Green River local news summary
Week of October 9 2025
Council debates future of Flaming Gorge Days, agrees to workshop
City council bans use of carbon dioxide for animal euthanasia
Tata Chemicals donates $10,000 to riverbank project
Council approves placement of national historic marker in Thomas Moran Park
Employee Christmas bonus fails in 3-2 vote
Commission approves over $2.7 million for hospital lab project
Specific purpose tax collections surge, talk of new ballot initiative begins
Summer events generated $18.5 million economic impact; future of high school rodeo in doubt
Council debates future of Flaming Gorge Days, agrees to workshop
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - The Green River City Council on Tuesday agreed to enter into formal discussions with a new citizen-led group aiming to take over the organization of Flaming Gorge Days, following a lengthy and at times tense debate over procedural steps. Councilman Gary Killpack raised concerns that the new committee had moved forward without formal council permission, questioning the process and the city’s potential liability under a draft memorandum of understanding. Other council members and city staff noted the long-stated goal was to return the event to a community-run model to increase volunteer involvement and improve planning. The council ultimately voted to authorize the mayor to oversee negotiations with the newly formed citizen group. A city workshop will be scheduled to finalize the details of a potential service contract and clarify the city’s financial and in-kind contributions to the annual event.
City council bans use of carbon dioxide for animal euthanasia
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - The City Council unanimously voted to prohibit the use of carbon dioxide gas for the euthanasia of animals in all city-run facilities and by any contracted animal service providers. The motion passed without discussion. The decision aligns the city with what animal welfare advocates consider more humane methods.
Tata Chemicals donates $10,000 to riverbank project
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - The council formally accepted a $10,000 donation from Tata Chemicals for the Riverside Memorial Park Riverbank Restoration Project. According to city staff, the contribution will directly offset the city’s matching fund portion for the grant-funded project, which is nearing completion.
Council approves placement of national historic marker in Thomas Moran Park
GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - Green River is in the running to receive a national America 250 Patriots Marker after the City Council authorized a formal request to the Daughters of the American Revolution. If approved, the commemorative plaque celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States will be installed in Thomas Moran Park. Communications Administrator Steve Core said Green River’s historical significance as a transportation hub with the railroad, Green River and Interstate 80 makes it an ideal location. Representatives of the local High Desert chapter of the DAR were in attendance to support the request.
Employee Christmas bonus fails in 3-2 vote
SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — A motion to provide a $250 Christmas bonus to county employees failed in a 3-2 vote at the Sweetwater County Commission meeting Tuesday, following a debate over fiscal responsibility. Commissioner Island Richards proposed the bonus, estimated to cost about $60,500, arguing it was a way to show appreciation for employees. He was supported by Commissioner Mary Thoman. However, Chairman Keaton West, along with Commissioners Taylor Jones and Robb Slaughter, voted against the measure. They cited the recent and difficult budget cuts made to outside agencies, stating that awarding a bonus would send the wrong message. The commission did unanimously approve giving employees a paid holiday on Dec. 24.
Commission approves over $2.7 million for hospital lab project
SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Commissioners unanimously approved a budget amendment Tuesday to authorize the use of $2,744,950 for the ongoing Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County lab project. The funds, which were previously awarded in 2023 and held in reserves, were moved into the hospital’s operational budget to allow for project expenditures. Commissioner Taylor Jones noted that he had confirmed the project remains on budget, a fact he called “good to hear and definitely rare.”
Specific purpose tax collections surge, talk of new ballot initiative begins
SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — The county’s specific purpose tax collected $1,973,275 in the last month, a significant increase of over $700,000 from the prior month. Commissioner Robb Slaughter, reporting from the tax’s joint powers board meeting, said collections have now reached $42.8 million, or 53.1 percent of the total goal. With collections ahead of schedule, the board has begun discussions about preparing a list of projects for a potential new specific purpose tax initiative. The board is exploring placing a new initiative on the ballot before the current one is fully collected to avoid a lapse in the tax.
Summer events generated $18.5 million economic impact; future of high school rodeo in doubt
SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Sweetwater County’s five largest summer events, including the National High School Finals Rodeo and Wyoming’s Big Show, generated an estimated $18.5 million in local economic impact, Events Complex Executive Director Kandi Pendleton reported Tuesday. While celebrating a successful season, Pendleton warned that the National High School Finals Rodeo is unlikely to return. She said the event has outgrown the complex’s facilities, particularly regarding RV parking, and the organization is seeking larger venues. The rodeo has been a significant tourism driver for the county, which has hosted the event eight times.
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