Images Sweetwater County, WY: 2010

2010 | IMAGESSWEETWATERCOUNTY.COM ®

Click the top corners of the magazine to turn pages

What’s s e Online

SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING

Video of Expedition Island Park

FUELING THE ECONOMY Infinity Power keeps oil and gas flowing

ENJOY THE VIEW Golf course expansion, parks add room to roam

Recreation Destination Take your pick of outdoor adventures

SPONSORED BY THE ROCK SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

INTEGRITY, PRIDE and COMMITMENT

Your Imagination Is Your Only Control Limit!

InďŹ nity prides themselves in using your company’s standards in the design and manufacturing of a solution for your company’s needs. Your imagination is your only control limit with InďŹ nity Power & Controls!

A Solution Just for You! InďŹ nity’s staff includes engineers familiar with applications in automation and control systems. InďŹ nity specializes in designs that best meet the needs of their customer. No matter what our customer’s standards are, the staff has an engineer that ďŹ ts the need.

%FDPSB %S t 3PDL 4QSJOHT 8: t t 'BY & NBJM CSVDF!JOmOJUZQXS DPN t XXX JOmOJUZQXS DPN

Infinity Power & Controls LLC Infinity Power & Controls, LLC has been in business since 1999 serving the industrial, chemical, oil field, food service and automotive industries around the world.

Infinity continues to meet the needs of our customers with products and services in compliance with ANSI, NEMA, OSHA, IEEE, MSHA, UL and IEC standards. By offering products and services which conform to the above standards, Infinity is prepared to assist its clients with the application, selection and service of all major components, including PLC and DCS specifications,

programming and communications. Infinity is committed to helping its customers with their engineering and application needs. Infinity also offers product services and applications for all major component manufacturers of switchgear, transformers, electrical motors, AC and DC drives and Soft Starts. Infinity is proud to be a General Electric, Control Microsystems and Allen Bradley authorized OEM and distributor of Drives, PLCs and soft starts. Infinity Power & Controls is a UL 508 listed industrial control panel manufacturer.

IgKnightortm

InfiniFlaretm

Infinity has been working hand-in-hand with its customers to research and develop what has become the IgKnightorTM. The IgKnightorTM was developed to meet the industry’s needs for auto-ignition technology and temperature logging of BTEX, VOC, Line Heaters and Dehydrators. With increasingly strict DEQ requirements for flare monitoring systems in the ever-expanding natural gas field as well as a decrease in man hours, the IgKnightorTM was created. This system is paired with the InfiniFlameTM and InfiniFlareTM Burner Management Systems as a simple add-on.

The InfiniFlareTM is Infinity’s patented and DEQ Approved Flare Monitoring Control System.

The IgKnightorTM package will safeguard operators from potentially hazardous situations allowing them a simple press of a button to start the system. Using temperature monitoring, the addition of the InfiniFlameTM recognizes the pilot’s flame, turning off the IgKnightorTM to conserve energy. In the event the pilot goes out, the temperature monitoring system reinitializes the IgKnightorTM with its automatic relighting capability.

Infinity Power & Controls is your one-stop electrical and automation provider with over $500k in inventory and an experienced engineering, installation and manufacturing staff to meet your company’s control needs.

In 2007, Infinity designed and produced a VOC Flare Control System the InfiniFlareTM. This system enables the control and safeguard of vital production equipment.

InfiniFlareTM control proves the system is up and running 24/7 by logging information, storing and making that data retrievable for up to 125 days. This application has met stringent DEQ requirements. Environmental testing of our system has shown qualified results making the InfiniFlareTM a leader in volatile organic carbon emission reduction.

Also incorporated into the design is on-site emergency shut off and problem recognition, temperature logging of BTEX, Line Heaters and Dehydrators. Auto-ignition comes in the IgKnightorTM. Options include: automatic ignition, fuel availability and alarm telemetry.

The concept of this design as with most Infinity Power & Control products is adaptability and versatility for multiple applications.

Environmentall

We Specialize in Idea Conception, System Engineering, Ma

Where Quality Automation Is Our Specialty!

In 2009 InďŹ nity designed and produced a Line Heater Control System, the InďŹ niFlameTM. This system enables the control and safeguard of vital production equipment including: BETX, Line Heaters and Dehydrators. Also, incorporated onto the design is on-site emergency shut off and problem recognition. The InďŹ niFlameTM options include: automatic ignition with the IgKnightorTM and alarm telemetry.

As with most InďŹ nity Power & Control products the concept of this design of the InďŹ niFlameTM and IgKnightorTM can be easily incorporated into your present control systems adding adaptability and versatility for multiple applications.

InfiniFlametm InďŹ niFlameTM is a patented and DEQ Approved Burner Monitoring and Control System.

It is designed to safeguard equipment from volatile high heat situations and the venting of volatile organic carbons into the atmosphere. Using patented technology, it reduces harmful emissions to meet demanding environmental regulations.

Our capabilities include but are not limited to: t " TUBOE BMPOF TZTUFN XJUI WBMWF DPOUSPM monitoring any burner unit, VOCs, BTEX, Dehydrators and Line Heaters t #VJMU JO MPHHJOH t 'BJM TBGF TIVU EPXOT GPS VOEFS BOE PWFS temperature conditions, saving equipment and fuel gas while increasing efďŹ ciency. t 0QUJPOBM *HOJUJPO 4ZTUFN The InďŹ niFlameTM offers continuous monitoring of the pilot, with values logged every 15 minutes.

This information is stored in the memory of the controller.

The history of up to 12,000 logs can be accessed on a ďŹ rst-in ďŹ rst-out basis for up to 125 days.

Automatic re-light options are available.

ly Tested • DEQ Approved anufacturing, Installation and Completion of Your Concept.

IfZb Jgi`e^j$ Jn\\knXk\i :flekp 8`igfik >Xk\nXp kf k_\ Nfic[

/'' ))($()() nnn%[\ckX%Zfd

;X`cp# efe$jkfg ]c`^_kj1 ;\em\i# :F JXck CXb\ :`kp# LK =i\\ gXib`e^ Hl`Zb Z_\Zb$`e 8m`j I\ekXc :Xi *'. *-)$,,00

/'' +*)$(*,0 nnn%]ifek`\iX`ic`e\j%Zfd

>i\Xk CXb\j 8`ic`e\j j /'' ,,+$,((( nnn%^i\XkcXb\jXm%Zfd

<ek\igi`j\ I\ekXc :Xi *'. *-)$'+(?\ikq I\ekXc :Xi *'. *-)$*)-)

8`igfik cfZXk\[ \Xjk f] IfZb Jgi`e^j f]] @ek\ijkXk\ /'# <o`k (((# ?`^_nXp *.' *'. *,)$-//' nnn%ifZbjgi`e^jX`igfik%Zfd

/'' )+($-,)) nnn%le`k\[%Zfd

2010 EDITION | VOLUME 2 ®

SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING

28 CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 16 CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE New shops and businesses revive urban character.

28 RECREATION DESTINATION Take your pick of outdoor adventures.

32 CENTER OF THE ACTION 20 ENJOY THE VIEW New parks and a golf course expansion add room to roam.

Sweetwater County Events Complex has a venue for any occasion.

36 FUELING THE ECONOMY 24 TASTY OPTIONS County’s cuisine scene hits the spot.

Infinity Power’s technology keeps the oil and gas flowing.

ON THE COVER Boar’s Tusk volcanic stem Photo by Jeff Adkins

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

3

®

SWE E T WATE R CO U NT Y, W YO M I N G

61 D E PA R TM E NT S 11 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Sweetwater County’s culture

38 Image Gallery 42 Portfolio: people, places and events that define Sweetwater County

57 Education

SWEETWATER COUNTY BUSINESS 48 A Treasure in Trona The Green River Basin is the world’s largest source of soda ash.

52 Biz Briefs 55 Economic Profile

59 Sports & Recreation 61 Health & Wellness 63 Arts & Culture

59

65 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know

71 Photo Finish

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

52 I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

5

imagessweetwatercounty.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE

What’s Onl Online n

PICTURE PERFECT We’ve added even more of our prize-winning photography to the online gallery. To see these photos, click on Photo Gallery.

RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.

VIDEOS In our Interactive section, watch quick videos by our editors and photographers featuring people, places and events.

CHERYL JENSEN Broker/Owner CRS, GRI

CASTLE ROCK REALTY INC.

FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about:

“Follow the Leader” 247 E. Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935

• Schools • Health care • Utilities • Parks • Taxes

LOCAL FLAVOR From the simple to the sublime, the delicious offerings here are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite.

(307) 875-6711 office (307) 870-5500 cell cherylj@wyoming.com www.cheryljensenrealtor.com

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Sweetwater County tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

7

Jn\\knXk\i :flekp JZ_ffc ;`jki`Zk ) Fli glYc`Z jZ_ffcj Xi\ k_\ _\Xik f] fli Zfddle`kp Xe[ n\ \dgcfp m\ip kXc\ek\[ Xe[ jkl[\ek$fi`\ek\[ k\XZ_\ij# X[d`e`jkiXkfij Xe[ jkX]]% K_\p Xi\ Xcc Zfdd`kk\[ kf dXb`e^ fli \ek`i\ ;`jki`Zk k_\ Y\jk k_Xk `k ZXe Y\# Xe[ cffb ]finXi[ kf nfib`e^ n`k_ Yfk_ k_\ gXi\ekj Xe[ jkl[\ekj n_f \ek\i fli [ffij% K_\ ;`jki`Zk Zfdgi`j\j Xe Xi\X f] ,#),' jhlXi\ d`c\j Xe[ `j cfZXk\[ `e >i\\e I`m\i# n_`Z_ _Xj X gfglcXk`fe f] Xggifo`dXk\cp (+#'''% K_\ ;`jki`Zk f]]\ij X Zfdgi\_\ej`m\ \[lZXk`feXc gif^iXd ]fi ^iX[\j b`e[\i^Xik\e k_ifl^_ ()k_ Xe[ `j Yfk_ Efik_ :\ekiXc 8jjfZ`Xk`fe Xe[ Npfd`e^ JkXk\ 9fXi[ f] <[lZXk`fe XZZi\[`k\[% K_\ ;`jki`Zk fg\iXk\j >i\\e I`m\i ?`^_ JZ_ffc ^iX[\j 0$() # <og\[`k`fe 8ZX[\dp 8ck\ieXk`m\ ?`^_ JZ_ffc ^iX[\j ('$() # C`eZfce D`[[c\ JZ_ffc ^iX[\j .$/ Xe[ Dfeif\ @ek\id\[`Xk\ JZ_ffc ^iX[\j ,$- % K_\ ;`jki`Zk Xcjf dX`ekX`ej ]fli \c\d\ekXip jZ_ffcj n`k_`e k_\ Z`kp c`d`kj AXZbjfe# KildXe# ?Xii`jfe Xe[ NXj_`e^kfe Xe[ k_i\\ iliXc jZ_ffcj >iXe^\i# DZB`eefe Xe[

;@JKI@:K M@J@FE :i\Xk\ X ]fle[Xk`fe ]fi g\ijfeXc Xe[ XZX[\d`Z jlZZ\jj ]fi Xcc jkl[\ekj%

