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Friday, AUGUST 15, 2025 |

In 2010, famed Connecticut trial attorney, Norm Pattis, who most recently defended the controversial pundit Alex Jones, wrote an article “Gerry Spence is Dead?”

The article written 15 years ago explored Spence’s populist rants. I wince, Pattis wrote, “a man preaches from the safety of his pleasure palace. Are those platinum chains I hear rattling as he pecks at his keyboard?”

Spence, the legendary trial attorney, from Wyoming died this week at his home in Montecito, California, at the age of 96.

His criminal cases were as famed as his thunderous defenses. The $10.5 million dollar verdict against Kerr McGee for nuclear facility whistleblower Karen Silkwood, who died in a car crash on the way to meet a New York Times reporter in 1974.  The company settled out of court while not admitting any liability.

Described by his Jackson Hole law firm as “a country lawyer,” Spence famously battled big government and big corporations.

His clientele included survivalist Randy Weaver, who was charged by the federal government with multiple crimes in the infamous Ruby Ridge incident.  Spence called no witnesses during the trial and won an acquittal for his client arguing that Weaver’s actions against federal authorities were justifiable self-defense.

In another famous case, Spence won a full acquittal for Rock Springs safety director Ed Cantrel in the shooting death of undercover detective Michael Rosa. The jury acquitted Cantrell after less than two hours of deliberation in a criminal case that received much national media attention.

Mr. Spence earned his law degree from the University of Wyoming Law School, graduating cum laude in 1952. In the spring of 1990, the University awarded Mr. Spence an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and he has been recognized by the American Academy of Achievement for law and letters.

As the obituary on his law firm’s web site notes, Spence worked for insurance companies early in his career. Then at a “pivotal moment in his career,” he saw the light and began defending common people against the big companies.

Spence died Wednesday in California at the age of 98.

The post Famous Wyoming Lawyer Dies at Age 98 first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, AUGUST 14, 2025 |

Photo – MHCC – Bigfoot99 file photo

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County administrators presented a positive financial report for the cash-strapped facility.

During the August 12th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kerry Ashment delivered his monthly update on the medical facility’s finances. CEO Ashment said he was pleased to report that the hospital can now cover employee payroll without borrowing funds.

The Rawlins hospital has faced financial struggles for years, driven by rising medical costs and declining federal reimbursements. In February of this year, Memorial Hospital Interim Chief Financial Officer Will Grant reported that the medical facility generated approximately $4.4 million less than the previous fiscal year.

Speaking to the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, CEO Ashment said he chose not to borrow money to avoid additional interest payments. Additionally, lenders were unlikely to offer Memorial Hospital loans due to its precarious financial situation. Ashment said the facility is now in a position to decline any future loan offers.

Next, Memorial Hospital Chief Financial Officer Joy Coulston reported that the medical facility generated $50,331 in net income during the month of June. However, as of the latest financial report, Coulston said the hospital has lost nearly $7 million. The Chief Financial Officer said she believes the large shortfall is due to changes to the contractual rate, or how much the hospital expects to receive from insurance companies based on existing agreements.

CFO Coulston agreed that the contractual rate should be adjusted. Coulston said Memorial Hospital should focus on negotiating lower rates, which could lead to more favorable terms with insurers, faster reimbursements, and fewer claim denials.

Chief Financial Officer Coulston said hospital staff hold weekly meetings to review insurance claim denials. Afterwards, staff will contact patients to correct errors and help ensure prompt payment.

Coulston said she believes reducing claim denials is the most effective way to increase revenue. Additionally, CEO Kerry Ashment is working to increase the number of patients undergoing procedures at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County. More patients mean more money for the medical facility.

Coulston said Memorial Hospital must balance growth while controlling expenses.

The Chief Financial Officer said the medical facility is preparing a cost report to recuperate revenue lost from treating Medicare patients. Coulston said a critical access hospital, such as Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, must submit accurate and timely cost reports in order to stay in business.

CEO Kerry Ashment said he promised to be transparent about what’s happening at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, and that his monthly reports fulfill that promise.

The post Commissioners Receive Positive Financial Report from Hospital first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, AUGUST 14, 2025 |

The State of Wyoming is helping the Trump Administration with how the national census is counted in the future.

