Wednesday JULY 30, 2025 |
Photo – Announcement of Podcast – Courtesy Sheriff Alex Bakken
On Monday night, Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken launched a new monthly podcast to share updates on departmental activities and regional issues.
During his inaugural podcast, Sheriff Alex Bakken explained that his monthly report will help residents stay informed about what’s happening in our region.
Sheriff Bakken highlighted the notable emergency calls his office received during the month of July, beginning with the three wildfires that occurred in Carbon County. The Sheriff discussed the Ski Hill Fire, which started two weekends ago, and thanked the emergency agencies whose quick response prevented it from spreading beyond a few acres.
Sheriff Bakken also mentioned the Beaver Dam and Taylor Draw Fires, both of which broke out over the Fourth of July weekend. The Beaver Dam Fire, located about seven miles east of Hog Park near the Wyoming–Colorado border, was contained within hours and burned just six acres of U.S. Forest Service land. The Taylor Draw Fire began roughly 10 miles north of Hanna and consumed over 1,200 acres of Bureau of Land Management range before being extinguished. Investigators believe lightning strikes were the likely cause of all three wildfires.
Next, Sheriff Bakken discussed the fatal off-road vehicle crash that occurred on July 5th when a side-by-side rolled off Highway 70, near Battle Pass. Both occupants, one adult and one juvenile, were ejected from the vehicle, with the adult being pronounced dead at the scene. The juvenile passenger sustained minor injuries.
Sheriff Bakken said the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing a seatbelt and extended his sympathies to the victims’ family.
Sheriff Bakken moved on to a more light-hearted report, saying that deputies arrested the so-called “High-Country Harasser” last week on Bridger Pass, south of Rawlins. The Sheriff said Nicholas Sampson, who goes by the trail name “Cottonmouth,” is said to have harassed and assaulted his fellow Continental Divide Trail hikers for years. Sheriff Bakken said Sampson was arrested last week for allegedly hitting a road worker with a water bottle.
“Cottonmouth” Sampson is facing two counts of Breach of Peace and is currently being held in the Carbon County Jail.
Sheriff Alex Bakken asked for feedback on his new podcast and thanked the public for their continued support of his initiatives.
