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Tuesday  JULY 29, 2025 |

Photo – Map outlining current wind projects in Carbon County – Courtesy Department of Environmental Quality (WY)

County Commissioners push for changes to the state’s industrial siting system.

When a large-scale industrial or energy project is planned, the developer is required to pay impact assistance money to offset the strain to local infrastructure, services, and housing.

When a developer proposes a major project, they must submit an application to the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council. The Council determines how much impact assistance funding should go to affected counties and municipalities, based on the estimated materials cost of the project, often submitted years before construction begins.

During the July 14th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Wyoming Industrial Siting Administrator Jenny Staeben addressed upcoming projects within Carbon County. Administrator Staeben began by explaining how impact assistance funds are calculated, saying that projects under $350 million are required to pay 2.25% of the total materials cost to mitigate the project’s impact to the local area. However, Staeben added that the Industrial Siting Council has the authority to increase the impact assistance money.

Administrator Staeben said projects valued between $350 million and $800 million are required to allocate 2% of their estimated materials cost to help mitigate impacts on the local landscape and economy. Projects totaling $850 million or more are required to contribute 1.5% toward impact assistance. Staeben acknowledged that the actual materials cost isn’t known until the project is complete.

Commissioner John Johnson said that all too often, the estimated materials costs used by the Industrial Siting Council to determine a project’s impact assistance contribution are found to be inaccurate by the time construction begins. In his view, Commissioner Johnson said impact assistance should be reevaluated by the Council if the estimated cost was shown to be significantly different than the actual amount.

Industrial Siting Administrator Staeben, who took her position in late 2023, said she could not comment on decisions made by her predecessors. Staeben said in her administration, Industrial Siting permits are considered using the estimated numbers provided by project developers in their initial application forms. While things can change during the construction process, Staeben said the amount of impact assistance money is not reconsidered unless requested by a local government.

Commissioner Johnson said projects approved by the Industrial Siting Council may take several years to complete. By that point, Commissioner Johnson said inflation has substantially raised the project’s cost, making the original impact assistance evaluation outdated.

In those cases, Administrator Staeben advised the Board of Carbon County Commissioners to file their own amendment with the Industrial Siting Council. However, Staeben said the project developer must have enough impact assistance money left over to cover the county’s desired funding increase.

To avoid the need for an appeal, Commission Chairman Travis Moore suggested having the Industrial Siting Council reevaluate a project after construction officially begins. Since some projects take years to begin construction, material costs can vary significantly between the initial estimates and the actual expenditures. Chairman Moore asked Administrator Staeben if she was planning to implement his suggested changes.

Staeben responded that altering the operations of the Industrial Siting Council would require a change in state law. In the absence of such legislation, she said the Council has no plans to act on the Commission Chairman’s recommendation.

Commission Chairman Moore asked Staeben how many projects actually hit their estimated materials cost. The Industrial Siting Administrator said she didn’t know but offered to provide the information to the Board at a later date. Chairman Moore said those numbers would help determine if a change in state law is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the impact assistance payments.

Staeben was also asked if the Industrial Siting Council has ever denied an application based on public comments. Staeben said in her experience, the public typically doesn’t make formal complaints against a proposed project, despite her office’s best outreach efforts.

Staeben said the seven-member Industrial Siting Council is requesting increased feedback from the public. The Industrial Siting Administrator recommended submitting public comments even if individuals are unwilling to provide personal details, as the Council relies on that information to make well-informed decisions about proposed projects.

Commissioner John Johnson said he believed people are more likely to voice concerns to their local county representatives rather than travel to Cheyenne to deliver a formal statement. Administrator Staeben explained that she receives a high volume of calls and emails from the public.

However, even after individuals are provided with the necessary information to submit a public comment, they still choose not to participate. Staeben asked the Board of County Commissioners to forward any public comments they receive to her office so the information can be relayed to the Industrial Siting Council.

Commissioner Sue Jones asked if the Council has the authority to change the scope of a project in response to public input, adding that residents are less likely to submit formal comments if they believe the Council will not act on the feedback. Administrator Staeben explained that the Council determines if a project will negatively impact the area. However, Staeben said no one has requested a change of scope during her time with the organization.

Administrator Staeben acknowledged that testifying before the Industrial Siting Council can be intimidating. To make the process easier, her office offers pre-filed statements and exhibits. Staeben said impacted parties are provided with a template, allowing them to simply fill in the blanks. The information is then presented to the Industrial Siting Council for review.