The President is looking to thwart attempts by political opponents to inflate Democratic voter rolls using illegal immigrants who flooded the country during the Biden Administration, when border controls were essentially non-existent.

President Trump wants illegals excluded from the census, a move that will put a financial burden on Democrat-run cities that welcomed the newcomers. Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Grey said he supports action to remove illegal aliens from the census and supports and accurate recount.

Preparations for the 2030 census are underway. President Trump called on the Commerce Department to create a new counting method that does not tally undocumented immigrants, who flooded the country during the Biden Administration, a break with historical tradition. In the past, every person has been counted no matter their legal status.

The post State Assists Feds with Future Census Counts first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, AUGUST 14, 2025 |

Photo – Hanna Recreation Center – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99

An environmental consulting agency presented Hanna officials with options for its shuttered recreation center.

During Tuesday’s Hanna Town Council meeting, Mike Scholl of Ayres Associates, the state-designated firm handling Brownfields assessments, presented a redevelopment roadmap for the town’s closed recreation center. Scholl explained to the governing body that he was commissioned to estimate the cost of converting the recreation center into an industrial space or demolishing the building.

The Hanna Recreation Center was built in the 1980s to attract miners and their families to the northern Carbon County town. Intended to serve a thousand people, the facility featured a weight room, racquetball court, large gymnasium, and heated indoor pool.

As the last coal mines closed in the early 2000s, the Town of Hanna was gifted the recreation center by the coal companies. Since that time, the town has struggled to maintain the expansive facility as its population declined to just a few hundred residents. Operating the recreation center cost the town approximately $300,000 per year.

With only a handful of paid memberships and dwindling impact assistance money, the town council voted to indefinitely close the rec center in July of 2024. Although the facility is no longer in use, the town continues to pay to maintain the vacant building.

Back at Tuesday’s Hanna Town Council meeting, Mike Scholl presented the governing body with two options: repurpose the building or tear it down. However, Scholl said neither alternative would be easy or cheap.

Scholl identified the large gymnasium as the recreation center’s most valuable asset. The Ayers Associates professional said the space could be transformed into an industrial workshop, bringing much-needed employment opportunities to Hanna.

Scholl said the facility’s electrical, plumbing, and heating systems are all connected, making it difficult to use only part of the building. Separating those mechanical systems will add complexity and cost to repurposing the structure.

Scholl said the structure is well built, making extensive use of steel and concrete. The Ayres Associate professional estimated that demolishing the unneeded sections of the building will cost $458,234.

Scholl explained that the recreation center’s utility systems will need to be modernized before the building can be used as an industrial space, adding another $386,000 to the price tag. In total, repurposing the facility will cost the Town of Hanna $844,234.

Scholl presented the Hanna Town Council with another option: tearing the building down. However, the limited availability of local contractors qualified for such a large-scale job will increase demolition costs.

Scholl estimated that demolishing the Hanna Recreation Center will cost $616,616. Fortunately, the Ayres Associates professional said the building is unlikely to contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead paint.

Scholl said the Wyoming Business Council may offer grant opportunities to help offset the cost of renovating the structure for future commercial development. However, grant funding is unlikely to be available to tear the building down. The Ayres Associates professional recommended pursuing private developers and available grants rather than opting for demolition.

Scholl said the Town Council should develop a plan to work with a private developer before one is found.

Mayor Charlie George thanked Scholl for his presentation and said the Town Council will take his recommendations under consideration. However, Councilman Sam Sikes expressed his desire to move directly to demolition, adding that the town lacks the resources to pursue either option.

The post Brownfields Rep Gives Hanna Officials Options for Rec Center first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, AUGUST 13, 2025 |

Photo – Fire restriction notice – Courtesy Carbon County Fire Protection District

Carbon County is now under Stage One fire restrictions in response to ongoing dry weather.

At yesterday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Fire Warden John Rutherford introduced a resolution to enact Stage One fire restrictions. Fire Warden Rutherford said due to a lack of rain, even the smallest spark is likely to ignite a wildfire.

Under Stage One fire restrictions, all open flames are prohibited on lands within Carbon County, including private property.

