Our View: City, county had a great 2018

Overall, we think 2018 was a good year for Green River and Sweetwater County.

Green River celebrated its 150th birthday to a celebration worthy of something that occurs once every 150 years.

The city has made strides in work on the UP Depot building, accomplishing enough to fulfill the conditions of the city’s original five-year lease, opening up a 99-year lease for the building.

Work continues on the Tomahawk building and its owners hope to bring businesses into the historic structure when the elevator and other essentials are in place. Both locations will be anchors downtown once they’re established.

The county has a lot to celebrate as well. The new Sweetwater County Justice Center opened this year, fixing a critical problem with the Rock Springs Circuit Court. The center combines the county’s two circuit courts, alleviating security and spacial problems in the Rock Springs Circuit Court’s original location.

While we admit we were not on board with this change, as it meant moving the Green River Circuit Court out of the city, from a logistical point of view the move makes sense. It increases security for both circuit courts and cuts transportation costs for detainees appearing in court.

There are other achievements to celebrate as well. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County continues improving itself.

The Sweetwater County Historical Museum continues highlighting our the great aspects of our local history. Residents and community organizations continue striving towards making Sweetwater County a better place for all of us.

That’s what makes this slice of Wyoming such a great place to live.

It’s a place where the entire community’s, from elementary school students and senior residents to the miners and elected officials, they work ensure the area remains a lovely place to call home.

Like Sweetwater County Commission Don Van Matre often says, “It’s another day in paradise.”

In the coming year, we’re sure to see our community members continue to strive and improve the county.

We’re looking forward to seeing what happens.

We also look forward to serving our community each week through this newspaper.