Pinedale local news summary
Week of December 14 2025
Commissioners approve Boulder Crest Guest Ranch after contentious hearing
Commissioners approve rezone for workforce housing on 4-1 vote
Sheriff's helicopter contract renewal sparks funding debate
Board votes 3-2 to fund animal rescue despite legal concerns
Hospital reports $2.5 million year-to-date loss, COO resigns
Council passes gaming ordinance on final read despite industry opposition
Business license ordinance advances; public meeting set for Dec. 15
Council doubles employee retention bonuses
Commissioners approve Boulder Crest Guest Ranch after contentious hearing
PINEDALE, Wyo. - The Sublette County Board of Commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the Boulder Crest Foundation to operate a guest ranch for veteran retreats, following a lengthy hearing and a split 3-2 vote. The permit allows landowner Albert Ellis to transition his property near Boulder for use by the nonprofit, which offers post-traumatic growth programs for combat veterans and first responders. Commissioners added nine specific conditions to the approval to address neighborhood concerns, including strict quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., mandatory landscaping buffers, and a stipulation that the permit becomes void if ownership transfers away from the Foundation. Neighbors expressed strong opposition regarding traffic on Mallard Road and potential changes to the rural character of the area, while supporters emphasized the critical need for mental health resources in the veteran community.
Commissioners approve rezone for workforce housing on 4-1 vote
PINEDALE, Wyo. - The board approved a zoning change and minor subdivision for the Double J Ranch to create a 3-acre parcel for the ranch's managers, Leah and Wyatt Zupan. The request to rezone the parcel from Agricultural (A-1) to Rural Residential (RR) passed on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Dave Stephens casting the dissenting vote and characterizing the move as "spot zoning." Proponents of the plan argued the subdivision allows essential workforce housing for long-term community members who might otherwise be priced out of the local real estate market.
Sheriff's helicopter contract renewal sparks funding debate
PINEDALE, Wyo. - With a renewal approaching for the county's helicopter contract, estimated at $600,000, commissioners discussed the necessity of requesting financial contributions from neighboring jurisdictions. Commissioner Dave Stephens argued that other counties, specifically Fremont County, frequently utilize the asset for search and rescue operations without contributing to the operational costs. The board agreed to revisit the topic and potentially solicit funds when the formal request for proposal (RFP) is reviewed on Dec. 11.
Board votes 3-2 to fund animal rescue despite legal concerns
PINEDALE, Wyo. - A budget transfer resolution sparked debate regarding a $17,000 allocation to the Happy Endings Animal Rescue. County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich advised the board that he could not find clear statutory authority for the county to donate directly to animal rescue organizations. Despite the legal caution and a 3-2 split on the specific line item, the board ultimately passed the broader budget resolution with the donation included. Commissioners agreed to seek a formal written opinion from the county attorney to clarify the legality of such contributions for future budget cycles.
Hospital reports $2.5 million year-to-date loss, COO resigns
PINEDALE, Wyo. - Sublette County Hospital District Administrator Bill Patton reported a net loss of $863,000 for October and a year-to-date loss of $2.55 million, attributing the financial shortfall to low patient volume and high costs for contract labor. To address financial stability, the district is actively recruiting four primary care physicians to increase clinic capacity and has canceled a third-party contract, projected to save $1 million annually. Patton also announced that Chief Operating Officer Lindsey Bond has submitted her resignation, effective this Friday, to pursue new challenges.
Council passes gaming ordinance on final read despite industry opposition
PINEDALE, Wyo. - The Pinedale Town Council approved Ordinance 735 on its third and final reading Monday, establishing local regulations for skill-based amusement games and parimutuel wagering. The decision followed opposition from Leslie George, a licensed skill game vendor from Sheridan, who argued the ordinance illegally preempts state law and that sole authority lies with the Wyoming Gaming Commission. The mayor maintained that the town operates under home rule authority to regulate business locations to protect community culture. The council amended the ordinance to remove a restriction regarding distance from churches before passing the measure 5-0.
Business license ordinance advances; public meeting set for Dec. 15
PINEDALE, Wyo. - Ordinance 736, which would create a general business license requirement for the town, passed its second reading following substantial discussion regarding exemptions and fees. Council members debated the definitions of "late fees" versus "reinstatement fees" and clarified protections for small-scale operations like lemonade stands and yard sales. The mayor emphasized that the ordinance is intended for consumer protection and creating a business directory rather than revenue generation. The council scheduled a "Pizza with the Council" event for Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. to gather public feedback before the third reading, tentatively planned for late January.
Council doubles employee retention bonuses
PINEDALE, Wyo. - In a move to recognize town staff, the town council voted to double the proposed annual employee retention awards. The mayor requested the item be pulled from the consent agenda, suggesting the original total of $4,700 was insufficient given the quality of the town's workforce. The council voted unanimously to increase the individual awards to $500, $300 and $100 based on tenure, bringing the total expenditure to $9,400 to be awarded on Dec. 1.
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