Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

Friday, AUGUST 1, 2025 |

Photo – Senator John Barrasso – Bigfoot99 file photo

On the floor of the U.S. Senate on Thursday, Wyoming’s senior Senator and the Majority Whip in the upper chamber went after liberal New York Senator Chuck Schumer and the minority Democrats for working to weaken the American healthcare system.

In his usual style, Senator Barrasso’s critique was sharply pointed on an issue he is well-versed on as a doctor: Medical care in a rural setting.

Senator Barrasso concluded saying that Democrats would make the healthcare system weaker for Americans who need it the most.

Senator Schumer’s attack on the rural health care plan in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is part of a bundle of strategies to be released in September.

The Democrat strategy could be tested next month as politicians work to avert a government shutdown on September 30th. President Donald Trump has signaled that he does not want a shutdown, opening a path to some bipartisan negotiations. House Republicans have taken a harder line to any deal making on spending levels and policy riders.

The post Wyoming Senator Addresses Democrat Attempt to Weaken Healthcare System first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, AUGUST 1, 2025 |

Photo – Hanna Marshal vehicle – Bigfoot99 file photo

Hanna residents are questioning the town’s reliance on part-time marshals.

In March of 2023, Hanna Marshal Ted Kranenberg left to join the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office. For the next year and a half, the town searched for a replacement, with Hanna’s governing body blaming the lack of qualified candidates on the town’s remote location and the job’s admittedly low wages.

In June of 2024, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Emergency Department Manager Dan Starr was sworn in as the town’s part-time marshal by Mayor Pro Tem Jayson Nordquist. Soon after, former Medicine Bow marshal and Hanna Town Council member Roger Hawks was appointed to serve as a part-time deputy marshal. Four months later, in October, Carbon County Sheriff’s Deputy Trent Wozniak was sworn in as the town’s third part-time law enforcement officer.

Although Hanna has three marshals, only Deputy Hawks resides in town. Marshal Starr lives in Saratoga and Deputy Wozniak lives in Rawlins.

At the June 24th Hanna Town Council meeting, it was announced that Deputy Wozniak was relocating to Cheyenne after being offered a position in Colorado. However, Deputy Wozniak said he would like to continue working in Hanna, despite the long commute from the state capital.

During the July 8th Hanna Town Council meeting, a resident asked if Deputy Wozniak would be allowed to use his town-issued vehicle to travel from Cheyenne. Mayor Charlie George responded that the deputy marshal would no longer be permitted to use the vehicle and added that he doesn’t expect Wozniak to continue serving the town after taking the job in Colorado.

Mayor George was asked if the part-time marshals are required to respond to law calls when not actively patrolling the town. The Mayor responded that they are not, prompting a resident to ask why they are permitted to take their town-supplied vehicles home. Mayor George and Councilman Sam Sikes explained that the use of municipal vehicles was authorized by a previous administration to help attract candidates to Hanna.

The governing body was asked if the part-time marshals are required to maintain a fixed schedule. Mayor George said they are not. Officers are permitted to patrol the town when not working their other jobs. For Deputies Hawks and Wozniak, those jobs are with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office; Marshal Dan Starr works full time at Memorial Hospital of Carbon County.

Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales instructed residents to call 911 in an emergency. Dispatchers will send the nearest available law enforcement officer, either from the sheriff’s department or the marshal’s office.

Mayor George acknowledged that relying solely on part-time marshals may not be ideal for Hanna residents, but said it is the best option given the town’s budgetary limitations.

Council members Sam Sikes and Ellen Freeman said employing three part-time marshals is more cost-effective than hiring one full-time officer, especially when factoring in the cost of benefits.

The governing body acknowledged that the three part-time marshals do not collectively spend 40 hours patrolling the town, noting that together, they spend approximately 20 hours in Hanna each week. However, Hanna officials stated that the town benefits more from the marshals than it did under the sheriff’s office. According to the previous memorandum of understanding, Hanna paid $60,000 a year for sheriff’s deputies to provide 60 hours of patrol coverage each month. The town currently allocates $60,000 annually for the marshal’s office.

The post Hanna Residents Concerned Over Part-Time Marshals first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, AUGUST 1, 2025 |

Photo – National Night Out announcement – Courtesy Rawlins Police Department

The Rawlins Police Department is inviting all residents to a community engagement event next week.

Tuesday, August 5th, is National Night Out, an annual nationwide event that fosters stronger relationships between communities and law enforcement. Rawlins Police Department Sergeant George Phillips announced that his department will host a family-friendly event at Bolten Park, on the city’s south side. Sergeant Phillips said National Night Out reflects his department’s commitment to honest and impartial law enforcement.

Sergeant Phillips said representatives from the county’s law enforcement agencies and first responders will gather at Bolten Park for National Night Out.

