Kemmerer local news summary

Week of February 24, 2026

Kemmerer local news summary

Council approves 78-lot Gateway subdivision plat

City and county land rezoned for light industrial park

Excavation plans moving forward for potential industrial site

Street department targets potholes as winter thaws

Event center upgrades and potential name change discussed

State funding cut hits city budget

Mayor reports on nuclear plant buzz at state meeting

Council eyes commemorative coins for America's 250th anniversary

New police K-9 unit arriving soon


Council approves 78-lot Gateway subdivision plat

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The city council voted unanimously to approve the final plat for Phase 1A of the Gateway Planned Unit Development, paving the way for 78 new residential lots near the city cemetery. The approval is contingent upon Elevation Development, LLC — formerly Gateway Development Kemmerer, LLC — signing a development agreement and verifying proper titling. The motion also included language to vacate a previous plat for the area to clear up legal obligations. City engineer Brian Gray of Jorgensen Associates noted that significant improvements were made regarding snow removal planning and drainage, with a detention basin designed to handle storm runoff without creating permanent standing water.


City and county land rezoned for light industrial park

KEMMERER, Wyo. — In a move to expand economic opportunities, the council approved the third and final reading of Ordinance 2026-901, rezoning more than 120 acres of land. The ordinance changes the zoning of 94.5 acres of city-owned land and 26.09 acres of Lincoln County-owned land from residential and agricultural use to light industrial. The parcels are located south of Highway 30, east of the Lincoln County Justice Center. Officials hope the move will facilitate the creation of a new light industrial park across from existing industrial developments.


Excavation plans moving forward for potential industrial site

KEMMERER, Wyo. — During the work session, the council discussed excavation requirements for a six-acre site being considered for industrial development. Engineers originally estimated a $1 million cost involving a retaining wall, but city officials suggested cutting the hill back further to eliminate the need for the wall, significantly reducing costs. The council agreed that leveling the land near the justice center makes the property "shovel ready" for industrial development.


Street department targets potholes as winter thaws

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Public Works Director Chad Nielson reported that street crews have begun pothole repairs during afternoon warm spells. While the department is still managing snow removal budgets and preparing for potential storms, crews are utilizing patching equipment to address road damage caused by the winter freeze-thaw cycle. The department is also collaborating with city engineers to finalize snow removal plans for the newly approved Gateway subdivision to ensure efficient future maintenance.


Event center upgrades and potential name change discussed

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Event Center Director Trista Gordon reported that the facility is seeking bids for concrete work at the front entry, with a deadline set for mid-March. Additionally, there was discussion regarding officially renaming the facility from "South Lincoln Training and Events Center" to the "Kemmerer Event Center" during upcoming contract negotiations with the county to better reflect its location and identity. Gordon also noted that nine parking lot lights are scheduled for replacement by Sage Electric in the coming weeks.


State funding cut hits city budget

KEMMERER, Wyo. — City Administrator Brian Muir reported that the city's direct distribution funding from the state will decrease by approximately $82,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. Muir noted that while sales tax formulas have been adjusted, the reduction presents a challenge as department heads begin submitting their budget worksheets. The council is scheduled to hold budget workshops in late April or early May to address the shortfall and finalize the city's operating and capital project budgets.


Mayor reports on nuclear plant buzz at state meeting

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Following his attendance at the Wyoming Association of Municipalities meeting, Mayor Robert Bowen reported that the TerraPower nuclear project was a dominant topic of conversation. Bowen noted that the state legislature is heavily focused on nuclear energy funding, and representatives from other communities frequently approached Kemmerer officials to discuss the project. The mayor described the atmosphere as intense, with the nuclear plant and property tax reform being the primary statewide focuses.


Council eyes commemorative coins for America's 250th anniversary

KEMMERER, Wyo. — The council discussed plans to order challenge coins celebrating the city and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. With production costs dropping significantly to approximately $1.50 per coin, officials considered holding a community design contest for one side of the coin while using the other side to represent the national anniversary. The council aims to finalize the design and order the coins within the next month to ensure they arrive in time for July 4 festivities.


New police K-9 unit arriving soon

KEMMERER, Wyo. — Police Chief Michael Kahre announced that the department's new K-9 officer has begun his second week of training. Councilman Caleb Ellis has volunteered to fly to the training facility to transport the dog and his handler, Officer Dallas Blasengym, back to Kemmerer. The department is also preparing administrative policies and case law training to ensure the new K-9 program is compliant and effective upon the team's arrival next week.


Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us


Job Board