March 15, 2026

Contact: Dr. Jeffry Hawes, EWC President, jhawes@ewc.wy.edu

Brad Staman, Media Relations, bstaman@ewc.wy.edu, 307-532-8206

EWC to Resume Normal Operations March 16 Following Storm Cleanup

TORRINGTON, Wyo. – Eastern Wyoming College will resume normal campus operations on Monday, March 16, following significant progress in cleanup efforts after high winds damaged the college gymnasium on Thursday.

All campus services and activities will return to their regular schedules with the exception of the gymnasium, which will remain closed until further notice as the college continues to assess damage and determine repair needs.

The fitness center will reopen at 5 a.m. for both the college community and the public. The cafeteria will open at 7 a.m. for students and employees. Students will also have access to the weight room and the golf simulator.

Cleanup efforts have continued throughout the weekend, with college staff and community partners working to remove debris and secure affected facilities.

Eastern Wyoming College President Dr. Jeffry Hawes and EWC Vice-President Patrick Korell expressed appreciation for the individuals and organizations that supported the initial cleanup efforts.

“We have made significant progress in a short amount of time thanks to the dedication of many people who stepped up to help,” Hawes said. “I would like to extend a special thank you to EWC’s Grounds and Facility Crew and other employees, including Top Popilek, Bob Lehman, Lucia Wilson, Lloyd Huitt, Victor Powell, Jeremy Cherrington, and Martin Winchell. I also want to thank TDS for the quick delivery of disposal bins; Travis and Tabatha Wilkie for providing a backhoe; and Pittman Electric, including Gary Pittman, Chris Honstein, Dustin Baldridge and Dawson Mullock, for their immediate response in helping secure the facilities.”

The college will continue evaluating facility repair needs and will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.