Registration for Existing Black Bear Bait Sites Begins

Black bear hunters who want to use bait for the upcoming bear seasons are advised that the registration period for existing bear bait sites begins March 1st. Lucy Diggens Wold, Information-Education Officer with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department explains.






Wold emphasizes that this preference period is for existing hunters only.






Bear hunters must have a 2011 black bear license to register a bait site and no bear bait may be placed on state, federal or Game and Fish lands without first registering the bait site with the Game and Fish. For more information, go to http://gf.state.wy.us or call the regional office at 875-3223.

Courthouse Unveil

Renovations to the historic Lincoln County Courthouse draw to an end this week after six months, and leaders are welcoming the public for a tour.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house was held Saturday at the courthouse building on Main Street.
The $1.8 million project included a two-story addition to the courthouse with two holding cells adjacent to the courtroom. The building also was wired for new technology, including cameras in all of the courtrooms and offices, a video arraignment system and a projection system for displaying evidence to the jury.

U-S House Republican budget proposal effects

Camping, hunting and hiking experiences in Wyoming would likely change if Forest Service budget cuts under the U-S House Republican budget proposal became final – according to former Forest Service chief Dale Bosworth. He’s questioning the decisions because he says the programs targeted for cuts are associated with things well-loved and appreciated by the public.







Bosworth points out that cuts to the Forest Service have been part of a long-term trend, and are hamstringing the agency from doing its job to keep forests healthy and accessible.







He’s hopeful that the U-S Senate will find ways to reverse the budget squeeze on National Forests, and bolster programs that promote collaboration in problem-solving, forest restoration work, and rural jobs. He adds that the House Appropriations Subcommittee Chair, Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), did help limit some of the proposed cuts.

Rally to Protect the Bridger-Teton to be held Tonight

In January, the Forest Service hosted three public meetings in Jackson, Bondurant and Pinedale, about their proposal to drill 136 natural gas wells in the upper Hoback Basin…. but not Rock Springs. Tonight, according to Dan Smitherman, a spokesman for Citizens for the Wyoming Range, local sportsmen and other concerned citizens plan to hold their own rally and public comment session at the Rock Springs Holiday Inn.






The meeting will be held tonight from 7 to 9 PM at the Rock Springs Holiday Inn located at 1675 Sunset Drive.

Mule Deer meetings

After two rounds of public meetings held in four different communities this past summer, The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will now be hosting a third and final series of public workshops to discuss their draft plan for the Wyoming Range mule deer herd. Kemmerer’s meeting will be held Wednesday, February 9, at the Best Western, from 6 to 9 P.M.
The purpose of these meetings will be to present and discuss the draft management plan, which has been written based on input received in the first two rounds of meetings held in June and August of 2010. All meetings will be from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the following locations:

• February 7: Marbleton Town Hall

• February 8: Afton Civic Center

• February 9: Kemmerer, Best Western

• February 10: Green River, Western Wyoming Community College

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is accepting public comments on a proposal to drill 136 natural gas wells

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is accepting public comments on a proposal to drill 136 natural gas wells in the Upper Hoback Basin, and hunters in Rock Springs, Green River and communities around Southwest Wyoming want to express their opposition to the plan.
In January, the Forest Service hosted three public meetings in Jackson, Bondurant and Pinedale, but not Rock Springs. So on Feb. 28, local sportsmen and other concerned citizens plan to hold their own rally and public comment session at the Rock Springs Holiday Inn.
“We’ve hunted and camped in the Upper Hoback for generations,” said Gaylan Rasmusson, a Rock Springs hunter. “This is a chance for us to let our voice be heard and to say: We support oil and gas development in Wyoming, but some places like the Hoback are too special to drill.”
The meeting in Rock Springs will be the second of its kind in the last six months. Back in September, a crowd of more than 60 gathered to hear a presentation by Citizens for the Wyoming Range.
“It was a good turnout, and that was during hunting season,” said Rasmusson. “This time, we could see as many as 200 show up.”
Those attending will learn the latest about Plains Exploration and Production Company’s (PXP) plan to build 30 miles of new industrial roads, scrape 17 well pads and punch 136 wells in the heart of key mule deer and elk habitat. The crowd will have a chance to hear speakers, ask questions and submit individual comments to the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Deadline for public comments is March 11.

No Abuses of Bath Salts Reported Locally.... Yet

Yesterday we told you about the dangerous fad of using bath salts as a drug. When we talked to Sweetwater County Sheriff Detective Dick Blust, he said, thankfully, there have been no reported uses of the drug in the area.






What scares law enforcement most is the easy access and potential danger to young people. Green River Police Detective Fred Moczulski believes that young people just cannot see the danger.






Law enforcement officials are warning parents to be aware of the signs and packaging of these bath salts. Wyoming currently is looking at a bill to ban a similar packaging scheme known as "spice" which is being used as an alternative marijuana.

mandatory Blood Test Gains Traction

A bill that would eliminate drivers’ right to refuse chemical testing when police have probable cause to believe they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol passed the Wyoming Senate on first reading Wednesday.
Senators amended House Bill 29 to make police obtain a search warrant before forcing someone to submit to a chemical test, said Rep. Keith Gingery, R-Jackson. A judge would be able to approve the warrant over the phone, said Gingery, who sponsored the bill.

School Purchases Questioned

Purchases from Amazon.com by the Green River School District include, curriculum mapping materials and books, textbooks and some supplies. For example, the district purchased 25 copies “The Outsiders” in paperback, two copies of “The Outsiders” play in paperback and the film version of “The Outsiders” for $250.57. Those purchases were made for Green River High School’s language arts department. From Apple Inc., the district purchased four 64 gigabite iPads with Wi-Fi connectivity, along with four iPad cases and two iPad camera connection kits. The iPads, listed as equipment purchases for various administrative offices are part of the district’s commitment to keep up with emerging technology. The Green River star requested the numbers after a number of people on it's website asked about the expenditures.