Staeben explained that, using the new process, the reporting party will simply be asked by the Council if any details in their statement have changed and then invited to answer questions. The Industrial Siting Administrator said that while she cannot completely change the process, she is working to make it easier for individuals and organizations to submit comments on a project.

The post Commissioners Request Changes to State’s Industrial Siting Committee first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Tuesday   JULY 29, 2025|

Photo – ICE logo – Bigfoot99 file photo 

Governor Mark Gordon on Monday announced that the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) has entered into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to participate in the 287(g) program to assist federal ICE officers with immigration.

The Highway Patrol will also perform their regular duties while working with ICE agents.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) gives WHP the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under federal oversight. WHP officers will have the ability to develop evidence and other fact-finding duties when they encounter individuals who are in violation of U.S. immigration laws.

In a statement, Governor Gordon said, “Wyoming has been firm in our commitment to helping secure the border and this is another step in that process.”

The Governor, who visited the border between Texas and Mexico during his first term while Joe Biden was President, added that the internal security of the United States depends upon effective immigration enforcement.

In January, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order (EO) 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.

The EO directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to work with the 50 States to develop agreements that authorize State and local law enforcement to perform functions of immigration officers.

The phased roll out of the Task Force model allows Wyoming Highway Patrol officers to access ICE databases to help establish whether individuals are lawfully present and take appropriate detention actions under direction of ICE. Free training will be provided.

Col. Tim Cameron, the top Administrator at Wyoming Highway Patrol, supports the arrangement. In a statement, Col. Cameron, said, “This partnership strengthens public safety, expands our access to federal resources and intelligence, and reinforces the strong working relationships we maintain with local law enforcement.”

The post WHP Enters Agreement with Immigration first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Monday  JULY 28, 2025 |

Photo – Map showing property owned by City of Rawlins – Bigfoot99 file photo

Rawlins officials plan to sell scrap vehicles from the fire-damaged Lawrence Property before conducting a detailed environmental assessment.

On July 6th, 2024, illegal fireworks sparked the largest fire ever recorded within the city limits of Rawlins. The flames scorched approximately four and a half acres in the heart of the city, centered on the former Lawrence Salvage Yard on East Spruce Street. In response, the Rawlins City Council voted to use $230,000 from the Dangerous Building Fund to purchase the damaged property.

The Dangerous Building Fund was created by a previous City Council using $500,000 from the city’s budget. Through the fund, city officials can buy abandoned private properties, clean up blight, and resell the land to private investors. The money from the sale is put back into the fund for future use.

The decision to purchase the Lawrence Property passed by a narrow four-to-three vote. At the time of the approval, then-Mayor Terry Weickum said revitalizing the fire-damaged property in the center of the city will bring numerous economic opportunities.

Dissenting Council members pointed out that the property had served as a salvage yard for decades and may contain unknown contamination. Despite their concerns, the purchase was finalized last December.

In early June, City Manager Tom Sarvey announced that he had allocated an additional $200,000 to remove the 80 derelict vehicle and other pieces of debris from the former scrapyard.

At the July 15th Rawlins City Council meeting, Councilman Terry Patterson requested an update on the number of city-owned properties, including the Lawrence Property, as well as the current plans for their use. City Manager Tom Sarvey replied that Community Development Director Lou Lascano has prepared an updated list of all city-owned properties. Sarvey said the next step is to determine what to do with the land.

City Manager Sarvey said he is working to modernize the city’s 13-year-old master plan, which provides a roadmap for future development. Once the revised document is complete, Sarvey said he will have a better understanding of how best to dispose of the properties.

Sarvey said he believes that the city is holding too many properties.

Regarding the Lawrence Property, the City Manager said he is waiting to receive bids for the removal of the scrap metal. Cleanup efforts will begin once a contractor has been selected.

Once the debris is cleared from the former scrapyard, Sarvey said the city will initiate a Phase II environmental study through the Brownfields program. The federal Environmental Protection Agency established the Brownfields program in 1995 to provide financial assistance to municipalities dealing with abandoned or underutilized properties that may contain environmental contamination. Last year, the City of Rawlins received $500,000 through the Brownfields program to conduct environmental assessments of its vacant sites. Sarvey said the Lawrence Property had a Phase I study performed in the past that showed no signs of contamination. A more detailed examination is needed before the land can be developed.

After the Phase II study is completed, Sarvey said he will determine if the property should be sold or used by the city for another purpose.

Councilman Steve Sanger asked if the approximately 80 derelict vehicles still on the Lawrence Property will be included in the scrap sale. City Manager Sarvey said many of the cars lack titles and selling them for scrap would be the most cost-effective option. However, Sarvey acknowledged that some vehicles may be of interest to collectors, adding that he has not yet determined how to proceed.