Sergeant Phillips said National Night Out attendees can enjoy a variety of family-friendly and safety-related activities. Additionally, prizes will also be given out, and free food will be served during the event.

Sergeant Phillips invited all Carbon County residents to attend Tuesday’s National Night Out in Rawlins, emphasizing the opportunity for positive interactions with local law enforcement.

The 2025 National Night Out takes place Tuesday, August 5th, at Bolten Park in Rawlins. The free, family-friendly event runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The post RPD Invites County Residents to National Night Out first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, JULY 31, 2025 |

Photo – Vintage poster – Bigfoot99 file photo

The Rawlins Downtown Development Authority is hosting an 80s-themed event tomorrow night.

The Rawlins Downtown Development Authority is hosting its third Summer Shenanigans event this year. Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer explained that the series of outdoor festivities offer fun activities for families while attracting visitors to the downtown shopping district.

The next Summer Shenanigans event, titled A Blast from the Past, takes place tomorrow, August 1st, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thayer said participants may visit select businesses to receive free neon accessories.

Another new activity happening during tomorrow’s Summer Shenanigans is the Rawlins Outlaws baseball team’s life-size game of Hungry Hungry Hippos. For a $10 donation, Thayer said teams of two will work together using a laundry basket to collect as many balls as possible.

The evening doesn’t end with Hungry Hungry Hippos. Thayer outlined the rest of tomorrow night’s events, including a dance performance and live music, all leading up to a 1980s-themed costume contest.

The winner of the 80s costume contest will receive a retro-inspired boombox. Event organizers were unable to source a genuine vintage portable stereo for the contest. Instead, Thayer said the champion will win a modern boombox designed to look vintage but equipped with features that didn’t exist 40 years ago.

Tomorrow’s Summer Shenanigans will wrap up at 9:00 p.m. with a screening of the 1984 classic “Ghostbusters”.

Thayer thanked the event sponsors, including Bigfoot99.

The Blast from the Past Summer Shenanigan is tomorrow, August 1st. The festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with the Glow Glam Crawl, felt art, and food trucks. For more information, or to sign up for the life-size Hungry Hungry Hippos game, visit downtownrawlins.org.

The post Rawlins DDA Hosts 1980’s Themed Event in Downtown Rawlins first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Thursday, JULY 31, 2025 |

Photo – Platte Valley Knights Auto Club logo – Courtesy Platte Valley Knights Auto Club

The Platte Valley Knights Auto Club donated money collected during its annual Independence Day car show to local fire departments.

Automotive enthusiasts from all around the region gathered in Saratoga on Saturday, July 5th for The Platte Valley Knights Auto Club’s 23rd annual Fourth of July Car Show. This year, participants showcased roughly 20 unique collector’s vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

At the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Auto Club member Bill Schroer presented a $1,000 donation to be split evenly between the Saratoga and Encampment-Riverside Volunteer Fire Departments. Schroer said the auto show was a large success, thanks entirely to the event sponsors, including Bigfoot99.

Mayor Chuck Davis thanked Schroer and the Platte Valley Knights Auto Club for their generous donation. Mayor Davis also expressed his gratitude to the event sponsors.

Bigfoot99 sponsors an award at the annual car show, which was presented to a 1958 Chevy Belair from Rawlins. The Best Motorcycle went to Robert Ouzts for his Yamaha RD 350. Ken Rakness earned the Best Truck trophy for his 1971 Ford Bronco. Finally, Danny McGuire received the Best Car award for his 1967 Pontiac GTO.

After receiving their $500 donation, members of the Encampment-Riverside Volunteer Fire Department thanked the Auto Club with a handwritten letter. The firefighters wrote that the money will be used to help purchase new vehicle extraction equipment and oxygen packs.

The post Local Auto Club Donates Car Show Funds to Valley Fire Departments first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday   JULY 30, 2025 |

Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

A former Rawlins City Council candidate says the governing body isn’t doing enough to fix the city’s water problems.

During the public comment portion of the July 15th Rawlins City Council meeting, Patrick Gonzales, who unsuccessfully ran for a Council seat in the 2024 election, said residents have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the city’s persistent water and sewer infrastructure issues.

Gonzales said he was compelled to address the City Council after learning about the 2025 Wyoming Funding Summit. Held from April 14th to 17th at Central Wyoming College in Riverton. Gonzales said the meeting addressed funding opportunities, specifically for water and sewer projects.

The 2025 Wyoming Funding Summit was hosted by Governor Mark Gordon and Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis. The four-day event focused on grant writing and discussions on infrastructure, housing, health, agriculture, energy, and emergency management.

Back at the July 15th Rawlins City Council meeting, Gonzales said no city officials attended the funding summit.

Gonzales added that the city is missing three important administrative positions: a finance director, a human resources director, and a grants administrator. Until those three roles are filled, Gonzales said City Manager Tom Sarvey is unable to effectively perform his job.

