’s native snake species to email them to [email protected] or contact her through the 307 Serpents Facebook page.

The post Snake Photos Will Assist New Educational Program first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, AUGUST 20, 2025 |

Sheriff Alex Bakken recommended two websites for monitoring wildfires in our region.

Carbon County remains dry, with little chance of rainfall expected this week. Earlier this month, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, at the request of Fire Warden John Rutherford, placed the entire county under Stage One fire restrictions. Under the order, residents are prohibited from having open fires or discharging tracer and incendiary ammunition, even on private property.

Speaking at the August 12th County Commissioners meeting, Fire Warden Rutherford explained that local law enforcement won’t actively patrol for open flames. However, if a fire on private land spreads out of control, the government will likely seek restitution for damages and suppression costs.

Soon after the meeting, residents signed up with AlertSense, the county’s emergency notification system, received calls and text messages announcing the county-wide fire ban.

Three days later, on August 15th, the U.S. Forest Service placed sections of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in northwest Colorado under Stage Two fire restrictions. Citing extremely dry fuel conditions, gusty winds, and the risk of human-caused wildfires, open flames, welding, explosives, and outdoor smoking are banned.

Violation of the Stage Two fire restriction is punishable with a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by jail time of not more than six months, or both. Additionally, if it was determined that a person negligently or willfully started a wildland fire, they could also be held liable for damages and suppression costs.

Given the ongoing conditions, Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken announced two websites that residents may use to track current wildfire activity: the Incident Information System, also known as InciWeb, and Watch Duty. In a social media post, Sheriff Bakken wrote that the two resources are trustworthy enough to be used by firefighters, first responders, and emergency management personnel.

Both websites show wildfire activity, with InciWeb covering the entire country and Watch Duty focusing on the western United States. Sheriff Bakken wrote that Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, appears to update more often than InciWeb and includes evacuation notices and zone breakdowns.

Here in Wyoming, the most prominent wildfire is the Red Canyon Fire, located only a handful of miles east of Thermopolis. According to the Watch Duty website, the Red Canyon Fire has burned over 109,000 acres and remains less than 30% contained as of yesterday morning. A Level Three evacuation order has been issued for the portions of Hot Springs and Fremont Counties closest to the blaze. A Level Three evacuation order is the highest level of alert during a wildfire emergency, signaling that your area is in immediate danger and you must leave at once.

In northern Colorado, the Crosho Fire, has burned over 2,000 acres of Rio Blanco and Routt counties. Residents in the nearby town of Yampa are under a Level One evacuation order, meaning they must be prepared to leave if the flames continue to spread. Yesterday morning, Watch Duty reported that the Crosho Fire was 14% contained.

In his social medial post, Sheriff Bakken urged all residents and visitors to observe the current fire bans. For more information about fire restrictions, visit the Carbon County Fire Protection District website at Carbon County Fire Protection District.

Links to InciWeb and Watch Duty will be included in this story when it is posted to the Bigfoot99 website later today.

InciWeb: State of Wyoming | InciWeb

Watch Duty: Watch Duty – Wildfire Maps & Alerts

The post Two Websites Have Been Recommended for Wildfire Monitoring first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, AUGUST 20, 2025 |

State law makers narrowly voted to advance a bill decriminalizing corner crossing.

The State Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee met in Casper yesterday to discuss 26LSO-0118, a bill clarifying the state’s corner crossing regulations.

The measure is in response to the 2021 criminal trespass charges brought against four Missouri elk hunters who used a ladder to corner cross between public land parcels on Elk Mountain Ranch which is owned by Iron Bar Holdings. Corner crossing refers to the act of moving from one parcel of public land to another at the point where their corners meet.

The case was initially heard in Carbon County Circuit Court in April of 2022, where a jury acquitted all four hunters of criminal trespass. Attorneys for Iron Bar Holdings appealed the ruling to the 10th Circuit Court. The three-judge panel upheld the lower court’s decision, ruling that corner crossing on federally managed public land does not violate federal law, as long as the individual does not physically touch the privately owned property. Currently, the state’s 23 sheriff’s departments are operating under the 10th Court’s ruling.

