News

Candidates Make Their Case in Encampment

Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Candidates Make Their Case in Encampment

Publisher Sat, 08/15/2026 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

For nearly five hours, candidates seeking offices ranging from the United States Senate to local government took turns explaining why Carbon County voters should send them to Cheyenne, Washington, D.C., or a local government seat.

The Candidate Forum held Aug. 1 at the Grand Encampment Opera House gave residents something difficult to get from campaign mailers and advertisements — a chance to hear candidates speak at length, answer questions and, occasionally, challenge one another on their records and positions.

The discussion was serious for most of the evening. Candidates tackled the national debt, Social Security, public lands, data centers, education, immigration, property taxes, energy, election integrity, water, rural health care and the proper role of government.

There were also moments of humor.

One of the biggest laughs of the evening came during discussion involving President Donald Trump and pardons he issued. “ Well, I think one of the problems could be we need some crowd control around the president. I think we’ve got people getting too close to him, and when they bump into him, they say, ‘Pardon me.’” In a room filled with candidates, voters and at least one member of the press, the remark provided a welcome bit of comic relief during an otherwise lengthy and serious political discussion.

The forum came less than three weeks before Wyoming’s August 18 primary election and drew candidates from some of the most crowded races on the ballot.

U.S. Senate

Republican U.S. Senate candidates Harriet Hageman, Jimmy Skovgard and John Holtz participated in the forum.

Hageman, currently Wyoming’s member of the U.S. House, emphasized her legal career and congressional experience. She said her work on the House Natural Resources Committee has given her a significant role in issues important to Wyoming, including forest management, Bureau of Land Management lands, the Endangered Species Act and water.

Hageman said her background as a trial attorney would also be useful in the Senate, particularly if she were able to serve on the Judiciary Committee.

She pointed to years of litigation involving federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and BLM as experience that would help her evaluate nominees to lead federal agencies.

Hageman also highlighted rural health care, saying she worked to help bring $205 million through the Rural Health Care Transformation Fund to Wyoming.

The candidates were asked whether people seeking congressional office should have to demonstrate knowledge of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and American history.

Hageman said the Constitution establishes the qualifications for congressional office and voters ultimately determine who is qualified to represent them. She said, however, candidates should understand the Constitution and the structure and limitations of the federal government.

Skovgard approached the question differently, emphasizing both the Constitution and his Christian faith.

He told the audience his campaign was built around integrity and character. He described growing up in Wyoming, working around logging and forestry, attending the University of Wyoming and eventually owning a business.

Skovgard said his experiences dealing with the federal government helped shape his political outlook.

He repeatedly returned to the idea that representatives should communicate directly with their constituents rather than disappear into Washington after an election.

On federal spending, Skovgard described debt and deficit spending as one of the largest forms of fraud being perpetrated against Americans.

He also raised concerns about the future of Social Security and suggested exploring a federal model similar in some respects to Wyoming’s permanent mineral trust fund, with real assets helping support obligations.

Holtz brought a lengthy and varied resume to the discussion. He spoke about growing up in a military family, serving in the Air Force, working in the defense industry, practicing law and serving as a Wyoming judge.

National security was a recurring theme for Holtz.

He warned the audience that the United States faces serious international threats and repeatedly raised concerns about Iran, cyberattacks and the nation’s military readiness.

Holtz also discussed water, saying prolonged drought could create significant challenges for Wyoming and the West.

When Social Security became the subject, all three candidates agreed there was a problem but offered different approaches.

Skovgard supported examining the income cap and creating investments that could better support the program.

Hageman said increasing workforce participation was also important. She argued federal policies have discouraged employment and reduced the number of people paying into Social Security and Medicare.

Holtz said the income cap should be raised or eliminated and argued Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustments have failed to adequately keep pace with inflation.

The candidates were also asked about fraud, presidential pardons and the federal judiciary.

Hageman stressed the constitutional separation of powers surrounding the president’s pardon authority. On judges, she said Congress could do a better job writing clear laws that leave less room for judicial interpretation.

Holtz said judges should be impartial regardless of which president appointed them.

Skovgard suggested the country should consider judicial term limits or retention-style mechanisms and said he believes the judiciary has become too partisan.

