News

9/5/26 Events

Publisher — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000

9/5/26 Events

Publisher Sat, 09/05/2026 - 07:00

SAR Team Locates Stranded Hiker on Medicine Bow Peak

Publisher — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000

SAR Team Locates Stranded Hiker on Medicine Bow Peak Publisher Sat, 09/05/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

Sheriff Alex S. Bakken

On Sunday, August 30th, 2026, dispatchers with the Carbon County Unified Dispatch Center received a distress call from a hypothermic hiker stranded on Medicine Bow Peak.

Dispatchers immediately began coordinating resources, and deputies with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office responded to establish an Incident Command Post.

Search and Rescue volunteers from our Carbon County SAR-East Division were paged out and immediately responded.

Upon checking in with Incident Command, searchers began hiking up the mountain, which tops out at just over 12,000’.

Searchers were able to locate the victim and applied basic emergency care before transporting the subject down to waiting emergency medical crews from South Central Wyoming EMS.

A huge thank you to our dispatchers, deputies, and searchers for the work they do and the teamwork they displayed yesterday. Without them, this story could have had a very different ending.

Governor Gordon Extends Emergency Transportation Permits for Livestock

Publisher — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Governor Gordon Extends Emergency Transportation Permits for Livestock Publisher Sat, 09/05/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

Governor Mark Gordon

Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) has signed Executive Order 2026-006, extending the authorization (2026-005) for emergency relief permits for vehicles transporting oversize and overweight loads of livestock feed and livestock across Wyoming.

This extension comes in response to widespread drought, high temperatures, low humidity, and wildfires across Wyoming during the spring and summer of 2026. These hazardous conditions have depleted pasture grass and natural forage, creating a critical livestock feed shortage that threatens the state’s agricultural sector and general economy.

The Executive Order commences on the expiration of the current Executive Order 2026-005 and expires no later than October 6, 2026. It can be found on the Governor’s website. For questions about permits please visit https://whp.wyo.gov/commercial-carrier/ports-of-entry.

Deputies Honored for Lifesaving Response

Publisher — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Deputies Honored for Lifesaving Response

Publisher Sat, 09/05/2026 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Sgt. Patrick Patterson and Deputy Jason Black of the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office were recognized with Departmental Lifesaving Awards during the August 25 meeting of the Board of Carbon County Commissioners for their response to an armed suicidal subject earlier in the month.

The awards stemmed from an August 4 incident in the Medicine Bow National Forest north of Wyoming Highway 130, where Patterson and Black spent approximately three hours talking with an armed individual and ultimately brought the situation to a peaceful conclusion.

According to a press release from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers with the Carbon County Unified Dispatch Center received a report of a suicidal subject in the national forest.

Patterson and Black were the first deputies to arrive and located the individual, who was armed with a handgun and threatening to shoot himself.

Rather than escalating the situation, the deputies began talking with the individual, asking him to reconsider and put down the weapon.

As the negotiations continued, an additional Carbon County deputy arrived along with troopers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol and wardens from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The responding agencies established a perimeter around the scene while personnel from South Central Wyoming EMS staged nearby to provide medical assistance if needed.

For approximately three hours, Patterson and Black continued communicating with the individual as the standoff remained tense.

Their efforts eventually succeeded.

The individual put down the handgun and was safely taken into custody. He was then transported to Memorial Hospital of Carbon County for a mental health evaluation.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office credited the deputies and dispatchers for remaining calm while handling what the department described as an “extremely volatile situation.” The agency also thanked the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and South Central Wyoming EMS personnel who assisted during the response.

The successful resolution of the standoff led to Patterson and Black receiving the Departmental Lifesaving Award three weeks later before the county commissioners.

The recognition honors their actions in helping prevent the loss of life while bringing a dangerous situation involving a firearm to a peaceful end.

Rawlins Recreation Making Changes Online and at the Recreation Center

Publisher — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Rawlins Recreation Making Changes Online and at the Recreation Center Publisher Sat, 08/29/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

Rawlins Recreation is making some changes — both online and inside the Recreation Center — aimed at making it easier for residents to enjoy Recreation services and the Rec Center itself!

One of the biggest changes is happening online. Through “DASH by DaySmart”, available at www.rawlinswy.gov/dash or on the mobile app, residents can now:

• Register for recreation classes, programs and leagues

• See upcoming classes, activities and events

• Check availability and reserve park pavilions and the Depot

• Manage registrations and reservations online

Residents can now use DASH to reserve the locations the City regularly rents for gatherings and events — park pavilions and the Depot Building. You can view availability and reserve the whole Depot, individual Depot rooms or park pavilions online at any time.

