News

Open Houses to Share Information about the Miller Generating Station Project

Publisher — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Open Houses to Share Information about the Miller Generating Station Project

Publisher Sat, 06/06/2026 - 07:00

Press Release

Seminoe Power Company LLC

Seminoe Power Company LLC, an affiliate of Power Company of Wyoming LLC, is developing the Miller Generating Station in Carbon County and offering two in-person opportunities for local stakeholders to learn more about it.

The Miller Generating Station is a natural gas-fired power plant with about 2,000 MW of nameplate capacity, to be co-located with PCW’s wind power on the same working cattle ranch. Seminoe is pursuing a permit from the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council to construct, operate and decommission the proposed gas power plant.

In connection with this process, the Wyoming Industrial Siting Division has identified a “study area” that includes local governments in the vicinity of the project in Carbon County (Rawlins, Sinclair, Hanna, Medicine Bow, Saratoga, Encampment) and in Sweetwater County (Bairoil, Wamsutter).

Local governments and the public can attend the two open houses to obtain more information about the project, ask questions and provide feedback for the company’s consideration.

Company representatives and consultants will be available at the following times and locations:

• 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, Jeffrey Memorial Community Center, Rawlins.

• 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Thursday, June 11, Platte Valley Community Center, Saratoga.

The Miller Generating Station is situated on about 70 acres of private land, adjacent to the TransWest Express Transmission Project’s substation south of Interstate 80. More information is available at www.powercompanyofwyoming.com/gas-generation/.

The state’s comprehensive industrial siting process assures that jurisdictional projects are planned and constructed in an environmentally responsible manner and are reviewed by experts at 19 different state agencies. For more information about Wyoming industrial siting rules and regulations, visit deq.wyoming.gov/industrial-siting-2/.

Infrastructure Upgrades Shape Rawlins Summer

Publisher — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Infrastructure Upgrades Shape Rawlins Summer

Publisher Sat, 06/06/2026 - 07:00

A Minute with the Manager

Matt Hall, City of Rawlins Manager

As summer arrives in Rawlins, so is one of the busiest Public Works construction seasons our community has seen in several years. This year, residents will notice significant activity across our streets, utility systems, and infrastructure as the City continues investing in long-term improvements designed to strengthen reliability, safety, and quality of life for our community. This year’s projects represent more than routine maintenance. They are part of a broader commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure that serves our residents every day.

There are two major water infrastructure projects scheduled. First, we are installing cathodic protection on the main transmission line from the spring boxes to town. This will extend the life of this 32-mile line by limiting further erosion. Half of the cost of this project is being covered through a grant from Wyoming Water Development.

Our second water project is the installation of a booster pump at the intersection of the high- and low-pressure zones. We have applied for a grant for 50% of these costs to be covered by the State through their Mineral Royalties Grant program. The booster system will not only provide redundancy when the high-pressure pipeline is offline, but it will also allow service to be provided when either the high- or low-pressure lines require repairs in the future.

Our Edinburgh Street project also continues to move forward. Water and sewer infrastructure work is expected to be completed soon, followed by concrete and sidewalk improvements, paving, and a projected completion date this fall. This project is being funded through the Specific Purpose “6th Penny” Tax and Impact Assistance.

In addition, WYDOT has begun initial work on the Higley Underpass Project. This is the fruition of years of work between the City and WYDOT to find the engineering-approved method to safely help pedestrians cross the busy bypass. It is more than 80% funded through the State Urban Systems program with the rest from the Specific Purpose “6th Penny” Tax. Residents should expect traffic detours and delays as construction activity increases throughout June.

Our City Streets Division will also begin its routine summer maintenance schedule, including roadway repairs and other seasonal improvement activities throughout the community. We appreciate the public’s patience as crews work to complete these projects safely and efficiently.

Infrastructure is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. Safe streets, reliable water systems, functional utilities, and dependable public services directly impact economic development, public safety, and the quality of life. These projects reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to responsible planning and investment in Rawlins’ future.

I would also like to recognize the efforts of our Public Works Department, engineering partners, contractors, and utility staff who continue to coordinate these complex projects while maintaining daily operations. Their dedication and professionalism are critical to the success of these improvements.

