By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Garret Irene was selected to fill a Carbon County Commissioner seat on December 5, 2023, giving him an opportunity to be a commissioner for over a year.

Irene said one of his biggest takeaways from the job was learning how to work with different personalities.

Meet Hammie, an energetic and lovable pup looking for her forever home! Her owner was injured and can’t keep her. At just over a year old, this sweet girl is bursting with energy and a zest for life. Hammie adores playing fetch and has already mastered “sit,” but she’s still working on her manners, especially when meeting new friends—she gets so excited that she might jump up to say hello. With some patience and training, Hammie is sure to grow into the perfect companion.

By Dick Perue

GATT correspondent

Topping the menu for the next “Gather at the Table” free meal is stew beef and pork with vegetables over pilaf rice, garlic bread, plus ice cream with fudge brownie and chocolate sauce with cookie crumble, along with a beverage.

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce invited the community to celebrate the holiday season with a packed schedule of festive events on Thursday, December 19.

By Dick Perue

GATT Correspondent

Everyone is invited to ring in the new year by sharing a complimentary meal along with fellowship from 5:00 to 6:30 Monday evening, January 6, 2025, in the Saratoga Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at the corner of Bridge & Third.

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Steve Deorio, owner of the Grumpy Italian restaurant in Saratoga, along with his wife, Eden, donned the role of Secret Santa once again this holiday season, brightening the lives of seniors at assisted living facilities in Carbon County. This marks the fourth year of their heartfelt tradition, which began in 2020 to commemorate the restaurant’s fifth anniversary.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

For those who knew Earl and Carol Holding, the owners of Sinclair from 1977 until 2022, some will be saddened to learn of Carol’s passing away on December 25.

She was 95 and passed away peacefully with family at her side.

She married Earl June 23, 1949 in a church in Salt Lake City at the age of 19.

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The holiday spirit was on full display at the 21st Annual Festival of Trees Gala & Auction, held Friday, December 6, at the Platte Valley Community Center. Organized by the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together local residents and businesses to celebrate the season and support a worthy cause.

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

St. Vincent de Paul will be distributing Christmas Day food baskets on Saturday, December 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Catholic Church parking lot. The distribution will take place at the south entrance off Pine Street, where recipients can drive up to the back of the school building to receive their food basket from volunteers.

Press Release

City of Rawlins

This holiday season, do you have room in your heart and home to give a furry friend some extra love? We’re inviting the community to consider fostering or fostering-to adopt one of our dogs or cats. Fostering allows our animals to experience the warmth of a home environment during the holidays, while giving our dedicated staff the opportunity to spend time with their families. 

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Christmas wreaths were put on graves in at least two cemeteries in Carbon County on December 14.

At the Elk Mountain Cemetery, the ceremony was led by Carbon County Commissioner Garrett Irene.

Secretary of State Chuck Gray had been slated to come, but an accident which closed Interstate 80 prevented his appearance.

 By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The town of Elk Mountain embraced the holiday spirit with a weekend packed full of cheer and community celebrations on December 8 and 9.

By Connie Patterson

Valley Service Organization

Press Release

Food Bank of Wyoming

By Dick Perue

GATT Correspondent

Just as soon as folks are through stuffing themselves with turkey and dressing, they are invited to another mouthwatering home cooked meal from 5:00 to 6:30 Monday evening, Dec. 2nd, in the Saratoga Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at the corner of Bridge & Third.