News

City of Rawlins Announces New Finance Director

Publisher — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

City of Rawlins Announces New Finance Director

Publisher Sat, 11/08/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is pleased to announce the hiring of Laura Malone as the new Finance Director. Malone brings more than a decade of experience in financial leadership. She began this Monday, November 3, 2025.

Interim City Manager Matt Hall said “We are excited to welcome Laura as the City’s Finance Director. She brings diverse knowledge and experience to this important role, helping the City responsibly and transparently manage public resources. Laura is a strong addition who will help our leadership team move forward with confidence. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Laura as she begins this important role.”

Malone has served as a Financial Director since 2014, most recently with Cheyenne–Laramie County Public Health. She has overseen federal grants, ensured alignment with local government accounting standards, managed the full budgeting process, and led budget development. She also brings experience in policy development, grant writing and management, and information technology. Malone is completing her Master of Accounting from the University of Wyoming this year. Malone and her husband Dan have moved to Rawlins. They enjoy cooking, baking, hiking, computer gaming, hanging out with their dog, Cassie, and watching the Chiefs game.

“I am excited to join the team in the City of Rawlins. I am committed to helping my new home realize its full financial potential through transparent accounting practices,” Malone said. “Clear financial information empowers intelligent decision-making and helps ensure everyone involved can move forward with confidence. I look forward to getting to know the team and the community.”

For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City? Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme under “City of Rawlins News.”

Secretary Gray Celebrates Committee Passage of Election Integrity Bill Requests for 2025 Interim

Publisher — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Secretary Gray Celebrates Committee Passage of Election Integrity Bill Requests for 2025 Interim Publisher Sat, 11/08/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray

On November 3rd and November 4th, Secretary Gray provided testimony supporting seven election integrity bills before the Joint Corporations Committee. These were all bills that he requested the committee to draft at their May meeting. All seven of the following bills passed the Joint Corporations Committee to be a committee-sponsored bill for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Session.

· Bill Draft 26-0042 Ban of Ballot Harvesting

·Bill Draft 26-0043-Random hand count audits of election results.

·Bill Draft 26-0044-Elections – hand counting for recounts

·Bill Draft 26-0045-Poll watchers—polling stations observation.

·Bill Draft 26-0046-Elections—independent candidate requirements

·Bill Draft 26-0047-voting machine and voting system tests

·Bill Draft 26-0048-acceptable identification revisions

In a statement, Secretary Gray said, “I’m thrilled that these election integrity bills have passed to be sponsored by the Joint Corporations committee in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. These were all bills that we requested to be drafted at the May Corporations meeting, and it was great to work with the committee to get them sponsored for the 2026 Legislative session. They include common sense election integrity measures like requiring photo identification for voter ID. I’m going to continue working to pass these bills through the legislative process, just as we worked to pass proof of citizenship for registering to vote and other election integrity bills in the 2025 Session.”

17,757 Acres Conserved in Carbon County

Publisher — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

17,757 Acres Conserved in Carbon County Publisher Sat, 11/08/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust

On October 29, 2025, the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust and Ryan Lance, President and Manager of the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch, finalized a conservation easement to permanently protect 17,757 acres in Carbon County— safeguarding productive agricultural land, vital wildlife habitats, and historic open-spaces.

“The conservation of the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch builds on generations of stewardship that define Wyoming’s history,” said Executive Director, Christine Adams. “Through our wonderful partnership with the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch, we’re ensuring that this working landscape continues to support agriculture, wildlife habitat, and open space for generations to come. Together, we honor the legacy of those who came before us while conserving the Wyoming we love for the future.”

Located near the historic Sweetwater and North Platte Rivers, the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch is rich in both agricultural and cultural heritage. The property sits at the heart of one of Wyoming’s most historically significant landscapes — where the Oregon, Mormon, Pioneer, and California Trails, collectively known as the Emigrant Trail, cross its northern boundary. These routes once guided nearly half a million travelers heading west from the early 1800s through the 1860s, leaving a lasting imprint on the land and Wyoming’s history.

