Bigfoot99 News - Bigfoot 99 Radio

JUNE 4, 2025 |

Photo – Flyer for Museum’s new exhibit – Courtesy Carbon County Museum

On Thursday evening, the Carbon County Museum will unveil its newest addition: an 11,000-year-old mammoth skull.

Thursday, June 5th, the Carbon County Museum will debut a brand-new exhibit featuring the skull of an adult Columbian mammoth found in Utah.

In 1960, a Union Pacific worker discovered mammoth remains 24 miles southwest of Rawlins, at Chicken Spring Creek. Excavations of the site found a juvenile Columbian mammoth skeleton, regarded as one of the most complete ever discovered.

Carbon County Museum Director Tom Mensik explained he was inspired to create an exhibition after learning about the discovery of the juvenile mammoth.

Using radiometric dating, scientists determined that the Carbon County mammoth died roughly 11,500 years ago. The animal’s remains are currently housed at the University of Wyoming’s Geology Museum in Laramie.

Museum Director Mensik explained scientists linked the Carbon County mammoth to a Paleo-Indian butcher site because of additional animal remains found nearby. However, the University of Wyoming later determined that the area was likely an ancient marshland, where mammoths would become trapped in the swampy mud. Mensik said evidence suggests that ancient tribes either killed the juvenile mammoth after it was trapped or butchered the animal soon after it died.

The museum director said he originally planned to obtain a cast of the mammoth skull from the University of Wyoming. However, Mensik said the cost was too high, leading him to reach out to Gaston Design in Fruita, Colorado. Mensik said the company, known for its museum-quality fossil casts, offers an adult Columbian mammoth skull modeled after remains discovered in Huntington, Utah.

A generous grant from the Carbon County School District One Recreation Board has enabled the museum to purchase the mammoth skull cast, complete with 9-foot-long tusks.

Mensik said due to Gaston Design’s durable resin casting technique, visitors will have the opportunity to view the skull up close, emphasizing the ancient animal’s impressive size.

After Thursday’s unveiling, the mammoth skull will be on permanent display in the Carbon County Museum’s garage, alongside a 1920s LaFrance fire truck. Mensik said he is confident that the Rawlins museum is the only place where visitors can see an 11,000-year-old mammoth skull and a 100-year-old fire truck side by side.

The Carbon County Museum’s “Unboxing of Mammoth Proportions” will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5th, at 904 West Walnut Street, in Rawlins. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served during the event.

Museum Director Tom Mensik said the mammoth exhibit reflects his ongoing commitment to the success of the Carbon County Museum.

The post New Exhibit at Museum Opens Thursday Evening first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JUNE 4, 2025 |

Photo – Two Pit mix older females “Rage” and “Chaos” are good with children and cats – Courtesy Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter

Summer is a great time to add a dog or a cat to your family. To help address overpopulation, the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is offering half-price adoptions on both cats and dogs.

The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is home to 22 dogs, five of which are puppies, and six cats. Seven dogs are currently taking part in the popular Cage to Save Program, where shelter animals undergo a nine-week basic obedience course led by inmates at the Wyoming State Penitentiary.

Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper reported that this spring, pet surrenders have exceeded adoption rates, placing additional stress on both the animals and workers at the Rochelle Shelter.

To encourage adoptions, fees for both dogs and cats have been halved, reducing costs to $25 for dogs and $17.50 for cats.

Lieutenant Hooper asked to highlight two older dogs, Chaos and Rage, that are available for adoption at the Rochelle Animal Shelter.

Despite their fierce-sounding names, Lieutenant Hooper described the two pit-mixes – Chaos and Rage — as gentle and affectionate.

Chaos has a white and gray coat, while Rage is solid gray.

Lieutenant Hooper said the two dogs arrived at the Rawlins shelter covered in lumps, which later tests confirmed as cancerous. Now, the Rochelle Animal Shelter is searching for a compassionate person to give Chaos and Rage a loving home for the rest of their shortened lives.

