Livability Sweetwater County, WY 2014

SWEETWATER WYOMING COUNTY
Sweetwater County kids enjoy great schools, community activities
livability.com/sweetwater-county
RAIsING WYOMING
Energy Boost
Companies help fuel Sweetwaters growing economy

2014 | sPONsOrED BY THE ROcK SPrINGs CHAMBEr OF COMMErcE
Infinity Power & Controls LLC

Innity Power & Controls, LLC has been in business since 1999 serving the industrial, chemical, oil eld, food service and automotive industries around the world. Innity 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, Innity is prepared to assist its clients with the application, selection and service of all major components, including PLC and DCS specications, programming and communications. Innity is committed to helping its customers with their engineering and application needs. Innity also offers product services and applications for all major component manufacturers of switchgear, transformers, electrical motors, AC and DC drives and Soft Starts. Innity is proud to be a General Electric, Control Microsystems and Allen Bradley authorized OEM and distributor of Drives, PLCs and soft starts. Innity Power & Controls is a UL 508 listed industrial control panel manufacturer.
IgKnightortm
Innity has been working hand-in-hand with its customers to research and develop what has become the IgKnightorTM. The IgKnightorTM was developed to meet the industrys needs for auto-ignition technology and temperature logging of BTEX, VOC, Line Heaters and Dehydrators. With increasingly strict DEQ requirements for are monitoring systems in the ever-expanding natural gas eld as well as a decrease in man hours, the IgKnightorTM was created. This system is paired with the InniFlameTM and InniFlareTM Burner Management Systems as a simple add-on. The IgKnightorTM package will safeguard operators from potentially hazardous situations allowing them a simple press of a button to start the system. Using temperature monitoring, the addition of the InniFlameTM recognizes the pilots ame, turning off the IgKnightorTM to conserve energy. In the event the pilot goes out, the temperature monitoring system reinitializes the IgKnightorTM with its automatic relighting capability. Innity Power & Controls is your one-stop electrical and automation provider with over $500k in inventory and an experienced engineering, installation and manufacturing staff to meet your companys control needs.
InfiniFlaretm
The InniFlareTM is Innitys patented and DEQ Approved Flare Monitoring Control System. In 2007, Innity designed and produced a VOC Flare Control System the InniFlareTM. This system enables the control and safeguard of vital production equipment. InniFlareTM control proves the system is up and running 24/7 by logging information, storing and making that data retrievable for up to 125 days. This application has met stringent DEQ requirements. Environmental testing of our system has shown qualied results making the InniFlareTM a leader in volatile organic carbon emission reduction. Also incorporated into the design is on-site emergency shut off and problem recognition, temperature logging of BTEX, Line Heaters and Dehydrators. Auto-ignition comes in the IgKnightorTM. Options include: automatic ignition, fuel availability and alarm telemetry. The concept of this design as with most Innity Power & Control products is adaptability and versatility for multiple applications.
Environmentall
We Specialize in Idea Conception, System Engineering, Ma
Where Quality Automation Is Our Specialty!

In 2009 Innity designed and produced a Line Heater Control System, the InniFlameTM. This system enables the control and safeguard of vital production equipment including: BETX, Line Heaters and Dehydrators. Also, incorporated onto the design is on-site emergency shut off and problem recognition. The InniFlameTM options include: automatic ignition with the IgKnightorTM and alarm telemetry. As with most Innity Power & Control products the concept of this design of the InniFlameTM and IgKnightorTM can be easily incorporated into your present control systems adding adaptability and versatility for multiple applications.
InfiniFlametm
InniFlameTM is a patented and DEQ Approved Burner Monitoring and Control System. It is designed to safeguard equipment from volatile high heat situations and the venting of volatile organic carbons into the atmosphere. Using patented technology, it reduces harmful emissions to meet demanding environmental regulations. Our capabilities include but are not limited to: A stand alone system with valve control, monitoring any burner unit, VOCs, BTEX, Dehydrators and Line Heaters Built-in logging Fail-safe shut downs for under and over temperature conditions, saving equipment and fuel gas while increasing efciency. Optional Ignition System The InniFlameTM offers continuous monitoring of the pilot, with values logged every 15 minutes. This information is stored in the memory of the controller. The history of up to 12,000 logs can be accessed on a rst-in rst-out basis for up to 125 days. Automatic re-light options are available.
ly Tested DEQ Approved
anufacturing, Installation and Completion of Your Concept.
PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS
Also supporting: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Rock Springs Young at Hearts Senior Citizens Center, Boys and Girls Club, First Tee, Mulley Fanatic Foundation, Rock Springs High School Athletics, Red Desert Roundup, Rock Springs Shrine Club, Rock Springs Tiger Dance Team, Rock Springs Soccer Association, University of Wyoming College of Engineering
1701 Decora Dr. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-6661 (307) 362-6663 Fax E-mail: [email protected] www.infinitypwr.com
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
CONTENTS
8 Welcome to Sweetwater County

An introduction to the community
Things to Do
12 16 18
Entertainment Destination
More Than a Mall

Tourist Town
Pure Western Beauty

Arts & Culture
Collective Cultures
SWEETWATER COuNTY
12
2014 EDITION
VOLumE 6
20 Sports & Recreation Get Up, Get Out 22 Local Flavor Grab a Seat
WYOMING
Living
24 Community Improvements Pennies Pay Off 26 Cancer Treatment Center Care Close to Home 30 Schools and Kids Programs Raising Wyoming 34 Education First Class 37 Health Healing Community
39 Community Profile

Business
46
44 Business Overview Energy Boost 46 Working Here Big Ups 50 Fertilizer Manufacturer Simplot Phosphates 53 Chamber Report For Anyone Ages 21-39 55 Economic Profile
26
On The Cover Jim Bridger coal-fired power plant Photo by Michael Tedesco

PLeAse RecYcLe tHIs MAGAZIne
L I VA B I L I T Y. c O M / sw E E T wAT E r- c O U N T Y
Greenes Energy Services Inc. was established in 1998 as a one-man welding operation. Through excellent service, quality and safety, the company has grown to more than 200 employees and utilizes a large fleet of equipment with the focus of providing outstanding support to the oil, gas and mining industries in Sweetwater County and beyond.
Greenes Corporation Family of Companies

Greenes Energy Services serves the Rocky Mountain area and North Dakota Cloverleaf Well Services operates in Wyoming, North Dakota and Alaska Appalachian Energy Services operates in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia
3037 Yellowstone Rd. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-5285 www.greenescorp.com
ONLINE | livability.com/sweetwater-county
Attractions Index
MORE ON SwEETwATEr COUNTY Go to the links below for more articles and photos about Sweetwater Countys recreation, food, schools, culture and more. TOP EMPLOYERS livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/business Learn about the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area near Sweetwater County at livability.com/ rock-springs/wy/activities. DEMOGRAPHICS livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/facts SCHOOLS livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/schools HEALTH CARE livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/health NEIGHBORHOODS livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/living ATTRACTIONS livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/attractions SEE THE COUNTY Check out the wild horses and more great images from around the Sweetwater County area at livability.com/rock-springs/wy/ photos-video. FOOD livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/food
Service Divisions
Welding & Fab
Coded Fab Shop & Mobile Welding Rigs
Field Services
Full Complement of Construction Labor & Equipment
Photos & Video
Trucking & Cranes

Winch Trucks, Boom Trucks & Mobile Cranes
Well Servicing
Workover Rigs & Swab Rigs
Manufacturing
Business
Combustors, Separators, Custom Truck Rig Ups
COwBOY DONUTs Read about entrepreneurs who have found success in Rock Springs at livability.com/ rock-springs/wy/business.
LOVE SwEETwATEr COUNTY? Share the digital version of this magazine, or grab a widget and post it on your site or blog: livability.com/rock-springs/ wy/magazine
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3037 Yellowstone Rd. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-5285 www.greenescorp.com
At A GLAnce
Sweetwater County, Wyoming

A QUIcK, cOMPrEHENsIVE OVErVIEw OF wHATs GrEAT ABOUT THE cOMMUNITY
R.
Farson Fontenelle
189 372
191
28
Bairoil
287
Eden
SWEETWATER
Superior Point of Rocks
80
Creston Junction Wamsutter

789
Granger Little America

530 414
Rock Springs Green River

191 430
Table Rock Bitter Creek
Sweetwater County is the starting point for great adventures. Its where John Wesley Powell launched an expedition that led him to the Grand Canyon. Today its where wild horses gallop across the horizon as the sun sets and ATV riders go full throttle up massive sand dunes. Located in the high desert, Sweetwater County offers high adventure, high art and higher education. ADVentURe CALLs From kayaking on the Green River to hunting for fossils at what was Lake Gosiute, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are as vast as the views. Living in Sweetwater County puts you minutes away from trout streams, rock formations, hiking trails and a herd of rare desert elk. The Sweetwater Events Complex & Speedway features BMX, stock car and motocross racing, as well as venues for art shows, concerts, camping, fishing and picnics. Recreation centers provide activities for the whole family, and a collection of art galleries provides inspiration. Local restaurants serve up choice steaks, barbecue, fresh brewed beer and a variety of ethnic dishes. EconoMY Is SWeet Opportunities for employment and education are ample in Sweetwater County. Coal and mineral mining remain a key piece of the job scene here. Oil and natural gas production are another large component of the energy industry, which employs many residents. The county has seen a recent surge in entrepreneurs who have started a number of new businesses. In addition, the health-care, education and retail sectors are all growing. Read on to see why living in Sweetwater County is living the high life.
Gre
en
Flaming Gorge Res.
McKinnon
WYOMING
LocAtIon
Sweetwater County is in southwest Wyoming, just north of the Wyoming, Utah and Colorado state lines.
Sweetwater County
POPULATION
45,267
DIstAnces to tHRee MAJoR cItIes neARBY
Salt Lake City, UT, 183 miles Casper, WY, 226 miles Cheyenne, WY, 256 miles
TIMe Zone
Mountain
AnnUAL RAInfALL
9.11
FoR MoRe InfoRMAtIon
National Average: 30
Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce

1897 Dewar Dr. P.O. Box 398 Rock Springs, WY 82901 Phone: (307) 362-3771 Fax: (307) 362-3838
www.rockspringschamber.com
AccOLADE
Host of the National High School Finals Rodeo since 2012
S w E E T wAT E r C O U N T Y
Located in the former Rock Springs City Hall building, which was built in 1894, the Rock Springs Historical Museum includes rotating exhibits that focus on coal mining and the areas multi-national heritage.
Learn Local History
ThINgs TO DO
Sweetwater Countys must-do attractions, activities and dining
Catch a Concert in Downtown Rock Springs
Enjoy live music at The Broadway Theater, a recently renovated 370-seat venue in downtown Rock Springs. The 2013 concert lineup included a performance by Bill Kirchen, a Grammy-nominated guitarist who has worked with Emmylou Harris and Elvis Costello.
Recreation Complex
Wild Horses
Brewpub
Ancient Artwork
TAKe A sWInG
Play baseball, softball or golf at Wataha Recreation Complex, which features three softball fields and one baseball field. White Mountain Golf Course, part of the complex, has 27 challenging holes, a clubhouse and snack shop.
FEEL YOUR OATS

Take a Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour to look for hundreds of horses running free. The 90-minute, self-guided driving tour along a 23-mile gravel road begins in Green River or Rock Springs and stretches to 14 Mile Hill.
TRY A BEER NAMED BOB

Grab a brew at Bitter Creek Brewing Co., a popular Rock Springs lunch and dinner destination since 1997. The brewpub offers seven microbrews with names like Coal Porter, Bores Tusk and A Beer Named Bob.
SEE THE CARVINGS