K_fdXe IXeZ_ % K_\ kfkXc \eifccd\ek Xj f] k_\ \e[ f] k_\ )''.$)''/ jZ_ffc p\Xi nXj )#-)(% K_\ :lii`Zlcld ;\gXikd\ek `j Zlii\ekcp `e k_\ gifZ\jj f] [\m\cfg`e^ Zlii`Zlcld jZfg\ Xe[ j\hl\eZ\2 `[\ek`]p`e^ Zi`k`ZXc c\Xie`e^ ]fi \XZ_ Zflij\ Xe[ ni`k`e^ Zfddfe Xjj\jjd\ekj% K_\ ;`jki`Zk `j Zfek`elXccp nfib`e^ kfnXi[j k_\ Y\jk \[lZXk`fe gfjj`Yc\ ]fi k_\`i jkl[\ekj kf ^`m\ k_\d k_\ jk\g lg e\\[\[ `e k_`j iXg`[cp Z_Xe^`e^ nfic[% KifeX d`e`e^# eXkliXc ^Xj gif[lZk`fe Xe[ k_\ iX`cifX[ Xi\ jk`cc k_\ dXafi \dgcfp\ij `e k_\ Xi\X% K_\ Xi\X `j ZfejkXekcp Z_Xe^`e^ n`k_ k_\ `ekif[lZk`fe f] e\n Ylj`e\jj\j Xe[ k_\ Zfddle`kp nfibj _Xi[ Xk dX`ekX`e`e^ `kj k`d\c\jj Xe[ g\XZ\]lc j\kk`e^% N\ `em`k\ pfl kf Yifnj\ fli N\Y j`k\ Xk nnn%jn)%b()%np%lj kf m`\n k_\ mXi`flj \m\ekj# gif^iXdj Xe[ XZk`m`k`\j k_Xk k_\ ;`jki`Zk _Xj kf f]]\i jkl[\ekj% =fi dfi\ `e]fidXk`fe Xe[ Xejn\ij kf hl\jk`fej# gc\Xj\ ZXcc k_\ ;`jki`Zk j :\ekiXc F]]`Z\ Xk *'. /.)$,,''%

;@JKI@:K D@JJ@FE Jkl[\ekj n`cc c\Xm\ Jn\\knXk\i :flekp JZ_ffc ;`jki`Zk Ef% ) [\dfejkiXk`e^ g\ijfeXc Xe[ XZX[\d`Z ^ifnk_ Xe[ X ]fle[Xk`fe ]fi c`]\$cfe^ c\Xie`e^%

Turn the pages of our

Digital Magazine 2010 | IMAGESSWEETWATERCOUNTY.COM ®

What’s s e Online

Now Showing in Our Video Gallery

Video of Expedition Island Park

SWEETWATER COUNTY, WYOMING

FUELING THE ECONOMY Infinity Power keeps oil and gas flowing

ENJOY THE VIEW Golf course expansion, parks add room to roam

Recreation Destination Take your pick of outdoor adventures

SPONSORED BY THE ROCK SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LIVE LINKS Hot links allow users to quickly link to other sites for additional information, and an ad index allows you to easily locate local advertisers in the magazine.

SEARCH AND YOU SHALL FIND An easy-to-use search function allows you to find specific articles or browse content by subject.

A DIGITAL TOOLBELT Tools allow you to customize the look and function of the magazine on your desktop as well as print individual pages or save the magazine for offline reading.

MORE OF THE SAME And that’s a good thing.

Inside, you’ll find the same award-winning photography and compelling content as in the printed magazine.

Sit back and enjoy a preview of Sweetwater County amenities.

Explore its landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun.

See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions.

SHARE WITH A FRIEND

Experience the history, hot spots and

E-mail individual stories using the pop-up text window.

local happenings.

imagessweetwatercounty.com

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Sweetwater County is rated L for Livability

imagessweetwatercounty.com

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

9

Our Green River, Wyoming plant is the world’s largest trona mine and producer of natural soda ash.

FMC values the safety and health of its employees. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. At FMC, no job we do is worth risking the safety of one of our employees. Safety is a shared responsibility at FMC.

SAFETY Customer Service Productivity Environmental Awareness Personal Development

LEADERSHIP

Our mining and processing facilities are prime examples of our use of innovative technologies to maintain quality and efficiency.

*°"°Ê ÝÊnÇÓÊUÊ Àii Ê, ÛiÀ]Ê79ÊnÓ Îx ÎäÇ°nÇx°ÓxnäÊUÊÜÜÜ°v V° LÃ

Almanac

Rocks of Ages The high desert scenery of Sweetwater County is punctuated by dramatic rock formations that dot the landscape, giving n rise to its nickname of Gateway to the West. Each formation has its own name and story to go along with it, such as ow Tollgate Rock, which was once a barricade with only a narrow pathway for wagon trains to go through. Some enterprising wn pioneers set up shop and charged a toll. Another well-known er formation is Boar’s Tusk, a 400-foot-tall volcanic stem. Other formations include Castle Rock, The Palisades, Pilot Butte and Kissing Rocks.

You’re Hired

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENT ANDERSEN

Job seekers have a wealth of resources and support at their fingertips, thanks to the Rock Springs Workforce Center. The federally funded state resource – part of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – provides employment and business services, including job applications, resumewriting assistance and use of the computer area for online applications. People can contact the center before they relocate to the area to start their job search long distance, and the friendly staff is available on site to help. The first step is to visit the agency’s Web site at www.wyomingatwork.com, where job seekers can browse job openings, post a resume or link to other resources.

Heart of the Arts Nearly 600 works of fine art – including paintings

by Norman Rockwell and Grandma Moses – are on display at the Community Fine Arts Center in Rock Springs. This nonprofit multi-arts center started as a high school art collection and has grown into something much larger. The visual arts collection continues to grow through donations by visiting artists, students and the public. The CFAC also offers a variety of performance arts, from symphony and opera to street dancers and puppet shows.

Visit www.cfac4art.com for more information.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

11

WHO WE ARE WE ARE

a company with local roots that services the oil and gas industry in the area

WE WE WE WE WE WE WE WE WE WE WE

over 200 employees strong

ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE ARE

giving back to the community, in many ways over 30 years of experience drug free safety and performance a family business, and we act like it purchasing from local vendors approaching 20 years in Sweetwater County here to stay Wyoming Casing Service Inc. Sweetwater County

To learn more about us, visit www.wyomingcasingservice.com.

Almanac

Winds of Change

See wild horses in action in our quick video.

Visit imagessweetwatercounty.com.

Gr ee nR

What’s Online e

.

Wind energy is an emerging industry across the country, and Sweetwater County is a potential hot spot for future projects. The county already has tremendous oil and gas resources, and wind developers in the region are looking at the possible construction of at least 500 wind turbines over the next decade. A challenge is to balance potential wind energy projects with preservation of the area’s outdoor recreation, scenic landscape and wildlife that draw tourists by the thousands.

191

Bairoil

28

287

Eden Fontenelle

SW EETWATER

189

Creston Superior Point of Rocks Wamsutter

372

North Rock Springs Granger Rock Springs Green River Little America

789

80

Table Rock Bitter Creek

430 530

414

Flaming Gorge Res.

McKinnon

Sweetwater County

Sweetwater County At A Glance POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) Sweetwater County: 48,000 Rock Springs: 27,000, Green River: 14,500

Unbridled Spirit Sweetwater County’s wild horses are living examples of the untamed frontier spirit and an amazing sight to see on the open landscape.

More than 2,500 of Wyoming’s wild horses roam free on the public lands of Sweetwater County – and many are said to be descendants of those brought by the Spanish in the 1500s.

The self-guided Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop Tour – which also can be taken with a guide through Green River Wild Horse Tours & Eco Safaris – allows visitors to view the horses in their natural habitat. Wild horses can also be seen in Rock Springs at the BLM roundup corrals, a facility that holds and processes wild horses that are gathered for adoption.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

LOCATION Sweetwater County is in southwest Wyoming, just north of the Wyoming, Utah and Colorado state lines.

BEGINNINGS Sweetwater County was organized in 1867. Its county seat is Green River.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce 1897 Dewar Drive, P.O. Box 398 Rock Springs, WY 82902-0398 Phone: (307) 362-3771, Fax: (307) 362-3838 www.rockspringschamber.com

What’s Online e Take a virtual tour of Sweetwater County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagessweetwatercounty.com.

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

13

Almanac

From Here to Anywhere The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport, just seven miles east of Rock Springs, offers an easy way to travel to and from the area. Great Lakes Airlines, SkyWest Airlines and United Airlines offer commercial flights in and out of the airport, and daily direct flights to Salt Lake City and Denver are available. Franklin Aviation provides aircraft rental, charter flight service and flight instruction. Visit www.rockspringsairport.com for more information.

Fast Facts Teaming Up Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs works closely with local businesses and industries to offer training that relates directly to jobs. Programs such as welding technology, plant operations, oil and gas technology, mining maintenance, industrial maintenance, compression technology, diesel technology, heavy equipment maintenance, and electrical and instrumentation technology have grown based on demand from the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many coal mines and plants. Local businesses even teamed up to fund a $2.3 million well site training facility at the school.

Visit www.wwcc.wy.edu for more information.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Q The Rock Springs Farmers Market is open Thursdays from mid-July through August at Depot Park on South Main Street in Rock Springs.

Q Incorporated cities and towns in Sweetwater County are Bairoil, Granger, Green River, Rock Springs, Superior and Wamsutter.

Q Sweetwater County has more miles of stillvisible pioneer trails than any other area in the United States.

Q Fish weighing more than 50 pounds have been hauled out of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Q The county is home to two excellent public school districts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sweetwater County School District #1 and Sweetwater County School District #2.

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

15

Creating a

16

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Sense of

Place NEW SHOPS, BUSINESSES REVIVE URBAN CHARACTER STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

K

nockout scenery is no longer limited to the great outdoors in Sweetwater County, as new shops and restaurants lend a fresh sense of energy to their surroundings.

Rock Springs and Green River are seeing strong growth in their downtowns and surrounding areas, making the already-inviting communities even more desirable for residents and visitors. As national retailers and unique local boutiques set up shop, more people are discovering Sweetwater County’s many assets, says Dave Hanks, chief executive officer of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in the past six years in the county, and Rock Springs is really the epicenter of that activity,” Hanks says. “A lot of that has come from the natural-gas development and the businesses that have come along with it, but many of our well-established players that have been here for years have made some major new investments in our community.”

New retail has followed the influx of new

What’s s e Online Take a virtual tour of the Rock Springs Farmers Market in downtown Rock Springs in our quick video. Visit imagessweetwater county.com.

The rugged Wyoming landscape serves as a stunning backdrop for the Sweetwater County Historical Museum in Green River.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

17

Cold Stone Creamery is one of several stores that have opened in a new retail center on Dewar Drive in Rock Springs.

18

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

businesses, and the local arts scene is another beneficiary of the re-energized urban core.

“People really like the feeling of the old buildings downtown, but they also like the whole atmosphere around here,” says John Partain, a photographer and co-op member of Local Color Gallery & Gifts, the largest artist-owned gallery in the state. Located in the historic Slovenski Dom on Bridger Avenue in downtown Rock Springs, the gallery uses its 1910 backdrop to blend the old and new successfully.

“We’re trying to promote more of the museums and the historic value of Rock Springs,” Partain says. “We’re really seeing people coming down here and walking the streets.”

The growing energy has translated into good business for Kim Allen, who opened her Cold Stone Creamery franchise in a new retail center on Dewar Drive – just a few miles from downtown Rock Springs – in early 2008.

“I try to get involved with the city events and stay in touch with schools and other people that I can give coupons to, and we’re definitely seeing more out-of-town people now,” Allen says. “With the new golf course and more things opening, I’m hoping to keep on growing.”

The boom times have also meant steady expansion at Commerce Bank of Wyoming, which opened a new office complex near downtown on Dewar Drive in fall 2009.

