Wastewater treatment plant construction ahead of schedule

Generator added to Well 16 project; filtration issues persist

East D Street reconstruction receives positive feedback

City clarifies reduced impact assistance for energy project

Police chief highlights aging fleet maintenance challenges

Fire department reports low call volume, launches fundraiser

High winds cause tree damage at cemetery and residences

Commissioners table Senior Citizen Service District resolution

Assessor urges applications for homeowner tax exemption

Storm damage reported at county fairgrounds

WYDOT presents transportation improvement plan

County fair dates and theme announced

Fair board member resigns; seat declared open

1. Wastewater treatment plant construction ahead of schedule

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Director of Public Works Jeff Harkins reported significant progress on the wastewater treatment plant, noting that City Project Manager Mark Weis is keeping the construction team on a tight timeline. Crews have completed cinder block walls on the headworks and poured the foundation for the pre-engineered metal building. Harkins stated that Rice Lake West estimates completion by this summer, significantly ahead of the original February 2027 completion date.

2. Generator added to Well 16 project; filtration issues persist

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Torrington City Council learned that the Well 16 project is nearing completion, with a change order planned to add a backup generator funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant. While the mechanical components are functional, Director of Public Works Jeff Harkins reported that the well is producing fine, silty sand that is clogging filters in the reverse osmosis system. Baker & Associates engineers are investigating solutions to address the filtration issue before the system is fully optimized.

3. East D Street reconstruction receives positive feedback

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Following the completion of the East D Street project, city officials reported receiving positive feedback from the community. Mayor Herb Doby noted that residents have complimented the comprehensive nature of the work, which included new curb, gutter, sidewalk, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and water lines. Director of Public Works Jeff Harkins confirmed the project is finished and acknowledged the street's importance as a high-traffic thoroughfare.

4. City clarifies reduced impact assistance for energy project

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — City Attorney James Eddington and Clerk/Treasurer Lynette Strecker provided an update regarding the Chugwater Energy Project impact assistance hearing. Eddington explained that while the Industrial Siting Council accepted the city's cost of service methodology, the board reduced Torrington's claim of 253 temporary workers to 150 to match Goshen County's calculations. The adjustment resulted in a roughly $25,000 difference in potential funding. Officials noted that the funding remains speculative, as the combined wind and solar project's start date has been delayed repeatedly, currently pushed to July 2026.

5. Police chief highlights aging fleet maintenance challenges

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Police Chief Matt Johnson praised Shop Foreman Brian Evans for work maintaining the department's aging vehicle fleet, describing recent months as playing "broken cop car bingo." Johnson noted that the department attempts to push its vehicles as far as possible to save money, resulting in frequent repairs. He credited Evans with finding cost-effective, creative solutions to keep officers on the road despite mechanical setbacks.

6. Fire department reports low call volume, launches fundraiser

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Fire Chief Luis Correa reported a relatively slow period for emergency calls despite recent high winds, citing only minor incidents including a carbon monoxide alarm and a smoke investigation. Correa also announced the start of the department's annual "gun a month" raffle fundraiser. Tickets are available for $50, with drawings for various firearms—including a thermal scope for the first time—scheduled to begin in April.

7. High winds cause tree damage at cemetery and residences

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Recent wind events have caused tree damage across Torrington, including the loss of spruce trees at the city cemetery and on private properties. Director of Public Works Jeff Harkins noted that trees relying on surface water often fail to develop deep root systems, making them susceptible to toppling during storms. A debris pile is currently being accumulated at the baler site, with a controlled burn pending adequate snow cover and lower wind speeds.

8. Commissioners table Senior Citizen Service District resolution

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Goshen County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday, Jan. 20, to table a resolution regarding the Senior Citizen Service District until the February meeting. County Clerk Mary B. Feagler presented the item to the board, noting that the delay would provide commissioners time to research their legal responsibilities regarding the placement of the district's tax question on the upcoming ballot. The board is expected to revisit the matter at its next regular session.

9. Assessor urges applications for homeowner tax exemption

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — County Assessor Debbi Surratt reported that participation in the Long-Term Homeowner Tax Exemption program remains lower than expected, with likely only half of eligible applicants having filed paperwork. The exemption offers up to $75,000 in market value relief for qualifying residents. Surratt noted that while the office is seeing a typical flow of applications, residents must complete the in-house paper application by the fourth Monday in May to receive the benefit for the current tax year.

10. Storm damage reported at county fairgrounds

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — High winds have caused structural issues at the county fairgrounds, according to a report presented by Fairgrounds General Manager Stephanie Lofink. Lofink informed the commission that the facility sustained building damage and lost a large tree during the severe wind event that impacted the region earlier this month. While the manager confirmed the structural damage, a specific dollar estimate for the repairs was not provided during the meeting.

11. WYDOT presents transportation improvement plan

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) District Engineer Mark Williams presented the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to the commissioners, outlining infrastructure priorities for the area. Williams highlighted several upcoming projects, including bridge rehabilitations and the exploration of passing lane systems on U.S. Highway 85 South to improve safety and capacity on the corridor. The presentation covered transportation plans designated for Goshen County through 2031.

12. County fair dates and theme announced

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The fair board officially announced that the 2026 County Fair will run from July 24 through Aug. 2 under the theme "250 Years of Grit and Glory." The tentative schedule includes a rodeo, the Goshen County Day parade on July 30, and a concert featuring a country music performer. The board did not name the specific headlining artist during the announcement.

13. Fair board member resigns; seat declared open

TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The fairgrounds general manager reported that board member Ed Kimes has resigned from his position due to work schedule conflicts. Commission Chairman Michael McNamee noted that the unexpired term is now open for appointment. According to the manager, three individuals have already expressed interest in filling the vacancy on the board.

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