Iron Bar Holdings attorney Robert Anderson has submitted a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, asking the Justices to review the matter. The Supreme Court is not obligated to hear the case, but if it chooses to do so, a ruling is unlikely before mid-2026.

In the meantime, the Wyoming Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee began working on a bill to clarify corner crossing in the Cowboy State. During yesterday’s meeting, State Deputy Legal Administrator Brian Fuller presented draft bill 26LSO-0118. Fuller explained that the bill states a person is not in violation of criminal trespass laws if they cross at the corner of public land parcels and do not damage private property while doing so.

Senator Larry Hicks asked who is responsible for granting authorization to corner cross. Senator Hicks said the bill must clearly identify who has the authority to permit access to public land.

The draft bill states that a person is not in violation of criminal trespass law if they do not damage private land while corner crossing. Senator Brian Boner asked what constitutes damages. Deputy Legal Administrator Fuller responded that the matter requires further discussion, but in his view, the individual would need to have caused genuine harm to the property.

Senator Hicks said the U.S. Geological Survey marked the boundaries between private and public lands with a brass plaque or some other monument. The District 11 Representative said GPS applications are not accurate enough to pinpoint the exact location of a USGS marker and argued that people may be prosecuted for following their digital maps.

Sabrina King with the Wyoming chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers said her organization is concerned that the lack of USGS markers could be used to restrict access to public lands. King argued that hunters following their digital mapping tools should not be prosecuted if they unintentionally trespass onto private property.

Attorney Ryan Semerad, who is representing the four Missouri hunters in their continued legal battle against Iron Bar Holdings, argued in favor of the draft bill. Attorney Semerad acknowledged the bill isn’t perfect but said it moves unintended trespass from the criminal courts to civil proceedings, eliminating the need to arrest and prosecute every violator.

Not everyone at yesterday’s meeting supported the draft bill. Wyoming Farm Bureau Policy Advocacy Director Brett Moline said the measure does not take into account the damage repeated trespass violations can have on private property.

Additionally, Moline said the 10th Circuit of Appeals ruled that people cannot touch private property in any way. If the GPS maps aren’t accurate, it is not the landowner’s fault.

After the public comment period ended, Committee Co-Chairman Andrew Byron opened the floor to member remarks. District 49 Representative Robert Wharff said the State Legislature should wait until the Supreme Court weighs in on the matter of corner crossing before passing any laws.

Representative Wharff added that the state has historically prioritized private property rights over public land access.

District 45 Representative Karlee Provenza said she and Wyoming’s sheriffs support the bill, which is intended to prevent individuals from facing criminal prosecution for accessing federally guaranteed public lands.

Following the Committee’s discussion, Co-Chairman Byron called for a vote. The measure passed by a narrow margin of seven to six, with District 15 Representative Pam Thayer voting against the bill.

The post Corner Crossing Bill Narrowly Voted to Advance first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, AUGUST 19, 2025 |

Photo – An entry in a parade in Encampment – Bigfoot99 file photo

Rawlins officials discussed the possibility of city-sponsored holiday parades.

During the August 5th Rawlins City Council meeting, Mayor Jacquelin Wells opened the floor to a discussion about organizing Fourth of July and Christmas parades. The idea was originally proposed by Vice Mayor Darril Garner, who was absent from the meeting. Mayor Wells explained that in the past, the local Chamber of Commerce oversaw the Christmas parade. However, after the group disbanded two years ago, city staff unexpectedly assumed responsibility.

Rawlins Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer said the previous Friday, August 1st, Rawlins in Motion owner Rebecca Iacovetto expressed interest in organizing future Christmas parades.

Thayer said Iacovetto was already brainstorming a theme for this year’s Christmas parade.