Sarvey offered to hold a special work session with the City Council to discuss the properties in greater detail. During their July 15th meeting, the governing body did confirm that a work session would occur.

The post Rawlins Moves Forward with Plan for Scrap Yard Property first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, JULY 25, 2025 |

Photo – Memorial to Teense Willford – Bigfoot99 file photo

Work continues on Saratoga’s Teense Wilford memorial.

Legendary master of ceremonies, Loren “Teense” Willford died last September at the age of 85 following a year-long battle with cancer. Known as the “Voice of the Valley,” Teense was a fixture at public gatherings in Saratoga, Encampment, and Riverside.

Following his death, community members formed the Happy Trails Committee. Known for ending performances with “Happy Trails to You,” Teense inspired the group’s mission to honor the late entertainer. Last October, the committee proposed creating a Teense Wilford memorial at the corner of Bridge Avenue and 1st Street.

Speaking at the July 15th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Happy Trails Committee member Judy Hamel provided an update on the Teense Wilford memorial. Hamel said the bronze statue of Teense, which will be set on the existing bench in downtown Saratoga, is currently in development.

Hamel said the sculptor is expected to present his final design to the Happy Trails Committee in the coming weeks. Once the design is approved, the statue will be sent to a bronze foundry for casting.

A wall has already been built by the memorial bench. Hamel complimented R.G. Raymer Construction for installing the wall. The Happy Trails Committee member said when completed, the bare wall will receive a stone veneer.

The veneer has been applied, and the wall is now clad in a cream-colored stone.

Hamel explained that local philanthropist Ryta Sondergard planted flowers at the memorial for the Fourth of July parade and continues to maintain the arrangement.

Next, the Happy Trails Committee member discussed the Teense Wilford memorial plaque. Hamel said the plastic sign currently on the wall is a temporary placeholder, serving as a mock-up for the final version, which will be cast in bronze.

Hamel said the Happy Trails Committee has chosen a flagpole for the Teense Wilford memorial and obtained both an American and Wyoming state flag. The Committee member added that the flagpole will be lit using solar power, reducing the amount of maintenance needed at the site.

And finally, Hamel discussed funding. The Happy Trails Committee member said the Teense Wilford memorial requires an additional $50,000 to complete.

Hamel said on Friday, August 1st, the Happy Trails Committee will launch a public fundraising campaign to raise the money needed to complete the memorial. Hamel encouraged everyone who knew Teense to donate to the fund.

Hamel thanked the organizations that have already contributed to the Teense Wilford memorial, including the Town of Saratoga, R.G. Raymer Construction, and Bridge Street Bargains.

The post Saratoga Council Receives Update on Teense Willford Memorial first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, JULY 25, 2025 |

Photo –  Home page to wyo6.com – Courtesy Carbon County Emergency Management

The Carbon County Office of Emergency Management unveiled a new disaster information website.

During the July 14th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Emergency Manager Lenny Layman introduced a new public safety notification platform, wyo6.com. Layman said the website will enable law enforcement agencies and first responders to provide real-time updates during disasters.

Emergency Manager Layman explained that the new website is a cheap and easy-to-use way to provide Carbon County residents with timely and trustworthy information during a crisis. Layman said wyo6.com is a great communication tool and asked the Board of County Commissioners to support the initiative.

By visiting wyo6.com, users can view a list of potential emergencies, such as power outages and hazardous material spills, and check whether those events are currently affecting Carbon County. The site allows the Office of Emergency Management to provide real-time updates for up to four simultaneous emergencies.

Emergency Manager Lenny Layman explained how the website would work in the event of a disaster, such as a fire.

Layman said, when the event is over, he can archive the messages and return the website to its default appearance, ready for the next emergency. He added that the website is not a place to have online conversations, such as Facebook. Instead, Layman said it is solely a place for residents to find trustworthy up-to-date information during a crisis.

Layman said the website’s success depends on the participation of all emergency dispatchers in the county. The emergency manager asked the Board of County Commissioners to help him bring all dispatch centers on board.

Layman said the dispatchers need to undergo a short training course to be qualified to update the website, adding that dispatchers for the Sheriff’s Office and Carbon County Fire Protection District are on board with the plan.

A direct link to the wyo6.com emergency information site will be posted to the main Carbon County webpage in the future.

Layman said several other Wyoming counties have created similar websites based on their individual license plate prefixes.

The post Emergency Manager Unveils Local Disaster Information Website first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, JULY 25, 2025 |

Photo – Town of Medicine Bow website home page – Courtesy medicinebow.org

The governing body of Medicine Bow will request help from local students to develop a new website for the town.