As construction progresses throughout the summer, the City will continue providing updates regarding project timelines, traffic impacts, and anticipated work schedules through our website, social media platforms, and at council meetings. We encourage residents to stay informed and reach out with questions as projects move forward.

Thank you for your continued support, patience, and partnership as we work together to build a stronger Rawlins for future generations.

Sincerely, Matt Hall

Rawlins City Manager

mhall@rawlinswy.gov

307-328-4500

Moore Johnson Announce Plans to Seek Reelection to Carbon County Commission

Publisher — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Moore Johnson Announce Plans to Seek Reelection to Carbon County Commission Publisher Sat, 06/06/2026 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Carbon County Board of Commissioners (CCBOC) met on June 2 at 9 a.m. at the Carbon Building.

Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken commended the Sheriff’s Office employees and Search and Rescue members for the services they gave during the Rawlins power outage, which occurred on May 25. The Commissioners approved the purchase of three TruNarc Narcotics Detection Devices. Bakken asked for at least two and said four would be optimum, but was happy the board allowed for three.

The Commissioners approved an agreement between Carbon County and Engineering Associates for the Carbon County Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.

The Commissioners approved an agreement for the services of Dr. M Wayne Couch for three years.

There was an appointment of a special prosecutor to come from Albany County because of a possible conflict of interest for the Carbon County prosecutor.

A letter of support for the non-profit radio station KRAW-LP for the Wyoming Interior Community Investment Program Grant Application was also approved.

The Commissioners approved a Notice to Proceed with Straight Stripe Painting, Inc for the 2026 Seal Coat and Mark Project at the Dixon Airport.

Commissioners John Johnson and Travis Moore announced they are both seeking re-election.

They both said they believe there is still work to be finished, including addressing the budget. While acknowledging the challenge, both said they are not inclined to walk away before the job is complete. They also thanked residents for their support over the years.

Riverside Mayor Leroy Stephenson asked the board about the recent vacancy of Carbon County Emergency Management Director.

Carbon County Attorney explained there could be no discussion about a personnel matter, especially with the person not being present.

Stephenson asked about filling the void.

The CCBOC said for the present time Sheriff Bakken would coordinate with the department as matters arose.

Stephenson said Encampment and Riverside had been working with the former director on an interconnect between the two towns’ water systems in case one of them needed to utilize the other’s system. Stephenson knew Homeland Security was involved and wanted to bring the situation to the CCBOC’s attention.

Stephenson said he had full trust in Bakken’s abilities and that he was an excellent sheriff, but he was concerned about the extra workload.

Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC) then gave a report. CEO Kerry Ashment informed the commissioners there was an elevator that needed to be repaired. They are researching to find the best company for the solution. The hospital will be switching to Casper Medical Imaging to do the imaging work needed for the hospital. MHCC sees this relationship as a move in a positive direction.

The next scheduled meeting of the Carbon County Commissioners will be at 9 a.m. on June 16 at the Carbon Building.

Fritz Talks Costs, Equipment and Road Work

Publisher — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Fritz Talks Costs, Equipment and Road Work

Publisher Sat, 06/06/2026 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

From maintaining county roads to overseeing critical infrastructure projects, Kandis Fritz plays a key role in keeping Carbon County moving as head of the county’s Road and Bridge Department.

Recently, she took time to talk about the department and what it entails to keep it going. When asked about the monetary cost to keep the department running, she explained, “It varies by year. This current budget year (25-26) our approved budget amount is $1,952,168.56.” She continued, “$778,168.56 of that being payroll, $230,000.00 for diesel fuel. We also have the road fund account that we use for large projects. For example, bridge projects, emergency road slide repair in Baggs, gravel projects, chip sealing, and such.”

Costs have increased in recent years, but equipment needed to complete the work has risen significantly in price.