Councilman Steve Sanger stated that the city has not traditionally hosted a Fourth of July parade; instead, Carbon County residents typically attend Saratoga’s event. Sanger explained that organizing a parade in Rawlins would be costly for the city and might not draw a large crowd.

City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave added that city staff are typically given the Fourth of July off. Organizing a parade would require the city to ask employees to give up their holiday.

Councilman Derek Elliott said in his opinion, people are traveling to Saratoga because the city doesn’t host its own Fourth of July parade. Councilman Elliot argued that, as Carbon County’s most populated municipality, Rawlins should organize a large holiday display instead of relying on smaller towns.

Mayor Wells praised city staff for their excellent work on last year’s Christmas parade. With only four months until Christmas, the Mayor said the city should collaborate with local nonprofits on this year’s event.

As the item was presented solely for discussion, the City Council took no vote and offered no additional comments.

The post City of Rawlins Discusses Hosting Holiday Parades first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, AUGUST 19, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow Town Council – Bigfoot99 file photo

Medicine Bow officials continue searching for solutions for the town’s inoperable sewer pump truck.

At the May 12th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Brian Lashley announced that the town’s pump truck, used to clear sewer lines and meter pits, broke down once again. Lashley said the truck was taken to a Casper mechanic who diagnosed the problem as a malfunctioning transfer case. The Public Works Director said the mechanic quoted $38,400 to perform the necessary repairs.

Lashley said he contacted Aquatech, the pump truck’s manufacturer, and located the same transfer case for $22,000. The Public Works Director said if the Council chooses not to repair the truck, the town will need to hire an outside contractor to clear sewer lines at an estimated cost of $700 per visit.

The governing body voted not to repair the disabled pump truck. Instead, Lashley was instructed to find a less expensive alternative.

The matter was discussed again during the August 11th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting. Mayor Justin George explained that the transfer case is poorly designed, causing the truck to potentially move on its own while the pump is operating.

Public Works Director Lashley reported that he looked into buying a preowned pump truck, but even inoperable models cost more than $60,000. Lashley offered to attempt to sell the town’s pump truck for a similar price, pending the governing body’s approval.

After an extensive search, Lashley said he found a potential replacement pump truck in Fontana, California, outside of Los Angeles. The truck is priced at $120,000, with delivery estimated to cost an additional $3,500 to $4,000.

Lashley said in fully operational condition, with a working transfer case, the town’s sewer pump truck is worth between $60,000 and $70,000. However, the town would need to spend approximately $30,000 on the new transfer case.

Mayor George asked Lashley if the pumping unit could be removed and installed on a different truck body without replacing the transfer case. The Public Works Director explained that the part is integrated into the pump and would still need to be fixed. Lashley added that newer models of the same pump include sensors that detect when the truck is in gear and automatically disable the apparatus.

Responding to a question from the Council, Lashley said he uses the pump truck approximately six times a year, mostly to clear the grease traps at the Virginian Hotel. The Public Works Director said if the truck is repaired, the manager of the historic hotel has agreed to sign a long-term contract with the town to clear the traps quarterly, at a rate of $800 per visit.

Councilman Trevor Strauch recommended putting the pump truck up for sale, with the proceeds going toward the purchase of a new truck.

Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer agreed that the town should not spend $30,000 on a replacement transfer case, given the likelihood of another failure in the near future.

Public Works Director Brian Lashley said he reached out to Super Products, manufacturers of the Camel brand of sewer pump systems, but has yet to receive a response.

The Town Council agreed not to pay to fix the pump truck and instead have the inoperable vehicle towed back from Casper. Next, the governing body voted to table a decision on its future until Lashley hears back from Super Products.

The post No Repairs to Malfunctioning Sewer Truck in Medicine Bow first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, AUGUST 18, 2025 |

Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

Rawlins officials debated changes to the way the city funds nonprofit agencies.

During the August 5th Rawlins City Council meeting, City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave announced that $325,663 from the city’s 2025 fiscal year budget has been allocated to support 13 local ancillary and nonprofit agencies. Attorney Maberry-Nave said the funding traditionally came from sales tax revenue rather than the general fund. Additionally, payments were made four times a year to ensure the agencies were complying with city beautification requirements and to confirm that enough tax revenue was collected.