During the May 12th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Councilman Lee Cook announced that no town employees are currently able to update or modify the town’s official website, medicinebow.org. Although events are advertised on Facebook, Councilman Cook said the website could also be used to share community information.

Councilman Cook said he was surprised to learn that no town employees have access to the website. The Councilman said maintaining an up-to-date website will help attract visitors.

The governing body agreed that having the ability to update the website would benefit the town.

The matter was discussed further at the July 14th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting. Mayor Justin George said he liked how the website helps residents contact the town. However, Mayor George said the governing body must decide how to proceed without someone knowledgeable about the website.

Councilwoman Crystal Mayfield recommended building a new website using Squarespace, an easy-to-use website design platform.

Alternatively, Councilwoman Mayfield suggested partnering with H-E-M High School to create a new website for the town. The students could use the project to gain valuable real-world experience.

The governing body approved Councilwoman Mayfield’s plan to have local high school students design a new town website. The Councilwoman said she’ll present the idea to H-E-M Business and Computer Teacher Stephanie Scott and report back to the Town Council at a later date.

The post Medicine Bow to Seek Help from Students for Website first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, JULY 25, 2025 |

Photo – A Wyoming wind farm – Bigfoot99 file photo

The governing body of Medicine Bow wants to know why the town is not receiving tax revenue from nearby wind energy projects.

Unique among the western states, Wyoming has implemented a $1 per megawatt-hour excise tax on electricity generated from wind turbines. The tax, which went into effect in 2010, is designed to ensure that the Cowboy State benefits from its growing renewable energy sector.

During the July 14th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, the governing body reviewed its 2025 through 2026 fiscal year budget. During the discussion, Mayor Justin George asked Town Clerk and Treasurer Karen Heath if the budget included revenue from the $1 per megawatt-hour excise tax. Treasurer Heath explained that the town does not receive any of the tax money.

Sixty percent of the wind tax revenue goes to the county where the project is located, with the remaining 40% allocated to the Wyoming state general fund.

Mayor George said Carbon County received roughly $800,000 from the wind energy tax last fiscal year. Treasurer Heath said the state allows the counties to distribute the tax revenue, none of which has ever come to Medicine Bow.

Treasurer Heath added that no municipalities in Carbon County have ever received any wind tax revenue. The town treasurer said she personally questioned the purpose of the tax to state legislators.

Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer asked why Medicine Bow did not receive any wind energy tax revenue. Councilwoman Wickizer said the tax money should go to municipalities affected by the wind turbine projects, specifically in northern Carbon County.

Councilwoman Crystal Mayfield agreed, saying that the wind generation tax revenue should be evenly split among towns with nearby wind turbine projects.

Councilwoman Wickizer said wind tax revenue could be used to balance Medicine Bow’s budget or offset the county’s lost property tax revenue. The Board of Carbon County Commissioners reported a nearly $500,000 loss due to recently passed property tax relief bills. As a result, the county reduced its financial contributions to outside agencies such as the Carbon County Library System by approximately 50 percent. The cut prompted representatives from the Library System Board of Directors to ask municipalities for more support. Treasurer Karen Heath said the county should be solely responsible for funding those agencies.

In February, citing the reduced property tax revenue, Carbon County Library System representative Leigh Nation asked the Medicine Bow Town Council to consider increasing its financial support for the local library and senior center. The council was reluctant to provide additional funding to the library, which is only open one day a week on Thursdays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Carbon County Library System saw a 53% reduction in revenue this fiscal year, dropping from $350,964 in 2024 to $164,452. Library System Board of Directors member Adelaide Myers told both the Carbon County Board of Commissioners and the Saratoga Town Council that the Library System cannot function with the reduced budget. Even with substantial donations from towns and residents, Myers said every library in the county will likely need to cut operating hours, and some may be forced to close.

Medicine Bow officials have questioned how a library branch that is open one day a week can reduce its operating hours.

The post Medicine Bow Council Asks About Wind Energy Taxes first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

Friday, JULY 25, 2025 |

Photo – Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) – Bigfoot99 file photo

As we have reported, Saturday will be celebrated across the United States as the National Day of the American Cowboy.

This will be the 20th year that the brand of the cowboy will be honored for the values that shaped the American West and which embody the American Spirit.

Wyoming Senator John Barrasso spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate yesterday, honoring those values.

The National Day of the Cowboy coincides with the final Saturday of Cheyenne Frontier Days.