Commerce Bank of Wyoming will anchor the complex while it sells the remaining office-condo space to other tenants. The new site will consolidate facilities for the bank, which opened in 2006 and now has more than $70 million in assets, says Harry Woolley, president.

“We’ve grown very quickly in a very vibrant community,” Woolley says. “While we’ve been affected by the economy, we’re still very actively making loans for new projects here, and we get a fair number of requests for new and renovation projects all the time. A lot is happening here.”

The city’s emerging urban center is a source of encouragement for the city’s Urban Renewal Agency, and it’s something that is being very carefully shepherded, says Lisa Mueller, the agency’s director.

“We’re breathing economic life into downtown by getting people here for shopping, eating and enjoying the community,” Mueller says. “We’re creating a real sense of place.”

Green River, the county seat, is also in the midst of a downtown revival. This scenic city is home to many parks and trails, and it’s known for the many public art sculptures throughout the downtown area. The Green River – the city’s namesake – flows through the city, and ongoing enhancements to the whitewater park next to Expedition Island Park are helping to create a vibrant downtown and riverfront.

Vendors sell fresh fruits and vegetables at the Rock Springs Farmers Market in downtown Rock Springs.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

19

Enjoythe

View

20

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

NEW PARKS, GOLF COURSE EXPANSION ADD TO COUNTY’S GREEN SPACES STORY BY JOE MORRIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

S

weetwater County is known throughout the region as a recreation paradise, offering golf courses, mountain biking trails, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and more – all with gorgeous scenery as a backdrop.

The county’s municipalities are making the most of the region’s natural

resources and doing plenty to keep the attractions coming.

“We have two recreation centers, the golf course, and there are 20 parks in the department now,” says Mark Lyon, parks superintendent for the Rock Springs Park and Recreation Department. “We have a lot of opportunities for recreation that really add to the quality of life here.”

Among the city’s newer features is Arthur Park, which includes the city’s first disc golf course, and a new dog park complete with a pond and washing stations. A $9 million aquatic center is under way at the Family Recreation Center, which will offer up a spray pad, slides and recreation rooms when complete. These add to

Sedric Philo pushes his 3-year-old daughter, Lola, and his 1-year-old son, Tim, on the swings at Arthur Park’s new playground in Rock Springs. Left: White Mountain Golf Course opened nine new holes, for a total of 27, in fall 2009.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

21

“We have a lot of opportunities for recreation that really add to the quality of life here.”

22

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

the facility’s many current offerings and the Rock Springs Civic Center’s handball courts, climbing wall and fitness classes.

Best of all, these projects are paid for with a local option tax that’s slated for infrastructure improvements. A citizen board works with staff so the community has input on planned new facilities.

“Now we’re looking at a skate park and a second phase at the aquatic center,” Lyon says.

For water the natural way, look no further than Green River, where a $500,000 community enhancement grant will improve White Water Park, which is next to Expedition Island Park.

New courses and enhanced whitewater-

rafting drops are included in the improvements, which will help local officials bring in even more tourism and recreation traffic, says Maggie Adams, manager of the Green River Main Street program.

“One of our goals is to connect to our downtown and to our river and water activities so we can capitalize on our river,” Adams says, adding that the organization partners with the Green River Chamber of Commerce and other groups to promote the city through various programs and events.

The White Mountain Golf Course opened nine new holes in fall 2009, bringing the course’s total tees to 27.

Coupled with the other amenities within S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

the Paul J. Wataha Recreation Complex, it’s easy to make a day of it on or off the links, says John Keller, complex superintendent.

“The people in Sweetwater County have the point of view that parks and recreation are important to the quality of life here, and they really stress that,” Keller says. “They’re definitely proactive about providing new services to the community when the dollars are available.”

A new practice facility is next for the golf course.

“We’re hoping to have a nice new practice green for people to practice their short game, their putting and chipping by fall 2010,” Keller says.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

A runner jogs through scenic downtown Rock Springs. At left, Lisa and Craig Eff play Frisbee with their yellow lab, Bailey, at Rock Springs’ new dog park.

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

23

24

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Tasty Options

SWEETWATER COUNTY’S CUISINE SCENE HITS THE SPOT

STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

F

rom burgers in a 1950s-style diner to upscale Italian cuisine with a view, Sweetwater County’s bustling dining scene has a restaurant to satisfy most any taste.

Nine Iron Grill is a local favorite that began life as a steakhouse four years ago. But it soon switched to upscale Italian fare, which has been a hit with diners, says Cory Gardner, who owns Walnut scallops are a customer favorite at Siam King Thai & Japanese Cuisine in Rock Springs.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

25

the restaurant with partner Shane Patterson and his parents, Gordon and Micki Patterson.

“We have had the Santa Fe Southwest Grill since 1991, and we decided to look at the golf course as an option for a new restaurant,” Gardner says. “We figured out early that there were enough steakhouses in town, so we switched to an Italian menu that’s been really successful.”

The 152-seat restaurant’s specialty is its chicken Alfredo, which features one of the restaurant’s many homemade, signature sauces. But the Cotechino alla Mauricio, a pork loin stuffed with spicy sausage, mozzarella cheese, onions and peppers, runs a close second. And with a wall of windows that allows for a view of the golf course and the occasional grazing deer, Nine Iron Grill’s ambiance only adds to the dining experience.

“We’ve really tried to make it a great place and to make it Shrimp scampi is a popular menu item at the elegant Nine Iron Grill in Rock Springs. Below: Remedies Grill and Fountain, located in the back of a Bi-Rite Drug in downtown Rock Springs, is known for its juicy burgers.

26

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

“We just had the idea that people like a simple, good hamburger, and it seems to work for us.” affordable,” Gardner says.

Siam King Thai & Japanese Cuisine, which specializes in seafood dishes and Thai cuisine, opened in early 2009. Owner Robert Liu says the restaurant has been doing very well since day one.

One of Siam King’s signature dishes is the traditional Pad Thai, which Liu says is a big seller at both the 100-seat restaurant and the catering and party service.

“We have a good location in a very nice city, and we have been very busy,” Liu says. “That’s a very good thing.”

If you’re looking for a great burger, head over to Remedies Grill and Fountain, which has been in the back of Bi-Rite Drug since the mid-1950s – even surviving a move across the street a

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

while back. Owners John and Mark Piaia grew up in the drugstore run by their father, and about 10 years ago they revamped the original fountain and booths and named it Remedies, “the sure cure for your hunger.”

“At that point we brought back the hamburger, which we’d always done before, and then built a menu around it,” says John Piaia. “We just put in things people like — Velveeta cheese, grilled onions, a buttered and grilled bun, and then our beer-battered fries and homemade fry sauce. We like sauces.”

Other favorites include the Chicken Cure and various salads and pizzas – but most everybody goes for the burger.

“We just had the idea that people like a simple, good hamburger, and it seems to work for us,” Piaia says.

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

27

Recreation

Destination TAKE YOUR PICK OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

STORY BY CAROL COWAN

L

ooking for adventure?

Then head to the high desert of Sweetwater County, where you’ll find a veritable outdoor playground that covers 10,500 square miles and offers just about any kind of outdoor fun you can imagine.

“Flaming Gorge is our biggest draw,” says Jenissa Bartlett, executive director of Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a great place to camp, hike, boat or fish the deep, cold waters of 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir for trophy-size trout, kokanee salmon and smallmouth bass.

“Flaming Gorge is also a good spot for snowshoeing and wildlife viewing in winter,” Bartlett adds.

Bighorn sheep, moose, elk and antelope inhabit the rugged mountain terrain and panoramic desert vistas of Flaming Gorge country.

Another landmark attraction is Expedition Island, located in the center Firehole Canyon, part of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

28

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Take a virtual stroll through Expedition Island State Park in our quick video.

Visit imagessweetwatercounty.com.

PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

What’s Online e

The Boar’s Tusk, a 400-foot-tall volcanic stem, is cast in shadow at dusk in the Red Desert of Sweetwater County.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

29

JEFF ADKINS

Running is one of the many ways residents and tourists enjoy the spectular scenery in Sweetwater County.

30

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Other sights visible from overlooks on the loop include Boar’s Tusk, a 400-foot-tall volcanic stem, and Killpecker Sand Dunes, which can reach heights of more than 100 feet.

“Killpecker Sand Dunes are public lands where a lot of people go to ride ATVs,” Bartlett says. “On the way, you can see the White Mountain Petroglyphs.”

Etched into a sandstone cliff on White Mountain in the Upper Wasatch formation, the ancient petroglyphs include drawings of humans – some on horseback and wearing feathered headdresses – teepees, buffalo and elk.

In northern Sweetwater County, the ruts of pioneer wagon wheels still mark places where the Pony Express, Oregon, California and Mormon Pioneer Trails traversed these lands.

Several crossings of the national historic trails pass through Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, a 26,000-acre area between Fontenelle Dam and Green River that is home to waterfowl, bald and golden eagles, prairie and peregrine falcons, and owls. Seedskadee is a popular spot for bird watching, big-game hunting and fly-fishing.

Visit www.tourwyoming.com for more information about area attractions.

See the Sights With more than 10,500 square miles for hiking, biking and fishing, it’s easy to stay busy in Sweetwater County.

Here are a few of the region’s many must-see outdoor attractions: Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Expedition Island Killpecker Sand Dunes Pilot Butte Wild Horses Scenic Loop

J. KYLE KEENER

of Green River. The national historic site has picnic tables, a paved walking trail and access to the Green Belt Nature Walk. Adjacent to the island, an existing whitewater park is undergoing improvements that are slated for completion in 2010. The $1 million project includes development of a beginner course on the island’s north side and enhancement of the current Castle Falls whitewater feature to make it suitable for advanced freestyle kayakers and competitive events.

If your tastes run to calmer waters, don’t worry, Bartlett says. Plenty of folks enjoy “floating the Green” on inner tubes, with floats beginning or ending at Expedition Island. Tubing on the Green River is a relaxing way to enjoy some of Sweetwater County’s spectacular scenery.

And while the river is a lot of fun, wild horses could probably drag you away – the wild mustangs that run free up near Pilot Butte, that is. A sight unique to Sweetwater County is the herd of more than 2,500 wild horses that roam their natural habitat in the mountains between Rock Springs and Green River. You can drive the self-guided Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, or you could hitch a ride on the Green River Wild Horse Tour & Eco Safari aboard a 10-passenger Austrian Pinzgauer all-terrain vehicle for an off-thebeaten-path experience.

The Green River in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a popular place to fish for trophy-size trout.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

31

Center

Action SWEETWATER COUNTY EVENTS COMPLEX HAS A VENUE FOR ANY OCCASION

32

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

STORY BY JEANNIE NAUJECK

O

J. KYLE KEENER

n most calendars, a year lasts 365 days. But the Sweetwater County Events Complex is hoping for 700 “event days” per year.

As the premier events staging venue in the region, the complex hosts everything from rodeos to wedding receptions with 350 acres of equestrian facilities, a stock car racing track, and indoor and outdoor arenas for motocross and BMX biking, barrel racing and performing arts. It also has a 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall and a 42,000-square-foot agricultural complex.

A full-time staff of 12 handles the long event year, producing events such as indoor motocross competitions that draw bikers from around the country.

The complex has been a community institution for more than 30 years, and its staff is looking to the future with a proposed new multipurpose venue that would expand the number and type of events that can be held.

The proposed $40 million venue would include seating for 5,000 people plus floor space for indoor rodeos and concerts.