Data centers and public lands

Data centers produced one of the most Wyoming-specific discussions of the Senate portion.

Hageman said many decisions involving the location and impacts of data centers should remain at the state and local level rather than being federalized.

She discussed Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Act and said legislators should revisit exemptions that may allow certain developments to avoid the full industrial siting process.

Communities, she said, need to know how proposed developments would affect water, electricity, roads, housing and public services.

Skovgard agreed local residents should have substantial input.

He said communities should receive detailed information about projects before decisions are made and argued residents should not see their utility bills rise because large data centers are connected to the grid.

Holtz was more directly opposed, citing water use, fire concerns and the potential effects of major development on Wyoming’s landscape.

Public lands produced sharper disagreement.

Skovgard criticized efforts in Congress that could have opened millions of acres of federal land in Western states to sale. He said any proposed disposal of public land should be transparent and locally driven.

Hageman pushed back strongly against characterizations of her public lands legislation, saying allegations that it represented a massive public-land sell-off were false.

She said the proposal was limited and intended to help communities dealing with federal land constraints, including places where BLM ownership limits opportunities for housing.

Hageman said she supports keeping federal lands protected while improving their management and making carefully considered transactions possible when local communities support them.

U.S. House

The crowded race for Wyoming’s lone U.S. House seat brought another round of candidates and another lengthy discussion.

Jillian Balow leaned heavily on her experience as Wyoming’s former superintendent of public instruction.

Balow described herself as a fifth-generation Wyomingite and spoke about leading the state’s education system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said Wyoming kept schools accessible at a time when schools elsewhere were closed and later took education experience to Virginia.

Balow said she returned to Wyoming believing she was finished with elected office, but national and state concerns persuaded her to run again.

She focused on reducing costs, fiscal responsibility, energy development and nuclear power.

Balow said Wyoming has an opportunity to participate in a “nuclear renaissance” that could provide additional energy while creating economic opportunities.

She also emphasized federalism, arguing powers accumulated by federal agencies should be returned to states.

Chuck Gray, Wyoming’s secretary of state, emphasized his record in state government and the Legislature.

Gray pointed to legislation and policies involving voter identification, proof of citizenship, abortion, sanctuary cities, public benefits, coal and wind development.

He portrayed himself as someone willing to fight political institutions, the media and what he repeatedly called the insider class.

Gray said Congress needs to stop members from trading stocks, reduce federal spending, protect agriculture and energy industries and remove federal subsidies he believes disadvantage Wyoming’s traditional energy economy.

Asked about sanctuary cities, Gray said they should receive no federal money. He said he previously worked on legislation in Wyoming intended to prevent sanctuary jurisdictions by withholding state funding.

Candidates were also asked whether members of Congress should work five days a week and whether they should continue receiving pay during government shutdowns.

One Question for the Candidates

Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

One Question for the Candidates

Publisher Sat, 08/15/2026 - 07:00

The Carbon County Comet reached out to all candidates running for higher State office, and also specifically Carbon County positions. We also reached out to persons who were running for a town position in the County. The same question was sent to all, although modified to center on a town if a person was running for mayor or a council position. We contacted most by email that was provided by the Carbon County website on candidate information. There are candidates that did not respond, nor did their campaigns, but quite a few did. Those who did respond are recorded below the question asked.

Question submitted to candidates

Carbon County faces challenges ranging from public safety, energy, education and healthcare to economic development and infrastructure. If elected, what is the single most important issue you will work on in the office you are seeking that will benefit the people of Carbon County, and what specific actions will you take during your first term to address it?

Governor Candidates

Eric Barlow

The single most important issue I will work on is keeping Carbon County and Wyoming economically strong so people can continue to live, work, raise families, and build a future here.

That means protecting the industries and communities that have built Carbon County while making room for new opportunities that strengthen what is already here.

As governor, I will direct state agencies to work with communities and employers to get good projects moving, invest in the roads, water and infrastructure, and make sure local leaders have a real voice in decisions that affect their communities.

I will also act on the things that determine whether families can stay: improving access to rural healthcare, protecting public lands and multiple use, and supporting strong schools and workforce opportunities.

