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Headlines: Commissioners appoint Jessica Rice as new Sublette County Clerk Over-the-counter leftover hunting licenses on sale July 17 Cheatgrass treatments planned by BLM and Sublette County in July & August Postage stamp increases July 13 Sheriff’s Office responds to shooting in Pinedale Horse Fire update Sunday, July 6 New fire report – Pine Grove fire Sublette County Hospital receives Provisional License Bridger-Teton National Forest releases Draft Assessment Horse Fire update - June 29, 2025 WYDOT warns about texting scams Pinedale Local: Upper Green Cemetery District Special Meeting July 22 Spirit of the Meadowlark 2025 honors Mike Hughes Pinedale Anticline Project Office Board of Directors meeting July 17 Wyoming Community Foundation awards grants to local non-profits 60-Day Public Notice of Skilled Nursing Facility Relocation and New Services

Front Page Story Archive

Commissioners appoint Jessica Rice as new Sublette County Clerk (posted 7/15/2025)
Sublette County Commissioners
The Sublette County Board of Commissioners has appointed Jessica Rice as the new County Clerk following a careful and transparent selection process. Jessica, who brings 12 years of experience from the Sublette County Treasurer’s Office, was immediately sworn in after the appointment to ensure a smooth and timely transition into the role.

Throughout the process, the commissioners emphasized the importance of selecting a candidate who demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and public trust. Each applicant was asked to address how they would work with the Commission to ensure the transparent and accountable use of county funds, identify current challenges facing the Clerk’s Office, and explain why they were the best person to serve in the role. The commissioners also sought input on potential changes or improvements to the office, the role of customer service in public administration, and how each candidate would uphold integrity, particularly when confronted with difficult decisions or concerns about management practices.

The commissioners expressed their sincere appreciation to the Republican Party for its professional conduct and timely execution of its responsibilities during the appointment process. They also extended gratitude to the two additional applicants who brought thoughtful perspectives and a shared commitment to serving the citizens of Sublette County.

With Jessica Rice’s experience in county government, professionalism, and alignment with the values emphasized during the selection process, the commissioners expressed their confidence in her ability to lead the Clerk’s Office with integrity and excellence.

Related Links:
Applications being accepted to fill opening for Sublette County Clerk Pinedale Online! June 27, 2025

Over-the-counter leftover hunting licenses on sale July 17 (posted 7/15/2025)
Wyoming Game & Fish
First come, first served leftover licenses go on sale at 8 a.m., July 17 on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department license and application page, regional offices and the Headquarters office in Cheyenne. The licenses represent the remaining antelope, elk and deer licenses following the leftover draw.

"Over-the-counter license availability changes each year based on what hunters applied for and received in the initial and leftover draws," said Joshua Moulton, Game and Fish license section manager.

Hunters buying over-the-counter leftover licenses are encouraged to pay close attention to the area and license type.

"The majority of these licenses are in hunt areas in which it may be difficult to obtain access. We encourage hunters to seek permission to hunt prior to purchasing an over-the-counter license," Moulton said.

The leftover license availability list is posted on the Game and Fish website, https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications/leftover-licenses.

Cheatgrass treatments planned by BLM and Sublette County in July & August (posted 7/15/2025)
Bureau of Land Management.
PINEDALE, WYOMING – The Bureau of Land Management Pinedale Field Office, in coordination with the Sublette Country County Weed and Pest Control District, Forest Service and the State of Wyoming, plans to implement cheatgrass treatments on multiple BLM-managed lands, partner and private lands throughout the county starting July 15. Treatments depend on weather conditions meeting application requirements.

The Sublette County Weed and Pest’s aerial contract applicator will treat areas along the Wind River front and Wyoming Range daily through August, using multiple helicopters.

The roads leading to active treatment areas will be marked in the field with signs. Please avoid these active treatment areas to allow for work to continue. Updates will be posted weekly on the Sublette County Weed and Pest facebook page.

Cheatgrass, a non-native invasive annual grass, competes with native vegetation for resources. It grows in the interspace between native plants where it competes for resources, causes an increase in fine fuels and fire frequency, and changes the landscape for sagebrush obligate species, and reduces grazing opportunities. This treatment is part of a large-scale landscape level project to control cheatgrass and limit its spread, protecting native vegetation.

