Large Amounts of Stolen Items Recoverd From Mobile Home

Three pickups and SUVs were needed Wednesday to transport the stolen property recovered from the rural home of a jailed burglary suspect. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says the suspect was also difficult to arrest.






Among the stolen goods recovered were rifles, shotguns, handguns and ammunition, jewelry, computer equipment, knives, swords, camping equipment, guitars and cell phones. They also found coins, stamps, tools, GPS units, boots and clothing, spurs, saddlebags, branding irons, gunbelts, law enforcement badges, automotive equipment, and stereo equipment. Most of the items were found in concealment panels built into the mobile home's walls and floors. Officials believe the property was taken during burglaries and thefts in Sweetwater, Uinta, and Daggett Counties going back several years.

Stansbury Coal Mine Burglary Suspects Arrested

Carlos A. Keelin of Reliance and Sean Christopher Clubb of Rock Springs were arrested after they allegedly broke into the Stansbury Coal Mine north of Rock Springs on March 20th. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says a security guard at the mine found a four-wheeler that did not belong there.






Information from the four-wheeler led to the arrests of Keelin and Clubb. Keelin has been charged with Burglary, Possession of Burglar's Tools and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary. Clubb has been charged with Burglary and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary. He was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Taking Controlled Substances or Liquor into Jails, Penal Institutions or Mental Hospitals as he allegedly had meth on him when he was arrested and booked.

Unemployment Numbers Look promising

The Wyoming Department of Employment reports that the countied un-employment dropped in Feb. when compared to Janaury----Sweetwater Counties unemployment rate in feb was 5.9 percent, down from janaurys figure of 6.5 percent. In feb. of last year, the counties unemployment rate was 8.4 percent. Statewide, the unemplyment rate is 7.0 percent, down from janaurys figure of 7.4 percent. Our neighbors to the north, Lincoln county, continues to struggle with the highest unemployment rate in the state, at 10.2 percent. Sweetwater county currently has just over 1,300 un-employed residents, down from over 1,500 in Janaury and right at 2,000 a year ag

New health Survey

A new report says Teton County has the healthiest residents in the state. The unhealthiest? Fremont County. According to the report, 14 percent of residents of Sweetwater County are unhealthy and more likely to die a premature death than those in Teton County. 27 percent of the residents in the county smoke and 30 percent are considered overweight or obese.

Public Scoping Remains Open For BLM Rock Springs Resource Management Plan

Public scoping remains open through April 4th for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock
Springs Resource Management Plan (RMP) revision and associated environmental impact
statement (EIS).







BLM is seeking public input to identify impacts, develop planning criteria and evaluate existing land
use decisions.

Bark Beetle Problem

Wyoming's bark beetle epidemic may be slowing down because the bugs are running out of trees to infest. About 3.1 million acres of trees in Wyoming - mainly lodgepole and ponderosa pine - have been infested since the outbreak was first noticed about 15 years ago. Forestry officials say they expect the bark beetle problem to continue to taper off, but it's too soon to say if it will end.

Gas Leases Idle

A new report from the Department of the Interior says more than half of the federal lands leased for oil and gas development are sitting idle, meaning they aren't producing oil and gas and they aren't being actively explored. President Obama ordered the report earlier this month amid pressure to curb a spike in gasoline prices. The President is outlining his plans for energy security today in Washington DC.

Skiing

It's a skiers paradise as the area still has some reat snow. With weekend snowfalls, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is reporting a season total of 533 inches – 143 inches on the groomed slopes at the summit.The continued snowfall has maintained the resort as one of the best skiing areas in the Rocky Mountains right now. …and while Jackson Hole Mountain Resort wraps up its season Sunday, April 3rd, Grand Targhee will continue its season another two weeks thanks to their recently-announced plans to extend the season to April 17th.

Lincoln County Preparing for Centennial

The Star Valley Independant reports that Lincoln County is planniong it's centennial celebration. The Lincoln County Centennial Celebration Planning Committee is hard at work studying the history of the county in order to bring to life the past that has brought us to the present. The planning commision is working on activities and events that will help honor the 100th birthday of the county. “1911 was an interesting year for the young state of Wyoming,” said Judy Clinger Rose of the centennial committee. “The Wyoming Territory was originally made up of five counties extending the entire distance of the territory from the north to south. But by the time Wyoming gained statehood in 1890 the original counties had been divided into 13 counties. The only one that had escaped division at that time was Uinta County in the western part of the state. By 1911 several counties had delegations that were clamoring for division.” she says.

Wyoming Wind Turbine In The Future?

Germany has pushed the U-S down a notch in a new report that tracks investments in the clean energy sector. The U-S is now third, Germany second and China is number one, according to the report from Pew Charitable Trusts… and the research finds a connection between those investments and strong clean energy policies. Peggy Beltrone with Exergy Integrated Systems says her company is designing new technologies and hopes to site new wind turbines in Wyoming in the future. But she says there is still uncertainty at the state and federal levels…






Phyllis Cuttino with the Pew Clean Energy Program sees fast-growing competition to gather up investment cash – whether from the private or public sectors, and wants the report to serve as notice to the U-S that action needs to be taken soon to become the major exporter of clean energy technologies and products






Bloomberg New Energy Finance Chief Executive Michael Liebreich compares the clean energy race to the Internet race, to make the point that it’s important for the U-S to be the leader.






All is not lost for the U-S, with the report noting that clean energy investments are up 30-percent globally, and the U-S is still seen as a leader in developing the next generation of clean energy technologies and products.

BLM Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility Temporarily Closed

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility is temporarily closed for annual spring cleaning until approximately the first week in April. The public viewing kiosk, however, will remain open. Serena Baker, BLM High Desert District Public Affairs Officer says heavy equipment such as backhoes and front end loaders will be used to clean pens and holding areas.






The corrals will be closed for public tours and mustand adoptions until roughly the first week in April. After that, the nearly 400 wild horses currently being held will be up for adoptions for the standard $125 fee. To schedule an adoption appointment when the corrals re-open, call 307-352-0292.

Big Show Events and Artists

Up and coming country duo, the JaneDear Girls will be part of the Wyoming's Big
Show concert line-up with their performance on Thursday, August 4, 2011.
The JaneDear Girls will join Danny Gokey on Thursday for a night that's
certain to be memorable. Thursday admission at Wyoming's Big Show(r) will
once again be Buy One Get One Free as well.
There may be no better place to start, when talking about the JaneDear
girls, than with the description offered by their producer, John Rich.
"They are," he says, "the girls next door that kick country A**..."
Their name offers another level of insight.
"We wanted something that was feminine, All-American, and country," says
Danelle Leverett, the Lone Star portion of this Texas-Utah duo. Susie Brown,
adds, "It took us a while to find a name that really described who we are
and what we want to say to our country audience, and the JaneDear girls does
just that."

