Community

Food Bank of Wyoming Receives $125,000 Matching Gift to Help Feed Families this Holiday Season

Publisher — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Food Bank of Wyoming Receives $125,000 Matching Gift to Help Feed Families this Holiday Season

Publisher Sat, 12/06/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Food Bank of Wyoming

Starting December 1, donations made to Food Bank of Wyoming will have twice the impact in alleviating food insecurity. Thanks to a matching gift from the John P. Ellbogen Foundation, all monetary contributions made to Food Bank of Wyoming through December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $125,000. This generous gift comes at a crucial time, as Food Bank of Wyoming and its network of more than 150 Hunger Relief Partners are on the front lines responding to increased need for food this holiday season.

Food insecurity is currently at a 10-year high in Wyoming. One in seven people — and an alarming one in five children — face hunger. As many people feel the pinch of tighter budgets, rising food costs, and the continued repercussions from the government shutdown, Food Bank of Wyoming remains committed to ensuring neighbors can access the nutritious food they need.

The $125,000 matching gift opportunity will elevate Food Bank of Wyoming’s efforts to feed Wyoming families throughout the holidays and into the new year. Matched donations enable the Food Bank to purchase essential food items to provide nourishing meals to Wyoming residents.

“We are once again immensely grateful for this matching gift from the John P. Ellbogen Foundation. We’ve seen firsthand the increased need for food in our state, but also the incredible impact gifts like this make in feeding neighbors. No one should have to choose whether to heat their home for the holidays or put food on the table. Thanks to this gift, we can help eliminate the burden of that choice,” says Food Bank of Wyoming Executive Director Danica Sveda.

Make the gift that matters most this holiday season and help Food Bank of Wyoming ensure no one goes hungry. The best way to support during this busy time of year is to donate financially. Every $1 provides enough food for three meals; however, during December, $1 can provide as many as six meals with the dollar-for-dollar match provided by the John P. Ellbogen Foundation. Make your gift through December 31 and make twice the impact. Make a one-time or recurring donation today.

Looking for another way to get involved? Join Headbangers Against Hunger at Oil City Beer Company on December 20. Doors open at 6 PM. Attendees can enjoy craft beer, live rock music, and the opportunity to support Food Bank of Wyoming before Christmas.

With so many families, children, and older adults in need of food assistance right now, there has never been a better time to support Food Bank of Wyoming. Learn more at wyomingfoodbank.org and make your gift this December.

Hannum Recognized as Rawlins Employee of the Quarter

Publisher — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Hannum Recognized as Rawlins Employee of the Quarter

Publisher Sat, 12/06/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

When the City of Rawlins found itself without a finance director this year, one employee quietly stepped into the gap and kept operations moving with precision, calm and an unwavering sense of duty.

That employee is Beverly Hannum, recently named the City of Rawlins’ Employee of the Quarter for 2025.

Hannum, a key member of the Finance Department, has taken on significant new responsibilities over the past year, often working long hours and weekends to ensure the city remained compliant with state and federal requirements.

Despite the increased workload, Hannum maintained, as coworkers describe it, a positive, steadying presence in the department. She successfully completed critical filings, including the F-66, managed year-end audit duties and upheld deadlines for accurate and timely reporting. Alongside her own responsibilities, she stepped into a supervisory role for additional staff, becoming a dependable resource for employees across multiple departments.

City officials credit Hannum with helping keep not only the Finance Department, but the entire city machinery running responsibly and smoothly through a difficult period. Her dedication, they say, reflects a deep sense of public service and a commitment to doing the job the right way, no matter the challenge.

Bev jumps in wherever she’s needed and never loses her positive attitude, even when working long hours during the week and even on some weekends.

For the City of Rawlins, honoring her as Employee of the Quarter is more than recognition; it is a reflection of the strength she brings to the community she serves.