Treatments are a part of an ongoing project of the Sublette Invasive Species Taskforce managing cheatgrass. 2025 treatments are a culmination of many years of planning to acquire funding, environmental authority, and permissions. The scale is widespread and across multiple land jurisdictional boundaries. Most treatments occur on south facing slopes.

In the Wyoming Range, treatments generally will occur in the foothills from Black Canyon down through Lake Mountain, the little Colorado Desert and the Calpet Road. On Forest Service managed lands, treatments will be on the ridges and adjacent hillsides of Fremont, Halfmoon and Boulder Lakes. On BLM, north and south of Fremont, Halfmoon, Warren Bridge, Boulder, Scab Creek, Irish Canyon, Muddy Creek, Little and Big Prospect areas and towards Elk Mountain and the Sublette County Line. Along Highway 1919/189 down the rim. State and private lands in these areas will also be treated. The treatments around Silver, Pocket and Cottonwood Creeks will begin August 14 and continue until completed pending favorable weather conditions.

Aerial treatment details and information can also be found on their website at https://www.sublettecountyweed.com and SCWP Facebook page. For more information about BLM Wyoming, visit https://www.blm.gov/wyoming.

Postage stamp increases July 13 (posted 7/15/2025)
Forever stamps increasing from $.73 to $.78 cents
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will increase postage rates, including the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp, effective July 13, 2025. The price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp will increase by 5 cents, from 73 cents to 78 cents. Overall, mailing services product prices are expected to increase by approximately 7.4%.

Changes:
• First-Class Mail Forever Stamp: Increase from 73 cents to 78 cents.
• Metered Letters (1 oz): Increase from 69 cents to 74 cents.
• Domestic Postcards: Increase from 56 cents to 62 cents.
• International Postcards & Letters (1 oz): Increase from $1.65 to $1.70.
• Additional Ounce (single-piece letters): Increase from 28 cents to 29 cents.
• Shipping Services: Rates for Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select will also increase.
• Nonstandard Fee: USPS will begin charging a nonstandard fee for packages based on characteristics like size, weight, and other factors.

Sheriff’s Office responds to shooting in Pinedale (posted 7/11/2025)
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in Pinedale around 1PM on Friday, July 11th. According to a media release, one person was confirmed deceased. The shooting occurred between Tyler and Maybell Avenues downtown. The report said "there is no threat to public safety at this time." The Sheriff’s Office said the incident remains an active investigation and no further information was available as of the time of this article. The Sheriff’s Office is posting updates on their Facebook page.

Horse Fire update Sunday, July 6 (posted 7/6/2025)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Status: Active. Spotting. Torching.
Size: 2,797 acres; 70 percent containment
Objectives for the Fire: Full suppression of the fire.
Resources: 1 - Type 2 Helicopter, 1 - Type 2 IA Crew, 2-
WFM, 1 – Type 4 Engine
Personnel: 69
More info: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/wybtf-horse-fire

Firefighters remain busy on the Horse Fire, actively reinforcing containment lines and extinguishing lingering hotspots. As muddy conditions present new challenges, crews are continually evaluating areas for repair and identifying opportunities for trail restoration where conditions allow. With rain increasing the risk of injury and unstable footing, firefighter safety remains the top priority.

Over the past seven days, the East Zone of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, that encompasses the Big Piney and Pinedale areas, was hit by 2,831 lightning strikes across the forest landscape. Fire crews remain vigilant, patrolling for any new ignitions and are prepared to initiate suppression as needed. Lightning can leave behind smoldering pockets that may develop into wildfires days after the initial strike.

Prospect Peak Lookout Tower will remain protected with fire-resistant wrap throughout the remainder of the 2025 fire season, ensuring continued safety and preservation.

The Horse Fire will transition back to the local unit at 0600 on Monday July 7th.

Fire Danger: Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to "HIGH" for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge.

