Community

Scavenger Hunt Builds Sources of Strength

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

Scavenger Hunt Builds Sources of Strength

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

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Sources of Strength participants took to the streets of Saratoga for a scavenger hunt that mixed some friendly competition with community service and a larger message about the importance of having people and resources to turn to during difficult times.

The scavenger hunt was the latest in a series of monthly summer activities organized through Sources of Strength, a youth suicide prevention program that emphasizes positive connections and protective factors.

Rachel Swanson, who helps lead the local program, said Sources of Strength takes an approach that focuses less on suicide itself and more on building the strengths that can help people navigate difficult days.

“Basically, it’s a strength-based suicide prevention program,” Swanson said.

At the center of the program is the Sources of Strength wheel, which identifies eight areas people can draw upon when facing challenges. Those areas are family support, positive friends, mentors, healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, physical health and mental health.

During the scavenger hunt, participants divided into teams and headed into the community with lists of activities to complete and points to collect. One of their primary tasks was visiting businesses displaying a Sources of Strength wheel in their windows.

The businesses have supported the program during the year, and the young people were encouraged to return some of that support through small acts of service and kindness.

Participants washed tables, took out trash and folded pizza boxes, helped with other chores and even handed out high-fives.

The tasks were simple, but Swanson said the purpose went beyond earning points.

Sources of Strength places a strong emphasis on connecting young people with their community and helping them recognize the network of people around them.

“We’re just very much about connection and getting to know the community,” Swanson said.

The scavenger hunt also gave the participants plenty of opportunities to have fun. Teams accumulated points throughout the activity, with the highest-scoring team earning its choice of gift certificates purchased from local businesses that support Sources of Strength.

Participants also enjoyed watermelon, root beer floats and chips and received Sources of Strength items including stickers and posters. Thank-you cards were available to encourage participants to recognize someone who has made a positive difference in their lives.

The event helped wrap up a summer of monthly Sources of Strength activities.

The local program launched in August 2025 and has primarily focused on students in seventh through 12th grades in the Saratoga, Encampment and Riverside area. Swanson said organizers are also exploring ways to bring elements of the program to elementary-age students.

While Sources of Strength is often implemented within schools, Swanson said organizers chose to take a broader community approach locally.

The program is preparing for another training in September, when members of the national Sources of Strength team are expected to conduct the training. Additional peer leaders and adult advisers will be recruited through a nomination process involving schools and the community.

Swanson said there is also interest in Sources of Strength elsewhere in Carbon County, including Rawlins and the Hanna area.

Businesses interested in supporting the local Sources of Strength program can contact Swanson at rachelam1999@gmail.com.

50th Wedding Anniversary

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

50th Wedding Anniversary

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

Patrick and Catherine Lynch, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on August 14. They were married August 14, 1976.

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to a very special couple. We are thankful for your years of love and commitment to marriage and are so very blessed by your love.

Love, Your kids and their families

Music in the Park Celebrates 20 Years with Music and Memories

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

Music in the Park Celebrates 20 Years with Music and Memories

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

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Good food, live music and fellowship filled Grandview Park on August 1 as residents, visitors and returning alumni gathered for the Town of Encampment’s 20th Annual Music in the Park.

The afternoon began with a community barbecue and potluck at 1 p.m., followed by a free concert from Wyoming singer-songwriter J Shogren from 2 to 4 p.m. Hosted at Grandview Park, the event was sponsored by the CCSD No. 2 Recreation Board, the Town of Encampment and Discover Carbon County.

The annual celebration followed another community tradition earlier that morning, as Encampment and Riverside hosted a community-wide yard sale. Twenty-one locations participated, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to browse before heading to the park for lunch and live entertainment.

By early afternoon, Grandview Park had become the center of activity. Residents carried lawn chairs beneath the shade trees while tables filled with homemade side dishes, appetizers and desserts complemented burgers and bratwursts prepared by volunteers.

The turnout exceeded expectations.

At the height of the meal, the line for food stretched from the pavilion to the roadway and began wrapping around the corner, illustrating the popularity of the event.

The gathering reflected the close-knit nature of the Platte Valley community. Families visited with neighbors, children played throughout the park and newcomers found themselves welcomed into conversations that often stretched across generations.

This year’s event also coincided with Encampment’s All-Class Reunion, creating an even larger celebration.