When adopted, Chaos and Rage will come with a limited supply of pain medication to ensure their comfort. However, their adopter will be responsible for providing additional medication throughout their remaining lifespans. Lieutenant Hooper is asking that Chaos and Rage be adopted together. However, the police lieutenant said she understands that some adopters may only be able to take one of the dogs.

Lieutenant Hooper said based on their temperament, Chaos and Rage appear to be child and cat friendly.

The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is seeking donations of pet treats and blankets. Additionally, all financial donations help cover spaying and neutering intact animals, along with essential medical care.

All adoptions are half-priced until June 15th, with adoption fees set at $25 for dogs and $17.50 for cats. The reduced costs aim to help more shelter pets find loving homes.

For more information about adoption, volunteering, or fostering, contact the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 328-4534. Staff are available from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The post Adoption Fees Half Price at Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JUNE 3, 2025 |

Photo – Town of Hanna sign – Bigfoot99 file photo

To boost tourism, the Hanna Community Branding Committee is focusing on wayfinding signage and park improvements.

Last year, the Carbon County Visitors Council, also known as Discover Carbon County, created a community survey asking residents what, if any, changes were needed to increase tourism in our area.

The Visitors Council hired Saratoga businesswoman Cindy Loose, owner of Visions In Progress Marketing, to meet with municipalities across the county and develop strategies to increase tourism and economic opportunities.

Using data collected from the online tourism survey, Loose created a community assessment for every town in Carbon County. The assessments contain a “comprehensive evaluation of each community’s image, assets, experiences, and reputation.” Residents were then asked to form community branding committees tasked with brainstorming ways to use various state and federal grants to meet the goals set out by the individual assessments.

The Hanna Community Branding Committee will focus on installing way-finding signs and improving Energy Park on the southwest side of town. At the May 13th Hanna Town Council meeting, Clerk Vivian Gonzales said Cindy Loose okayed the Branding Committee’s plan.

Clerk Gonzales stated that she reached out to the Wyoming Department of Transportation regarding funding for wayfinding signs. Gonzales discovered the town has missed the grant deadline. If the governing body is prepared to commit to a sign design, Clerk Gonzales said they should qualify for next year’s grant cycle.

Clerk Gonzales said the Town Council can choose the type of sign they prefer if it adheres to WYDOT safety guidelines. The town clerk thanked the Carbon County Visitors Council for helping to secure funding, adding that the town may also use other funding sources to support the initiatives.

The town has approved a $48,510 payment to Quality Landscape and Nursery, based in Saratoga, for the installation of a new sprinkler system at Energy Park, funded by the 6th Penny Specific Purpose Tax. Additionally, the town has requested a grant from the Carbon County School District Two Recreation Board to purchase new barbecue pits for the park.

Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales reported that VIP Marketing owner Cindy Loose said the Hanna Community Branding Committee is her favorite.

The post Hanna Begins Improvements to Boost Tourism first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JUNE 3, 2025 |

Photo – Medicine Bow Airport – Bigfoot99 file photo

The latest challenge to preserving the historic airport outside Medicine Bow is the strong smell of fuel. State intervention is now required.

The historic airfield was built in the 1920s and was well known to the aviation pioneers who developed air mail. Last year, Colorado pilot Nathan Finneman explained the significance of the town-owned airfield to the governing body of Medicine Bow. Finneman said the Medicine Bow Airport, which is located less than one mile south of town, features the best-preserved airmail directional arrow and outbuildings in the western United States. The Colorado pilot urged the council to preserve the century-old structures, before they are worn away by the elements.

Concrete arrows were used by the early airmail pilots, who flew close enough to the ground to see the structures.  The directional markers at the Medicine Bow Airport, officially known as Site 32, helped guide pilots on the route between Salt Lake City, Utah and Omaha, Nebraska.

Speaking to Bigfoot99, Alliance for Historic Wyoming Executive Director Megan Stanfill described the many challenges airmail pilots faced while navigating the Medicine Bow route.