Instead, Attorney Maberry-Nave said nonprofit allocations have been based on previous funding levels rather than agency performance or current revenue trends. The City Attorney added that funding has been awarded only to agencies with prior requests, with the city appearing to exclude organizations seeking support for the first time.

This year, citing reduced property tax revenue, the Carbon County Library System has asked to be included in the city’s nonprofit allocations. Attorney Maberry-Nave said the governing body must decide whether to approve the request or reject it, as the library has not received funding in the past.

Attorney Maberry-Nave presented a draft ancillary and nonprofit funding agreement. The City Attorney said the document streamlines the funding request process and enables the governing body to include additional public service requirements at its discretion.

Next, Attorney Maberry-Nave reviewed the 13 agencies the city has agreed to fund this fiscal year, including the Boys and Girls Club of Carbon County and Rawlins Downtown Development Authority. The city has also agreed to provide $18,000 to the Wyoming Frontier Prison’s Old Pen Joint Powers Board. In addition to the money, Attorney Maberry-Nave said the Old Pen received unlimited irrigation water. Based on the city’s standard rates, the Old Pen used approximately $12,000 in water last year. The City Attorney asked the governing body if this year’s funding allocation should include the cost of irrigation water.

Attorney Maberry-Nave said the city also donated roughly $2,000 worth of water, sewer, and garbage services to the Downtown Development Authority last year. The City Attorney asked the governing body to clarify whether in-kind donations are included in the agencies’ funding allocations or drawn from a separate source, and if the city should extend funding opportunities to other nonprofit organizations.

Councilman Steve Sanger explained that the governing body had already decided to approve the ancillary and nonprofit agency funding requests. Councilman Sanger said the City Attorney should have raised her concerns prior to the Council’s vote.

Councilwoman Tonya Lewman agreed that the time to debate the funding allocations had passed, adding that the matter should be discussed during next year’s budget talks. Councilwoman Lewman said the nonprofit agencies are relying on the city to deliver the promised funding and stressed that she did not want to delay the process.

Attorney Maberry-Nave asked the Council to address the in-kind donations of city services provided to the Old Pen Joint Powers Board and Downtown Development Authority. Mayor Jacquelin Wells requested legal guidance on how the governing body should proceed. Attorney Maberry-Nave responded that the final decision rests entirely with the Council. However, city staff have raised concerns about the volume of free water the Wyoming Frontier Prison receives each year.

Councilman Derek Elliott said he believes the nonprofit agencies should use their allocated funding to pay for city services. Councilman Sanger responded that the governing body had already agreed not to change the previous contracts and that doing so now would cause undue hardship for the organizations.

Mayor Wells recommended against changing the ancillary and nonprofit agency funding allocations. The Mayor said the Council will need to examine next year’s budget carefully, including those funding requests.

The Rawlins City Council unanimously voted to approve the previously agreed-upon nonprofit agency funding requests.

The post Rawlins Officials Discuss Non-Profit Agency Funding first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, AUGUST 18, 2025 |

Photo – Hanna Library – Bigfoot99 file photo

Hanna officials delayed a request for increased funding from the Carbon County Library System.

Property tax relief legislation has reduced the county’s outside agency budget by approximately $500,000. The tax revenue is used to support organizations such as senior centers, museums, and libraries.

As a result of the reduced property tax revenue, the Carbon County Library System is facing a 53% budget shortfall this fiscal year and is asking every municipality to contribute additional funds toward their local branches. The Town of Saratoga has agreed to donate $1,000 to its branch and is in the process of assuming ownership of the library building.

The Library Board has asked the governing body of Hanna to provide more financial support to the local library. At the August 12th Hanna Town Council meeting, Treasurer Ann Calvert presented a list of the Hanna Library’s annual operating expenses, as provided by the Library Board. Treasurer Calvery said the report erroneously shows that the Library System covers the cost of electricity, which, along with water, is actually provided by the town.