“There’s a consensus that the community needs it,” says Chad Banks, the complex’s marketing director.

A January 2007 study showed the complex has a $5.9 million economic

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Motocross, BMX and stock car racing events take place regularly at the Sweetwater County Events Complex, home to the finest motor sports facilities in the region.

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

33

PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

A cowboy practices team roping in the Sweetwater County Events Complexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor arena. Below, a motocross rider catches some air during a race. The Sweetwater County Events Complex hosts more than 700 events each year, including the Sweetwater County Fair.

34

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

impact on the area and creates nearly 400 jobs.

Just five miles from Rock Springs, the events complex really comes alive at the end of July during Wyoming’s Big Show – the Sweetwater County fair that is a major draw for the region.

Free to children under 6 and with admission topping out at $8, it’s the best entertainment value of the year.

In 2009, more than 72,000 people attended the 10-day fair, which included a rodeo, 4-H livestock competitions and typical fair attractions like the midway. Banks says almost a quarter of visitors come from states such as Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, Nevada and Oklahoma.

The Big Show is sponsored by big names such as First Bank, Anadarko, FMC and Halliburton.

It also gets wide community support from Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, Mountain Mapping & Supply and McDonald’s restaurants in Green River and Rock Springs, which sponsor Kids Day. “It’s as big as the state fair,” says Greg Bailey, the local McDonalds’ franchise owner who has been a major sponsor of the Sweetwater County Fair for 13 years. “There’s great exposure, and it’s a good way to give back to the community.”

The Exhibit Hall brings in trade shows, holiday parties and wedding receptions with banquet seating for 1,000, a full kitchen and a meeting room that can accommodate 50 people.

The outdoor arena has grandstand seating for 3,000 fans of rodeos, equestrian events, arena cross racing, demolition derbies and mud racing.

The indoor arena seats 1,500 and has a large riding arena to accommodate horse shows and agricultural events as well as BMX racing and concerts. Amenities include remodeled restrooms, showers and a complete concession area.

Up to 5,000 spectators can watch races at the speedway, which has a 3/8-mile banked oval dirt track. There’s also a BMX track, a motocross track, a peewee track and a pit area that holds more than 100 vehicles.

The landscaped midway area can host trade shows, RV shows and company picnics, while families and groups can hold outings near the five fishing ponds stocked seasonally by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. An RV park has more than 120 parking places with electrical hookups. Horseshoe pits and boccie courts host leagues weekly during the summer.

“We’ve got a place for any event and any occasion, no matter how large or how small,” Banks says. “It’s a real community gathering place.”

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Scorecard The Sweetwater County Events Complex is a hub of activity, and it boasts some impressive numbers.

400 jobs created $5.9 million economic impact on the area 700 events each year 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall 42,000-square-foot agricultural complex 5,000 spectators can watch speedway races 3,000 fans can fill the outdoor arena 1,500 fans can fill the indoor arena

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

35

Fueling Economy the

INFINITY POWER’S TECHNOLOGY KEEPS THE OIL AND GAS FLOWING

JEFF ADKINS

36

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

STORY BY JEANNIE NAUJECK

In 1993, Wyoming produced 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Now, it produces 2.5 trillion cubic feet.

Oil and natural gas produced in Sweetwater County is used throughout the region and shipped to major markets such as Denver and Salt Lake City.

“Wyoming is really becoming energy central in the U.S.,” Towler says.

“We’re just a major energy producer, and we’re likely to become even more important.”

The future may include wind farms and carbon sequestration, a method of mitigating global warming by capturing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the air and storing it underground in empty oil fields and rock formations. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified Sweetwater County as a possible storage site.

Activity in that area could pick up in about five years, Towler says.

As the nation explores alternative energy sources and funding, Pivic says he sees tighter environmental restraints affecting the industry. But his business will adapt.

Pivic says his goal is to help companies comply with new regulations – and to

achieve larger national goals such as preserving natural resources and alleviating climate change.

One example is a patented control system that ensures oil well flares, which burn off excess gas, are always running – and it relights them if needed. Infinity guarantees its flares always stay lit.

“We’re positioned for growth because our products for the oil and natural gas industries are always cutting edge,” he says. “Our products are always above the EPA requirements. As the environmental regulations get more restrictive, we’re already there.”

To ensure generations of future engineers, Infinity has donated money and equipment to build a lab at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Pivic’s alma mater, as well as equipment for a whole well site at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs.

The site gives students working knowledge and experience on a producing well location.

“We want to help students understand our industry and what we do,” Pivic says. “I feel it is important for us to stay vested and involved in our youth and our community.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUCE W. PIVIC

I

t’s no exaggeration to say Bruce Pivic’s company is at the controls of the oil and natural gas industry.

Infinity Power & Controls of Rock Springs designs and builds industrial controls that help keep oil and natural gas production running without a hitch and ensure the product gets to market.

Infinity’s products can maximize oil pump rates to consistently pump oil from a well without shutting off the pump.

Its products help operators monitor oil wells remotely via satellite, which allows an operator to communicate with the well from a distance.

“After the well is drilled, completed and ready to produce, it helps the owner or operator extract the oil out of the ground,” Pivic explains. “They can sit in their office and watch them and change how they operate them.”

The technology is also transferable to any other industry that has the potential for automation, including natural gas production. Infinity’s engineers also designed, programmed and built the control panels and monitors that direct robots to paint cars on Ford’s automotive assembly lines.

And they also designed the controls that regulate the amount of ingredients in each flavor packet included with Top Ramen noodles.

“We design what the customer asks for, manufacture it, install it and give them the keys,” Pivic says.

A Rock Springs native, Pivic started Infinity in his garage in 1998.

But thanks to Wyoming’s growing stature as an energy producing state, the company has grown into an enterprise with 40 employees.

Sweetwater County is one of the major oil and natural gas producers in the state, producing about 10 percent of Wyoming’s output of each, says Brian Towler, professor of chemical and petroleum engineering at the University of Wyoming.

A well control unit, designed and manufactured by Infinity Power and Controls in Rock Springs, allows operators in the oil and natural gas industries to monitor wells remotely via satellite and control them from a distance.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

37

Image Gallery

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Online e Visit imagessweetwatercounty.com to see more award-winning photography highlighting the places and people in Sweetwater County.

Rock formations in Sweetwater County

38

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

39

Image Gallery

Caterpillar roll at Siam King Thai & Japanese Cuisine in Rock Springs

40

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

Team roping at the Sweetwater County Events Complex in Rock Springs

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

41

Portfolio

Los Cabos owners Placido Mena Pico, center, and his wife, Elaina Pico, along with their nephew, Pablo Guerrero

42

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Celebrating Cultural Diversity HISPANIC BUSINESSES SPICE UP SWEETWATER COUNTY’S ECONOMY AND LIFESTYLE

L

iving in Rock Springs is muy bien for its culturally diverse residents.

The city is actually known as the Home of 56 Nationalities, and Rock Springs hosts an annual International Day at Bunning Park to celebrate the city’s diverse heritage. The 2010 celebration is scheduled for July 10.

Admission to International Day is always free, and there is plenty of authentic ethnic food, along with more than 40 varieties of beer, live entertainment, family and children’s activities, and more.

But for all its nationalities, the Mexican influence is perhaps the most visible in Rock Springs and the surrounding area. In fact, Sweetwater County School District #1 now has the second-largest Hispanic student population in the state of Wyoming.

“Many Mexican people enjoy working in the mining, construction and oilrelated fields, and Sweetwater County certainly has those kind of jobs,” says Raul Mendoza, a radio personality nicknamed El Atrevido (The Daring) with WyoRadio’s 106.7 KMRZ-FM (Mi Raza). Mendoza is also a spokesman for the Hispanic community.

“If someone in the Hispanic community gets a good-paying mining or construction job and there is another job opening, he will call a relative to move here for that job. One person tells another and so on. That’s why this community has so many Hispanic residents.”

Mendoza says that as the local Mexican population has increased, more Hispanic-related businesses

have been setting up shop.

“Retail and clothing stores began to pop up, then a Mexican bakery opened and then restaurants such as Los Cabos,” he says. “This is a nice community for the Hispanic population to live. The work is tough in the mining, construction and oil industries, but Mexicans are good workers. I really enjoy life in Sweetwater County.”

J\im`e^ Jflk_n\jk Npfd`e^ `e j\m\e Zfddle`k`\j

PHOTOS BY JEFF ADKINS

IfZb Jgi`e^j 8]kfe G`e\[Xc\ 8cg`e\ <mXejkfe B\dd\i\i DflekX`e M`\n

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Efik_ J`[\ 9iXeZ_ -'( E% =ifek Jk% IfZb Jgi`e^j# NP *'. *-)$,-'( /'' -*)$,-'( nnn%(jkYXeb$fec`e\%Zfd

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

43

Portfolio

Concert Association Hits a High Note C One example is Bite Night, a casual event that brings together local restaurants, wine vendors, food vendors, live music and activities – an auction, silent auction, door prizes and more – to offer partygoers a taste of Sweetwater County.

Another favorite is Jazz From the Bayou, an elegant, dress-up occasion featuring dinner and live music from the New Orleans-based Ronnie Kole Trio. Proceeds from this popular event fund a scholarship program that helps

Sweetwater County students – those who need financial help and are nominated by a teacher – cover expenses related to the fine arts.

The Sweetwater County Concert Association works to get music in the schools as often as possible, and many performers who come here for concerts stay an extra day or two to perform in the schools.

Still another popular fundraiser is Event in the Tent, held at Currant Creek Ranch.

“We try to have a lot of different styles and different kind of venues,” Craft says. “Some people are intimidated by the thought of going to a concert, so we try to offer different options so they can see what a really fun, exiting thing it can be.”

Another group that offers top-notch entertainment is Actors’ Mission – a local community theater troupe that performs shows at the Elks Lodge on C Street, with a dinner option being part of the evening’s experience.

Actors’ Mission presented its seventh season in 2009, with five separate plays performed for the public during the season that stretched from March to November. The troupe is known for producing unusual, avant-garde plays that not only please the critics, but also keep audiences thinking long after the curtain falls.

BRIAN McCORD

oncerts showcasing music of all kinds can be found in Sweetwater County, thanks in large part to the Sweetwater County Concert Association.

The nonprofit group books five musical performances each year, with a wide range of offerings – from classical and big band to jazz and country.

“We’ve also started doing some fundraisers that are more popular than our concerts,” says Dr. Bernadine Craft, concert chair and treasurer for the organization.

Live performances of all kinds can be found in Sweetwater County.

44

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Life-sized replicas of dinosaurs are on display at the WWCC Natural History Museum in Rock Springs.

J. KYLE KEENER

Musing About Museums F

rom Butch Cassidy to dinosaurs, the museums in Sweetwater County offer plenty for art-lovers, history buffs and curiosity-seekers to explore.

For starters, paintings by renowned artists such as Norman Rockwell and Grandma Moses are on permanent display at the Community Fine Arts Center in Rock Springs. Also on exhibit are more than 500 other original American painting prints as well as drawings on paper, vivid photographs and three-dimensional works.

One of the more infamous characters who once lived in Sweetwater County was Robert Leroy Parker – more commonly known as the notorious outlaw Butch Cassidy – and his life is detailed at the Rock Springs Historical Museum. Cassidy was given his nickname after working in a local butcher shop. After being accused of a robbery he didn’t commit, he returned to his criminal ways.

Many photos, newspaper accounts and even Cassidy’s personal writings are part of the collection.