So-Called Bath Salts Used As Drugs With Lethal Consequences

So-called bath salts with names like "Ivory Wave," "Vanilla Sky" and "Bliss" are being sold over the internet and in convenience stores and are being ingested as drugs. The use has spread rapidly across the U.S. prompting law makers to scramble to pass laws in an effort to ban them. Rusty Payne, Spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Agency in Washington says the use can have lethal consequences.







According to Payne, using the name bath salts is just a marketing scheme. The side effects can include heart attacks and psychological effects such as hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. The elation effects are short-lived, leading to addiction. Even scarier is the false perception that they are safe to use.







The two chemicals found in these so-called bath salts are MDPV and methodrone. The substances are being smoked, snorted and injected and have caused deaths in several states.

Fugutive Arrested in Wyoming

37-year-old William Schwenke was wanted on a felony warrant for escape from the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Schwenke was stopped at the Hillsdale Interchange on Interstate 80 approximately 9 miles east of Cheyenne by a Trooper late Saturday evening as he drove eastbound up the westbound exit ramp.
When contacted by the Trooper Schwenke gave a false name and date of birth in an attempt to hide his real identity. The Trooper also found that the Wyoming registered vehicle Schwenke was driving was using fraudulent registration tags. No driving record or identification was found under the false name and Schwenke was placed under arrest. Schwenke has been charged with driving the wrong way on the Interstate, no valid driver’s license, fraudulent registration and interference with a peace officer. He will be held in the Laramie County Detention facility pending his extradition to the State of Wisconsin.

Teton Pass Closed

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has scheduled a closure of Teton Pass for avalanche control. Snow slides that reach the highway may prolong the closure and deteriorating weather conditions may force an earlier closure. Highway travelers and backcountry users are advised to plan accordingly.

Scam

Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell issued an advisory concerning a telephone scam that is making the rounds.
Haskell said the caller, based in Jamaica, telephones prospective victims and informs them they have won $150,000 through Publisher’s Clearing House. The caller then says all the person need do is to put a money order in the mail for $395 to cover the “custom stamp fee.”
“It’s a scam, of course,” said Haskell. “Once you send out your money order, your $395 is gone and there is no prize.” He emphasized that a legitimate sweepstakes or lottery will never ask for money in advance for fees, taxes, deposits, customs charges, or anything else.

The E-P-A is offering tips about how to use wood supplies more efficiently

”Old Man Winter” is hanging on in Wyoming this year, and folks who depend on wood burning for heat may need to purchase a few extra cords. The E-P-A is offering tips about how to use wood supplies more efficiently and safely. Alison Davis is with the E-P-A’s Office of Air Quality and Standards. She says it’s important to check wood for proper seasoning before burning it - wood needs to be kept dry for at least six months before using it as fuel. A simple way to test if the wood is ready is to knock two pieces together.








In addition to burning the right wood, Davis says you can save money by keeping your fire small and really hot. Also be sure to have stoves and other burning appliances serviced every year.








Davis adds that it's best to burn hard wood, such as maple or oak, although that can be in short supply in Wyoming. She's also spreading the word about the extension of federal tax credits available through the end of this year to help offset the cost of a new, more efficient wood stove.

Love Your Troops By Donating Items At The Rock Springs Library

February is Love Your Troops Month and the Rock Springs Library is taking donations until March 15th for the troops. Some of the items needed are hand crocheted hats, scarves and hand and foot warmers. They are also looking for personal hygiene items, snacks, jerky, headsets and beanie babies. The library has over 400 beanie babies that the troops will use to hand out to the children where they are serving. Cindy Moore, Head of Circulation and Reference says donating is easy.






For more information, call 352-6667 or go to www.operationgratitude.com.

Ski Uphill for a Change

How about this? If you are going to ski in Wyoming, try to do it uphill.
That's the lesson that retired doctor Roland Fleck learned the hard way after cops handcuffed the 78-year-old and hauled him off the mountain for unsafe skiing.
Fleck was arrested the morning of Feb. 5 after refusing ski patrollers' orders to stop. Jackson Hole Resort officials say avalanche danger and the presence of grooming machines made it unsafe.
Skiers can get uphill with snow-gripping "skins" on their skis, among other methods.

Senior Spelling Bee

t's time for Missouri's senior word lovers to register for the A-A-R-P National Spelling Bee, scheduled for June 18th in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It’s the 16th year A-A-R-P Wyoming has hosted the event, and the group’s Tim Summers says the idea grew out of a brainstorming session to come up with fun ways to inspire older folks to keep on learning.







Summers says some spellers focus on the social aspects of the bee, including meeting like-minded people from around the country. Others take studying very seriously by reading the entire dictionary. It’s all good for mental health, according to Summers.







The bee is open to anyone age 50 and over, including previous winners. Words will come from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Spelling word lists, study resources and registration are all available online from A-A-R-P (AARP.org/spellingbee).

Courthouse Set to Reopen

After a two year renovation project, the Lincoln County courthouse is set to reopen. The expansion includes a brand new state of the art courtroom on the first floor and a partially renovated courtroom on the 2nd floor.
There have also been electronic upgrades that include wireless internet and flat screen tv's for video arraignments.
Perhaps the biggest upgrade is the prisoner transport system, prisoners will now be brought into courtrooms through seperate entrys, away from the public.