Experience the mysteries of the White Mountain Petroglyphs, carved figures gracing sandstone cliffs in Wyomings Red Desert. The etchings of bison, elk hunts and warriors from hundreds of years ago remain sacred to Shoshone, Arapaho and Ute tribes.
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SwEETwATEr COUNTY JOINT TrAVEL & TOUrIsM BOArD
THInGs To Do
Green River provides opportunities to brave whitewater or take a casual float. Expedition Island Park , which features water amenities for tubing, canoeing and whitewater rafting includes a 1,200-foot lazy river/tubing channel.
Paddle, Swim or Float
Park
Recreation Center
Outdoor Activities
Festival
CHECK OUT BUNNING

See the new grand entryway at Bunning Park , the oldest park in Rock Springs. Bunnings new entrance includes an expanded parking area, convenient when the downtown venue hosts Sweetwater Countys Concert in the Park series each summer.
JUST ADD ICE

Get fit or just play at Rock Springs Family Recreation Center, where visitors have access to an aquatic center, gym and ice rink. Activities include ice skating lessons, swim lessons, taekwondo classes, fitness classes and a childrens play place.
EXpLoRe tHe FLAMInG GoRGe

Go ice fishing, crosscountry skiing, mountain biking, fishing, boating or horseback riding at the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Visitors can also check out Red Canyon Lodge, which has trails, ponds, cabins and fine dining.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Celebrate Flaming Gorge Days every June in Green River, and enjoy a carnival, water park, and food and merchandise vendors. Concerts are part of the fun too, with such big names as Sawyer Brown and Bret Michaels on past bills.
11
THInGs To Do
More than aMALL

White MoUNtaiN Mall offers pleNtY for shoppers, aNd lots of eXtras for the commUNitY
s Sweetwater County grows, White Mountain Mall continues to expand and enhance its shopping and entertainment options.
One of only three enclosed shopping malls in Wyoming, White Mountain Mall features three dozen shops, eateries and service locations, a 10-screen Star Stadium cinema complex, snazzy new lighting, flooring and comfy seating, and something else: a heart for its community. A fixture in Rock Springs for 35 years, the mall takes seriously its goal to meet the retail, dining and entertainment needs of a growing area. Its 35-plus tenants include well-known regional and national stores such as Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, Herbergers, Zales Jewelers, Applebees, Claires, Famous Footwear and JCPenney. But the mall also prides itself on the success of local retailers such as Mikas Boutique, Mobilocity and TRK 101.
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Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply at White Mountain Mall, open since April 2013, sells clothing, shoes, tools and hardware, power equipment, and more.
New Tenant Finds Success
13
Green River
we love having you here.
Complimentary, Full Hot Breakfast Evening Dinner Reception Mon.-Thur. 5-7 p.m. $5 per hotel guest and $7.50 for the public Pool & Hot Tub Fitness Center Complimentary High-Speed Internet Access Business Center Meeting Rooms The Bar at Wild Horse Canyon on Premises
Co n fe re n ce Ro o m Ser vin s g up to 170 People
(307) 875-5300
1055 Wild Horse Canyon Rd. Green River www.greenriversuites.hamptoninn.com
Wild Horse Canyon

Mon.-Fri. 5-10 p.m.
Join us The Bar at
Open daily, White Mountain Mall has more than 35 tenants, as well as a 10-screen movie theater.
Community Hot Spot
NAtIonAL, LocAL RetAIL MIX Our local businesses have done really well here, says mall general manager Debbie Orr. They have a great vision and have done a great job building their brands, moving up from little tenants a few years ago to prime tenants now. We have a very good mix of local and larger tenants in the mall. White Mountain customers enjoyed dramatic improvements to the mall in 2013, including new tile flooring, fresh paint, new soft seating, improved lighting, exterior and interior planters, and a new Wi-Fi service, a really nice customer amenity, Orr says. Herbergers Department Store was recently expanded, and new tenants have opened too. Sally Beauty Supply, new to the market, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Store and Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply all have enjoyed a warm welcome from local shoppers, Orr says. Murdochs, which opened in April 2013, has had a very strong response to its large array of ranch, pet and outdoor supplies; tools; and clothing. We keep track through ZIP codes where our customers are coming from, and there was quite a demand in the Rock Springs area, says Murdochs store manager,

Ethan Schulte. Our customers here have been very appreciative and generous. Its a good town everyone up here seems a little more upbeat and positive. CoMMUnItY EVents Beyond a growing number of diverse tenants, White Mountain Malls most important feature may be its commitment to the community. Its annual Halloween Stroll brings 2,000-4,000 trick-ortreaters and their families to the mall, Santa visits every year, and a farmers market in the parking lot each Thursday from July to September offers fresh produce for sale. An annual Community Awareness Fair in March is open to nonprofits and service providers, who can set up shop in the common area to educate new and longtime residents alike about the services they provide. Were always adding new people to this community, so this is an important service, a way for them to get to know what the area has to offer, Orr says. Were very open to community events. We want this to be a place for people to gather. by Laura Hill by staff photographer Michael Tedesco
Our local businesses have done really well here. They have a great vision and have done a great job building their brands, moving up from little tenants a few years ago to prime tenants now. We have a very good mix of local and larger tenants in the mall.
DeBBIe ORR, GENErAL MANAgEr WHITE MOUNTAIN MALL
THINGS TO
DO
More than aM
WHIT E MOUN PLEN TY FOR TAIN MALL OFFE OF EXTR AS SHOPPERS , AND RS FOR THE COMM LOTS UNIT Y
ALL
A
s Sweetwater County grows, White Mall continue Mountain s to expand and enhanc e its entertainment shopping and options.
One of only three enclosed malls in Wyoming, shopping White Mountain features three Mall dozen shops, service locations, eateries and cinema complex, a 10-screen Star Stadium snazzy new flooring and comfy seating, lighting, else: a heart and something for its communit A fixture in y. the mall takes Rock Springs for 35 years, retail, dining seriously its goal to meet and a growing area. entertainment needs the of Its 35-plus well-known regional and tenants include such as Jo-Ann national stores Fabric & Craft Herberger s, Stores, Zales Claires, Famous Jewelers, Applebees , Footwear and But the mall JCPenney. also success of local prides itself on the retailers such Boutique, Mobilocity as Mikas and TRK 101.
12
S W E E T WAT
E R CO U N TY
Finds Success Murdochs Ranch & Home Mountain Supply at Mall, White clothing, shoes, open since April 2013, sells tools and equipment hardware, , and more. power
L I VA B I L I
New Tenant
T Y. C O M /
S W E E T WAT
E R- C O U
NT Y
13
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15
THInGs To Do
Located about 45 minutes outside of Rock Springs, Farson is a small town with big charm, and is a favorite stop for travellers and tourists.
Pure Western
I

A small commUNitY at the crossroads makes a perfect stop
Beauty
f youre looking for the authentic West, look no farther than the sage-brush beauty and graciousness of Farson. At the crossroads of highways to iconic vacation destinations like Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, this tiny town is a stopping point for thousands of tourists. The residents who call the Farson-Eden community home take pride in their community and its history.
16
Yellowstone National Park South Pass
Wild Horses
Pony Express
An InsIDe LooK Ive ridden a motorcycle all through this country, Col. Joe Stewart says during a stop in Farson. It can change from stunning to stark to bleak to majestic in the course of a few miles. If youve read the Old West stories, this is the place they were talking about: Flaming Gorge along the Green River is a must-see. The Grand Tetons will take your breath away. Some of the best trout fishing in the world is in this area. Farsons residents are mostly ranchers, farmers and employees at the nearby Jonah Field, the second largest producing oil and natural gas field in the U.S. The oil field is small, but it provides jobs for a lot of the younger people and keeps them here, says resident Roxanne Tomich. Theres a strong sense of belonging here. A new community center hosts area events, from weddings to funerals, and theres a new fire hall as well. Kids (about 150) attend a single K-12 building, soon to be replaced with a new version. Though small, it has an outstanding reputation. THInGs to Do A meal out might mean pizza, premium coffee, sandwiches or enormous ice cream cones at the

91 TE 1 ROu U.S.
Mormon Trail
CAspeR
FARson
G HI HWAY
28
GUeRnseY
Oregon Trail
Killpecker Sand Dunes White Mountain Petroglyphs
INTERsTATE 25
INTERsTATE 80
RocK SpRInGs
beloved, historic Farson Mercantile so big you should order the childs size, Tomich says. You wont find a chain hotel here, but theres Sitzmans Motel, a cozy, family-owned place with abundant character. Just next door at family-owned Mitchs Caf, enjoy excellent steak and crab legs, and a wine and beer selection. Farsons history is extraordinary. The Oregon, California and Mormon Trails passed within a handful of miles; the splitting point for Oregon-California is on a local farm. The Pony Express ran through here too, during its 18 months of existence. Native Americans inhabited this spot long before settlers came. Jill Eaton, owner of the Farson Mercantile, says you can still see evidence of the areas past nearby, from petrified wood to arrowheads left behind long ago by Native American residents. Less than 20 miles away are the millenniumold White Mountain Petroglyphs to view. Its a fantastic place, with all this history that people dont know about, Eaton says. Dont miss Flaming Gorge Reservoir, one of the areas most scenic places. Fly fishermen make for the Green River, and hunters come out in early fall for antelope,
deer, and a few miles away in the Red Desert, elk. The Red Desert provides a gorgeous expanse of buttes, sand dunes, and open spaces, including the Killpecker Sand Dunes, some of the largest in the U.S. Herds of wild horses also thrive nearby. by Stephanie Stewart-Howard by staff photographer Brian McCord
Its a fantastic place, with all this history that people dont know about.
JILL EAton, OwNEr, FArSON MErCANTILE
SNApshOT
Known as the Home of the Big Cone, Farson Merca ntile ser ves more than 20 flavors of ice cream.
17
THInGs To Do: arts & culture
Collective Cultures
SwEETwATEr COUNTY HOsTs A VArIETY OF cULTUrALLY ENrIcHING AcTIVITIEs From live music and theater to festivals and art galleries, Sweetwater County residents can choose from an assortment of cultural offerings.
Theaters
Western Wyoming Community College theater students take the stage during a performance of Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
See A LIVe peRfoRMAnce

The Broadway Theater is back. After sitting empty for several years, the theater was completely renovated and re-opened in April 2012. Renovations to the 370-seat venue started in June 2008 and cost approximately $1.4 million. It now hosts parties, special events and productions. The theater program at Western Wyoming Community College produces professional, award-winning dance, theater and musical theater while providing students with first-class performance and technical instruction. WWCCs Green River Center houses the 135-seat John Wesley Powell performance hall, complete with an array of in-house audio and video equipment. Special Events
EnJoY FRee FUn At BUnnInG PARK

International Day at Bunning Park pays homage to Rock Springs nickname, Home of 56 Nationalities, by giving visitors a taste of the regions rich heritage through exotic foods and local, regional and international entertainment. Concerts in the Park run evenings from June through August and showcase musical styles ranging from blues and country to classic rock, folk and polka. Continue exploring Sweetwater Countys vibrant cultural scene at livability.com/rocksprings/wy/attractions.
Festivals
JoIn In tHe fUn

The Blues n Brews Festival offers top-shelf microbrews and live blues music, and the nearby Green Rivers River Festival hosts duck races, a kayak rodeo, food and free games for kids. Flaming Gorge Days at Expedition Island Park showcases performances by big-name artists such as Brett Michaels, Ted Nugent and Night Ranger, to name a few. Sweetwater County also features Wyomings Big Show County Fair and the Red Desert Roundup Rodeo. A Lighted Holiday Parade is held each December in downtown Rock Springs, with fantastically decorated holiday floats that have brilliant lighting and festive music.