Just 10 miles west of the property lies Independence Rock, a famed waypoint along the Oregon Trail where more than 5,000 emigrants carved or painted their names into the granite outcrop, marking their passage through the frontier. Nearby landmarks such as Devil’s Gate and Martin’s Cove — both recognized for their importance to the Mormon handcart pioneers — further underscore the area’s deep historical and cultural significance.

The Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch also played a role in Wyoming’s early ranching history, with its roots tracing back to the 1870s Tom Sun Ranch and Albert J. Bothwell, who began acquiring land in the Sweetwater Valley in the 1880s. Bothwell’s endeavors in agriculture, irrigation, and settlement helped shape the region’s ranching traditions and contributed to key moments in Wyoming’s territorial history, including the era of open-range conflicts that culminated in the Johnson County Cattle War of 1892.

Today, the Pathfinder Sand Creek Ranch continues its agricultural legacy as a working cattle operation. The land supports a mix of yearling and cow/calf pairs that graze across its extensive rangeland pastures. In addition to its ranching operations, the Sweetwater River Conservancy Conservation Bank (SRCCB) operates on the property to support a healthy, intact greater sage-grouse population. The SRCCB’s conservation efforts benefit far more than sage-grouse; it also enhances habitat for elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, 34 species of waterfowl, including 16 migratory shorebird species, along with numerous small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

“Pathfinder is pleased to partner with the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust on the conservation easement on the Sand Creek Ranch,” said Lance. “The protections created through the conservation easement will not only ensure that greater sage-grouse and other habitats are safeguarded in perpetuity, but the deep agricultural heritage of the ranch endures in future generations.”

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is honored to continue working with landowners who share a dedication to conserving Wyoming’s working lands and the history they represent.

UW Statement on Death of Dick Cheney

Publisher — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

UW Statement on Death of Dick Cheney Publisher Sat, 11/08/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

University of Wyoming

Following is a statement from University of Wyoming President Ed Seidel on the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney:

It is with deep sadness that the University of Wyoming community learns of the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney, a distinguished alumnus whose lifelong connection to his alma mater reflected his enduring commitment to public service and to the people of Wyoming.

Vice President Cheney, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from UW, went on to serve his nation with distinction in numerous roles, including as White House chief of staff, Wyoming’s U.S. representative, U.S. secretary of defense and, ultimately, as the 46th vice president of the United States. Throughout his remarkable career, he remained deeply proud of his Wyoming roots and often spoke of how his education here shaped his understanding of leadership and governance.

Mr. Cheney and his family have been generous supporters of the university, contributing to programs that continue to benefit our students and faculty. For example, thousands of our students have been able to study abroad with support from the Richard D. and Lynne V. Cheney Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment, and a gift from the Cheneys provided for the creation of UW’s Cheney International Center. He also was instrumental in UW’s Distinction Campaign, which concluded in 2005 after raising a record $204 million.

His legacy will endure not only through his public service, but also through the opportunities he helped create for future generations of Wyoming students.

On behalf of the entire UW community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Cheney family and all who mourn his passing. We honor his life, his service and his lasting connection to the University of Wyoming.

Hit and Run Suspect Apprehended

Publisher — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Hit and Run Suspect Apprehended

Publisher Sat, 11/08/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Carbon County Sheriff, Alex Bakken

In the early morning hours of October 29th, 2025, dispatchers with the Carbon County Unified Dispatch Center received a report of a possible hit-and-run accident near Elk Mountain, located in eastern Carbon County. A passenger car had struck a semi truck near milepost 250, Interstate 80 and was described as a “car with no tires.”

Needless to say, the suspect vehicle stood out. Deputies were able to locate the vehicle traveling westbound along Interstate 80. It appeared that the stout maroon-colored sedan was undaunted by the minor fender-bender and was gamely chugging along the interstate before being stopped by deputies. In a testament to the build quality of Hyundai Motors, the driver had traveled almost thirty miles from the scene of the crash in the vehicle pictures.

In addition to the missing tires, the vehicle was also lacking a windshield, mirrors, several lights, and other operational equipment. However, the vehicle did contain a driver who was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence.