Frost Levels Dropping But Still Check Water Pipes

The City of Green River consistently checks frost levels and is warning to check water lines, if they are not buried deep.






Rick Owens, Utility Technician 3 with the City of Green River says it will cost around $7 to $10 a month to keep the water running enough to prevent pipes from freezing.






Owens says since 2007, the city has had a steady decline in frozen water services and this year, they have had none.

ederal cuts of more than one billion dollars have been proposed for Community Health Centers

The drum beat in the U-S House to reduce federal spending is being heard close to home in Wyoming. Federal cuts of more than one billion dollars have been proposed for Community Health Centers. For Wyoming, it would mean the loss of about 400-thousand dollars, and Dan Hawkins with the National Association of Community Health Centers says they estimate close to six thousand Wyomingites would be shut out of doctor offices...








The federal funding reductions would also result in lost jobs – with at least 30 Wyoming positions on the chopping block, according to Hawkins.







Community Health Centers provide care on a sliding-fee scale, and accept patients with or without insurance, and accept those with Medicaid or Medicare. Nationally, more than 100 centers would have to close if the funding cuts are approved.

The Earned Income Tax Credit... Do You Qualify?

Working families that earn less than $49,000 a year may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, IRS Spokesman Michael Devine wants to make sure that credit goes to everyone who qualifies.






To see if you are eligible, just go to www.irs.gov and click on the E.I.T.C. Assistant.

Truck Fire

A semi owned by Turbo Transportation in Janesville, Ohio, was completely destroyed by fire Monday morning.
Mike Liberty, assistant fire chief for the Green River Fire Department, said the call came into his office at about 10:15 Monday. The truck was eastbound on Interstate 80 just west of Little America.
The truck driver, Billy Sanders, 39, also of Janesville, Ohio, was transported to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County where he was treated for smoke inhalation and inhalation burns to his nostrils, according to Jorgenson. The fire did not cause any serious disruption of traffic. No word on the cause of the blaze.

A child abuse suspect on the “Sweetwater County’s Most Wanted” list has been arrested in Idaho.

A child abuse suspect on the “Sweetwater County’s Most Wanted” list has been arrested in Idaho.
According to Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell, 39-year-old Roman Vance was taken into custody by United States Marshals in Boise, Idaho on February 16.
Vance’s charges stem from a 2004 Green River Police Department investigation involving injury to a 12-year-old boy whom authorities declined to identify.
Haskell said Detective Mark Erramouspe developed lead information on Vance’s whereabouts and worked with the Marshals Service in tracing him to the Boise area. Vance remains in custody at the Ada County Jail; arrangements for his return to Sweetwater County are being made.
As charged, Child Abuse is a felony with a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison.

Uranium Recovery Project Scoping Meeting Scheduled For Rawlins

The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office has scheduled a scoping meeting for March 7th at the Rawlins Field Office regarding the proposed Lost Creek In Situ Uranium Recovery Project. Serena Baker, BLM High Desert District Public Affairs officer says this is just the very beginning of the process.






To learn more, visit: blm.gov/wy For more information call 307-212-0197.

Early Readingelps Kids Excel

Raising Readers in Wyoming, a group advocating teaching children to read early on says, children who read with parents or siblings at an early age consistently do better once they begin school. (RRW) encourages parents to read to their children by supplying new books as part of their well child health care visits and immunization clinics. Since its inception in 2002, RRW has provided more than 180,000 books to children and families across Wyoming’s 23 counties.

Elk Feeding

the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has initiated two temporary emergency elk feeding operations because of severe winter conditions and potential for elk damage and livestock co-mingling. One is in Buffalo Valley north of Jackson and the other is in Star Valley.
Emergency feeding under similar conditions occurred in these locations in 2008. Approximately 200 elk are using the Buffalo Valley area, and another 50-60 are being fed north of Afton.

Hay will be hauled to these locations from the department’s Greys River elk feedground where extra rations are being stored. Department personnel will continue to monitor the conditions and if winter severity subsides and available winter range opens up, emergency feeding will be discontinued.
Although established elk feedgrounds are effective in keeping most elk out of cattle feed lines, Game and Fish personnel are routinely challenged with moving elk away from private lands throughout northwest Wyoming during the winter months, especially during heavy snow years.

Job Cuts At Church and Dwight

Church and Dwight has announced that up to 60 jobs will be cut at there Green River facility by next year. Paul Parker, manager of the local processing facility, says the compnay has decided to relocate some of its Green River operations to southern California in early 2010. The compay will relocate the distribution center to be closer to transportation hubs and customers on the west coast. The sodium bi-carbonate, baking soda, carpet and washing soda and laundry operationgs will remain at the Green River facility. There are currently 160 to 170 employees at the Green River facility. Parker says its important to note the move is being dictated by an increased business need to be closer to urban centers in the west and southwest and is, by no means, a reflection on the people of Green River and Rock Springs. Parker says the company is pleased to remain a part of the community. Parker says the company will work with everyone affected by providing substantial transition assistance, including severance, benefits continuation and support in finding other jobs.

BLM Worker Receives Prestigious Award

Renee Danah, Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative Coordinator recently received the Outstanding Public Lands Professional for a Technical or Operational Field award by the Public Lands Foundation. Serena Baker, Bureau of Land Management High Desert Public Affairs Officer says the award is one of the highest.






Renee works out of the BLM High Desert office in Rock Springs.

Fraud Charges against Local Woman

County deputies arrested a Rock Springs woman February 14th charged with 26 counts of felony Forgery and one count of felony Larceny by Bailee.

According to Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell, 51-year-old Regina Lea Taylor, aka Jeanne Taylor, aka Jeanne Harrison, was taken into custody without incident at her residence by Deputy Sheriffs Matt Wharton and Derek Morrell.

