Kemmerer local news summary

City Hall faces $31,000 emergency heater replacement

Plans for new light industrial park move forward

City to pay $46,765 for airport repairs, will seek reimbursement

Two officers honored for life-saving CPR

Commissioners table Bedford solar project after public outcry

Conservation district details watershed work, eyes virtual fencing

Star Valley RV park fined $30,000 for long-standing violations

County will seek up to $2.8 million for Cokeville-area road project

City Hall faces $31,000 emergency heater replacement

KEMMERER, Wyo. – The council approved an emergency expenditure of $31,082 to replace two failed heating units that serve the police department and front offices at City Hall. Public works officials reported that both three-year-old units have cracked heat exchangers, which was attributed to the installation of incorrect aluminum models instead of more durable stainless-steel units needed for the building’s airflow system. The council chose a bid from Tom’s HVAC over a less expensive option from Landmark Plumbing & Heating due to a shorter two-to-four-week delivery time, citing concerns about approaching winter weather. Officials called the situation a “really good example of how expensive things can get when you don’t do it right the first time.”

Plans for new light industrial park move forward

KEMMERER, Wyo. – The city is advancing plans to develop a light industrial park on 94.5 acres of city-owned land east of the Justice Center. Officials presented a conceptual map showing a new road connecting Sublet Drive to Justice Center Drive, creating access to multiple buildable lots. The first official step is a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 10 to amend the city’s comprehensive plan and future land use map, as the area is currently zoned residential. The development aims to attract new businesses, with officials noting that a prospective anchor tenant has expressed interest in a 6.4-acre lot.

City to pay $46,765 for airport repairs, will seek reimbursement

KEMMERER, Wyo. – The city will pay Sage Electric Solutions $46,765.20 to cover the remaining cost of repairing electrical cables at the Kemmerer Municipal Airport that were damaged by a subcontractor for a telecommunications contractor in June. The damage resulted in a loss of power to runway lighting. While that subcontractor paid for nearly $20,000 in materials, the city has been working to get the remaining labor and equipment costs covered. The council approved paying the invoice to ensure the contractor is compensated, while staff and the city attorney will continue to pursue full reimbursement from the responsible companies and their insurers.

Two officers honored for life-saving CPR

KEMMERER, Wyo. – Officer Dallas Blasengym and Officer Nicole Stetzenbach received the Outstanding Service Award for their role in saving a man’s life. The two officers responded to a call on Sept. 28 where a 33-year-old man had gone into full cardiac arrest. According to the presenter, the officers’ fast response and effective CPR were critical to the man’s survival. The individual has since been released from the hospital and is in rehabilitation.

Commissioners table Bedford solar project after public outcry

KEMMERER, Wyo. - The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday tabled a proposal for a one-megawatt community solar array near Bedford after nearly an hour of debate and strong opposition from local residents. The board postponed a decision on Lower Valley Energy’s conditional use permit until its Nov. 5 meeting and asked the utility to hold additional public meetings in Bedford. Lower Valley Energy representative Jon Hougland said the project aims to keep rates stable and improve power quality, noting the site’s proximity to an existing substation.

Conservation district details watershed work, eyes virtual fencing

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Star Valley Conservation District manager Kresta Hedges briefed commissioners on Phase I of the Salt River Watershed Study and ongoing partnerships with Trout Unlimited and the Greys River Ranger District on conservation efforts. She is also assessing whether combining the county’s two conservation districts could improve efficiency.

Star Valley RV park fined $30,000 for long-standing violations

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Commissioners approved a final determination of violation against the Star Valley Ranch RV Park, imposing a $30,000 fine for unpermitted structures and unresolved compliance issues. Planning Director Ken Kuluski outlined the long history of violations. Tim Stewart, vice president for the park operator Leisure Valley Inc., told commissioners the company has invested nearly $250,000 in improvements and requested a lower fine. After discussion, Commissioner Melvin Shumway moved to set the final fine at $30,000, adjusting the planning department’s initial recommendation.

County will seek up to $2.8 million for Cokeville-area road project

KEMMERER, Wyo. - Lincoln County will request state funding not to exceed $2.8 million for a mill-and-fill project on County Road 207 from Cokeville to the Utah line. The motion by Commissioner Melvin Shumway also directed staff to pursue funding for improvements to Shute Creek Road, CR 340 in Elkol and CR 304; amounts for those will be set later. The request will be made through a Wyoming Department of Transportation state-county road realignment funding program.

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