In Green River, the Sweetwater County Historical Museum was established in 1967 inside a 1931 post office building that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum showcases interesting aspects of life inside Sweetwater County from 1820 to the present, while the museum also features a side exhibit about dinosaurs.

At the Western Wyoming Community College Natural History Museum in Rock Springs, visitors can see five life-sized replicas of dinosaurs. Also on display are artifacts including prehistoric pottery, smaller fossils and items associated with the earliest known humans who lived in what is now Sweetwater County.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

45

Portfolio

Something To Celebrate F

rom rodeos to live concerts, fairs and festivals, Sweetwater County’s event calendar is full of family fun.

Some popular events include the River Festival in Green River, a Sweetwater Blues ‘n’ Brews Festival, a Red Desert Roundup Rodeo, a Rock Springs Concert in the Park series and Wyoming’s Big Show celebration.

“Wyoming’s Big Show takes place in late July and early August at the Sweetwater County Events Complex, which is an ideal place to host an event

of any size,” says Jenissa Bartlett, executive director of the Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism Board.

“The Wyoming celebration includes exhibits, a midway, horse show and other entertainment. It is an incredible event.”

Another popular festival is International Day, which takes place in Rock Springs every July.

“Rock Springs is a melting pot of people who arrived in the city during the early development of the Western

NOBODY takes care of you

LIKE STATE FARM. At State Farm® you get a competitive rate and an agent dedicated to helping you get the coverage that’s right for you and the discounts you deserve. We’d love to take care of you, too.

railroad and mining industries,” Bartlett says. “International Day commemorates the rich heritage that various nationalities have brought to Sweetwater County, which has made our community so vibrant and interesting.”

Another big draw is Flaming Gorge Days in Green River, held on the last weekend of June each year.

“This particular event attracts top-of-the-line musical entertainment, with a country night concert and a rock night concert attended by up to 4,000 people,” she says. “Past acts have included Poison, Tesla, REO Speedwagon and Montgomery Gentry.”

Several athletic activities are scheduled during the day, including a volleyball tournament and a three-on-three basketball tournament.

The Green River courses through the city and then south into the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, which gives Flaming Gorge Days its name.

Talk to one of these agents to see how you can start saving money today.

Dick Boettcher Ins Agency Inc.

Sharon Turano

Dick Boettcher 2820 Foothill Blvd.

Rock Springs, WY 82902 Bus: (307) 382-6211 dick.a.boettcher.b7d1@statefarm.com

1977 Dewar Dr. Rock Springs, WY 82901 Bus: (307) 382-8313 sharon.turano.b5k1@statefarm.com

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

STATE FARM IS THERE.®

Providing Insurance and Financial Services statefarm.com® State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (not in NJ), State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ), Bloomington, IL P050058 02/05

Bagpipes at International Day

46

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Wild and Free, a bronze sculpture by artist Rudy Gunter, is among the public art in downtown Green River.

A River Runs Through It he county seat and the second-largest city in Sweetwater County is also one of its most scenic communities.

The city of Green River is home to many parks, pathways and greenbelt trails, along with public art sculptures throughout the downtown area. The city also serves as the west entrance of the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop Tour and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gateway to the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area just south of Green River.

Despite Interstate 80 and other modern amenities, the city remains a peaceful place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and antelope, horses and mule deer still roam the open fields.

The city that was incorporated in 1868 is named for the swift-flowing Green River that winds through town.

This river has carved out a series of spectacular multicolored buttes that add to the amazing scenery found in southwestern Wyomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide-open spaces.

Today, the city has a population of 14,500 residents, and mining is the main industry. The Green River Basin contains the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest known deposit of trona ore, a relatively rare sodium-rich mineral. It is processed into soda ash that can be used to manufacture chemicals, detergents, food, glass, paper and textiles. Soda ash mining from trona veins in the Green River Basin employs 2,000 people at five mines.

The Basin also has large reserves of oil shale and natural gas, but the high cost of extracting the oil from the hard shale has left the reserves virtually untouched over the years. Companies such as Halliburton and Exxon have recently shown interest in extracting the reserves, creating a mini-boom for Green River and Rock Springs. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stories by Kevin Litwin S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

JEFF ADKINS

T

ComTech

Communication Technologies UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;âi`Ă&#x160;/Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x2021;7>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160; ,>`Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; i>Â?iĂ&#x20AC; UĂ&#x160; ->Â?iĂ&#x192;]Ă&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x160;>Â&#x2DC;`Ă&#x160; iĂ&#x192;Â&#x2C6;}Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;/Ă&#x153;Â&#x153;Â&#x2021;7>Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;,>`Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x201C;Ă&#x192; UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x201C;{Â&#x2021; Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;-iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x160;,iĂ&#x192;ÂŤÂ&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160;vÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x153;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x2DC;>Â&#x2DC;ViĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;>VĂ&#x152;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160; UĂ&#x160; -iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;ViĂ&#x160; }Ă&#x20AC;iiÂ&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192; UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;V>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;\ Ă&#x160; ,Â&#x153;VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;-ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;qĂ&#x160;­Ă&#x17D;äĂ&#x2021;ÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17D;nĂ&#x201C;Â&#x2021;xĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â?Â?Ă&#x192;Ă&#x160;qĂ&#x160;­Ă&#x17D;äĂ&#x2021;ÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2021;nnĂ&#x2021;ä Ă&#x160; >Â&#x2DC;`iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;qĂ&#x160;­Ă&#x17D;äĂ&#x2021;ÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;{Ă&#x201C;x Ă&#x160; >VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x192;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;qĂ&#x160;­Ă&#x17D;äĂ&#x2021;ÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2C6;Â&#x2122;

Authorized Two-Way Radio Dealer

ÂŁÂ&#x2122;ääĂ&#x160; Â?Â&#x17D;Ă&#x160;-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x20AC;iiĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160; ,Â&#x153;VÂ&#x17D;Ă&#x160;-ÂŤĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x192;]Ă&#x160;79Ă&#x160; ­Ă&#x17D;äĂ&#x2021;ÂŽĂ&#x160;Ă&#x17D;nĂ&#x201C;Â&#x2021;xĂ&#x2C6;Ă&#x2C6;Ă&#x17D;

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

47

Business

A

Treasure in Trona

GREEN RIVER BASIN IS WORLD’S LARGEST SODA ASH SOURCE

STORY BY JEANNIE NAUJECK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

T

rona may not be a household name, but it’s found in every household.

Trona is a naturally occurring mineral that is the main source of soda ash, or sodium carbonate, an element in cleaning products such as Arm & Hammer baking soda, laundry detergent and kitty litter, as well as a necessity in glassmaking.

And it’s found in abundance in Sweetwater County.

Green River Basin has the world’s largest deposit of trona ore, making Sweetwater County the trona capital of the world.

The impact of trona mining and refinery operations on the local economy cannot be overstated.

“It’s our major employer. It adds to our tax base and has a major effect on our whole economy,” says Michelle Hostetler, director of the Sweetwater Economic Development Association.

“We’d be in bad shape without it.”

Four companies – FMC Corp., General Chemical Corp., Solvay Chemicals Inc. and OCI Chemical Corp. – account for most domestic production of natural soda ash. That’s about 11 million tons each year, says Sameer Rupani, director of

Raw trona ore, front, is processed into soda ash and sodium sulfite. At right, an elevator shaft leads to a trona mine at Solvay Chemicals Inc. in Rock Springs.

48

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

49

Business

Tons of soda ash are loaded from the top down into railcars at Solvay Chemicals Inc. to be shipped nationally and internationally.

strategy and business development for the American Natural Soda Ash Corp., the global export organization representing the producers.

The four Wyoming plants produced about a quarter of the 46 million tons of soda ash produced worldwide in 2008, according to federal data.

Trona veins run up to 1,600 feet deep in the Green River Basin and were formed millions of years ago when an ancient lake covered up to 15,000 square miles of southwestern Wyoming, geologists believe. When the lake evaporated, minerals in the lakebed became deep trona deposits – a supply that could meet world demand for 1,300 years.

“There’s no deposit like this anywhere in the world, both in pristine quality and quantity,” says Ron Hughes, senior vice president and site manager for Solvay Chemicals.

The company operates a 25-square-mile mine and a one-squaremile refining plant, which employ more than 400 people.

“There are billions of tons of trona in the Green River Basin,” Hughes says. “Our mining plans stretch out several decades and beyond.”

About half of soda ash output is used for glassmaking, about a quarter is used in chemical manufacturing, and the rest is used for purposes such as paper manufacturing and water treatment.

In 2009, the soda ash industry was affected when demand for glass took a dip with the rest of the economy. Automakers and homebuilders are major window customers, and when their business fell, mining and refinery capacity slowed.

“There’s a lot more capacity than demand,” Rupani says.

“When people buy fewer cars and homes, it trickles back to the supplier.”

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

“If there are windows in your house, trona is there.

Everybody is touched by it in some way.”

Still, he and Hughes say that global demand for soda ash is starting to balance out the softening domestically. Some 5 million tons of soda ash are exported each year, with its main competition being a synthetic product from China.

American producers are able to compete because it is so efficient and cost-effective to refine soda ash from the Green River Basin.

In 2008, Solvay Chemicals Inc., FMC Corp., OCI Chemical Corp. and General Chemical Corp. paid nearly $30 million in taxes, making up close to 19 percent of the county’s tax base.

The mines and soda ash refineries employ thousands of people directly and many more indirectly.

It’s safe to say that without trona, Sweetwater County would be a very different place – geographically and economically.

“It’s such a mainstay, and it’s something everyone uses every single day,” Hostetler says. “If there are windows in your house, trona is there. Everybody is touched by it in some way.”

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

51

Business

Biz Briefs BUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE SWEETWATER COUNTY’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE

$5,783,756 Retail sales ($1,000)

$11,586 Retail sales per capita

$984,684 Accommodation and food services sales ($1,000)

53,103 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

ENNS CONSULTING GROUP INC. Biz: Xerox sales agent and network support Buzz: Enns Consulting Group Inc. in Rock Springs is an authorized Xerox sales agent, providing equipment, software solutions, account management and excellent customer service. Owned by Kelly and David Enns, the company also offers network design, network support and IT services for businesses. www.ecgrp.net 52

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

MESSCO Biz: Oilfield equipment manufacturing Buzz: Established in 1998, MESSCO â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a part of Moneyhun Cos. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fills a need for quality, locally manufactured oilfield equipment. Among other equipment, MESSCO manufactures the patented VOCinerator â&#x201E;˘, new technology that removes nearly 100 percent of emissions from vented gas associated with oil and gas production. www.moneyhun.com HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES Biz: Energy services Buzz: Founded in 1919, Halliburton is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry. The global company has a location in Rock Springs and employs more than 50,000 people in approximately 70 countries.

Halliburton serves the upstream oil and gas industry throughout the life cycle of the reservoir, from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to optimizing production. www.halliburton.com CAMERON Biz: Oil and gas flow equipment expert Buzz: Cameron is a leading provider of flow equipment products, systems and services to worldwide oil, gas and process industries. Cameron has 11 operating divisions, including a location in Rock Springs, and more than 16,000 employees at more than 250 locations around the world. www.c-a-m.com ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORP. Biz: Natural gas producer Buzz: Anadarko is one of the largest natural gas producers in Wyoming and a key producer in the Powder River, Green River and Washakie basins, and the Salt Creek field. The company responsibly produces energy while respecting Wyomingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wide-open spaces and preserving its natural resources. www.anadarko.com S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

s R oom e nce p r e f n Co ng u S e r v i e o pl e P 0 8 to 1

we love having you here.ÂŽ

Green River Complimentary, Full Hot Breakfast Complimentary Evening Dinner Reception Mon.-Thur. 5-7 p.m.

