News

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.

Work Has Begun on Another Major Water Project

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

Work Has Begun on Another Major Water Project

Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

Crews are now in the field working on Rawlins’ Sage Creek Transmission Pipeline Cathodic Protection Project. This project has been several years in the making. The City secured grant funding to cover half the costs, completed engineering and design, awarded the construction contract this spring, and work is now underway.

So, what is cathodic protection? Simply put, it’s a system that helps prevent rust and corrosion on our 32-mile steel transmission pipeline, helping protect the pipeline and extend its service life.

This grant also includes repairs to the transmission line’s blow-off assemblies and air-vacuum valves, with that work anticipated to begin next year.

This project is another important step in strengthening Rawlins’ water system for the future. Residents may notice crews working at various locations along the transmission line over the coming weeks as construction progresses.

Since 2021, the City Water Fund has completed four major water projects totaling approximately $4.2 million, including $1.9 million in grant funding. These projects include replacing 10,000 feet of wood stave pipe, bringing the pretreatment plant online, completing the Water Master Plan, and installing a new monitoring and control computer system.

Drought Year Impacts Rawlins Parks & Green Spaces

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

Drought Year Impacts Rawlins Parks & Green Spaces Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

Beginning Tuesday, July 22, the City of Rawlins will temporarily suspend watering of all City-owned parks and green spaces and close the splash pad as part of the City’s ongoing drought response efforts. This is a temporary measure to reduce City water use as spring and well flows have decreased and the City completes additional work needed to bring the pretreatment plant fully online. Currently, the City continues to meet all residential, business and essential community water needs.

Currently, the City is not implementing irrigation restrictions for residents or businesses. However, everyone is encouraged to use water wisely during this drought year by:

• Watering during the early morning or evening instead of the heat of the day.

• Watering deeply and less often to encourage stronger roots.

• Raising mower height to 3-4 inches.

• Aerating lawns to improve water retention.

• Find more tips from Carbon County Extension & U.W. at www.rawlinswy.gov/waterwise.

The City will continue to monitor water supplies and will notify the community if additional conservation measures become necessary. If turf irrigation restrictions are needed, they will be announced online, and via text and email. Visit www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme to sign up for City of Rawlins News alerts by email or text.

As we have shared, the City has reduced irrigation of public green spaces by 25%-50% this spring and summer to reduce the impact on residential and business water users. However, continued drought conditions, reduced flows from the City’s water sources, and additional work needed to bring the pretreatment plant fully online have made additional conservation measures necessary. Once operational, the pretreatment plant will allow the City to supplement spring and well water with treated reservoir and river water, helping support summer irrigation demands.

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.”

Medicine Bow Tackles Town Business

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

Medicine Bow Tackles Town Business Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The town of Medicine Bow held its town council July 13 at 6 p.m. at the Community Hall. Those in attendance were Mayor Justin George, and council members: Trevor Strauch, Lee Cook, Crystal Mayfield, and Kristi Wickizer. The minutes from the regularly scheduled June 8 Council meeting and financials were approved.

An executive session meeting started at 6:11 p.m.and was done at 6:57 p.m. From the executive session, the Town Clerk/Treasurer Karen Heath, was given a raise of $1.00 an hour. The Council appointed Dale Kelley to the Airport Board and Annie Lamoureux to the Recreation Board. The following positions are still open for volunteers: one for Planning and Zoning and one for the Friends of the Airport board.

CJ Walker of Sunrise Engineering reported that the design phase was 30 percent finished for West Side streets. The discussion was tabled until more information was available.

Ordinance 4-2026, Building Codes, only addressed the fire code, but the other codes needed to be updated. The ordinance was tabled.

Ordinance 3-2026, an ordinance providing for the regulation and enforcement against Illegal solid waste disposal, was read by title for the first time and approved. Residents should call Town Hall to determine how to dispose of waste if they are unclear where it should go.

Public Works Director Brian Lashley and Maintenance Operator Brian Upton tested a truck in Colorado. The 1998 truck has 27,000 miles on it, and the pony engine has 2,332 hours of running time. Lashley was directed to request to see it perform under a load. Motion was made to enter into a Purchase Agreement for the truck with the price capped at $62,000 with a 30-day return clause.

Two women had been to the cemetery looking for their niece’s headstone, which had become engulfed by a large bush. The cemetery needs some routine maintenance and removal of badgers and prairie dogs. The town ordinances allow firearms to be discharged during a sporting event if the Town issues a permit.

The Fossil Cabin at the Medicine Bow Museum had contractors completing work on the sidewalk and shoring up the foundation of the fossil cabin, but people were going up to the building and touching it, even putting their hands in the large cracks in the wall. To protect people and the building while evaluations were conducted to determine stability, a fence will be placed around it.

