Torrington local news summary
Week of February 8, 2026
Council updates rental rules for concealed carry
Policy on catering permits clarified
Open carry prohibited in Lincoln Community Complex
Fire department reports surge in incident calls
Fire department launches 'Gun a Month' fundraiser
Electrical supervisor retires after four decades
Commissioners approve senior citizen service district resolution
Fairgrounds sustain wind damage
2026 county fair dates and theme announced
Fair board vacancy opens following resignation
WYDOT presents transportation improvement plans
Council updates rental rules for concealed carry
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — The Torrington City Council unanimously voted to amend rental agreements for the Lincoln Community Complex, aligning city policy with state statutes regarding firearms. Police Chief Matt Johnson explained that following the enactment of the Wyoming Repeal Gun Free Zones Act in July 2025, the city can no longer prohibit the lawful concealed carry of firearms in government facilities. The amendment removes language that previously banned all weapons in the Pony Express Room, ensuring compliance with the new state regulations.
Policy on catering permits clarified
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — During the discussion on rental agreements, Police Chief Matt Johnson addressed the application of new firearm statutes to events serving alcohol. City officials determined that catering permits issued for events in the Pony Express Room do not constitute a "bar" under the relevant Wyoming statute. Consequently, the city will not prohibit concealed carry during catered events at the facility.
Open carry prohibited in Lincoln Community Complex
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — While concealed carry is now permitted, the council maintained a policy prohibiting the open carry or display of firearms within the Lincoln Community Complex. Police Chief Matt Johnson stated that while the city will not criminalize open carry to avoid conflicts with the Second Amendment, the practice remains a violation of facility policy due to safety concerns. Violators will be asked to comply or leave the premises, with refusal treated as trespassing.
Fire department reports surge in incident calls
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Fire Chief Luis Correa reported a busy service period for the department, noting eight calls since the last meeting, including five on a single day. Significant incidents included a structure fire on the 1700 block of West E Street, a furnace explosion that filled a home with smoke, and a chicken coop fire on Road 66. The department also responded to a ruptured water line at Evergreen Plaza.
Fire department launches 'Gun a Month' fundraiser
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Fire Chief Luis Correa announced the start of the fire department's annual "Gun a Month" fundraiser to support department needs. The department is selling 500 tickets at $50 each, with drawings for 12 firearms scheduled to begin April 1. Prizes include a Mossberg shotgun and a custom University of Wyoming-themed firearm, with drawings taking place during monthly business meetings.
Electrical supervisor retires after four decades
TORRINGTON, Wyo. — Mayor Herb Doby announced the retirement of Electrical Supervisor Dana Youtz following a 44-year career with the City of Torrington. Mayor Doby praised Youtz for maintaining an excellent department and noted that while new leadership is in place to continue operations, Youtz will be missed by staff and city leadership.
Commissioners approve senior citizen service district resolution
GOSHEN COUNTY, Wyo. — The Goshen County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to place the Senior Citizen Service District resolution on the Aug. 18 primary election ballot. Commission Chairman Michael McNamee presented the item during the Feb. 3 meeting, following a delay from a previous session to allow the board time to review their statutory role regarding the tax question.
Fairgrounds sustain wind damage
GOSHEN COUNTY, Wyo. — Strong winds recently caused structural damage and toppled a large tree at the fairgrounds, according to Fair Grounds General Manager Stephanie Bumguardner. Bumguardner reported the destruction to the commissioners but did not provide a specific cost estimate for the necessary repairs during the meeting.
2026 county fair dates and theme announced
GOSHEN COUNTY, Wyo. — The Fair Board announced the 2026 County Fair will be held from July 24 through Aug. 2. Fair Grounds General Manager Stephanie Bumguardner presented the dates to the commissioners and revealed the theme for the event will be "250 Years of Grit and Glory."
Fair board vacancy opens following resignation
GOSHEN COUNTY, Wyo. — The commission accepted the resignation of Ed Kimes from the Fair Board after it was announced he could no longer attend meetings due to work scheduling conflicts. The board noted that three residents have already expressed interest in filling the newly open position.
WYDOT presents transportation improvement plans
GOSHEN COUNTY, Wyo. — Wyoming Department of Transportation District Engineer Mark Williams presented the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to the commissioners, outlining infrastructure priorities for the region. The presentation detailed the six-year plan for transportation projects in the Goshen County area, though specific construction timelines for the 2026 fiscal year were not immediately itemized in the report.
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