Union Wireless Angel Tree Supports Local Dog Sanctuary

Publisher — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Union Wireless Angel Tree Supports Local Dog Sanctuary

Publisher Sat, 12/06/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

A table at the Union Wireless office in Saratoga has taken on a warm holiday glow this year, thanks to an Angel Tree with a mission far beyond tinsel and tags. From now until Christmas, the company is collecting donations for Must Love Dogs Sanctuary, a local nonprofit that partners with police departments across Carbon County to care for abandoned or surrendered dogs.

The tree, decorated with paper ornaments listing needed items, stands near the center of the room, making it easy to spot for customers dropping in to pay bills, ask questions or simply escape the winter chill. Kyle Thompson, customer care supervisor for Union Wireless, said the Angel Tree is a way to help an organization that fills an important gap in the community.

The need began with just one dog—a white German Shepherd abandoned in Saratoga. When the founder of Must Love Dogs Sanctuary, Theresa Ramsey, saw the police department’s social media post, she couldn’t turn away. Her efforts to help that one dog opened her eyes to a wider challenge: local resources for handling surrendered or abandoned animals were limited, and long-term care often meant transporting dogs to Rawlins.

Through conversations with then Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris, Ramsey realized there was no reliable local venue equipped for long-term stays and proper training, particularly for large breeds. That first German Shepherd became the catalyst for Must Love Dogs Sanctuary, which officially formed after Ramsey navigated Wyoming’s straightforward nonprofit process and filed for 501(c)(3) status.

Since then, the sanctuary has worked to support police departments by helping fund dog care, improving shelter infrastructure and assisting with medical needs. One of its ongoing goals is to raise money for kennel upgrades in Rawlins, like adding barriers to reduce fence fighting, which can escalate stress and aggression among dogs housed close together.

The sanctuary also helps pay for vaccinations, spay and neuter costs and comfort items such as toys and treats, giving dogs something engaging to do while confined.

With the holiday season underway, Union Wireless hopes the Angel Tree will help keep that momentum going. Community members can pick an ornament, donate an item or simply contribute funds to support the cause.

The Meaning of Thanksgiving

Publisher — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The Meaning of Thanksgiving Publisher Sat, 12/06/2025 - 07:00

Composed by Damien Cesko

This year feels like an important moment to pause and really consider what the holidays mean

—past the routine, past the noise, past the expectations.

Everyone celebrates differently, sees the meaning differently, and lives it differently

… and that’s part of the beauty of it.

But today, right now, Thanksgiving to me means gratitude.

Gratitude for my family. Gratitude for my friends.

Gratitude for a community that continues to surprise me with its warmth, support, and humanity.

Gratitude for love, compassion, connection, and

the perspective that comes from slowing down long enough to appreciate them.

This year, I’m extra thankful for the people I get to be around

—when I actually have the time to slow down and enjoy them.

I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given, the work I get to do,

and the chance to make even small differences through music, teaching,

volunteering, and everything else life has put in my hands.

It’s easy to get buried in responsibilities.

But today is a reminder of why we carry the load—and who we carry them for.

Thanksgiving

A moment to breathe past the chaos of life,

A pause from the weight of the day,

To notice the quiet beauty

That never quite fades away.

A day to be grateful, to gather, to see

The good that still lives in you and in me

Happy Thanksgiving from Uplift Rawlins

St. Vincent de Paul to Distribute Christmas Food Baskets and Gifts

Publisher — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

St. Vincent de Paul to Distribute Christmas Food Baskets and Gifts

Publisher Sat, 11/29/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul will be distributing Christmas food baskets to families in need on Saturday, December 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

No prior reservation is necessary. Families should drive to the south entrance on Pine Street of the Catholic Church parking lot and continue to the back of the school building, where volunteers will hand out food baskets. After receiving a basket, please exit through the east gate on 2nd Street.

In addition, St. Vincent de Paul is collecting gifts for children in need. If you know of a child who would benefit from a Christmas present, please call Mike Lujan at 307-321-6453 with the child’s age and address, and he will ensure the child receives a gift.

