images sweetwater county, wy: 2012

Roam FreeAdventurers have easy access to public land

saddle UPWorld’s Largest Rodeo

is Coming in 2012

sPonsoRed by the Rock sPRings chambeR oF commeRce

2012 | imagessweetwateRcoUnty.com

®

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Infinity Power & Controls LLCInfinity 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,

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InfiniFlaretm

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Our Green River, Wyoming plant is the world’s largest trona mine

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Since 1998, MESSCO has proven to be a premier manufacturer of oilfield equipment and provider of oilfield services.

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2012 edition | volUme 4


®

contents

Features

14 beeFed UPDespite challenges, cattle and sheep still raised here

18 Roam FReeAdventurers have easy access to public land

22 saddle UPSweetwater prepares to welcome thousands to world’s largest rodeo

26 Finding the easy wayVisitors and locals alike are finding Sweetwater County more accessible

30 calling it homePopulation boom leads to new, varied housing options in Sweetwater County

32 lots oF helP wantedSweetwater County is a thriving job market

34 gRowing PlacesBig firms, small businesses grow in Sweetwater County

22

18


EVERGREEN ELECTRIC

Think GREENWe service all oilfield, commercial,

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electrical areas. Please call today for

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Locally owned and operated

for more than 25 years.

EVERGREEN ELECTRIC2212A Upland • Rock Springs, WY 82901

(307) 389-0985 • (307) 362-2736 Fax


47

on the coveR Killpecker Sand Dunes Photo by Brian McCord

departments

10 almanac

38 biz briefs

39 chamber Report

41 economic Profile

43 local Flavor

44 arts & culture

47 sports & Recreation

48 education

51 health & wellness

54 image gallery

59 community Profile

63 through the lens

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

pleaserecyclethismagazine


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editoRial PRoject manageR MitCh Kline

content diRectoR liSA BAttleS

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staFF wRiteR KeVin litWin

coPy editoR Jill WyAtt

contRibUting wRiteRs CARy eSteS,

lAuRA hill, Joe MoRRiS, CARSon o’Shoney,

KARen SChWARtzMAn, BetSy WilliAMS

senioR gRaPhic designeRs lAuRA GAllAGheR,

JAnine MARylAnD, KRiS Sexton, ViKKi WilliAMS

gRaPhic designeRs RAChAel GeRRinGeR, tAyloR nunley

senioR PhotogRaPheRs Jeff ADKinS, BRiAn McCoRD

staFF PhotogRaPheRs toDD Bennett, Antony BoShieR

coloR imaging technician AliSon hunteR

senioR integRated media manageR DeShAun GooDRiCh

ad PRodUction manageR KAtie MiDDenDoRf

ad tRaFFic assistants KRyStin leMMon, PAtRiCiA MoiSAn

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media technology diRectoR ChRiStinA CARDen

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hUman ResoURces manageR PeGGy BlAKe

RecePtionist linDA BiShoP

Images Sweetwater County is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce

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What’sonlineimagessweetwatercounty.com

Roam FreeAdventurers have easy access to public land

saddle UPWorld’s Largest Rodeo

is Coming in 2012

sPonsoRed by the Rock sPRings chambeR oF commeRce

2012 | imagessweetwateRcoUnty.com

®


helP wantedJob Market is Thriving

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John Hay has ranching in his blood. He is a descendant of John W. Hay (1864-1907), who was one

of Wyoming’s most successful livestock men.

“Today, my family owns Blair & Hay Land and Livestock, plus Blair & Hay also has interest and ownership in Rock Springs Grazing Association,” Hay says. “RSGA has been around since 1907, when 200,000 to 300,000 sheep grazed the winter range in southwestern Wyoming. Now, there are about 50,000 to 70,000 sheep. A lot of ranchers have converted to cattle in recent years, but some continue to ranch sheep.”

Sweetwater County’s documented agricultural history dates back to the early 1900s, when a land grant created a checkerboard concept, which still exists. The checkerboard refers to the way the land was divided, with every other tract being private, while the other staggered parcels are public and owned by the government.

Present-day ranchers can utilize their private land for livestock grazing and access the government land for their herds at a cost.

“I’m running about 2 million acres, and agriculture still plays a part in the local economy, but

STORY BY KEVIN LITWINPHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN McCORD

IMAGESSWEETWATERCOUNT Y.COM 15

DESPITE CHALLENGES, CATTLE AND SHEEP STILL RAISED HERE

GRAZEAnatomy

IMAGESSWEETWATERCOUNT Y.COM 15 14 SWEETWATER COUNT Y

10 sWeeTWATeR CounT y

Welcome to Sweetwater CountyAn inTRoduCTion To The AReA’s peopLe, pLACes And evenTs

Getting Schooledever since it was established in the fall of

1959, Western Wyoming Community College

has provided the area with a convenient and

high-quality advanced education option. And

40 years later, it just keeps getting better.

Recent distinctions include a ranking as one

of the top Military-friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs,

the premier magazine for military personnel

transitioning into civilian life. on the artsier

side, the show Unspoken, held in the Western

Wyoming Community College’s Art Gallery from

August 24 through Sept. 29, featured the work

of two major artists. Works by Jennie Kiessling

and leah hardy will be shown at the free exhibit.

Almanac

Drop a linefancy some fish? then head to Rock Springs for the

Burbot Bash, a fishing derby sponsored jointly by the

Rock Springs, Green River and flaming Gorge chambers

of commerce. Burbot, or ling cod, is an aggressive fish that

has caused some concern in the flaming River Gorge by

preying on native species and their eggs. the chambers

came up with the Bash as a way to not only keep the Burbot

population in check, but to learn more about the fish and

its habits. the team that catches the biggest fish will receive

$5,000 prize money, while the team that catches the most

will receive $1,500. Prizes are also awarded to second and

third place, as well as in the youth Division.

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one-stop Workout

Rock Springs residents have a place to play at

the Rock Springs family Recreation Center. With

everything from racquetball courts to an ice arena,

along with a running track and weight rooms with

exercise equipment, the center offers full-service

fitness. ice skating lessons, swim lessons and tae

Kwon Do are available, or for those who like

to exercise in groups there are fitness classes,

including zumba, yoga, spin classes, weight

training, water exercise and more.


Sweet Sounds of SummerSummer heats up in Sweetwater County with the flaming Gorge

Days Concert series. held over three days in Green River, the series

includes a golf tournament, live concerts and various other activities.

family fun can be found at festival in the Park, held in evers Park,

featuring free children’s entertainment including a giant slide,

ocean bouncer and bouncy boxing. Also on the agenda is the

annual parade, which had the theme of Beach Bummin’ Wyoming

Style in 2011. And when the day winds down, the concert series

starts up. for a $25 ticket, guests can enjoy performances by

artists like Sawyer Brown, the l.A. Guns and ted nugent.

Rollin’ on the Rivereach year, the Green River, Wyoming, Chamber

of Commerce throws a little party for the river. held

in August, the River festival features a range of

events that celebrate the town and the river that

gave it its name. the event kicks off with the Cajun

Shrimp Boil, a spicy shrimp feast that sells out every

year. next up is the Great Duck Race and a night of

fireworks, music and family fun. the Run With the

horses marathon is earning a reputation in the

running world with the addition of a 10k and draws

participants from 33 states. other events and

attractions include the lucky 13 horse Poker Run,

the extreme trail Challenge, Biking on the Green,

dog-fetching competitions and a microbeer garden.

outdoors AplentyThe majestic Flaming gorge is framed by brilliantly colored cliffs that rise more than 1,500 feet high in

places and centered around a large lake formed by a dam. some visitors are content to simply take in the magnificent scenery and wildlife, while others indulge in some of the best coldwater fishing in the nation. The Flaming gorge welcomes 2.5 million visitors a year and features a variety of water-based activities. More than 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the area, covering areas of heavy forestation, high desert and rugged mountains. The impressive expanse recently was designated a national scenic Byway.

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Join us … The Bar at

Wild Horse CanyonMon.-Fri. 5-10 p.m.

Complimentary, Full Hot Breakfast

Complimentary Evening Dinner Reception Mon.-Thur. 5-7 p.m.

Pool & Hot Tub • Fitness Center

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189 191

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414

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SWEETWATER

Green RiverRock Springs

Wamsutter

Granger

Superior

Bairoil

North Rock Springs

McKinnon

Bitter CreekTable Rock

Creston

Little America

Point of Rocks

FontenelleEden

Farson

PoPUlation (2010 estimate)Sweetwater County: 43,806

Rock Springs: 23,036

Green River: 12,515

locationSweetwater County is in

southwest Wyoming, just

north of the Wyoming,

utah and Colorado state lines.

beginningsSweetwater County was organized

in 1867. its county seat is Green River.