A similar situation occurred in Medicine Bow, where the Library Board presented the governing body with a cost report stating that the town donates $480 in water and sewer fees to its local branch. Medicine Bow Mayor Justin George disputed that figure, saying that when factoring in town-provided snow removal, lawn care, and garbage collection, the total donations equaled $2,108 every year.

Back at the August 12th Hanna Town Council meeting, Treasurer Ann Calvert expressed her desire to support the local library but suggested requesting an accurate financial report from the Board.

Councilman Sam Sikes asked how much money the town was already contributing to the Library System. Treasurer Calvert replied that, under the current memorandum of understanding, the town has agreed to pay $1,500 annually for electricity and cover all water fees. Calvert added that if the governing body wishes to increase its contribution, it may amend the existing agreement or establish a new contract.

Councilwoman Ellen Freeman asked if the Library Board was requesting a specific dollar amount. Treasurer Calvert said no, but the Board had asked the town to cover internet service costs at a previous Council meeting. Calvert added that the governing body will need an accurate financial report before making a decision.

The Hanna Town Council unanimously voted to table the decision to provide additional financial support to the Library System until they receive an accurate breakdown of the cost to operate the local branch.

According to the Carbon County Library System, the Hanna Library is open two days a week for a total of 10 hours.

The post Hanna Officials Table Library’s Funding Request first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, AUGUST 15, 2025 |

Photo – Police Chief Mike Ward – Courtesy City of Rawlins

Rawlins officials have appointed Police Chief Mike Ward as Acting City Manager.

As reported by Bigfoot99, during the August 8th Rawlins City Council meeting, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director and District 15 representative Pam Thayer was chosen as Acting City Manager while Tom Sarvey is out on leave. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Sarvey is suffering from a serious medical issue, but no official details have been released.

Thayer’s tenure was short-lived, on Monday evening, the Rawlins City Council held a special meeting to choose another Acting City Manager. Following a closed-door executive session, Councilwoman Tonya Lewan moved to appoint Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward to the position.

Bigfoot99 spoke to Acting City Manager Mike Ward about his recent appointment. Chief Ward said he doesn’t plan to make any major changes while City Manager Tom Sarvey is on medical leave.

Acting City Manager Ward said he doesn’t expect to remain in the role for long. As a lifelong law enforcement officer, Chief Ward said his goal is to maintain the status quo until he can return full time to leading the Rawlins Police Department.

With more than three decades in law enforcement and experience teaching leadership courses for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Acting City Manager Ward said he brings extensive leadership knowledge to the role. However, his training did not include specific provisions for serving as a City Manager. Chief Ward said he will depend on the expertise of the city’s department heads to ensure day-to-day activities continue operating smoothly.

While serving as Acting City Manager, Ward said he will continue to fulfill his duties as the chief of the Rawlins Police Department. The demanding nature of the City Manager position means that Lieutenants Richard Hooper, Jared Frakes, and Daria Hooper will temporarily assume the administrative duties of the police station.

If he is required to fill the Acting City Manager position for an extended period of time, Chief Ward said he may appoint one of his lieutenants as Acting Police Chief.

Ward said he has every intention of returning to his position as Chief of Police after City Manager Tom Sarvey returns from medical leave. In the meantime, Chief Ward said he sees his new role as a way to serve his adopted hometown.

Acting City Manager Ward thanked the Rawlins City Council for trusting him to assume the role. Chief Ward described himself as a police officer and a leader of officers, and said he views the appointment as a temporary assignment.

The post Rawlins Acting City Manager Speaks About Appointment first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, AUGUST 15, 2025 |

Photo – Carbon County Jail – Bigfoot99 file photo

County officials are hopeful that the state will begin reimbursing local jails to perform mental health evaluations.

During the August 12th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced that the state legislature is considering a draft bill to allow county jails to conduct mental health assessments in conjunction with the Wyoming Department of Health.