Since its creation in 1929, important figures in aviation have landed at the Medicine Bow Airport, including Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Elrey Jeppesen, who helped create the system of aerial maps used by today’s pilots. Additionally, the airfield is listed on the National Park Service’s Register of Historic Places.

Earlier this year, the Medicine Bow town council took Nathan Finneman’s advice and reestablished an airport advisory board to oversee renovations to the historically significant airfield. Since that time, the Airport Advisory Board has been working with Alliance for Historic Wyoming and the State Historic Preservation Office to implement restoration plans. However, work has been slow because the advisory board is not a federally recognized charity organization.

Alliance for Historic Wyoming Executive Director Megan Stanfill said a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) may already exist for the Medicine Bow Airport. Although, Stanfill said, transferring ownership to the new Airport Advisory Board will take time.

During the May 12th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Councilman Lee Cook, who serves as the town’s liaison to the Airport Advisory Board, said the Board is preparing to begin restoration work this summer. In the meantime, pilots landing at the airfield have reported a strong fuel smell.

Councilman Cook said no underground gas utility lines are known to exist in the area.

Councilwoman Kristi Wickizer asked Cook if he had physically examined the ground for signs of illegal dumping.

Wickizer, owner of the Old West Bar in Medicine Bow, said someone had dumped motor oil behind her business, requiring the fire department to remove sand from the area.

Public Works Director Brian Lashley said his team used metal detectors to locate a large underground tank at the airfield. Although its original purpose remains unclear, Lashley explained that any fuel inside should have evaporated long ago. The public works director compared the odor to natural gas or crude oil.

Crude oil is often described as having a rotten egg or asphalt-like odor. Natural gas is normally odorless, but utility companies add mercaptan, a sulfur-based compound, to give it a distinct rotten egg smell for safety reasons, meaning that both hydrocarbon-based substances can have similar odors.

Public Works Director Lashley said the airport’s original plans do not show an underground fuel tank. Instead, aircraft fuel seems to have originated with a fuel truck stationed at the airfield.

Councilwoman Wickizer suggested contacting former Medicine Bow Rural Health Care District member Pat Burnett. The Councilwoman said in the past, Pat’s late husband, Wally, used the historic airfield.

Councilman Lee Cook said the Medicine Bow Airport has qualified for a Brownfields grant through the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Through the Brownfields Program, the state can perform a site assessment of the airfield at no cost to the town.

The Brownfields Program provides financial assistance to municipalities with abandoned or underutilized buildings that have known or suspected environmental contamination.

Councilman Cook said the Brownfields grant can also be used to determine if the original weather station contains any hazardous materials, such as asbestos. Additionally, by applying for state assistance, the Councilman said Medicine Bow would no longer be liable for any additional contaminants found at the airport.

Councilman Cook said representatives from Wyoming DEQ will reach out to the town to schedule the site assessment. Once the Brownfield assessment is complete, Airport Advisory Board volunteers will begin restoring the historic airport.

The post Preservation of Historic Airport on Hold for Fuel Smell first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JUNE 2, 2025|

Photo – Semi trucks – Bigfoot99 file photo

Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman continues to push for a ban against non-English speaking truck drivers from the nation’s highways.

In April, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman sent a letter to the Department of Transportation, urging the federal agency to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s lax enforcement of minimum English proficiency standards on people driving big rigs.

Before 2016 and Barak Obama, commercial vehicle drivers were required to, “speak and read the English language sufficiently enough to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”

That same year, 2016, under the guidance of the Obama Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reduced enforcement of its long-standing minimum English proficiency requirement. Now, commercial vehicle drivers may use a variety of methods to communicate with officials during roadside inspections, including interpreters, cue cards, and smart phone applications.

The congresswoman linked the rise in fatal truck crashes across the nation to commercial drivers’ increasing lack of English proficiency. In her letter, the Congresswoman wrote that in 2022, Wyoming experienced the nation’s second-highest number of fatal crashes involving large rigs. Only South Dakota was more deadly.

The National Highway Traffic Administration also reports that in 2022, Wyoming saw the highest number of fatal collisions involving commercial trucks per capita, with 5.1 crashes per 100,000 residents.