“In 2019, a 140M3 AWD Caterpillar Machine, we paid $344,459.93,” Fritz said. “In 2023 for a 140 AWD Caterpillar Machine, we paid $446,340.95. The big jump in prices here was partly because of the attachments that came with the machines as well (front v plow and wing). We do go out for bid every time a new motor grader is purchased, and Wyoming Machinery has been successfully lower the last few years. John Deere provided us with a bid of $482,600.00 that year. Prior to those years, in 2017, a regular standard tandem axle machine was around $265,000.00. We are slowly transitioning to the AWD machines. Our fleet around the county consists of eight AWD machines and five regular standard tandem axle machines.”

Fuel costs have had little effect on the department, she said when asked about their impact.

“To be honest, fuel cost really doesn’t affect us. We have a job to do that will always require fuel no matter the cost,” Fritz said. “Unless my bosses tell me otherwise, we won’t stop maintenance just because of the cost of fuel. Mother Nature is more likely to have a say in whether we complete a project more so than fuel costs.”

This winter was relatively mild, but the Road and Bridge Department was still out in the field.

“This year was mild, but we were still out doing projects and blading roads most of the winter,” Fritz said. “Now the winter of 22-23, we spent some money that year. That winter alone we went over our fuel budget by $90,000.00. We also had to hire contractors to help us with snow removal. We just couldn’t keep up that year.”

Fritz has been with the department for 23 years and grew up in Carbon County.

“I am a lifelong Carbon County Resident. My family is from the Platte Valley Area, but we moved to Rawlins when I was young,” Fritz said. “I grew up at the fairgrounds showing horses while my dad was the caretaker there for many years. When I wasn’t showing or riding, I was working right along with my dad and family mowing lawns or running some kind of equipment with him.”

Fritz explained how she came to the Road and Bridge Department.

“Twenty-three years ago there was an opening with the Road and Bridge Department and I applied. Bill Nation hired me and I worked for him until 2019 when he retired,” Fritz said. “In 2019 the commissioners allowed me to keep running things and now, here we are almost seven years later. I am very appreciative of them for allowing me the opportunity, as well as the crew here at Road and Bridge. Time really does fly by when you enjoy what you do.”

Her biggest challenge?

“Without a doubt, funding,” Fritz said. “I would love to repave the Seminoe Road, replace or improve more bridges, mag roads every year, put gravel down, and pay our operators a higher wage. There just isn’t enough money in the budget to do so. The County maintains roughly 960 miles of county roads and nearly every stretch needs more gravel or new pavement.”

Fritz said she works frequently with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) on projects when asked about coordination between the two agencies.

“I work with them quite a bit on bridge projects dealing with federal funding. WYDOT also inspects all of our bridges that are more than 20 feet long,” Fritz said. “From Rawlins to Cheyenne, they are all very good to work with and answer lots of questions I have for them.”

Fritz has a favorite material to work with which she is not sure all residents know about.

“For those of you that don’t know, mag chloride is absolutely my favorite thing on earth when it comes to maintaining gravel roads,” Friiz said.

Fritz gives credit to the employees of Road and Bridge.

“I get to work with some of the best people day in and day out throughout the County,” Fritz said. “The guys behind the equipment are the real MVP’s here at Road and Bridge.”

Know Your Water

Publisher — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Know Your Water

Publisher Sat, 05/30/2026 - 21:00

Press Release

City of Rawlins

The City of Rawlins is sharing several important 2026 water updates and resources for the community, including information on water quality, drought-related conservation, infrastructure improvements, and public watering reductions.

Annual Water Quality Report Available

The City is proud that Rawlins drinking water continues to meet or exceed all Federal and State requirements. While some natural constituents have been detected, the EPA has determined that Rawlins water is safe at these levels. Copies of the Annual Water Quality Report are available at City Hall or online at: www.rawlinswy.gov/watertreatment.

Water Infrastructure Repairs Continue

Since 2021, the City Water Fund has completed approximately $4.2 million in major projects, about half funded by grants. Here is a table with those projects and costs.