18
The museum features anything and everything about Rock Springs and its history. Many items are on display, featuring a real jail on the first floor. I got a real sense of history for the area.
ED L. of HonoLULU, HI, ON ROCK SPrINgS HISTOrICAL MUSEUm
Admire Art at Local Galleries
At the Rock Springs Community Fine Arts Center, guests enjoy paintings, sculptures, photographs, crafts and more by artists from all around the country. Lectures, workshops, demonstrations and a special ArtCamp mean there is something for all ages. The High Desert Art Gallery and Local Color, the largest artist-owned gallery in the state, are also in the area.
BRAND-NEW DESIGNER APARTMENT HOMES!

Set in rustic Sweetwater County, amid historic trails, wide-open spaces and high-desert adventure, is your idyllic homestead. Offering thoughtfully designed living spaces and unsurpassed home features, The Preserve at Rock Springs presents upscale apartment residences with your lifestyle in mind. Providing an advantageous location with dining, shopping and outdoor recreation, The Preserve at Rock Springs is a decidedly perfect setting for both adventurous and relaxed mindsets! The Preserve offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes. Enjoy access to amenities such as a 24-hour health center, resident business center, resort-style pool and year-round spa.
The
Preserve
You
The
at Rock Spr ings
Deserve Preserve!
2226 Reagan Ave. Rock Springs, WY 82901 307.362.5444 307.362.6400 [email protected] www.preserveatrocksprings.com
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THInGs To Do: sports & recreation
Get Up, Get Out
SwEETwATErs OPEN sPAcEs OFFEr TrAILs, wATEr rEcrEATION AND sPOrTs Sweetwater County residents are never far away from beautiful landscapes that set the stage for amazing outdoor adventures. About 75 percent of land here is open to the public for hiking, camping and exploration.
We have a lot of opportunities on our public lands for enjoyment. People really take advantage of all that we have to offer on the public lands, and whether its hunting or fishing, or just hiking, the usage continues to go up.
LAnce PoRteR, fIELD mANAgEr wITH THE fEDErAL BUrEAU Of LAND MANAgEmENT
SNApshOT
The Green River is a fav orite destination for advanc ed kayaking, thanks to high-speed whitewater.
SwEETwATEr COUNTY JOINT TrAVEL & TOU rIsM BOArD
Swimming
GReen RIVeR HIGH ScHooL AQUAtIc CenteR

The new Green River High School Aquatic Center will be open to both students and members of the community. The center will provide an eight-lane competition pool, a 3,150-square-foot dive pool and a 900-square-foot therapy pool. Historic Trails
OReGon TRAIL, MoRMon TRAIL, PonY EXpRess AnD tHe SoUtH PAss
Many visitors are drawn to the area by the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Express, South Pass and other western migration trails. Sweetwater County has more miles of still-visible pioneer wagon trails than any other area in the U.S.
The Family Recreation Center in Rock Springs is a 145,500-squarefoot facility that provides a 25-meter lap pool, an ice skating rink, five racquetball courts, a 1/8-mile indoor track, exercise equipment and classes.
Fun for the Whole Family
Find more ways to get active in Sweetwater County at livability.com/ rock-springs/wy/activities.
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Rock Springs, which is home to Wyomings Wild Horse Program headquarters, has about 2,500 wild horses.
Wild Horses
PILot BUtte WILD HoRse ScenIc Loop ToUR

The Scenic Loop Tour is a self-guided trail that requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It extends from either Rock Springs or Green River to the top of White Mountain, bringing visitors close to the areas majestic wild horses. Outdoor Adventures
Vaughns 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 thats our tradition. 1130 SIGNAl dr. ROCK SPRINGS, WY (307) 362-7550 WWW.VPHWYO.COM
FLAMInG GoRGe NAtIonAL RecReAtIon AReA

The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area offers fishing, boating, camping, bighorn sheep sighting and more in its 200,000plus acres. Hunting
SWeetWAteR TRAp CLUB

The Sweetwater Trap Club provides nine trap houses for five-stand clay shooting sports, a 2,400-square-foot clubhouse and electrical hookups for RVs. Desert Elk
KILLpecKeR DUne FIeLD

The Killpecker Dune Field spans more than 100 miles beginning a few miles east of Eden. The field is home to the only herd of rare desert elk found in North America.

21
THInGs To Do: Local Flavor
Grab a Seat
FrOM FINE DINING TO FrO-YO, SwEETwATEr COUNTY HAs IT ALL The American culinary scene, influenced by a million cooking shows, has taken off recently. Behind it lies the motivation to escape chain fast food and eat something delicious instead. Sweetwater County is no exception to any of these trends, and provides a bounty of great places to eat and drink.
American, Chinese Cuisine Brews and Bar Food
LeWs, DInInG ReDefIneD

Start your eating odyssey amid the lovely dcor at Lews, in Rock Springs, where about half the menu is Chinese-style cuisine, and the other half more typical American food burgers, steaks and prime rib. Its upscale dining in a charming setting and yes, theres a bar. Fine Dining
THe PAIL ALe StoRe AnD OT SpoRts BAR

Craft beer fans and would-be brewers stop in at The Pail Ale Store in Rock Springs. Co-owned by Chris and Shawna Erramouspe and Jamie Viles (also owners of Liquor Depot), the newly open shop offers home brewing kits for new hobbyists and supplies for those whove progressed to creating their own recipes. Sports lovers congregate at Green Rivers OT Sports Bar. Its traditional bar fare, with an emphasis on fresh, made-from-scratch items. The staff recommends the Reuben sandwich and the stuffed burgers with handmade fries. The favorite? The J-Bomb Burger, stuffed with bacon, shredded pepper jack cheese and jalapenos, and topped with a to die for sauce. Dessert
CoYote CReeK SteAKHoUse AnD SALoon

Coyote Creek Steakhouse and Saloon, located in Rock Springs, meets your fine dining needs. Feast on the signature steaks, ribs or perhaps seafood from an extensive selection. A solid wine and beer list, plus delightful signature martinis round out your luxe experience.
If you want microbrew delivered right to your table, try the Bitter Creek Brewery in Rock Springs. Lunch offers pasta, pizza and sandwiches, while dinner adds heavier entrees, including steaks, salmon and shrimp. The biggest draw is brewmaster Mitch Swedlunds handcrafted beer, from tasty red ale to a hearty black beer named Bob.
Pair Your Meal With a Handcrafted Beer
THAt YoGURt PLAce

Locally owned That Yogurt Place in Rock Springs brings the frozen yogurt trend home with an ever-changing list of flavors, from amaretto to strawberry to New York cheesecake, and more than 40 topping options. Go on, indulge your sweet tooth.
Discover more about Sweetwater Countys restaurants and eateries at livability.com/rocksprings/wy/food.
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Supporting the Next Generation Service & Philanthropy Create Deep Community Ties
| Special Section |
| JFC Engineers & Surveyors: Celebrating 50 Years as a Partner in Our Community |
Half a Century of Service

JFC cELEBRATES 50 YEARS AS A cOMMUNITY PARTNER
n 1964, the founders of JFC Engineers & Surveyors werent looking to create a legacy of community involvement, quality projects and good jobs for area residents. The goal back then, says company founder Wayne Johnson, was just to land some jobs. I was living down in Durango, Colorado, and since I was born and raised in Rock Springs, I was looking to come back here, Johnson says. Ed Fermelia, a good friend and fellow engineer, suggested that we start a consulting business, which sounded good to me, and thats how we got started. Civil and structural engineering were the founders strengths, but Johnson says, We went after all kinds of business. We did a lot of land surveying, because we were registered land surveyors, and Id even taught that at Fort Lewis College, and I also
taught at Western Wyoming Community College when it was in Reliance. In the beginning, it was kind of skimpy, but over time the number of jobs grew, the size of the projects grew, and the company started to really grow as a result. Quality Jobs for New Engineers and Surveyors As a result of JFCs success, the company has been able to provide good jobs for area young people who either wanted to stay in the area after school, or who were looking to return after completing their education elsewhere. One of these graduates is Amy Allen, Johnsons daughter, who spent summers working at the firm growing up and, after stints in Denver and Houston, returned full time in 1991. She credits the companys deep ties to the community, both in terms of the work it provides and other ways employees give back, for its success.
| Special Section |
Early Surveying and Engineering Equipment

Today most calculations and designs are done through computer software. JFCs home office location at 1515 Ninth St., Rock Springs, Wyoming. Our knowledge of the land and the infrastructure here has given us a huge database of whats in the ground, and we have a wealth of history of Rock Springs and the region, says Allen, now the firms president. Our most important contribution to the community is providing quality engineering and land surveying services locally, adds Andy Shauers, vice president. Most of our owners and employees are natives to this area, and we have a good understanding of what is important to our clients. Community Ties Developed Over Time JFC also has a solid understanding of whats important to the community, and thats why its employees have given generously of their time and talents over the decades since the firm was founded. Local school systems and the areas highereducation institutions benefit from JFCs philanthropy, as do multiple other organizations. We currently have or have had employees serve on the Planning and Zoning Commissions of Rock Springs, Green River and Sweetwater County, says Shauers, who began his JFC career in 1974 working on a survey crew. Members of our firm have served on the Rock Springs City Council, the Rock Springs Fire Commission, the Rock Springs Police Commission, the Hospital Board, the Hospital Foundation Board, the Recreation Board, and both the Sweetwater County and City of Rock Springs Museum Boards. Employees also help mentor the youth of our community by coaching little league, soccer, wrestling and numerous other activities. In addition, he adds, JFC employees generously donate to the local food bank and Salvation Army with matching funds provided by JFC. On the education front, JFC has created a yearly college scholarship in association with the Sweetwater One Public School Foundation for high school students planning careers in the engineering or land surveying professions. Building for the Future JFC also continues to grow and evolve as a local leader thanks to its young staff. More than half of its staff are in their 20s and 30s, and many either grew up in or have other strong ties to Sweetwater County. They are already ensuring that the knowledge passed down from Johnson and other JFC founders continues to work for and stays within the community. Even though hes now retired, Johnson keeps an eye on things and says he couldnt be more pleased with how JFCs evolution continues to play out. I always thought it was important to give back, and I am pleased that has always been the companys point of view as well, he says. Its always surprising to see how things grow; theyre doing bigger projects now than I ever dreamed about. The company has offered opportunities for young engineers, and its been very gratifying to see all that happen.
JFC Employees
Dedicated to their community and Sweetwater County
| 307.362.7519 www.jfc-wyo.com |
Helping Local Students