In 2024, the Wyoming Department of Transportation concluded that commercial motor vehicles were involved in just over 15% of fatal crashes in the Cowboy State.

On April 28th, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14286, “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.” This order requires all commercial truck drivers to demonstrate a minimum proficiency in English.

Congresswoman Hageman applauded President Trump’s executive order, writing that many in Wyoming, including law enforcement agencies, have spoken to her about the dangers posed by truckers who are unable to read highway signs. Congresswoman Hageman wrote that it is reasonable for people to expect commercial drivers to read English, particularly in Wyoming, where long, remote distances and shifting weather patterns, especially on Interstate 80 experience hazardous driving conditions.

Congresswoman Hageman expressed her gratitude to President Trump for signing the executive order.

The Wyoming Congresswoman continues to advocate for English proficiency among commercial truck drivers. On Thursday, May 29th, Congressman Dave Taylor of Ohio and Wyoming Congresswoman Hageman announced the introduction of Connor’s Law, a bill designed to codify Executive Order 14286 into law. In a written release, Congresswoman Hageman stated the bill includes an out-of-service provision, which will revoke CDL licensure from any current license holders who fail to adhere to language requirements.

The bill is supported by Representatives Mike Collins of Georgia, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Beth Van Duyne of Texas, and Brad Finstad of Minnesota.

Connor’s Law is named after 18-year-old Connor Dzion, who was killed in 2017 when a distracted truck driver caused a 22-car pileup in Northern Florida involving a negligent a semi-truck driver.

That was the report on First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida. The driver of the deadly truck was reportedly unable to read English.

Ohio Congressman Dave Taylor wrote that expecting commercial truck drivers to read road signs is common sense. Congressman Taylor continued, writing that preventing senseless deaths, such as Dzion’s, “starts with ensuring drivers operating large and heavy commercial vehicles are capable of being alerted to hazards and updates on the road.”

Hageman says that requiring commercial truck drivers to have a grasp of English makes common sense. The Congresswoman points to Wyoming’s weather, saying conditions can become dangerous enough without drivers who are unable to read highway signs or clearly communicate with others on the road. The Wyoming Congresswoman wrote that Connor’s Law is supported by both law enforcement and the trucking industry.

Georgia Congressman Mike Collins wrote that the American people are less safe with non-English speakers behind the wheel.

American Trucking Association Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom also expressed his support for Connor’s Law. Hanscom wrote that, “The ability to read road signs, understand the rules of the road, and communicate with law enforcement officials is vital to ensuring the safety of all motorists.”

A national lobbying group, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, endorses the bill.

Connor’s Law would make English language proficiency a legal requirement for all commercial driver’s license holders. Additionally, CDL drivers who violate the English proficiency requirement will be taken out of service.

Here in Carbon County, one person has died this year in a crash involving a non-English speaking commercial truck driver. In March, Borys Bakhtiarov lost control of his semi-truck on Interstate 80 east of Rawlins and crashed head on into another commercial carrier. The driver of the other truck was seriously injured and his co-driver died from injuries sustained in the collision. Wyoming Highway Patrol reported that Bakhtiarov does not speak English and required an interpreter when he was seen in Carbon County Circuit Court.

Some are fighting against the English language requirements. Created three weeks ago, a Change.org petition titled “Fair Treatment for CDL Truckers: Stop Unjust Enforcement, Pass Laws to Protect Us” urges the Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the U.S. Congress to review President Trump’s executive order.

The petition creator, Adalbeto Gonzolez, states that a person’s trucking career shouldn’t be terminated due to an accent, cultural differences, or imperfect grammar. Gonzolez wrote that enforcement of English language proficiency would be left to the “subjective judgment of DOT officers.”

In his Change.org petition, Gonzolez also wrote that all truckers prioritize safety, even if they aren’t proficient in English. Gonzalez added that truckers are not opposed to the law, only to its 60-day implementation, which did not allow enough time for many to adapt or access training.

