Zoning amendment for light industrial area passes second reading

City accepts donation of NHL-sized hockey rink

Tourism social media views spike over 1,000 percent

Police department restarts K-9 program

Commission moves to form EMS district, sets public hearing

Public health reports rise in STIs and measles concerns

Major industrial projects face significant delays

Housing and infrastructure costs cited as barriers to growth

Banks Landing subdivision approved following recusal

County approves $1.14 million road agreement

Commissioners support federal grizzly bear management act

Zoning amendment for light industrial area passes second reading

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The city council unanimously passed the second reading of Ordinance 2026-901, which amends the zoning map near the South Lincoln Justice Center. The ordinance changes 94.5 acres of city land from residential to light industrial and 26.09 acres of county land from agricultural to light industrial. City Administrator Brian Muir stated the change is intended to facilitate a new business and modernize the industrial sector of the community.

City accepts donation of NHL-sized hockey rink

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Golf and Parks Director John Tibbetts indicated that the city of Douglas has donated a used, full-size National Hockey League hockey rink to Kemmerer after receiving a grant for a new facility. The acquisition includes boards and glass for a 100-by-200-foot rink. While the equipment is free, city staff noted the logistical challenges ahead, including the costs of transporting the materials and the necessity of pouring a concrete pad to accommodate the structure, as it is too large for the existing fishing pond location.

Tourism social media views spike over 1,000 percent

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The Fossil Basin Promotion Board presented its annual report, highlighting a massive increase in digital engagement following the appointment of Samuel Harris to manage the board's online presence. Board representatives reported that social media views jumped from approximately 9,000 in January 2025 to over 104,000 in January 2026. The board is also launching a "Travel Stories" app that provides audio history tours to visitors' phones as they drive through the region.

Police department restarts K-9 program

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Police Chief Mike Kahre reported that the department's K-9 program is officially resuming. An officer was scheduled to travel on Monday to receive the dog and begin the necessary training and certification process. The chief noted that this addition will bring the department's staffing back to previous operational levels.

Commission moves to form EMS district, sets public hearing

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The Lincoln County Commission voted unanimously to advance the formation of an emergency medical service district that would mirror the boundaries of the North Lincoln Hospital District. Star Valley Health CEO Daniel Ordyna requested the measure, stating that current EMS services are a financial strain on the hospital and require a dedicated mill levy to remain sustainable. Commission Chairman Kent Connelly noted concerns about appointing a board that could remain unfunded if voters later reject the tax, but the commission agreed to draft a resolution and schedule a public hearing to let the community decide the issue.

Public health reports rise in STIs and measles concerns

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Lincoln County Public Health Nurse Manager Madison Wilkes presented the agency's annual update, reporting a 30 percent increase in clients seeking testing services. The report identified chlamydia as the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection in the county, followed by hepatitis C. Wilkes also cautioned that Wyoming has lost its measles elimination status after 15 cases were reported statewide, though she noted that Lincoln County remains at low risk for tuberculosis.

Major industrial projects face significant delays

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Lincoln County Commission Chief of Staff Stephen Allen reported substantial scheduling setbacks for several major industrial siting projects in the region. According to the Department of Environmental Quality, TerraPower's Kemmerer Power Station has delayed its completion date to the fourth quarter of 2031. Allen also noted that WE Soda's Project West is now pushed to 2027, the Pacific Soda Dry Creek Trona Project to December 2026, and Citrine Solar's Lincoln Solar Project to 2027, while Blue Spruce Operating's Dry Piney Helium and Carbon Sequestration Project remains on schedule for the second quarter of 2026.

Housing and infrastructure costs cited as barriers to growth

KEMMERER, Wyo. — During a presentation by Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell, county officials discussed the structural hurdles facing local communities. One commissioner pointed to high housing prices in the north and low inventory in the south as primary challenges, while another noted that infrastructure costs have become prohibitive. Despite these concerns, the board agreed to express support to their legislators for continued state funding of the business council.

Banks Landing subdivision approved following recusal

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The Banks Landing subdivision, a 159-acre development project, was approved by the commission with a 2-0 vote. One commissioner recused themselves from the discussion and vote citing a conflict of interest. The motion to approve the development was subsequently passed by the remaining board members.

County approves $1.14 million road agreement

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The commission unanimously approved an agreement with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to fund chip sealing for county roads. The project is capped at a maximum cost of $1,141,668.

Commissioners support federal grizzly bear management act

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The board voted unanimously to sign correspondence supporting U.S. House of Representatives bill H.R. 281, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025. The decision formally establishes the county's position in favor of returning management of the grizzly bear population to state control.

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