This year’s major water project is the installation of new cathodic protection on the 32-mile transmission line from the springs to town. Get Updates on Irrigation Restrictions During this drought year in the Western United States, residents are encouraged to use water wisely. Best practices include avoiding watering during the heat of the day and watering deeply and less often to promote strong roots. Additional conservation resources from Carbon County Extension and the University of Wyoming are available at: www.rawlinswy.gov/waterwise If irrigation restrictions become necessary, updates will be shared online and through text and email notifications. Residents can sign up for alerts at: www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme Watering Reduced at Public Spaces To minimize impacts on community water users, the City is reducing watering at public spaces, including parks, during the summer season. The City is also testing new methods to maintain green grass using less water. The splash pad is expected to maintain regular hours, as it uses significantly less water than turf irrigation. Questions? Residents with questions about the water system or any of this information are encouraged to visit: www.rawlinswy.gov/water or call Community Relations at 307-328-4500 ext. 1022.

Rawlins Seeks $750K State Grant for Emergency Water Project

Publisher — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Rawlins Seeks $750K State Grant for Emergency Water Project Publisher Sat, 05/30/2026 - 21:00

By Dana Davis

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The Rawlins City Council approved a resolution during a special meeting on May 27 authorizing the submission of a $750,000 grant application to the State Loan and Investment Board to help fund the Date Street Booster Project, an emergency infrastructure project city officials say is critical to protecting water service for a large portion of the community.

The total estimated cost of the project is $1.5 million, with the city planning to provide a $750,000 local match using water utility funds, emergency reserve funds and other available project funding sources.

Council approved the resolution unanimously following a motion by Councilman Steve Sanger and a second from Councilman Darril Garner. Voting in favor were Mayor Jacquelin Wells and council members Garner, Derek Elliott, Terry Patterson, Bruce Seilaff and Sanger.

The project would construct a water booster pump station near Date Street and Ninth Street to create a connection between Rawlins’ low-pressure and high-pressure water systems. City officials said the improvement would provide an alternate method of supplying water to the high-pressure zone during pipeline failures, maintenance work or future repairs.

According to city documents, the high-pressure system serves critical infrastructure and residential areas including the Hospital Tank and Painted Hills Tank service areas, much of western and northern Rawlins and Highland Hills through pressure reducing valve infrastructure.

Public Works Director Cody Dill said the project addresses a long-standing vulnerability within the city’s water system.

“The Date Street Booster Station project creates something our system has needed for many years — redundancy for about half of our community,” Dill said in a press release issued before the meeting. “Today, the high-pressure zone depends on a single transmission line. This project creates another way to move water through the system during repairs, maintenance, or emergency situations.”

Currently, the high-pressure zone relies on a single 20-inch ductile iron transmission line extending from the city’s water treatment plant. Officials said the line has experienced repeated failures due to corrosion caused by the lack of cathodic protection.

Major line breaks occurred in 2017, 2019, 2024 and again in 2026.

City officials said repairs completed in May revealed additional failures extending to or near the jacking box where the transmission line passes beneath Interstate 80. Officials warned that another break beneath the interstate could create significant complications and lengthy service disruptions because of the difficulty of accessing and repairing infrastructure in that location.

Earlier this month, the governing body formally declared a water infrastructure emergency through Resolution No. 5B-2026, citing the deteriorating condition of the transmission system and authorizing emergency actions related to design and construction of the booster station project.

City Manager Matthew Hall said the booster station project is necessary before larger improvements to the transmission line can move forward.

“This line remains one of the community’s highest infrastructure priorities,” Hall said in the press release. “However, before the high-pressure line can be fully repaired or replaced, there must be another way to provide water to the tanks during construction. This project creates that solution.”

Officials said the booster station would provide a temporary alternate route for water delivery, helping maintain both drinking water service and fire protection capabilities during future outages.

The grant application will be considered during the June 18 meeting of the State Loan and Investment Board.

The booster station project is part of a larger effort by the city to modernize aging water infrastructure. City officials said Rawlins has completed approximately $4.2 million in water infrastructure projects in recent years, including replacement of wood stave pipe in spring systems, improvements to treatment facilities, installation of monitoring systems and adoption of a comprehensive water master plan.

Eamon O’Toole Announces Candidacy for Wyoming House District 47

Publisher — Sat, 30 May 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Eamon O’Toole Announces Candidacy for Wyoming House District 47 Publisher Sat, 05/30/2026 - 21:00

Press Release

Eamon O’Toole

Little Snake River Valley resident Eamon O’Toole announced his candidacy to represent Wyoming House District 47. He hopes to fill the seat being vacated by Representative Bob Davis, who has announced his candidacy for the District 11 Senate seat. O’Toole is a Republican.