I understand how these pieces fit together because I have spent my life working in Wyoming as a rancher, veterinarian, small business owner, Marine, and legislator. A strong economy is not just about jobs; it is about whether people can choose to build a life here.

Brent Bien

Economic vitality through restoring traditional energy production—coal, oil, natural gas, and mining—paired with tax relief and less regulation.

Carbon County’s jobs, schools, hospitals, and public safety depend on a strong energy and resource base. Boom-bust cycles and declining traditional production have strained the tax base and local opportunities. Restoring market-driven energy development puts money and high-wage work back into the county while supporting every other priority.

In the first term I will:

• Streamline permitting and leasing for oil, gas, coal, and minerals so responsible projects create local jobs faster.

• Work to reverse the effects of HB 200’s carbon-capture mandates that raised power costs and constrained coal.

• Push to renegotiate federal mineral royalties so Wyoming keeps a larger share for the benefit of producing counties.

• Oppose new large-scale wind projects on state lands and reject special tax breaks for big corporations unavailable to local businesses and ranchers.

• Advance the 50% residential property-tax relief initiative so families are not taxed out of their homes.

• Cut unnecessary regulations and demand efficiency so hospitals, schools, and small businesses can thrive.

These steps deliver jobs, revenue, and lower costs for Carbon County without expanding government.

Ken Casner

Wait and find out I’m sure you will know come 2nd of November the true outcome. Between that period I’m sure there will be events that will address Carbon County and how it will affect this county along with 22 other counties. Thanks for asking though every thing you mention is on the edges of my positions for Governor... One other note it will also address 70 cities also affected. Enough said.

Megan Degenfelder

The most pressing issue facing Wyoming is that too many young people are leaving. I am committed to focusing on our cost of living and affordability: I will fight for tax relief and modernize the state government so it lives within its means, just like Wyoming families do. I will focus on housing by deregulating and prioritizing baseline infrastructure. And I will create real solutions for healthcare access and cost, from workforce preparation to telehealth and EMS solutions. I will improve our economy, starting with unleashing energy dominance, as the only candidate in the race with experience in the industry and a comprehensive energy plan. When the mineral industry does well, all of our industries do well. I will strengthen education by continuing my work as Superintendent, focusing on the basics and vocational education. Wyoming doesn’t need another career politician. We need a leader who is willing to think outside the box and provide real accountability. We need to get the government out of the way, defend our values, and put Wyoming families first.

Wyoming Senator Candidates

James Byrd

For Carbon County, the single most critical issue is securing a resilient economic future by safeguarding our energy foundation while driving local innovation. Shifting national energy markets and rising living costs directly impact working families, rural infrastructure, and local businesses. If elected to the U.S. Senate, I will take direct action in my first term by securing federal investments for next-generation energy technologies—such as carbon capture, nuclear innovation, and grid modernization—to ensure local workers keep high-paying jobs as the industry evolves. Simultaneously, I will defend public land access under a strict multi-use framework to preserve federal grazing rights for ranchers, while directing targeted federal resources to stabilize rural healthcare clinics and hospitals so families can thrive and stay in Carbon County.

John Holz

The federal government should aid Wyoming with aircraft and helicopters to fight fires. Water must be protected as a Wyoming priority. Wyoming is an energy treasure trove in an energy short world. Our natural resources should help our friends, not our enemies. I would export our resources to Europe and Israel through the Strait of Gibraltar to broaden our opportunities.

I am passionate about strengthening America’s defense and reducing the deficit before we experience hyperinflation. We must prevent Iran from ever having nuclear weapons.

We must protect America from Iran. Japan bombed Wyoming in WWII with a balloon bomb near Thermopolis.

I will always ask the Lord for guidance.

Sam Mead

Protecting public lands will always be a priority for me, particularly in a county where access, recreation and our natural resources are so closely tied to the economy. But the single issue I believe most urgently affects Carbon County families is healthcare.

Rural Wyoming is paying more for less access. High healthcare costs are not only a human burden when families delay care or travel hours for treatment; they also dampen economic growth. They make it harder for small businesses to hire, discourage people from starting businesses of their own and create friction in the labor market by tying workers to jobs primarily for insurance. Every dollar consumed by unnecessary healthcare costs is a dollar that cannot be invested elsewhere in our economy.