Graduates representing approximately seven decades of Encampment schools, from alumni who attended classes during the 1950s to members of the Class of 2026, reunited at Grandview Park. The reunion brought former classmates together from across the country, offering an opportunity to reconnect while sharing a meal and enjoying the afternoon’s music.

Following the event, organizers thanked the many volunteers and attendees who helped make the celebration possible.

“A great time was had by all,” the Town of Encampment shared afterward, expressing appreciation to everyone who attended, contributed food and volunteered throughout the day.

Providing the afternoon’s soundtrack was veteran Wyoming musician J Shogren, whose distinctive blend of Americana, folk and blues has earned him a devoted following throughout the region and beyond.

Known for combining humor, storytelling and roots-inspired songwriting, Shogren has spent decades performing everywhere from intimate Wyoming venues and community festivals to nationally recognized stages, including performances at New York City’s Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. His music has also taken him internationally, with performances in cities including Stockholm.

Despite those accomplishments, Shogren remains a familiar face at Wyoming festivals and community gatherings, making him a fitting performer for Music in the Park’s milestone anniversary.

Throughout the afternoon, audience members relaxed in lawn chairs and on picnic blankets while listening to his original songs, many inspired by Wyoming life, colorful characters and western landscapes. His conversational style between songs drew laughs from the crowd and helped create the informal atmosphere the event has become known for over the past two decades.

The free concert provided a wonderful afternoon with live entertainment in a welcoming outdoor setting while encouraging neighbors to spend time together.

With another successful year in the books, the combination of good food, hometown hospitality and live Wyoming music once again demonstrated why Music in the Park has remained one of the community’s favorite summer activities for two decades.

Rawlins Chamber Delivers a Great Community Day

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

Rawlins Chamber Delivers a Great Community Day

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

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Dori Fritz, the Rawlins Chamber president and T.J. White, the CEO of the Rawlins Chamber, put a lot of work into making the 25th Annual Cowplop on August 1st into a Community Day for Carbon County and their efforts paid off.

It was held at the parking lot for the Tractor Supply Store.

The events, such as 3-on-3 basketball games, started at 10 a.m. and the courts filled quickly with players and supporters.

The Carbon County Fair Parade finished about 11 a.m. and the numbers swelled for this event.

The parking lot became completely full.

For kids, there was a bubble slide and a dunking pool. The dunking pool was especially popular because the day was warm and kids wanted to be in the water.

The feature of the community event, the 25th Annual Cow Plop, started a little after noon after Fritz carefully made a grid for 100 spots for the cow to deposit her plops.

The Cow Plop was last done in 2021 and Fritz and White felt it was important to bring it back.

The crowd attending pleasantly exceeded what either had thought would happen.

“I am very happy to see all the people,” Fritz said. “There are a lot of people here to enjoy themselves at a community event and this is good to see. It is very rewarding to see.”

“It is better than I expected,” White said. “I am really having a good time taking all this in.”

White said she knew the basketball was going to be a hit.

“The group coordinating this had made up a schedule a few days ago, so I knew this was going to be popular,” White said. “I appreciate the people from Rawlins and Carbon County coming to this.”

There were over a thousand people mixing amongst each other and real community spirit could be felt as children ran around, playing and laughing.

The Rawlins Chamber had every reason to be delighted with their event.

The Rawlins Chamber is open to all businesses in Carbon County, not just Rawlins and this is a key point. Many of the smaller communities in the North of Carbon County and Little Snake River Valley do not have enough businesses to support a local chamber, but they can join the Rawlins Chamber.

Fritz and White say this is an opportunity for businesses to help each other with a networking system that the Rawlins Chamber provides.

The Rawlins Chamber was formed in 2025.

It is not the same as the Rawlins Chamber of Commerce, which existed prior.

The Rawlins Chamber made a name for itself this past Saturday as an organization that understands Carbon County is a place that is very community-minded and knows how to bring it out.

Community Unites to Support Sanchez Family

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

Community Unites to Support Sanchez Family Publisher Sat, 08/08/2026 - 19:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Rawlins community is mourning the loss of a local child following a fatal traffic accident Sunday, with residents expressing shock and extending their condolences to the Sanchez family during this difficult time.