The post Senator Barrasso Speaks About the American Cowboy first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JULY 24, 2025 |

Photo – Flyer for MHCC school supply drive – Courtesy MHCC

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County has partnered with local businesses to collect supplies for elementary school students.

With the new school year approaching, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County is hosting two community events: school sports physicals and a back-to-school supply drive. The school physicals are being held around the county, with health screenings being conducted at the Saratoga Middle/High School today. The next round of physicals is scheduled for July 29th and 31st at Rawlins High School.

At the same time, Memorial Hospital is holding its fourth annual school supply drive. Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Hinkle said the initiative, which runs until Friday, August 8th, serves as a way for the hospital and local businesses to give back to the community and help parents with the rising cost of school supplies.

School supply drive flyers are being posted around Carbon County. Hinkle said the bulletins feature a list of suggested donations but emphasized that all types of school supplies are needed, even items not on the list.

Hinkle explained that Memorial Hospital of Carbon County has teamed up with a variety of local businesses to provide convenient drop-off sites for the school supply drive. Each location will feature a lobby drop box where community members can place their donated supplies.

The Memorial Hospital school supply drive ends on August 8th. Hinkle said that after the deadline, donations will be divided between Carbon County School Districts One and Two, with each district deciding how best to use the supplies.

Carbon County School District One is hosting its own school supply drive called “Fill the Bus”. The public is being asked to fill a school bus with donated supplies. Memorial Hospital Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Hinkle said the medical facility will not compete with the school district. All supplies collected within District One will be given to the “Fill the Bus” initiative.

More information about the back-to-school supply drive can be found on the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County Facebook page and at www.imhcc.com. Flyers listing needed supplies are also posted in participating businesses. The 2025 MHCC school supply drive ends on Friday, August 8th.

The post MHCC Starts School Supply Drive for All County Students first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JULY 24, 2025 |

Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo

The governing body of Rawlins will begin holding their meetings earlier in the day.

During the July 15th Rawlins City Council meeting, Mayor Jacqueline Wells presented a discussion item to change the start time of City Council meetings. Mayor Wells said the current 7:30 p.m. schedule often leads to meetings running late into the evening.

Mayor Wells also suggested rescheduling special work sessions, which are used for in-depth discussions on topics such as the annual budget and cemetery maintenance, to a different day. Currently, work sessions are held before regularly scheduled City Council meetings. The Mayor asked for feedback from the council members.

Vice Mayor Darril Garner said he approved of the idea but warned against starting the meetings too early. Vice Mayor Garner said later start times allow the maximum number of meeting attendees. An earlier start time may prevent people, who are just getting off work, from attending.

Councilman Bruce Seilaff explained that the 7:30 p.m. start was chosen to give workers enough time to go home and eat dinner before attending the City Council meetings.

Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked when the current start time was established. City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave said the ordinance governing City Council meeting times was amended in 1995, though the original time may have been established decades earlier.

City Attorney Maberry-Nave said the later start time appears to have been chosen for the reasons Vice Mayor Garner mentioned, giving workers time to care for their families before attending the meeting. However, the city attorney said the later start time could have the opposite effect, as some residents may prefer to stay home after settling in for the evening.

Attorney Maberry-Nave added that the City of Casper, which uses the same City Manager style of government as Rawlins, begins its meetings at 6:00 p.m.

Councilman Steve Sanger said the meetings can also be changed to end at a specific time. Any items not covered during the regular schedule can be pushed to the next meeting’s agenda.

Councilwoman Tonya Lewman asked whether meetings could begin at the Council’s discretion, allowing the governing body to decide the start time for each session individually. Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave explained that state statute requires meetings to have a set date and time. However, the city attorney said the governing body may change the time by amending the corresponding ordinance, which requires three readings at three separate public meetings.

Mayor Jacqueline Wells said the public readings will also give city residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed time change.

Councilman Steve Sanger said having fixed meeting dates provides the added benefit of reducing the workload for City Clerk Lynn Shearer.

Speaking of the meeting schedule, Vice Mayor Darril Garner asked to reschedule the first meeting in August. The date traditionally falls on the National Night Out, a nationwide event that promotes cooperation and trust between residents and law enforcement. Vice Mayor Garner suggested moving that one meeting to allow city staff to attend the event.

The City Council approved Vice Mayor Garner’s suggestion to reschedule the first August meeting but could not reach a consensus on a new start time.

Mayor Wells directed Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave to draft an amended meeting ordinance to be presented during the August 5th meeting. The city attorney will leave the start times blank to allow for public comment before a final time is selected.

The post Rawlins Council Discusses New Meeting Times first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.