As of Friday morning, the Fair Treatment for CDL Truckers: Stop Unjust Enforcement, Pass Laws to Protect Us petition had gathered 7,472 signatures.

In her official statement, Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman wrote that the American Trucking Association, Small Business in Transportation Coalition, and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association all support Connor’s Law and the organizers of the bill.

The post Wyoming Representative Pushes for English Proficiency in All Big Rig Drivers first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

JUNE 2, 2025|

Photo – Drawing of proposed restrooms – Courtesy Saratoga Public Works

Progress on Saratoga’s oft-delayed Never Forgot Park continues as a final restroom design is selected.

During the May 20th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner presented the final restroom design for Never Forget Park, created by Sheridan-based contractor Evergreen Dwellings. Penner said the restrooms have been redesigned to maximize the number of available stalls, including those that meet ADA guidelines.

Never Forget Memorial Park began as a tribute to Saratoga war hero, Sergeant Tyler Pickett, who was killed in action on June 8th, 2008, while serving in Iraq.  As planning progressed, the park’s scope expanded to honor not only Sergeant Pickett, but all who have sacrificed their lives for others, including the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

However, the journey to bring Never Forget Park to life has been a lengthy process.

A proposed land swap was canceled at the last minute after it was discovered the town was set to trade a valuable parcel to Saratoga Hot Springs Resort owner Dr. Michael Janssen for a narrow strip of land on Pic Pike Road. Plans needed to be redesigned to accommodate the smaller footprint.

Construction finally began last fall with the installation of concrete curbs and gutters on the corner of Pic Pike Road and East River Street.

Back at the May 20th Saratoga Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner said Evergreen Dwellings has effectively incorporated the town’s needs into the restroom design. Penner added the finalized restrooms are less expensive than previous proposals.

Penner said the final restroom design utilizes traditional porcelain fixtures. The public works director said metal toilets are far too costly to repair or replace.

Penner said WLC Engineering, who is responsible for the design work of the entire Never Forget Park project, will incorporate the finalized restroom design into the bid documents for the next phase of construction. Funding for the restroom installation will come from impact assistance, grants, and fundraising from the Never Forget Park Committee. Penner said he will present the finalized bid package to the Town Council at a later date.

The post Restroom Design for Never Forget Park Completed first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 30, 2025 |

Photo – Sixth Street Bridge in Rawlins – Courtesy Google Maps

The Chair of the Rawlins Urban Systems Committee provided the City Council with an update on two long-delayed projects.

During the May 20th Rawlins City Council meeting, Urban Systems Committee Chairwoman Sheri Shillinger explained 51 years ago, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Board of Carbon County Commissioners, and the Rawlins City Council established the Urban Systems Committee to identify transportation-related projects within the city. Shillinger stated that WYDOT manages all state and federal funds designated for the projects.

Currently, WYDOT allocates $155,000 annually to the City of Rawlins for transportation-related improvement projects.

Shillinger explained that the Urban Systems Committee is currently working on two projects within the city: repairs to the 6th Street Bridge and the North Higley Boulevard pedestrian underpass.

The Urban Systems Committee Chairwoman said after a decade of study, officials concluded a walking tunnel would be the safest solution for pedestrians crossing North Higley Boulevard.

Shillinger continued, stating WYDOT and the Rawlins government entered into an agreement three years ago to construct the pedestrian underpass for $1,508,659. The project was scheduled for completion by this August, with the city contributing $158,341.

As reported by Bigfoot99, the cost of the North Higley Boulevard pedestrian underpass has risen dramatically since that time.

Earlier this year, WYDOT notified the governing body the lowest contractor bid came in at $3,332,767, or roughly $1.8 million above the originally agreed-upon price. At WYDOT’s recommendation, the City Council voted to deny all the estimates and put the project back out for bid later this year.

Speaking later during the May 20th Rawlins City Council meeting, Public Works Director Cody Dill said WYDOT officials want to know if the city remains committed to the project, despite its potential contribution rising from $158,000 to over $1 million.