At the same time, staff are also turning their attention to the Recreation Center itself. The Recreation Center will be closed from Saturday, August 29 through Monday, September 7 while staff complete a refresh of the facility. The closure will allow several projects to be completed at once, with the Center reopening after the work is finished. We’ll save the full reveal for reopening — watch for a look around the refreshed Recreation Center and what’s changed.

Questions or need help? Contact the Rawlins Recreation Center at 307-324-7529. Interested in receiving news from the City, including the Rec Center? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme.

Elk Mountain Park Board Loses Longtime Member

Publisher — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Elk Mountain Park Board Loses Longtime Member

Publisher Sat, 08/29/2026 - 07:00

By Brett Larson

Carbon County Comet Contributor

The Elk Mountain Park & Recreation Board, a volunteer advisory commission, met Monday, August 17, for its regularly scheduled meeting to prepare for its annual Labor Day weekend event and bid farewell to a longtime member. The meeting was chaired and called to order by Brett Larson and attended by fellow board members Michaiah Grossnickle, Courtney Priest, Kayle McClain, Ellen Meyer, and Linda Crane.

After the agenda and minutes from the July meeting were approved, the board turned its attention to the meeting’s main focus: preparations for its upcoming annual event.

For the third consecutive year, the Elk Mountain Park Board, in conjunction with the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel, will host a Labor Day weekend celebration on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. “We have a whole day planned for everyone to come and enjoy!” Chairman Brett Larson said. “Things will kick off with a parade at 10 a.m. down Main Street. So, line Main Street by the Senior Center, Museum, Library, bridge, and park to see our great parade. And if anyone is interested in joining the parade, get ahold of me. The parade lineup is at 9:30 a.m. at the Elk Mountain Fire Hall.”

Following the parade, board members encouraged guests and the public to head to the park for a day full of activities for all ages. “Once the parade is over, I hope people head to the park because we have lots going on there,” Larson said. “From 11 a.m. to noon, board member Grossnickle will be hosting several games for the kids, like a three-legged race, apple bobbing contests, and much more.” “We will also have prizes for the kids,” Grossnickle added.

The annual horseshoe tournament will start around 11:45 a.m. Teams will consist of two people, with a $20 buy-in per team. The first-place team will receive two $75 Visa gift cards, while the second-place team will receive two $25 Visa gift cards. Anyone interested in joining the horseshoe tournament is encouraged to head to the park directly after the parade to register. Team sign-ups will be held from 11 to 11:45 a.m., before the tournament gets underway. A potluck carry-in lunch will begin at noon in the park, with the Town of Elk Mountain providing fried chicken and cake for dessert. “We ask that guests bring side dishes for everyone to enjoy as well,” Larson said.

With activities in the park expected to wrap up around 2:30 p.m., the board said the evening portion of the celebration will then get underway. Thanks to grant funding awarded to the Park Board by the Carbon County School District No. 2 Recreation Board (CCSD#2), an evening of live music, food and games will take place at the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel. “Around 3 p.m. is when we will start,” said board member and Hotel Manager Courtney Priest. “We will have around seven live bands performing from 3 to 8 or 8:30-ish. An open bar, burgers, and hot dogs will also be available.” Priest explained that the evening event is inspired by the historic Garden Spot Pavilion, which once stood near the hotel and, in its heyday, hosted large gatherings and performances by well-known musicians, including Louis Armstrong and Roy Clark. “It’s our own version of the Garden Spot Pavilion, which is why the evening portion is called the ‘Garden Spot Music Festival,’” Priest said. “We hope to see everyone there.” Larson echoed Priest’s remarks and encouraged residents of Elk Mountain and the surrounding communities to attend. “We want more people to attend this year than ever,” Larson said. “So even if you are from Rawlins or Saratoga or Hanna or Medicine Bow, come on over. We have plenty of things for everyone to enjoy. It’s going to be a great day!”

As the meeting drew to a close, the mood turned somber when Larson announced the resignation of longtime board secretary Ellen Meyer.

“Ellen and her husband, Bob, are moving away, so we are losing her this month,” Larson said. Meyer has served on the Park Board since 2012, and Larson noted that during her 14 years of service she has been a valuable asset not only to the board, but to the Elk Mountain community as a whole. “She and Bob both have done so much for this town and board,” Larson said. “Not only over her 14 years on the board, but all the years she’s been here. We will miss her and Bob deeply.”

Board members offered Meyer their thanks and best wishes before the meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m., bringing a close to a meeting that looked ahead to one of the board’s biggest events of the year while also saying farewell to one of its longest-serving members.