O’Toole, 40, is married to Megan Stocklin O’Toole, a registered nurse, and is father to two sons—McCoy, 15 and Rhen, 13. They make their home on the family ranch near Savery.

“As a fifth-generation Carbon County native and rancher, I care deeply about our communities and the future of Wyoming,” O’Toole said. “I understand the challenges facing rural families, ranchers, and small towns and businesses. I am committed to representing the hardworking people of our district.”

An Experienced Community Leader

O’Toole is active in many local and national organizations. He serves on boards of the Savery-Little Snake River Conservancy District, the Wyoming Beef Council and the Family Farm Alliance. He also represents the watershed on the Yampa/White River Round Table. In addition, O’Toole traveled as part of the Wyoming L.E.A.D. program to Ukraine (2012) and learned about agriculture and the potential opportunities. He also traveled to Japan and South Korea on a trade mission to promote beef exports for the state.

“These opportunities to serve have given me valuable experience working on the issues that impact our communities and the agricultural industry,” O’Toole stated. “I will advocate for water rights, natural resource conservation, education and health care.”

He is deeply involved in Western water policy, with particular expertise in Colorado River issues—water security is critical for Wyoming’s agricultural and economic future.

O’Toole also wants to ensure that Wyoming’s young people have opportunities for education in the state and strongly supports the University of Wyoming, community colleges and trade schools.

A Commitment to Our Rural Way of Life

“I have spent my life working alongside my neighbors in the communities of District 47,” he said. “If elected, I will work tirelessly to protect our way of life, support responsible resource development and management, strengthen our local economies, and ensure our communities continue to thrive.”

Additional key topics for O’Toole are the sustainability of oil and gas, federal/private land management and emergency services. “Responsible resource management is key to Wyoming’s success.”

O’Toole graduated from the University of Wyoming with degrees in geography and natural resource management.

House District 47 encompasses most of Carbon County and parts Sweetwater county.

Wyoming is a special place. It has been home to my family for five generations. We love this land and the people who call it home. Open range with endless sage brush, high mountains, and beautiful valleys, this is our home.

We have resources that have sustained our way of life. The core industries of coal, oil, and natural gas have been our economy’s backbone for generations.

Agriculture has been a staple of Wyoming. As a rancher in HD 47 I understand the challenges we face and the opportunities we enjoy. Sometimes its weather, both good and bad. Other times its markets. Also, good and bad. Ranchers and Farmers have held their businesses together because we know our families and communities will be stronger because of it.

Wildlife gets us excited every time they show off with just their presence. Sometimes it is on a random road that has not had a car go by in hours or days, and others are along highways which seem built just to watch the animals showing off.

Our rural way of life is rich, but does not go without its challenges. It takes a lot of roads, both county, state, and federal to get us to all the places we love.

Rural health care is always top of mind for the hearty citizens of Wyoming. Clinics and hospitals are often a several hour drive to do a checkup or handle an emergency. EMS, Fire Departments, and our Search and Rescue people need help. None of these services happen without the people and funding this great state needs.

House District 47 is a large area with many challenges. I hope to work on these challenges for you. Thank you for always being Wyoming strong and proud.

Search and Rescue Conference in Saratoga

Publisher — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Search and Rescue Conference in Saratoga

Publisher Sat, 05/23/2026 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

On May 2, at 8 a.m. at the Platte Valley Community Center, the third annual Search and Rescue Conference was held.

“The idea of the Search and Rescue Conference was to have all the Search and Rescue units in Wyoming come together,” Mike Lujan, owner of Mike’s Big City Steakhouse in Rawlins and a search and rescue volunteer for Carbon County. “It is a network to learn the processes, to talk about big events that have happened in search and rescues, so we learn about what they have done, so we can learn to be better.”

Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken said it was great to have the Search and Rescue teams come together.