Closures: A Horse Fire Area Road and Trail Closure is enacted from 7 a.m. on 6/16 through July 31 at 6 a.m. for public and firefighter health and safety during the Horse Fire, unless rescinded. Starting at Forest Road 10389 (Horse Creek Road), south along the Forest Boundary to Trial 2080 (Maki Creek) to Forest Road 10653 (Nylander Road), and northwest along Forest Road 10125 to Lincoln County Sublette County line to trail 2053 (North Horse Creek Trail) and east to Horse Creek Road.
Forest Service Trial 2080 (Maki Creek Trail) and FS Roads 10653 and 10125 are open.

Air Quality: To check air quality in the area, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov.

New fire report – Pine Grove fire (posted 7/1/2025)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Firefighters on the Bridger-Teton National Forest are responding to the #PineGrove fire reported the evening of Tuesday, July 1, 2025 located off of Pine Grove Ridge Road, approximately 2 miles from Deadline Ridge, roughly 10 miles southwest of Big Piney, Wyoming. The fire is estimated at three acres. Firefighters will have to hike into it as there are no roads close to the smoke. There is a very high spread potential as it is burning in heavy dead and down spruce and fir trees. Two helicopters are on scene and the Forest is mobilizing a crew. This is a full-suppression fire. The cause is undetermined. There are no closures at this time. The fire is producing three separate columns of smoke. Please do not report.
(Source: Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page)

Sublette County Hospital receives Provisional License (posted 7/1/2025)
Sublette County Hospital District
Sublette County Hospital has reached a major milestone in the journey to opening its doors, officially receiving its provisional hospital license from the State of Wyoming on June 23, 2025.

This achievement follows the hospital’s successful life safety and construction inspection, which verified that the new facility meets all necessary standards to safely care for patients. Passing this inspection—one of the most critical steps in the licensing process—demonstrates that every space, system, and safety measure in the hospital has been thoughtfully designed and built to deliver high-quality care.

"This milestone is the result of extensive teamwork, attention to detail, and months of preparation," said Gregory Brickner, Interim CEO. "Our staff worked proactively to prepare our hospital license application, which allowed us to submit it immediately after our life safety inspection and stay right on track."

With the provisional license secured, the hospital is now focused on the final regulatory step before opening: obtaining its license from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Once approved, this will enable the facility to begin stocking the pharmacy that will serve the hospital patients and Heritage Home residents.

The Heritage Home residents are scheduled to move from the current Sublette Center into their new home on August 26th.

The hospital is preparing for its future designation as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), a federal program that supports rural hospitals in maintaining essential services. "By preparing early and staying organized, we’re ensuring smooth transitions every step of the way," said Brickner.

These accomplishments mark exciting progress for Sublette County Health and bring the new hospital one step closer to serving the people of Sublette County with expanded care and services.

Bridger-Teton National Forest releases Draft Assessment (posted 7/1/2025)
Seeks public review and comment
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest invites the public to review and comment on its draft assessment and potential species of conservation concern, available beginning July 11 at fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/planning. The draft assessment is the first step in the multi-year process to update the Bridger-Teton Forest Plan.

The draft assessment is a summary of the "State of the Forest" and presents information about current ecological, social and economic conditions, and trends affecting the Bridger-Teton. Once finalized, the assessment informs updates to the Bridger-Teton Forest Plan.

The forest plan functions like a county comprehensive plan or zoning document. It provides comprehensive, strategic, and integrated resource direction that guide all decisions about future projects and uses on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Planning ensures a sustainable future with balanced and thoughtful use and protection of the many resources on our public lands.

Upcoming Public Meetings
In-person engagement opportunities are planned so you can speak with us about the draft assessment. To kick off this effort, we invite you to attend one of three upcoming open houses in Afton, Jackson, or Pinedale. The open houses are planned for:
July 14 at the Afton Civic Center Room 125 A&B, 150 Washington Street, in Afton, Wyo., from 5 to 7 p.m.
July 15 at the Teton County Library Ordway Auditorium, 125 Virginian Lane, in Jackson, Wyo., from 5 to 7 p.m.
July 17 at the Pinedale Library Lovatt Room, 155 South Tyler Avenue, in Pinedale, Wyo., from 5 to 7 p.m.

In addition to these open houses, the Bridger-Teton Forest Plan Engagement Team is working with community members to set up discussions in communities surrounding the Forest. Dates and times for these locations will be posted on the Forest planning webpage. Come chat with us!

