KEMMERER — On Nov. 1-2, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfield Program brought technical assistance providers from Kansas State University (KSU) and ICF International to facilitate two days of workshops with Kemmerer and Diamondville business owners, community members, members of the Chamber of Commerce, city councils and other municipal leaders.

KEMMERER — Responding to a critical need in war-torn Ukraine, the Kemmerer Rotary Club has launched a project to convert used solar panels into cellphone chargers for shipment to schools in Ukraine. Kemmerer Rotary Club past president Lexie Scherr said that, as she handed the baton over to the new president, she wanted to work on a project for the club. She latched on to the idea of transforming old solar panels for a new use.

KEMMERER — Robert Bowen, a local veteran and business owner, can be seen around town in uniform carrying a flag during special occasions to honor those who served. As commander of American Legion Post 55, he continues to serve his country after beginning his service in the military in 1998. Bowen said he felt called to serve, following in his grandfather’s footsteps.

KEMMERER — Kemmerer residents are invited to enjoy free food and drink at Grumpies Bar on Saturday, Nov. 11, in recognition of Veterans Day. Generous donations from the public and organizations such as American Legion Post 55 brought in money and food for the event.

Members of the Cokeville Lady Panthers volleyball team celebrate after winning the 1A state tournament over the weekend. See recap on page A6. (GAZETTE PHOTO/Jan Moody)

15-year-old celebrates first moose harvested

Trick-or-treaters brave the cold for candy

KEMMERER — The first items of business for the Kemmerer City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 23, were to approve the bills and agree to sign a lease with Heidi Despain of Quality Reality LLC. Despain requested to lease two offices spaces in the Old Town Hall. The council approved the bills and for Kemmerer Mayor Bill Thek to sign the lease agreements.

Lincoln County Search and Rescue was involved with a two-day search last week, beginning the early morning of Thursday, Oct. 26, after a hunter didn’t return to camp the night of Oct. 25, in the area of Twin lakes. “The storm that rolled through [during] the night, while the hunter was missing, brought frigid temps and around 12 inches of snow in the area,” reads a Facebook post by Lincoln County Search snd Rescue. “This made it difficult for the man-tracking teams while the storm was ongoing and after the storm settled down.”

CHEYENNE — Wyoming’s elected state superintendent of public instruction was invited to testify before Congress on Thursday, where she informed members of her plan to create a statewide guidance policy for K-12 school libraries. Members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce heard testimony from education leaders in different states that addressed the nationwide controversy over sexually explicit books in public school libraries.

Four years ago, southwest Wyoming was reeling from energy industry layoffs, anticipating further economic challenges and wondering how to prevent an all-out youth exodus. Today, anxieties remain high, but for very different, and many say better, reasons. At least five major industrial projects appear imminent, thanks in large part to an influx of private and federal investment driven by last year’s Inflation Reduction Act.

SUBLETTE COUNTY — It was a small but cheerful group of state officials and wildlife lovers, donors and employees that gathered in the sharp wind and chilly rain off Highway 189 on Thursday morning, Oct. 12, for the Dry Piney wildlife-crossing ribbon cutting event.

The Bureau of Land Management will “work together” with Wyoming and others to finalize a plan for future uses of 3.7 million acres of federal public land in the Rock Springs area, agency Director Tracy Stone-Manning said Thursday. Stone-Manning extended the deadline for public comments on the agency’s draft Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, draft environmental impact statement and proposed “areas of critical environmental concern” by 60 days to Jan. 17, 2024. The plan seeks “a balance of opportunities” to use and develop public resources “while promoting environmental conservation.” The final plan will guide management of a Connecticut-sized swath of southwest Wyoming for years.

A legislative committee will draft a measure to prohibit state and local authorities from aiding or cooperating with federal land management agencies “when they pursue policies which harm Wyoming’s core interests.” The move is in response to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s draft plan for managing 3.6 million acres of federal land in southwest Wyoming.

KEMMERER — The Kemmerer City Council meeting on Oct. 9 was a short one, lasting less than 30 minutes. Resident Shane Stoddard was the only visitor to comment during the meeting. He explained his frustrations about code enforcement.

KEMMERER — The local chamber of commerce in Kemmerer has organized a new board, and the group plans to hit the ground running with improvements for the community. Fossil Basin Chamber of Commerce board members said they aim to implement an effective strategy that will help local businesses succeed.

KEMMERER — The South Lincoln Medical Center in Kemmerer offered mammograms last month, with no appointment needed. Three radiologic technologists working there that day provided 23 mammograms to people with or without insurance. Radiologic technologist Amanda Keller said this was the first year they have held a breast health day, and they plan to offer the service again next year.

GREEN RIVER — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Green River region will hold a public open house at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18 to discuss the Flaming Gorge fishery. The meeting will be held at the Green River campus of Western Wyoming Community College in the John Wesley Powell Room (Room #206).

I have worked in libraries for nearly 13 years, and I can honestly say that I have never met a person (including librarians) who did not have some inclination toward censoring. We all believe in something, and individuals tend to resist that which challenges their personal standards.

Nonprofits meet critical needs and add vibrancy to Wyoming’s communities. They also depend on donations and grants to fulfill their missions. The Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) is one organization working to support Wyoming nonprofits through grant making.