Council approves $92,000 goat grazing contract for weed control

City to re-bid Century West Park splash pad project

Main Street Market to relocate to Bunning Park

Tourism board reports $1.5 million in lodging tax revenue

Councilor Mark Pedri appointed to Wyoming Arts Council

State senator highlights new local control over gaming licenses

1. Council approves $92,000 goat grazing contract for weed control

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Despite pushback from some constituents, the Rock Springs City Council approved a $92,000 contract with LS5 Livestock Co. LLC for targeted goat grazing along Killpecker Creek. The goats will be used as an organic method to clear noxious weeds, such as tamarisk and perennial pepperweed, helping to mitigate flood risks by keeping waterways clear of debris. The measure faced opposition citing the high cost and concerns from residents, but the majority supported the contract as a necessary flood prevention tool.

2. City to re-bid Century West Park splash pad project

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — In an effort to rein in costs, the Rock Springs City Council unanimously authorized the Parks and Recreation Department to re-bid the Century West Park splash pad project. After initial bids came in significantly over grant amounts, city staff restructured the project to handle a portion of the construction in-house. The new contract will exclusively cover the splash pad components and pump house assembly, a move officials say will keep the project within budget.

3. Main Street Market to relocate to Bunning Park

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Main Street Market is officially moving to Bunning Park for a trial run this season, resolving a dispute with some downtown business owners. The Rock Springs City Council unanimously denied a previously postponed request from the business owners regarding street parking closures, rendering the issue moot due to the market's relocation. Officials hope the move to Bunning Park will balance the needs of downtown businesses while maintaining the Main Street Market's community draw, with plans to evaluate the impact at the end of the year.

4. Tourism board reports $1.5 million in lodging tax revenue

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism CEO Jenissa Meredith presented the board's 2025 annual report, highlighting over $1.5 million in lodging tax collections. By state statute, the funds must be used for marketing, with 79 percent dedicated to out-of-county campaigns. Meredith also announced a new block grant for downtown Rock Springs, which recently funded holiday lights and bronze art busts, as well as a forthcoming history app for the America 250 celebration.

5. Councilor Mark Pedri appointed to Wyoming Arts Council

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Rock Springs City Council recognized Councilor Mark Pedri for a recent appointment to the Wyoming Arts Council by Gov. Mark Gordon. Pedri, known for his work on the documentary "Dear Sirs" and an upcoming Amelia Earhart project, will serve a three-year term representing southwestern Wyoming. The appointment is expected to highlight the economic and cultural impact of the arts in Sweetwater County and support local creative industries.

6. State senator highlights new local control over gaming licenses

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — A legislative update presented to the Rock Springs City Council emphasized a newly passed gaming bill that grants Wyoming municipalities the power to deny permits for simulcasting. The update also covered changes to state funding for cities following the removal of the state sales tax on food, ensuring a more stable revenue stream for local distributions. Additionally, the presentation noted the defeat of a controversial bill that would have allowed the removal of city council members by petition without a standard election.

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