0OOL (OT 4UB s &ITNESS #ENTER Complimentary High-Speed Internet Access "USINESS #ENTER s -EETING 2OOMS The Bar at Wild Horse Canyon on Premises

(307) 875-5300 7ILD (ORSE #ANYON 2D s 'REEN 2IVER www.hamptoninn.com

Join us â&#x20AC;Ś The Bar at

Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

LIVING GREEN STARTS FROM THE GROUND UP. Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.

Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

53

Business | Economic Profile

SWEETWATER COUNTY BUSINESS CLIMATE Mining, particularly of trona, is the major industry in Sweetwater County, and the railroad is still a major presence in the area. With the interstate, railroad, fiber optics and other important infrastructures, Rock Springs and Green River make ideal business locations.

ECONOMIC RESOURCES Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce 1897 Dewar Drive, P.O. Box 398 Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3771 www.rockspringschamber.com

TAXES

1%

Green River Chamber of Commerce 1155 W. Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935 (307) 875-5711 www.grchamber.com

County Sales Tax

4% State Sales Tax

5% Total Sales Tax

TRANSPORTATION Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport P.O. Box 1987 Rock Springs, WY 82902 (307) 352-6880 www.rockspringsairport.com STAR Transit 1471 Dewar Drive Suite 123 Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 382-7827 www.ridestartransit.com

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

515 S. Hwy. 430 Rock Springs, WY

Green River Futures, Inc. P.O. Box 130 Green River, WY 82935 (307) 871-1941 www.greenriverfutures.com

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

Sweetwater Economic Development Association 1400 Dewar Dr., Suite 205A Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-6874 www.sweda.net

City of Rock Springs 212 D St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1500 www.rswy.net

MORE EO ONLINE imagessweetwatercounty.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

Bringing Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resources to Life Simplot Phosphates LLC

Sweetwater Travel & Tourism 404 N St., Suite 304 Rock Springs, WY 82902 (307) 382-2538 www.tourwyoming.com

(307) 382-1400 www.simplot.com

N\ Xggcp `eefmXk`fe Xe[ k\Z_efcf^p kf _\cg ]Xid\ij Xifle[ k_\ nfic[ gifm`[\ dfi\ n_`c\ Zfej\im`e^ dfi\% nnn%dfejXekf%Zfd

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

55

Look ma!

No liens!

Wyoming Land Title Company for your title insurance and real estate closing

Wyoming Land Title Company First American Title Insurance Company & 'MBNJOH (PSHF 8BZ (SFFO 3JWFS 8:

56

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Education

JEFF ADKINS

The new Sage Elementary School in Rock Springs features larger classrooms and a “wired” infrastructure for technology.

A Fresh Start for Schools NEW SAGE ELEMENTARY MARKS BEGINNING OF MODERNIZATION EFFORT

T

he first day of school in fall 2009 wasn’t just new for kids. It was also opening day for a brandnew elementary school in Sweetwater County School District #1.

And it’s the beginning of a districtwide modernization effort that will update or replace existing school facilities with technologically advanced teaching and learning environments.

The new school, Sage Elementary, was a needed addition to accommodate population growth. In 2008, the district

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

– which serves Rock Springs, FarsonEden and Wamsutter – had student enrollment of nearly 5,000, with more than half in elementary school.

About 300 of the students were new.

Seven years ago, the district closed several older buildings that were outdated and not compliant with current disability standards.

Several new buildings are now in the pipeline, including two new schools for fifth and sixth graders, says District Superintendent Paul Grube.

“Some of the buildings were built in the 1920s and had outlived their usefulness and infrastructure,” he says.

“The newest building was 26 years old.

It was time the community started getting new buildings.”

Sage Elementary – which can accommodate up to 400 children – will have larger classrooms with projectors in each one, along with an updated security system and a “wired” infrastructure that will support the technology essential to teaching and learning today. It’s situated on a campus where a new middle school and high school will also be built.

Sage has a staff of experienced and enthusiastic teachers led by principal Tina Searle, who has taught in both Wyoming and Nevada and moved to Rock Springs in 2003 to teach elementary school. For the past two years, Searle served as principal of Lincoln Elementary School. Other staff newly hired at Lincoln moved over to Sage as Lincoln reduces the grade levels it serves.

One challenge all teachers face in Sweetwater County is adapting to a large transient population – children of families who move to town for work in the mining, oil and gas industries.

“We can see 1,000 kids come in and leave in a given year,” Grube says.

“It’s difficult to project growth.”

But the schools have learned to adapt, reaching kids early on to identify their needs and place them in the right environment.

And true to its name (which means wisdom), Sage teachers are creating “brain friendly” classrooms, utilizing new research on how children learn.

“Brain friendly” classrooms foster long-term memory and mastery of information by incorporating emotion, problem solving and teamwork.

“Each student learns differently,” Grube says. “This is a way to look at the different approaches to how boys and girls learn, and to try to meet the needs of all.”

– Jeannie Naujeck I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

57

Mike McGovern Mountain West Storage (307) 382-STOR (7867) P.O. Box 2598 Rock Springs, WY 82902

www.mountainweststorage.com

Mountain West Storage Goo

ite M Wh kin-

Home Depot

tain oun Rd. rv Clea

Don’s R.V.

ll hi ot Fo

. vd Bl

iew Dr.

• New State-of-the-Art Buildings • Conveniently Located Near I-80 and Foothill Blvd. behind Home Depot • Electronically Controlled 24-Hour Access Gate • Complete Fenced and Paved Facility • Online Billing and Payment Options • 186 Indoor Units, 5’x10’ to 12’x30’ • 46 Outdoor R.V. Storage Spaces • Locally Owned and Operated

Magic

Bringing the of education

to young children …

Enchanted Learning Preschool ÈÎ Ê* ÌÊ ÕÌÌiÊUÊ, V Ê-«À }Ã]Ê79ÊnÓ ä£ ­ÎäÇ®ÊÎÈÓ £x£xÊUÊ­ÎäÇ®ÊÎÈÓ £x ÓÊv>Ý ÜÜÜ°i V > Ìi` i>À }«ÀiÃV °V

58

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Sports & Recreation

Off-Road Adventures Abound MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS OFFER AN UP-CLOSE VIEW OF RUGGED TERRAIN

W

yoming is rugged country, and there’s no better way to see it than from the seat of a bike. Within a short drive of Rock Springs lie hundreds of miles of trails and a variety of terrain that can accommodate cyclists of all abilities – from families to the competitive biker.

“We have everything, from novice to expert, for a variety of people and skill levels,” says Jason Medler, owner of The Bike and Trike, the premier bike shop in Sweetwater County.

“With county roads, single-track and double-track trails, Sweetwater County has endless trails,” he says.

“There’s high plains desert to riding 10,000 feet in the trees. Depending on how adventurous you want to be, you can go anywhere.”

One of the most popular trails is the 20-mile-long Cherokee Trail/Currant Creek Ranch Loop, which starts and ends at the Currant Creek Ranch off County Road 33. It’s part of Little Mountain’s 250-mile network of trails.

Other popular biking spots include S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Big Sandy Opening, Pilot Butte, Boar’s Tusk, Wilkins Peak and White Mountain, where sharp eyes may see actual seashells – a reminder that Rock Springs was once covered by ocean waters.

Bikers looking for stunning vistas can find their reward at Firehole Canyon, part of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area south of Rock Springs off Interstate 80. The canyon features a large artificial lake with 375 miles of shoreline and brilliantly colored pillars called Chimney Rocks. The natural stone formations reach 1,500 feet high in places.

Firehole Canyon and White Mountain are perennial favorites among out-of-towners.

“I have a friend who begs me to take him into Firehole Canyon every time he visits,” Medler says. “Same with White Mountain. My South Carolina friends love White Mountain.”

The competitive biker will find like company at races such as the 70-mile-long Laramie Enduro, the Stone Temple 8 in

Cheyenne and the Tour de Wyoming, which typically sells out its 300 rider slots in minutes.

Medler moved to Wyoming in the 1970s from Redwood City in Northern California. While The Bike and Trike keeps him busy, he finds time to help maintain trails and signage along the Cherokee and Currant Creek runs on Little Mountain. That’s just part of the communal spirit among the outdoor sports community.

“Everything is shared around here,” he says. “There’s just so much space, and it’s wide open.”

A variety of wildlife also shares the trails – wild horses, antelope, elk and deer. Such chance encounters are just part of the adventure, Medler says.

“There are two kinds of people who mountain bike. There’s the type that likes to go out and ride no matter what,” he says. “Then there are the people who want hand-built, handtamped trails. You have to take it as it comes and enjoy the view along the way.”

– Jeannie Naujeck I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

59

Health & Wellness

Hospital Gets a Little TLC $56 MILLION EXPANSION, NEW SERVICES GIVE SWEETWATER MEMORIAL A BOOST

F

or more than a century, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has been providing excellent care to the region’s residents.

But Sweetwater County’s only hospital just got its own dose of TLC – a $56 million renovation that expanded its building space by a third and is allowing the medical center to offer even more services to a growing population.

Construction will wrap up in 2010 on the project, which has made everything from the weather-protected ambulance bays to outpatient services more welcoming and efficient.

With 54,000 square feet of new construction along with 64,000 square feet of existing space now renovated, Memorial now provides dialysis, diabetes education, physical therapy, surgery, emergency care, intensive care, radiology, obstetrics and a sleep disorder lab.

While Memorial Hospital is a 99-bed community hospital,

its reach covers a 100-mile radius. Some 24,000 people receive emergency services each year.

That emergency department is now a spacious 22,000 square feet and has 22 private rooms, up from nine, says Linda Simmons, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer.

The obstetrics unit has also been expanded with private rooms, whirlpool tubs in labor delivery rooms, and family nurseries. A new intensive care unit came online in 2009.

“It is such a luxury to have all this space,” Simmons says.

“It is so much more comfortable for the patients.”

The story of Memorial Hospital began in 1890, when the new state’s constitution called for a hospital to be built on land gifted by the federal government. Voters chose Rock Springs as the location for Miners’ Hospital in 1892, and it was completed in 1894 as Wyoming General Hospital.

JEFF ADKINS

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs is completing a $56 million renovation and expansion.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

61

Health & Wellness

JEFF ADKINS

The state Legislature turned over ownership to the county in 1948, and it has been known as Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County ever since.

The renovation represents the first major capital investment since a $6.5 million expansion and renovation in 1986.

Since 2005, Memorial Hospital has been managed by Brentwood, Tenn.-based Brim Healthcare, which has helped move the hospital into profitability.

Memorial Hospital was then able to secure financing for the expansion and recruit physicians to a rural area that has traditionally been difficult to staff.

One example of the hospital’s progressive new outlook is its adoption in February 2008 of an electronic health records system that puts all patient medical records and billing securely online – and puts Memorial Hospital on the cutting edge of a national trend.

The hospital also uses the Talyst medication management system to dispense drugs and track inventory, ensuring patients get the correct medication and reducing human error.

The hospital’s 350-member staff is also experiencing positive changes. Simmons says new nurses are enthusiastic about working at Memorial, thanks to a clinical “ladder” program that allows them to grow and advance in their careers.

“The new building is a showcase for all the improvements inside,” she says. “It has definitely energized us.”