JFC Partners with Sweetwater One Public School Foundation to provide scholarships to local high school graduates. Shown here left to right: Geno Ferrero, JFC; Teri Hansen, Foundation; Rob Gerrard, JFC; and Reed Clevenger, Executive Director of the Foundation.
Paying It Forward
JFC PROVIDES ScHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO LOcAL STUDENTS
community is only as successful as the talent it fosters and retains, and JFC Engineers & Surveyors is working to make sure that pipeline stays wide open in Rock Springs and within Sweetwater County. The company underwrites scholarships for local high school students who are interested in studying engineering or surveying, as well as working with Western Wyoming Community College to provide opportunities for undergrads there. In fact, any time JFC can plug into the local education scene it is eager to do so, says Amy Allen, president. You want to have professionals stay in, and come back to, your community, Allen says. Nobody wants their children to leave. We keep them here, and we continue to grow so that those who do leave have opportunities if they want to come back. Almost the entire JFC staff has either taken or is taking classes at WWCC, where the engineering firm is seen as a solid success story. WWCC President, Karla Leach, says WWCC looks to JFC for everything from summer internships to water line expertise. They are quite amazing people, and they have been connected to the college for years, Leach says. They not only help our students, but also have worked with us on many development projects as the college and campus have grown and expanded. They give our students real-life work; as a matter of fact,
my son was one of their interns this year, and he learned so much. They teach our students what its really like to do that kind of work. JFC also partners with the Sweetwater County School District Number One to catch those engineering-oriented students early. The company provides an annual scholarship targeted to students in their junior and senior years of high school. It sets grade-point standards, as well as mentoring and other goals, with funds earned by completion of the various requirements, says Reed Clevenger, executive director of the Sweetwater One Public School Foundation. Its like a work-study program, and JFC allows the foundation to manage it, Clevenger explains. Its a great way to gear kids in that direction if they are so inclined, and they get to know the folks at JFC by working with them during the summers while they are still in school. JFC also gets involved with other foundation projects, such as providing backpacks and other back-to-school supplies every year. We are fortunate to be a partner with them because they really do give back a lot to the community, Clevenger says. They are strong business partners, which is valuable to us, but they also do so much for the community in general, adds WWCCs Leach. What they do constantly demonstrates to our students the value of sound business practices, and the importance of locally owned businesses.
| Special Section |
The Next Generation

JFCS YOUNGER STAffERS BUILD cOMMUNITY, PREPARE fOR cOMING cHALLENGES
entoring and training young engineers and surveyors has been in JFCs DNA since the company was founded. Today, that translates into a growing staff of young people who are putting down their own community roots. In fact, JFCs 40 employees have 20 children in the local school system, so the next generation isnt very far away at all, says Amy Allen, president. We provide the kinds of jobs that keep people here, which is really important not only to us, but to our community, she says. After growing up in Bridger Valley, Brandt Lyman was recruited by JFC 10 years ago after he completed his engineering degree. He had been interested in returning to his home region, and JFC was the perfect fit. I think its a great company in terms of its continuity, says Lyman, who is an associate principal and project manager. You actually know the people who started the company and can understand the history of everything theyve been involved with over the last 50 years. Thats a lot of institutional knowledge, and once you gain that, you then can hand it along to the people who are coming up behind you. Mentoring is also important to Geno Ferrero, an associate principal and project surveyor, who grew up in Rock Springs and joined JFC in 2001. As project surveyor, he worked on the companys survey crews during his summers off from school, and when an opening came along, he was quick to take advantage of the opportunity. I had been looking for jobs in Colorado and California and didnt find anything I really liked, Ferrero says. Nothing really added up to all that JFC was offering in terms of work experience and also being close to home. When I came back here, I was hoping that they
had a position they did, and Ive been here ever since. Another employee celebrating a decade with the company is Rob Gerrard, an Evanston native who met JFC staffers at a University of Wyoming job fair and who now is an associate principal and project manager. JFC was near my home, but they also worked on the types of projects that would be a good experience for me, he says of his decision to join the firm. Since then, the company has continued to grow, and because we are different generations, we can all relate to the community in different ways. Its great to be able to continue to learn, but to also pass along that information as we go.
Community Helpers
JFCs Jason Brown, Josh Davis, Brandt Lyman and Jerad Kramer contributing at the Sweetwater County Food Bank
Project: Enterprise Products Pipeline

COMPLEX ROUTE REQUIRES SKILLfUL NAVIGATING BY JFC TEAM
hen Enterprise Products turned to JFC Engineers & Surveyors for help in laying the latest portion of its Western Expansion Pipeline II, everyone knew there would be unique challenges. They also knew those challenges would be met. We were asked to route a 95.5-mile pipeline that began at a pump station in eastern Utah, headed east to the Colorado border, and then moved north to end at a different pump station, says Geno Ferrero, project surveyor. We had to lay out a controlled network and route for the entire pipeline, which took about nine months, and now we are in the process of working with the construction crew to get all portions of the project built. The entire Enterprise Pipeline carries natural gas liquids more than 870 miles from southwest Wyoming to western Texas. The portion of the pipeline expansion JFC was tasked with presented many topographical challenges while traversing from lower elevations to higher elevations about a 4,000-foot difference in all. It begins in fairly flat rolling hills in Utah, and then goes through the
Book Cliffs with a lot of twists and turns, Ferrero says. The field surveyors had to locate the existing pipeline so the new line could parallel it, and they eventually routed it over Baxter Pass, which is an 8,400-foot elevation peak so steep that the field surveyors couldnt walk up it. The current work is just one phase of the massive project, which will entail anywhere from three to five years of consulting work for JFC when all is said and done. It has required a big team and a lot of coordination with everyone from construction contractors to governmental agencies at the local, regional, and state levels. The fact that it has gone smoothly so far is testament to just how well prepared JFC was to tackle something of this magnitude, Ferrero says. This is a big step forward for us as a company, and weve been very successful in getting everything buttoned up, he says. It says that these big companies can rely on us, that we have the talent, the knowledge and expertise, and the commitment from all our employees, to facilitate a large-scale project like this. I think its good that they know our workforce and the talent they need exists in small communities like Rock Springs.
In the Pipeline
JFCs Geno Ferrero, Jerad Kramer and Ken Thompson eld surveying WEP II natural gas liquids pipeline in eastern Utah.
| Special Section |
A total of 1,500 camper trailers attended the National High School Finals Rodeo at the Sweetwater Events Complex in July 2012.
Saddle Up!
SUccESSfUL RODEO INfRASTRUcTURE PROjEcT cAME WITH TIGHT TIMELINES
hen the Sweetwater Events Complex was chosen in 2011 to be home to the National High School Rodeo Associations finals for a four-year run beginning the next year, the community was justifiably proud. But with the good news came the need for some serious facility upgrades, and JFC Engineers & Surveyors was up to the task. The Sweetwater Events Complex staff secured this major event for four years, and it meant that wed have between 4,000 and 5,000 people coming in for 10 days every year, says Amy Allen, president. One of the major requirements for hosting the National High School Finals Rodeo was to provide 1,500 on-site, full-service campsites and support facilities. This was in addition to ensuring the availability of a large number of hotel
rooms within the community. The success of this project was a reflection of the can-do attitude of all the communities within Sweetwater County. Without question, JFC provided the professional guidance to ensure the timely completion of all capital improvements needed to host this national event. JFC was able to facilitate the needed permitting and site work between the events complex, and the city and county departments that needed to be involved. The construction included the infrastructure for water and sewer lines, as well as traffic flow and drainage for the area that was being converted into an RV park. Within a year, 1,500 RV spots were developed as well as new foundations for two new tented areas. Key to the projects success was JFCs ability to work with, as well as between, various contractors so that the project could be rolled out in phases. There were more than six contractors working at various stages, and whenever you are dealing with a new contractor its really as though its a whole new project, says Dan Kennedy, project engineer. We broke it out into several different projects to
streamline the permitting process; we got three different permits for the water and sewer systems, for example. That helped when we had to interface with the city on the water line component. Multiple parties can be headache enough; now mix in an accelerated timeline. That definitely added to the complexity of it, Kennedy says. Thats why we chose to go with multiple permits instead of just doing the entire project under one. JFC structured the project so we could get one piece permitted and under construction, and then continue with the permitting for the next portion. That gave us enough of a timeline to get everything done by the deadline. By July 2012, when the rodeo arrived, everything was ready to go. And true to its community spirit, JFC staffers were on hand as volunteers to see everyone enjoy the fruits of their labors. Our staff probably volunteered about 100 man hours during the event, Allen recalls. It was a really big deal for Sweetwater County to get this event, and we were very proud to have played a part in making it a success that first year and in every year through 2015.
| 307.362.7519 www.jfc-wyo.com |
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARVIN EDGmON
What We Do
JFC ENGINEERS & SURVEYORS PROVIDES fULL ROSTER Of SERVIcES
Construction means finding your way through a maze of: Design Options Zoning Regulations Regulatory Agencies Contractors JFC will make sure that you not only get the best outcome from your project, but that everything will be done on time and within budget. JFCs professional engineering and surveying services include: Engineering Civil and Structural Design Footings and Foundations Site Development and Design Road and Route Design Public/Recreational Facilities Wastewater Facilities Water Supply Projects Storm Water/Hydrologic Studies Environmental Studies Instream Flow Studies Master Planning Mine Reclamation and Mine Backfill Projects Surveying & Mapping Subdivisions Boundary Surveys Construction Surveys Control Surveys Aerial Ground Control Surveys Water Rights Industrial Surveys Monitor Well Surveys Topographic and Drainage Surveys Road Surveys Route Surveys P&IDs Geological Domestic Water Wells Geological/Hydrological Studies Irrigation Wells Interpretive Geology Subsidence Abatement Mine Reclamation Geotechnical Field and Laboratory Investigative Techniques Investigations for Commercial, Industrial, Residential and Special Projects Geotechnical Reports and Recommendations Shallow and Deep Foundation Design Forensic Investigations Retaining Structure Design Ground Stabilization Testing Laboratory and Field Testing of Soils for QA/QC Wide Range of Cementitious Materials Including Mortar, Grout, Light Weight and Normal Weight Concrete, and CMU Masonry Testing Laboratory and Field Testing of Aggregates for QA/QC Investigative Testing such as Permeability, CBR, Atterberg Limits, Swell/Consolidation Potential, Collapse Potential, Classifications, etc. Testing of Bituminous Materials Testing of Epoxy Grouts Specialty Testing of Cementitious Materials Including Shrinkage and Expansion Geodatabase Creation and Maintenance Projection and Transformation Support Data Dictionary Creation Spatial Analysis of Geographic Data Thematic Map Creation
GIS
One of JFCs several public design projects, Young at Heart Senior Center in Rock Springs, Wyoming
LIVINg
Schools, health care and neighborhoods in Sweetwater County
Enjoy the View
The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area comprises about 201,000 acres in southwestern Wyoming and eastern Utah. The area, which includes the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, draws more than 2.5 million visitors annually and is a favorite destination for shing, boating, camping, hiking and other activities. Check out more photos that highlight Sweetwater Countys top attractions at livability.com/rock-springs/wy/photos-video.
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LIVING
Pay Off
TemporarY additioN to coUNtYs sales taX fUNds iNfrastrUctUre, health-care improvemeNts
Pennies
penny may not seem worth much when you spot one on the sidewalk. But collect enough pennies and you can build a cancer center, pave roads, improve the water system and open the door to the future. Not bad for a little copper coin, as Sweetwater County can attest.
Thanks to voter approval of two propositions in November 2012, Sweetwater communities are already enjoying tangible benefits of a temporary, one-cent sales tax. Known as the Sixth Penny Tax, or, officially, a Specific Purpose Sales and Use Tax, it will be collected for the next five years or so, and expires when projects totaling more than $81-plus million are completed. InfRAstRUctURe UpGRADes The successful propositions include municipal infrastructure improvements in Rock Springs, Green River, Wamsutter, Superior and Grange, where much-needed work will be done on streets, water and sewer systems, and more. The city of Rock Springs is addressing infrastructure needs, especially an extension of Stagecoach Boulevard in Rock Springs, which will enlarge the busy road and provide new paving, sidewalks, curbs and bike paths to a booming area where even more growth is anticipated. We havent gotten carried away with grandiose projects, says Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs
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BREAKDOWN OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND COUNTY PROJECTS (TOTAL TAX COLLECTION: $81,816,412)
38% 23% 20% 6% 4% 3% 3% 3%
Rock Springs $30,689,204 Construction of Medical Office Building/Cancer Center $18,851,438 Green River $16,404,264 Sweetwater County $4,566,497 Wamsutter $3,700,034 Superior $2,804,298 Renovations and Equipment Castle Rock Hospital District $2,458,883 Granger $2,341,794
Chamber of Commerce, which avidly backed the tax. These projects address needs, not wants. People understand that for a community to grow and expand, you must have good infrastructure. Why the name? Since Wyomings state sales tax is 4 percent, and a permanent fifth percent tax was already in place, the new temporary tax became the sixth percent tax. In a state with no state income tax and low property taxes, an occasional temporary sales tax is a good way to raise funds. Number one, people know with this tax exactly what they are voting for. Its a self-imposed tax, that everyone, including people who are just visiting here, pays, so the