Haskell said Taylor’s charges stem from an extensive Rock Springs Police Department investigation.

According to court documents, Taylor, on over two dozen occasions while employed at Wyoming Work Warehouse in Rock Springs in 2009, forged returned merchandise documents totaling $2,720.20 between January 18th and September 3rd.

In 1995, Taylor/Harrison was charged with five counts of felony Misrepresentation and one count of misdemeanor Misrepresentation. Court documents accused her of submitting false reports to obtain $31,768.00 in food stamps, $48,884.00 in Aid to Families with Dependent Children funds, $1,249.58 in Wyoming Opportunity to Work funds, $1,863.78 for child day care, $1,036.00 for Low Income Energy Assistance and Title 19 Medicaid payments totaling $23,262.00, for a grand total of $108,064.16.

In April of 1996, Taylor/Harrison pleaded guilty to two of the counts and the others were dismissed. She was sentenced in District Court in Green River to 3 to 5 years’ imprisonment at the Wyoming Women’s Center with her sentence suspended. She was placed on 10 years of supervised probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $56,658.85.

Taylor/Harrison appeared before Judge Dan Forgey in Circuit Court in Rock Springs on February 15th, where her bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety. Each count of her current charges carries with it a maximum possible penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both.

Council Meeting

Despite some technical difficulties with the broadcast of last night's city council meeting, things were business as usual. Justin Wolffing has the story

A Sweetwater County's Most Wanted Fugitive Is Captured

A "Sweetwater County's Most Wanted" fugitive has been captured in Colorado. Kenneth Edward Craig, 25, of Rock Springs, was arrested on February 11th after county detectives and the United States Marshals Service tracked him to Craig, Colorado.






Detective Dick Blust says a Petition for Revocation of Probation and Bench Warrant was filed in 2007.






Arrangements are being made for Craig's return to Sweetwater County, where he will face a hearing on his charges.

New Bill Set to Pass

The Wyoming Senate has passed a bill that would sell 1,405 acres of state-owned inholdings in Grand Teton National Park to the U.S. Department of the Interior for $107 million.
The bill now heads back to the House for consideration of an amendment, said Sen. Leland Christensen, R-Jackson, who co-sponsored the bill with Rep. Ruth Ann Petroff, R-Jackson, and others.
The bill passed the Senate with 28 ayes and two nays, with Sen. R. Ray Peterson, R-Cowley, and Sen. Kit Jennings, R-Casper, voting against the bill. The amended portions of the bill mostly contain language echoing an agreement hammered out between the State Board of Land Commissioners and the Interior Department late last year.
One section would allow the state to consider other forms of payment: “The board of land commissioners may explore alternatives for payment other than cash, including acquisition of mineral rights, an increase in federal mineral royalties paid to the State of Wyoming and land exchanges for the lands conveyed,” the amendment says. “Any alternative method of payment, other than cash, shall require legislative approval.”

Scoping Meetings on revising the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan To Be Held

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock Springs Field Office (RSFO) will host four scoping meetings on revising the Rock Springs Resource Management Plan.






Newsletters were recently sent out about the plan, according to Serena Baker, Bureau of Land Management High Desert District Public Affairs Officer. The meetings will be held in Lander, Rock Springs, Lyman and Farson from February 28th through March 3rd. To learn more about the Rock Springs RMP process, visit: http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/Planning/rmps/RockSprings.html. For more information call 307-212-0197.

Flu Showing Up Across State

With reports showing widespread influenza cases around the state, Wyoming Department of Health representatives are encouraging Wyoming residents to take common-sense precautions to avoid getting ill or spreading the flu to others.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Influenza can cause severe illness and complications, particularly among older people.

Spelling Bee

Love on this Valentine’s Day is spelled B-E-E – as in 'spelling bee.' It's a special message for word lovers to remind them to register for the A-A-R-P National Spelling Bee scheduled for June 18th in Cheyenne. It’s the 16th year A-A-R-P Wyoming has hosted the event, and the group’s Tim Summers says the idea grew out of a brainstorming session to come up with fun ways to inspire older folks to keep on learning.








Summers says some spellers focus on the social aspects of the bee, including meeting like-minded people from around the country. Others take studying very seriously by reading the entire dictionary. It’s all good for mental health, according to Summers.








The bee is open to anyone age 50 and over, including previous winners. Words will come from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. Spelling word lists, study resources and registration are all available online from A-A-R-P

Sexual Assualt Leads to Arrest

A Rock Springs man has been bound over to District Court on two counts of First Degree Sexual Assault.
Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell said William Lane McGarvey, 33, was arrested by county detectives in late December of 2010.
According to charging documents, deputies were dispatched to a residence at 50 Reliance Road, north of Rock Springs, around 2:39 AM on December 28, 2010, where the victim had appeared and knocked at the door, awakening the couple who lived there. She was "completely nude ... extremely upset and crying and shaking." The couple provided her clothing and the Sheriff’s Office was notified.
The victim told deputies and county detectives that she and a friend had been at the Astro Lounge in Rock Springs that night and accepted the offer of a ride home from a "white male with glasses that drives an older white two door passenger car that [the victim] described as like a Dodge Colt."
The victim went on to say that the man dropped her friend off at her residence, then drove to the trailer court at 50 Reliance Road where he sexually assaulted her in his car twice, pulling off her clothes in the process.
Haskell said detectives located and interviewed additional witnesses and identified the man as William McGarvey. Detective John Grossnickle then prepared a photo lineup, and a witness identified McGarvey’s photograph.
Grossnickle interviewed McGarvey that afternoon, during which he provided information and details that are referenced in his charging documents.
At his preliminary hearing in Rock Springs on February 8th, Circuit Court Judge Dan Forgey bound McGarvey’s case over to District Court. He remains in custody at the Sweetwater County Detention Center in lieu of a $60,000 cash or surety bond.
Each count of First Degree Sexual Assault carries a possible penalty of five to 50 years of imprisonment, plus a possible fine of up to $10,000. A trial date in District Court has not yet been set.