Please take this as a reminder to not operate motor vehicles under the influence and to not leave the scene of an accident! We would kindly ask that you please arrange for safe transportation when going out and do not drive intoxicated.

Congresswoman Hageman Reintroduces the Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act

Publisher — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Congresswoman Hageman Reintroduces the Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act

Publisher Sat, 11/01/2025 - 21:00

Press Release

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) reintroduced the Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act, which reinstates mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef.

Representatives Hageman and Khanna were joined by Representatives Warren Davidson (R-OH), Thomas Massie (R-KY), Chip Roy (R-TX), and Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ).

“American consumers deserve accurate information on the products they buy, and U.S. ranchers deserve honest and fair competition in the marketplace. The U.S. abandoned MCOOL for beef in 2016 following a World Trade Organization ruling. This change lifted the profit margins of monopolistic big packers at the expense of the American rancher. The domestic market is finally providing the means for our producers to keep family ranches alive, and we must protect these operations by providing full transparency of the origin of beef in the marketplace. MCOOL is more important than ever to grow the size of the national herd and stop the blending of cheap foreign beef in high-quality U.S. products,” stated Rep. Hageman.

“The Trump administration is quadrupling Argentinian beef imports while our farmers continue to struggle. We need trade policy that puts America first. I’m proud to lead legislation with Rep. Hageman that blocks multi-national meat packing companies that are importing cattle and falsely labeling it as American,” said Rep. Ro Khanna.

“Rocky Mountain Farmers Union thanks Representative Hageman for standing up for the best interests of both America’s cattle producers and its consumers through the introduction of the Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2025,” said Chad Franke, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “American ranchers produce the highest-quality beef — and consumers want to purchase that premium product and support family ranches and rural communities. To make informed choices, American consumers deserve to know where their food comes from. The implementation of Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) is essential to ensure transparency in the marketplace and to strengthen trust between producers and consumers. MCOOL benefits both — giving ranchers the recognition they deserve and consumers the confidence they expect,” Franke continued.

“Family farmers and ranchers work hard to put safe, high-quality American meat on our tables. Consumers deserve to know where their food comes from—and they want that choice. Restoring mandatory country-of-origin labeling is common sense. It gives families the information they need and ensures a fairer, more competitive marketplace for farmers and ranchers. We thank Representatives Hageman and Khanna for standing up for transparency and for American farmers, ranchers, and consumers,” said Rob Larew, President, National Farmers Union.

“We are grateful for Representative Hageman’s leadership in creating a competitive marketplace for both ranchers and consumers with her bill requiring accurate origin information on beef. Consumers deserve the right to choose to buy imported beef or beef from America’s ranchers, and ranchers deserve the right to compete in their own domestic market. This bill will accomplish both,” said Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA.

Background:

Country of origin labeling food laws require retailers to inform customers about the source of their food. Agricultural commodities were exempted from MCOOL laws, but beginning in 2002, Congress passed a series of laws implementing MCOOL requirements for select commodities, including beef. However, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that U.S. MCOOL laws were in violation of WTO rules, and Congress removed it for beef in 2016.

The Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act reinstates MCOOL requirements for beef and raises fines for those falsely labeling their beef as made in the U.S.A., including the multinational packers. The bill also dictates that no ruling from an international body, such as the WTO, impacts our country’s ability to implement country of origin requirements.

Governor Gordon Announces Leadership Transition at Wyoming Office of Tourism

Publisher — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Governor Gordon Announces Leadership Transition at Wyoming Office of Tourism Publisher Sat, 11/01/2025 - 21:00

Press Release

Wyoming Governor, Mark Gordon

Governor Gordon announces the appointment of Domenic Bravo as the new Executive Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, succeeding long-serving Director Diane Shober, who will retire after more than two decades of distinguished service.

Bravo served as the president and CEO of Visit Cheyenne since 2020, where he oversaw dynamic marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships and overall growth of the tourism economy in Laramie County. Prior to that, he served as Administrator of the Wyoming State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Office Division, where his leadership led to approximately 25% growth in visitation and revenue for the division.

Bravo earned a Master of Science degree in Park and Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management.