In addition to the JaneDear Girls' performance at the Sweetwater County
Fair, Danny Gokey will also perform on Thursday, August 4, while rock
powerhouse Hinder will perform on Friday, August 5. Clay Walker will open
the concert series on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 with his performance. More
details on the main stage concert line-up will be released soon.
Wyoming's Big Show(r) will be held July 28 through August 7 at the
Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, WY. For more information contact
the Sweetwater Events Complex at (307) 352-6789 or 872-6348, ext 200 or
visit the website at
www.SweetwaterEvents.com

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Meeting

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is holding a series of Open Houses to present and discuss 2011 hunting seasons for big, small and upland game. Open Houses will be held March31, 6 PM at the Game and Fish office. to talk about Staying Safe in Bear, Mountain Lion and Wolf country. Bear/lion and wolf experts are coming over from Lander to present the workshop so as many people who want to show up can. Attending a game season open house is one way to learn about local wildlife populations, ask questions and visit with local Game and Fish biologists and wardens. Call 307-875-3223 to pre register.

Horse Racing May Return

You may soon see horse racing once again in the county. Adkins is 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 186 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray shirt. Presumably, handcuffs are still attached to one of his wrists, Wilkinson said.
Anyone with information on Adkins' whereabouts is asked to call Lincoln County Emergency Dispatch, at 304-824-3443.

Man Still On The Loose

Police are still searching for a Lincoln County man who allegedly used the chain on his handcuffs to choke a Hamlin officer and escape from the county courthouse Friday evening. Raymond Adkins Jr., 31, had just been arraigned on breaking-and-entering charges at the Lincoln County Courthouse and was being escorted to a squad car outside, Hamlin Police Chief Chris Wilkinson said. That's when the attack happened. Adkins is 5 feet 9 inches and weighs 186 pounds. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray shirt. Presumably, handcuffs are still attached to one of his wrists, Wilkinson said.
Anyone with information on Adkins' whereabouts is asked to call Lincoln County Emergency Dispatch, at 304-824-3443.

Rock Springs Clean Up

The annual Rock Springs City-Wide Cleanup takes place May 14, but volunteer teams can start as early as April 18.
Cleaning supplies will be available at the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and Rock Springs City Hall.
A volunteer luncheon is planned May 14, though a location hasn’t been finalized yet.
According to Alexie Pitsch, public relationships coordinator for the chamber, the lunch will be free and open to volunteers taking part in the clean-up effort.
Cleaning teams can sign up at either the chamber or city hall. Individual residents can sign up as well and the chamber will place them with a cleaning team.
“We don’t recommend anyone going out and cleaning by themselves,” Pitsch said.
Last year, volunteers with the event picked up more than 50 tons of trash.

Big Show Attractions

Country star Clay Walker will open the Wyoming’s Big Show concert line-up with his performance Aug. 2. The Sweetwater County Fair will officially open at 4 p.m. that day. So far, some of the attractions for 2011 include a petting zoo from Fair Animal Specialties, Lanky the Clown, National Association of Diesel Motorsports sled pull, PJ the Clown, Nick’s Kids Show, Washboard Willy, Wild About Monkeys, Russ Leno – Watermelon Carver, Marty Davis, Young Guns Wild West Fun Park, Reptile Adventures, The Comedy and Magic of Paul Issac, Penelope the Clown, Rocky Mountain Horse Pulls, the Copper Mountain Band and Doo Wah Riders.
Wyoming’s Big Show will take place July 28 through Aug. 7 at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs.

Green Waste Collection Sites

Green Waste collection sites are being developed around the area to help keep things clean.Green Waste is defined as any organic material such as grass, leaves and/or branches. Branches should be 4 feet or less in length, no tree trucks or stumps. Deposit your Green Waste in one of the dumpsters listed below. No trash bags, dirt or other heavy material in these containers please!
Edgewater Park
Lincoln School on Shoshone Ave side
Mansface Plaza
Public Works Facility
Railroad Avenue Parking Lot
Rec Center
Senior Citizens Center

Sweetwater Events Complex Will Host The Mountain States Circuit Finals ProRodeo This Fall

Sweetwater County will serve as host to cowboys from around Wyoming and Colorado when the Mountain States Circuit Finals ProRodeo moves to the Sweetwater Events Complex October 20-22, 2011. Hosted in Denver, CO for the past several years, the Sweetwater Events Complex has been working with the Mountain States Circuit Finals ProRodeo executive board to move the event to Wyoming and have just finalized the negotiations. The rodeo will be held at the Sweetwater Events Complex for at least the next five years. Described as a combination of the Pro Bowl and the Playoffs for the Colorado and Wyoming rodeo cowboys, the Mountain States Circuit Finals is one of 12 circuits across the United States.

NOWCAP Disability Awareness Walk

People around the state of Wyoming walked for a cause Saturday morning at the 7th Annual Wyoming Disability Awareness Walk.
Walks were held in Cody, Rock Springs, Worland, Casper, Cheyenne, Sheridan and Newcastle. The raises money for NOWCAP services and also celebrates the end of National Disability Awareness month.
NOWCAP works to create recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, and also focuses on building a positive attitude for people with special needs and others in the community.

Escapee Arrested

According to Lincoln County 911, Raymond Adkins Jr., who escaped from police Friday afternoon, was caught at 1 a.m. Sunday by the Hamlin Police Department and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department. He is to be transported to the Western Regional Jail. Adkins Jr. was in court at the Lincoln County Courthouse, about to be transported to the Western Regional Jail, in which he assaulted a police officer, then escaped last week according to police reports.

Spring run-off time is starting

Spring run-off time is at its beginning, and that means high water in this part of the state. According to Hydrologist Jim Fahey of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Snake River is already running over 15,000 cubic feet per second which is above the 30 year norm but well below the 1996 and 1997 record levels. Flood stage is 20 to 22 thousand CFS. The Upper Green River and Wind River are both also running at moderate levels at this time. While the run-off is currently moderate, Fahey points out that a lot can happen between now and the onset of the height of spring runoff when it comes to the potential for flooding.

Suspicious Craigs List Ad

Officers took a suspicious circumstance report on Riverview. The owners of a house that is listed with a realty company received inquiries from people finding an advertisement on Craigslist.com listing the house available to rent. The owners had not listed their property on Craigslist. Further investigation revealed this to be yet another computer scam from Nigeria. The Green River Police Department wants to remind citizens to be cautious when conducting business over the internet and to report any suspicious activity to the police department.