In my first term, I will work to improve rural reimbursement rates, protect and expand access to local providers, and advance my Insurer Communication Protocol to reduce administrative waste, improve price transparency and make insurance more portable and competitive across state lines.

Wyoming Congressional Candidates

Jillian Balow

As a Carbon County taxpayer and landowner, my priority is protecting Wyoming’s way of life. Our small towns are the heart of our state, and I am committed to their prosperity.

In Congress, I will seek seats on the Natural Resources and Energy and Commerce committees. My agenda focuses on economic security: cutting taxes, curbing reckless federal spending, protecting our freedoms, expanding energy and small businesses statewide, and making healthcare more affordable.

Also, I will fight to protect our water resources from mismanagement by downstream states. Wyoming voices, not bureaucrats, must manage our lands for timber, agriculture, and recreation. I strongly oppose the wholesale sale or transfer of our public lands.

As a fifth-generation Wyomingite and former State Superintendent, I understand our challenges. I will stay connected to our communities and work tirelessly for you. I would be honored to have your vote in the Primary.

Bo Biteman

The single most important issue I will work on is lowering the cost of living by making Carbon County the best place in America to create good-paying jobs. Carbon County has long powered our nation through coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, agriculture and transportation. Washington should be helping those industries, not burdening them with costly regulations and uncertainty. A thriving mining industry lifts everyone in Carbon County including local restaurants, hotels, service industry, schools, and local governments.

PRIMARY ELECTION CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING

Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

PRIMARY ELECTION CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING Publisher Sat, 08/15/2026 - 07:00

PRIMARY ELECTION CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING

AUGUST 18, 2026

POLLS OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 7:00 P.M.

Party changes will not be allowed on Election Day

Voting Locations:

01-01 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

01-02 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

02-01 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

02-02 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

03-01 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

03-02 Jeffrey Center (Rawlins) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

04-01 Jeffrey Center (Muddy Gap) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

05-01 Jeffrey Center (Sinclair) 315 W. Pine Street, Rawlins

06-01 Hanna Town Hall (Leo) 301 S. Adams Street, Hanna

07-01 Medicine Bow Community Center 221 Pine Street, Med Bow

08-01 Hanna Town Hall (Hanna) 301 S. Adams Street, Hanna

09-01 Elk Mountain Town Hall 202 Veterans St., Elk Mtn

10-01 Elk Mountain Town Hall (McFadden)202 Veterans St., Elk Mtn

11-01 Platte Valley Community Center 210 Elm Street, Saratoga

11-02 Platte Valley Community Center 210 Elm Street, Saratoga

12-01 Encampment Opera House 622 Rankin, Encampment

13-01 Encampment Opera House (Riverside) 622 Rankin, Encampment

14-01 Valley Community Center (Dixon) 255 W. Osborne, Baggs

15-01 Valley Community Center (Baggs) 255 W. Osborne, Baggs

You may vote if you are:

A citizen of the United States

A resident of the State of Wyoming

18 years of age on Election Day

Not a felon unless your civil rights have been restored

Not currently adjudicated mentally incompetent

You may register to vote at the polls Election Day or when voting absentee.

You must vote at the polling place for the precinct where you reside.

You must have resided in the state for not less than thirty (30) days.

Acceptable ID must be presented to vote at the polls on Election Day.

Wyoming Driver’s License

Wyoming Identification Card

Tribal ID Card

U.S. Military Card

Driver’s License or ID Card issued by any state

Photo ID issued by UW, a WY Community College or WY public school

Valid (current) U.S. Passport

Valid (current) Medicare Insurance Card

Valid (current) Medicaid Insurance Card

Valid (current) WY Concealed Carry Permit

If you have a disability requiring assistance, you may vote absentee at the County Clerk’s Office, at the polls using the ADA accessible Express Vote, request an absentee ballot be mailed to you or bring a person of your choice to the polls to assist you.

Edinburgh Street Construction Update: Inverness Closure & Project Progress

Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Edinburgh Street Construction Update: Inverness Closure & Project Progress

Publisher Sat, 08/15/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

Construction on the Edinburgh Street Reconstruction Project continues to move forward, and crews are preparing for the next phase of work at the Edinburgh Street and Inverness Boulevard intersection. A temporary full closure of the intersection is planned to begin early next week. The closure is expected to last approximately one week.