“Tourism is one of Wyoming’s signature industries, vital to both our economy and our identity,” the Governor said. “I’m confident that Domenic will continue this tradition of excellence and innovation, keeping Wyoming’s wide-open spaces, communities, and heritage at the heart of our tourism message.”

“It’s an incredible honor to step into this role and help lead the next chapter of Wyoming’s tourism story,” Domenic Bravo said. “Our tourism success has been built through years of vision, dedication, and true Wyoming grit, and I’m eager to carry that legacy forward, working alongside our state’s leaders, the Governor, the talented Wyoming Office of Tourism team, the Tourism Board, Destination Management Organizations, and countless partners across the state to strengthen and share the spirit of the West that defines us all.”

Governor Gordon would like to thank the Wyoming Office of Tourism Board for their ongoing efforts during the recruitment and selection of finalists process.

“The Wyoming Tourism Board is honored to welcome Domenic Bravo as the next leader of the Wyoming Office of Tourism,” said Tony O’Brien, Chairman of the Board. “He brings a proven and comprehensive understanding of Wyoming’s iconic destinations, western culture, and vibrant tourism economy.

“Under Diane Shober’s leadership, tourism development has been a launchpad for Wyoming’s overall economy and has been a benefit to every community and every resident in the state. As the Wyoming Tourism Board looks to keep Wyoming at the forefront of the consumer’s mind, we’re privileged to pass the mantle to an experienced and prolific innovator like Domenic. In this ever evolving industry, we look forward to working together to continue to grow Wyoming’s visitor economy.”

Comprising nine members from six districts and three at-large appointees who are employed or associated with the travel industry, the Wyoming Tourism Board provides governance and policy oversight for WOT.

The board is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate, with each appointee serving one three-year term. Criteria to be appointed to the Wyoming Tourism Board include industry representation by sector and geography, deep knowledge and understanding of the tourism and hospitality industry and marketing experience.

Governor Gordon would also like to thank retiring Director Diane Shober for her years of dedicated service to Wyoming.

“Diane Shober’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment to showcasing the beauty, spirit, and hospitality of Wyoming have been instrumental in building our state’s reputation as a world-class destination,” Governor Gordon said. “Under her guidance, Wyoming’s tourism industry has grown stronger and more deeply connected to the communities that make our state special. I want to thank Diane for her years of dedicated service to the people of Wyoming.”

Encampment Council Approves Lodging House Permit, Passes Moratorium on Short-Term Rentals

Publisher — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Encampment Council Approves Lodging House Permit, Passes Moratorium on Short-Term Rentals Publisher Sat, 11/01/2025 - 21:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

A packed house greeted the Encampment Town Council on October 9 as residents filled the chambers with many pulling in extra chairs for a meeting largely centered on short-term rental concerns.

After routine business, including approval of minutes and payment of bills, Riverside Mayor Leroy Stephenson addressed the council regarding use of the E-2 police vehicle. The discussion carried some tension, but the council ultimately approved the request.

Most in attendance were there for a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a lodging house at 705 Heizer Ave. Residents voiced concerns about the growing number of homes being converted to short-term rentals such as VRBO and Airbnb. Several questioned why the council needed to act on the permit before considering a pause on such rentals, and said the town’s ordinances need updated language.

Council members explained that under current procedures, the pending permit had to be addressed first. The council vote was split, with some members siding with residents’ concerns, but the permit was approved.

Following the hearing, the council turned to Resolution 2025-07, establishing a moratorium on new short-term and vacation rentals to allow time to study the impacts and review town ordinances. The resolution passed, meaning no new short-term rentals will be allowed until the study and review are complete.

In other business, the council announced the 2026 Winter Carnival will take place January 23–24, 2026.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Hanna Town Council Shows it Cares

Publisher — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Hanna Town Council Shows it Cares Publisher Sat, 10/25/2025 - 07:00

By MIke Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Hanna Town Council met at 6:30 p.m. on October 14 at the Hanna Town Hall.

The agenda and meeting minutes from September 9 were approved.

Mayor Charlie George and council members Sammy Sikes, David Felix, Ellen Freeman and Paul Cruz were in attendance.

