Green River local news summary

Council approves liquor license extension despite opposition

Council member dissents on license 'parking,' cites lack of progress

Riverview Drive reconstruction set for spring groundbreaking

Bushman clarifies city's separation from Flaming Gorge Days management

Commission postpones decision on contested liquor license in split vote

County moves to tighten short-term rental regulations

Zoning updates approved for wind and solar projects

Chairman warns of looming budget difficulties amid revenue decline

Commission submits scoping comments for Rock Springs RMP amendment

County backs Simplot in federal land exchange dispute

Star Transit reports 29 percent jump in ridership

Council approves liquor license extension despite opposition

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - The Green River City Council voted 5-2 Tuesday night to approve a request from 307 Horse Racing LLC to "park" its retail liquor license through Jan. 22, 2027. The business, which plans to operate out of the former movie theater at 699 Uinta Drive, requested the extension due to construction delays and supply chain issues. State statutes require license holders to be operational within 12 months, but the council exercised its authority to grant an extension based on "good cause" shown by the applicant.

Council member dissents on license 'parking,' cites lack of progress

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - During the debate regarding the liquor license extension for 307 Horse Racing LLC, a council member voiced strong opposition, noting the property has held a license for nearly two years without opening. The council member stated they drive by the location frequently and have not seen workers on site. They argued the business should surrender the license and reapply once renovations are complete rather than holding the license inactive for another year.

Riverview Drive reconstruction set for spring groundbreaking

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - While discussing the materials testing contract with Western EGI, Public Works Director Mark Westenskow confirmed the timeline for the major Riverview Drive reconstruction. Westenskow stated that although the project was awarded earlier this year, the city plans to break ground this coming spring. The testing approved Tuesday is a prerequisite for ensuring the quality of the upcoming roadwork.

Bushman clarifies city's separation from Flaming Gorge Days management

GREEN RIVER, Wyo. - During council reports, Councilwoman Sherry Bushman addressed online posts regarding the Flaming Gorge Days festival. Bushman clarified her involvement, stating the nonprofit Green River Flaming Gorge Days Inc. was a volunteer group separate from the city. She cited her experience managing large events for the American Cancer Society and noted that she contributed personal funds and volunteer hours to support the event after the previous management contract was terminated.

Bushman emphasized the city's intent to remove the event from municipal management. She noted the city terminated its contract with Adelska, LLC, a previous festival management contractor, and sought to return the festival to a volunteer-run model. Bushman stated that she and former state legislator Tony Niemiec stepped in to assist solely to ensure the event's success during the transition, following the council's direction to separate the event from the city's operations.

Commission postpones decision on contested liquor license in split vote

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.. — Following a lengthy debate involving neighborhood opposition, the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to postpone a decision on a retail liquor license application for 374 Liquor. Residents of the Jamestown area voiced concerns regarding traffic, safety and proximity to homes, while Anthony Niemiec assured the board the business would focus on online wine shipping and package sales rather than operating as a bar. Commissioners Thoman, Richards and Chairman Keaton West discussed placing restrictions on the license to limit operating hours and business type, ultimately voting to postpone the item to allow the applicant to amend the application to reflect reduced hours and a non-bar scope. Two commissioners voted against the postponement, preferring to settle the matter immediately.

County moves to tighten short-term rental regulations

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The commission unanimously approved a notice of intent to amend zoning resolutions regarding short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs and VRBOs, responding to increased resident inquiries. The proposed amendments include raising the permit fee from $50 to $100 and requiring owners to designate a local representative capable of responding to complaints via phone or text within one hour. Additionally, the new regulations propose a density cap allowing only two short-term rentals per block; any additional rentals within that block would require a conditional use permit approved through a public hearing process.

Zoning updates approved for wind and solar projects

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— The commission certified and approved amendments to the county zoning resolution regarding conditional use permits for solar energy facilities and wind energy conversion systems. Land Use Director Eric Bingham explained that the changes are designed to align wind and solar regulations, specifically addressing wildlife impacts and migration corridors following issues with previous solar projects. The new rules require developers to coordinate with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and follow the Governor's Sage-Grouse Executive Order to mitigate significant adverse impacts on wildlife.

Chairman warns of looming budget difficulties amid revenue decline

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — During commissioner comments, Chairman Keaton West issued a warning regarding the county's fiscal outlook, noting a significant decline in mineral revenue distributions. West reported that ad valorem revenue is down approximately $1.4 million year-to-date, with November collections alone dropping 31 percent. Citing the revenue shortfall and a high number of vacant county positions, West suggested that elected officials and department heads begin budget discussions early to address what he anticipates will be a difficult budget session.

Commission submits scoping comments for Rock Springs RMP amendment

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— The board unanimously voted to submit formal scoping comments regarding the notice of intent to amend the Bureau of Land Management's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan. This action is the latest step in a yearslong dispute over federal land management in the region, following the governor's involvement and significant public outcry over the previous draft. Commissioners expressed hope that the new amendment process would address local concerns regarding public access and economic use of federal lands.

County backs Simplot in federal land exchange dispute

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— Commissioners voted to sign a letter of support addressed to Wyoming's federal delegation advocating for the protection of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act regarding land exchanges. This action comes in response to a court ruling that could jeopardize a land exchange vital to the J.R. Simplot Co.'s phosphate operations. Simplot Rock Springs Plant Manager Mark Rubich told the board that the court ruling could impact the long-term viability of the Rock Springs plant and local jobs, prompting the commission to advocate for the company's ability to execute necessary land swaps.

Star Transit reports 29 percent jump in ridership

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Star Transit Director Pacheco reported a 29 percent year-over-year increase in ridership for the first 11 months of 2024. Pacheco attributed the growth to the availability of new buses, increased advertising and the launch of a new mobile app, which now accounts for 12 percent of all ride bookings. The director noted that 70 percent of their riders would have no alternative transportation without the service, highlighting its role as an essential service for the county's elderly, disabled and low-income populations.

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