Free Health Tests Offered This Week

The Wyoming Miner's Hospital Board Mobile Wellness Screening Program is offering free health tests all of this week. Tests include Blood Chemistry, CBS, Chest X-Ray, Urinalysis, Blood Pressure, Vision, Hearing, Pulmonary, EKG, Body Fat Analysis, PSA, Height, Weight, Stool Screen and Wellness Profile. The tests are by appointment only and will take place at the Western Wyoming Community College rear parking lot in Rock Springs. To make an appointment, call 1-800-828-6678 between 7 AM and 3 PM.

Kemmerer Library Book Sale

The Kemmerer library’s Annual Used Book Sale starts Wednesday, April 13 and runs through Saturday, April 16. Donated books and books weeded from the library’s shelves will be available to purchase--$1.00 for hardbacks and $.25 for paperbacks. Saturday will once again be bag day--$5.00 for all the books you can fit in a bag.
The sale is operated entirely by volunteers. If you would like to sign up to work for a couple of hours, please stop by the circ desk or call 877-6961. Proceeds from the book sale will go to the library’s Endowment Fund and will be matched two to one.

Lincoln County Library Foundation Gets Grant For More Seating

The Lincoln County Library Foundation has recieved a grant totalling about 13 hundred dollars. The grant came from the Kemmerer Foundation Fund of the Wyoming Community Foundation and will be used to purchase new seating for the Teen Read area of the Kemmerer library.The new seating will provide an even more inviting space where teens can use their laptops, do homework or read. The recent popularity of the Twilight series has rekindled an interest in YA books.

Dino Tracks Eroding

Dinosaurs tramped on what was once the coast of a beach in Colorado, leaving tracks that have remained remarkably well preserved on a small slope in the mountains southwest of Denver. The tracks of the three-toed dinosaurs are eroding and could soon be gone, according to Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, the nonprofit group that manages the site. The group proposed building a canopy over the tracks to protect them, but it's an idea that county officials say will diminish the majestic views of Colorado's Front Range. Rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles have caused slabs of shale to crack and break off from the slope where the tracks and micro layers are eroding, said Joe Tempel, executive director of Friends of Dinosaur Ridge.

Fugitive Arrested

Another fugitive on the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office Most Wanted list is in custody in Nebraska.
Sheriff Rich Haskell said Christy Ann Harlow, 44, was arrested without incident on March 23 in North Platte, Nebraska, where county detectives had traced her. Harlow’s charges in Sweetwater County include Forgery, Defrauding an Innkeeper, Contempt of Court, Identity Theft, and Use of a Controlled Substance.
Haskell said arrangements are being made for Harlow’s return to Sweetwater County, where she will face an initial court appearance.

Standoff Early Thursday Ends Peacefully

A nightlong standoff with a burglary suspect ended with a tactical entry and an arrest near McKinnon in southern Sweetwater County Thursday morning.

In a preliminary release issued on Thursday afternoon, Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell said county detectives had been working since March 23 with Uinta County investigators, who were following up a string of burglaries in the Bridger Valley area.

Investigators working leads traced some of the stolen property to an isolated mobile home at the base of Cedar Mountain about six miles north of McKinnon.

A search warrant was obtained for the mobile home, but the resident, Glen Alexander, 46, barricaded himself inside Wednesday evening and refused to answer the door.

Haskell said his agency’s Tactical Response Team was activated and at around 7:15 AM Thursday morning, Corporal Tony Niemiec used explosives on a door of the residence to effect entry. Distractive explosive devices, called “flash-bangs,” were also deployed, and an entry team comprised of Sergeant Jason Love and Deputy Sheriffs Cody Henley and Cody Ruiz entered the mobile home and arrested Alexander, who was transported to the Uinta County Jail in Evanston, charged with multiple counts of burglary.

No one was injured during the course of the incident.

Haskell said Alexander is scheduled for an initial appearance in Circuit Court in Evanston today.

71,000 Children Are Poisoned Every Year By Medications

An estimated 71,000 children and teenagers are seen in emergency departments each year because of medication poisonings. Over 80% of visits were because an unsupervised child found and consumed medications.






Gail Banach with the American Association of Poison Centers wants to remind adults to put away all prescription medications where young children and teenagers cannot get to them.

Transmission Lines Projects Top Priority

The Sweetwater County Planning and Zoning Department is spending alot of time looking at the Power transmission projects in the area. Five different transmission lines are proposed to pass through Sweetwater County, many of which are proposed to follow Interstate 80, according to a map provided by Mark Kot of the department. The BLM will need to approve the projects and a possible conditional use permit from the county to allow the county to review issues. Fees for permits are expected to be a hot topic.

Waters Leaves the Sweetwater County District Health Board

The Sweetwater County District Health Board recently replaced director Jack Waters. His former office in Rock Springs declined to comment other than to say he was no longer with the office. The district has had funding problems over the past few years, with the district losing approximately $300,000 a year during the past five years -- an estimate provided by former county chief financial officer Jason McCormick.
Before being hired to be in charge of the county health district, Waters was the director of Southwest Rehabilitation Center. SWRC closed its doors in early 2010 due to funding problems.

Health Insurance Exchanges

A new report about the coming “health insurance exchanges,” as part of federal health care reform, says the first thing everyone in Wyoming needs to know is – think of them as marketplaces, not exchanges. There could be confusion with the word "exchange" because a private company already uses that term for an insurance-selling portal in Wyoming. The Center for Rural Affairs study examined who is expected to benefit the most from the yet-to-come marketplaces. Report author Jon Bailey…






Although Bailey says there are clear benefits for frontier residents, he also foresees challenges – especially in the outreach arena. Many in the Wyoming countryside and lower-income folks do not have reliable Internet access, according to Bailey. One option to get around that is to tap into federal grant programs and appoint local navigators to walk people through the process.






Bailey says the marketplaces are expected to be web-based, and will provide apples-to-apples comparisons of available policies and prices, along with information on eligibility for help in paying for premiums. Wyoming won an 800-thousand dollar grant late last year to study how best to set up a system. The state could run its own, partner with other states, or let the federal government implement a program.

Time For Chemicals... Use An Ounce of Prevention

The time has come again to begin getting outside and working. Whether you are on a farm or in the city, you may utilize chemicals on your lawn, garden or in the field. Gail Banach of the American Association of Poison Control Centers reminds us that poisoning can take many forms.






As part of National Poison Prevention week, be sure to take the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline and to remember to read all labels and precautions before using any chemicals.

Student Earn Top Rank

Several Green River High School students have recieved the highest Rank in The National Forensic League.
Bethany Jones, Geoff Gunter, Jerry Stott, John Macrell, and Will Cronk from Green River High School, WY, have earned the National Forensic League’s degree of Premier Distinction, the highest student degree in the honor society. A degree of Premier Distinction reflects sustained excellence in classroom activities, competition rounds and service projects. Students may earn points in six separate categories: speech, debate, congress, service, district, and national. Only about four hundred students out of NFL’s 112,000 student members receive the degree of Premier Distinction each year – about 1/3 of 1 percent.