burden doesnt just fall completely on residents, Hanks says. Number two, there is a specific time frame. You can only collect up to the amount voted for, and you can project the date when the tax comes off. Its not a forever thing. PRoJects ARe CRUcIAL Items proposed to voters in 2012 came after long, collaborative planning by the county and its cities, which whittled down a long list to the most crucial needs, says Mayor Carl Demshar of Rock Springs, where, in addition to the Stagecoach Boulevard Extension, four miles of backup water line are being built and the sewage treatment plant will be revamped and improved.
A new medical office building/ cancer center is being built at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, four facilities in the Castle Rock Hospital District will get major improvements, and new ambulances and other equipment will be purchased. The countys smaller communities will see important infrastructure upgrades. Its going to be a long drawn-out process to get all this done, but the larger communities are well on their way, and the smaller communities are working out the details of their projects, Demshar says. I really believe the people of Sweetwater County understand the value of the sixth penny and what it has done for our communities. by Laura Hill
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LIVING
CARe
W
Close to Home
New caNcer treatmeNt ceNter is latest asset for Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater CoUNtY
hen it comes to providing high-quality, communitybased health care, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has a lot to brag about. And soon it will have even more services for area residents, in a $16.1 million regional cancer center.
Sweetwaters New Cancer Center
The new 80,000 square foot cancer center at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County will open in 2014.
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Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County recently acquired a new mammogram machine, and the facilitys new cancer center will include state-of-the-art cancer radiation equipment.
The 80,000-square-foot facility is set to open in early 2014, and is being funded primarily through a sixth-penny specific purpose excise tax that was approved by county voters in 2012. That kind of community support isnt new for the hospital, but it showcases how strong its ties to Sweetwater County are, says hospital CEO Gerald Klein. We appreciate the support of our taxpayers and voters in Sweetwater County for believing in what this project means to our community, as well as our outlying communities, Klein says. The opportunities that our partnership with the U. of U. (University of Utah) and this medical office building and cancer center bring to southwest Wyoming will change the dynamic of health care across the region. IMpRoVeD CAnceR CARe The new building will house a full-service cancer center, including an infusion center and areas for chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It also will house the Sweetwater Medical Group, a practice made up

of 15 physicians in 10 specialties who work for the hospital, other local doctors, a rehabilitation center, pain management clinic and an expanded dialysis center. The medical offices portion of the new building will open in late 2013. Memorial has been working closely with the Huntsman Cancer Institute and University of Utah Health Care on the facilitys design, as well as the acquisition of necessary equipment and the selection of staff and physicians. The hospital has entered into an affiliation agreement with the University of Utah Hospitals & Clinics to help offer specialties and services in southwestern Wyoming. By moving hematology and medical oncology under one roof, along with lab services and various specialties, residents will have access to more and better treatment within the community, and also will be able to come and go more conveniently. Conference rooms and academic spaces will allow for videoconferencing, and other professional-education measures from the facilitys
partners will help the physicians and staff continue to improve their skill sets and offerings. HeLMsLeY TRUst GRAnt FUnDs EQUIpMent The new facility will benefit from a $3.1 million grant to the Memorial Hospital Foundation from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust for the purchase of state-of-the-art cancer radiation equipment. Coming on top of all the other advances the new center will offer, this means more and better care locally, says Al Harris, president of the foundations board and a cancer survivor himself. The opportunity to acquire such an amazing piece of equipment this really paves the way for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and full-blown radiation therapy right here in Sweetwater County, Harris says. Personally, as a cancer survivor, I fully understand the impact of this donation and what this means to the community. by Joe Morris by staff photographer Michael Tedesco
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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.
100% L! A T I DIG
602 Broadway Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3773 www.sweetwaterhsa.com
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Complete Care
MEMOrIAL HOsPITAL OF SwEETwATEr COUNTY ADDs LATEsT sErVIcEs AND TEcHNOLOGY
Rock Springs, Sweetwater County and southwestern Wyoming residents and visitors dont have to travel far for bestin-class health care, thanks to the many treatments and services provided by Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. The 99-bed facility is accredited by The Joint Commission, and is building a new cancer treatment center, set to open in early 2014. It also has an employed physician team, Sweetwater Medical Group, providing care in a variety of medical specialties. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County services include: intensive care, emergency, obstetrics, medical/surgical, surgery and same-day surgery. Memorial also offers the regions best care and cutting-edge treatments for cancer and blood disorders, cardiac care and rehabilitation, nutrition services, dialysis, orthopedic services, rehabilitation, and sleep disorders. The hospital has full laboratory and on-site pathology services. Its Medical Imaging Center is the regions most advanced, and features the first and only large-bore MRI in southwestern Wyoming, as well as ultrasound, nuclear medicine, PET scanning and digital mammography. Memorial has come a long way from the Miners Hospital mentioned in Wyomings state constitution back in 1890. Built on 15 acres donated by the Union Pacific Railway Co., today, the hospital has more than 100,000 square feet of space. It is adding state-of-the-art cancer treatment services and much more so that it can continue to provide the highest-quality care for Sweetwater County residents. by Joe Morris

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LIVING
Little Lambs Preschool, open to kids ages 3-5, is part of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rock Springs.
Christian Learning Environment
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Wyoming
Sweetwater CoUNtY kids eNjoY great schools, commUNitY activities
Raising
s a kid, Ericka Youngerman dreamed about leaving her hometown. But after living in California and having children of her own, she looked back and saw that Sweetwater County is the ideal place to raise a family.
SNApshOT
Growing up, you want to get away from your hometown then you grow up and realize what a great place it is, says Youngerman, who lives in Sweetwater County with her husband and their three children. Youngermans family utilizes the many benefits this community offers, such as the school districts free after-school tutoring and winter recreation programs, and a variety of community-based activities. Her girls take gymnastics, her son plays flag football and the whole family enjoys swimming and soccer. Add Wyomings famous outdoors, childrens programs at local libraries and the YMCA, and local chapters of the Boys and Girls Clubs, and its easy to see why so many families are choosing Sweetwater County. The icing on the cake, though, is the countys people. As soon as my family moved here, we had over a dozen individuals offer to watch our kids while we painted bedrooms, says Sweetwater County School District No. 1 superintendent Mathew Neal, who moved here from Denver in May 2013. Sweetwater has perfected the art of helping families feel welcome.

Holy Spirit Catholic Sch ool is a private facility educat ing students in pre-K through sixth gra de.
We have great tradition here, but we also have teachers who are fresh from the university setting, and theyre brimming with new ideas and new energy.
MAtHeW NeAL, SwEETwATEr COUNTY SCHOOL DISTrICT NO. 1 SUPErINTENDENT
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High-Tech Education
At Rock Springs Junior High School , part of Sweetwater County School District No. 1, students learn how to use the latest technology.
FARson
4
EDEN
SWEETWATER COUNTY SCHooL DIsTRICT No. 1
13 10 8
RO U.S.
12 9 15 5
UTE 191
RocK SpRInGs
ATE 80 INTERsT
WAMsUtteR
11 3 7 14
1. Desert School-Wamsutter 2. Desert View Elementary 3. Eastside Elementary 4. Farson-Eden School 5. Head Start 6. Independence High School 7. Lincoln Elementary 8. Northpark Elementary
FLAMING GORGE RESERVE
9. Overland Elementary 10. Pilot Butte Elementary 11. Rock Springs High School 12. Rock Springs Junior High School 13. Sage Elementary 14. Walnut Elementary 15. Westridge Elementary
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SteLLAR ScHooLs Sweetwater Countys population of children is growing rapidly, and the county is keeping pace with kid-friendly services and amenities. Our district population is increasing from the bottom up, Neal says. Weve grown from 3,900 to 5,700 students in the last 10 years. The district is accommodating that growth through an aggressive expansion program. In addition to three recently constructed schools one for grades K-4 and two for grades 5-6 the district is preparing to build another elementary school, a high school, and a K-12 school for students in rural Sweetwater County. The new schools have light-filled classrooms, the latest in instructional technology and a crowd of new staff. We have great tradition here, but we also have teachers who are fresh from the university setting, and theyre brimming with new ideas and new energy, Neal says.
PRescHooLs WItH PURpose For younger children, Sweetwater County has several top-notch preschools. The nonprofit Sweetwater County Child Developmental Center serves both typical and specialneeds children, from birth to 5 years. SCCDC also provides free developmental screenings and in-home therapy for children up to 3 years old. Rock Springs Young at Heart Early Learning Center, which serves children ages 12 months to 5 years, uses Smart Boards in its classrooms to ease students transition to kindergarten. The preschool shares its building with a senior center, and the two age groups regularly combine for art classes and other activities. For parents seeking a religious orientation, Rock Springs Trinity Lutheran Church operates Little Lambs Preschool for children ages 3-5. The schools curriculum combines classroom projects with
outdoor recreation, educational field trips and visits from community mentors. We give them lots of opportunities to learn about their church, their home, their community and how they fit into it, says director and teacher Betty Blackwell. by Kathryn Royster by staff photographer Michael Tedesco
LIVING
g Wyom ing
s a kid, Ericka about leaving Youngerman dreamed her hometo after living in California wn. But children of and having her that Sweetw own, she looked back and saw ater raise a family. County is the ideal place to
Growing up, then you grow you want to get away from your hometown Youngerman, up and realize what a great place who lives in it is, says and their three Sweetwater County with children. her husband Youngermans family utilizes offers, such the many benefits as the school winter recreation this communit districts y programs, and free after-school tutoring activities. Her a variety of and community-based and the whole girls take gymnastics, her son plays family enjoys famous outdoors, flag football swimming and soccer. childrens YMCA, and Add local chapters programs at local librariesWyomings easy to see and the why so many of the Boys and Girls Clubs, and County. The families are its choosing Sweetwat icing on the cake, As soon as though, is the er my family moved countys people. individuals here, we offer says Sweetwat to watch our kids while had over a dozen Mathew Neal, er County School District we painted bedrooms , No. 1 superinte Sweetwater who moved here from ndent Denver has perfected the art of helping in May 2013. families feel welcome.
Raisin
SWE ETW GREAT SCHOATER COUN TY KIDS OLS, COM ENJO MUN ITY ACTI Y VITIES
SNAPSH OT
Holy Spirit Catholi private c School facility is a pre-K through educating student sixth grade.
s in
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ng Environment Little Lambs Preschoo l, open part of Trinity Lutheran Church to kids ages 3-5, is in Rock Springs.
S W E E T WAT ER COUN TY
Christian Learni
We have great tradition here, but we also have teachers who are from the univers fresh ity setting, and theyre brimming with ideas and new new energy.
MATHEW SWEETWAT NEAL, ER COUNTY DISTRICT SCHOOL NO. 1 SUPERINTE NDENT
L I VA B I L I T Y. C O M / S W E E T WAT E R- CO U
DIGItAL MAGAZIne
NT Y
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Little Lambs Preschool, part of Trinity Lutheran Church
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LIVING: Education
Western Wyoming Community College has an annual enrollment of more than 3,900 students.
First Class
MANY GOOD scHOOLs sErVE SwEETwATEr COUNTY Schools deserve high marks in Sweetwater County, where parents and students have many good academic options.
Public Schools
This is a small, wellfunded university with professors who will know you by name. There are many opportunities to work with world-renowned professors on research projects. University of Wyoming is a treasure trove of surprises for a small community.
SUsAn fRoM LARAMIe, WY on tHe UnIVeRsItY of WYoMInG-LARAMIe, CAPPEX.COm
SWeetWAteR CoUntY ScHooL DIstRIct no. 1