FoR moRe inFoRmationRock Springs Chamber of Commerce 1897 Dewar Dr. P.o. Box 398 Rock Springs, Wy 82902-0398 Phone: (307) 362-3771 fax: (307) 362-3838 www.rockspringschamber.com

sweetwatercountyataglance

What’sonlineTake a virtual tour of Sweetwater County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagessweetwatercounty.com.

Sweetwater County

FastFactsn Robert LeRoy parker, a.k.a. Butch Cassidy, got his nickname while working at a butcher shop in Rock springs.

n incorporated cities and towns in sweetwater County are Bairoil, granger, green River, Rock springs, superior and Wamsutter.

n sweetwater County has more miles of still-visible pioneer historic trails than any other area in the united states.

n Fish weighing more than 50 pounds have been hauled out of Flaming gorge Reservoir.

the Wild West Gets festive

take a step into the old wild

west at the Western and Wild

horse Art Show. the show

aims to preserve Western

heritage through art. now

in its ninth year, the show

features 22 artists from

around the country and

12 artist booths. A portion of

the proceeds support a local

nonprofit public art project.

for a more interactive

experience, try Rock Springs’

international Day held in

Bunning Park. the event

celebrates the wide range

of nationalities represented

in Rock Springs with authentic

ethnic food, beer and

entertainment. Music

throughout the day includes

traditional folk dance, polka,

Mexican music and Celtic rock. Ph

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http://www.rockspringschamber.com

desPite challenges, cattle and sheeP still Raised heRe

gRaZeAnatomy

iMAgessWeeTWATeRCounT y.CoM 15 14 sWeeTWATeR CounT y

john Hay has ranching in his blood. He is a descendant of John W. Hay (1864-1907), who was one

of Wyoming’s most successful livestock men.

“Today, my family owns Blair & Hay Land and Livestock, plus Blair & Hay also has interest and ownership in Rock Springs Grazing Association,” Hay says. “RSGA has been around since 1907, when 200,000 to 300,000 sheep grazed the winter range in southwestern Wyoming. Now, there are about 50,000 to 70,000 sheep. A lot of ranchers have converted to cattle in recent years, but some continue to ranch sheep.”

Sweetwater County’s documented agricultural history dates back to the early 1900s, when a land grant created a checkerboard concept, which still exists. The checkerboard refers to the way the land was divided, with every other tract being private, while the other staggered parcels are public and owned by the government.

Present-day ranchers can utilize their private land for livestock grazing and access the government land for their herds at a cost.

“I’m running about 2 million acres, and agriculture still plays a part in the local economy, but

StoRy By kevin litwinPhotoGRAPhy By bRian mccoRd


it’s really just cattle and sheep, along with the hay and grain that is grown to put up for livestock,” Hay says. “The ag industry still remains important, but is certainly nothing like it was in the early 1900s just after Wyoming was first settled.”

sheep dipAs for the sheep industry, it has

decreased in recent times due to predation from wolves and bears, lack of sheep laborers and a reduced market demand for wool. Bill Taliaferro, owner of Green River Livestock, is the largest sheep rancher in Sweetwater County.

“Lamb is a popular meat with the consuming public, so we are concentrating on our reproductive levels so we can produce 3,500 or 3,600 lambs out of every 2,500 ewes,” Taliaferro says. “We used to run 225,000 sheep every winter, but now we’re down to 50,000. It’s a tough business, but still a good business.”

coal and tronaHay says in Sweetwater County, mineral

extraction has far surpassed agriculture in

economic impact.“Coal, trona, fertilizer, oil and gas –

those industries have changed the nature of our economy so that agriculture, although important to those involved in it, certainly doesn’t hold the weight it once did,” he says. “But there are still many positives associated with agriculture, including that Sweetwater County has enhanced and now accommodates more wildlife than [at] any time in its documented history.”

wind in the ForecastAs for supplementing agricultural

income, Hay says ranchers are pondering allowing wind turbines to be erected on their private land, thereby adding income generated from leasing the land to renewable energy companies.

“Not so much solar energy, but the interest in wind energy is increasing and there are experts looking into the feasibility of delving into such an industry here in Sweetwater County,” Hay says. “It’s still in the discussion stages. Time will tell if it comes about.”

Coal, trona, fertilizer, oil and gas play a large role in sweetwater County’s economy, although agriculture remains an important economic factor as well.

Bythenumbers

1907Year the Rock Springs Grazing Association began

50,000-70,000Number of sheep in southwestern Wyoming today

2,500Number of ewes that produce 3,500-3,600 lambs at Green River Livestock


16 sWeeTWATeR CounT y iMAgessWeeTWATeRCounT y.CoM 17


sweetwater County, Wyo., is made up of an amazing 10,500 square miles – the county is actually bigger

than seven individual U.S. states.About 75 percent of the county’s

land mass is public and open to anyone who wants to explore or access it, while the remaining 25 percent of land is private. But much of the private land is also open to the public.

“A person walking, biking or riding through all this land won’t find fences or trespass signs,” says Lance Porter, Rock Springs field manager for the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. “There is a roam-free kind of spirit in Sweetwater County.”

Porter says visitors might not even realize they are trekking on private property because landowners have all agreed to keep

their land open and accessible. And there are many beautiful sights to see throughout Sweetwater County, including historic wagon trails that are still intact with more than 100 miles of wagon ruts still visible.

Another popular attraction is Killpecker Sand Dunes, which is ideal for off-road vehicle enthusiasts and ATVers thanks to 13,000 acres open to off-road vehicle use. Then there are the White Mountain Petroglyphs that feature primitive rock formations and ancient drawings depicting elk, horses, teepees, buffalo and humans.

is that a Pygmy Rabbit?There is also picturesque camping

in the Wind River Range, plus viewing outdoor wonders like Boar’s Tusk, Castle Rock, Palisades, Expedition Island, Kissing Rocks and Tollgate Rock. Meanwhile, wildlife

access to PUblic land is amaZing heRe

StoRy By kevin litwinPhotoGRAPhy By bRian mccoRd

RoamFRee

Killpecker sand dunes is popular for riding ATvs and off-road vehicles.


WELCOME TO ROCK SPRINGS.

3320 Yellowstone Rd. Rock Springs, WY 82901

307-352-6789 www.SweetwaterEvents.com

National High School Finals Rodeo:Dubbed the “Largest Rodeo in the World,” the National High School Finals Rodeo will hold 13 performances over seven days featuring nearly 1,500 contestants from 41 U.S. states and five provinces in Canada and Australia.

In addition to the daily rodeo performances, the National High School Finals Rodeo at the Sweetwater Events Complex will also include an 80,000-square-foot tradeshow showcasing premier manufacturers of branded merchandise, a shooting sports competition with nearly 600 competitors, 1,250 campsites and an expected attendance of 100,000!

The Sweetwater Events Complex is proud to host the National High School Finals Rodeo and the Sweetwater County Fair – Wyoming’s Big Show.

Sweetwater County Fair – Wyoming’s Big Show:Each summer, The Big Show draws folks from hundreds of miles to Rock Springs and the Sweetwater County Events Complex. The Big Show delivers fun with rodeo action, family-friendly carnival rides, a wide variety of delicious dining options, evening concerts, and 4-H and livestock exhibits.

Named the number one event in Wyoming by “Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine.”

For more information on these, or any of our 300+ events, please visit our website: www.SweetwaterEvents.com

SCREW YOUR HAT ON REAL TIGHT.

http://www.SweetwaterEvents.com

http://www.SweetwaterEvents.com


here in southwestern Wyoming includes pronghorn antelope, pygmy rabbits, burrowing owls, desert elk and golden eagles.

“Visitors can also access the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour, which consists of gravel roads for about 24 miles that allow anyone to view wild mustangs in their natural habitat,” Porter says. “The self-guided tour begins and ends in either Rock Springs or Green River, and guided tours can also be arranged. By the way, maps are available to the public for $4 apiece at the BLM office that detail all recreation accessibility and possibilities throughout this entire region.”

take your PicJohn Partain is a Rock

Springs native and professional photographer who has owned Outdoors Etc. gallery in Rock Springs for the past 10 years. The gallery features the largest display of Wyoming photography in the state, highlighting the wide open spaces, wild landscape, vistas, sunrises and wildlife.