“The Friday before the event myself, Sheriff Becker (Clint) and the Natrona County Emergency Search Rescue team, had a chance to sit around and do a round table of what challenges we faced,” Bakken said. “Then that Saturday, our team volunteers put on a presentation and had a skills competition and we were able to interact with the public in a way that wasn’t found on a mountainside. I think this went a long way in helping the public see who we are and what we do.”

Bakken liked that he could highlight what the County had to offer with vehicles, equipment and caliber of volunteers.

“It was a pretty darn cool opportunity,” Bakken said.

Lujan agreed.

“We had teams from all over the State, some of whom are busy like us here in Carbon County, and some who see just a few searches a year,” Lujan said. “It was a great opportunity for all of us to come together and it was open to the public.”

Lujan said there were roundtable discussions with sheriffs about funding and other concerns, as Bakken indicated he had been involved in.

“We had breakout sessions that will talk about the newest technology for drones,” Lujan said. “We had Blue Fly technology being discussed. It is technology that can fly over and find things like pacemakers, which can help find people who have them.”

Lujan enjoyed hearing from Olympic gold medalist Rulon Gardner, a Wyoming resident who once became lost and was later rescued. Gardner, who lives near Afton, was a guest speaker sharing his experience.

Lujan also enjoyed the skills competition.

“I was really excited because Carbon County is divided by East and West teams. The West team, which includes the north and Rawlins, whereas the East is more Valley, had a skills event that had five teams competing. They were made up of search and rescue units,” Lujan said. “The skills event started at 2 p.m. The teams had to use their skills to locate a victim who was not where they initially believed. Search dogs were brought in, and once the victim was found, the teams relied on their medical training to provide care. Then the team will move the victim to a waiting EMS unit. It was a mock search and rescue that was timed. It was a mile and a half course throughout Saratoga. The teams were scored not only on time but on how well they performed. It was the first time we had ever done something like this. It was a great learning experience and very exciting.”

Lujan is proud of the coordination and effort the West team is putting into making the Conference a success.

“It was an event everyone who attended learned from,” Lujan concluded.

Spring Storm Triggers Wide Spread Disruptions Across Carbon County

Publisher — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Spring Storm Triggers Wide Spread Disruptions Across Carbon County

Publisher Sat, 05/23/2026 - 07:00

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

This winter did not pack much punch, as far as snow goes. April and May put a lot more moisture on the ground. Still, no storm did as much damage as the spring storm that hit Carbon County on May 19.

On May 18, the day was pleasant but starting to cool down by evening with clouds. Then in the late evening, it rained.

Many Carbon County residents in Rawlins and the northern part of Carbon County went to bed knowing there might be a little snow on the ground, but in the morning were surprised to see doors blocked with drifted snow.

Interstate 80, Highway 30 and Highway 287 all experienced closures.

Medicine Bow lost power for a morning, and Saratoga also experienced some outages, but Rawlins bore the brunt of the storm’s force.

Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken woke up early to see that the snow was deep.

“My day started off as I got my patrol stuck in the snow in the driveway, so I had to grab a side-by-side and bring it into work,” Bakken said. “But all things considered, the sheer magnitude of what we experienced and how many services were needed, I think things went very well considering how they could have gone.”

Bakken said the Sheriff’s Department set up their command post at the dispatch center in Rawlins at around 7:30 a.m. that Monday morning.

“We came to terms with what we were dealing with, and we coordinated with all the surrounding County agencies, “Bakken said. “The Rawlins Police Department, Carbon County Emergency Management, the Emergency Department at the Hospital, EMS, and Search and Rescue. Our volunteers did an awesome job.”

Bakken said they ended up opening the Jeffrey Center to residents who found it too cold to sleep in their homes.

“I believe we had over 45 people spend the night there,” Bakken said. “We had Search and Rescue transport people from the highway to the Jeffrey Center and to hotels. We were doing two-hour status checks at the hospital, so we had meetings every two hours with the hospital to make sure they were good. There were people who needed oxygen assistance because they didn’t have electricity in their house.”

Officials urged residents dependent on oxygen or powered medical devices to seek assistance, and Search and Rescue volunteers transported some residents to Memorial Hospital of Carbon County for care.

MHCC Rawlins Family Practice temporarily closed until power was restored.