More than 5,300 students are in Sweetwater County School District No. 1 , which serves Rock Springs, Farson-Eden and Wamsutter. Fifteen schools make up the district, with 60 percent of students enrolled in the K-6 elementary program. Rock Springs High School offers an award-winning Energy Resource Academy and a Health Occupations Academy where companies provide money, scholarships and internships to students who might be interested in pursuing careers in either of those fields. Public Schools
SWeetWAteR CoUntY ScHooL DIstRIct no. 2

This district in Green River comprises an area of 5,250 square miles and includes all public schools in the outlying communities of Granger and McKinnon. Eleven schools serve 2,600 students in Sweetwater County School District No. 2, eight of them within the Green River city limits. The three rural schools are Granger Elementary, McKinnon Elementary and Thoman Ranch Elementary (in Kemmerer).
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SNApshOT
ACTIVE REALTY
367 E. Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935
(307) 875-7590 www.activerealtywyo.com

Western Wyoming Co mmunity College in Rock Spring s has five lifesize dinosaur displays on its campus.
Jeannie Earhart
Broker/Owner 307-870-5037 [email protected]
Realtor, Sales Associate 307-707-8226 [email protected]
Tina Mulinix
Private Schools
HoLY SpIRIt CAtHoLIc AnD GReen RIVeR BIBLe BAptIst

There are two private schools in the county: Holy Spirit Catholic School and Green River Bible Baptist School. Holy Spirit offers a pre-K through grade 6 curriculum, and Green River is a K-12 school with 25 students and six teachers. Higher Education
Selling real estate for more than 36 years and keeping you our #1 priority
WesteRn WYoMInG CoMMUnItY CoLLeGe

The two-year institution in Rock Springs offers academic curricula such as fine arts, social science, math and science, business, technology, and health science. WWCC recently started three recent expansion projects: a center for energy industry training, a wellness center, and an alternative high school operated by Sweetwater County School District No. 1 that will allow students to take dual-enrollment courses as high school juniors and seniors. Higher Education
UnIVeRsItY of WYoMInG-LARAMIe
The University of WyomingLaramie consists of seven colleges: agriculture and natural resources, arts and sciences, business, education, engineering and applied sciences, health sciences, and law. There are 190 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at UW.

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1200 College Dr. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3711 (307) 875-7730 www.sweetwatermemorial.com
CLINICAL: Bio- Medical Engineering Cardiac Rehabilitation Central Sterile Cardiopulmonary/ Respiratory - Respiratory Therapy - Sleep Disorder Lab - Stress Testing Dialysis Emergency Department Infection Prevention - Employee Health Intensive Care Unit Laboratory - Blood Bank - Histology/Cytology - Microbiology Medical Clinic Medical Imaging - Breast MRI - CAT Scan - DEXA Bone Mineral Densitometry - Digital Mammography - MRI - Nuclear Medicine - PET Scan - Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Ultrasound Medical/Surgical Unit Obstetrics & Womens Health - Labor & Delivery - Nursery - Post- Partum Oncology Unit Orthopedics Pharmacy Pulmonary Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services - Occupational Therapy - Physical Therapy - Speech Therapy Surgical Services - Endoscopy Suites - Recovery Room - Same Day - Surgery Suites NON-CLINICAL: Administration Admitting Central Supply Communications Community Partnership Education Emergency Management
Fiscal Services Foundation H.I.M./Medical Records Housekeeping/Laundry & Linen Human Resources Information Services Maintenance Marketing & Public Relations Materials Management Medical Staff Services Nutrition Services Patient Financial Services Physician Recruitment Services Quality & Compliance Security Social Services Volunteer Services
SURGERY & SPECIALTIES Adult Primary Care Allergy
Audiology Cardiology Emergency Medicine Family Practice General Surgery Internal Medicine Medical Imaging/ Radiology Nephrology OB/GYN Oncology - Hematology - Radiology Orthopedics Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) Pathology Pediatrics Plastic Surgery Podiatry Psychiatrics Pulmonology Urology
When your family needs health care, we are your local, multispecialty clinic. Call to schedule your appointment today at (307) 352-8125.
Adult Primary Care Anesthesiology ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Family Practice General Surgery Hematology/Oncology Internal Medicine Nephrology Pediatrics Psychiatry Pulmonology/Critical Care
1204 Hilltop Dr. Suites 107-109 Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 352-8125
LIVING: Health
Healing Community
WHErE TO rELIEVE sTrEss AND PAIN IN ROcK SPrINGs Whether youre looking to relieve stress, see an orthopedist or child intervention specialist, or simply get in shape, there are convenient, welcoming places for each in Rock Springs.
Premier Bone & Joint Centers Rock Springs location offers digital x-ray services and pain management injections, and also handles minor surgical procedures.
Orthopedic Clinic
Education and Therapy Facility
PReMIeR Bone & JoInt CenteRs

Premier Bone & Joint Centers, a statewide orthopedic practice based in Laramie, has its second-largest office in Rock Springs, a 6,500-squarefoot facility that features a new GE 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. According to CEO Tom Wolfe, two doctors are in the Rock Springs facility every day, which seems unremarkable until one learns that the physicians commute from Laramie via company plane. Fitness Center and Tanning Salon
SWeetWAteR CoUntY CHILD DeVeLopMentAL CenteR

The nonprofit Sweetwater County Child Developmental Center provides early intervention services to children with delays and disabilities, and offers free developmental screenings for hearing, vision, and fine motor, gross motor and cognitive skills. Communication and social/ emotional tests are also administered, with services available to children from birth through 5 years of age.
AnYtIMe FItness At WHIte MoUntAIn MALL

Any time is a good time to go to Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour gym, tanning and fitness center in the White Mountain Mall that provides around-the-clock access to cardio and strength training equipment. Talk about no more excuses!

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Holistic Health Center
WILD Roots
Interested in alternative medicine but not sure where to go or what remedies are available? Visit Wild Roots (committed to creating an organic healing community), which offers a wide range of products and services, including AromaTouch massage, herbal supplements, organic spices and cooking oils, and ingredients for making soaps, lotions, and deodorants. We present free weekly classes for those who are overwhelmed or not sure what is possible, says owner Heidi Harvey, who encourages first-time visitors to stop in for a cup of rejuvenating organic tea.
Relax and Restore at the Spa

Learn more about health care in Sweetwater County at livability.com/ rock-springs/wy/health.
e.s.c.a.p.e day spa & boutique combines age-old healing methods based on Eastern and Western traditions with the latest in cuttingedge technologies. Massages, facials, chemical peels, body wraps, spray tanning treatments and other services are available.
A passion for life. A place for caring.

At Deseret Health and Rehab at Rock Springs, we work together to ensure that the highest standards are met in caring for you and your loved ones. Our residents benefit from a well-educated staff, versatile in health-care knowledge, supporting each resident with personal and compassionate care. Part of our commitment in providing each resident with the best quality care available, we offer a comprehensive array of health-care services.
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
Our Core Services:

Physical Therapy 24-Hour Nursing Care Cable TV Respite Care Rehab to Home Social Services Occupational Therapy 24/7 Admission Daily Laundry and Housekeeping Beauty/ Barber Shop Speech Therapy Individualized Care Plans Worship Services Wound Care Medicare/ Medicaid Certified
2441 Foothill Blvd. ROCK SPRINGS (307) 389-1960 (307) 382-4441
410 Uinta Dr. GREEN RIVER (307) 875-6777 1325 Sage St. | Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3780 | www.deserethealth.com 38
www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/41/rock-springs-wy-82901
COmmuNITY pROfILE
etHnIcItY
23% 48% 29%
21%
cost of LIVInG
$68,932
Hispanic Other Median Household Income
White Black 1% 2%
$239,169
Median Home Price
AGE
19 and Under 20-54 55 and Over
(percentages based on the total = 177,230)
76%
$953
Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment
Source: Onboard Informatics
(percentages based on the total = 177,230)
TRAnspoRtAtIon
Median Travel Time to Work
TeMpeRAtURe
January Average Low July Average High
84 76
16 minutes
0.4
31
Closest Airport: Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport

July High National High
January Low National Low

Source: Onboard Informatics
8 miles
LIVING GREEN STARTS FROM THE GROUND UP.

Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green.
Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon
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LIVING: see the county
Gear Up for a Good Time
Located in Rock Springs, the Sweetwater Events Complex includes a speedway, BMX track and motocross track; a 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall; a 1,500-seat indoor arena; 5,000-seat grandstands; and more than 1,200 RV spaces in campground areas. The complex hosts races, horse shows, agricultural events, rodeos and more. Browse through more images that showcase Sweetwater Countys fun things to do at livability.com/rock-springs/wy/photos-video.
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busINEss
Info on Sweetwater Countys top employers, jobs and success stories
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Major Employer Continues to Thrive

Halliburtons Rock Springs facility employs about 850 people, making it one of Sweetwater Countys largest employers. The company is a major provider of products and services to the energy industry.
Find more photos of the countys most important businesses and top employers at livability.com/rock-springs/wy/photos-video.
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BUsIness: overview
Energy Boost
COMPANIEs HELP FUEL SwEETwATErs GrOwING EcONOMY Sweetwater Countys economy is among the best in the nation. Jobs here are plentiful and businesses keep posting higher profits, thanks to continued growth.
Energy Industry Chemical Manufacturing
EneRGY coMpAnIes DRAW neW peopLe, GRoW econoMY

Sweetwaters energy industry is helping the region prosper. Weve seen huge investment by oil field services companies using Rock Springs as a staging area, says Mike Yedinak, Rock Springs native and former CEO of Commerce Bank. 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, people are putting down roots in Rock Springs. Weve seen the population go from 19,000 to 23,000 in the last decade, he says. And those people are customers for retail and professional services, creating a regional trade population of nearly 40,000 for Sweetwater County businesses.
FMC WYoMInG CoRp.