The National Forensic League (NFL) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit honorary society whose mission is to promote high school and middle school speech and debate activities as a means to develop a student’s essential life skills and values. More than 112,000 high school and middle school students, representing more than 2,800 high schools and nearly 100 middle schools, are currently building their communication, leadership, cognitive, and presentational skills as members. Since 1925, more than 1.3 million students have found their voice in the NFL. For more information, visit www.nflonline.org.

Yellowstone Fire Permits

If you need firewood, you will be able to get some at Yellowstone National Park, which will offer permits this Friday through Sunday. The permits are 25 dollars each and allow you to take up to three cords of firewood, which is leftover from construction projects, removal of hazardous trees and fuel mitigation efforts.

Verizon Gives No Decision

Speculation continues over the possibility that Verizon will locate a four billion dollar data center in Wyoming. The company has a two-year option on 160 acres near Laramie but a company spokeswoman says no decision has been made and there's no deadline for making a decision. Verizon did recently drop western New York as a possible site.

Mining For Coal

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's opening a huge amount of coal for mining in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, saying the substance will remain an important source of the nation's energy supply. The coal leases announced today in Cheyenne amount to 750 million tons and will take several years to mine. Some environmental groups are opposed to offering more coal leases because of the greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal for power.

Salazar on Wolves

Salazar also says he's optimistic the federal government can come to terms with the state on lifting federal protections for wolves. The Obama administration last week announced a settlement with environmental groups that could lift federal wolf protections for wolves in Idaho and Montana. Salazar says wolves are now fully recovered in the Northern Rockies, and he'll continue talks with Gov. Mead on transferring wolf management responsibility to the state.

Fracking Study

The EPA may use oil and gas development in Laramie County as a case study for how hydraulic fracturing affects drinking water, according to a draft report of the study plan. The Casper Star Tribune reports the study will take place this year and into 2012, with preliminary results out next year and final results due in 2014. It’s under review now by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.

Sage Grouse Viewing Ethics

Spring is the time to observe Wyoming’s native sage-grouse on their leks, or courtship areas. During this annual ritual, which occurs from late March through early May, males are competing for mates.
The sage-grouse, also known as the sage chicken, is so called because its winter diet is almost exclusively sagebrush. Sage-grouse leks can attract from 10 to more than 200 males. The dominant males are usually in the center of the lek. They are the ones who do most of the breeding. Spotting the males is quite easy because the front of the bird is white.
Observing these birds perform their courtship ritual is both fascinating and enjoyable for wildlife enthusiasts. However, breeding activity on leks is easily disrupted so the department has developed the following guidelines for observers:

Arrive at the lek at least one hour before sunrise.
Don’t drive on or near the lek and park away from the edge of the lek.
Turn off the engine and lights and stay in your vehicle.
Use binoculars and spotting scopes to observe birds.
Don’t make loud noises or sudden movements.
Do not leave the lek site until the birds do.
Keep your pets in the vehicle or better yet leave them at home.
Do not trespass on private land.
Postpone your visit if roads are muddy.
Late April is the best time to visit because most breeding is complete by then but the males are still actively strutting.

Big Show Stars

Country Star Clay Walker will open the Wyoming's Big Show
concert line-up with his performance on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The
Sweetwater County Fair will officially open on Tuesday, August 2 at 4:00
p.m.
Certain artists just seem to have an innate sense of what it takes to please
an audience. Clay Walker is one of those artists. Whether on stage or in the
recording studio, Walker never gives less than a hundred percent, and it's
that kind of dedicated work ethic combined with God-given talent that have
made him one of the most successful country acts of the past decade.
He first topped the Billboard country singles chart in 1993 with "What's It
to You" and followed with his second consecutive No. 1 hit, "Live Until I
Die." Since then he's placed 31 titles on Billboard's singles chart
including such additional chart toppers as "Dreaming with my Eyes Open," "If
I Could Make Living," "This Woman and This Man," and "Rumor Has It." (The
latter two songs each spent two weeks at the summit.) He's enjoyed his share
of success at the cash registers and has consistently been one of the
busiest artists on the road. He's scored four platinum-selling albums,
signifying sales of a million units, and two gold albums, discs that sold
over 500,000 units.
Wyoming's Big Show(r) will be held July 28 through August 7 at the
Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, WY. For more information contact
the Sweetwater Events Complex at (307) 352-6789 or 872-6348, ext 200 or
visit the website at www.SweetwaterEvents.com.

Program Your Cell Phone With The National Poison Control Number This Week

This week is National Poison Prevention Week. According to Gail Banach, director of public education and communications with the Upstate New York poison center, this is the time to program your cell phone with the national poison control hotline which is 1 800 222 1222.






By calling 1-800-222-1222, you will be connected immediately to your local poison control center. Take the time to program your phone so you can be immediately connected. That one small effort could save a life… maybe your own.

Gasme and Fish Open Houses

The local Wyoming game and fish department is hosting open houses all across southwest wyoming this week prior to the annual season setting meeting next week. We get the story from Steve Core

Army National Guard Gives to the Captain Bruce Hays Memorial Fund

As part of the WAB partnership with the Army National Guard, the WAB is giving the Army National Guard the Kerm Kath Friend of Broadcasting Award and a $500 check to the charity of their choice. They are asking the money be sent to the Captain Bruce Hays Memorial Fund. There is a fundraiser in honor of this Wyoming soldier who was killed in action. The fundraiser is on April 2 @ Elks Lodge in Laramie: 3 - 5:30 is the ticket and silent auction and at 6 the live auction. Donations can also be made directly to Bank of the West on the website. A great video on the story can be found at http://www.captainhaysapacheproject.com/

Dinosaur National Monument Trying to Clear Snow From Roads

Crews are scrambling in Dinosaur National Monument to see that the Harper's Corner Road is open to the public by mid-April.
Monument officials normally aim to have the road, which ends at an overlook of the Yampa and Green rivers far down below, open by Easter weekend. With Easter scheduled to fall on April 24 this year, officials hope to have the road open before then. With some sections of road buried beneath 14-foot snow drifts, that's not an easy task. But officials are optimistic they can clear away the snow in time.
"Once plowed, the road and sub-base needs to dry for about two weeks to prevent road damage. We hope to have the road opened by April 15th," said Gary Mott, the monument's facility manager.
Dinosaur's weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Visitors should always be prepared for a range of conditions. For more information on Dinosaur National Monument, call at (435) 781-7700 or find the monument on facebook.