Partain says there are thousands of hidden treasures in the way of rock formations, plant life and wildlife in Sweetwater County to help fill out any photographer’s portfolio.

“I have taken photos here that have become finalists in international photography contests, with two of my award-winning photos entitled Pine Canyon Storm and Hell’s Half Acre,” he says. “I love being a photographer in Sweetwater County, with much of undiscovered and unexplored America out here. The thousands of square miles of untouched, unfenced land – it’s all amazing.”

From top: Wild horses near Rock springs; Wildlife and nature photographer Marco Ruebeck gets some good shots in green River.

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The National High School Finals Rodeo is coming to Rock Springs in 2012. And while this ain’t the first rodeo for the Sweetwater Events Complex, it’s definitely the largest.

More than 1,500 contestants from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia will participate in the competition. The event is scheduled for July 15-21, 2012, but most competitors and support personnel will arrive in town nearly a week early in order to prepare. All told, approximately 8,000 people are expected to descend on Sweetwater County, creating an economic impact of more than $8 million for a community of approximately 25,000 residents.

“It’s a big deal, there’s no doubt about it,” says Larry Lloyd, executive director of the Sweetwater Events Complex. “This is the world’s largest rodeo. We’re going to have all those people filling up the hotel rooms and restaurants. It’s going to have a huge impact on us.”

a history with the sportThe Sweetwater Events Complex is no stranger

to bringing the rodeo to town. The facility hosts a variety of competitions every year, including barrel racing, horse shows and team roping.

sweetwateR PRePaRes to welcome thoUsands to woRld’s laRgest Rodeo

StoRy By caRy estes

national high school Finals Rodeo in sweetwater CountyPh

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Wait,there’sevenmoreMotor sports make their mark on the Sweetwater Events Complex, too. The facility hosts indoor and outdoor BMX and motocross races, as well as stock car races and a demolition derby.

For more information about all the complex offers, visit the website at www.sweetwaterevents.com.


http://www.sweetwaterevents.com


The Red Desert Roundup Rodeo has been a summer staple since 1978, attracting stars from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. And now, the Mountain States Rodeo Circuit is scheduled to hold its annual finals in Sweetwater County through 2015, an event projected to have an annual economic impact of more than $1 million.

“We’re all rodeoed up. We understand everything it takes to put on these types of events,” Lloyd says.

changes and expansionStill, none of the past events

at the Sweetwater Events Complex can match the size and scope of the National High School Finals Rodeo. As a result, big changes are under way at the facility, particularly in the expansion of the number of horse stalls and campsites.

“We sit on about 450 acres and have quite a bit of infrastructure in place,” Lloyd says of the complex, which has a 1,500-seat arena, a 20,000-square-foot exhibition hall, a 42,000-square-foot agricultural complex and parking for more than 1,000 vehicles. “But when you’re talking about 13 performances over seven days, we have to make some changes to accommodate that. It’s quite an undertaking. We have some significant upgrades to do, and we’re on a full-court press to get those done.”

It’s an investment that should pay off for quite some time. The NHSFR will return to Sweetwater County in 2013, and Rock Springs is now part of a three-city rotation in which each site hosts the finals for two consecutive years.

“It’s a family-friendly event, and we’re excited about having it.” Lloyd says. “We’re eager to get them here and show what we can do.”

The sweetwater events Complex hosts motocross races (left) and the national high school Finals Rodeo (right) among many other events.

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wattsmart.com

The new green River visitor Center includes a mini-museum of the area. Right: Fossilized Lake gosiute fish can be found at the visitors center.


with its dramatically beautiful landscapes and wealth of amenities

and activities, Sweetwater County, Wyo., has long been a mecca for tourists, as well as a great place to live. The only problem: how to find all those good things in the area’s sprawling communities.

Now, thanks to smart planning and partnerships between business and government, Sweetwater County is becoming friendlier and more accessible to its thousands of tourists, and locals are benefitting too.

green River visitors welcome

Following years of planning, a striking new visitors center opened in Green River in 2011. A joint effort by the Green River Chamber of Commerce and the City of Green River, the $750,000 center is home to the chamber,

which also operates the visitors center. The attractive stone and stucco building greets tourists as they exit the interstate, and offers them a wealth of information, maps, friendly advice and an unparalleled view that echoes a Thomas Moran painting of the Palisades and Tollgate Rock.

“We thought, ‘If we put a building in an attractive location, they will come’ – and they have,” says Janet Hartford, executive director of the Green River Chamber. “In July 2010, we had 608 people come through our office. In July 2011, we had 2,100 people.”

Besides offering information, the center also boasts a mini-museum of sorts. Under its beamed ceiling, visitors can gaze at a 116-pound stuffed wolf, get their photos taken sitting in a Western saddle, touch and explore artifacts such as elk and deer hides, antlers

visitoRs and locals alike aRe Finding sweetwateR coUnty moRe accessible

StoRy By laURa hill | PhotoGRAPhy By bRian mccoRd

Findingeasy waythe



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and fossils, or just gaze at the 360-degree panoramic view of the Kildeer Wetlands, the bluffs and the river corridor.

Outside, they can meet Butch and Sundance, two yearling mustang colts who are part of the chamber’s partnership with the Federal Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program. Green River is also making the area’s many bike trails easier to use, coordinating efforts with major landowners, adding signage, and producing maps and informative brochures.

Finding the way in Rock springs

In Rock Springs, visitors and residents are both finding their way around much more easily as the first phase of an ambitious way-finding project is completed.

“Our community is not on a grid, and it can be very difficult to find things since we are so spread out,” says Jennissa Bartlett, executive director of Sweetwater County Travel & Tourism.

“We have great facilities and amenities for a city this size, and with the number of people visiting here and moving here, it’s important that people be able to find them,” adds Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce.

A 2007 branding study determined that a way-finding system was a top priority, as well as informational kiosks and gateway signage at the entrances to town. A committee decided on 24 key attractions to lead people to.

“Basically, we looked at the key things any city would have – city hall, the police department, museums, city parks, libraries – and then things tourists would be interested in, such as the wild horse loop, the petroglyphs and the sand dunes,” says Bartlet.

The $270,000 initial phase, which includes 300 signs, will be completed in spring 2012. The entire six-phase project, Bartlett says, may be completed in three to five years.

green River visitor Center


http://www.mountainweststorage.com

sweetwater County natives know this is not just a great place to grow up, but also a perfect spot to put down permanent roots. And in recent years, others have learned that too.

In the decade between 2000 and 2010, Sweetwater County grew to almost 44,000 residents, a population jump of about 16.5 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The county’s growth has come in large part from workers in the nearby oil fields, as well as the related company executives and other business operators who have flooded the area. That has led to the construction of lots of new single-family homes ranging in price from the low $100,000s all the way to $1 million-plus mansions. It has also meant strong growth in apartment communities, which cater to full-time residents, as well as workers who commute in for the workweek.

multiple housing optionsAt The Village at Silver Ridge, which opened in 2009,

all 264 units in 11 buildings are leased – and there’s a waiting list, says Krista Anson, property manager.

“We have a lot of people who come to Rock Springs to work, but we also have a lot of families, so all of our units are popular,” Anson says. “The oil field brings a lot of people here for work, and I think that’s going to keep the area growing.”

That sentiment is echoed by Tim Creek, business manager at The Preserve at Rock Springs, a 15-month-old complex with 184 one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

“We have a nice diversity of residents,” Creek says. “Rock Springs is really seeing a boom, and while some

people may buy houses, there will still be many who are looking for a place to rent.”

senior-citizen Facility FlourishesResidents who put down roots for the long haul

know that their golden years will be well occupied, thanks to facilities like The Young At Heart Senior Center, which has provided a wide variety of programs since opening in 1971, according to Jeanine Cox, executive director.

“We’ve got prevention programs, home-delivered meals, caregivers, social activities … really we have the whole scope here,” Cox says. “And we’re adding all the time. Now, we’ve got the Baby Boomers aging, so we’re adding programs that keep people busy and dynamic. It’s not just a place to come sit, knit and play bingo!”

Rock springs Planners think aheadThere’s very little sitting done in municipal offices,

either, as new master plans are being formulated to take Rock Springs and the surrounding area into the next couple of decades, says Jana McCarron, city planner.

“The new plan will be completed in late 2011, and will help us see how we can handle the people coming in now, and the next group as well,” McCarron says. “We’re looking at where people are living, what roads and other infrastructure needs to be added, so that we can rewrite our zoning ordinances to reflect current and future needs. We want to make sure we have enough properly prepared space for the next boom, and the one after that as well.”

