Rock Springs local news summary

Council rejects proposed Planning and Zoning Department fee hikes in split vote

State senator details bill to give city final say on gaming permits

State gaming commission halts “skill games” at local Smith’s following investigation

Mandatory alcohol server training ordinance tabled amid business concerns

Food insecurity a major issue in Sweetwater County, council hears

Commissioners consider major solid waste district expansion

Future of ambulance funding weighed; special district an option

County aims to standardize wildlife rules for wind, solar projects

Federal land use plans and shutdown prompt special meeting

Report cites school officers for drop in juvenile cases

Council rejects proposed Planning and Zoning Department fee hikes in split vote

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — A resolution to update the Rock Springs Planning and Zoning Department’s fee schedule for the first time since 2014 was defeated Tuesday in a 5-4 vote by the City Council. The proposal included substantial increases for services such as site plan reviews, conditional use permits and appeals, with some fees rising by as much as 800 percent. City staff argued the new fees were necessary to cover administrative costs and align with other Wyoming municipalities. However, several council members cited the drastic percentage increases as a primary concern, leading to the motion’s failure. The resolution will be revised for consideration at a future meeting.

State senator details bill to give city final say on gaming permits

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — State Sen. John Kolb informed the City Council on Tuesday that a new bill drafted by the Legislature’s Select Committee on Gaming would grant local municipalities final authority over the approval of simulcasting and historic horse racing permits within their jurisdictions. Under the proposed legislation, the City of Rock Springs would have the power to approve or deny applications for justifiable cause, including if an establishment is not deemed socially beneficial to the community. The draft will be presented to the Legislature’s Management Council for sponsorship.

State gaming commission halts “skill games” at local Smith’s following investigation

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — So-called “skill games” recently installed at the Rock Springs Smith’s Food and Drug have been shut down by the Wyoming Gaming Commission after an investigation found evidence of underage use, State Sen. John Kolb reported to the council. The investigation was launched after a local constituent witnessed minors playing the machines. Kolb said the commission is pursuing administrative action against the operator, and the machines will remain inactive for months pending a resolution. Similar machines in Casper and Riverton were also shut down as a result of the findings.

Mandatory alcohol server training ordinance tabled amid business concerns

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The City Council unanimously voted to table a proposed ordinance that would have mandated third-party training for all alcohol servers in Rock Springs. The decision followed public testimony from both supporters and opponents. The Sweetwater County Prevention Coalition spoke in favor of the ordinance, stating grant funding would make the training free for businesses. In contrast, a local business owner representing the Wyoming State Liquor Association, argued the mandate would burden small businesses with labor costs and that management-led, on-the-job training is more effective. The council will gather more information from local liquor license holders before revisiting the issue.

Food insecurity a major issue in Sweetwater County, council hears

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — A council member reported that Sweetwater County ranks third in Wyoming for food insecurity, a statistic shared during a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The report highlighted the critical need for local food support systems. The issue was underscored by multiple council members who shared their recent experiences volunteering at the mobile food pantry, describing long lines of vehicles and the significant positive impact the service has on the community.

Commissioners consider major solid waste district expansion

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – The Sweetwater County Commission heard a proposal Tuesday to significantly expand the boundaries of Solid Waste Disposal District No. 1 to include Green River, Jamestown and other unincorporated areas of the county. District General Manager Dan Chetterbock presented a plan that would provide a stable disposal site for these communities and fund major infrastructure upgrades, including a new recycling facility, a tire repository and equipment to extend the landfill’s life. The expansion would be funded by extending the district’s current mill levy to the new areas, costing the owner of a $300,000 home approximately $7 per month. While this would be a new tax for those residents, it would eliminate the per-ton “tipping fees” they currently pay. Commissioners expressed concern about imposing a tax without a direct public vote, citing a similar failed effort in 1993, and requested more information on the financial impact and public support for the proposal.

Future of ambulance funding weighed; special district an option

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – With a contract for countywide ambulance service set to expire in 2027, the Sweetwater County Commission on Tuesday began a public discussion on creating a special EMS district to provide long-term, stable funding. The county currently subsidizes the service, operated by Castle Rock Hospital District, for up to $1.8 million annually from its general fund. Commissioner Island Richards argued that relying on the general fund is not sustainable given recent property tax revenue reductions. Creating a special district, as allowed by a 2023 state law, would let voters decide whether to approve a dedicated mill levy for the essential service. Commissioners agreed that a thorough discussion with cities, industry and the public is needed before any formal steps are taken. The discussion was framed as a proactive measure to ensure ambulance services are not interrupted in the future.

County aims to standardize wildlife rules for wind, solar projects

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – The Sweetwater County Commission approved a 45-day public comment period for proposed changes to its zoning regulations aimed at creating consistent wildlife protection standards for wind and solar energy projects. Land Use Director Eric Bingham explained the amendments would align requirements between the two industries and formally define “significant adverse impacts” on wildlife and their habitats. The changes would require developers to incorporate recommendations from agencies like Wyoming Game and Fish and ensure all adverse impacts are fully mitigated. The move is intended to address what Bingham described as a “disconnect” in communication between applicants and wildlife agencies during past project reviews.

Federal land use plans and shutdown prompt special meeting

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – The Sweetwater County Commission will hold a special meeting on Oct. 31 to finalize comments on the Bureau of Land Management’s Rock Springs Resource Management Plan. The special session is necessary because the public comment period ends before the commission’s next regular meeting, and officials are uncertain if the ongoing federal government shutdown will result in an extension. During her report, Commissioner Mary Thoman noted that Congress has advanced Congressional Review Act resolutions aimed at rescinding recent BLM land-use plans in the Miles City, Montana, and Buffalo, Wyoming, field offices. She said U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman’s staff is exploring whether a similar action could be taken on the Rock Springs RMP, a move that could have major implications for local industries.

Report cites school officers for drop in juvenile cases

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. – Juvenile probation cases in Sweetwater County have seen a significant decline, a trend that officials attribute to the presence of school resource officers, Commissioner Mary Thoman reported Tuesday. According to county staff, the department handled 342 cases last year, down from nearly 500 in the 2022–23 period. Thoman said the reduction in offenses, which range from aggravated battery to drug abuse, highlights the success of the partnership with local school districts. The probation office works to keep juveniles out of jail through programs like counseling and services at the Youth Home.

Brought to you by (click me!)

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

citizen journal offers three flagship products: a daily national news summary, a daily Kansas news summary, and local news and school board summaries from 12 cities across Kansas. Each issue contains 5 paragraph-length stories that are made to be read in 5 minutes. Use the links in the header to navigate to national, kansas, and local coverage. Subscribe to each, some, or all to get an email when new issues are published for FREE!