Fire Warden Rutherford reported that the Bureau of Land Management is preparing to implement similar fire restrictions on federal lands. Last year, Albany and Laramie Counties were under fire restrictions. This season, however, Rutherford said Carbon County faces a higher risk of wildfire activity.

Fire Warden Rutherford explained that the Carbon County Fire Protection District is helping battle the Lee Fire in Meeker, Colorado. Sparked by a lightning strike, the Lee Fire, which has burned over 116,000 acres, is considered the fifth-largest wildfire in Colorado history. With county, state, and federal assets committed to large-scale fires, Rutherford said response to local incidents may be delayed.

Unlike the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, Carbon County itself does not own large tracts of land. Fire Warden Rutherford said the county’s fire restrictions will apply to private property owners. However, law enforcement won’t actively patrol for open flames. Instead, Rutherford said if a fire on private land spreads out of control, the government will likely seek restitution for damages and suppression costs.

Fire Warden Rutherford advised Carbon County residents to wait until after the first snowfall to burn their slash piles.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners unanimously voted to place the county under Stage One fire restrictions. More information can be found on the Carbon County Fire Protection District website, carbonwyfpd.com.

The post Fire Restrictions Placed on All Properties in Carbon County first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday, AUGUST 13, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow Welcome sign – Courtesy Town of Medicine Bow

Medicine Bow officials chose to delay additional funding for the local library until budget errors are resolved.

In March, the state legislature passed several property tax relief bills, including Senate File 69, which gives all Wyoming homeowners a 25% tax cut on the first $1 million of assessed residential property value. The measures aim to offset rising home prices driven by COVID-related migration to the Cowboy State.

Carbon County relies on property tax revenue to provide financial assistance to outside agencies, such as museums and senior centers. County officials calculated that the tax relief bills reduced funding for those outside agencies by nearly $500,000 this fiscal year.

The Carbon County Library System lost 53% of its annual budget, going from $350,972 last year to $164,462 in 2025. Library Board members have warned residents of possible reductions to branch hours or even closures in response to the budget cuts. Members of the Carbon County Library board are asking municipalities to contribute more money to their local branches.

In response to the Library Board’s funding request, the Town of Saratoga has begun the process of taking ownership of its library building and any subsequent maintenance costs. Theoretically, this will allow the county to allocate more money toward the library’s operational expenses, such as staff salaries and insurance premiums.

Meanwhile, officials in Medicine Bow have temporarily declined to provide additional funding for their local branch. During Tuesday’s Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Mayor Justin George presented a letter from the Library Board detailing the total expenditures of the local branch. The Carbon County Library System itself claims to spend $14,464 a year on the Medicine Bow library, with an additional $10,670 coming from grants, donations, and county allocations.

In its letter, the Library Board maintains that the local branch is open six hours a week. Mayor George disputed the claim, adding that he regularly receives complaints about the library being closed during its posted hours.

Additionally, Mayor George said County Commissioner Sue Jones informed him about a $15,000 private donation for the Hanna and Medicine Bow libraries. The Mayor said Commissioner Jones is asking both municipalities to contribute several hundred dollars each in response to the donation.

According to the Library Board’s report, the Town of Medicine Bow donates $480 in water and sewer fees to its local branch. Mayor George disputed that figure, saying that when factoring in town-provided snow removal, lawn care, and garbage collection, Medicine Bow actually contributes a total of $2,108 every year.

Mayor George said that, in his personal opinion, the Town of Medicine Bow has not benefited from its investment in the library, citing the shrinking number of books and reduced hours of operation. Having donated approximately $20,000 over the past decade with little return to the town, the Mayor said he didn’t want to continue “throwing good money after bad.”

Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer proposed that the town assume responsibility for its own library, separate from the county system. Councilwoman Wickizer said the current arrangement does not provide an adequate return on the town’s annual investment.

Mayor George suggested moving the library into the Medicine Bow Senior Center, prompting Deputy Town Clerk Alice Clark to point out that the facility lacked space. Mayor George said the alternative is to close the library entirely.

Councilwoman Wickizer said the Medicine Bow Community Center may be a better location for the library. In that scenario, the town could bill the county for utility costs while assuming responsibility for building maintenance.

Mayor George pointed out that building maintenance does not account for a large portion of the Library System’s budget. Instead, the Library Board’s report identifies salary and payroll as major annual expenses.