PoPUlation boom leads to new, vaRied hoUsing oPtions in sweetwateR coUnty

StoRy By joe moRRis | PhotoGRAPhy By bRian mccoRd

The clubhouse at The village at silver Ridge, an apartment community in Rock springs

Calling ithome


on the hunt for a job? Then Sweetwater County, Wyo., should be your target.

“Right now, we have about 600 jobs in the community that we are trying to fill,”

says Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Many are in energy-related fields that offer annual salaries of $100,000. Mining, oil and gas, and similar segments have been the traditional job creators in a region rich in mineral assets. While that’s still true, there are also job openings in health care, education, construction and retail.

“We’re seeing a wide spectrum of job openings,” Hanks says. “We take that as a sign that our economy is growing and diversifying.”

influx of new ResidentsThe population is also growing. Rock Springs’

population is up 23 percent over the past decade, and the newcomers are younger. The latest U.S. Census figures indicate the average age in Rock Springs is 34 – compared with an average of 47 just a decade ago.

These young families are enrolling their children in local schools, creating employment opportunities for teachers. Public schools in Rock Springs hired 55 new teachers for the 2011-12 school year.

Hanks expects those numbers to continue to rise. “We’re seeing a real uptick in relocation to our area,” he says. “We’re now dealing with at least two requests for information every day. These are from people who have already made the decision to move here – people who have accepted jobs and are in the process of moving.”

Unemployment is below 5 percent in Sweetwater County, but Hanks says that figure doesn’t tell the

whole story.“We are actually adding jobs, and that’s a positive

economic indicator,” he says. “From August 2010 to August 2011, we added 1,000 jobs in our community. We’re gaining jobs, and we’re gaining population.”

And there’s no end in sight.

Future job market strong“The reason we expect this trend to continue for a

while is that we have a lot of workers in several sectors who are reaching retirement age,” Hanks says. “Some of our industries tell us they expect up to 50 percent of their workforce to retire over the next few years.”

Retirement is a factor in the future, agrees Jim Maxfield, human resources manager for Solvay Chemicals. He expects job opportunities to continue at Solvay, which operates a soda ash refinery in Rock Springs.

“The last few years have been very good for the soda ash industry, but no one has a crystal ball. We hope we can maintain the current rate or even grow beyond that,” Maxfield says. “If business stays the same, we will go out recruiting as some of our workers retire.”

Hanks says the large number of people transitioning into retirement provides some economic security for the region. “Even if productivity stayed flat – and we don’t expect that to happen – industries would still have to hire replacement workers to keep pace.”

The new workers being added to the payroll of existing industry have a good example to follow, Maxfield says.

“We’ve been fortunate to have a high caliber of people here locally that have been the essential ingredient making these companies successful.”

sweetwateR coUnty is a thRiving job maRket

StoRy By betsy williams | PhotoGRAPhy By bRian mccoRd

helP wanted

Lots of


halliburton, one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, is one of sweetwater County’s major employers.

halliburton

$18billionTotal revenue in 2010

60,000+Number of employees

80Number of countries containing Halliburton facilities

1919Year the company was founded


Retail development is on the rise in Rock Springs and Sweetwater County. New projects have

sprung up throughout the area, and a major heavy equipment firm is building its first new store in 20 years in Rock Springs.

The retail projects, says Mike Yedinak, Rock Springs native and CEO of Commerce Bank, are signs that the local economy is moving beyond its “boom and bust” days and entering into a time of sustained growth.

“We’ve seen huge investment by oil field services companies using Rock Springs as a staging area,” Yedinak says. “The companies have built and maintained regional offices in Sweetwater County, instead of

directing work here from remote locations in Texas and Oklahoma.”

As a result, Yedinak says, people are putting down roots in Rock Springs. “We’ve seen the population go from 19,000 to 24,000 in the last decade,” he says.

And those people are customers for retail and professional services, creating a regional trade population of nearly 50,000 for Sweetwater County businesses.

commerce center on trackProjects like the impressive

Commerce Center put tenant businesses in a prime location to capture those customers. Anchored by Commerce Bank, the center offers more than 67,000 square feet of Class A office/condo space and another 57,500 square feet of retail

big FiRms, small bUsinesses gRow in sweetwateR coUnty

gRoWing pLACes

StoRy By betsy williamsPhotoGRAPhy By bRian mccoRd

Commerce Bank, part of the new Commerce Center in Rock springs


gRoWing pLACesBusiness


space fronting Dewar Street, the city’s main thoroughfare.

Other tenants in the primary structure include accounting and financial management firms, an oil company, and a state senator. Two more of the Center’s planned five buildings are complete and occupied, and the fourth is under construction.

Yedinak said the very existence of the new space may be prompting investment. “Sometimes when there is someplace for people to see that’s good quality space in a good

Business

Flights and services have been added to the Rock springs-sweetwater County Airport due to the growth of the area.


location, there may be some incentive to do something they would not have done otherwise,” he says.

Tenants in Commerce Center space are divided evenly among existing businesses that opted to relocate and new businesses.

Other recent light commercial retail projects attracting tenants include one on Power House Drive, two small strip malls south of Walmart and another on Dewar Drive. The refurbished Union Pacific office also houses retail and office space.

caterpillar dealer builds store

Wyoming Machinery Company is also establishing a presence in the retail market in Rock Springs. The company, Wyoming’s premier Caterpillar dealer, is constructing a new, highly visible facility on Elk Street. The project is expected to be complete in summer 2012.

Additional f lights and services at the Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport also attest to the growth of the region, says Terry Doak, airport director of operations. “In the past year,

the airport has added a third daily Denver flight to a schedule that also includes two flights to Salt Lake City, Utah, and one daily flight to Gillette,” he says.

airport earns grantDoak says expansion of the

airport facility had been limited by the 75,000-gallon water tank due to fire codes. In 2011, the airport received a $1 million grant from the state for a 500,000-gallon water tank, which will allow for additional expansion.


www.solvaychemicals.us

Business

scorecardbUsiness at

a glance

$900millionannual retail sales

$22,843Retail sales

per capita

$150millionannual hotel

and food sales

4,052total number

of firms

source: u.s. Census QuickFacts

Biz BriefsBusinesses – BoTh LARge And sMALL – ThAT heLp deFine

sWeeTWATeR CounTy’s eConoMiC CLiMATe

Fotos by jenniBiz: Photography studioBuzz: Fotos by Jenni, owned by Jenni Knezovich, is a photography studio that specializes in photos of newborns, babies and children. Based in the Rock Springs area, Fotos by Jenni can be booked to photograph special events including weddings, as well as holiday photos and senior portraits.www.fotosbyjenni.com

boys & giRls clUb oF sweetwateR coUntyBiz: Youth organizationBuzz: The Boys & Girls Club of Sweetwater County provides after-school programs for children ages six through 18, and strives to empower the area’s young people by encouraging them to be productive, caring and responsible individuals.(307) 389-2791

Rocky moUntain PoweR sPoRtsBiz: Power sporting goods storeBuzz: Rocky Mountain Power Sports is Sweetwater County’s one-stop shop for outdoor adventurers. The store offers a variety of ATVs, such as snowmobiles, four-wheelers, jet skis, and more, and also provides auto repair services. Owned by Pete Leibee, the store has been in business for 13 years.(307) 362-6122

john bUnning tRansFeR Biz: Transportation companyBuzz: Currently owned by Chris N. Bunning, the John Bunning Transfer Co. Inc. was founded in 1895 by the late Peter Christian Bunning. The company has stayed in the Bunning family for four generations, and continues to meet its customers’ heavy hauling needs.www.bunningtransfer.com


http://www.fotosbyjenni.com

http://www.bunningtransfer.com

chamberreportChAMBeR BACKs exTRACTion, WATeR issues

wyoming is the largest producer of coal in the u.S.,

and also the largest producer of trona and uranium. it is the third largest natural gas producer and the fifth largest oil producer.

land in Sweetwater County is 75 percent public, and the massive mineral extraction operations mostly take place on public land. they involve companies like fMC technologies, oCi, Solvay Chemicals, Rocky Mountain Power and Simplot Phosphates. But to use that public land, all extraction projects must have environmental impact statements prepared, plus must deal with drilling permits, mining permits and other legal issues.

to help extraction companies through the regulations and paperwork processes, the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce has established an enterprise Committee.