Clean Up Day is set for August 7, 8, 9 with a new price list for the disposal of certain items.

The Recreation Board made some money at the 100 Year Medicine Bow Schools Reunion and it thanked the Fire Department for organizing the parade. They are now working on the Haunted House.

Lashley went to the Library Board meeting, and they acknowledged they have received enough funds to keep the Medicine Bow Library open until February 2028.

Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire Department had one call last month, reported Fire Chief Wayne Maddox. The department helped with the parade and set off fireworks. The mayor and Council thanked the Fire Department for the fireworks, stating they were excellent.

Planning and Zoning chairman Strauch said he had tried to open the old GIS files, but they were in an old file format that he had never seen before, and his computer would not open them. CJ Walker of Sunrise Engineering will try to open the files.

The next scheduled meeting will be August 11 at 6 p.m. at the Medicine Bow Community Hall.

Stage I Fire Restrictions Announced for Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland

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

Stage I Fire Restrictions Announced for Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland

Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

Press Release

Forest Service, Public Affairs: Aaron Voos

Campfires are only allowed in USDA Forest Service approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.

Beginning Friday, July 24, 2026, Stage 1 fire restrictions will be in place for the entirety of the Medicine Bow National Forest and Thunder Basin National Grassland in Wyoming.

These restrictions include all National Forest System (NFS) land located in Albany, Campbell, Carbon, Converse, Crook, Natrona, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston counties.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service has communicated with all affected counties, state agencies, and neighboring federal land managers on the timing of the restrictions.

Restrictions are necessary due to dry and flammable fuel conditions, forecast fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires. Prolonged hot and dry weather conditions have resulted in an elevated potential for wildfires. Fire restrictions will help protect public health and safety, as well as natural resources.

The following prohibitions are in effect until further notice:

• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) except if it is in:

A permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the U.S. Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas);

A device solely fueled by liquid or gas that can be turned on and off used in an area barren or cleared of all flammable materials within three feet of the device; or

A fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of a ¼ inch or less used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 10 feet of the device.

• Using an explosive.

This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.

• Smoking is prohibited, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

• Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except if in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of Class 2A) is kept with the operator.

Personal, portable wood or charcoal burning fire pits/rings, often made of stainless steel, are not allowed under these restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in USDA approved and installed fire pits/grates, or gas-fueled devices with an on/off switch.

As a reminder, fireworks are never permitted on National Forest System lands.

Always important for fire prevention and enforceable year-round is the following prohibition regarding spark arrester use:

• Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1.

• For chainsaw use, it is recommended the operator have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.

Violation of the Stage I Fire Prohibitions is punishable as a class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both. Anyone negligently or willfully starting a wildland fire could also be held responsible for the costs of that fire.

Forest staff will continue to monitor conditions to assess the need for further action, including additional restrictions if weather remains hot and dry and lessening restrictions if a wetter and cooler weather pattern develops.

To report a wildland fire, please call the Casper Interagency Dispatch Center, (800) 295-9952.

Call your local office for site-specific information.

• Brush Creek/Hayden Ranger District, Saratoga, Wyo., (307) 326-5258

• Douglas Ranger District, Douglas, Wyo., (307) 358-4690

• Laramie Ranger District/Forest Supervisor’s Office, Laramie, Wyo., (307) 745-2300

Information may also be found on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland website or our X and Facebook accounts.

Fire Restrictions are in Place for Carbon County

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

Fire Restrictions are in Place for Carbon County Publisher Sat, 07/25/2026 - 11:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Carbon County Commissioners listened to Carbon County Fire Chief John Rutherford at their board meeting in July when he recommended the County institute Stage One Fire restrictions starting at 8 a.m. on July 21. The Bureau of Land Management’s newest fuel‑moisture report indicated significant wildfire risk across the majority of Carbon County and Rutherford felt it was time to take action.

He was aware that there was some moisture coming this week, but he did not feel it would be enough to change the risk, but acknowledged if there was enough to alleviate the threat, he would lift the restrictions. Rutherford said if the fire danger continues to increase, he’ll ask the Commissioners to enter Stage Two restrictions, which prohibit all open outdoor flames.

The fire threat is real.

A historic barn that was on the property of Q Creek Ranch burned to the ground. In response, the Hanna Volunteer Fire Department, Medicine Bow Fire Department, Rawlins Fire Department and BLM Fire Program, which, rather than a traditional municipal fire department, operates as the largest fire organization within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The barn was over 100 years old.

There have been some heavy downpours, but it is too early to see if a difference will be made as the summer continues.