During the closure:

• Traffic entering Highland Hills will need to use the northern entrances through Aberdeen Avenue or Pettigrew Boulevard.

• Please follow posted detours and use caution near the construction area.

The intersection was originally expected to remain partially open during this phase; however, the amount of underground work required for the new stormwater and groundwater mitigation system requires additional space, making a full closure necessary.

After the full closure, the intersection will move to a one-way traffic pattern while additional work continues. Drivers are encouraged to continue using Aberdeen Avenue or Pettigrew Boulevard to help reduce congestion through the intersection.

The City is also working with CCCDP/Head Start, Project Reach, and nearby businesses to help coordinate traffic flow, especially during preschool drop-off and pickup times.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as this important infrastructure project continues.

Edinburgh Street Project Status Tracker Update

The Edinburgh Street Project Status Tracker has been updated to show construction progress by block and project area. The tracker follows the five major areas of work across the seven blocks of the project and shows whether each area is in process, completed, or scheduled.

Current progress includes:

• Storm and groundwater mitigation completed in first 4 blocks, in process in 5th

• Sanitary sewer completed in the first 5 blocks, in process in 6th

• Drinking water work completed in first 4 blocks, in process in 5th

• Street pavement and concrete work (curb, gutter, entrances, and sidewalks) coming soon Visit the project page for updates: www.rawlinswy.gov/Edinburgh.

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.”

Rob Akers to be Inducted into Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame

Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Rob Akers to be Inducted into Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame

Publisher Sat, 08/15/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

Wyoming State Forestry Division

Rob Akers, longtime Wyoming State Forestry Division employee, will be inducted into the Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame at 2500 Academy Ct in Riverton at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22. Akers significantly impacted the Wyoming Fire Service and the people of Wyoming in his more than 41-year tenure with the division, especially in developing the state’s inmate wildland firefighting program, now known as the Wyoming Smokebusters.

Akers was first hired as a supervisor for the Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC) in Newcastle through a federal program in 1979 and was later hired by the division in May 1980 to oversee inmates from the Wyoming State Penitentiary in Rawlins as they performed forest management work on state trust land south of Elk Mountain near Saratoga. He trained inmates in wildland firefighting to assist local firefighting resources in wildland fire suppression.

Akers became the program manager of the Forestry Conservation Program when the Wyoming Department of Corrections opened its minimum-security Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp north of Newcastle in March 1990. The program grew to include as many as nine correctional forestry crew supervisors and 55 inmate crew members who were assigned to community service projects, state trust land management and wildland fire. Akers retired from the division in December 2021. Akers was nominated for inclusion in the Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame by the Wyoming State Forestry Division and the Weston County Fire Protection District.

“The success of the Wyoming Forestry Conversation Program was a direct result of Rob’s ability to manage and motivate inmates and develop crew supervisors,” Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris said. “We are grateful for Rob’s dedication and many years of commitment to the Wyoming Fire Service and wish to recognize him for his lasting contributions, impacts, and influence on those he has served across the State.”

Armed Suicidal Subject Standoff

Publisher — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Armed Suicidal Subject Standoff Publisher Sat, 08/08/2026 - 19:00

Press Release

Carbon County Sheriff

On Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, dispatchers with the Carbon County Unified Dispatch Center received a report of a suicidal subject in the Medicine Bow National Forest, north of Highway 130.

Responding deputies located the subject, who was armed with a handgun and actively threatening to shoot himself. Without hesitation, the two initial responding deputies began talking with the subject, asking him to reconsider and put the handgun down.

An additional deputy from the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, along with Troopers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol and Wardens from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, arrived and established a perimeter. Personnel from South Central Wyoming EMS staged to provide medical care if needed.

After a tense three hours of negotiating, our deputies were able to convince the subject to put the gun down and took him into custody, transporting them to the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County for a mental health evaluation.

We’d like to offer a heart felt thank you to our deputies and dispatchers for their calm handling of an extremely volatile situation, and our partner agencies who came and assisted throughout the entirety of the incident.

Thank you.