– Jeannie Naujeck

24-hour access, Seven days a week, 365 days a year Free weights | Cardio theater | Private showers 24-hour tanning available | Air conditioned Personal training | Towel service | Magazines

FOX FUNERAL HOME & Crematory Caring, Compassionate Service Honest, Fair Pricing Cremation Options Pre-Arrangement Counselors

2441 Foothill Blvd.

ROCK SPRINGS (307) 389-1960 (307) 382-4441

410 Uinta Dr. GREEN RIVER (307) 875-6777

Assistance with Veteran’s Benefits Video Tributes Full-Service Staff

TOLL-FREE: (888) 227-5928 2800 Commercial Way | Rock Springs | (307) 362-3876 Visit our Web site at www.foxfh.com to leave condolences to the family.

62

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Arts & Culture

Inspired by the Landscape LOCAL ART GALLERIES SHOWCASE WYOMING’S BEAUTY AND SPIRIT

F

“I thought, ‘Somebody’s trying to tell you something.’”

Jones first showed his Western works professionally in 1987 in Jackson Hole and moved to larger markets around the Southwest. He also had a successful career as a commercial artist designing logos. Jones retired in 2005, and he and his wife built West of Center in the 1880s style he loves.

He now works in a studio upstairs from the shop, which has anywhere from 300 to 700 pieces at any time.

“I just don’t have enough life to paint all I want to paint,” Jones says.

Paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry and other artisan works are also in abundance at High Desert Art Galleries and Local Color Art and Gift Gallery, an artist cooperative where seven artist-owners sell their work and share ownership of the gallery.

Local Color members include a photographer, five potters and a jewelry maker. Potter Bruce Woodward is a retired biologist and professor who moved into a log home here 20 years ago and

likes to depict the landscapes and wild horses, antelope and other indigenous wildlife on his pieces.

“It’s an inspiration,” Woodward says of the southwest Wyoming desert.

“There’s lots of public land, great outdoor recreation and not a lot of people. When you are in Rock Springs, you’re away from it all,” he says.

Opened in 1997, Local Color features a striking permanent display of 400 framed photos of Wyoming landscapes and wildlife by photographer John W. Partain. Hundreds of other objects d’art are for sale as well.

Local Color’s building, the historic Slovenski Dom, is itself an attraction.

In the early 1900s, Rock Springs was a true melting pot, with people from more than 50 countries coming to work on the railroad. The Slovenski Dom served as a social and meeting place for Slovenians and still serves as a landmark for the many visitors who come through on their way to or from Yellowstone National Park, just four hours away.

– Jeannie Naujeck

JEFF ADKINS

ew places are more evocative than the American West. Its landscapes, storied history and wide-open spaces have captivated storytellers, dreamers and artists for centuries.

One of them is artist RC Jones, a painter and owner of West of Center Studio & Gifts, a gallery and shop in Rock Springs. West of Center showcases Jones’ original oil paintings as well as antler art, knives, photography and more from local and regional artists.

Jones began painting at age 5 and naturally gravitated toward traditional Western themes and characters from comics of the day, such as Rough and Ready and Quick Draw McGraw.

“The locomotives and the covered wagons, the mountain men of the era and the Native Americans … what they could do with what they had!” he marvels.

A one-time mechanic, Jones decided to pursue his art following an accident in which he temporarily lost the use of his hands.

“It was really a calling,” Jones says.

Home to Roost, a painting by artist RC Jones, is on display at West of Center Studio & Gifts in Rock Springs.

West of Center, High Desert Art Galleries and Local Color Art and Gift Gallery all feature the work of local artists.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

63

Vaughn’s Plumbing and Heating was founded in 1963 on the basis of providing the highest quality work to residents in Sweetwater County. We have grown from a one-man shop to the leading mechanical contracting and service company in Southwest Wyoming. As a family-owned company, we believe in dependable service and doing the job right the first time – that’s our tradition.

{£xÊ °Ê / ,Ê-/°ÊUÊ," Ê-*, -]Ê79ÊUÊ­ÎäÇ®ÊÎÈÓ Çxxä 777°6 1 -* 1 / ° "

Community Profile

SWEETWATER COUNTY SNAPSHOT Rock Springs is the largest city in Sweetwater County, and the second-largest, Green River, is the county seat. Sweetwater County is home to 10,500 square miles of high desert adventure and offers excellent recreation opportunities, affordable housing and a variety of cultural activities.

EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW Sweetwater County has two public school districts, one in Green River and the other in Rock Springs. Western Wyoming Community College is located in Rock Springs with a satellite campus in Green River.

CLIMATE OVERVIEW Sweetwater County weather is quite enjoyable, with four distinct seasons and varying temperatures. The average growing season is about 101 days, and the county averages about 244 clear days annually.

5F January Low Temperature

33 F January High Temperature

49 F July Low Temperature

86 F July High Temperature

MORE EO ONLINE imagessweetwatercounty.com

More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.

HOUSING

$216,000 Average Home Price

18.87% Home Turnover Percentage

MEDICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County is an acute care facility that offers stateof-the-art medical technology, a 24-hour emergency department and a variety of inpatient and outpatient services. The county also has a medical care center and shortand long-term care facilities.

ARTS AND CULTURE Community Fine Arts Center 400 C St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-6212 www.cfac4art.com THIS SECTION IS SPONSORED BY

“Southwest Wyoming’s Community Credit Union”

Vehicle Loans

Checking

Savings

Financial Services for Individuals, Families, Friends and Neighbors

Recreational Vehicles

Green River Basin Federal Credit Union Home Banking

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

301 2nd St., Rock Springs • 131 E. Railroad, Green River (307) 382-4321 • www.grbasinfcu.org • (307) 875-3044

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

65

Sweetwater Heights Close to work, close to play, close to perfect!

Our apartment community is conveniently located in a residential neighborhood and is close to parks, schools, employers, I-80 and great dining! We offer two bedroom one bathroom, 875 squarefeet units for 6-12 month terms. We also offer corporate units, which are fully furnished; all utilities included,

Sunridge Two Bed/One Bath – Newly Updated Inside Great location with easy access to shopping, fitness and greenbelt.

It has been updated with new carpet, linoleum and two-tone paint. The master bedroom features a huge walk in closet. All the buildings have a main security door for added safety, laundry facilities on the main floors and off-street parking.

Casper Village

APARTMENTS and can be rented on a month to month basis. All of our spacious units have walk-in closets and central air. We are pet friendly too!

Move in today and take $100 off your first month’s rent! For the best deals in Rock Springs, call us at (307) 382-6281 and ask about our discounts, monthly specials and more details on your future home at Sweetwater Heights!

APARTMENTS We offer corporate apartments with weekly housekeeping. Cats and dogs (under 30 lbs.) are welcome with an additional deposit.

Please call (307) 235-8662 for pricing, more information or an appointment! Fax: (307) 261-9828 UNIT TYPE 2x1 2x1 Corporate

SQUARE FEET 850 850

Utilities, cable, phone and Internet included.

APARTMENTS

Modern playground, heated swimming pool, basketball and tennis COURTS ON SITE CARD OPERATED LAUNDRY HOUR MAINTENANCE AND VIEWS OF Casper Mountain.

UNIT TYPE BATHS SQUARE FEET Call for pricing.

Studio One Bedroom One Bedroom Two Bedroom Two Bedroom CORPORATE UNITS One Bedroom (Large) Two Bedroom

Alpine Meadows

1 1 1 1 2 BATHS 1 2

565 670 760 860 960 SQUARE FEET — —

APARTMENTS

Off-street parking, brand new siding, A/C and garbage disposals in every unit, and big open area to play. Pets are welcome. Call for pricing. s #LOSE TO MALL s 7ALKING DISTANCE TO SCHOOLS s HOUR MAINTENANCE

UNIT TYPE One Bedroom Two Bedroom (Small) Two Bedroom (Large)

SQUARE FEET 636 782 812

Community Profile Sweetwater County Historical Museum 3 E. Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-6435 www.sweetwatermuseum.org

Sweetwater County Parks Recreation Board 731 C St., Suite 110 Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 922-5450 www.countyparks.net

WWCC Natural History Museum 2500 College Drive Rock Springs, WY 82902 (307) 382-1600 www-lib.uwyo.edu

Rock Springs Family Recreation Center 3900 Sweetwater Drive Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1440

Rock Springs Historical Museum 201 B St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3138 www.rswy.net

RECREATION ACTIVITIES Sweetwater County Events Complex 3320 Yellowstone Road Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-6789, ext. 200 www.sweetwaterevents.com Sweetwater County Historical Trails www.tourwyoming.com Sweetwater Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backcountry is one of the last huge, unfenced, open areas in the United States.

The Oregon Trail, Pony Express Route, Cherokee Trail, Overland Trail, Parting of the Ways and Old Emigrant Trail all pass through Sweetwater County.

Green River Recreation Center 1775 Hitching Post Drive Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-0511 www.cityofgreenriver.org Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area Ashley National Forest 1450 Uinta Drive Green River, WY 82935 (307) 875-2871 www.fs.fed.us

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

Becky Costantino Your Real Estate Professional

Rock Springs Civic Center 410 N St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1420

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Opportunities and Service Organizations www.grchamber.com United Way of Southwest Wyoming 404 N St., Suite 301 Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-5003 www.swunitedway.org Habitat for Humanity Wind River Country P.O. Box 1543 Riverton, WY 82501 (307) 857-2997 www.windriverhabitat.org

MEDICAL FACILITIES Castle Rock Convalescent Center 1445 Uinta Drive Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-4600 Castle Rock Medical Center 1400 Uinta Drive Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-4590 www.crhd.org Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County 1200 College Drive Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3711, (307) 875-7730 www.sweetwatermedical center.com

Keeping you

#1

with all your real estate needs!

Brokerage Southwest 601 Broadway Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 389-4567 (307) 362-1275 costis@wyoming.com www.rockspringshomes.com

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

67

visit our

advertisers 1st Bank Northside Branch www.1stbank-online.com

Hampton Inn www.hamptoninn.com

Simplot Phosphates LLC www.simplot.com

Anytime Fitness www.club.anytimefitness.com/ clubs/rockspringswy/

Homewood Suites

Solvay Chemicals www.solvaychemicals.us

Brokerage Southwest www.rockspringshomes.com Cameron www.c-a-m.com Cheryl Jensen www.cheryljensenrealtor.com Commerce Bank of Wyoming www.commercebankwyoming.com Communication Technologies Inc. www.comtechradio.com Coyote Creek www.coyotecreekrs.com Enchanted Learning Preschool www.enchantedlearningpreschool.com Enns Consulting Group Inc. www.ecgrp.net FMC www.fmc.com Fox Funeral Home & Crematory www.foxfh.com Green River Basin Federal Credit Union www.grbasinfcu.org

68

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

Infinity Power & Controls www.infinitypwr.com

State Farm

Integrated Power Services www.integratedpowerservices.com

Sweetwater County School District #2 www.sw2.k12.wy.us

L&H Industrial www.lnh.net

Sweetwater Events Complex www.sweetwaterevents.com

Memorial Hospital www.sweetwatermedicalcenter.com

Sweetwater Heights www.sweetwaterapts.com

Moneyhun-Messco www.moneyhun.com

Taco Time www.tacotime.com

Monsanto www.monsanto.com

Trona Valley Community Federal Credit Union www.tronavalley.coop

Mountain West Storage www.mountainweststorage.com Plan One/Architects www.planone.com Questar www.questar.com Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce www.rockspringswyoming.net Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport www.rockspringsairport.com

University of Wyoming http://outreach.uwyo.edu/ocp/ Vaughns Plumbing & Heating www.vaughnsplumbingandheating.com Western Wyoming Community College www.communitycolleges.wy.edu Wyoming Casing Service Inc. www.wyomingcasingservice.com Wyoming Land Title Company www.firstam.com/title-wy/sweetwater

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

SWEET WATER COUNT Y, W YOMING SENIOR EDITOR REBECCA DENTON COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, JESSY YANCEY STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JOE MORRIS, JEANNIE NAUJECK DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER CLAY PERRY SALES SUPPORT MANAGER CINDY HALL SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER ALISON HUNTER GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, JESSICA MANNER, JANINE MARYLAND, MARCUS SNYDER WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB CONTENT MANAGER JOHN HOOD WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN LEAD LEIGH GUARIN

From 1964 until now, L&H Industrial has been associated with the oil, gas, mining and railroad industries.