“these extraction companies have kind of a unique set of needs on the public land they work, so we formed this committee with representatives from the industries, along with a consultant who meets regularly with the u.S. Department of the interior’s Bureau of land Management,” says Don hartley, chairman of the enterprise Committee. “these extraction companies are vital to our growing economy, so the committee helps them through any processes they might encounter.”

PRotect the gReen RiveRMeanwhile, the Rock Springs

Chamber has also formed a separate committee called Communities Protecting the Green River, or CPGR. that committee’s mission is to protect Wyoming’s portion of water in the Green River from cities and states that would love access to it.

“We are at the top of the watershed for a river system that

Business

ultimately extends to lake tahoe,

lake Mead and all the way to

Southern California and Mexico,”

Green River Mayor hank Castillion

says. “Water is a huge commodity

in los Angeles, Phoenix, las

Vegas and other cities in arid

parts of the country, because

they are using up their own water

sources. they need more water,

and want to take it from

the flaming Gorge national

Recreation Area and use it for

their own municipal water. the

CPGR committee is totally against

all this … We want to keep our

water for environmental and

recreational purposes, plus it will

certainly impact our potential for

future growth.” – Kevin Litwin

601 N. Front St. • Rock Springs, WY(307) 362-5601 • (800) 632-5601

www.1stbank-online.com

Serving Southwest Wyoming and Northern Utah in Nine Communities

WYOMING Rock Springs • Afton • Pinedale

Alpine • Evanston • Kemmerer • Mountain View

UTAH Morgan • Mountain Green


http://www.1stbank-online.com

Sweetwater Television Company is a locally owned and operated company that has provided economical and reliable cable television services to Sweetwater County residents since 1956. Dedicated to providing a quality product and excellent service, the company employs the latest technology to provide customers with digital television, high-definition television, broadband Internet and voip phone service. Sweetwater Television also maintains an office in Green River under Green River Television.

602 Broadway Rock Springs, WY 82901(307) 362-3773www.sweetwaterhsa.com

100%

DigiTal!


http://www.sweetwaterhsa.com

tRansPoRtation

Rock springs-sweetwater County AirportP.o. Box 1987

Rock Springs, Wy 82902

(307) 352-6880

www.rockspringsairport.com

sTAR Transit1471 Dewar Dr.

Ste. 123


(307) 382-7827

www.ridestartransit.com

Wyoming department of Transportation(307) 777-4375

www.dot.state.wy.us

green River Chamber of Commerce1155 W. flaming Gorge Way

Green River, Wy 82935

(307) 875-5711

www.grchamber.com

sweetwater County

Travel & Tourism

404 n St., Ste. 304


(307) 382-2538

www.tourwyoming.com

Wyoming Business Council

1400 Dewar Dr., Suite 208A


(307) 389-0867

[email protected]

taxes

1%County sales Tax

4%state sales Tax

5%Total sales Tax

goveRnment oFFices

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

City of green River

50 east 2nd north


(307) 872-0599

www.cityofgreenriver.org

economic ResoURces

Rock springs Chamber of Commerce1897 Dewar Dr.


(307) 362-3771

www.rockspringschamber.com

It’s time to make a trip to White Mountain Mall for the best in shopping, entertainment and dining! Shop at one of our many retailers including Herberger’s, JCPenney, Flaming Gorge Harley Davidson, Vanity, Maurices,

Samuel’s Jewelers and many more! After you’re done shopping, watch the latest hit movie at our 10-screen, all stadium seating theater, or take in a meal at Applebee’s.

2441 Foothill Blvd. • Rock Springs, WY 82901 • (307) 382-9680www.whitemountainmall.com

www.facebook.com/whitemountainmall

bUsiness climateMining, 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 PRoFile


http://www.rockspringsairport.com

http://www.ridestartransit.com

http://www.dot.state.wy.us

http://www.grchamber.com

http://www.tourwyoming.com


http://www.rswy.net

http://www.cityofgreenriver.org


http://www.whitemountainmall.com

http://www.facebook.com/whitemountainmall


Asian Bis troChopstix

HOURS: MONDAY-SUNDAY 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

We use only top-quality products such as choice angus beef, ocean garden shrimp and pork tenderloin.

Chopstix Asian Bistro won Sweetwater County’s Rock n’ River Chef Challenge.

“#1 in appetizers and #1 in international cuisine.”

Chopstix AsiAn Bistro1313 Dewar Dr.

Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 382-9888 Full house

3550 W. YellowstoneMills, WY 82604

(307) 265-0550


local flavor

offering a diverse variety

of restaurants, eateries

and sweet shops sure to please

even the pickiest customer,

Sweetwater County is an

excellent place to get your fill.

restaurantslocated inside the Best Western

outlaw inn, the outlaw inn

Restaurant has been a community

favorite since 1966. Guests can

enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner,

with popular menu items such

as breakfast burritos, prime rib,

fresh grilled fish and carrot cake

available seven days a week.

“our restaurant serves the best

food, offers the best company and

is known for the best service in

Sweetwater County,” says Mark

Anselmi, owner and general

manager for more than 25 years.

Santa fe Southwest Grill

provides some of the best Mexican

food in the area dating back to

1991. the restaurant’s menu

features traditional items, such as

enchiladas and burritos, as well as

clever creations like navajo tacos

and stuffed sopapillas. in addition,

diners can enjoy salads, soups and

complimentary homemade chips

and salsa.

offering Chinese cuisine,

Wonderful house Restaurant

has been a county staple for

more than a decade. this eatery

is open seven days a week and

features daily lunch specials.

sWeetsandtreatsCatering to Sweetwater

County’s early birds, Cowboy

Donuts opens its doors at 4:45

a.m., Monday through Saturday.

As the shop’s name indicates,

fresh donuts are available, as well

as coffee and kolaches, which are

treats made of sweet, buttery,

homemade bread, with meats

and cheeses inside.

Fillingeats,sweettreatsLoCAL ResTAuRAnTs Keep FoLKs CoMing BACK FoR MoRe

“the kolaches are knock-your-

socks-off good,” says Derek

Johnson, co-owner of Cowboy

Donuts.

located just north of Rock

Springs and commonly known as

the home of the Big Cone, farson

Mercantile is famous for its sizeable

ice cream cones. More than

20 flavors are available daily, such

as mint chocolate chip, praline

pecan, moose mania and sorbet.

“People come from all over

to try our ice cream,” says lauren

Reed, who co-owns the farson

Mercantile with Dustin eaton.

Customers looking for more

than dessert can enjoy pizza,

sandwiches and soup, as well

as coffee. – Jessica Walker

6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

travelocity.com

the arts and culture scene in

Sweetwater County deserves

a standing ovation, with many

artistic options and venues

to choose from.

they include the Western

theatre program at Western

Wyoming Community College,

which teaches theatrical, musical

theater and dance productions

to small class sizes that enable

students to get personal attention

from professors. All members of

the Western theatre faculty share

a love for the stage, and students

who work hard and enjoy show

business are welcome and

encouraged to enroll.

history’smysteriesthe arts and culture scene in

Sweetwater County also extends

to museums, including Sweetwater

County historical Museum that

fittingly is located in an old

building listed on the national

Register of historic Places. in

addition, Rock Springs historical

Museum is also open to curiosity

seekers in an old 1894 building

that originally served as the first

Rock Springs City hall. Meanwhile,

the Western Wyoming Community

College natural history Museum

is where visitors can see five

life-sized replicas of dinosaurs.

As for visual arts, Rock Springs

Community fine Arts Center

houses permanent and changing

displays, and also hosts its own

share of performing arts

programs year round. the center

was started in 1966 and is a way

for visitors of all ages to learn

about art and culture.

Sweetwater County is also book

smart with nine library branches.

Besides providing resources for

anyone interested in Wyoming

culture, many of the libraries

additionally serve as venues

for concerts and poetry slams.

haveaBlastfor anyone who likes festivals

trulyattractiveARTs And CuLTuRe CoMMuniTy ReMAins viBRAnT

Arts & Culture

students in the Western Theatre program at Western Wyoming Community College perform Oklahoma.

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and good times, Sweetwater

County offers diversity in themes,

food and plenty of things to do.

Wyoming’s Big Show is

Sweetwater County’s annual

county fair that offers a carnival,

contests, concerts and plenty of

kids’ activities, while the annual

River festival in Green River has

everything from a Cajun shrimp

boil to live music, horse runs,

photography contests and free

games for kids.

to kick back and relax, there’s

the Blues n’ Brews festival in

downtown Rock Springs with live

bands and brewers providing the

entertainment. if it’s rodeo action

you want, the Red Desert Rodeo

Roundup includes a 5K run,

parade, golf tournament and,

of course, rodeo events. And

Bunning Park hosts the warm

weather Rock Springs Concert

in the Park series, with every

free concert starting at 7 p.m.

in genres such as polka, metal,

country and bluegrass.