Wyoming Down Syndrome Fishing Derby For Trout This Weekend

A very special fishing derby will be held this weekend… this time for trout. Richard Cuomo, Founder of the Jigging for Wyoming Down Syndrome fishing derby started it for his daughter.






Cuomo says all proceeds go to the Wyoming Down Syndrome Foundation. Registration begins at 3:30 PM at the Buckborad at the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Call 389-7527 for more information..

Federal money offered to Wyoming for unemployment benefits will go to other states.

Federal money offered to Wyoming for unemployment benefits will go to other states. The Wyoming House rejected a plan to use 38-million dollars in federal funding to extend benefits to those experiencing long-term unemployment, and to keep benefits in place for those in re-training programs. Many of those testifying said they didn’t think unemployed people were looking hard enough to find jobs. Kim Floyd with the Wyoming State AFL-CIO says missing in the debate was the fact that there are more workers than jobs in many sectors, especially the construction industry.









Additional federal money would have expanded eligibility calculations and continued benefits for folks enrolled in state-approved job training programs. Floyd, who used to be a dislocated worker coordinator for the state, says turning down that training-related funding is a missed opportunity.







The Wyoming Department of Employment estimates the state lost more than 15-thousand jobs during the recession. Twenty-four million of the federal money would have gone to about 56-hundred Wyomingites for 13 weeks – each receiving less than 330-dollars a week.

Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Receives $10,800 Check

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office received a check for $10,800 this week. The funds originated from a 2010 Wyoming Highway Patrol traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Sweetwater County that resulted in the seizure of approximately $36,000 in U.S. currency.






Detective Dick Blust, Jr says that in January, deputies seized 14 pounds of marijuana and hashish located by Blitz, a veteran county drug dog on another traffic stop.

Rash Of Car Break Ins

Green River Police are issuing a warning after a rash of vehicle break ins happened over the weekend. Five vehicles were stolen and several auto burglaries took place.
Owners of the five stolen vehicles each had the keys inside their unlocked vehicles. All of the stolen vehicles as well as some of the stolen property were recovered, according to Police Chief John Love. Police say dont leave keys in the vehicle, thats' an invatation to thieves to take the car. Love also said burglars in Green River won’t typically break into vehicles, but will burglarize unlocked vehicles. The department believes the burglars are based locally and will eventually be caught. The department generally solves multiple burglary cases when they catch a person in the act, Love said

Possible Mil Levy proposed

Sweetwater School District No. 2’s Board of Trustees discussed the uses of a possible recreation mil levy at it's meeting Tuesday evening.
The mil levy including a new swimming pool, play ground equipment, after school programs and supplemental funds. The levy cannot assess more than one mil.
Pete Brandjord, the district’s business manager, said the mil levy would be affected by the county’s assessed valuation and would have generated approximately $840,000 for the full mil and $415,000 for a half mil if it were assessed during the last budget year.
The Star reports that additional property taxes for a $200,000 home would roughly be an additional $9.50 for a half-mil levy and $18 for the full mil, according to Brandjord.

State Turns Down Fed Money for Unemployment Benefits

Federal money offered to Wyoming for unemployment benefits will go to other states. The Wyoming House rejected a plan to use 38-million dollars in federal funding to extend benefits to those experiencing long-term unemployment, and to keep benefits in place for those in re-training programs. Many of those testifying said they didn’t think unemployed people were looking hard enough to find jobs. Kim Floyd with the Wyoming State AFL-CIO says missing in the debate was the fact that there are more workers than jobs in many sectors, especially the construction industry.








Additional federal money would have expanded eligibility calculations and continued benefits for folks enrolled in state-approved job training programs. Floyd, who used to be a dislocated worker coordinator for the state, says turning down that training-related funding is a missed opportunity.








The Wyoming Department of Employment estimates the state lost more than 15-thousand jobs during the recession. Twenty-four million of the federal money would have gone to about 56-hundred Wyomingites for 13 weeks – each receiving less than 330-dollars a week.

Ladies Get Your Purses at the Pampurr Yourself Purse Auction

Ladies can ditch their male dates and spend a girl's night out at the Pampurr Yourself Handbag Auction to benefit the Rock Springs Human Society.






Chelsea Molitor, Shelter Manager with the Rock Springs Humane Society, says for a $5 cover charge, you wil get the silent auction, door prizes, a cash bar and lots of chocolate. The event will be this Friday from 6 to 9 PM at the Holiday Inn Ballroom, 1675 Sunset Drive in Rock Springs.

The Wyoming Legislature is working to make the state’s “very rare or uncommon” landscapes rarer

The Wyoming Legislature is working to make the state’s “very rare or uncommon” landscapes rarer, and in most cases, make them disappear. A bill that’s passed the House, and is expected to pass the Senate soon, would strip the Environmental Quality Council of the authority to identify areas for the designation. Richard Garrett with the Wyoming Outdoor Council says there are some misunderstandings about what the designation does, and does not do…





Garrett says they hope an amendment to the bill is considered to keep current designations in place. Adobe Town is the largest landscape on the list, and Garrett says it's probably one of the best examples of what qualifies as "very rare or uncommon" in Wyoming.