This chemical company, founded in 1983, is involved in agricultural, industrial and consumer markets. FMC uses advanced technologies to improve the delivery of medications, enhance foods and beverages, power batteries, protect crop yields, fertilize lawns, and advance the manufacture of glass, ceramics, textiles, plastics, pulp and paper. Oilfield Services
HALLIBURton
Halliburtons mission is to optimize oil and gas reservoir production through a variety of pressure pumping services, nitrogen services and chemical processes. Many employees at the companys Rock Springs plant are engineers who train for an entire year before being assigned to oil rigs.
Solvay Chemicals
The companys mine in Green River produces trona, a mineral with a wide range of uses. Green River has the worlds largest and purest deposits, and holds more than 50 billion tons of trona. Solvay Chemicals uses the substance to reduce acid gas emissions in industries ranging from electric power generation to cement manufacturing.
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PacifiCorp operates and co-owns the Jim Bridger Plant, which is located on a 1,000-acre site, just 30 miles northeast of Rock Springs. This coal burning power plant has a generating capability of 2,120 megawatts. About two thirds of the coal supplied comes from the Jim Bridger Mine.
Jim Bridger Plant
Power Plant
PAcIfIcoRp
The utility giant is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the U.S., providing 1.7 million customers with energy. PacifiCorp gathers its energy capacity from a variety of sources, including coal, hydro, renewable wind power, gas-fired combustion turbines, solar and geothermal. Chemical Manufacturing
OCI CHeMIcAL CoRpoRAtIon

OCI is the worlds third-largest producer of natural soda ash; its core product list also includes sodium percarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. The companys Sweetwater County facility in Green River primarily manufactures chlorine and alkalis. Oil and Gas Processing
EXXon CoMpAnY USA

The Exxon facility in Kemmerer is involved with gas processing for the pipeline transportation of crude oil. Company officials say their quest is to apply science and innovation to produce safer and cleaner ways to deliver energy.
Stay plugged into Sweetwater Countys business community at livability.com/rocksprings/wy/business.
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BUsIness
Take Flight in Sweetwater County
Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport is home to commercial airlines, including Delta Connection and United Express, and serves more than 26,000 passengers each year.
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Ups
S
Airport tackles several Upgrade projects
pirits are high at Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport, where recent upgrades have improved services at the 72-year-old airfield.
The airport that once welcomed Amelia Earhart during a 1931 publicity tour now features two runways one 10,000 feet long and the other 5,350 feet. A major upgrade to the 5,350-foot runway completed in October 2013 included revamping the taxiway that parallels the runway, adding new LED lighting and improved signage. A second generator was installed as a backup for the lighting system. The runway itself underwent a milling process in which a layer of asphalt was shaved from the surface, and a new layer poured to replace it. This airport is often the first place in Sweetwater County that a visiting corporate person will see, so we want our runways capable of handling all kinds of jets, plus have that first visual impression to be one of cleanliness and friendliness, says Terry Doak, manager of Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport. The largest hub around this region to handle the biggest jets is Casper, but Rock Springs can basically handle everything else. For instance, our 10,000-foot runway can accommodate a 737 jet.
Big
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Soaring High on Improvements, Updates
Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport s 5,350-foot runway was recently renovated to include new LED lighting, improved signage and an updated taxiway. The airport also installed a 300,000-gallon water tank, as well as water lines, hydrants and a pump house, which brings the facility up to fire department code. The improvements are expected to continue, with plans in the works for the airport to obtain a new fire truck.
Companies that utilize the airport regularly for their private aircraft include Halliburton, UPS, FedEx, Schlumberger and Premier Bone & Joint. This airport is part of a capital improvement plan where every five years we get entitlement money from the Federal Aviation Administration if we serve more than 10,000 passengers annually, Doak says. We actually serve about 26,000 passengers a year, so the FAA approves grants of about $1 million every five years for us to maintain our runways, ramps, parking lots and so forth. 300,000-GALLon TAnK Doak says that even though its not glamorous, one key recent upgrade is the installation of a new water tank, water lines, hydrants and a pump house. For a long time, weve had a water tank of 70,000 gallons and had our water trucked in, but according to fire department code the airport must have water lines and a much larger tank or else we cant build further on the grounds, including the eventual construction of new hangars and an expanded terminal in the future, he says. To remedy that situation, we now have

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This airport is often the first place in Sweetwater County that a visiting corporate person will see, so we want our runways capable of handling all kinds of jets, plus have that first visual impression to be one of cleanliness and friendliness.
TeRRY DoAK, MANAgEr, ROCK SPrINgSSwEETwATEr COUNTY AIrPOrT
CATCH THE HOMETOWN SPIRIT!

Green River Basin Federal Credit Union was founded in 1967. We are Southwest Wyomings community credit union serving Sweetwater, Uinta, Sublette and Lincoln counties. Serving you TODAY, TOMORROW throughout lifes milestones.
a 300,000-gallon tank on site that brings us up to code. Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airports nine-person crew handles virtually all duties at the facility, including fueling planes, maintenance work, snow plowing and acting as aircraft rescue firefighters if the need arises. The FAA requires that aircraft rescue firefighters be on duty whenever commercial airplanes land, so were always busy here, Doak says. Upgrades will continue to occur throughout 2014, including the addition of a new fire truck. by Kevin Litwin by staff photographers Brian McCord and Michael Tedesco
Southwest Wyomings Community Credit Union

GREEN RIVER 131 E. Railroad Ave. (307) 875-3044 ROCK SPRINGS 301 2nd St. (307) 382-4321
www.grbasinfcu.org
www.facebook.com/whitemountainmall
BUSINESS
Ups
S
Rock Springs-Sw ater County eetwater commercia County Airport l airlines, including is home to United Express, Delta Connectio and serves n and each year. more than 26,000 passengers
Big
AIRPORT TACK UPGR ADE LES SEVE RAL PROJ ECTS
Take Flight
in Sweetw
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S W E E T WAT
ER COUN TY
airport publicity tour that once welcomed Amelia and the other now features two runways Earhart during a 1931 5,350 feet. A completed in major upgrade one 10,000 feet long October 2013 to the 5,350-foot parallels the included revamping runway runway, adding signage. A new LED lighting the taxiway that second and improved lighting system. generator was installed as a backup The runway for the of asphalt was itself underwent a milling shaved from process in which replace it. the surface, a layer and a new layer This airport poured to is often the visiting corporate first person will place in Sweetwater County of handling see, so we that a all kinds of jets, plus have want our runways capable be one of cleanliness and friendlines that first visual impression Rock Springs-Sw to eetwater County s, says Terry Doak, this region manager of Airport. The to largest hub can basically handle the biggest jets around is Casper, but handle everything runway can Rock Springs else. accommod ate a 737 jet. For instance, our 10,000-foot
L I VA B I L I T Y. C O M /
pirits are high at Rock Springs County Airport, where recent -Sweetwater improved services upgrades have at the 72-yearold airfield. The
Its 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 Herbergers, jcpenney, Murdochs Ranch and Home Supply, rue21, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Samuels Diamonds, Famous Footwear, Sally Beauty Supply and many more! After youre done shopping, watch the latest hit movie at our 10-screen, all stadium seating theater or take in a meal at Applebees.
2441 Foothill Blvd., Rock Springs, WY 82901 307-382-9680
S W E E T WAT
E R- CO U
NT Y
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DIGItAL MAGAZIne

www.whitemountainmall.com
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BUsIness
Phosphates
SolidifYiNg its statUs as a leader iN the fertiliZer iNdUstrY
Simplot
motivated, educated and dependable workforce is the driving force behind Simplot Phosphates continued expansion in Sweetwater County.
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The fertilizer manufacturer plans to increase production with a $170 million expansion that will create more jobs and help strengthen the communitys rock-solid economy. Rock Springs has been an ideal location for Simplot Phosphates agricultural fertilizer plant. The facility, five miles southeast of the city on Highway 430, is close to both Interstate 80 and the Union Pacific Railroads main line, enabling efficient distribution of the plants liquid and dry product fertilizers. Equally important, raw materials are readily available locally and in neighboring states. MAKInG FeRtILIZeR We utilize three main raw materials, says plant manager Eric Schillie, who has been with J.R. Simplot Co. for 21 years, including seven-plus years at the Rock Springs plant. The plant employs about 230 individuals and features a storage building that can hold 80,000 tons of dry fertilizer large enough for a 280-lane bowling alley or 38 basketball courts. Phosphate rock, from our mine in Vernal, Utah, is pumped north in a buried, 96-mile pipeline, Schillie says. We also use molten sulfur [a byproduct of oil and natural gas production], which we get from the oil and gas fields in the region. And we purchase ammonia [made from natural gas], which we use in the manufacture of our dry product. $170 MILLIon EXpAnsIon Demand for the plants fertilizers has been consistently strong and growing, which explains why Simplot has pursued a $170 million expansion project. It mostly involves increasing the on-stream time of our equipment by

Simplot Phosphates will produce 440,000 tons of phosphate in 2014.
adding some redundancy, Schillie says. We have two filter tables right now; we are going to add a third. We have four evaporators; we are adding a fifth. We have one reactor, and we are adding a second. Whereas before we would have to cut back on production when it came time to wash equipment or do maintenance work, with these extra pieces we should never have to reduce production. LocAL EconoMIc BenefIts Schillie says the expansion, scheduled to be completed in summer 2014, will bring the plants phosphate production to 440,000 tons per year, helping the company maintain market share in all the places where its
fertilizers are shipped primarily Midwestern states like Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. The project also will benefit Rock Springs and Sweetwater County directly, creating 10-15 new jobs and generating additional municipal tax revenue. Its all part of an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship between the plant and the people of the local community, whom Schillie lauds for their work ethic. With the coal mines and the power plant and the oil patch, its an industrial community, he says. The work ethic that has developed over time makes a big difference. by Jason Zasky by staff photographer Michael Tedesco
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Business Spotlight
POINT OF ROCKS MERCANTILE
This travel center and gas station on Interstate 80 in Point of Rocks features a new convenience store, restaurant and bar. Also on site are 100 camper and RV spaces. (307) 362-2092
INFINITY POWER AND CONTROLS

Located in Rock Springs, Infinity Power and Controls provides equipment such as transformers, electric motors and AC drives to the oil field and automotive industries, and also contributes to several community charities. www.infinitypwr.com
MONSANTO COMPANY
Monsanto strives to improve agriculture and support farmers around the world. Its Rock Springs facility is involved in research as well as conservation of such natural resources as water and energy, and in 2013, the company was named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by CR Magazine. www.monsanto.com
DANIELS JEWELRY
Daniels Jewelry in downtown Rock Springs has gained a solid reputation over the years for customer service. Its staff custom designs a wide variety of jewelry items, including gold and platinum pieces. (307) 362-8040
THE WILD CALL TOURS

The Wild Calls specializes in taking visitors on extended explorations throughout Wyomings back country, with guided sightseeing adventures to places like the Tetons, Yellowstone and Flaming Gorge. Vacation packages are also available, enabling participants to see several different places for one affordable price. www.thewildcalls.com
BUsIness: Chamber Report
For Anyone Ages 21-39

The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce has plenty to YAP about these days. The chamber has initiated a Young and Professional program, or YAP, to help Sweetwater County residents ages 21-39 meet and network with one another. A total of 55 participants attended the first meeting in January 2013, and by the end of the year 75 members had become part of the program. The idea sprang from when large-industry representatives and several business owners began bringing their younger employees to a variety of chamber functions, so we decided to develop an offshoot Young and Professional organization, says Johno Green, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce public relations director. Several young professionals in the past had moved to this area but left after about five years because they had no family in the area and had difficulty networking with people their own age. The YAP idea is for people who have lived a while in Rock Springs to meet newcomers and engage these young professionals in civic organizations, entertainment events, sports and recreation, and other activities. EVeRY THIRD THURsDAY YAP, which has seven board members, meets at 6 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at Coyote Creek Steakhouse & Saloon in downtown Rock Springs. In addition to the chamber, other sponsors of the Young and Professional program include Western Wyoming Community College, Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County and the Wyoming Business Council. One month, we scheduled a group rafting trip along the Green River, and the next month featured an informative session on what

CHAMBEr LAUNcHEs YOUNG AND PrOFEssIONAL PrOGrAM

socialized health care and the Affordable Care Act mean to small businesses, Green says. Another month involved a class on concealed weapons. The meetings cover a wide array of subjects. Green says YAP members are updated about upcoming monthly agendas through E-blasts and the chambers newsletter. Its a great chance to meet people, and the program really centers around that age group, he says. Its important every so often to socialize with people solely within your own age group. by Kevin Litwin
Same Location for 100 Years