Next, Gonzales recommended using money from the general budget to support the water and sewer enterprise accounts. The funding can help cover expensive infrastructure projects, such as replacing the sewer lines on La Paloma Drive, which often backs up into residents’ basements.

The La Paloma Drive sewer line replacement project is estimated to cost approximately $3 million.

Water and sewer services are run as enterprise accounts, which by law must generate enough revenue to sustain themselves without additional financial support from the municipality. While state statutes allow municipalities to use funding from the general budget to supplement those enterprise accounts, that money must be treated like a loan and paid back in its entirety. The City Council has discussed the idea in the past. However, since water and sewer bills are already considered high by many residents, raising them further to repay the loan is not a plan the Council supports.

Gonzales said residents’ frustration with the water and sewer issues will continue to grow until the problems are fixed. The former City Council candidate urged the governing body to prioritize finding a finance director, a human resources director, and a grants administrator to support City Manager Sarvey’s efforts to secure grant funding.

Gonzales said he anticipates additional water main breaks occurring in the future. Until the city finds the money to fix its outdated infrastructure, the problem will continue to get worse.

Per city ordinance, the governing body is unable to directly address a citizen during the public comment period. Later in the July 15th meeting, Public Works Director Cody Dill said he was unaware of the Wyoming Funding Summit Gonzales mentioned and would have attended the meeting had he known about the opportunity.

The post Citizen Addresses Rawlins Council on Water Issues first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday   JULY 30, 2025 |

Photo – Announcement of Podcast – Courtesy Sheriff Alex Bakken

On Monday night, Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken launched a new monthly podcast to share updates on departmental activities and regional issues.

During his inaugural podcast, Sheriff Alex Bakken explained that his monthly report will help residents stay informed about what’s happening in our region.

Sheriff Bakken highlighted the notable emergency calls his office received during the month of July, beginning with the three wildfires that occurred in Carbon County. The Sheriff discussed the Ski Hill Fire, which started two weekends ago, and thanked the emergency agencies whose quick response prevented it from spreading beyond a few acres.

Sheriff Bakken also mentioned the Beaver Dam and Taylor Draw Fires, both of which broke out over the Fourth of July weekend. The Beaver Dam Fire, located about seven miles east of Hog Park near the Wyoming–Colorado border, was contained within hours and burned just six acres of U.S. Forest Service land. The Taylor Draw Fire began roughly 10 miles north of Hanna and consumed over 1,200 acres of Bureau of Land Management range before being extinguished. Investigators believe lightning strikes were the likely cause of all three wildfires.

Next, Sheriff Bakken discussed the fatal off-road vehicle crash that occurred on July 5th when a side-by-side rolled off Highway 70, near Battle Pass. Both occupants, one adult and one juvenile, were ejected from the vehicle, with the adult being pronounced dead at the scene. The juvenile passenger sustained minor injuries.

Sheriff Bakken said the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing a seatbelt and extended his sympathies to the victims’ family.

Sheriff Bakken moved on to a more light-hearted report, saying that deputies arrested the so-called “High-Country Harasser” last week on Bridger Pass, south of Rawlins. The Sheriff said Nicholas Sampson, who goes by the trail name “Cottonmouth,” is said to have harassed and assaulted his fellow Continental Divide Trail hikers for years. Sheriff Bakken said Sampson was arrested last week for allegedly hitting a road worker with a water bottle.

“Cottonmouth” Sampson is facing two counts of Breach of Peace and is currently being held in the Carbon County Jail.

Sheriff Alex Bakken asked for feedback on his new podcast and thanked the public for their continued support of his initiatives.

The post Sheriff Starts a Monthly Podcast Update of Area Issues first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday  JULY 30, 2025 |

Photo – 2025 Chevy Tahoe – Courtesy John Elway Chevrolet

In Saratoga, the town council has approved the purchase of new police vehicles after the Chief of Police found a less expensive option.

As reported by Bigfoot99, in May, the Saratoga Town Council authorized Police Chief John Moore to spend $62,309 on a 2024 Dodge Ram patrol truck, from ESU Pursuits in Edwardsville, Kansas. The vehicle would come fully equipped with lights, sirens, and Saratoga Police Department logos.

During the July 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Chief Moore reported that he found a 2025 Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle for sale at John Elway Chevrolet in Denver for $53,661. Chief Moore added that upfitting the SUV to serve as a K9 unit would increase the price by another $40,000.

The governing body hesitated on the prospect of spending more than $90,000 on a single patrol vehicle. Council instructed Chief Moore to search for a less expensive alternative.

At the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Police Chief John Moore said he contacted John Elway Chevrolet about trading in older vehicles toward the purchase of the 2025 Chevy Tahoe.

