Rock Springs local news summary

Council tables holiday open-container request for Bunning Park

Council votes down Planning and Zoning fee hike proposal

Century West Park splash pad project moves forward

Blair Avenue project receives winter shutdown extension

Commissioners delay decision on controversial two-county service district

BLM extends public comment period for Rock Springs RMP

Chairman West invited to testify before U.S. Senate committee

County secures over $556K in industrial siting impact funds

New public works combined facility nears completion

Southwest Counseling reports over $850,000 in annual savings amid reorganization

Memorial Hospital reports clean audit, remains financially strong

Council tables holiday open-container request for Bunning Park

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The City Council on Tuesday tabled a request to allow open containers of alcohol in Bunning Park and the downtown area during the holiday season, with the motion to table passing 8-1. The Parks and Recreation Department had sought approval from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1 to coincide with “Christmas in the Park.” During discussion, several council members and the police chief raised concerns about promoting alcohol consumption at a family-focused event and the lack of regulation in a “bring your own” format. A future discussion is expected before any final decision.

Council votes down Planning and Zoning fee hike proposal

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - In a narrow 5-4 vote, the council declined a new fee schedule for the Planning and Zoning Department that would have increased some permits by several hundred percent. Supporters argued higher fees would recoup taxpayer-funded staff time on large development projects and align Rock Springs with peer cities, while opponents called the jump too steep. The city had previously streamlined the process so future adjustments could be made by resolution rather than multiple ordinance readings.

Century West Park splash pad project moves forward

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The Parks and Recreation Department received unanimous approval to solicit bids for a new Century West Park splash pad. The project is funded by a Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation grant of about $743,000 and is not expected to require a local match. Officials hope bids come in within the grant amount and construction can be completed before the Dec. 31, 2026, deadline. Bid opening is anticipated in January.

Blair Avenue project receives winter shutdown extension

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - A change order for the ongoing concrete replacement project on Blair Avenue was approved, giving Jackman Construction Inc. additional workdays via a winter shutdown and extending final completion into next spring. Officials said the change order is limited to timeline adjustments due to weather and does not increase project cost.

Commissioners delay decision on controversial two-county service district

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The Sweetwater County Commission on Tuesday unanimously voted to adjourn a public hearing on the proposed Lincoln Star Improvement and Service District, delaying a decision for up to four weeks. Citing the district’s unique and complex nature, which involves four noncontiguous parcels of land spanning both Sweetwater and Lincoln counties, commissioners said they want to confer with their Lincoln County counterparts before proceeding. The adjournment followed a lengthy hearing with significant debate over the district’s practical purpose, the involvement of a Lincoln County official as a chief landowner and questions about the legality of Lincoln County’s public notice process.

BLM extends public comment period for Rock Springs RMP

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - The Bureau of Land Management extended the public scoping period for its Rock Springs Resource Management Plan amendment by 45 days, moving the new deadline to Dec. 18. Chairman Keaton West announced the extension, noting the timing was ironic given the commission’s recent intensive work to meet the original deadline. The BLM will also hold an informational public meeting on the RMP amendment at the Sweetwater Events Complex on Dec. 3 from 3-6 p.m.

Chairman West invited to testify before U.S. Senate committee

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Commission Chairman Keaton West said Tuesday he has received a preliminary invitation to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in Washington, D.C. The invitation, extended via Sen. John Barrasso’s office, would ask West to speak on the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and challenges related to the designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. West said the opportunity would allow him to share firsthand experience with federal land management policies and “fight for Sweetwater County … on the big stage.”

County secures over $556K in industrial siting impact funds

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Sweetwater County has secured $556,887 in impact funds tied to Blue Spruce Operating’s Dry Piney Helium and Carbon Sequestration Project industrial siting permit, Commissioner Island Richards announced Tuesday. The funds, intended to mitigate project impacts, will be distributed among several local entities: $215,818 for Sweetwater County, $110,800 for the Farson Fire Control District, $90,259 for the Farson-Eden Rural Health Care District, $80,000 for Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County and $60,000 for the Town of Granger. Richards said the funds will support essential services like health care, firefighting and law enforcement.

New public works combined facility nears completion

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Sweetwater County’s new Combined Public Works Facility has reached substantial completion, with several departments already beginning operations at the Layos Drive location, Chairman Keaton West reported Tuesday. The Road and Bridge and Engineering departments moved in this week, with Fleet and Parks and Recreation scheduled to follow next Monday. The project, which renovated a previously purchased building for approximately $10 million, is estimated to have saved the county over $20 million versus new construction.

Southwest Counseling reports over $850,000 in annual savings amid reorganization

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Southwest Counseling Service is projecting an annual savings of $851,058 as a result of a major reorganization effort, the interim director told commissioners Tuesday. The savings stem from staffing adjustments, service restructuring and other efficiency moves implemented since June. The agency is also pursuing grants that could bring in over $1 million in additional revenue. Board Chair Kayleen Logan said the board is making “very difficult decisions” to streamline operations and better meet community needs, which includes developing its first formal Memorandum of Understanding with Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County.

Memorial Hospital reports clean audit, remains financially strong

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. - Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County received a clean annual audit with no significant findings, Commissioner Mary Thoman reported during Tuesday’s meeting. She said the hospital continues to operate with a positive bottom line, making it one of only five of the 28 hospitals in Wyoming currently “operating in the black.” In addition, Newsweek recently ranked the hospital among the top five in the state for the second consecutive year.

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