56nationalitiesinternational Day celebrates

Rock Springs’ 56 nationalities

each year with hourly

entertainment, ethnic foods

and more than 40 varieties of

beer. Meanwhile, flaming Gorge

Days is known as “Southwest

Wyoming’s Weekend of fun,”

held every June with events

such as a golf tournament,

concerts and more.

– Raven Petty

clockwise from left: A sculpture titled Tattoo Man at the Rock springs Community Fine Arts Center; Rock springs Community Fine Arts Center; The symphonic band at Western Wyoming Community College

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ACTIVE REALTY

Jeannie Earhart

“On the Move for You”

(307) 875-7590 tel(307) 870-5037 cell(307) 875-9374 fax

[email protected] www.jearhart.com

THE NAME TO KNOW WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO THE WIRE.

839 Elk St. • Rock Springs, WY 82901866.256.4798 (24/7) • 307.362.6697

www.integratedps.com/rock_springs/

The IPS Rocks Springs Regional Service Center is part of a coast-to-coast

network, delivering reliability for the area’s leading mining, power generation, metals,

aggregate and cement companies.

Green river131 E. Railroad Ave. (307) 875-3044

rock SprinGS 301 2nd St. (307) 382-4321

www.grbasinfcu.org

We offer some of the lowest loan rates around with small-town, friendly service

Southwest Wyoming’s Community Credit Union



http://www.jearhart.com

http://www.integratedps.com/rock_springs/

http://www.grbasinfcu.org

www.encana.com

liveunited.org

all kinds of action is happening in Wyoming’s wide open

spaces. from national recreation areas to wildlife refuges, Sweetwater County offers a multitude of ways to take advantage of the outdoors.

paulJ.Watahacomplex

for full fitness service, Rock Springs residents head to the Paul J. Wataha Complex & Golf Course. the complex is complete with three softball fields and a baseball field, where numerous adult and youth leagues play tournaments. inside the complex guests will find services including exercise, yoga, kick boxing, swimming, pool, weights and personal training.

seedskadeenationalWildliFereFuge

for a quick getaway, Seedskadee provides a refuge for both wildlife and residents.

established in 1965, the protected area includes Seedskadee national Wildlife Refuge and Cokeville Meadows national Wildlife Refuge. the refuge is home to birds, deer, moose, fox, fish and more.

rangeoFrecreationother recreation options in the

area include the Ashley national forest, with 1,384,132 acres to explore and tours of the open areas across White Mountain are available to the public.

the parks department in Sweetwater County oversees 12 county parks, including Sweetwater Aero-Modelers, Arrowhead Springs, Bicentennial, Big Sandy and more.

the county also offers plenty of recreation complexes. the Rock Springs Civic Center provides a 56-foot-long climbing wall with routes that change daily, while the Green River Recreation

Center features an olympic-sized

swimming pool. the Rock Springs

family Recreation Center has

everything from racquetball courts

to an ice arena and the Sweetwater

events Complex features

competition for motocross.

neWadditionsRock Springs’ oldest park has a

few modern additions. What used

to be the Get n’ Go Super Wash

was recently renovated to become

Bunning Park’s new grand

entryway. As the only park located

downtown, Bunning’s new entrance

will include accessible parking for

visitors. Bunning Park is home to

Sweetwater County’s Concert in

the Park series, which runs each

summer from June through August.

Additionally in nearby farson, a

new $3 million dollar community

center is in the works.

– Carson O’Shoney and Karen Schwartzman

sweetwaterinactionsWeeTWATeR CounTy oFFeRs ResidenTs A RAnge oF ReCReATion

Sports & Recreation

the golf course at the Paul j. wataha complex in Rock springs

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schoolsofthoughtCounTy is hoMe To exCeLLenT eduCATion opTions

education

Residents in Sweetwater

County have multiple

choices for selecting top

education options.

on the collegiate scene, Western

Wyoming Community College has

been around since 1959 when

40 students originally enrolled,

and today there are 5,000 students.

there is an extended campus

center in Green River along with

the main campus in Rock Springs,

and the main campus recently

added a diesel mechanics

laboratory for automotive

students to learn how to better

operate diagnostic devices.

WWCC also works closely

with many local companies to

offer training that relates directly

to jobs, especially in the area’s

flourishing mineral extraction

industry. Related training

programs at the college include

welding technology, plant

operations, oil and gas technology,

mining maintenance, compression

technology and heavy equipment

maintenance, with salaries in those

fields often starting at $30,000-

$40,000 and quickly increasing.

yearly tuition at WWCC only

averages less than $2,000, and

taking into account living

expenses and financial aid, the

average total net cost of attending

Western Wyoming Community

College is about $4,700 per year.

uWatWWccAt the university of Wyoming-

laramie, the state university is

a three-hour drive from Rock

Springs but uW also offers several

transferable courses that students

can take at Western Wyoming

Community College. those classes

include agriculture, biology,

business, elementary education,

engineering, foreign language,

health sciences and marketing.

We’reno.1for grades K-12, Sweetwater

County Schools District no. 1 is

headquartered in Rock Springs

and oversees all public schools

within Rock Springs, farson/eden

Valley and Wamsutter. enrollment

is nearly 5,000 students and there

are seven elementary, four middle

schools and three high schools,

including a new Rock Springs

Junior high. there is also a new

Pilot Butte elementary School

serving grades 5-6, and a new


Sage elementary School serving

grades 1-4.

eightingreenriverSweetwater County Schools

District no. 2 is in Green River

and also includes all public schools

in the outlying communities of

Granger and McKinnon. the district

has 2,700 students and 11 schools,

with eight of the schools situated

within the Green River city limits.

the three rural schools are

Granger elementary, McKinnon

elementary and thoman Ranch

elementary (in fontenelle).

catholicandBaptistAs for private schools, the two

in Sweetwater County are holy

Spirit Catholic and Green River

Bible Baptist. holy Spirit Catholic

School in Rock Springs offers a

pre-K through grade 6 curriculum,

while Green River Bible Baptist

School is a K-12 school that has

only 25 students and six teachers.

– Kevin Litwin

western wyoming community college

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cancer.org


SPECIALTIES • Allergy • Cardiology • Ear,Nose&Throat • EmergencyMedicine • FamilyPractice • GeneralSurgery • InternalMedicine • Nephrology

• Obstetrics &Gynecology • Orthopedics • Pediatrics • PlasticSurgery • Podiatry • Psychiatry • Radiology • Urology

DEPARTMENTS • Audiology • Bio-Medical Engineering • CardiacRehabilitation • Cardio/Respiratory • Dialysis • IntensiveCare • Laboratory • Labor&Delivery

• MedicalImaging – CATScan – Mammography –MRI –Nuclear –Ultrasound • NutritionServices • Pharmacy • PhysicalTherapy • SleepDisorderLab • ICU

www.sweetwatermedicalcenter.com

1200CollegeDr.•RockSprings,WY82901(307)362-3711•(307)875-7730

1204 Hilltop Dr. • Suites 107-109 • Rock Springs, WY 82901

GeneralSurgery•Ear,Nose&Throat•Pediatrics•FamilyPractice

InternalMedicine•Psychiatry•Nephrology

Call us to schedule an appointment: (307) 352-8125

Your LocaL, muLti-speciaLtY

cLinic!

http://www.sweetwatermedicalcenter.com

www.sweetwatermedicalcenter.com


sweetwater County residents

enjoy convenient access to

hospitals and care centers, and

no longer have to travel far for

diagnostic services, which

increases the area’s quality

health-care options.

memorialhospitaloFsWeetWatercounty

Memorial hospital of

Sweetwater County, Wyoming’s

first hospital, gives residents

plenty of health-care services

including cardio rehabilitation,

dialysis, emergency care,

obstetrics, physical therapy,

surgical services, and more.

Serving a 100-mile radius,

the not-for-profit hospital

provides 99 beds and supplies

emergency services to more than

24,000 individuals a year.

Memorial hospital is one of the

only hospitals in the state that

has a fully integrated electronic

health record.