Raiden Sanchez passed away August 2 after the bicycle he was riding was involved in a collision with a vehicle near the intersection of East State Street and Jefferson Avenue. First responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after noon.

The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from the community.

To assist the Sanchez family, the Bank of Commerce has established a donation account in Raiden Sanchez’s name. Donations may be made in person at the bank’s Rawlins and Saratoga branches. Contributions also may be mailed to Bank of Commerce, P.O. Box 50, Rawlins, WY 82301, or P.O. Box 400, Saratoga, WY 82331.

Customers with existing Bank of Commerce accounts also may transfer funds by calling the bank at 307-324-2265.

Funeral services are scheduled for August 11 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rawlins from 10 to 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest at the Rawlins Cemetery after the church service.

The Carbon County Comet joins the community in extending its deepest sympathies to the Sanchez family. This heartbreaking loss also serves as a reminder for motorists to remain alert for children on bicycles and pedestrians, especially during the summer months when more families are spending time outdoors.

Rawlins Police Department Invites Community to National Night Out

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

Rawlins Police Department Invites Community to National Night Out Publisher Sat, 08/01/2026 - 15:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

The Rawlins Police Department is inviting the community to National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bolton Park, 110 E. Davis Street. National Night Out is a free event that gives residents a chance to meet local law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders while enjoying an evening of food, activities, and family fun.

This year’s event will feature:

• Free burgers and hot dogs

• Bounce house

• Helicopter, fire truck, and ambulance tours

• Snow cones

• Golf cart obstacle course with impairment goggles

• Free prizes

First responders from across Carbon County will be at the event to visit with residents, answer questions, and let kids—and adults—get an up-close look at the equipment they use every day.

“National Night Out is one of our favorite events of the year because it gives us the opportunity to spend time with the community outside of emergency situations,” said Police Chief Michael Ward. “We hope everyone comes out to enjoy a free meal, have some fun, and get to know the people who are here to serve them.”

Everyone is welcome, and there is no cost to attend. National Night Out is sponsored by the Rawlins Police Department. For more information, contact the Rawlins Police Department at 307-328-4530.

Burns Returns Home to Hero’s Welcome

Publisher — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Burns Returns Home to Hero’s Welcome Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Sergeant Zach Burns received a well-deserved hero’s welcome as he returned to Rawlins after almost six weeks, having survived an encounter with a shooter in Baggs. On June 8, responding to a call, Burns was shot three times with a semi-automatic weapon, hitting him in the neck, hip and neck. The suspect tried to start a fire in the apartment complex he lived in that had a quantity of propane tanks before speeding away. The suspect was eventually killed in a shootout north of Baggs off State Highway 789. While waiting for help to come, residents from Baggs administered aid to the law enforcement officer, which is credited with keeping him alive. Other residents with guns stood around those helping to make sure no harm came to the good Samaritans. Burns was airlifted to a Colorado hospital, where he was treated for his life-threatening injuries. Law enforcement officers were on hand during this recovery time to give support to him and his family.

Finally, after almost a month and a half, Burns was released from the Colorado hospital and returned home yesterday.

After the shooting, the community began fundraising for the Burns family. A Rawlins National Bank account was set up in Burns’ name for community donations. An online fundraising campaign was started on the crowdfunding website Spotfund, where, as of yesterday, 463 donors had contributed $60,810.

A parade of emergency vehicles escorted Burns and his family back to Rawlins. Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken encouraged residents to line the streets and welcome him home. People paused their workday to wave and yell support as Burns was driven by with sirens following. Bakken thanked the public for their support of the Burns family and the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office.

“We are incredibly grateful for this day,” Bakken said about the returning officer.

Community Gathers to Share Elk Mountain History

Publisher — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:20:00 +0000

Community Gathers to Share Elk Mountain History

Publisher Sat, 07/18/2026 - 20:20

By Brett Larson

Carbon County Comet Contributor

On the evening of Thursday, July 9, longtime residents, joined by newer members of the community, gathered at the Historic Elk Mountain Hotel to enjoy a delicious meal and share some of Elk Mountain’s most cherished stories from “back in the day.”

The evening kicked off with a wide selection of beverages and appetizers before guests sat down to enjoy a hearty supper featuring beef tips in brown gravy, mashed potatoes, hot vegetables, and all the fixings. As guests enjoyed their meals, stories were already being shared around the tables—a sure sign that the evening would offer plenty of memorable tales from Elk Mountain’s past.