Merry Christmas from all of us at St. Vincent de Paul. We are proud to support our community and help make the holidays brighter for families in need.

A Hundred Years and Counting

Publisher — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

A Hundred Years and Counting

Publisher Sat, 11/29/2025 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

“It is a really big deal and very important,” Lindy Glode, a board member for the Carbon County Library System.”We are so lucky to have these libraries and we should celebrate their 100th anniversary.

Glode said libraries were considered to be established some years before they actually were in Carbon County.

According to the Carbon County Library System (CCLS) website, “In April 1922, a few Rawlins women, members of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P. E.O.) and wives of the members of the Lions Club, got together and began what was called ‘The Rawlins Reading Room, ‘ located in the Osborne Building,” The CCLS website pointed out. It continued, “Interested persons could visit the Reading Room and choose from 800 books which were solicited and collected through a ‘sort of house-to-house drive.” Within 6 months, 1214 books had been checked out and by the end of the next year that number had reached 3434, with 1148 books to choose from.”

Glode, who was a Carbon County Commissioner for 5 years (2013 to 2018) is familiar with how important libraries are to the County and its residents.

“We have been planning this celebration,” Glode said. “The Carbon County Library Foundation will be paying for the upcoming events at the different branches.”

A 100 years is a long time and the celebration warranted.

The library system came into fruition on September 2, 1924, when the “Reading Room” had its name changed to the Rawlins Public Library.

According to the CCLS website, “Then in January 1925, inquiries were made to the Wyoming State Library concerning the advisability of organizing a county library in Rawlins. A committee of citizens met with the County Commissioners with the idea of locating the library within the new high school building, which was being constructed at that time. That building was later to become known as the Carbon Building, where the library is located today.”

Glode said that besides the Library Foundation coming up with funds to pay for this historic event, organizations like Friends of the Library are instrumental in helping fund these stations of learning.

“I am pretty passionate about libraries being in Carbon County and this 100-year celebration lets everybody know how amazing the history is,” Glode said. “This celebration is very positive for the County and its people.”

December 1 became the founding date due to a temporary arrangement that was made on December 1, 1925. The Carbon County Public Library came into being.

According to the CCLS website, “Over the next few years, branch libraries sprang up in Hanna, Saratoga and Encampment, along with up to 17 deposit stations scattered throughout the county in places like Baggs, Dixon, Savery, Pedro, Walcott, Leo, Fort Steele, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow, and Seminoe Dam. In 1937, there were over 9600 books available, with a checkout rate of 42,960 per year. Thirty-six magazines were available, including Colliers, Good Housekeeping, Life, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, Reader’s Digest and Time,” CCLS said. The site continued, “County taxes provided $5267.08 that year. On the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Library, an organizational meeting was held to form ‘Friends of the Carbon County Library.’ The purpose was not only to foster interest in the library, but to sponsor a movement for a new library location. The high school was growing and needed the room, which the library had also outgrown, having 9042 books and 50 magazines and newspapers. It was time for a new building.

Talks began in June 1938, which laid the plans for a joint city-county building, also housing the Carbon County Library. Such a building would be funded by a Public Works grant. The 53-year-old county jail had been determined to be unsafe and the city was conducting business in an old shack.’ Library circulation had increased to 48,914 books and magazines. However, in July, the County Commissioners discouraged the plan, primarily not wanting to cause confusion over the ownership and identity of the two governmental bodies.

Work began on the new county courthouse, library and jail building in the spring of 1939. On March 20, 1940, the library was opened to the public in the new location—the west half of the ground floor of the Courthouse Building. Evening hours were made available for the first time. Open hours were 12:30-5:30 and 7-9 weekdays and 10-5:30 on Saturdays.”

Glode explained that the Carbon County Library System was established in 1925 under state statute and is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of five members who are appointed by the Carbon County Commissioners for a term of three years each.