Recent renovations and

additions include a $52 million

construction project that added

54,000 square feet to the

64,000-square-foot existing

structure. Patients can enjoy

an expanded obstetrics unit,

complete with additional private

rooms, as well as whirlpool tubs

in labor delivery rooms and

family nurseries.

sagevieWcarecenterPart of the nationally

recognized Kindred healthcare

inc., Sage View Care Center

provides 24-hour skilled nursing

for short-term rehabilitative care,

as well as long-term care in a

home-like environment that

allows for independence and

ensures the highest quality

medical care.

Sage View patients can enjoy

such amenities as hush-no-rush

dining, free Wi-fi, spa bathing, an

on-site beauty shop, pet visits and

a secure outdoor courtyard with

raised garden planters. in

addition, residents may

participate in an assortment of

activities that are tailored to their

individual interests and abilities.

Some of these activities include

bingo, gardening, arts and crafts,

educational opportunities, music,

movies, various church services,

exercise classes, scheduled

outings and much more.

careclosetohomeAReA hospiTALs AiM To pRovide ConvenienCe, quALiTy CARe

health & Wellness

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2441 Foothill Blvd. ROCK SPRINGS(307) 389-1960 (307) 382-4441

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

410 Uinta Dr. GREEN RIVER

(307) 875-6777

http://club.anytimefitness.com/clubs/rockspringswy

1013 W. Cheyenne Dr. • Evanston, WY 82930 307.789.8771 • Toll Free: 877.789.8771 • Fax: 307.789.8806

http://cancerresourceswy.com/aboutus.aspx

FIND US ON FACEBOOK!

Wyoming Cancer Resource Services is funded by the Wyoming Department of Health, Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

Assisting Sweetwater, Sublette, Teton, Lincoln and Uinta County citizens with all areas of cancer control and prevention

• Public education and awareness about cancer risk factors and prevention at health fairs, Relay for Life events, chamber meetings, and other events where information and presentations are desired

• Assistance enrolling in state-funded cancer screening programs (breast, cervical and colorectal)

• Promotion of early detection of cancers

• Sun Safe Outdoor Worker and Sun Safe Schools materials

• Healthy Hunter program materials

Deborah Bassett – Program Manager Dina Porter – Outreach Specialist

http://club.anytimefitness.com/clubs/rockspringswy

http://cancerresourceswy.com/aboutus.aspx

deertrailassistedliving.com

sageviewcarecenter.com


Sage View accommodates

82 residents, and also offers an

Alzheimer’s Special Care unit with

12 beds that serves individuals

with dementia. Fortune magazine

has rated Kindred healthcare inc.

one of the World’s Most Admired

Companies for 2009, 2010

and 2011.

neWFrontierimagingnew frontier imaging, which

opened in January 2011, offers

state-of-the-art health

technologies that were previously

unavailable to Sweetwater County

and southern Wyoming residents.

Some of the new additions

include u Arm x-Ray equipment

from Ge, CAt scan services,

ultrasound and women’s services

such as digital mammography,

bone density scanning and breast

MRi. A woman’s center is on site

to ensure quality comfort while

receiving diagnostic services.

the center was established

due to a growing need of imaging

services in the area. Residents will

no longer have to travel to other

cities to receive care, and the

facility’s location is close to other

physicians who can send patients

to the center as needed. this

enables a comfortable and

convenient environment for

both staff and patients.

castlerockhospitaldistrict

this hospital district includes

the Castle Rock Medical Center,

Castle Rock Ambulance Service

and the Villa, a personal care

center for the elderly.

the Castle Rock Medical

Center supplies community

members with a family practice

clinic, wellness and rehabilitation

services and radiology with

access to physicians and

physician’s assistants, and

additional staff members.

the Castle Rock Ambulance

Service provides emergency

services seven days a week,

24-hours a day and is comprised

of state certified emergency

Medical technicians.

thevillathe Villa gives elderly residents

an alternative to typical apartment

life and employs a professional

nursing staff available 24-hours

a day to provide residents with

convenient care.

Residents can choose

from furnished or unfurnished

apartments and can enjoy sun

rooms, activity areas, a dining

room and a community living room.

for a full list of available

services, visit the Villa’s website.

– Jessica Walker

health & Wellness

sage view Care Center

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A rock formation in Green River

Photo by Brian McCord

image Gallery


Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Staff Photo

image Gallery


The John Wesley Powell statue at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum

Photo by Brian McCord



Top 10Cities toDefy Death

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

Rock Springsmade the list.Top 10 Cities to Defy DeathSee more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

STILLWATEROklahoma

FAYETTEVILLENorth Carolina

SAVANNAHGeorgia

CORPUS CHRISTITexas

ROCK SPRINGSWyoming

TRAVERSE CITYMichigan

OGDENUtah

GLASGOWKentucky

BENDOregon

TWIN FALLSIdaho

livability.com


cost oF living

$60,792Median household income

$749Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

hoUsehold inFo

age

26.14%19 and under

43.91%20-54

22.38%55 and over

marItaL status

63.63%Married

36.37%single

JFC is proud to support the growth of Sweetwater

County through our professional services.

“Committed to Your Success”

1515 Ninth St. • Rock Springs, WY • (307) 362-7519Visit our website at www.jfc-wyo.com.

Civil Engineering • Geotechnical & Materials TestingLand Surveying & Mapping

GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

This seCTion is sponsoRed By

snaPshotRock 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.

commUnity PRoFile

climate

83°FJuly high Temperature

8°FJanuary Low Temperature

9”Annual Rain Fall (vs. national

Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

etHnICIty

87.15%White

.41%Black

9.20%hispanic

3.24%other

tRansPoRtation

16minutesMedian Travel Time to Work

6%use public Transportation to Work

88%drive/Carpool to Work

http://www.jfc-wyo.com


Whether you are looking

to buy or thinking of

selling your home, please

give “Debs Team” a call

to help you with all

your real estate needs.

Debbie GibbsCRS, GRI, CDPEAssociate Broker

307-389-2490

Erin TerrillSales Associate 307-389-3925

307-362-7767

1993 Dewar Dr., Suite 2 Rock Springs, WY 82901

www.debbiegibbs.com

Cosmetology, Manicurist, Hairstylist & Wax Technician Full client services includinghair extensions Services supervised by licensed instructor

410 BroadwayRock Springs, WY 82901(307) 382-5449

ABRAxASSchool of Cosmetology

Arts & Sciences LLC

The Civilized Way to Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Fine dining, luxury cabins and a whole world of recreation

(435) 889-3759 redcanyonlodge.com

Partners in Recreation with Ashley National Forest

http://www.debbiegibbs.com

redcanyonlodge.com


visit ouradvertisers1st Bankwww.1stbank-online.com

Abraxas School of Cosmetology

Active Realtywww.jearhart.com

Anytime Fitnesshttp://club.anytimefitness.com/clubs/rockspringswy/

BP Americawww.bp.com

Cameronwww.c-a-m.com/camserv

Chopstix Asian Bistro

Communication Technologies Inc.www.comtechradio.com

Deer Trail Assisted Living www.deertrailassistedliving.com

Encanawww.encana.com

Evergreen Electric

FMCwww.fmc.com

Green River Basin FCUwww.grbasinfcu.org

Hampton Inn & Suites Green Riverwww.greenriversuites.hamptoninn.com

Infinity Power & Controlswww.infinitypwr.com

Integrated Power Serviceswww.ips.com

JFC Engineers Surveyorswww.jfc-wyo.com

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater Countywww.sweetwatermedicalcenter.com

Messco – A Moneyhun Companywww.messco.com

Mountain West Storagewww.mountainweststorage.com

QEP Resources Inc.www.qepres.com

Red Canyon Lodgewww.redcanyonlodge.com

Rock Springs Chamber of Commercewww.rockspringschamber.com

Rock Springs National Bankwww.rsnb.com

Rocky Mountain Powerwww.rockymountainpower.net

Sage View Care Centerwww.kindredhealthcare.com

Shell Oil Companywww.shell.us/naturalgas

Solvay Chemicalswww.solvaychemicals.us

Sweetwater Cable TVwww.sweetwaterhsa.com

Sweetwater Events Complexwww.sweetwaterevents.com

Taco Timewww.tacotime.com

The Real Estate Proswww.debbiegibbs.com

Vaughns Plumbing & Heatingwww.vaughnsplumbingandheating.com

Western Wyoming Community Collegewww.wwcc.wy.edu

White Mountain Mallwww.whitemountainmall.com

Wyoming Cancer Resource Serviceswww.cancerresourceswy.com/aboutus.aspx

Wyoming Land Title Companywww.firstam.com/title-wy/sweetwater

nUmbeRs to know

sweetwater County Clerk’s office 80 West flaming Gorge Way Green River, Wy 82935 (307) 872-6400

sweetwater County Treasurer 80 W. flaming Gorge Way Ste. 139 Green River, Wy 82935 (307) 872-6380

meDICaL FaCILItIes

Memorial hospital of

sweetwater County

1200 College Dr.


(307) 362-3711,

(307) 875-7730

www.sweetwater

medicalcenter.com

Castle Rock Medical Center

1400 uinta Dr.