Encampment Plans Ahead for Water, Sewer Needs

Publisher — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Encampment Plans Ahead for Water, Sewer Needs Publisher Sat, 08/29/2026 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Encampment Town Council moved forward with several infrastructure projects during its Aug. 13 regular meeting, including an emergency water connection, future sewer rehabilitation work and improvements to the town’s wastewater lagoon.

The council also appointed Zachary Fall as chief of police following an executive session and discussed short-term rentals, road conditions, fire department equipment and several other town matters.

One of the most significant discussions centered on an emergency water connection project. Clerk/Treasurer Doreen Harvey said the town had submitted an emergency Mineral Royalty Grant request for $317,000, seeking 100% funding. The State Loan and Investment Board did not consider the project an emergency and instead awarded $237,750, representing 75% of the project cost. The town would be responsible for the remaining $79,250.

Engineer Jon Nelson of North Fork Engineering discussed moving ahead with procurement because of the lead time required for equipment. The proposed system would include a pump, backup pump, chlorine dosing equipment, fittings, a manifold and control systems.

Public Works Supervisor Bill Acord noted that chlorination requirements differ between Encampment and Riverside and said the equipment would need to meet Encampment’s system needs.

The council approved entering into the grant contract and signing the certification statement. It also authorized moving forward with advertising and requesting bids. Nelson said advertisements were expected to run in September, with a possible pre-bid meeting Sept. 22 and bid opening Oct. 5.

Councilman Stas Banach said he does not like spending money unnecessarily but believes the town has a responsibility to protect its systems in the event of a major fire that could affect the filtration system.

The council also continued planning for a future sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.

Nelson said the town completed a needs survey in January as part of continuing sewer rehabilitation efforts that date to 2009. An application is due Oct. 2 if the town wants to seek funding that could include 75% principal forgiveness.

The project is being considered for 2028, which could potentially coincide with Wyoming Department of Transportation resurfacing work. Harvey said waiting until 2028 would also give the town additional time to collect Specific Purpose Tax revenue. The council authorized Nelson to prepare the application before a task order is approved.

Nelson also updated the council on the town’s Water and Sewer Master Plan, saying the buildout model was nearly complete and the final report was being prepared. The report will include system history, rights, analysis of existing conditions, buildout information and recommendations.

A workshop to review the information in greater detail was scheduled for Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.

The town’s sewer lagoon also remains a work in progress. A contractor was scheduled to be on site Aug. 25 to complete previously approved operational improvements involving ventilation and adjustments to equipment in the UV building that remains under warranty.

Short-term rentals will receive additional attention from the council and Encampment Planning Commission. Mayor Shannon Fagan reminded those attending that a joint workshop was scheduled for Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.

Planning Commission member Shelli Ward asked about information related to an attorney’s opinion on the issue. Harvey said the council had previously directed her not to distribute the information. Banach said the attorney’s opinion would not prevent the town from continuing discussions and developing ideas during the workshop.

Residents also approached the council about Wilbur Avenue. David Cogswell said he and several neighbors submitted a letter asking the town, if possible, not to open a section of the street that could affect their quiet neighborhood as new homes are constructed nearby.

Council members explained that the streets were already platted and established. Banach said the town does not arbitrarily open streets but would not restrict opening one if it became necessary. Acord said he was not aware of plans to open the road beyond Fifth Street.

Banach acknowledged the residents’ concerns while noting that “Encampment has been discovered.”

The council also discussed a possible student work-study arrangement with the Public Works Department. Acord said the school had approached him about allowing a student, who had previously worked for the town during the summer, to work approximately one hour per day.

Council members supported the idea, provided the student would not operate equipment. Officer Fall also said a police ride-along could be incorporated.

In fire department business, Harvey reported the town received $903 in reimbursement for the Cody Fire School through the Wyoming Firemen’s Association. The department also raised $4,352 during its pancake breakfast.

The council authorized up to $1,800 for the fire department’s annual purchase of fire prevention and safety education materials. It also agreed to seek quotes for a compressor system used to fill self-contained breathing apparatus air cylinders.

An estimate from LN Curtis placed the compressor system at $51,601.25. Harvey said approximately $50,000 had been budgeted from impact funding, but the purchase would need to go through the bidding process. When asked how firefighters currently fill their air packs, council members were told the department takes them to Saratoga. Harvey said she may also have a potential source for another $10,000 toward the purchase.

The council approved an estimated $887 five-year police radio upgrade. Fall said the system would allow the radio to connect through Wi-Fi when regular reception is unavailable, improving communications. Harvey said the purchase is eligible for impact funding.