In total, Chief Moore said the Denver dealership offered him $46,500 for two used patrol vehicles.

The Saratoga Police Department would owe an additional $7,161 on the new SUV.

Chief Moore recommended purchasing another Dodge Ram patrol truck from ESU Pursuits for $63,798 to replace the two vehicles being traded in toward the Chevy Tahoe. Altogether, the Saratoga Police Chief said the total for two new vehicles, including the installation of required police hardware, is just over $110,000.

Chief Moore said he could purchase two new vehicles for roughly $15,000 more than the cost of the Chevy Tahoe he presented at the previous meeting. Chief Moore said the unit will require a two-way radio, which can be transferred from one of the trade-ins.

The Saratoga Town Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle with K9 unit upfitting, along with a 2024 Dodge Ram pickup truck. Chief Moore said he expects the fully outfitted Tahoe to be delivered within three weeks. The Dodge Ram may take upwards of 90 days to receive.

The post Saratoga Town Council Approves Vehicle Purchase for Police Department first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday  JULY 30, 2025 |

Photo – Saratoga Town Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

Saratoga officials are revising the often-ignored regulations limiting the number of food trucks allowed per property.

During the July 1st Saratoga Town Council meeting, Mayor Chuck Davis introduced Ordinance 886, a revision to the town’s mobile vending regulations. Town Clerk Jennifer Anderson explained that the only change in the new ordinance is an increase in the number of mobile vendors allowed per site, from one to five. Clerk Anderson added that the original rule was routinely disregarded.

Mayor Davis said existing regulations also limit the town’s ability to host multiple food trucks on a single property. The Mayor said the ordinance needed to be revised.

The Saratoga Town Council unanimously voted to approve Ordinance 886 on first reading. Like all ordinance amendments, it must be approved three times at three separate public hearings before being adopted into law.

Ordinance 886 was brought up for a second vote during the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting. Mayor Chuck Davis said the measure should also change the amount of money the town charges for mobile vendors permits. Mayor Davis asked the governing body if they should scrap Ordinance 886 entirely and draft a new proposal, or pass it as written and amend the permit fees later.

Councilman Mike Cooley said he supported passing the measure first, with any necessary changes to follow. Councilman Cooley moved to approve Ordinance 886 on second reading. The motion carried unanimously. The ordinance will be read for the third and final time at the August 5th Saratoga Town Council meeting.

The post Saratoga Town Council Revises Mobile Vending Regulations first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Wednesday   JULY 30, 2025 |

Photo – Thiago Romero – Courtesy Wild Sky Photography

A Rawlins high school wrestler is seeking public support to be named Youth Athlete of the Year and earn a featured ad in Sports Illustrated magazine.

Fifteen-year-old Rawlins High School student, Thiago Romero, is asking the public to support his bid to become Youth Athlete of the Year. The annual competition is hosted by Colossal, a nationally registered fundraising organization that specializes in online campaigns designed to highlight young athletes. The Youth Athlete of the Year winner receives $25,000 and an ad in Sports Illustrated.

Romero has been wrestling since he was five years old. As a high school freshman, he was invited to state tournaments and the USA Wrestling Western Regional Championship in Herriman, Utah. Romero also earned a varsity letter jacket as a freshman. However, the high school wrestler said his proudest accomplishment was participating in the 16 and Under National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.

Romero also earned victories in the Wyoming Amateur Wrestling Association tournament in Casper, placing in all three disciplines: Greco-Roman, freestyle, and folkstyle. Romero explained the difference between the different wrestling styles.

Romero said he prefers folkstyle wrestling, the most widely practiced discipline in U.S. high schools and colleges, known for its emphasis on control, escapes, and riding time.

Romero’s father, Doug, said he learned about the Youth Athlete of the Year competition through Facebook. Impressed by his son’s skill and dedication to wrestling, the elder Romero chose to nominate him for the award. To his surprise, Thiago quickly climbed to third place in the national rankings.

Doug Romero said a link to the Youth Athlete of the Year website is available on Facebook. Supporters may cast one free vote per day. Additional votes require a donation to a youth health initiative, such as the Why Not You and the V Foundations.

The winner of the Youth Athlete of the Year award receives an advertising deal with 3BRAND, a youth-oriented clothing company founded by New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. The ad will run in a future Sports Illustrated magazine issue. Additionally, the winner will be awarded $25,000. Romero said he will use the prize money to purchase a truck.

Romero thanked his coaches who helped him excel throughout his wrestling career, as well as everyone who has already voted. A link to Romero’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition page can be found in this story on the Bigfoot99 website. Voting ends at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 7th.

Thiago Romero Youth Athlete of the Year: Thiago | Youth Athlete of the Year

The post Rawlins Wrestler Seeks Public Support to Become Youth Athlete of the Year first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.