(307) 872-4590

www.crhd.org

arts anD CuLture

Community Fine Arts Center

400 C St.


(307) 362-6212

www.cfac4art.com

Rock springs

historical Museum

201 B St.


(307) 362-3138

www.rswy.net

sweetwater County

historical Museum

3 e. flaming Gorge Way


(307) 872-6435

www.sweetwatermuseum.org

WWCC natural

history Museum

2500 College Dr.


(307) 382-1600

reCreatIon aCtIVItIes

Flaming gorge national Recreation Area Ashley national Forest 1450 uinta Dr.


(307) 875-2871

www.fs.fed.us

green River Recreation Center 1775 hitching Post Dr.


(307) 872-0511

www.cityofgreenriver.org

Rock springs Civic Center 410 n St.


(307) 352-1420

Rock springs Family Recreation Center 3900 Sweetwater Drive


(307) 352-1440

www.rswy.net

http://www.1stbank-online.com

http://www.jearhart.com

http://club.anytimefitness.com/clubs/

http://www.bp.com

http://www.c-a-m.com/camserv

http://www.comtechradio.com

http://www.deertrailassistedliving.com

http://www.encana.com

http://www.fmc.com

http://www.grbasinfcu.org

http://www.greenriversuites.hamptoninn.com

http://www.infinitypwr.com

http://www.ips.com

http://www.jfc-wyo.com

http://www.sweetwatermedicalcenter.com

http://www.messco.com

http://www.mountainweststorage.com

http://www.qepres.com

http://www.redcanyonlodge.com


http://www.rsnb.com

http://www.rockymountainpower.net

http://www.kindredhealthcare.com

http://www.shell.us/naturalgas

http://www.solvaychemicals.us

http://www.sweetwaterhsa.com

http://www.sweetwaterevents.com

http://www.tacotime.com

http://www.debbiegibbs.com

http://www.vaughnsplumbingandheating.com

http://www.wwcc.wy.edu

http://www.whitemountainmall.com

http://www.cancerresourceswy.com/aboutus.aspx

http://www.firstam.com/title-wy/sweetwater

http://www.sweetwater

http://www.crhd.org

http://www.cfac4art.com

http://www.rswy.net

http://www.sweetwatermuseum.org

http://www.fs.fed.us


http://www.rswy.net


Look ma! No liens!

Wyoming Land Title Company

for your title insurance and real estate closing

Wyoming Land Title CompanyFirst American Title Insurance Company

95 E. Flaming Gorge Way

Green River, WY 82935

(307) 875-6700

(307) 362-6770

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.

415 N. CeNter St. • roCk SPriNgS, WY • (307) 362-7550WWW.VAugHNSPlumbiNgANdHeAtiNg.Com

www.vaughnsplumblingandheating.com

www.rsnb.com


through the lens

August 28, 2011 — i spent last

week shooting the upcoming

Images Sweetwater County

magazine. this is a beautiful part

of the country with vast open

areas, beautiful landscapes and

amazing rock formations like

Boar’s tusk and Pilot Butte.

the Killpecker Sand Dunes is the

second largest active sand dune

field in the world and is a hot spot

for 4-wheeling and off-roading.

FromourphotoBlog:sWeetWatercounty

PoSteD By BRiAn McCoRD

moreonlineSee more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

trona mining Flaming gorge nat’lRecreation area

now that you’ve experienced Sweetwater County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

getthestoryBehindthephoto

Ad Index 39 1stBank

60 aBraxasschool ofcosmetology

46 activerealty

52 anytimefitness

6 BPamerica

c4 cameron

42 choPstixasianBistro

49 communication technologiesinc.

52 DeertrailassisteDliving

46 encana

4 evergreenelectric

1 fmc

46 greenriverBasinfcu

12 hamPtoninnanD suitesgreenriver

c2 infinityPower&controls

46 integrateDPowerservices

59 Jfcengineerssurveyors

50 memorialhosPitalof sweetwatercounty

2 messco– amoneyhuncomPany

29 mountainweststorage

40 QePresourcesinc.

60 reDcanyonloDge

c3 rocksPringschamBer ofcommerce

62 rocksPringsnationalBank

25 rockymountainPower

Ad Index (cont.) 42 sageviewcarecenter

28 shelloilcomPany

37 solvaychemicals

40 sweetwatercaBletv

20 sweetwatereventscomPlex

7 tacotime

60 therealestatePros

62 vaughnsPlumBing &heating

8 westernwyoming communitycollege

41 whitemountainmall

52 wyomingcancer resourceservices

62 wyominglanD titlecomPany

Growing Sweetwater County … Together

Building the Future

• Atruehistoriccitywith56nationalities,offeringculturaldiversity

• ThemostpopulatedandfastestgrowingcityinSouthwestWyoming

• LocatedonamajortransportationcorridorincludingInterstate80, majorflywaysandUnionPacificRailroad

• Offersanincrediblenumberofamenitiesandservicesallcontributing toanexceptionalqualityoflife

• Accesspointtouniqueoff-roadandwaterrecreationresources

• Abundantnaturalresourcesarethebackboneforastrongeconomy

• Aleaderinthenation’senergyproduction

• Two-wheelcapitalofWyoming

• Hubofmotorsportsrecreation

• ThepremiumhealthcareproviderinSweetwaterCounty

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

Nomatterwhereresidentshailfrom,RockSpringsquicklybecomeshome;comfortablebutchallenging,quietbutstimulating.

Weloveithereandthinkyouwouldtoo.Comeseeus.

• Beautifulparks,pathwaysandGreenbelttrails

• Publicartsculpturesgracethecommunity

• Offeringnumerousservices,amenitiesandoutstandingqualityoflife

• OriginofthePowellExpedition

• WestentranceofthePilotButteWildHorseLoopTourandportal totheFlamingGorgeRecreationArea

Green River … Fish It … Float It … Live It!

50 E. 2nd N. • Green River, WY 82935 (307) 875-0500 • www.cityofgreenriver.org

GreenRiverisanoasisinthehighdesertcountryofferinggreatqualityoflifeblendedwithfriendlyWesternattitude…everyonewelcome

andtreatedasaneighborandfriend.Uniqueshoppingsurroundedbyhistoryandstunningvistas…wildlifeminutesaway.

80 W. Flaming Gorge Way • Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-3970 • www.sweet.wy.us

SweetwaterCounty,Wyomingis…openspace.AstheeighthlargestcountyintheU.S.(largerthansixstates)SweetwaterCountyisa

diversehighdesertplaygroundsuspendedbetweentheWindRiverMountainsinthenorthandtheUintaMountainstothesouth.The

landscapeisn’ttheonlythingtobragabout,SweetwaterCountyboastsavibranteconomythatfundsworld-classschoolsandsharestheenvironmentwithindustryandunparalleledoutdooropportunity.

SweetwaterCountyconsistsof10,480squaremilesofland,75%ofwhichispublicland.Themultipleusesofthislandcreatesopportunityforeveryone:

• High-paying,high-qualityjobs

• Worldwideenergyandmineralsproduction

• World-classoutdoorrecreation–fishingontheGreenRiver,Flaming GorgeReservoir,hunting,hiking,sightseeing,photographyandOHV

• High-qualitytransportationnetworks–regionalairport, railwaysystemandinterstatehighway

• Well-funded,equippedandstaffedpublicschoolsystem, includingaleadingcommunitycollege

• High-qualityregionalhealthcare

• Agreatplacetoliveandraiseafamily

• Createastronglocaleconomy

• Promotethecommunity

• Providenetworkingopportunitiesandbusinesscontacts

• Representbusinesstogovernment

• Engageinpoliticalaction

Bringing businesses and communities together

1897 Dewar Dr. • Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3771 • (800) GO-DUNES

www.rockspringschamber.com

TheRockSpringsChamberofCommerceisdedicatedtoenhancingSweetwaterCounty’squalityoflifeandeconomicvitality

throughacooperativeSweetwaterCounty.

http://www.rswy.net


http://www.sweet.wy.us


www.c-a-m.com/camserv

images sweetwater county, wy: 2012

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