The governing body agreed to continue the pedestrian underpass project, noting if the next round of bids matches or exceeds the previous round, the Council may reconsider its involvement.

Returning to Sheri Shillinger’s Urban Systems Committee update, the Committee Chairwoman informed the governing body WYDOT approved a 10% increase in its annual contribution to the city last year. Shillinger said the money has been earmarked for the North Higley Boulevard pedestrian underpass.

Shillinger said WYDOT has allowed the city to borrow against future Urban Systems Committee payments to help cover the cost of the underpass. Additionally, WYDOT committed another $400,000 of state funding toward the project.

If the city backs out, it must reimburse the state agency for all engineering costs incurred to date, which total roughly $400,000.

Next, Shillinger discussed the 6th Street Bridge repair project. The Urban Systems Committee Chairwoman explained WYDOT has determined the 6th Street Bridge qualifies for repairs or replacement under the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding is set to expire in 2027.

Shillinger said the 6th Street bridge repair project is estimated to cost $2.3 million, with the city expected to provide a 10% match.

The chairwoman of the Urban Systems Committee said WYDOT has asked the City to contribute labor to the project to reduce the total cost. Schillinger said if the work proceeds as planned, the project could be put out to bid before the federal funds expire.

The governing body did not offer comment during Shillinger’s presentation, simply thanking her and the other Urban Systems Committee members for their time and effort.

The next Rawlins Urban Systems Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 16th, at 1:00 p.m. in the Rawlins City Hall basement, located at 521 West Cedar Street.

The post Urban Systems Committee Give Update to Rawlins City Council first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 30, 2025 |

Photo – Sheriff’s office badge – Bigfoot99 file photo

Both, the Carbon County Victim Witness Program and Citizens Organized to See Violence Ended received high marks in a recent state review.

During the May 20th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Alex Bakken announced the Wyoming Office of the Attorney General Division of Victim Services recently reviewed the county’s Victim Witness Program.

Victim Witness Coordinator Loretta Hansen explained that her agency receives state and federal funding. As a result, the state Division of Victim Services conducts periodic reviews. A representative from the Attorney General’s Office recently awarded the county’s Victim Witness Program a top rating.

Additionally, Hansen said the Division of Victim Services also conducted a risk assessment on the Carbon County Victim Witness Program. The Coordinator said her agency reviewed a low-risk rating, meaning state and federal funding will likely continue.

Sheriff Alex Bakken said a low-risk score increases the Carbon County Victim Witness Program’s chances of securing future state and federal funding.

Sheriff Bakken added Citizens Organized to See Violence Ended, or COVE, underwent a review at the same time as the Victim Witness Program. Thanks to the efforts of Witness Victim Advocate Dawnette Spaulding, COVE also received a low-risk rating from the state Division of Victim Services, ensuring continued funding.

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners congratulated both the Victim Witness Program and COVE for their positive reviews and thanked the dedicated employees and volunteers who contributed to the success of both agencies.

The post State Review Leaves Two Rawlins Organizations with High Marks first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 29, 2025 |

Photo – John and Cathy MacPherson – Courtesy Alliance for Historic Wyoming

The Alliance for Historic Wyoming has named John and Cathy MacPherson as this year’s recipients of the Mary Humstone Excellence in Historic Preservation Award.

Founded in 2005, the Alliance for Historic Wyoming is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic places and spaces. Executive Director Megan Stanfill explained the organization works to protect culturally important buildings and sites across the state.

On Monday, May 26th, the Alliance for Historic Wyoming announced the winner of this year’s Mary Humstone Excellence in Historic Preservation Award winners: John and Cathy MacPherson. Executive Director Stanfill said Mary Humstone is a preservationist who helped found the Alliance for Historic Wyoming. Last year, the Alliance honored Humstone for her 19 years of service on its Board of Directors by naming the historic award after her.

Stanfill said the Mary Humstone Excellence in Historic Preservation Award is given to people who have taken steps to preserve Wyoming’s history. The Alliance Executive Director explained that John and Cathy MacPherson were chosen to receive this year’s award for their contributions to the Little Snake River Museum.