Opportunities for guests to share their memories came when hotel employee Reed Brannon invited anyone with a story to come forward. “Please feel free to share anything you wish. Tell us your stories,” Brannon said.

What followed was an evening filled with memories, laughter, and first-hand accounts of Elk Mountain’s past, as long-time residents brought the town’s history to life through their own experiences.

Among the first to share her memories was longtime resident Wendy Briggs. Although born in Lander, Briggs spent her early childhood in Dubois before her family moved to Coal Camp, a community a few miles outside Elk Mountain, in 1955, when she was just three years old.

Briggs recalled that her father, Eugene Wise—a logger and trapper—allowed the family to spend only one winter at Coal Camp before deciding to move into a hand-built home he constructed in Elk Mountain. “Dad said he’d never allow us to live outside of town again because of the snow,” Briggs recalled. “I remember it was so cold that winter that our dog, Shep, was able to crawl on top of the snowbank near our house, and leap to the roof where he would stand and bark. I was only three, but I clearly remember that.” Briggs has called Elk Mountain home ever since. She later married her husband, Loinne Briggs, a coal miner from Hanna, and together they raised their family in the community.

Sally O’Connor reflected on how Elk Mountain has changed since she first arrived in the early 1970s. “We moved here in the early ‘70s because my husband used to hunt down here. When we got here, Elk Mountain was much larger. There were almost 400 people living here because the coal mines were operating and they were building the interstate,” O’Connor said. While the town was more populated at the time, O’Connor said it also faced more challenges. “Elk Mountain had a lot of crime and drinking back then. It was scary. Now, we may have far fewer people, but we’re more of a community. It’s about togetherness and spirit here now.”

Other speakers included resident Sherri Johnson and Cheryl Bowen, who both spoke about the hard work and difficult times of working and living on the surrounding ranches.

Town Councilwoman and Elk Mountain Museum Director Angie Hobbs was also present during the dinner. Throughout the evening, Hobbs carefully recorded the stories and memories being shared as part of the museum’s ongoing effort to preserve Elk Mountain’s history during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. “We did our local feature film about the history of the town that premiered on Memorial Day, and now we are doing this,” Hobbs explained. “We just want to ensure these stories, memories, and history aren’t lost to time. We want to be able to look back years from now and still hear these stories.”

As more stories were shared about ranching, harsh winters, mosquitoes, and countless other memories of life in Elk Mountain, the evening came to a close with smiles, laughter, full bellies, and a growing collection of recorded history. It was proof that even though Elk Mountain is a town of only 150 people, its history is as deeply rooted as a cottonwood tree. Through evenings like this, its stories will never be lost to time, continuing to enrich the very essence of the community for generations to come.

King Coal Days Draws Families and Fun

Publisher — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:15:00 +0000

King Coal Days Draws Families and Fun

Publisher Sat, 07/18/2026 - 20:15

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The annual celebration of Coal happened in Hanna on the days of July 10 and 11. The town, which started out as a coal mining center for the United States, has a long history revering coal as the lifeblood of this town.

There is no official record of when the celebration started but it was and still is the major summer event for the town.

Friday started off with a craft show at noon.

Around 1 p.m., there were buggy rides for kids and families and pony/horse rides for the kids.

That was extremely popular.

At Mike’s Deuces, a local restaurant/bar, a cornhole tournament was held. The venue later, at 5 p.m., had live music for the celebration.

There was a town BBQ and a Color Run that started at 9 p.m. and had kids and families participate. It was still dusk when the runners went out and local law enforcement were out on the roads where the run was taking place to make sure the traffic was careful of all the participants.

The next day, the annual Hanna Division of Volunteer Fire Department started their pancake breakfast early in the morning at 7 a.m. It ended around 9 a.m. and at 10 a.m. the lineup for the King Coal Day parade got ready. At 10:30 a.m. it commenced and children were happy as many of the parades’ vehicles threw candy out to the young onlookers.

Vivian Gonzales was the Grand Marshall of the parade.

Several candidates running for local offices appeared in the parade, as did many emergency vehicles and organizations such as Discover Carbon County.

After the parade was over, there was a horseshoe tournament, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, bingo at the senior center, another day of the craft show, and at 2 p.m., there was a demolition derby.

