<strong>by Joshua Wood, Stevenson Newspapers</strong>
Memorial Hospital of Carbon County (MHCC) has added yet another service for Platte Valley residents through its MHCC Health Center–Platte Valley Saratoga location. Patients can now utilize outpatient ultrasound and digital x-ray services without driving to Rawlins.

The North Platte Valley Medical Center (NVPMC) hosted a round-table discussion at the Platte Valley Community Center (PVCC) December 13. The CEO of the Platte Valley Medical Clinic and Saratoga Care Center, Jeff Mincy had predicted an opening in early January 2023 during the press tour in October. Mincy said equipment delays have made it difficult.

On November 6, the voters of Carbon County renewed the lodging tax in a strong manner. The tax was approved by 79 percent of the residents who voted.

According to Amanda Knotwell, the CEO of Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce, the 2022 Festival of the Trees Auction and Gala was a huge success. 
Knotwell said the event was sold out at 230 guests.Food was served by Sweet Marie's Bakeshop, with a wide variety of holiday inspired items.

Medicine Bow Crossing convenience store in Elk Mountain has a new look, but it is not apparent from the outside. Medicine Bow Crossing was established in the town of Elk Mountain about four years ago by Bill Jones, Cody Jones and Joyce Menke. Menke departed after about a year and father and son ran the business. The store had success but Bill Jones had to drive in from Laramie which was a challenge in winter.

"This is a sensational time to be associated with the opening of the North Platte Valley Medical Center," said Dr. Brendan Fitzsimmons, new medical director for the NPVMC. "It's exciting to see all the pieces coming together."