Libraries are noted to be an American invention.

Although when they first started to be established, it was often by churches and parishes. The first public library was founded in Boston, although the date swings between 1711 and 1725.

President John Adams started the Library of Congress. When it was burned by the British in 1814, Thomas Jefferson sold his collection to Congress to replenish the burned books.

Andrew Carnegie, the wealthy industrialist, probably contributed the most to the libraries in the United States and around the world. He built a total of 2509 libraries by 1933 and 1689 were in the U.S.

Carnegie envisioned that libraries would “bring books and information to all people.”

Over the years, they have.

Glode pointed out how important libraries are to towns.

“They are a part of civilization,” Glode said. “They bring so much to a community. Their importance cannot be understated.”

The celebration will be held over two weeks, where different branches will have events.

December 2, the Carbon County Library hosts a celebration that will include County Commissioners recognizing the 100 years and a cake cutting ceremony and a time capsule burying. This will happen between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The other branches will have celebrations that will be unique, yet still have the cake cutting and time capsule events.

Encampment will host their celebration December 3, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Medicine Bow will host their celebration December 4, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Elk Mountain will host their celebration December 9, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Little Snake River Valley will host their celebration December 10, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Saratoga will host their celebration December 11, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Hanna will host their celebration December 12, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Authors Craig Johnson and C.J. Box will be celebrating with book signings and Linda Fleming will be speaking at Little Snake River Valley on Baggs over the years.

Fleming will speak December 10, from 12 to 2 p.m.

Box will be in Saratoga December 11, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Johnson will be in Rawlins on December 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., during a Roaring 20s Costume Party.

Glode is happy with what the branches are doing and she wants people to enjoy their libraries on what they have to offer, not only on these special days, but also in the year to come.

“This is a positive milestone and we should enjoy it,” Glode said. “I also want to thank all the 60-plus businesses that have supported us to get this celebration going. The board is so grateful. Their contributions prove how important libraries are to the communities and that they understand this.”

A 100 years is quite the accomplishment for any organization to reach and it is hoped, the CCLS will be around for another 100 still serving all branches.

Uplift Rawlins Showcases Standout Homes and Businesses for November

Publisher — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Uplift Rawlins Showcases Standout Homes and Businesses for November

Publisher Sat, 11/29/2025 - 07:00

Press Release

Uplift Rawlins

Please join us in celebrating the November Homes of the Month and Business of the Month winners, and make sure to stop by and enjoy them! These homes and business were selected for going above and beyond to make their properties shine—check out the photos and read the captions to see why they stood out!

Want to win for your Christmas decor? Make sure to have them up by December 7th and submit the nomination! Judging will take place Dec 8th-12th!

Central Home: 120 E. Pine - The Smith Family

East Home: 2305 Dunblane - Amber Yardley

North Home: 1424 Pacific Street - Dylan and Trish Manning

South Home: 624 Olive Circle - Justin and Betsy Howard

West Home: 188 El Rancho Drive - Yvette and Derrick Archuleta

Business of the Month: 221 W. Cedar - Mimi’s at the Blake and The Great Divide Outdoors

Special shout-out to Pixelz for your generous donation of the yard signs.

Help us celebrate these amazing community members—and don’t forget, you can nominate your favorites for next month too at our website - https://upliftrawlins.wixsite.com/uplift-rawlins.

Central Home

120 E. Pine

The Smith Family

Their house was chosen for how it is beautiful in every aspect - it is beautifully and uniquely painted, their welcoming porch is decked with decor throughout the year, the yard is beautiful, and they have fun tree swings!

East Home

2305 Dunblane

Amber Yardley

This was just a fun yard with a basketball hoop in the driveway and a comfy yard swing in a corner overlooking the beautiful yard. There are cute metal yard stakes, pumpkins, and a festive Thanksgiving inflatable with 2 joyful turkeys!