"We look forward to sharing information on the status and trends in a wide range of topics, including fire management, recreation, wildlife migration corridors, forest products, terrestrial and aquatic ecological integrity, range management, potential species of conservation concern and more," said Bridger-Teton Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson. "We will also discuss the forest planning process and how to provide comments."

How to Provide Public Comment
The Forest invites you to submit comments on the draft assessment at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=63628 beginning July 11 and continuing through Aug. 24, 2025.

"The central question is: do you think the draft assessment provides sufficient information to help identify where the Forest should focus on updating management direction?" said Hudson.

Effective comments are specific, relevant to the document, and include facts, data, or local knowledge that can help improve the information needed for the next steps in the forest planning process. Comments submitted through social media, phone calls, email, or mail will not be accepted.

After the comment period ends, the Forest will review all comments and use the information provided to make any necessary updates to produce the final assessment.

Learn more
Help shape the future of the Bridger-Teton National Forest so together we can care for the land and serve people for generations to come. Visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest planning webpage (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/planning) to learn more.

Horse Fire update - June 29, 2025 (posted 6/29/2025)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Status: Active. Spotting. Torching.
Size: 2,677.4 acres; 59 percent containment
Objectives for the Fire: Full suppression of the fire.
Resources: 1 - Type 1 Helicopter, 1 - Type 2 Helicopter, 1 - Type 3 Helicopter, 1 - Type 1 Hot Shot Crews, 3 - Type 2 IA Crews, 2 - Aerial Apparatus (UAS), 1 - Type 3 Engine, 1 – Type 6 Engine, 2 - Water Tenders
Personnel: 152

Today’s Strategy: Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 6:00 AM another Wyoming Type 3 Team assumed command of the Horse Fire. Today, crews will continue to hold and improve containment lines. Along the northeast corner of the fire, crews will conduct firing operations if needed to target unburned fuel pockets within the interior. In the area surrounding the 2007 Horse Creek fire burn scar, efforts will continue with mop up operations, identifying lingering hot spots and reinforcing the fires perimeter.

Forecast Over the Horse Fire: Sunday will be another warm day; with afternoon humidity values a little drier than on Saturday. Afternoon winds remain breezy though slightly lower than Saturday with gusts to around 20 mph before decreasing after sunset. The warm and dry trend will persist through early next week, with precipitation chances of not returning until midweek. Overnight humidity recovery will remain poor through this period.

More information: href="https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/wybtf-horse-fire">https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/wybtf-horse-fire

WYDOT warns about texting scams (posted 6/9/2025)
Don’t click on links in suspicious text messages
Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT)
CHEYENNE, WYOMING – The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) wants to warn the public about ongoing text-based scams targeting Wyoming residents.At least two recent scams have posed as WYDOT to try to trick residents into clicking/tapping a link to a spoofed version of the WYDOT website. The scammers use varying language, but ultimately threaten an immediate loss of driver privileges if action isn’t taken on unpaid citations or toll bills.

WYDOT does not contact customers this way.

Here are some red flags to watch for if you receive a suspicious text:
• If it’s from a foreign phone number, it’s a scam. WYDOT does not use foreign call/text services of any kind.
• If it says "The DMV" it’s a scam. WYDOT does not call itself a DMV; all communication from WYDOT about a driver license is from Driver Services.
• WYDOT does not offer any option to pay citations online. All citations are handled through the court system, independent of WYDOT.
• Wyoming has no toll roads. WYDOT will not contact you about unpaid tolls in other jurisdictions.
• Generally, WYDOT will not contact you unsolicited. Any unexpected call or text claiming to be from WYDOT should be scrutinized. Driver license renewals, specialty plate renewals, and other WYDOT business is most often conducted via mail (or via email, if first prompted by the customer).

When in doubt, call WYDOT to double check the message you’ve received is legitimate.
If you have clicked any links in a scam text, WYDOT recommends using a different device to change all passwords and reaching out to your bank through a trusted phone number.

Stay vigilant for recovery scams, where scammers try to lure victims with promises to recover all stolen funds from previous scams.

For helpful tips on how to avoid scammers, visit the Wyoming Attorney General Consumer Protection Unit’s website: https://attorneygeneral.wyo.gov/law-office-division/consumer-protection-and-antitrust-unit/consumer-education

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