Kemmerer local news summary

South Lincoln Hospital Long-Term Care Facility Faces Potential Closure, Seeks $1.6M Grant

City Joins Multi-County Effort to Secure Industrial Impact Funds

MOU Is For Blue Spruce’s Dry Piney Helium & Carbon Sequestration Project

Major Upgrades Underway at Municipal Airport

Key Intersection Drainage Project Completed at Moose & Third West Avenue

Police Department to Receive New Cameras, Digital Ticketing System

Council Votes to Join State Investment Pool for Higher Returns

New Community Tree Dump Exceeds Expectations

Annual Fly-In Event Sees High Youth Turnout; Car Show to be Re-evaluated

South Lincoln Hospital Long-Term Care Facility Faces Potential Closure, Seeks $1.6M Grant

KEMMERER - The South Lincoln Hospital District is facing a critical deadline to bring its long-term care facility up to code or risk its closure by the beginning of the year, a move that would displace its 15 elderly residents. A hospital representive informed the council that the facility must be updated to meet state requirements. To fund the necessary renovations, the hospital is urgently applying for a $1.6 million SLIB grant. The council unanimously approved a motion to sign a letter of support for the grant application, recognizing the vital need for the facility in the community. Councilman Marlin Batista noted the issue "hits home," emphasizing the personal impact the loss of the facility would have on local families.

City Joins Multi-County Effort to Secure Industrial Impact Funds

KEMMERER - The Kemmerer City Council has authorized the mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties to collectively apply for industrial impact mitigation funding. The funds, which could total over $14 million for the region, are intended to help local governments manage the effects of a major new construction project expected to bring hundreds of workers to the area between 2026 and 2028. Kemmerer is aiming to secure 20% of Lincoln County's total share to support its public works and public safety infrastructure. Staff is currently working to document the projected impact on housing and city services to justify the funding request to the state's Industrial Siting Council.

MOU Is For Blue Spruce’s Dry Piney Helium & Carbon Sequestration Project

SUBLETTE COUNTY — Blue Spruce Operating’s Dry Piney project near LaBarge would develop new gas-production pads, pipelines and a helium/natural-gas processing complex alongside acid-gas injection wells to permanently store captured CO₂. Designed to produce more than 800 million cubic feet of liquid helium per year, the facility is among North America’s largest planned helium projects and aims to begin operations in the second half of 2028; two CO₂ capture trains are expected to sequester up to 4.5 million metric tons annually. The project sits on the LaBarge Anticline, has entered federal scoping with the Bureau of Land Management, and has received $6 million from Wyoming’s Energy Matching Funds program.  

Upgrades Underway at Municipal Airport

KEMMERER - The Kemmerer Municipal Airport is in the midst of several key capital improvement projects. A major lighting project is set to begin next week, which will replace the wind cones and upgrade the main runway lights to modern, energy-efficient LEDs. A new cloud-based surveillance system was also approved for installation. Additionally, a recently completed insulation project in the main terminal's roof and walls is already showing promise. Public Works Director Chad Nielson reported that the building is now more stable in high winds and is expected to significantly reduce propane heating costs this winter.

Key Intersection Drainage Project Completed at Moose & Third West Avenue

KEMMERER - Crews have completed a significant capital project to improve a chronically problematic drainage area at the intersection of Moose Street and Third West Avenue. The project involved installing new valley gutters designed to channel rainwater into the storm drain system more effectively. Public Works Director Chad Nielson reported that he was "really happy with the project," noting that during a recent rainstorm, water now has three different ways to exit the intersection.

Police Department to Receive New Cameras, Digital Ticketing System

KEMMERER - The Kemmerer Police Department is moving forward with significant technological upgrades. The department is awaiting the installation and training for a new body camera and in-car camera system that will automatically download footage when patrol cars return to the station. An eCitation suite for issuing digital tickets is also being built, though an additional software module is needed to integrate it with the municipal court system. After two unsuccessful attempts to solicit bids, the department has located and is purchasing a 2025 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor from a dealer in Cheyenne to replace an aging vehicle in its fleet.

Council Votes to Join State Investment Pool for Higher Returns

KEMMERER - In a move to maximize returns on public funds, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution to join the Wyoming Cooperative Liquid Assets Security System (Wyo‑CLASS). This state-managed investment trust allows municipalities to pool their funds to gain access to better interest rates than are typically available through standard bank accounts. The decision follows a presentation from a Wyo‑CLASS representative at a previous meeting. City Clerk‑Treasurer Natasia Diers noted the interest rate on this new fund is "pretty good" and will provide another secure investment option for the city's money.

New Community Tree Dump Exceeds Expectations

KEMMERER - A new tree and yard waste dump site for residents has proven to be a resounding success, according to the Public Works Department. The site, managed in partnership with J Solutions, has been heavily utilized since its opening, with residents filling the containment area every 10 to 12 days. Director Chad Nielson expressed his pleasant surprise that the site has been used responsibly, with no instances of illegal dumping reported. Mayor Robert Bowen commented that the service is likely "saving us a lot of money" by diverting tons of organic waste from household trash cans and the landfill. The site will remain open for residents through October.

Annual Fly-In Event Sees High Youth Turnout; Car Show to be Re-evaluated

KEMMERER - The recent Fly-In and Car Show at the airport was a major success for young aviators, with 40 children between the ages of 8 and 17 taking to the skies for free flights. According to the Events Coordinator, demand was so high that there was a two-week waitlist, and more hats will be ordered for participants next year. While the fly-in portion thrived, the accompanying car show drew only seven entries. City and airport staff plan to work together on strategies to "pump up" participation in the car show for next year's event, including a possible pre-registration system.

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