The storm also disrupted communications systems throughout the county. Administrative phone lines for the Sheriff’s Office, Rawlins Police Department, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County and other agencies experienced outages linked to Lumen/CenturyLink fiber issues. Officials said 911 service remained operational.

Bakken said there was extensive coordination between Rocky Mountain Power and Carbon County Road and Bridge, which helped Rocky Mountain Power crews reach their substation.

“There were a ton of moving parts, and the Sheriff’s Department, volunteers and all agencies mentioned did a fantastic job considering the gravity of what was going on,” Bakken said. “It was heavy snow with high moisture content. That made things a lot more complicated.”

Bakken said Rawlins seemed to be the community hit the hardest by the effects of the spring snowstorm.

“There was quite a disparity on what areas got hit, and what ones did not,” Bakken said. “It all seemed to be pretty well localized in the Rawlins area.”

He noted that the northern part of the county received a fair amount of snow, but communities there did not lose services the way Rawlins did. The Platte Valley appeared to be the least affected.

“When we were talking to Search and Rescue in the Valley, they were sending me pictures of grass,” Bakken said. “I said to myself, ‘Oh, that must be nice.’ Our biggest interstate issue seemed to be around the 204 exit, so just west of Rawlins.”

Businesses with perishable goods faced serious repercussions. City Market in Rawlins lost most of their frozen items along with many perishables. On Tuesday, after the electricity was restored, workers were restocking shelves with products from trucks that had just arrived. Restaurants also faced losing food. Many residents lost food too. The outage lasted from 24 to 36 hours. Phone service and internet were also affected in Rawlins on Tuesday.

Sinclair was also without electricity for a period of time.

Carbon County School District 1 schools were closed Monday, except for Little Snake River Valley schools.

Recovery efforts were still underway Tuesday when another hazard moved in, fog created dangerous conditions around Hanna, parts of Sinclair and throughout Rawlins. It was often hard to see more than a couple of feet in front while driving. It made for dangerous driving.

Bakken thought everyone worked well together, considering how bad it could have been and was grateful to all who helped.

“I have to give a big ‘Thank You’ to all the Search and Rescue volunteers who helped out, all the emergency response personnel, the power crews who went out there and got things fixed,” Bakken said. “All those who helped really made a difference to the public and visitors. They really need to be commended.”

Budget Work Continues as Elk Mountain Prepares for Summer

Publisher — Sat, 16 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Budget Work Continues as Elk Mountain Prepares for Summer

Publisher Sat, 05/16/2026 - 07:00

By Brett Larson

Carbon County Comet Contributor

At 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, Elk Mountain officials gathered at the Community Center to discuss the budget and plan for the upcoming summer as the weather warms. Mayor Morgan Irene led the meeting, with council members Angie Hobbs and Craig Mustard present; council members Joe Neel and Linda Crane were absent. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the council unanimously approved both the agenda and the April meeting minutes.

A brief hearing on the liquor license renewal for the Historic Mountain Hotel was held, during which the council unanimously approved the renewal.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Elk Mountain Senior Center Manager Megan Davies Jones and Elk Mountain Library Branch Manager Jessica Mustard addressed the council regarding a joint fundraiser the two organizations plan to host next month. “We are looking to hold an official Summer Kick-Off Event in the park on Saturday, June 27,” Jones said. “There will be a live band, delicious foods, a bar operated by the Hotel, and much more for the public to come out and enjoy.” Both managers noted that recent property tax cuts have affected the Senior Center and Library, prompting the fundraiser as both a community event and a source of support. “We thought, why not create an event that gives the public something fun to enjoy while also helping raise money for both organizations?” Mustard said. The pair added that the event’s goal is to bring the community together and celebrate everything Elk Mountain has to offer. “Everyone is welcome, and any support would be greatly appreciated,” Jones said. Mayor Irene and members of the council expressed their support for the event and thanked both managers for their continued dedication to the community.

