Rock Springs local news summary

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 postpones decision on contested liquor license in split vote

County moves to tighten short-term rental regulations

Zoning updates approved for wind and solar projects

Chairman warns of looming budget difficulties amid revenue decline

Commission submits scoping comments for Rock Springs RMP amendment

County backs Simplot in federal land exchange dispute

Star Transit reports 29 percent jump in ridership

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 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 4,069, 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 postpones decision on contested liquor license in split vote

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.. — Following a lengthy debate involving neighborhood opposition, the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to postpone a decision on a retail liquor license application for 374 Liquor. Residents of the Jamestown area voiced concerns regarding traffic, safety and proximity to homes, while Anthony Niemiec assured the board the business would focus on online wine shipping and package sales rather than operating as a bar. Commissioners Thoman, Richards and Chairman Keaton West discussed placing restrictions on the license to limit operating hours and business type, ultimately voting to postpone the item to allow the applicant to amend the application to reflect reduced hours and a non-bar scope. Two commissioners voted against the postponement, preferring to settle the matter immediately.

County moves to tighten short-term rental regulations

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — The commission unanimously approved a notice of intent to amend zoning resolutions regarding short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs and VRBOs, responding to increased resident inquiries. The proposed amendments include raising the permit fee from $50 to $100 and requiring owners to designate a local representative capable of responding to complaints via phone or text within one hour. Additionally, the new regulations propose a density cap allowing only two short-term rentals per block; any additional rentals within that block would require a conditional use permit approved through a public hearing process.

Zoning updates approved for wind and solar projects

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— The commission certified and approved amendments to the county zoning resolution regarding conditional use permits for solar energy facilities and wind energy conversion systems. Land Use Director Eric Bingham explained that the changes are designed to align wind and solar regulations, specifically addressing wildlife impacts and migration corridors following issues with previous solar projects. The new rules require developers to coordinate with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and follow the Governor's Sage-Grouse Executive Order to mitigate significant adverse impacts on wildlife.

Chairman warns of looming budget difficulties amid revenue decline

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — During commissioner comments, Chairman Keaton West issued a warning regarding the county's fiscal outlook, noting a significant decline in mineral revenue distributions. West reported that ad valorem revenue is down approximately $1.4 million year-to-date, with November collections alone dropping 31 percent. Citing the revenue shortfall and a high number of vacant county positions, West suggested that elected officials and department heads begin budget discussions early to address what he anticipates will be a difficult budget session.

Commission submits scoping comments for Rock Springs RMP amendment

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— The board unanimously voted to submit formal scoping comments regarding the notice of intent to amend the Bureau of Land Management's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan. This action is the latest step in a yearslong dispute over federal land management in the region, following the governor's involvement and significant public outcry over the previous draft. Commissioners expressed hope that the new amendment process would address local concerns regarding public access and economic use of federal lands.

County backs Simplot in federal land exchange dispute

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo.— Commissioners voted to sign a letter of support addressed to Wyoming's federal delegation advocating for the protection of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act regarding land exchanges. This action comes in response to a court ruling that could jeopardize a land exchange vital to the J.R. Simplot Co.'s phosphate operations. Simplot Rock Springs Plant Manager Mark Rubich told the board that the court ruling could impact the long-term viability of the Rock Springs plant and local jobs, prompting the commission to advocate for the company's ability to execute necessary land swaps.

Star Transit reports 29 percent jump in ridership

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Star Transit Director Pacheco reported a 29 percent year-over-year increase in ridership for the first 11 months of 2024. Pacheco attributed the growth to the availability of new buses, increased advertising and the launch of a new mobile app, which now accounts for 12 percent of all ride bookings. The director noted that 70 percent of their riders would have no alternative transportation without the service, highlighting its role as an essential service for the county's elderly, disabled and low-income populations.

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