Stories that strengthened the community in 2024

A community is nothing without the people it's made up of. From those who lead in positions of authority to those who work behind the scenes, everyone has an impact. From those who share their resources to those who share their time and energy, everyone working together to give what they can is what makes a community strong. In 2024, the people of Green River and Sweetwater County consistently did what they could to step up, have fun together, help those in need, and keep our community moving forward.

Changing leadership

Throughout the year, there were several changes and adjustments in leadership for key positions that help lead the community.

After the retirement of Green River Police Department Chief Tom Jarvie at the end of 2023, Sean Sturlaugson stepped in to fill the role, and officially celebrated a pinning ceremony as the new chief at the beginning of the year. Several other leadership positions in the GRPD also changed, with promotions leading to pinning ceremonies for Captain Brad Halter, Sergeant Gary Frey, Sergeant Monique Mead, and Sergeant Lars Nandrup over the course of the year.

Western Wyoming Community College also saw a change in leadership at the top, with Dr. Kirk Young being hired as the new president in the spring.

Some positions across the county had changes following retirements. Jim Zimmerman retired as the County Fire Warden/Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer, and was replaced by Alan Adams. Jesse Moreno took over as the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Coordinator after the retirement of Emily Covey.

Another retirement was that of Colleen Seiloff, who stepped down from her position as a math teacher at Green River High School. She has not, however, retired from her position coaching swimming.

One of the hardest leadership transitions in the community this year was at Golden Hour Senior Center after the previous executive director, Ruth Lauritzen, passed away. Marcia Driggs, who was working as the office manager at the senior center, was named the new executive director, and has worked to keep Lauritzen's vision for Golden Hour alive.

Working and playing together

From new and changing businesses to a wide variety of events to enjoy, the community found ways to work and play together all through the year.

When it came to business changes, some notable milestones worth celebrating were the opening of a Green River location for High Point Counseling, the reopening of Grubs by the Hunt family, the transfer of ownership for Sweetwater Trophies after Mike Frink retired and sold the business to Bill and Kayla Duncan of Twisted Timber Apparel, and the opening of a storefront location for Whiskey Goats Outdoor Co. in Rock Springs.

Another business change that is still in the works, but which has met with more mixed and negative feedback, is the planned transition of the old movie theater building on Uinta Drive into a venue for wagering on horse racing.

When it comes to things to do, Green River and Sweetwater County residents had plenty of options all year long. Music for Vets, the annual Quilt Exhibit, Police Week celebrations, Run with the Badges, Southwest Wyoming BMX events, Pride in the Park, the third annual Plein Air competition, Flaming Gorge Days, the Overland Stage Stampede Rodeo, the National High School Finals Rodeo, Wyoming's Big Show, the Pond and Garden Tour, Run with the Horses, River Festival, Art on the Green, Spaceport Days, Halloween Trunk-or-Treats, the "Messiah" Choir, the Polar Express Experience, and numerous craft fairs and vendor shows were all among the options of fun events for the community to attend in 2024.

The local theater community had another strong year as well, offering 16 different plays and musicals for everyone to attend, produced and performed by community members, as well as a number of smaller shows and performances.

Showing support

One of the defining features of the Green River and Sweetwater County community is the way people come together to support one another.

This year, once again, people rallied together to show up and give help to those who need it most. Music for Vets raised a record-breaking amount, over $65,000, for the Veterans Relief Fund. Businesses like Genesis Alkali and Sisecam gave donations to groups like the United Way of Southwest Wyoming, while smaller local businesses like Stellar Coffee and Red White Buffalo held fundraisers for important causes. Green River High School and Rock Springs High School once again competed to donate blood and raise funds for Make-A-Wish. Groups like the Women's Club of Sweetwater County and the Boys and Girls Club both received and gave donations. Haggit Barbell hosted a special Halloween deadlift competition to raise money for school lunches. And the community worked together to raise donations and funds for both those affected by hurricanes across the country and those affected by wild fires here in Wyoming.

Sharing stories

Communities are made of people, and people's lives are made of their stories. In 2024, several community members shared their unique stories with us.

Bob Rennick, at 96 years old, shared his memories of going to school with Maria Tallchief, growing up in Osage County, Oklahoma, and working on a drilling rig in Alaska for government nuclear weapon testing. Becky Figgins and Karen Hale explained how they work as "foster grandmas" to help local school children. Evangeline Frazon visited Green River to share how the gift of a shoebox from Operation Christmas Child, like the shoeboxes sent out by local churches, helped change her life. Natasha and Dustin Young shared their family's connections to military service stretching back through history. The Ghost Walk Crew and Sweetwater County Library Foundation shared the library's haunted history and the stories of the ghosts they sought to help lay to rest. Dan Parson shared how his "classroom" critters help his students both learn science and form connections. And the Pugmire and Bostick families shared their love for Christmas lights that bring joy to others.

All through the year, the appointments, actions, and stories of local people demonstrate the wide variety of experiences and perspectives that add value and strength to the community as a whole.