Every day, we strive to provide better working environments and do our best to achieve all of our goals. We have learned that hard work and safety gives us quality in our work and success in our lives.

WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY

CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN

290 W. Foothill Blvd.

Rock Springs, WY 82902 (307) 362-0662

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER

WWW.LNH.NET

V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY SIMPSON DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Images Sweetwater County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce 1897 Dewar Dr. • Rock Springs, WY 82901 Phone: (307) 362-3771 • Fax: (307) 362-3838 www.rockspringschamber.com VISIT IMAGES SWEETWATER COUNTY ONLINE AT IMAGESSWEETWATERCOUNTY.COM ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member

Magazine Publishers of America

Member

Coyote Creek Steakhouse & Saloon Fine dining in a casual atmosphere! Steaks aged and cut in-house so you know you are getting the best flavor. Made-to-order pasta and truly fresh seafood. Full bar. Made-from-scratch dessert. Catering services offered.

Come join us at 404 N. St. t Rock Springs, WY 82901 t (307) 382-4100 Visit us online at www.coyotecreekrs.com

Custom Publishing Council

Member Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

69

Feel at Home with Homewood Suites by Hilton ...

ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING t -BSHF DPNGPSUBCMF TVJUFT XJUI TFQBSBUF MJWJOH CFESPPN BOE LJUDIFO BSFBT t $PNQMJNFOUBSZ IJHI TQFFE *OUFSOFU t $PNQMJNFOUBSZ 4VJUF 4UBSU IPU CSFBLGBTU t 8FMDPNF IPNF SFDFQUJPO .POEBZ 5IVSTEBZ FWFOJOHT

60 Winston Dr. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 382-0764

t $PNQMJNFOUBSZ HSPDFSZ TIPQQJOH TFSWJDF t 0O TJUF IPVS DPOWFOJFODF TUPSF If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re traveling on business or vacation with your family, Homewood Suites by Hilton Rock Springs is ready to help you make yourself at home.

Finally, a hotel thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like home.

(800) CALL-HOME

J. KYLE KEENER

Photo Finish

T

he 91-mile Flaming Gorge Reservoir and the Green River offer a wealth of fishing opportunities. Flaming Gorge is famous for its lake trout, with fish weighing more than 50 pounds hauled out of its waters each year. Fishing is also good for rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass and more.

S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y

I M AG E S S W E E T WAT E R C O U N T Y. C O M

71

9i`e^`e^ Ylj`e\jj\j

and Zfddle`k`\j kf^\k_\i No mat

9l`c[`e^ the =lkli\

Throu

ter where residents hail from, Rock Springs quickly becomes home; comfortable but challenging, quiet but stimulating.

We love it here and think you would too. Come see us.

UÊ UÊ UÊ Ê UÊ Ê UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ UÊ

ÊÌÀÕiÊ ÃÌ À VÊV ÌÞÊÜ Ì ÊxÈÊ >Ì > Ì iÃ]Ê vviÀ }ÊVÕ ÌÕÀ> Ê` ÛiÀà ÌÞ / iÊ ÃÌÊ« «Õ >Ìi`Ê> `Êv>ÃÌiÃÌÊ}À Ü }ÊV ÌÞÊ Ê- ÕÌ ÜiÃÌÊ7Þ } V>Ìi`Ê Ê>Ê > ÀÊÌÀ> ë ÀÌ>Ì ÊV ÀÀ ` ÀÊ V Õ` }ÊÊ ÌiÀÃÌ>ÌiÊnä]Ê > ÀÊyÞÜ>ÞÃÊ> `Ê1 Ê*>V wVÊ,> À >` "vviÀÃÊ> Ê VÀi` L iÊ Õ LiÀÊ vÊ> i Ì iÃÊ> `ÊÃiÀÛ ViÃÊÊ > ÊV ÌÀ LÕÌ }ÊÌ Ê> ÊiÝVi«Ì > ʵÕ> ÌÞÊ vÊ vi VViÃÃÊ« ÌÊÌ ÊÕ µÕiÊ vv À >`Ê> `ÊÜ>ÌiÀÊÀiVÀi>Ì ÊÀià ÕÀVià LÕ `> ÌÊ >ÌÕÀ> ÊÀià ÕÀViÃÊ>ÀiÊÌ iÊL>V L iÊv ÀÊ>ÊÃÌÀ }ÊiV Þ Ê i>`iÀÊ ÊÌ iÊ >Ì ½ÃÊi iÀ}ÞÊ«À `ÕVÌ /Ü Ü ii ÊV>« Ì> Ê vÊ7Þ } ÕLÊ vÊ Ì ÀÊë ÀÌÃÊÀiVÀi>Ì / iÊ«Ài Õ Ê i> Ì ÊV>ÀiÊ«À Û `iÀÊ Ê-ÜiiÌÜ>ÌiÀÊ Õ ÌÞ

UÊ Õ ÌÞÊ«>ÀÌ iÀÃ «ÃÊv ÀÊ}À ÜÌ UÊ V VÊ> `ÊV Õ ÌÞÊ`iÛi « i ÌÊ}À> ÌÃ UÊ ÕÃ iÃÃÊÀiVÀÕ Ì i ÌÊ> `ÊÀiÌi Ì Ê«À }À> Ã UÊ 7 À v ÀViÊÌÀ> }Ê}À> ÌÃ UÊ /À> }Ê> `Êi`ÕV>Ì

Bringing Growth to Sweetwater County

UÊ Ài>ÌiÊ>ÊÃÌÀ }Ê V> ÊiV Þ UÊ *À ÌiÊÌ iÊV Õ ÌÞ UÊ *À Û `iÊ iÌÜ À }Ê «« ÀÌÕ Ì iÃÊ> `ÊLÕÃ iÃÃÊV Ì>VÌÃ UÊ ,i«ÀiÃi ÌÊLÕÃ iÃÃÊÌ Ê} ÛiÀ i Ì

The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancing Sweetwater County’s quality of life and economic vitality through a cooperative Sweetwater County.

UÊ }>}iÊ Ê« Ì V> Ê>VÌ

UÊ i>ÕÌ vÕ Ê«>À Ã]Ê«>Ì Ü>ÞÃÊ> `Ê Àii Li ÌÊÌÀ> à UÊ *ÕL VÊ>ÀÌÊÃVÕ «ÌÕÀiÃÊ}À>ViÊÌ iÊV Õ ÌÞ UÊ "vviÀ }Ê Õ iÀ ÕÃÊÃiÀÛ ViÃ]Ê> i Ì iÃÊ> `Ê ÕÌÃÌ> ` }ʵÕ> ÌÞÊ vÊ vi

Green River is an oasis in the high desert country offering great quality of life blended with friendly Western attitude … everyone welcome and treated as a neighbor and friend. Unique shopping surrounded by history and stunning vistas … wildlife minutes away.

UÊ "À } Ê vÊÌ iÊ* Üi Ê Ý«i` Ì UÊ 7iÃÌÊi ÌÀ> ViÊ vÊÌ iÊ* ÌÊ ÕÌÌiÊ7 `Ê ÀÃiÊ «Ê/ ÕÀÊ> `Ê« ÀÌ> ÊÊ Ê Ì ÊÌ iÊ > }Ê À}iÊ,iVÀi>Ì Ê Ài> UÊ Àii Ê, ÛiÀÊoÊ Ã Ê ÌÊoÊ >ÌÊ ÌÊoÊ ÛiÊ Ì

UÊ Ü Ì Ü Ê>`Û V>Ìi UÊ ÃÌ À VÊ«ÀiÃiÀÛ>Ì

ugh community volunteers, private business and government partnership, the mission of the Rock Springs Main Street and the Rock Springs Urban Renewal Agency is to organize, implement and facilitate the promotion, design and economic growth of the Renewal District.

UÊ >X>`i]Ê ÃÌ À V> Ê> `ÊÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀ> ÊvÕ ` }Ê>Û> >L i UÊ >V Ì>ÌiÊÌ iÊ«À Ì ÆÊ`ià } ÊÌ iÊiV VÊ}À ÜÌ Ê vÊÌ iÊ` Ü Ì Ü

and Zfddle`k`\j kf^\k_\i The City of Rock Springs 212 D St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1500 www.rswy.net

Sweetwater Economic Development Association 37%$! $EWAR $R 3TE !

Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-6874 www.sweda.net

Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce 1897 Dewar Dr. Rock Springs, WY 82901 s '/ $5.%3 www.rockspringschamber.com

The City of Green River % ND .

'REEN 2IVER 79 (307) 875-0500 WWW CITYOFGREENRIVER ORG

Urban Renewal Agency 52!

450 S. Main St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1434 www.downtownrs.com

Ad Index 4 3 1 S T BA N K N O RT H S I D E B R A N C H

6 E N N S CO N S U LTI N G G RO U P I N C .

62 A N Y TI M E FIT N E S S

1 0 FM C

67 B RO K E R AG E S O U T H W E S T

62 FOX F U N E R A L H O M E & C R E M ATO RY

1 4 C A M E RO N 7 C H E RY L J E N S E N 5 4 CO M M E RC E BA N K O F W YO M I N G

6 5 G R EEN R I V E R BA S I N FED E R A L C R ED IT U N I O N 5 3 H A M P TO N I N N 70 H O M E WO O D S U IT E S

47 CO M M U N I C ATI O N T EC H N O LO G I E S I N C .

C 2 I N FI N IT Y P OW E R & CO N T R O L S

6 9 COYOT E C R E E K

5 6 I N T EG R AT E D P OW E R S E RV I C E S

58 ENCHANTED LEARNING PRESCHOOL

69 L&H INDUSTRIAL

Ad Index (cont.)

6 0 M E M O R I A L H OS P ITA L 2 M O N E Y H U N - M E S S CO 5 5 M O N SA N TO 5 8 M O U N TA I N W E S T S TO R AG E 5 6 P L A N O N E /A RC H IT EC TS 6 8 Q U E S TA R 7 2 RO C K S P R I N G S C H A M B E R O F CO M M E RC E 1 ROC K S PRI N GS -SWEE T WATER CO U N T Y A I R P O RT 5 5 S I M P LOT P H OS P H AT E S L LC 4 4 S O LVAY C H E M I C A L S 4 6 S TAT E FA R M 8 S W E E T WAT E R CO U N T Y SCHOOL DISTRICT #2 4 S W E E T WAT E R E V E N TS CO M P L E X 6 6 S W E E T WAT E R H EI G H TS C 4 TACO TI M E 5 0 T R O N A VA L L E Y CO M M U N IT Y FE D E R A L C R E D IT U N I O N 5 8 U N I V E R S IT Y O F W YO M I N G 6 4 VAU G H N S P LU M B I N G & H E ATI N G 45 W E S T E R N W YO M I N G CO M M U N IT Y CO L L EG E 1 2 W YO M I N G C A S I N G S E RV I C E I N C .

5 6 W YO M I N G L A N D TITLE CO M PA N Y