North Home

1424 Pacific Street

Dylan and Trish Manning

This beautiful family has built a new fence, sodded their front yard, and added lots of beautiful flowers, bushes and trees. Their work has made a huge difference to the neighborhood.

South Home

624 Olive Circle

Justin and Betsy Howard

This was a beautiful yard with snapdragons still in bloom and fall and Thanksgiving vibes. Orange and brown leaf fall garland embellished the deck and the inflatable turkey was adorable and completed the look.

West Home

188 El Rancho Drive

Yvette and Derrick Archuleta

This is a beautiful, well-maintained home from top to bottom. They always take the time to put out seasonal decorations, which do a great job of bringing cheer to the whole neighborhood.

Business of the Month

221 W. Cedar

Mimi’s at the Blake and

The Great Divide Outdoors

These two new businesses share the Historic Blake House, built in 1881. They have significantly furthered the transformation of this famous property at one of Rawlins’ busiest intersections. The eye-catching fall decorations are a blessing to residents and visitors alike. We are grateful!

Uplift Rawlins - Whether you want to pitch in for an afternoon or take the lead on a new project, we need you! Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Music Academy 208 W Cedar, find us on Facebook, or email us at upliftrawlins@gmail.com.

Hofmann recognized with Community Builder Award

Publisher — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Hofmann recognized with Community Builder Award

Publisher Sat, 11/29/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Tim Hofmann has been named the October 2025 Community Builder Award recipient, honored for more than 30 years of steady leadership and hands-on service throughout Rawlins.

Hofmann, a longtime volunteer and community advocate, has spent three decades giving back in practical and meaningful ways. Since 1996, he has been an active member of both Kiwanis and United Way, contributing to youth programs, local initiatives and charitable efforts.

His service extends across numerous organizations. Hofmann currently sits on the RNB State Bank Board of Directors, serves as vice president of the High Country Behavioral Health Board, is president of the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course Advisory Board and works as treasurer for Carbon County Economic Development. He has also volunteered with the Booster Club and spent years as a USA Swimming official.

Beyond his volunteer roles, Hofmann is co-owner of Hofmann & Ramsey, CPAs, where he has supported local businesses and nonprofits through his professional expertise.

Community leaders say Hofmann’s leadership has strengthened organizations across Rawlins for decades, leaving a lasting impact on programs, institutions and the people they serve. His example, they say, is a reminder that consistent service year after year builds a stronger, more resilient community.

Residents are encouraged to follow Hofmann’s lead and look for ways to support and uplift Rawlins in their own ways.

Helping to Make the Season Brighter

Publisher — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Helping to Make the Season Brighter Publisher Sat, 11/29/2025 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Holiday season is upon us.

It won’t be long before residents of Carbon County will go into a new year, but before that happens, Thanksgiving and Christmas will happen. It will be a time when many families get together and enjoy being with each other.

Thanksgiving is the start of the Holiday Season and a group of volunteers got together to gather a Thanksgiving assortment of foods.

They put together 80 boxes for families to enjoy their Thanksgiving better.

At The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints the volunteers met and put together a box of food that had not only Thanksgiving fare, but also several other meals.

Ellen Freeman, a founder of Heart of Hanna and Hanna town councilmember, said it was a collective effort by many groups living in northern Carbon County.

“So the LDS and Baptist Church, the Relief Society, the Girl Scouts, the Heart of Hanna food pantry, and schools came together to plan the community Thanksgiving boxes,” Freeman said. “The group would like to pull in the other churches, senior centers, fire departments, food banks, and any other community entities in Hanna, Elk Mountain and Medicine Bow to form a committee to plan and share responsibilities and experiences for this event.

The boxes were delivered to northern Carbon County residents on Saturday.

“There were 80 boxes filled by a lot of volunteers,” Freeman said. “The boxes were then delivered door to door, throughout the three communities.”