Mayor George said Commissioner Sue Jones informed him that the Carbon County Library System does not factor the town’s contributions of lawn care, snow removal, and garbage collection into its budget considerations, adding that these services reduce the library’s operating costs. The Mayor said Commissioner Jones told him that the Library Board does not agree with that assessment.

In conclusion, Mayor George said the Board of County Commissioners would like to know if Medicine Bow is willing to contribute $200 or $300 toward the $15,000 private donation, as a gesture of the town’s commitment to its library system. The Town Council voted to table the matter until Mayor George can explain Medicine Bow’s existing financial contributions to the Carbon County Library System Board of Directors.

The post Med Bow Council Tables Decision to Assist Local Library first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, AUGUST 12, 2025 |

Photo – Seminoe Reservoir canyon area – Bigfoot99 file photo

Seminoe Pumped Storage Project representatives deny claims that they haven’t contacted the Industrial Siting Council.

On August 5th, Bigfoot99 reported that Wyoming Industrial Siting Administrator Jenny Staeben informed the Board of Carbon County Commissioners that rPlus Hydro, the developers of the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, had not contacted the Industrial Siting Council to apply for a construction permit. In Wyoming, any project with an estimated build cost exceeding $253 million must obtain a permit from the Industrial Siting Council before beginning construction. With an estimated cost of over $3 billion, the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project clearly meets that threshold. Speaking to the Board of County Commissioners on July 14th, Staeben said rPlus Hydro may be under the mistaken assumption that it is not required to engage with the Industrial Siting Council.

The Seminoe Pumped Storage Project involves constructing a 10,000-acre-foot artificial lake on top of Bennett Mountain at Seminoe Reservoir. When electricity is abundant, water will be pumped 1,000 feet uphill from the lower reservoir into the upper storage lake. During periods of high energy demand, that water will be released downhill through an underground hydroelectric turbine, generating electricity. Essentially, the project will act like a giant battery.

The day after the story aired, Maile Resta, Communications Associate for rPlus Energies, the parent company of rPlus Hydro, contacted Bigfoot99 reporter Matt Copeland to dispute the Industrial Siting Administrator’s statements.

In her email message, Resta acknowledged that rPlus has not yet begun the formal Industrial Siting Council’s permitting process. However, Resta stated that rPlus has discussed the project with the Industrial Siting Council in the past, including during its early development more than five years ago.

Resta wrote that rPlus spoke with Industrial Siting Council staff this past spring and confirmed that the project would require the Council’s approval.

Back at the July 14th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Wyoming Industrial Siting Administrator Jenny Staeben confirmed that rPlus Hydro is aware it must obtain a permit from her organization before construction can begin, but has yet to do so.

In her email response, rPlug Energies Communications Associate Maile Resta wrote that the Industrial Siting Council has consistently advised the company to begin the formal permitting process during the later stages of project development. Construction is still at least two years away, with the project still undergoing licensing through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC. Resta wrote that rPlus fully intends to submit a permit application to the Industrial Siting Council after the completion of the FERC licensing, which is set be finished by January 15th, 2027.

Bigfoot99 has requested a formal interview with rPlus representatives to further discuss the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.

The post Representatives from rPlus Hydro Deny Claim of No Contact with State Industrial Siting Council first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, AUGUST 12, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

Saratoga officials plan to ease building code restrictions.

On August 5th, the Saratoga Town Council held a public hearing for Ordinance 887. Public Works Director Emery Penner explained that the ordinance changes how the town regulates accessory buildings, such as sheds and detached garages. Penner said the new rules will reduce the need for residents to seek a variance, or an official exception to specific zoning regulations.

Penner explained that Saratoga’s existing building regulations were taken directly from a national database and are better suited to a different type of community. By amending the codes, Penner said he hopes to help residents make better use of their property while preserving the town’s character.

Penner said the Saratoga Planning Commission took public comment into consideration when designing the new regulations. The Public Works Director said Ordinance 887 will give residents greater flexibility in choosing where to build accessory structures. To maintain a cohesive appearance throughout the town, Penner said front yard regulations will remain unchanged.

Penner added that homes built prior to 1980, before the current zoning regulations were established, will be allowed additional leeway for accessory buildings.