Thanks to a generous financial donation from the MacPhersons, the Little Snake River Museum was able to construct the MacPherson Sheep Center. The barn-like structure houses the MacPhersons’ unique collection of five historic sheep wagons and sheep ranching equipment, allowing visitors to see how the industry developed over time.

Alliance for Historic Wyoming Executive Director Stanfill explained historians are increasingly focused on preserving important equipment alongside significant buildings and sites. The MacPhersons and the Little Snake River Museum have done a great job of safeguarding the artifacts for future generations.

The MacPhersons will join Jackie Dorothy of Thermopolis, last year’s recipient of the Mary Humstone Excellence in Historic Preservation Award. Stanfill said Dorothy was instrumental in relocating the Middleton Schoolhouse, built in the 1920s, to the Hot Springs County Museum, offering modern schoolchildren a glimpse into the history of education.

The Alliance for Historic Wyoming will present John and Cathy MacPherson with the second annual Mary Humstone Excellence in Historic Preservation Award on Saturday, June 7th, at the Little Snake River Museum, located at 13 County Road 561 in Savery. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. and will feature light refreshments.

Alliance for Historic Wyoming Executive Director Megan Stanfill said she hopes the award inspires more people to dedicate themselves to saving the history of the Cowboy State.

The post Local Couple Receives History Award first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.

MAY 29, 2025 |

Photo – Arbor Day Celebration itinerary – Courtesy City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is hosting its annual Arbor Day Celebration this Saturday.

This Saturday, May 31st, the City of Rawlins will be holding a fun run, tree sale, and a flower and pruning demonstration at the Family Recreation Center.

Arbor Day is a national celebration dedicated to the planting, care, and preservation of trees. The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10th, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Within two decades, every state except Delaware was celebrating the tree-themed event. On April 28th, 1972, roughly 100 years after its inception, President Richard Nixon officially designated Arbor Day as a national holiday.

Rawlins has been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA, meaning the city has demonstrated a strong commitment to urban forestry and tree care. An annual Arbor Day celebration is required to maintain the designation.

University of Wyoming Ag and Natural Resources Extension Educator Abby Perry explained there will be two races of different lengths held during the Arbor Day celebrations: a 5K and a 1K. Participation in the races is free. However, donations will be accepted during the event to support school running programs around Rawlins.

Both, the 1K and 5K races, will take place across the street from the rec center at the sports complex. Maps of the race routes will be available.

All fun run participants will receive free seedlings. The first man and woman to finish the 5K will each receive a free tree.

After the races have finished, the City will begin a tree sale. UW Extension Educator Perry said between 100 and 130 region-appropriate trees will be available to purchase.

While the tree sale is underway, the City will have a bounce house set up in the rec center, along with food trucks. Additionally, attendees can buy commemorative Arbor Day t-shirts during the event.

Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase. For $5 per ticket or $10 for three, participants will be entered for a chance to win a high-value tree, most likely a chokecherry.

Starting at 11:00 a.m., the City will host two horticulture-related demonstrations. UW Extension Educator Abby Perry explained one session will showcase flower planting and the other will focus on tree maintenance.

Both, the flower planting and tree pruning demonstrations, will take place outside of the Rawlins Family Recreation Center.

Arbor Day traditionally takes place on the last Friday of April. However, Perry explained, Wyoming weather, unlike in much of the country, is usually too cold to plant trees at that time.

Instead of having residents buy trees they can’t plant, the City of Rawlins chooses to postpone the celebration until the end of May.

The Rawlins Arbor Day Celebration is this Saturday, May 31st, at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center, located at 1616 Harshman Street. Registration for the 1K and 5K races opens at 8:00 a.m. with the races starting an hour later. The tree sale begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by the flower planting demonstration at 11:00 a.m. and the pruning demonstration at 11:30 p.m. Both demonstrations will be repeated 30 minutes later.

The post Rawlins Hosts Arbor Day Celebration This Weekend first appeared on Bigfoot 99 Radio.