- Sheriff Alex Bakken

Rawlins Police Department and Wyoming Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Bicycle-Vehicle Collision

Publisher — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Rawlins Police Department and Wyoming Highway Patrol Investigating Fatal Bicycle-Vehicle Collision

Publisher Sat, 08/08/2026 - 19:00

Press Release

Rawlins Police Department

The Rawlins Police Department is extending our condolences after the tragic loss of a juvenile following a collision involving a bicycle and a vehicle near the intersection of East State Street and Jefferson Avenue.

On August 2, 2026, at approximately 12:21 p.m., officers with the Rawlins Police Department, Rawlins Fire Department, Carbon County Sherriff’s Office, Carbon County EMS, and Wyoming Highway Patrol responded to a reported collision involving a bicycle and a vehicle near the intersection of East State Street and Jefferson Avenue. The Rawlins Police Department is conducting an investigation with assistance from the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Rawlins Police Department Victim Services and representatives of Carbon County School District #1 provided support and resources to the family.

The investigation remains active, and no additional information is available at this time.

Seminoe Project Still Faces Long Road Commissioners Say

Publisher — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Seminoe Project Still Faces Long Road Commissioners Say Publisher Sat, 08/08/2026 - 19:00

By MIke Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Board of Carbon County Commissioners (BOCCC) had their regularly scheduled meeting on August 4, starting at 9 a.m. at the Carbon Building.

The BOCCC quickly approved the agenda, meeting minutes of July 26, consent agenda and approval of bills. Chairman Travis Moore was absent and Vice Chair Gwynn Bartlett chaired the meeting.

Courtney Priest from the Carbon County School District #2 Recreation Board was bonded in the amount of $10,000.

Carbon County Fire Chief was approved in his request for radio equipment for a tower site.

The BOCCC approved mill levies presented by the County Assessor Renee Snider.

Kristy Rowan of Planning and Development reported the Planning and Zoning Commission steering committee had finished Phase One on the land use plan. The BOCCC thanked the nine people in the group for their efforts.

Rowan said all their work over the past three years made Phase One possible. Going into Phase Two, Rowan said she anticipated it would be quicker.

The BOCCC regretfully accepted the resignation of Adelaide Meyers of the Carbon County Library Board.

County Clerk. Lisa Smith said absentee voting was going on presently and it was slow. She wanted to remind everyone to vote on August 18.

The BOCCC told the Ryan Park Property and Homeowners Association that the County could not be responsible for maintenance of their roads due to State statutes. A homeowners association is responsible for their own roads.

Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken wanted to make people aware that dispatchers are not eligible for workman’s compensation when faced with traumatic situations. He explained they have to face tremendous hardship when dealing with calls when a person threatens to kill themselves or having to listen on the other end of the line to a tragic event unfolding. Bakken said there is a bill coming forth out of the Health Committee coming out in January supporting helping them. Bakken also said they should be considered for compensation because they are often the first person dealing with difficult problems.

Commissioner John Johnson, who is running for reelection, thanked the candidates in Carbon County for their civility in their campaigns versus what he has seen in other places.

When asked by a resident if the Seminoe Storage-Pump Hydroelectric Project was inevitable because it was now on BLM land and had been permitted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Commissioner John Espy and Commissioner Sue Jones both said there were many more criteria for the company to meet.

“On the present terms of the RMP (Risk Management Plan) there are certain things that have to be met,” Espy said. “The fight is not over, I guess is the best way of saying it. We still have some power.”

It was explained the FERC permit is just one of several hurdles the company that is making the project will be facing. The one permit being passed does not mean it is a done deal.

There is still the Industrial Council that the company will have to face.

They will have to face the BOCCC as well.

The public will have more opportunity to prevent the project from going forward.

The next scheduled meeting will be August 25 in Saratoga.

City of Rawlins Restores Partial Park Irrigation and Full Splash Pad Hours

Publisher — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

City of Rawlins Restores Partial Park Irrigation and Full Splash Pad Hours

Publisher Sat, 08/01/2026 - 15:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is providing an update to its recent drought response measures.

Beginning Tuesday, July 28, the City resumed watering of parks and other public green spaces at approximately 50% of normal irrigation levels. In addition, the Rawlins Splash Pad has returned to its regular operating hours.

