Council approves sale of historic First Security Bank building for redevelopment

City adopts 'Vision Zero' plan to eliminate traffic fatalities

Fire department strategy saves city millions on equipment

Warning issued regarding tightening budgets for joint powers boards

Redistricting motion passes to correct population imbalance

BLM resource management plan update offers timeline

Food Bank of Sweetwater County secures 10-year lease

Councilors highlight local focus on suicide prevention

Commission rejects funding for Gaston Bridge repairs in split vote

Vandalism reported at closed bridge site

WYDOT reports inflation has tripled road construction costs

Major I-80 and tunnel repairs to continue through 2027

Council approves sale of historic First Security Bank building for redevelopment

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The Rock Springs City Council unanimously approved a commercial real estate contract to sell the municipal property at 502 S. Main St., known as the First Security Bank building, to developer Kody Watts. Watts informed the council that feasibility studies are underway to convert the property into a mixed-use facility featuring retail space on the ground floor, storage units in the basement and approximately 17 residential apartments on the upper levels. Watts, who has been involved with attempts to redevelop the building since 2019, stated that despite parking challenges, the project is intended to revitalize a key piece of downtown real estate.

City adopts 'Vision Zero' plan to eliminate traffic fatalities

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Following a presentation by HDR Engineering, the city council voted unanimously to adopt the Rock Springs Safety Action Plan and set a goal of achieving zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. The plan, funded by a Safe Streets for All federal grant, identified high-risk corridors including Elk Street, College Drive and Dewar Drive based on crash data from 2017 to 2023, which showed 10 fatal and 34 serious injury crashes. Proposed safety measures range from short-term fixes like high-visibility crosswalks to long-term infrastructure changes such as roundabouts and protected bike lanes.

Fire department strategy saves city millions on equipment

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — During council updates, Councilor Tim Thompson reported that the recent acquisition of new fire apparatuses resulted in significant taxpayer savings. By purchasing two fire trucks simultaneously, Thompson stated the city saved approximately $1.4 million compared to the cost of purchasing single units individually. The new equipment was recently celebrated with a traditional "push-in" ceremony at the fire station.

Warning issued regarding tightening budgets for joint powers boards

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Councilor Tim Thompson shared a financial warning following a recent Combined Communications Joint Powers Board meeting. He relayed concerns from Sweetwater County Commissioner Island Richards, indicating that agencies across the city, county and state should expect to "tighten their belts." Thompson advised the council and department heads that moving forward, all entities will likely need to accomplish "more with less" as budgets face increasing scrutiny.

Redistricting motion passes to correct population imbalance

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The city council voted unanimously to proceed with drafting an ordinance to redraw city ward boundaries after internal reviews revealed a significant population disparity between districts. Data presented to the council showed that Ward 2 currently holds 8,720 residents while Ward 4 contains only 4,609, resulting in disproportionate representation. Mayor Max Mickelson noted that the city aims to balance the population to approximately 25 percent per ward, with Sweetwater County Clerk Cindy Lane expected to finalize precinct adjustments by mid-February ahead of the August primary election.

BLM resource management plan update offers timeline

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Councilor Brent Bingham reported on a recent scoping meeting regarding the Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan. Bingham informed the council and public that the amendment process is narrowly focused on special designations and is expected to be completed by October 2026. He urged continued public involvement, noting the impact the plan has on energy development and recreation within the city and county, with public comments due by Jan. 18.

Food Bank of Sweetwater County secures 10-year lease

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Council members unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a new lease agreement with the Food Bank of Sweetwater County. The agreement secures the food bank's operations for the next decade, with the lease term set to expire on Dec. 24, 2035. The long-term agreement is intended to provide stability for the organization as it continues its food distribution programs for residents in need.

Councilors highlight local focus on suicide prevention

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Multiple council members reported on their participation in recent suicide prevention initiatives, highlighting a growing focus on mental health in the community. Councilors Tim Thompson and Jeannie Demas and Mayor Max Mickelson attended a ribbon-cutting for Thrive Wyoming, a new mental health advocacy group. Additionally, Councilor Brent Bingham noted he attended QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) training, emphasizing the need to address the high rate of suicide in Sweetwater County and Wyoming.

Commission rejects funding for Gaston Bridge repairs in split vote

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — The Sweetwater County Commission rejected a proposal to spend approximately $31,000 for temporary repairs to the closed Gaston Bridge in a split 3-2 vote Tuesday. Public Works Director Gene Legerski recommended replacing a deteriorated bent to allow light traffic until the Wyoming Department of Transportation replaces the structure in 2028. While Commissioners Robb Slaughter and Mary Thoman voted in favor to prevent a 50-mile detour for local ranchers and residents, Commissioner Island Richards joined Commissioner Taylor Jones and Chairman Keaton West in voting against the measure, citing declining revenues and the inefficiency of funding a temporary fix for a bridge used by an average of only three vehicles every four days.

Vandalism reported at closed bridge site

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Public Works Director Gene Legerski reported significant vandalism at the Gaston Bridge closure site, telling commissioners that 10 signs were destroyed and a Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office variable message board valued at approximately $14,000 was ruined by shotgun fire. Legerski stated the damage occurred in recent weeks as drivers reportedly moved barricades to illegally cross the structurally deficient bridge despite the closure, raising concerns about public safety and the rising costs of maintaining the secure perimeter.

WYDOT reports inflation has tripled road construction costs

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Wyoming Department of Transportation District 3 Engineer John Eddins told commissioners during a State Transportation Improvement Program presentation that the department has shifted to "pavement preservation mode" because inflation has tripled infrastructure costs while the district's budget has remained flat at roughly $80 million since 2010. Eddins illustrated the financial strain by explaining that a 10-mile interstate project costing $9 million in 2008 now ranges between $20 million and $30 million, forcing the state to prioritize maintaining existing pavement over total reconstruction where possible.

Major I-80 and tunnel repairs to continue through 2027

SWEETWATER COUNTY, Wyo. — Wyoming Department of Transportation officials outlined a schedule of ongoing and future projects for Interstate 80, including significant electrical and safety upgrades to the Green River Tunnels. Construction crews will continue work on the Patrick Draw area and the eastbound lanes through 2026, while the department plans to address the Wamsutter Interchange in 2027 by replacing the asphalt with concrete to better withstand heavy truck traffic. The comprehensive infrastructure plan also includes road closure system upgrades at key interchanges to help manage winter weather disruptions.

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

Contact Us