Council members also approved a $19,500 Carbon County School District No. 2 Recreation Board grant contract, including $12,500 for the McClure Field Fence Project. The council had previously accepted a $38,000 bid for fencing work, which is expected to be completed this fall.

Following an executive session to discuss personnel, Banach moved to appoint Fall as Encampment chief of police effective Aug. 1. The motion passed.

Before adjournment, Jim McKinney raised concerns about road conditions, particularly streets between the school and highway following several nights of rain. Fagan said she had seen the town’s road grader operating at night and would ask town personnel to complete additional grading.

The council also approved catering permits for an Aug. 22 Stock Growers Association event at Elk Hollow and the Beef and Whiskey event Sept. 12 at Riverside Garage. Council members approved annual Wyoming Association of Municipalities dues of $652 and authorized Harvey to begin revising the town’s investment policy.

In financial business, the council approved the July financial statement along with $31,156.51 in payroll and contracted liabilities and $60,524.97 in regular monthly bills. Harvey reported that, with 8.33% of the new budget year completed, revenues stood at 6.49% and expenses at 4.70%.

The next meeting of the Encampment Town Council will be September 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Governor Gordon Issues Executive Order Authorizing Emergency Transportation Permits for Livestock Feed and Livestock

Publisher — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Governor Gordon Issues Executive Order Authorizing Emergency Transportation Permits for Livestock Feed and Livestock Publisher Sun, 08/23/2026 - 03:30

Press Release

Governor Mark Gordon

On August 5, 2026 Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) issued Executive Order 2026-005, authorizing emergency relief permits for vehicles transporting oversize and overweight loads of livestock feed and livestock across Wyoming.

The Executive Order comes in response to widespread drought, high temperatures, low humidity, and wildfires across Wyoming during the spring and summer of 2026. These hazardous conditions have depleted pasture grass and natural forage, creating a critical livestock feed shortage that threatens the state’s agricultural sector and general economy.

“Wyoming drought conditions have substantially impacted producers on-the-ground, including impacts to hay and forage production,” Governor Gordon said. “This executive order will help alleviate barriers affecting Wyoming’s impacted livestock operations. This necessary action will provide opportunities for our producers to continue feeding their animals during these times of hardship.”

“WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol are committed to connecting Wyoming’s ranchers with the supplies they need to support their families and way of life. While fees may be waived, all applicable oversize and overweight loads must still obtain the required permit and coordinate with Wyoming’s Ports of Entry to ensure safe routing, verify bridge vertical clearances, and protect Wyoming’s transportation infrastructure,” Darin Westby, Director of the Wyoming Department of Transportation said.

The Executive Order is in effect for 30 days and can be found on the Governor’s website. For questions about permits please visit here.

For more information:

Amy Edmonds, Communications Director, Governor Mark Gordon, amy.edmonds@wyo.gov

Jordan Young, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Department of Transportation, jordan.young@wyo.gov

Elk Mountain Officials Explore Water Projects, Receive Library Funding Update

Publisher — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Elk Mountain Officials Explore Water Projects, Receive Library Funding Update Publisher Sun, 08/23/2026 - 03:30

By Brett Larson

Carbon County Comet Contributor

The Elk Mountain Town Council convened Tuesday, August 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center for its regular monthly meeting, where members discussed water projects and public library funding. Mayor Morgan Irene presided over the meeting, with council members Linda Crane and Craig Mustard in attendance. Council members Joe Neel and Angie Hobbs were absent. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes from its July meeting before opening a public hearing on Resolution No. 26-08-11, which proposed vacating portions of several alleyways adjacent to residential properties. With little discussion or public comment, the council unanimously approved the resolution before proceeding with departmental reports.

Public Works Director Will Redmond told the council his department is asking residents to conserve water through the remainder of the summer and into the fall as ongoing drought conditions have caused the town’s well levels to decline significantly. “We have dropped 40 feet in less than 40 days with our water wells, and they haven’t artesian flowed in quite a while,” Redmond said. “This is all due to the extremely hot and dry weather that has created severe drought conditions. I don’t want to implement water restrictions this year or even next year, but we will if conditions become severe enough.” Redmond encouraged residents to help avoid current or future water restrictions by watering lawns less and only in the early morning or evening, running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, taking shorter showers and turning off faucets while brushing their teeth.