The designation has been on the books since 1973, and has been used to showcase petroglyphs and historical sites, as well as recognize the geologic formations of Adobe Town in the Red Desert. A total of about 200-thousand acres have been declared "very rare or uncommon." Those pushing for removing the designations, and stopping future ones, claim that extractive industries are hobbled by the law, and that the E-Q-C is not an appropriate agency for making the decisions.

Cell Phones and Children

The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help from the public concerning old cellular telephones.
“The problem is this,” said Sheriff Rich Haskell. “People are giving their old, deactivated cell phones to their small children or grandchildren to play with. While these phones may be off the system, most of them will still call through to 911. It’s a commendable emergency feature, but the fact is that some of these little guys are dialing 911 and our dispatchers have no way of knowing it’s not a genuine emergency. A lot of time and effort is expended in trying to track down a false call for help.”
The Sheriff’s Office is requesting that the batteries be removed from a deactivated cell phone before giving it to a child.

What is a DIBEL?

What is a DIBEL? (all caps pronounced di bel)
Well at last night's "Sweetwater County School District Two" board meeting, an update on DIBEL was given. Here is Justin Wolffing with more







Dibels, again, are assessments to see where students in the district stand literacy wise....

Reeling For Relay Burbot Ice Fishing Derby to Be Held For the American Cancer Society

Another Burbot Ice Fishing Derby will be held this week… this time to benefit the American Cancer Society. Registration for the 2nd Annual Reeling for Relay Derby begins at 9 AM Friday at the Buckboard at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.






Kelly Powers says the Derby will end at noon on Sunday. Call 780-5496 or 780-6840 for more information.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced restoration of B-L-M authority to inventory areas as “wild lands”

Opinions are running strong after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced restoration of B-L-M authority to inventory areas as “wild lands” – that then could be recommended to Congress for consideration at wilderness. Wyoming’s Congressional delegation, Governor, and energy developers are against the move, citing concerns that oil and gas projects could be delayed. Rancher Bill Eikenberry in Wheatland is a former associate state B-L-M director. He takes issue with that argument, because since 1982, more than 230-million acres of public lands have been released for energy development leasing… yet most of that land has yet to be drilled.







The Rev. Warren Murphy with the Wyoming Association of Churches has long advocated for recognizing and preserving spiritual and cultural qualities of public lands. He points to another issue that may have been overlooked which he thinks sets up a win-win – because once the inventory is done, it could pave the way for more development.








About 220-million acres of lands would be reviewed for wilderness qualities under the policy. A D-O-I spokesman said last week that all concerns would be considered.

New Coaches Announced

University of Wyoming head football coach Dave Christensen announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches. Former Wyoming assistant coach and former Bowling Green head coach Gregg Brandon has been hired as Wyoming’s new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Christensen also announced that Danilo Robinson (pronounced duh-NEEL-o) has been hired as Wyoming’s new defensive line coach. Brandon replaces Marcus Arroyo, who has reportedly taken a position at the University of California. Robinson replaces Jerry Montgomery, who recently accepted an assistant coaching position with the University of Michigan, coaching the Wolverines’ defensive line.

Crash Fatalities Up

Traffic fatalities on Wyoming roads rose by 14 percent in 2010, largely as a result of more fatal motorcycle and impaired-driving crashes. Deaths in alcohol- and drug-related crashes increased by a third to 68, and accounted for 44 percent of all traffic fatalities in the state during the year. Marilyn Patton, community services coordinator with the Wyoming Department of Health’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division, said there are a number of community and state efforts under way to address substance abuse problems contributing to the impaired-driving fatalities.

Teton Pass Closed on Hiway 20

Highway 22 over Teton Pass is closed. It was shut down at 3 a.m. for avalanche control, according to the Wyoming Department of Transportation.
“Snow slides that reach the highway may prolong the closure, and deteriorating weather conditions may force an earlier closure,” a press release from WYDOT stated. “Highway travelers and backcountry users are advised to plan accordingly.”
For updated Highway 22 information, go to www . wyoroad . com

Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Issues Ice Fishing Safety Tips

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's office has issued warnings about using safety while ice fishing after a half dozen Utah fisherman had to be rescued last month from a drifting ice floe at Flaming Gorge.






Detective Dick Blust says to check ice thickness before going out, never fish alone, and consider wearing a personal flotation device. He also wants to remind everyone that fishing from shore ice when the lake is not completely frozen over can be particularly hazardous. Blust recommends an ice fishing safety video produced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources called "Danger, Thin Ice!" found on YouTube and the Internet.

Collars on Sheep

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has put radio collars on 10 bighorn sheep ewes in the Jackson area. Two lambs removed from the herd last winter tested positive for a pathogen implicated in sheep die-offs elsewhere in the West. The goal is to learn more about bighorn sheep migration corridors and whether different portions of the Jackson herd intermingle on lambing and summer ranges.

Hay Supplies May Be Low

Above average temperatures in January, despite bitter forecast for the last week of the month, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Wyoming Field Office, Jan. 31.

Temperatures, for the majority of Wyoming, were above normal despite the arctic blast expected in late January and the first few days of February. Producers are becoming concerned that hay supplies may begin running short depending on the rest of the winter. Similarly, Sweetwater County reported blizzards and snow pack resulting in producers having to feed more to keep range livestock going. Lincoln County also reported a tough winter thus far, with a lot of snow and cold. Platte County reported the dust being settled by January rain and snow. The majority of calving and lambing will start there in late February. The NRCS SNOTEL site, as of Jan. 31, showed a snow water equivalent statewide average of 117 percent, ranging from 105 percent of average in the Shoshone drainage basin to 140 percent of average in the Upper Bear River drainage basin. High temperatures ranged from the high 30s to the low 60s. Low temperatures ranged from the low -30s to just below 0 degrees.