These changes reflect current water conditions while continuing the City’s efforts to responsibly manage water resources during an ongoing drought year. Irrigation of public green spaces will remain reduced as City staff continue monitoring water supplies and work to bring the pretreatment plant fully online.

The City continues to ask residents and businesses to use water wisely by watering during the cooler parts of the day, watering deeply but less frequently, maintaining higher mower heights, and taking other water-saving measures whenever possible.

The City will continue to closely monitor water supplies and will notify the public if additional conservation measures become necessary.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for City news and emergency notifications by text or email at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme.

For more information, please contact Mira Miller, Community Relations/Public Information Officer, at 307-328-4500, ext. 1022.

Gordon Says Wyoming’s Future Depends on Communities Like Rawlins

Publisher — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Gordon Says Wyoming’s Future Depends on Communities Like Rawlins

Publisher Sat, 08/01/2026 - 15:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Governor Mark Gordon came to Rawlins Wednesday with a simple message: Wyoming’s future will not be built by chance. It will be built by strong communities that know who they are, protect what makes them unique and welcome new opportunities without sacrificing their values.

As part of his statewide “The Essentials: Protecting Wyoming’s Future” tour, Gordon spent the afternoon walking downtown, visiting local businesses including Mimi’s at the Blake, Great Divide and Rushmore Furniture before meeting residents at Stems and Steam for an informal discussion that quickly turned into a wide-ranging conversation about healthcare, manufacturing, water, education, energy, tourism and the future of Carbon County.

Unlike a traditional campaign stop, there was no podium, prepared speech or partisan rally. Instead, Gordon stood in the middle of the coffee shop surrounded by city officials, business owners, economic development leaders, healthcare administrators and residents who asked questions about issues affecting their community.

The governor repeatedly returned to one central theme throughout the afternoon.

“It’s as much about listening and things we can help get started as it is about talking,” Gordon said.

He contrasted that approach with what he described as the typical tone of modern political campaigns.

“There’s a whole lot of talk going on about why you should like me,” he said. “But it’s not really talking about how do we make sure our communities are stronger? How do we make sure that we have an economy? How do we make sure that we grow along the lines that make sense for Wyoming?”

Gordon acknowledged Wyoming’s long history of energy production while emphasizing that economic diversification remains critical.

“We’ve done a lot to make sure that our energy industry still stays strong,” he said. “We can continue to work on that, but there’s more to Wyoming.”

He pointed to Rawlins as an example of a community investing in itself rather than waiting for outside help.

“I’ve always talked about Rawlins,” Gordon said, recalling the restoration of the Wyoming Frontier Prison. “This community came asking, ‘We’re not asking for everything. We’ve got people that are going to make this happen, but we could use a little bit of help.’”

That attitude, he said, reflects Wyoming’s character.

“People in Wyoming aren’t looking for everything to come their way, but they are willing to get engaged and make good things happen.”

Looking around the room, Gordon praised Rawlins’ downtown revitalization.

“You’ve got one of the nicest downtowns,” he said with a smile before joking that he was “kind of partial to Buffalo.”

“It is a gorgeous place,” he continued. “You’re making it happen. You don’t get to go places and come to a little place like this and have good people that can make you feel at home right off the bat.”

One of the longest discussions centered on Wyoming’s growing interest in attracting data centers.

The industry has generated significant discussion across the state because of concerns over electricity use, water consumption and community impacts.

Gordon argued Wyoming is well positioned to benefit if projects are developed carefully.

“They love Wyoming because it’s cooler,” he said.

Addressing concerns about water usage, Gordon noted modern cooling systems can dramatically reduce water consumption.

“They can do closed-loop, non-evaporative systems,” he explained. “We all drive with something like that. It’s a radiator.”

Rather than rejecting the industry outright, Gordon said Wyoming should establish expectations before projects move forward.

“When everybody says, ‘No, we’re not going to do this,’ we should be saying, ‘On our terms, here are the things that we expect from you when we build these things.’”

He added that while data centers do not employ thousands of people, they provide high-paying jobs while generating substantial tax revenue through Wyoming’s mineral industries that support their construction and operation.