Van Crash Kills Teen Boy

A Utah boy is dead and a driver is facing charges after a van lost control on icy roads in southern Wyoming. 13-year-old Anthony Villasenor of Eagle Mountain, Utah, was partially thrown from the van in the accident early Sunday just west of Rawlins according to Wyoming Highway Patrol. He died at the hospital. 21-year-old Jennifer Lendeborg of Eagle Mountain who was the driver of the van was injured along with nine others in the vehicle . They were treated and released from the hospital.
The patrol says the van was headed west on Interstate 80 when it veered off the road the road and rolled over. Authorities say the van was going too fast for conditions.

gap Between What You Believe Your Health and What It Really Is

Sometimes there’s a big gap between perception and reality when judging your own health. According to a recent American Heart Association (AHA) survey, nearly 40 percent of Americans thought they were in ideal heart health, when in reality, less than one percent match the ideal profile. The Wyoming Department of Health lists cardiovascular disease as the top cause of death. The AHA has created "My Life Check," an online assessment tool that gives users an overall health score and pointers on how to improve health.
Brenda Quinn with the A-H-A says there are seven little steps to take along the way for a healthier heart.






Quinn advises gathering up basic health records for an accurate assessment from the website.






Quinn says each component is manageable, although some are more of a challenge than others. The health assessment and action plan are available free at MyLifeCheck.Heart.org.

Possible Three Strikes for Utah Man Arrested in Rock Springs

County deputies arrested a Utah man living in Rock Springs Saturday night after a stabbing incident where the man allegedly attacked his wife and brother-in-law. Joel Shuler is charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault and Battery.. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust says this could be three strikes for Shuler.








Shuler had been convicted previously on charges of forgery and assault. Bond was set at $350,000. Blust says the investigation is continuing.

Memorial Hospital CEO Named

Jerry Klien has been named as Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County CEO, according to a B.E. Smith news release. Mr. Klein will assume his duties at the 99-bed hospital on Jan. 6. Mr. Klein was selected as CEO after B.E. Smith, a healthcare leadership firm, led a nationwide executive search.

Ice Fishing Waters

Ice fishing is growing in popularity throughout Wyoming and many waters have liberalized regulations that add to the ice fishing opportunity.

Wyoming has 23 waters covered under the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provision. On these waters, up to six lines are allowed when fishing

through the ice. Ice fishing is also popular on many other lakes and reservoirs not covered under the provision, but on those waters, no more than two lines are allowed.

Waters covered under the Special Winter Ice Fishing Provision are as follows:

* Alcova Reservoir in Natrona County

* Big Horn Lake in Bighorn County

* Big Sandy Reservoir in Sweetwater County

* Boysen Reservoir in Fremont County

* Deaver Reservoir in Park County

* Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Sweetwater County

* Fontenelle Reservoir in Lincoln County

* Glendo Reservoir in Platte County

* Goldeneye Reservoir in Natrona County

* Gray Reef Reservoir in Natrona County

* Grayrocks Reservoir in Platte County

* Guernsey Reservoir in Platte County

* Harrington Reservoir in Bighorn County

* Keyhole Reservoir in Crook County

* Kortes Reservoir in Carbon County

* Lake DeSmet in Johnson County

* Ocean Lake in Fremont County

* Pathfinder Reservoir in Carbon and Natrona Counties

* Pilot Butte Reservoir in Fremont County

* Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County

* Sulphur Creek Reservoir in Uinta County

* Wardell Reservoir in Bighorn County

* Woodruff Reservoir in Uinta County

Ice fishermen should be aware that when using more than two lines, their name must be attached to each line, pole or tip-up. In addition, the angler is required to be no more than 300 yards from all lines and is required to check his/her own lines.

Struggling With Your Taxes? Help Is Available

Tax Day is quickly coming upon us. This year, that day is April 18th. If you are struggling with your taxes, IRS Spokesman Michael Devine says help is easy to find.







For answers to any question 24 hours a day, go to www.irs.gov or you can call 24 hours a day at 1-800-829-1040.

Star Valley Ranch Town Council Adopts Reserve Water System Account

The Star Valley Ranch Town Council has adopted a resolution to increase the funds in the town’s reserve water system account. Resolution 11-03-08-001 was passed at the town council’s first meeting in March. The resolution notes that the town has committed to fund the account at a minimum of $50,000 per year. This year the town will add $250,000 to the reserve water fund.

Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Don’t tell colon cancer survivor Robert Webster that it's a disease that only strikes people over 50. His daughter was also diagnosed with the disease...and that happened when she was just 20. That's why Webster is volunteering as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society about the importance of recognizing symptoms, understanding risks, and getting screened.






While normal screening starts at age 50, Webster says he and his family got tested much younger. And there are symptoms such as blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, and abdominal pain that merit a check with a doctor. Then, Webster says, there's prevention.







March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the A-C-S says there's proof early detection, better treatments and healthier lifestyles are working, because colorectal cancer rates have dropped significantly over the past decade. Even so, the Wyoming Department of Health lists it as the second-leading cancer cause of death.

Tax Abatement Passes

The Sweetwater County Commissioners voted 3-2 to forgive approximately $65,000 in unpaid property taxes, but some commisioners werre none too pleased with the decision. Items ranging from desks, chairs and computers to the heavy, earth-moving equipment used in mines throughout the county are taxed each year. According to Pat Drinkle, chief-deputy assessor in the Sweetwater County Assessor’s Office, businesses have to pay that tax. The tax is somewhat unenforcable because it's hard to put leins on movable equipment, so when the bill goes unpiad, the city or county can't collect.When asked by the commissioners if there was a legal remedy for businesses not paying taxes on movable property, Deputy County Attorney Cliff Boevers said, “to my recollection, there wasn’t.”

GR Could Lose More than A million to Rock Springs

With the new census numbers out, The City of Green River could lose almost $1.16 million a year to the City of Rock Springs. Green River’s population increased by six percent while Rock Springs’ population increased by 23.1 percent. This shift will result in a 2.8 percent decrease in tax revenue from the state’s four-cent sales tax and the county’s optional one-cent tax, commonly referred to as the optional fifth penny tax. The higher percentage increase in residents in Rock Springs means Rock Springs will get a higher percentage of the revenue.

The Green River chamber of commerce announced Wednesday the cities outstanding and distinguished citizens.

The Green River chamber of commerce announced Wednesday the cities outstanding and distinguished citizens. At the monthly lunch and learn, Chamber excutive director Janet Hartford announced Dottie Crouse(as in grouse) as the outstanding citizen and local businesman Mike Frink as the distinguished citizen. Also, Hartford announced Alan Wilson as the Chambers volunteer of the year, Bonnie Bigolin (Big-o-lynn) as the winner of the Leadership award. Hartford also says the red carpet of the year award goes to Nicole Niles from the Busy Bee. The chamber also honored four chamber board members for there years of service. Being honored were Jeff Nieters(knee-ters), Bob Saunders(sawn-ders), Kathy Gilbert and city councilman Tom McCoullough(ma-cull-ah)

Friends and Family Free

Rock Springs Regional Ambulance is offering free Friends and Family CPR Classes next Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Marketing director, Anney Burroughs, encourages families to attend the event together. She says that kids can never start too young to understand the importance of knowing basic CPR.