New Variable Speed Signs Tested During Snow Storms

During last week's storms, the Wyoming Department of Transportation had the opportunity to test the newly installed Variable Speed Limit signs between Rock Springs and Green River on Interstate 80.






While the system worked well, according to Theresa Herbin, Public Relations Specialist, both the highway patrol and their maintenance forces will continue to learn how to best estimate the best and safest traveling speed for conditions.

Carjacking a Criminal Load

Troopers and Special Agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation’s Southeast Enforcement Team continue to investigate an alleged armed carjacking that occurred on Friday evening near Sinclair on Interstate 80. The carjacking also involved 170 pounds of high grade marijuana.
At this time three individuals are in custody, two of which are the victims of the carjacking and one of the suspected carjackers. The victims, whose names are not being released, were found to be transporting the load of high grade marijuana. The Troopers got into a high speed pursuit with the alleged criminals. During the pursuit Troopers observed the occupants throwing large bricks of marijuana out the window of the SUV.
The pursuit continued for approximately 15 miles with the SUV exiting the Interstate and going into the town of Rawlins. The marijuana has a street value of around $425,000.00. It is believed that the two individuals who were victims of the carjacking were transporting their illegal load from Utah to an unknown location in the State of North Carolina.

School Trust Land

A bill that would help preserve more than 1,400 acres of state school trust land in Grand Teton National Park passed second reading in the Wyoming House of Representatives on Thursday. The bill passed its second reading without debate, and a vote count was not available. If it passes third reading, it will go to the Wyoming Senate. Sponsor Rep. Ruth Ann Petroff, of Jackson, said supporters are working hard to answer questions from legislators, some of whom have taken shots at the preservation and school funding measure. Some of the attacks come from those wary of Washington, and their criticism extended to questioning the value of federal currency. Rep. Pat Childers, of Cody, cited snowmobiles in Yellowstone and wolves as reasons not to support the sale. Childers also said if the land is sold, the state should retain the mineral rights.

Local Monrey Needs to Stay Local

Local contractors and construction companies are hot under the collar now that they know that government contracts are not coming theiur way. Dave Hanks, CEO of the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce recently made the announcement.
Hanks, while speaking to the Sweetwater County Commissioners Tuesday morning, said most of the construction in Sweetwater County is related to government projects, some of which are related specifically to the “sixth penny” improvement tax. One issue Hanks said he knew about is contractors from outside Wyoming getting in-state preference because they have either a local telephone number or a local post office box. Hanks said where contractors come from should be looked at because money kept within Sweetwater County helps the local economy more – a statement Commissioner Reid West agreed with.
“The more local we keep that money, the more it turns,” West said. Mayor Hank Castillon said Gov. Matt Mead suggested contractor funding stay in the communities whenever possible, saying residents are becoming concerned with keeping their money in Wyoming.

Green River Passes Ordinance That Will Prevent Feeding of Deer In City Limits

The Green River City Council voted to adopt its new ban on feeding deer this past week even though a petition signed by those against the ordinance was handed to the Council. There was no public input at the meeting. Steven Pyles, City of Green River Public Affairs Specialist says the ordinance is pretty simple.






Pyles did point out that those who are obviously feeding birds and not deer would not be fined. According to wildlife officials, feeding deer tends to domesticate them which prevents them from learning to live in the wild. The law will take effect on May 1st. For more information, call 872-6133.

Drug Bust

A traffic stop in Rock Springs late last month led to the seizure of 14 pounds of marijuana and the arrest of a California man.
Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell said Deputy Sheriff Pat O’Farrell stopped a 2011 GMC Yukon for a registration violation around 2:00 PM on January 22 just off the I-80 107 off-ramp.
The driver, Patrick Henry Stahnke of California, made statements “that did not make sense,” as described in charging documents. Corporal Matt Bartolotta and his canine partner Blitz were summoned to the scene and Blitz alerted to the presence of drugs on the passenger side, driver side, and rear of the Yukon.

The deputies searched the vehicle and found 13 bags containing about one pound of marijuana each, two bags containing half a pound of marijuana each, and a small brown bag containing approximately one quarter ounce of hashish.

State Division of Criminal Investigation agents working the case with deputies estimated the street value of the drugs at about $30,000.

VSL Effective

Although the Variable Speed Limit (VSL) signs between Rock Springs and Green River on Interstate 80 were not officially ‘live’, the return of winter weather Sunday night gave the Wyoming Department of Transportation the opportunity to test the use of the newly installed signs.
Lt. Scott Keane with the Wyoming Highway Patrol said it was encouraging to see the voluntary compliance with the reduced speeds Monday morning. Throughout the day, speed limits ranged from 40-65 mph. Keane said fines for speeding in a Superintendent’s Speed Zone that are not part of a construction zone that are between one and nine miles an hour over the posted speed limit are fairly low. “Once a ticket is issued for 10 miles an hour or more, the fine rate begins to increase rapidly,” he said.
“Drivers need to know that if it is snowing, they should expect to find the speed limit has been lowered. They need to give themselves more time to reach their destination and just slow down. Give us the opportunity to get you there safely,” he said.
WYDOT’s first use of reduced speed zone was on a section of I-80 between Rawlins and Laramie, where a seasonal speed limit was set in place for a six-month period beginning on Oct. 15, 2008. The VSL signs began operating on a portion of this highway section in February 2009. The seasonal limit resumed for another six-month period beginning on Oct. 15, 2009 and by the end of that year additional variable speed limit signs had been brought online to cover the remainder of the section.