Home of the totally free checking!
Serving Southwest Wyoming and Northern Utah in Nine Communities WYOMING Rock Springs Afton Pinedale Alpine Evanston Kemmerer Mountain View UTAH Morgan Mountain Green
601 N. Front St. Rock Springs, WY (307) 362-5601 (800) 274-7086 www.1stbank-online.com
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Mike McGovern Mountain West Storage

(307) 382-STOR (7867) 87 Gookin-White Mountain Rd. Rock Springs, WY 82901 www.mountainweststorage.com
SWEETWATER COuNTY WYOMING

Editor | Mitch Kline Contributing Writers | Laura Hill, Kevin Litwin, Joe Morris, Kathryn Royster, Chris Russell, Stephanie Stewart-Howard, Jason Zasky Content Coordinator | Jessica Walker Boehm Staff Writer | Kevin Litwin Proofreading Manager | Raven Petty Content Operations | Kate Swanson, Lauren Zimmerman Lead Designer | Jackie Ciulla Senior Graphic Designers | Stacey Allis, Laura Gallagher, Kris Sexton, Jake Shores, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers | Lindsey Higgins, Kacey Passmore, Matt West Creative Technology Analyst | Becca Ary Lead Photographer | Michael Tedesco Senior Photographers | Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers | Michael Conti, Wendy Jo OBarr, Frank Ordoez Color Imaging Technician | Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager | Deshaun Goodrich Advertising Production/ Sales Manager | Katie Middendorf Sales Support Coordinator | Christina Morgan Ad Traffic Assistants | Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Web Project Manager | David Day Digital Project Manager | Jill Ridenour Digital Products Designer | Erica Lampley Web Developer I | Nels Noseworthy Web Designer II | Richard Stevens Chairman | Greg Thurman President/Publisher | Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President | Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales | Todd Potter, Jarek Swekosky Senior V.P./Client Development | Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./Operations | Casey Hester Senior V.P./Digital | Michael Barber V.P./Content Operations | Natasha Lorens Creative Services Director | Christina Carden Photography Director | Jeffrey S. Otto Web Creative Director | Allison Davis Controller | Chris Dudley Senior Accountant | Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator | Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator | Diana Iafrate, Becca Sweitzer IT Director | Daniel Cantrell Database Director | Debbie Woksa Executive Secretary | Kristy Giles Human Resources Manager | Peggy Blake
2014 EDITION
VOLumE 6
New State-of-the-Art Buildings Conveniently Located Near I-80 and Foothill Blvd. behind Home Depot Electronically Controlled 24-Hour Access Gate Complete Fenced and Paved Facility Online Billing and Payment Options 186 Indoor Units, 5x10 to 12x30 46 Outdoor R.V. Storage Spaces Locally Owned and Operated
VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS

1st Bank www.1stbank-online.com Active Realty www.activerealtywyo.com Anytime Fitness www.anytimefitness.com/gyms/41/ rock-springs-wy-82901 Communication Technologies Inc. www.comtechradio.com Deseret Health & Rehab www.deserethealth.com Green River Basin FCU www.grbasinfcu.org Greenes Energy Services Inc. www.greenescorp.com Halliburton www.halliburton.com Hampton Inn & Suites Green River www.greenriversuites.hamptoninn.com High Country Realty www.hcrhomes.com Infinity Power & Controls www.infinitypwr.com JFC Engineers Surveyors www.jfc-wyo.com Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County www.sweetwatermemorial.com Mountain West Storage www.mountainweststorage.com New Frontier Imaging LLC www.newfrontierimaging.com Plan One Architects www.planone.com Preserve at Rock Springs www.lincolnapts.com Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce www.rockspringschamber.com Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport www.rockspringsairport.com Rocky Mountain Power www.rockymountainpower.com Solvay Chemicals www.solvaychemicals.us Sweetwater Cable TV www.sweetwaterhsa.com Sweetwater Events Complex www.sweetwaterevents.com Vaughns Plumbing & Heating www.vaughnsplumbingandheating.com Western Wyoming Community College www.wwcc.wy.edu White Mountain Mall www.whitemountainmall.com
Livability: Sweetwater County, Wyoming is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected]. For more information, contact: Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce 1897 Dewar Dr., P.O. Box 398 Rock Springs, WY 82901 Phone: (307) 362-3771 Fax: (307) 362-3838 www.rockspringschamber.com Visit Livability: Sweetwater County, Wyoming online at livability.com/sweetwater-county Copyright 2013 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member The Association of Magazine Media Member Custom Content Council Member Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce
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EcONOmIc pROfILE
7% 23% 49%
21%
TAXes
2%
400499 500699
eDUcAtIon LeVeL
High School Degree Associate Degree Bachelors Degree Graduate Degree
(percentages based on the total 24,049)
4%
State Sales Tax
Top EMpLoYeRs
FMC Wyoming Corp., Halliburton General Chemical Industrial Products, Sweetwater County School District No. 1 Bridger Coal Company, OCI Chemical Corp., Solvay Chemicals, PaciCorp
6%
Total Sales Tax
ScoRecARD
$898M
Annual Retail Sales
HoUseHoLD IncoMe: RocK SpRInGs
TRAnspoRtAtIon
$150M
Annual Hotel and Food Sales
4,052
Total Number of Firms
Rock Springs-Sweetwater County Airport

www.rockspringsairport.com
AVeRAGe AnnUAL HoUseHoLD eXpenses
$66,852
TotAL WoRKfoRce sUM
$150,000+ $30,000-$149,999 $29,999 and Under STAR Transit www.ridestartransit.com
67,448

1,335
7,003
814
700900
Local Sales Tax
55
Ad Index
53 1ST BANK 35 ACTIVE REALTY 38 ANYTIME FITNESS 29 COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. 38 DESERET HEALTH & REHAB 49 GREEN RIVER BASIN FCU 6, 7 GREENES ENERGY SERVICES INC. 28 HALLIBURTON 14 HAMPTON INN & SUITES GREEN RIVER 39 HIGH COUNTRY REALTY C1A-C2 INFINITY POWER & CONTROLS A1-A8 JFC ENGINEERS SURVEYORS 36 MEMORIAL HOSPITAL OF SWEETWATER COUNTY 54 MOUNTAIN WEST STORAGE 2-3 NEW FRONTIER IMAGING LLC 35 PLAN ONE ARCHITECTS 19 PRESERVE AT ROCK SPRINGS 56-C4A ROCK SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 52 ROCK SPRINGS-SWEETWATER COUNTY AIRPORT 4 ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER 45 SOLVAY CHEMICALS 28 SWEETWATER CABLE TV C4 SWEETWATER EVENTS COMPLEX 21 VAUGHNS PLUMBING & HEATING 1 WESTERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE 49 WHITE MOUNTAIN MALL
Home of 56 Nationalities
A true historic city with 56 nationalities, offering cultural diversity The most populated and fastest growing city in Southwest Wyoming Located on a major transportation corridor including Interstate 80, major flyways and Union Pacific Railroad Offers an incredible number of amenities and services all contributing to an exceptional quality of life Access point to unique off-road and water recreation resources Abundant natural resources are the backbone for a strong economy A leader in the nations energy production Two-wheel capital of Wyoming Hub of motorsports recreation The premium health-care provider in Sweetwater County
212 D St. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 352-1500 www.rswy.net No matter where residents hail from, Rock Springs quickly becomes home; comfortable but challenging, quiet but stimulating. We love it here and think you would too. Come see us.
Fish it. Float it. Live it.
Beautiful parks, pathways and Greenbelt trails Public art sculptures grace the community Offering numerous services, amenities and outstanding quality of life Origin of the Powell Expedition West entrance of the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Loop Tour and portal to the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area
50 E. 2nd N. Green River, WY 82935 (307) 875-0500 www.cityofgreenriver.org Green River is an oasis in the high desert country offering great quality of life blended with friendly Western attitude everyone welcome and treated as a neighbor and friend. Unique shopping surrounded by history and stunning vistas wildlife minutes away.
Bringing Businesses and Communities Together
Create a strong local economy Promote the community Provide networking opportunities and business contacts Represent business to government Engage in political action
1897 Dewar Dr. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-3771 (800) GO-DUNES www.rockspringschamber.com The Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to enhancing Sweetwater Countys quality of life and economic vitality through a cooperative Sweetwater County.
Sweetwater County Is Open Space.

Sweetwater County consists of 10,480 square miles of land, 75% of which is public land. The multiple uses of this land creates opportunity for everyone: High-paying, high-quality jobs Worldwide energy and minerals production World-class outdoor recreation fishing on the Green River, Flaming Gorge Reservoir, hunting, hiking, sightseeing, photography and OHV High-quality transportation networks regional airport, railway system and interstate highway Well-funded, equipped and staffed public school system, including a leading community college High-quality regional health care A great place to live and raise a family
80 W. Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935 (307) 872-3970 www.sweet.wy.us As the eighth-largest county in the U.S. (larger than six states) Sweetwater County is a diverse high desert playground suspended between the Wind River Mountains in the north and the Uinta Mountains to the south. The landscape isnt the only thing to brag about, Sweetwater County boasts a vibrant economy that funds world-class schools and shares the environment with industry and unparalleled outdoor opportunity.

Livability Sweetwater County, WY 2014

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Livability Sweetwater County, WY 2014

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SWEETWATER WYOMING COUNTY

Sweetwater County kids enjoy great schools, community activities

Companies help fuel Sweetwaters growing economy

Infinity Power & Controls LLC

We Specialize in Idea Conception, System Engineering, Ma

Where Quality Automation Is Our Specialty!

ly Tested DEQ Approved

anufacturing, Installation and Completion of Your Concept.

PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS

8 Welcome to Sweetwater County

More Than a Mall

Pure Western Beauty

PLeAse RecYcLe tHIs MAGAZIne

Greenes Corporation Family of Companies

3037 Yellowstone Rd. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-5285 www.greenescorp.com

Photos & Video

Trucking & Cranes

Combustors, Separators, Custom Truck Rig Ups

3037 Yellowstone Rd. Rock Springs, WY 82901 (307) 362-5285 www.greenescorp.com

Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Creston Junction Wamsutter

Granger Little America

Rock Springs Green River

Table Rock Bitter Creek

Flaming Gorge Res.

FoR MoRe InfoRMAtIon

Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce

Learn Local History

Catch a Concert in Downtown Rock Springs

FEEL YOUR OATS

TRY A BEER NAMED BOB

SEE THE CARVINGS

SwEETwATEr COUNTY JOINT TrAVEL & TOUrIsM BOArD

Paddle, Swim or Float

CHECK OUT BUNNING

JUST ADD ICE

EXpLoRe tHe FLAMInG GoRGe

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

More than aMALL

New Tenant Finds Success

Wild Horse Canyon

Join us The Bar at

Community Hot Spot

A small commUNitY at the crossroads makes a perfect stop

Yellowstone National Park South Pass

Killpecker Sand Dunes White Mountain Petroglyphs

THInGs To Do: arts & culture

See A LIVe peRfoRMAnce

EnJoY FRee FUn At BUnnInG PARK

JoIn In tHe fUn

Admire Art at Local Galleries

BRAND-NEW DESIGNER APARTMENT HOMES!

at Rock Spr ings

THInGs To Do: sports & recreation

Get Up, Get Out

GReen RIVeR HIGH ScHooL AQUAtIc CenteR

Fun for the Whole Family

Find more ways to get active in Sweetwater County at livability.com/ rock-springs/wy/activities.

PILot BUtte WILD HoRse ScenIc Loop ToUR

FLAMInG GoRGe NAtIonAL RecReAtIon AReA