Outdoorsmen and children who are babysitter age are also encouraged to attend. Class size is limited and registration is required. Call 362-4357 for more information.

Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge Closures

Visitors planning to recreate on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge during March
and April should call ahead to determine if roads and boat ramps are open. Winter
conditions and snow pack have made several roads on the refuge impassable. With the
snow pack melting this is also causing very wet and muddy and unsafe conditions for
vehicles.

The purposes for the emergency road closures are two fold. Primarily, we do not want
to send visitors down roads that are unsafe or will result in vehicles getting stuck in the
mud. Getting stuck is a frustrating and potentially dangerous experience, especially in
a remote location, and often these incidences result in major damage to the road and
surrounding wildlife habitat. Second, vehicles traveling on very wet two track roads
cause major damage to the roads by creating deep ruts and vehicles are often driven off-
road to avoid large pools of water or seriously muddy road segments. The off road
travel damages wildlife habitat and creates additional future road problems. We are
asking folks to be patient during this wet spring period and limit their travels to improved
road segments (graveled) like the Auto Tour Route, until road conditions dry out enough
for safe non-damaging travel.

Wine Tastings

Colorado’s wine country will kick off its 2011 “taste of adventure” with three premiere wine-tasting events this spring.
With excellent soil and temperate climate combining to produce quality grapes, the Grand Junction area is western Colorado is prime wine country. Visitors can explore nearly 30 vineyards and wineries by car, limo or bicycle. Small and personal, most wineries have tours or tasting rooms, and visitors frequently can meet with the owner or vintner directly.
Grand Valley Winery Association Spring Barrel Tasting Weekends: April 30-May 1 and May 14-15
The annual Spring Barrel Tasting weekends invite participants to learn about winemaking and aging, with 8 Grand Valley wineries pairing gourmet foods with featured wines.

Brucellosis Management Action Plans Meetings

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will hold two public meetings to receive feedback on updates to Brucellosis Management Action Plans (BMAPs) for seven elk herds containing supplemental feedgrounds in western Wyoming. Updates for the Jackson, Fall Creek and Afton elk herds will be discussed at the Jackson Game and Fish Regional office at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23. A meeting to receive feedback on updates to the Hoback, Piney, Upper Green River and Pinedale elk herd BMAP’s will be held at the Pinedale Game and Fish Regional office at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. BMAP’s for the seven elk herds containing feedgrounds were initially developed in 2006, with cooperation from livestock producers, animal health regulatory officials and state/federal land managers. The plans outline actions that could reduce the risk of elk to elk and elk to cattle brucellosis transmission. Development of the BMAPs was a top recommendation of the Governor’s Brucellosis Coordination Team (BCT), a panel formed after Wyoming lost its brucellosis class-free status for cattle in 2004.

Law Enforcement Warns of Japan Earthquake Scams

Attorneys General and law enforcement both locally and nationwide are seeing an increase in scam activity since the Japan earthquake. They say there are some things to consider before you make a donation, so you can be sure it's going where you intend it to. One tip is to simply donate to a known charitable organization and avoid any that solicit from you. Seek out an organization on your own and do your research about them. When in doubt, the American Red Cross is always accepting donations for disaster relief, and their long history with helping in time of need will ensure the money gets to those who need it.

The Annual Staying Safe Seminar Will Take Place Thursday, March 31

The annual staying safe seminar will take place on Thursday, March
31, from 6-9 PM at the Regional Office of the Wyoming Game and Fish
Department. The seminar is free, but pre-registration is required so that
adequate refreshments and seminar supplies will be available. The event is
good entertainment and an educational opportunity for families, hunter
education instructors, scout leaders, back-country recreationists, hunters
and anglers or camp staff.

Please call this number for information and or to pre-register:
1-800-843-8096 or 307-875-3223

Man Arrested After Shots Fired

A Rock Springs man is in custody after a shots-fired incident north of Rock Springs.

Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell said deputies were dispatched just after midnight on March 13 to a mobile home park on Gannett Drive in response to reports of gunfire. Callers said multiple shots were fired and the deputies’ investigation led to a particular residence, where a spent 7.62x39 mm rifle cartridge casing was found on the stairs leading to the front door.

Once inside the residence, deputies made contact with Carlos L. Salazar, 24, who was reportedly intoxicated. Salazar told county officers that he’d been drinking and had “grabbed his AK-47 and loaded approximately 4 rounds into the magazine and fired them through the open front doorway of the residence in the direction of the empty field across Gannett Drive.”

No injuries resulted from the gunfire, and Salazar was arrested for Reckless Endangering. Deputies recovered Salazar’s AK-47 assault rifle and five spent 7.62x39 mm cartridge casings found near the front door.

Salazar appeared in Circuit Court in Rock Springs on Monday where Judge Dan Forgey set his bond at $500, cash or surety.

St. Patrick’s Day Transportation Planning

For many Americans, *St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending a private party, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired—and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired.” “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” said Lt. Scott Keane, Division E Supervisor for the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Additional NHTSA statistics show that in 2009, there were 103 crash fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day. Out of that number, 47 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.


Keane recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day.

Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement through 911or the WHP at 1-800-442-9090;
Remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Game and Fish meetings

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is holding a series of Open Houses to present and discuss 2011 hunting seasons for big, small and upland game. Open Houses will be held in the following
locations:

DATE TIME TOWN
LOCATION

March 21, 2011 5 PM - 7 PM Rock Springs
White Mountain Library

March 21, 2011 5 PM –7 PM Kemmerer
Lincoln County Library

March 22, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Evanston
Uinta County Library

March 22, 2011 4 PM - 7 PM Green River
Game and Fish Office

March 23, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Baggs
Baggs Town Hall


March 23, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Cokeville
Town Hall

March 24, 2011 5 PM - 7 PM Lyman
Lyman Town Hall


Attending a game season open house is one way to learn about local wildlife populations, ask questions and visit with local Game and Fish biologists and wardens.
A final Public Information Gathering Meeting will be held on Monday, March 28, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Department’s Green River Regional Office, 351 Astle Street.
If you are unable to attend the open houses or final hearing, written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. April 1, 2011 and should be mailed to: Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Attn: Regulations 3030 Energy Lane, Casper, WY 82604. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, April 1. All written comments are given to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission for their review.