In departmental reports, Public Works Director Will Redmond noted that crews would apply larvicide throughout the town this month to help reduce mosquito populations. Annual nightly mosquito sprayings are scheduled to begin in June. Redmond also reported that water service to the bathroom and sprinkler systems at Centennial Park would be activated later this month. Additionally, Redmond attended the annual water treatment conference in Casper last month, where information was shared on anticipated water shortages this summer and on the importance of setting appropriate water rates for municipalities.

Mayor Irene and Elk Mountain Fire Chief Brian O’Connor reported that both the SCWEMS and the Volunteer Fire Department boards needed volunteers and public support. Fire Chief O’Connor also stated that he had recently been reelected as department chief. At the same time, Mayor Irene reported that the SCWEMS board will soon interview a candidate to fill its vacant Director role.

Cemetery Board Chairman Brett Larson announced that mowing and trimming will soon begin at the cemetery to prepare for Memorial Day. The annual tradition of placing an American flag at each veteran’s grave will continue this year, with Larson and the Cemetery Board managing the project.

Councilwoman and Museum Director Angie Hobbs reported that, in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, Elk Mountain had received a commemorative American flag featuring thirteen stars to symbolize and honor the original colonies. Hobbs then presented Irene with the flag and a proclamation recognizing and celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. Mayor Irene signed the proclamation before an audience that watched in support of the occasion. Hobbs also reported that the seventh annual KenDucky Derby will be held this year on Memorial Day. “Once again, we will race rubber ducks down the town slough on Memorial Day,” Hobbs stated. “This event serves as our yearly fundraiser, with ducks available for $5 each. All proceeds will go to the Elk Mountain Museum. The first duck to cross the finish line will win a $500 grand prize.” Hobbs also mentioned that after the race, there will be a hamburger meal and a screening of the 250th Elk Mountain town legacy film at the Community Center. “We invite everyone to buy a duck and join us for this fun-filled day for the town and museum,” she encouraged. Community members may purchase ducks at Town Hall through Clerk-Treasurer Heidi Hess ahead of the Memorial Day event.

After departmental reports, the council unanimously approved the treasurer’s report and bills spanning April 14 through May 11 for $31,366.06

In old business, the council reviewed the sole bid for summer lawn care and cleaning services at Centennial Park, submitted by Hobbs Lawn Care. The bid was approved unanimously, with Councilwoman Angie Hobbs abstaining. A previous discussion about creating an official municipal social media page was revisited. Town Clerk-Treasurer Heidi Hess noted, “I have taken classes on managing and creating such a page, and I believe it would be very beneficial for us and the town to communicate information to the public, especially since not many people read our marquee or attend these meetings.” After some discussion, Mayor Irene called for a vote on the issue, and it passed unanimously.

Following the conclusion of official business, work commenced on the second reading of the 2026–27 fiscal year budget. The council meticulously examined each line item, deliberating on departmental funding, projected expenses, and anticipated income. A discussion about utility rates took place. Mayor Morgan Irene explained, “As a council, we decided last year that to operate these systems as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, we need to review our utility rate structure annually.” He acknowledged, “Nobody likes raising rates, especially us, but avoiding it poses many issues.” Irene warned, “If we ignore rate adjustments, we will keep operating at a deficit. In case of a major system issue requiring extensive repairs, we might be forced to implement sudden, steep increases, similar to what some other municipalities have recently experienced.” He also noted that small yearly increases help maintain the town’s financial stability, stay compliant with federal standards, and keep eligibility for future grants and relief funds in the event of a system failure. Irene concluded, “While it’s frustrating and unfortunate to do this, rising operational costs, anticipated revenue drops, and regulatory demands make rate adjustments necessary.”

In turn, the council unanimously approved raising the monthly sewer rate from $15 to $17. The council also approved a water rate increase across all usage tiers. Rates will rise from $3.00 to $3.25 per 1,000 gallons for usage of 0 to 20,000 gallons; from $4.00 to $4.25 per 1,000 gallons for usage of 20,001 to 50,000 gallons; and from $5.00 to $5.25 per 1,000 gallons for usage exceeding 50,000 gallons.

After the utility rate increases were approved, the council finalized the budget by balancing revenues and expenses and then unanimously approved it on second reading.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. The next regularly scheduled council meeting for Elk Mountain is Monday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Elk Mountain Community Hall.