Carbon County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Yvonne Johnson shifted the discussion toward manufacturing opportunities.

Johnson explained the county is actively recruiting multiple companies, including one Texas business considering relocating operations to Rawlins.

The company would begin with three employees before expanding to approximately 31 workers and moving its trucking division from Texas.

The attraction, she said, is Rawlins’ location.

“They picked Rawlins because we’re centrally located for their customers serving northern Wyoming, the Dakotas, Canada and Utah,” Johnson explained.

Johnson asked Gordon whether manufacturing may be a better economic fit for Carbon County than large-scale data centers.

The governor said every community should pursue industries that strengthen its local economy.

“Quite possibly,” Gordon responded. “My whole point is whatever we can do that makes sense to make our community stronger.”

Still, he cautioned against becoming overly dependent on a single large employer.

“If we have an employer who brings a big payroll and they leave, they leave a big hole,” Gordon said. “That’s one reason why I really wanted to make sure we have lots of smaller businesses.”

The conversation repeatedly returned to one issue almost everyone agreed affects economic development: healthcare.

Johnson pointed out that prospective employers routinely ask about the community’s medical services before deciding whether to relocate.

“If you don’t have a hospital,” Gordon responded, “it’s really hard to build any kind of economic development.”

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County CEO Kerry Ashment discussed ongoing efforts to restore women’s healthcare services and eventually rebuild obstetrics.

The hospital has partnered with specialists from neighboring communities while working toward a long-term solution.

Ashment explained Dr. Yule currently visits Rawlins monthly to provide prenatal care, while nurse practitioners help mothers until they are close to delivery.

Gordon acknowledged that maintaining obstetrics in rural communities is increasingly difficult nationwide.

“It just doesn’t make sense to me that we aren’t able to do a better job with OB and early childcare,” he said.

The governor floated the possibility of providing temporary housing near regional hospitals for mothers with high-risk pregnancies during the final weeks before delivery.

“Maybe it’s better to have a mother be close by in some housing,” Gordon suggested, “so if they have a problem it’s not, ‘Let’s drive from Dixon.’”

Hospital officials also discussed dialysis, oncology and recruiting physicians to rural Wyoming.

Gordon said he hopes state leaders can continue finding ways to help rural healthcare systems remain sustainable.

“This is something the state can help with,” he said. “It would be worthwhile for the state to do that.”

Education and young families represented another recurring topic.

Rather than worrying about young adults leaving Wyoming after graduation, Gordon suggested communities should focus on making Wyoming the best place to return after gaining experience elsewhere.

“I keep thinking rather than fretting over kids wanting to go,” he said. “Kids are going to want to go see some of the world.”

His goal, he explained, is creating communities where they eventually choose to raise families.

“Let’s make sure this is the best place to raise your kids. It’s the best place to get your kids educated.”

Britany Weimar, one of the owners of Stems and Steam illustrated that point personally.

Born and raised in Rawlins, she became a registered nurse before opening the coffee shop in honor of her mother’s dream.

“We love Rawlins,” she told Gordon. “We wouldn’t trade that.”

Weimar added that although she enjoys traveling, she is always eager to return home.

“Day five I’m like, ‘I’ve got to get back to wide open spaces and less people.’”

The governor smiled.

“That’s the crew that I’m thinking that’s rich for us,” he said of young families returning home.

Gordon discussed statewide water issues, including negotiations involving the Colorado River Basin.

He praised cooperation among Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico while expressing concern that lower basin states continue expanding despite limited water supplies.

“The problem is you’ve got to get that lower basin to start pretending like there’s not an endless supply,” Gordon said.

Looking toward Arizona’s continued growth, he added, “They’re building and expanding, and water’s got to come from somewhere.”

Closer to home, Gordon was pleased to see recent rains boosting the North Platte River.

“It’s nice to see the North Platte kind of running,” he said after crossing the river on his drive into Rawlins.

Residents also questioned Gordon about the proposed Seminoe pumped-storage hydroelectric project.

The proposal has generated concern among anglers, tourism businesses and conservation groups worried about water temperatures, turbidity, fish habitat and downstream impacts.

Gordon acknowledged those concerns.

“I think there’s a lot of concern,” he said.