Road Closures for Upgrades

The Wyoming Department of Transportation is advising motorists that both rest areas at Bitter Creek, milepost 143 on Interstate 80 are closed for upgrades.
The eastbound rest area was closed on December 30, 2010 due to electrical problems, so the upgrade works on that building are already underway. The westbound rest area is scheduled to be closed on March 10, when the upgrade work on that building will begin.
The upgrade project includes electrical, mechanical and plumbing work inside the rest area buildings and sidewalk, lighting and utility work outside the rest area buildings.
The Bitter Creek Rest Area Upgrade project contract cost is $1,720,000 and was awarded to A. Pleasant Construction of Green River. The project completion date is June 30, 2011 however, the contractor plans to have both rest areas opened to the traveling public before the Memorial Day weekend.

The Fremont County Commission meets tomorrow

The Fremont County Commission meets tomorrow (Tuesday), and the latest developments in the federal case concerning voting rights for Native Americans are expected to be a topic of discussion. A year ago, a federal judge said the county was diluting the Native American vote with its 'at-large' system – and the county appealed. House Minority Leader, Representative Patrick Goggles lives on the Wind River Reservation in Fremont County. He predicts the legal journey won’t be over any time soon, and says that should be expected based on the long history of racial tension in the area.






Northern Arapaho Tribal Liaison Gary Collins is a plaintiff in the original case. He claims the new state law was designed to undermine the tribe's legal standing. Legislative leaders had denied the law would be introduced into the case… yet it was, just last week. Collins says the county's resistance to a traditional district system for electing commissioners can be baffling to outsiders.







A recently-signed state law gives a stamp of approval to the Fremont County 'hybrid' election system put in place last year in response to the judge's ruling. However, at the time it was put in place, it violated state law, and was also rejected by the presiding federal judge. An appeals court is now reviewing the case.

National Ag Day... A Day For Everyone

National Ag Day, which takes place Wednesday, is about recognizing and celebrating the tremendous contribution agriculture makes to our lives… every day. Dr. John Bonner, Chairman of the Ag Council of America and Executive Vice President of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology believes everyone in this country has a reason to celebrate agriculture.






For more information on agriculture and how you can celebrate, go to agday.org.

Sweetwater counties unemployement rate jumped upwards

Sweetwater counties unemployement rate jumped upwards from december to january. The Wyoming Department of Employment reports the counties un-employment rate in December was 5.6 percent, while in January the rate stood at 6.5 percent. While the un-employment rate december to january increased, January's rate dropped dramitacally when compared to January of last year. The Department of Employement says Sweetwater Counties unemployment rate in Janaury 2010 was at 8.8 percent and dropped to 6.5 percent this year. Currently, 1,522 residents are un-employed.

The statewide un-employment rate in January this year stood at 7.4 percent, down from last years rate of 8.7 percent. The highest un-employment rate in January was our neighbors to the northwest, Lincoln county, which stood at 10.4 percent.

Set Your Clock Forward This Weekend

As you Spring Forward your clocks this weekend, you might just be saving lives. According to Russ Rader, Vice President of Communications for the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, Daylight Savings time has been proven to make our roads safer.







The Daylight Savings system is not perfect… it's complex, farmers are adversely affected and the health benefits are a mixed bag, but it is a plus for some businesses and saves energy. And here's a bit of trivia…. Hawaii and Arizona are the only states in America who do NOT participate in daylight savings time.

Moose Research Project

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has partnered with the University of Wyoming’s Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to conduct a moose research project in an area that has been proposed for natural gas development south of Jackson. Researchers have captured and fit 30 adult moose with GPS radio collars to learn more about their habitat selection and migration patterns. Game and Fish Spokesman Mark Gocke says the study is designed to gain detailed baseline information about moose habitat use, migration and survival, particularly in the Noble Basin area of the upper Hoback River basin; prior to development of a proposed natural gas field there. Gocke says the energy development company, Plains Exploration and Protuction, provided matching funds to what was provided by the Governor’s Office to conduct the project

Recall Rally Site Owners Get Threats From Opposers of Effort

A recall rally that had been scheduled for today in Lincoln county has been moved. The Republican Party of Lincoln County announced today the rally will no longer take place at Kathy and Cal’s Club in Merrill, after owners received threats over the recall effort of Jim Holperin. The group had originally rented the Club for the rally and had planned a peaceful demonstration. The rally will now take place at the Lincoln County Courthouse building in Merrill from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Rodeo, Of Sorts

How about a rodeo in Green River this summer? It will happen according to the Green River Star. A rodeo event featuring bull riding, barrel racing, motocross, barbecue food and country music is coming. Cindy Brandjord approached the Green River City Council Tuesday evening to gather city support for the Extreme Country Stampede Tour, a two-day event scheduled for July 9 and 10.
Branjord said the event would be geared to families and would focus around the city’s rodeo arena and Stratton-Myers Park. She said the possible sale of alcoholic beverages hasn’t been finalized yet, but added alcohol sales typically come along with rodeo events. Councilman Tom McCullough initially voiced concern about having a motocross event take place in the rodeo arena, saying additional dirt would need to be brought in and taken out.
Brandjord reportedly had already spoken to the president of the Extreme Country Stampede Tour, Kenneth Churchill about the motocross events. She said the motocross jumps were prebuilt and would not require extra dirt.

Brandjord said she hoped the event would draw a similar crowd to those seen at Flaming Gorge Days.

Learn About Emergency Water and Sanitation at the White Mountain Library

On the second Thursday of every month, the White Mountain Library is holding Emergency Preparedness Presentations. Jason Grubb, Head of Circulation and Reference services says tonight's presentation is on emergency water and sanitation.







The presentation takes place at 7 PM at the White Mountain Library, located at 2935 Sweetwater Drive in Rock Springs. If you miss any of the presentations, you can go to sweetwaterlibraries.com and catch up on their blog.

Unemployment Rate

Unemployment in Teton County is on a gradual decline, but the Wyoming Department of Employment reported yesterday it is still significantly above the state average. During January, the monthly report shows Teton County’s jobless rate at 8.0% — down from 8.9% in December. The Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate meanwhile decreased from 6.4% in December to 6.3% in January, keeping it much lower than the current U.S. unemployment rate: 9.0%.

WyDOT Advice for Drivers

“Stop, look up and proceed properly,” is the message sent out by the Wyoming Department of Transportation for motorists on Grant Street in Rock Springs.

Since completion and opening of the Grant Street connector to College Drive, WYDOT has received many inquiries about the proper turning movements from Grant Street. To help clarify which are the turning lanes and through lanes, WYDOT has added overhead lane signs to the signal arms and ground off the conflicting pavement markings. New pavement markings will be installed this summer during the statewide pavement markings project.