It was a new event and organizers of King Coal Days were happy to offer this activity.

There were food trucks during the two-day event at the Hanna Recreation Center.

King Coal Days ended with a live band at the Hanna Recreation Center that played from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Hanna may not be a coal mining town any longer, but the history and coal culture are kept alive by this annual event, which is almost always held in July.

Carbon County Celebrates America 250

Publisher — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Carbon County Celebrates America 250

Publisher Sat, 07/18/2026 - 20:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Wyoming may not officially celebrate its 136th birthday until July 25, but on Friday, July 10, Carbon County gave both the Cowboy State and the nation an early birthday party worthy of the occasion.

Residents from across the county gathered in front of the historic Union Pacific Depot in downtown Rawlins for the official Carbon County celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, an afternoon and evening filled with history, music, recognition, community pride and, of course, birthday cake.

Hosted by the Carbon County 250 Committee, the celebration highlighted not only the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial in 2026, but also the people, places and organizations that have spent decades preserving Carbon County’s unique history.

Despite Wyoming’s trademark wind, the ceremony continued with only a few minor interruptions, including a broken speaker and more than one passing Union Pacific train providing an appropriate soundtrack for the event.

“We’re so happy to see all of you here today,” Carbon County Commissioner Sue Jones told the crowd as she welcomed attendees. “I want to welcome you to Carbon County’s official celebration of America 250, as well as wish a big happy birthday to the State of Wyoming.”

Following the posting of the colors by the Rawlins Fire Department Honor Guard, the program focused on a simple but powerful theme — that Carbon County’s history is inseparable from the story of America itself.

Standing only a few yards from the railroad tracks that helped build Rawlins and much of the American West, Carbon County Museum Director Tom Mensik reflected on the county’s place in the nation’s history.

“Today we celebrate America’s 250th and Wyoming’s 136th birthday,” Mensik said. “We’re also here to recognize the uniqueness of Carbon County.”

He noted that the celebration took place at one of the most historically significant locations in Wyoming.

“At this spot, we are at the nexus of the railroad, the Continental Divide and the Overland Trail.”

For thousands of years, Carbon County has served as a transportation corridor. Long before settlers arrived, Native American tribes traveled through the area. Later came wagon trains heading west, followed by the Union Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s and, eventually, Interstate 80, which now carries millions of travelers across southern Wyoming each year.

Mensik said the desire to explore is one of humanity’s defining characteristics.

“Travel and exploration, for the purpose of our collective improvement, are unique to mankind,” he said. “Whether it was unknown destinations across a perilous sea or across an unforgiving plain, we settle the land and build our homes and cities.”

The evidence of those journeys remains visible throughout Carbon County.

“We can still see the wagon ruts of these intrepid pioneers all around us,” he said. “We have the railroad behind us that linked the nation together. We have the highway that sees millions of travelers every year come through the heart of Carbon County. We have the Continental Divide that sees adventurers traveling north and south every year.”

While technology has changed dramatically over the past 250 years, Mensik said the desire to move, explore and build communities has not.

“As you celebrate this monumental occasion, take just a few seconds to reflect on how you got here and the roads and paths you’ve traveled.”

Earlier in the ceremony, Mensik also reflected on the people who have shaped Carbon County through generations.

“Every generation has offered something,” he said. “We all value each other, no matter where we’re at in this county.”

He smiled as he predicted that Carbon County likely won’t look dramatically different another 250 years from now.

“For most of us who live here, we’re not too upset by that fact,” he said. “We like the space and the opportunities.”

Quoting his great-grandmother, Mensik added, “We’re born, raised and going to die here.”

Before leaving the podium, he thanked the many organizations and sponsors who helped make the celebration possible, including Discover Carbon County, the Wyoming America 250 Task Force, Carbon County, the City of Rawlins, the Towns of Elk Mountain and Encampment, Bank of Commerce and numerous volunteers.

One of the ceremony’s highlights was recognizing winners of the Carbon County 250 Youth Art and Writing Contest.

Grand Encampment Museum Director Tim Nicklas explained that the contest was created to encourage young people throughout Carbon County to explore local history through essays and artwork.

Although strong winds prevented the artwork from being displayed outdoors during the ceremony, attendees were encouraged to view both the essays and artwork inside the depot following the program.