Sheriff Bakken said county jail inmates are frequently court-ordered to undergo a mental health assessment before being released. Due to the lack of staff and available beds at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, the individuals may be forced to remain in jail for an extended period of time.

Sheriff Bakken said under the current system, Carbon County inmates may be held in the jail for several months, which he admitted is not the best environment for someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Additionally, holding an individual while they wait to be seen in Evanston places a significant financial burden on the county.

Under the proposed legislation, Sheriff Bakken said the Carbon County Jail may enter into an agreement with the Wyoming Department of Health to provide remote mental health services to inmates. Additionally, the state would allocate $5 million over two years to reimburse counties at a rate of $230 per day for housing inmates receiving mental health treatment.

Sheriff Bakken said he officially supports the draft bill.

Later that same day, the Joint Judiciary Committee heard testimony on the draft bill. Wyoming Department of Health Deputy Director Franz Fuchs explained that the payment structure hasn’t been finalized. Deputy Director Fuchs said facilities may receive different levels of reimbursement based on the type and success of services provided.

Department of Health Director Stefan Johansson acknowledged that not all jails will be equipped to provide every type of court-ordered mental health service. However, should the bill pass, Director Johansson said the Department of Health would be increasing access to mental health services in underserved communities, as directed by the state legislature.

Director Johansson said the draft bill can be tailored to the needs and abilities of the state’s individual detention centers.

After hearing testimony from several Wyoming sheriffs in support of the draft bill, the Joint Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to advance it for consideration by the Wyoming State Legislature during its next session.

The post County is Hopeful the State will Start Paying Mental Health Bills for Inmates first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, AUGUST 15, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow Town Council – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99

Citing dissatisfaction with the service and limited funding, the governing body of Medicine Bow voted not to renew the town’s contract with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.

After dissolving its marshal’s department last year, the Town of Medicine Bow signed a memorandum of understanding with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, agreeing to 30 hours of monthly patrol coverage and a payment of $55,000. In return, the Sheriff’s Office received three rifles and three patrol vehicles from the defunct marshal’s department.

During the August 11th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Mayor Justin George announced that Sheriff Alex Bakken has asked if the town would like to renew its memorandum of understanding.

Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer said she was unhappy with the coverage the sheriff is providing to the town. As the owner of the Old West, situated on Highway 30, Councilwoman Wickizer said she has a clear view of sheriff’s deputies facing away from the road, as vehicles pass through town without slowing down.

Several attendees at the meeting corroborated Councilwoman Wickizer’s comments regarding the alleged inattentiveness of the sheriff’s deputies. The Councilwoman said Medicine Bow is not paying the Sheriff’s Department to have deputies park off the highway and look away from the town.

As part of the agreement, Sheriff Bakken provided the town with a report detailing the number of hours his deputies spend patrolling Medicine Bow. Mayor George said in the month of June, deputies logged 37 hours in town.

Mayor George is the owner of JB’s Stop-N-Shop, located next door to the Old West. Councilwoman Wickizer said JB’s security cameras should capture the deputies parked on the south side of town. Mayor George confirmed that he has witnessed the deputies facing away from the road.

Regardless of his opinion on the deputies’ performance, Mayor George said Medicine Bow cannot afford to pay the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office to patrol the town. Additionally, the Mayor said the Sheriff is legally required to provide law enforcement throughout the county, regardless of compensation.

Mayor George added that Wyoming Highway Patrol will begin patrolling Medicine Bow more frequently after hiring two new local troopers.

The Mayor said he would prefer to deny the contract renewal due to a lack of funding. Councilwoman Wickizer agreed not to sign a new agreement, but argued that the town should end the agreement based on the deputies’ apparent ineffectiveness.

The Medicine Bow Town Council unanimously voted not to extend the memorandum of understanding with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, though a new agreement may be established at any time in the future.

The post Medicine Bow Town Officials Will Not Renew Contract with Sheriff first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.