The Public Works Director said Ordinance 887 does not restrict how residents may use their properties. Instead, it aims to reduce the need for variances and bring the entire town into compliance with the new zoning regulations.

Mayor Chuck Davis said his administration is working to update all of Saratoga’s outdated regulations while preserving its core identity.

Ordinance 887 was passed by the Saratoga Town Council on first reading. Like all ordinance amendments, it must be read and approved at three separate public hearings.

A copy of Ordinance 887 can be found online at Proposed Planning Ordinance 25-887 | Saratoga, WY

The post Building Code Regulations Changed in Saratoga first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday, AUGUST 12, 2025 |

Photo – Rawlins Glock Tournament – Courtesy Rawlins Shooting Complex

The Rawlins Shooting Complex successfully hosted a national handgun tournament earlier this month.

On August 1st and 2nd, the Rawlins Shooting Complex held the 34th annual GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation tournament. The nationwide event sees GLOCK pistol owners compete against the clock and one another, shooting at paper targets set at different distances. Match Director Wesley Harrison explained that the event offers a great introduction to shooting sports and encouraged more young people to take part.

Match Director Harrison said GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation tournaments feature multiple divisions to accommodate different pistol models and levels of modification. Harrison added that if you own a GLOCK handgun, there’s most likely a division where you can compete.

This year’s Rawlins GLOCK tournament drew roughly 170 entries, some from as far away as Kentucky and Florida. Harrison said tournaments in more populated states can attract over 500 participants. While Wyoming may never reach those numbers, the Match Director said he hopes to see at least 200 competitors next year. To reach that goal, Harrison said more volunteers are needed, with rewards offered for those who help, including a chance to win a free GLOCK handgun.

GLOCK tournament participants are eligible to win cash prizes, free memberships to the GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation, and various smaller giveaways. Harrison said the overall top shooter, known as the Matchmeister receives a free pistol. Including random drawings and volunteer rewards, Harrison said a total of 10 free handguns were awarded during the tournament.

This year’s GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation tournament was Harrison’s first time serving as Match Director. A longtime participant who helped organize the event in the past, Harrison said he was the obvious pick when this year’s tournament arrived.

After the tournament, Harrison was appointed to the Rawlins Shooting Range Advisory Board, where he will help plan future events and make improvements to the facility. As a frequent user of the shooting complex, Harrison said he felt it was time to join the Board.

To learn more about the GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation or to volunteer for next year’s Rawlins tournament, visit gssf.pro.

The post National Handgun Tournament was Held at Rawlins Shooting Complex first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday, AUGUST 11, 2025 |

Photo – Library Funding Chart – Courtesy Carbon County Library System

Following a 53% budget cut, the Carbon County Library System is warning patrons to expect reduced hours and services at local branches.

The property tax relief bills passed by the Wyoming State Legislature this past March, including the 25% cut on all residential properties, have significantly impacted the budget of Carbon County. Speaking at the June 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jones said due to those property tax measures, the county is facing a $500,000 shortfall this fiscal year. Commissioner Jones said the county has been forced to drastically cut back on spending, specifically for outside agencies, such as senior centers and libraries.

All county-funded agencies have taken a financial hit this fiscal year, with the Carbon County Library System reporting a 53% budget cut, going from $350,972 last year to $164,462 in 2025.

At the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Carbon County Library System Board member Adelaide Myers warned that municipalities will soon feel the impact of the reduced budget. Myers said even the Saratoga Library, the county’s second most visited branch after Rawlins, is not immune to the consequences.

The Carbon County Library System website warns users to expect reduced hours and services at their local branch as the Library Board works to raise money. According to the website, the Board remains committed to doing everything possible to prevent closures. However, closing one or more branches has not been ruled out.

The Library Board states that it must raise $164,000 to keep the entire library system operating as usual.

Speaking at the June 17th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Sue Jone encouraged residents to donate the money they saved on their property taxes to local services, including their library branches.

The Library System’s website states that the Board is doing all it can to raise money despite having no marketing budget and choosing not to spend its limited resources on large events, adding that very dollar donated is an investment in your community.

Donations to the Carbon County Library System can be made online at carbonlibraries.org.

The post County Libraries Closer to Reduced Hours and Services first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.