Carbon County has churches, food pantries and organizations that do their best to help those who might need help during the holidays.

Restaurants get in on helping the residents, too.

On Thanksgiving Day, Mike’s Big City Steakhouse has a free Thanksgiving dinner from 12:30 to 4 p.m. It is a tradition that owner Mike Lujan has been doing for years.

In Medicine Bow, the Virginian Hotel is having a free Thanksgiving dinner cooked by South Carolina chef Kim Porter. This is the second year Porter has offered the free dinner with her Southern culinary twists. The Virginian Hotel will be serving from 2 to 9 p.m.

After Thanksgiving is done, the Rawlins Middle School immediately jumps on selling paper light bulbs.

The students start selling on December 1.

“Middle school students cut out a whole lot of light bulbs from different colored paper,” Rawlins Middle School Principal Ryan Puckett said. “Each color represents a certain amount.”

The light bulbs can have dedications on them or greetings for the holidays.

“You can put whatever you want on them, then we hang them up all around the school,” Puckett said. “By the end of the challenge, we will try

to get the light bulbs all around the school.”

All the money that is raised from this project is for a good cause.

“The group that sells the most gets the money divided amongst them, and they go to Walmart and buy toys for Mike’s Big City toy drive, “Toys for Tots”, Puckett said. “They get to enjoy buying gifts for kids. It is not just toys. It can be games, books and clothes too.”

The toys go out to kids in Carbon County.

“This competition is one of my favorites and I try not to have favorites because all my kids’ competitions are favorites, but I like that it helps students get to shop and help others when they might not have much opportunity to do this,” Puckett said. “It creates an opportunity for community and giving back to others.”

A red bulb equals a dollar.

An orange bulb equals five dollars.

A yellow bulb is 10 dollars.

A green bulb equals 15 dollars.

A blue bulb is 20 dollars.

A gold star is for those who contribute 100 dollars or more.

It is heartening to know kids are helping other kids to enjoy Christmas. Light bulbs and Gold stars can be bought at the office for those who want to donate to the “Toys for Tots” drive.

The holidays are here and Carbon County residents and organizations are gearing up to make sure these next weeks will be good to many people who might just need a little help to truly enjoy this time of year.

Deputy’s Off-Duty Aid, Dispatchers’ Swift Work Earn County Recognition

Publisher — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Deputy’s Off-Duty Aid, Dispatchers’ Swift Work Earn County Recognition

Publisher Sat, 11/29/2025 - 07:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Carbon County officials recently recognized three public safety employees for exceptional service, highlighting both split-second decision-making and behind-the-scenes dedication that strengthened emergency response across the region.

Deputy Jason Black of the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office will receive a Letter of Commendation from the Board of County Commissioners on December 2 after assisting a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper during a violent encounter in Casper on November 22. Black, who was off duty and headed to a store on his day off, saw the trooper struggling with several individuals during a traffic stop. He immediately stopped, ran to the scene and helped the trooper gain control of the subjects until they were safely detained, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Alex Bakken said in a press release that Black’s willingness to intervene while off duty reflects “quick actions and commendable dedication,” adding that the agency is fortunate to have him on the team.

Two Carbon County Unified Dispatch Center employees were also honored earlier this month for exceptional work that improved emergency communications and response.

Dispatcher Taylor Miller was recognized for extensive improvements to the county’s GIS mapping system, which allows deputies to more accurately locate incidents through their in-car computers. Miller completed the upgrades while maintaining her full-time dispatch duties, and the system has “improved drastically” due to her expertise, the center said.

Dispatcher Callie Langdon received recognition for her rapid coordination during a serious traffic crash. After a panicked 911 hang-up with no usable information, Langdon contacted multiple dispatch centers, confirmed the crash, pinpointed the location and mobilized resources from several agencies all in under four minutes.

Sheriff Bakken praised both dispatchers for their skill and dedication, noting the critical role they play in countywide emergency response.