Mayor Morgan Irene then introduced Jon Nelson of Northfork Engineering, who has been assisting the town with plans for a third water treatment tank and efforts to secure federal funding. Nelson reported that after ranking near the bottom of more than 500 applicants last year, the town’s application had moved into the first-tier priority category this year, making it much more likely to receive funding. However, the funding terms have changed. Instead of the previously anticipated 75 to 100 percent loan forgiveness upon completion of the project, Nelson said the town was now looking at approximately 25 to 50 percent forgiveness. Irene and the council said the town’s remaining obligation could exceed $700,000, which would significantly drain the water fund and leave the town financially vulnerable if an emergency repair or other unexpected expense arose. “We really can’t afford to spend over $700,000 of the $800,000 we have in our water fund. That is extremely dangerous,” Irene said. Despite the project’s higher funding priority, the council unanimously decided the financial risk was too great under the current terms and voted to put the third water treatment tank project on hold.

The discussion then turned to the town’s public library. Due to recent property tax cuts, Carbon County has been unable to fully fund its seven library branches, resulting in reduced hours across the system. Elk Mountain Branch Manager Jessica Mustard told the council the county is currently providing enough funding to keep the Elk Mountain branch open 10 hours per week. However, an additional $2,750 from the town is needed to sustain those hours through January 31, 2027. Irene said he has also been exploring additional funding opportunities, including possible fundraisers and private contributions, and hopes to speak with Interim Library Director Jenita Calton before making decisions about longer-term funding. “I’ve been talking with some people about ways we might be able to raise additional money, but there are still some things we need to work through,” Irene said. “I’d like to sit down with Jenita and get a better understanding of where things stand and what our options are going forward.” The council expressed support for the $2,750 contribution but could not take formal action after Councilman Mustard recused himself because his wife manages the branch, leaving the council without a quorum. The matter was tabled until the next meeting with the intention of approving the funding.

Park Board Chairman Brett Larson reported that the Park Board, in partnership with The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel, will host its annual Labor Day celebration on Saturday, September 5. “On Saturday, September 5, we’ll be holding our event here in town at the park and hotel,” Larson said. “This is our third year bringing it back, and this year’s celebration is bigger than ever,” Larson said. Festivities will begin with a 10 a.m. parade down Main Street, followed by children’s games, a horseshoe tournament with prizes, and a free community carry-in potluck luncheon at the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The celebration will continue at 3 p.m. with a music festival at The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel featuring live music, food, an open bar and evening entertainment. Larson encouraged residents and visitors to attend the daylong Labor Day celebration.

After departmental reports, the council unanimously reviewed and approved the treasurer’s report and bills totaling $42,424.54 for the period July 14 through August 11.

With no old business to address, the council moved into new business, where members discussed reimbursing the Elk Mountain Volunteer Fire Department for its remaining 2025–26 fiscal year expenses. The department requested just over $8,000 to cover maintenance and equipment needs.

After reviewing available funding options, the council agreed to cover approximately half of the expenses, approving $4,700 for the department.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The next regularly scheduled Elk Mountain Town Council meeting is Monday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Elk Mountain Community Center.

August 31 is the Last Day to Apply for SUN Bucks Summer Food Program

Publisher — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 01:30:00 +0000

August 31 is the Last Day to Apply for SUN Bucks Summer Food Program Publisher Sun, 08/23/2026 - 03:30

Press Release

Wyoming Department of Family Services

The Wyoming Department of Family Services would like to remind families that the last day to apply for the SUN Bucks summer food program is August 31.

“When we started this program in the spring, we estimated we would have 32,000 eligible children in Wyoming. We now have over 36,000 children enrolled. We found that we have a greater need than we had expected,” said Wyoming Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt.

The SUN Bucks program helps families buy groceries for school aged children who are eligible for free and reduced meals. Children can receive SUN Bucks if they qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities (POWER) program, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), are income eligible and on Medicaid, or are income-eligible and attending a school that participates in the NSLP.

Families receive one SUN Bucks card for each eligible child, which will be pre-loaded with a $120 food benefit. The SUN Bucks card can be used to buy groceries at any authorized Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) retailer.

As of August 10, more than 36,500 children have been enrolled in the program, $4.4 million in benefits were issued, and $1.9 million, or 43% of the benefits, were redeemed. Most children were automatically enrolled.

Families with eligible children who were not automatically enrolled can apply online or with a paper application by August 31 and still receive the full benefit of $120 to buy groceries. Families can check their child’s enrollment and apply online at https://sunbucks.dfs.wyo.gov/. Online applications will close at midnight on August 31.

Governor Mark Gordon directed DFS to implement the program in Wyoming with an executive order on April 15 for the summer of 2026.

Families whose child was automatically enrolled and have not received a card can call customer service to verify their mailing address. For more information visit the DFS website at dfs.wyo.gov, email sunbucks@wyo.gov, or call the SUN Bucks Customer Service Line between 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday at 307-777-8SUN (307-777-8786).