There are trees coming to the town and Parks and Recreation are trying to figure out what time would be good to plant them and also incorporate a planting ceremony.

SWCEMS has an interim director in Shana Romero. There have been three applications for the director’s job.

The Hanna Basin Museum and Cemetery Boards are having a chili cooking contest on November 1st. Entry is $20.

Adelaide Myers, chairman of the Carbon County Library Board, spoke to the Council about helping keep the Hanna library open. She said the library had a 53 percent budget cut.

She said there might be hours cut back at some libraries in the future and that some might be temporarily closed in the year to come.

My goal is to get the libraries back up with as many hours as possible,” Myers said. “I realize that we were looking to close the Hanna on September 30, but there has been fundraising that has allowed us to keep the branch open.”

She is looking for funds to help.

The audience offered some ideas, such as having a bookmobile.

The board currently has an interim director.

The Council asked what the library board wanted.

Myers asked the audience to write representatives Bob Davis and Larry Hicks about helping the libraries.

After the board reports, the financials were approved to be paid.

Under old business, the Ordinance 413, amending Title 9 to permit residents to use spring-loaded or air weapons to kill certain specified wild animals on the property, went into its second reading.

The November Council meeting will be held on November 12.

Resident Donna Pipher was approved to be the Hanna Representative for the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation.

The town will be advertising for a new town attorney.

The Council decided to have a workshop concerning the Hanna Senior Center property and invite Senior Services to go over options for what the town can do. They will have another workshop for the Medical Clinic property and invite the Memorial Hospital Carbon County board. The Council will also invite the Carbon County Commissioners.

The Council welcomed a new VRBO to the town. It will have a business permit.

At the end of the meeting, a resident mentioned the annual pumpkin patch for the Hanna Elementary School kids was not getting pumpkins donated this year. Mary Cushing, the person who coordinates the pumpkin patch, had found a place that was willing to give half price. The resident suggested a fund be started. A hat was pulled out and in a matter of five minutes, the Council and audience had raised almost the entire amount needed. This action showed how small towns do their best to help the kids in the community.

The next scheduled meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on November 12 at the Hanna Town Hall.

City of Rawlins Completes Full Replacement of Water Monitoring and Operation System

Publisher — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

City of Rawlins Completes Full Replacement of Water Monitoring and Operation System

Publisher Sat, 10/25/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is proud to announce the successful completion of a full replacement of its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for our water collection, treatment, storage, and distribution systems. The project was funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), managed by Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA), at a cost of over $960,000.00.

“Completing the installation of our new SCADA system was vital for all aspects of our water and wastewater treatment. SCADA is a main staple of our water infrastructure. We now have a state-of-the-art system, instead of one that is outdated and failing,” said Cody Dill, Public Works Director. “SCADA is like the nervous system that runs our water and wastewater systems. Our pumps and filters are like the muscles and bones doing the work, while SCADA tells them to get the job done. With this new system, we can see what’s happening and have more control over our water system.”

The upgrade replaces equipment that had served the community since the 1980s and was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain—sometimes requiring staff to track down replacement parts from secondary markets. The new system is American-made, not reliant on outside proprietary platforms, and backed by a plan for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

The new SCADA system dramatically improves reliability and provides in-depth, real-time remote monitoring and control across the network, from treatment plants to water storage tanks to distribution valves. Our water system now has over a dozen SCADA locations spread from our transmission system south of town to the North Platte River to the east. Each of these SCADA locations can represent 1000s of single data and control points, making the whole system function better. For example, in the Water Treatment Plant alone, there were 1200 physical and 3000 digital connections. This allows our operators to quickly address issues, fine-tune operations, and maintain consistent service from anywhere.

Work was completed by Dorsett Controls of Layton, Utah, following a competitive bidding process that met all federal and state requirements. The City of Rawlins thanks the WCDA staff who oversee the CDBG, Dorsett Controls staff, and all City staff who contributed to making this project a success.

For more information, please contact Mira Miller, City of Rawlins Community Relations/PIO at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022. Interested in receiving news from the City?