Special funding for the contest was provided by Bank of Commerce.

“The artwork is absolutely exceptional,” Nicklas said. “The essays are on display here if you’d like to read them. Thank you to everyone who submitted.”

Awards were presented by Nicklas and project co-chair Leslie McLinskey.

Essay contest winners included:

Elementary Division

• First Place — Elia Martin

• Second Place — Thomas Michael Denver

• Third Place — Gracie Schap

Middle School Division

• First Place — Bella Dugger

• Second Place — Linna Benandy

• Third Place — Madison Waggy

High School Division

• First Place — Rory Mayhew

• Second Place — Ava Ford

• Third Place — Kellen Swanson

Art contest winners included:

Elementary Division

• First Place — Anna McLinskey

• Second Place — Dylan Merrill

• Third Place — Isla Christian

Middle School Division

• First Place — Fain Berger

• Second Place — Jacob Johnson

High School Division

• First Place — Natasha Wilcox

• Second Place — Abigail Lynn

• Third Place — Maribella Aguirre

Nicklas noted the quality of the submissions made selecting winners especially difficult.

Perhaps the most meaningful portion of the afternoon came as Sue Jones returned to the podium to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses that have dedicated years, and in some cases generations, to preserving Carbon County’s heritage.

“Carbon County has a rich heritage,” Jones said, “and it is developed, documented and preserved by many individuals, businesses and organizations.”

Awards recognizing decades of documenting Carbon County history were presented to:

• R. Richard Perue, Saratoga

• Linda Fleming, Baggs

• Mark Miller, Rawlins

• Candy Moulton, Encampment

• Bob Leathers, Hanna

Recognition for outstanding support of local museums and preservation of local history went to:

• Bob Meyer, Elk Mountain

• Ken Clauda, Rawlins

• Jean Carrico, Rawlins

• Kathy Lynch, Encampment

• Karen Dibbern, Encampment

• Margaret Anderson, Carbon County

• Alan Williams, Saratoga

• Andy Perriam, Encampment

Additional organizations and individuals honored for preserving local history included:

• The Grand Encampment Opera Company

• Mary Martin

• George Hooker

• Leslie McLinskey

• Sierra Madre Muzzleloaders

• Dirt Diggers Garden Club of Encampment

• Rawlins Elks Lodge

Several businesses that have served Carbon County for more than a century were also recognized, including Union Pacific Railroad, the Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow, Hotel Wolf in Saratoga, Shively Hardware, Elk Mountain Hotel, the Saratoga Sun, Rasmusson Furniture, the Larson family businesses of Rawlins, Sinclair Refinery, the Rawlins Daily Times, the Rawlins Times and Riverside Garage.

The lengthy list illustrated how much of Carbon County’s history has been preserved not only through museums but also through families, businesses and volunteers who have dedicated decades to maintaining local traditions.

After the preservation awards, committee chair Candy Moulton recognized participants in the Wyoming America 250 Task Force’s “Walk 250” and “Read 250” challenges.

Residents were encouraged to walk 250 miles between Jan. 1 and July 4 and to read 250 books, museum exhibits or historical markers.

Rawlins resident Sonya Bryan became the first participant to complete both challenges.

As a reward, she received copies of Crossroads by C.J. Box, donated by the Grand Encampment Museum, and Moulton’s own book, Sacajawea: Mystery, Myth, and Legend.

Richard Hodges was recognized as the event’s “high achiever” after logging more than 425 walking miles.

Others completing the Walk 250 challenge included Steve and Sherry Floding, Karen Dibbern, Megan McComas and Steve Moulton.

Moulton joked that many more people had probably completed the challenge but simply never reported their miles.

Moulton reminded attendees that the celebration represented more than a year of planning.

The Carbon County Commission appointed the committee on February 5, 2025.

She thanked committee members Sue Jones, Tom Mensik, Tim Nicklas, Saratoga Museum Director Justin Horn, Elk Mountain Museum Director Angie Hobbs and Little Snake River Valley Museum Director Leila Emmons for the countless volunteer hours that went into organizing both the celebration and the documentary Legacy for a Nation.

“Justin is new to Carbon County, but he jumped in with both feet,” Moulton said of Horn, who coordinated much of the committee’s social media outreach.