Happy New Year

Each year at this time people often take time to reflect on the year that is ending and look ahead to the new year that is beginning.

We here at the Northern Wyoming News do the same professionally. You will find this week our top stories for each month in 2025.

A lot of news happened in Washakie County and the Big Horn Basin. Not all of them could make it to the “top.” We had a lot of court stories and trials, we had celebrations and tragedies. We had comings and goings of people and businesses and business expansion.

We documented changes throughout our communities and our state.

Here at the Northern Wyoming News we had some changes. A new reporter joined our staff early in the year — Kat McMahon, and midway through the year we changed printers which resulted in a slightly narrower newspaper. We took that time to also change up the look of the newspaper.

The change in printers has allowed us some more color options so we hope you have enjoyed the additional color pages.

In 2026, in fact with this issue we begin our 121st year in business. We have gone through some name changes over those years but through them all we have brought you news that we believe impacts you our readers and we will continue to do so in 2026 and beyond.

2026 looks to be an exciting year in the news for Washakie County and the state. Locally we will see the economic development master plan completed, which will be a benefit to our local governments; the emergency medical service needs assessment should be completed shortly so the county can make decisions on the best approach to funding EMS in our county. Our hope is that whatever avenue they choose, our citizenry will support as it likely will cost us in an additional tax in some form.

We have some new construction on the horizon with Pinnacle Bank looking to build a new facility east of their current location and we know some other businesses are looking to expand, maybe not in 2026 but soon.

Work is being done for a new business at the former US Bank location.

We will be here to bring you all the details as things progress on these stories and more.

Of course, probably the biggest news on tap for 2026, besides the Wyoming Legislative Budget Session, will be the election. All county offices (except one commissioner seat) will be up, however, unlike four years ago, we do not believe any retirements are on the horizon.

There will be some council seats up in Ten Sleep and Worland, legislative seats will be up and the optional one-cent sales tax will be on the ballot again. That tax has been important to many agencies over the many years residents have supported it.

The one-cent general purpose tax has been continuously and overwhelmingly approved by Washakie County voters since 2014, 2018, 2022 and they will again be asked this year.

Approximately $1.8 million is generated annually through the tax which comes directly to the county to be distributed to the entities seeking funding.

Currently eight entities receiving funding — Worland and Ten Sleep senior centers, Town of Ten Sleep, City of Worland, Crisis Prevention and Response Center, Worland Community Center, Worland Youth Learning Center and Washakie Development Association.

There will be breaking news, news we do not expect or plan for, such as Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem flying into Worland Sunday for a hunting trip at the Lazy T Ranch. We did try to reach out to sources for more information but did not receive any additional information by press time.

It reminded several of us of when Arnold Schwarzenegger used our Worland Municipal Airport on his way to Thermopolis for a trip to Merlin’s Hide Out.

Speaking of the airport, the Worland Flying Club is planning a big American 250th anniversary fly-in in June, something exciting to look forward. 2026 will also be a more solemn anniversary, the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. A committee has already begun planning for the ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11.

So here is a toast to say goodbye to 2025 and a hearty welcome to 2026. We hope that 2025 was a good year for our readers and we are glad you included us in that journey. We hope 2026 is a great year for all of you.