WYDOT crash data for the section showed a peak in the number of crashes during 2007, with 402 crashes, 91 which resulted in injuries and three fatalities.

Green River City Council meeting

It was a busy evening at the Green River City Council meeting last night, Justin Wolffing has the story

Sex Offender Caught

A 2 year search for a man accused of sexual abuse ended in Sweetwater County Monday night. Monty Englehart was arrested without incident Monday in Rock Springs, located more than 21 hours from his former Illinois home, by deputies with the U.S. Marshals Service.

Englehart is a convicted sex offender who was also wanted on a 2008 Massac County arrest warrant for unlawful failure to notify an address change of a sex offender, and warrants for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and four counts of child pornography.

One and a Half Pounder

How about a one and a half pound burger? If you're in Afton, you can get one, and get this, you can get it from a contestant on the Biggest Loser. The mighty Rulon Burger at Rulon Gardner's Burger Barn restaurant in Afton is so big, it's molded in a pizza tin. It comes on a bun with all the toppings. Gardner won gold at the 2000 Olympics by beating a Russian who hadn't lost in 13 years. Gardner's challenge to all comers now: Finish the burger plus a basket of fries and a 44-ounce drink in 20 minutes. Gardner's best is 8 minutes, 23 seconds according to one report. Gardner is weighed in at 474 pounds for his stint on The Biggest loser, more than 200 pounds heavier than when he won gold.

BLM Transmission LIne Consideration

The Bureau of Land Management is looking for your feedback on a proposed transmission line that would cut across northwest Colorado. TransWest Express want to build a transmission line to carry wind generated power from southern Wyoming to places across the southwest, including Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. The proposed line would be built on public and private lands in Rio Blanco and Moffat counties, continuing on into Utah and Nevada. However, an alternate plan would bring the lines through De Beque Canyon and across the Bookcliffs in Mesa County. If approved, construction on the line could begin as early as 2013.

Streeper Leading Stage Stop Sled Dog Race

British Columbia’s Blayne Streeper sprinted to a first-place finish on day three of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. His time for the day’s leg was 2 hours, 18 minutes and 13 seconds on the 38-mile course from Pinedale to Cora. Streeper and his team averaged 16.5 miles per hour Anna Bjorklund, of Kiruna, Sweden, was second on the day with a time of 2:23:24. Aaron Burmeister, of Nenana, Alaska, was third with 2:27:35. In cumulative times, Streeper leads the race with a total time of 5:25:15. Bjorklund is second with 5:33:46 while Aaron Peck, of Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada, is third with 5:39:55. The race continues today with a 64-mile course to Big Piney. It runs through the week with stages in Alpine, Kemmerer, Evanston and Lyman/Mountain View before arriving in Park City, Utah, for the final stage and awards ceremony Saturday.

Burbot Bash

Burbot(BUR-bot) was the catch at Flaming Gorge last week with almost 500 anglers joined forces to organize 153 teams and catch more than 4,000 fish weighing almost 4 tons. The Flaming Gorge Burbot Bash Derby purpose is to try and control the rising burbot population in the reservoir. The non-native species, which was illegally introduced, has been feeding ravenously on the Gorge’s sportfish population. In addition having the satisfaction of helping to improve one of the state’s best fisheries, participants in the derby were eligible to win prizes. If they caught a tagged burbot, they were entered in a drawing for $5,000. Plus there was an additional drawing for another $5,000 in prizes. The Vernal Express reports the Bash is the creation of the chambers of commerce in the Flaming Gorge, Rock Springs and Green River areas, and the state fish and wildlife agencies in Wyoming and Utah were cosponsors.

Wolf De-listing

While Wyoming's Congressional delegation is taking up wolf de-listing on the federal level, an on-the-ground project demonstrating effective non-lethal methods of managing wolves to protect sheep in Idaho is receiving a new round of support. And it's being promoted as a model for Wyoming and other wolf states. Blaine County (Idaho) Commissioners have issued a letter requesting that the Wood River Wolf Project continue. Commissioner Larry Schoen says it’s just the kind of research that’s needed to add to the toolbox in managing wolves.







Lava Lake Lamb also supports the project, and has grazed sheep in the protection zone. Lava Lake biologist Mike Stevens…







The drawback is the cost because it’s labor-intensive. Most of the bill has been footed by Defenders of Wildlife, and the group is working on raising more money. The project uses a combination of methods, including portable fencing with red flags, noise boxes, guard dogs and human presence to keep sheep and wolves apart when sheep are grazing on public lands. The Forest Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game have been partners in the research.

Class Sizes can be Ignored

Wyoming school districts would have to get special permission to bypass state recommendations for class sizes under a bill approved by the state House.
The bill passed by the House Monday updates the state's $1.2 billion annual school funding model. The state Senate will consider House Bill 127 next.
The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that the House approved an amendment requiring local school officials to show that funding is going toward smaller student-to-teacher ratios for kindergarten through third-grade classes or seek permission from the state to do otherwise.
Rep. Matt Teeters, a Republican from Lingle, says elementary school students suffer when the money isn't used to keep class sizes small.

Race Day 3 Results

British Columbia’s Blayne Streeper sprinted to a first-place finish on the third day of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race. His time for the day’s leg was 2 hours, 18 minutes and 13 seconds on the 38-mile course from Pinedale to Cora.
Anna Bjorklund, of Kiruna, Sweden, was second on the day with a time of 2:23:24. Aaron Burmeister, of Nenana, Alaska, was third with 2:27:35.
Jackson’s Stacey Teasley finished Monday’s stage in 2:40:33 and is eighth overall out of 23 teams.