Motorists travelling on Grant Street and needing to make a left turn onto Center Street should use the left lane only. Motorists needing to make a right turn onto Center Street should use the right lane, as should motorists needing to continue straight through the intersection.

“Motorists really need to look up and be paying attention to the lane signs to make their turning movements safely,” said Theresa Herbin, WYDOT District 3 public relations specialist in Rock Springs. “They also need to move into the correct lane as early as possible, restrict cell phone usage or other distractions, and please, buckle up; the life you save could be your own,” she said.

Scientists should make wildlife management decisions, not politicians.

Scientists should make wildlife management decisions, not politicians. Ninety-two percent recently polled are in agreement with that view, and support is equally as strong for the Endangered Species Act. The points are timely because the Continuing Budget Resolution being debated in the U-S Senate takes up both those items, as well as possibly removing E-S-A protections for wolves. Derek Goldman with the Endangered Species Coalition says they aren’t party-line issues, either…






Goldman says support for the ongoing recovery of gray wolves under E-S-A in Wyoming and other “wolf states,” came in at 78-percent. He describes that as likely a surprise based on what the public has heard and read recently on the topic.






The poll was paid for by the Endangered Species Coalition, which did similar polling six years ago with similar results.

Proposed TransWest Express Transmission Line Meetings To Be Held

The Bureau of Land Management and Western Area Power Administration will hold two more open house meetings in our area on the proposed TransWest Express Transmission Line. Both meetings will be held between 4 and 7 PM. Tonight, they will be at Rock Springs High School and on Thursday, they will be at the LSRV Higher Education Center in Baggs. Beverly Gorney, Public Affairs Specialist with the Wyoming State Bureau of Land Management says this is just the first step in the process.







For more information or to submit your comments, go to www.wy.blm.gov.

Census Numbers Breakdown

The energy industry powered Wyoming's population growth by 14.1 percent, according the U.S. Census Bureau's numbers from the 2010 census released Thursday. The state had 563,626 residents last year, compared to 493,782 in the 2000 count. The current U.S. population is estimated at 310,929,079.
Sublette County, where the Jonah Field and other energy sites are located, grew 73.1 percent to 10,247 residents. Campbell County, home to the Powder River Basin, grew 36.9 percent.
Data show that Cheyenne leads in population with 59,466; Casper is second with 55,316; Laramie has 30,816; Gillette, 29,087, and Rock Springs, 23,036. Since the 2000 census, all cities had grown with Cheyenne up 12.2 percent; Casper, 11.4 percent, Laramie, 13.3 percent, Gillette, 48.1 percent, and Rock Springs, 23.1 percent.
By county, Laramie, with a population of 91,738, is the largest, growing 12.4 percent since 2000. The other counties in the top five are Natrona, with a population of 75,450, up 13.4 percent; Campbell, 46,133, up 36.9 percent; Sweetwater, 43,806, up 16.5 percent, and Fremont, 40,123, with a 12.1 percent increase.
In addition to population growth, Wyoming ranked at the top in the nation for annual job growth from 2006-08.

Wellness

Wyoming rated second in the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index released today. The scores among the states only varied by 9.3 points. The overall index score was 66.8 in 2010.
Hawaii was first with a score of 71; Wyoming had 69.2; North Dakota, 68.4; Alaska, 68.3, and Colorado, Minnesota and South Dakota all tied at 68 for fifth through seventh.
West Virginia had the lowest score with 61.7, followed by four Southern states - Kentucky, 61.9; Mississippi, 63, and Arkansas and Alabama, tied at 63.7.
Wyoming didn't rank as the highest in any of the well-being sub-index categories: life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors and basic access to life necessities and other commodities.
The index was compiled after conducting interviews with 1,000 residents daily from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010. Samples were weighted by gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, education, region, adults in the household, and cell phone and landline call percentages.

Young People Can Apply To Work On Yellowstone This Summer

Yellowstone National Park is looking for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 to work in their Youth Conservation Corps Program this summer. Those who are selected will live, learn and work on the park for one month and will get paid doing it. Al Nash, Parks Spokesperson says they are looking for young people with diverse backgrounds from all over the country.






For more information, go to www.nps.gov/yell and look for YCC jobs or call 307-344-2256.

National Consumer Protection Week Begins Monday

Today marks the beginning of National Consumer Protection Week, a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. According to John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud at the National Consumers League with today's technologies, it pays to learn how to protect one's self.







For more information, go to ncpw.gov.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department Open Houses

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is holding a series of Open Houses to present and discuss 2011 hunting seasons for big, small and upland game. Open Houses will be

March 21, 2011 5 PM - 7 PM Rock Springs White Mountain Library
March 21, 2011 5 PM –7 PM Kemmerer Lincoln County Library

March 22, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Evanston Uinta County Library
March 22, 2011 4 PM - 7 PM Green River Game and Fish Office

March 23, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Baggs Baggs Town Hall
March 23, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Cokeville Town Hall

March 24, 2011 5 PM - 7 PM Lyman Lyman Town Hall held in the locations listed below:

A final Public Information Gathering Meeting will be held on Monday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. at the Department’s Green River Regional Office, Astle Street.

AML Begins Taking GPS Coordinates Around Rock Springs on Monday

Beginning on Monday, Abandoned Mine Lands Division (AML) contractors will be taking GPS coordinates around Rock Springs for the subsidence insurance program. AML recently upgraded their software that will be able to geographically locate homes which are insured by the subsidence insurance program. AML continues to engage in mitigating the impacts of abandoned mines with the upgrade and future mitigating projects. AML has plans to initiate two new subsidence mitigation grouting projects this year in Rock Springs.

This GPS work is expected to be completed in two to three weeks.

For more information on the subsidence insurance program call 1-800-510-0283.





The subsidence insurance program provides coverage for structures in subsidence-prone areas. If a home or business with subsidence insurance coverage experiences damage caused by subsidence from abandoned mines, the program will reimburse the owner for the cost of repairs to the structure and initiate work to mitigate the subsidence from the abandoned mine to prevent future damage up to a maximum coverage of $275,000.

National Ground Water Week Reminds Us Of the Importance of Ground Water

Groundwater is a resource we simply cannot ignore, although we sometimes take it for granted. Next week is National Groundwater Awareness Week, which, according to Cliff Treyens, Public Awareness Director for the National Ground Water Association, is the time to remind us that we all have a responsibility to be good groundwater stewards.






An example of a step you can take is properly disposing of used motor oil and common household chemicals. To learn more, go to ngwa.org.

Gay Marriage

The Wyoming House narrowly approved changes to legislation prohibiting recognition of out-of-state gay marriages. Supporters of House Bill 74, say it's needed to resolve a conflict in Wyoming law, which defines marriage as a contract "between a male and a female person" but also recognizes any valid marriage performed outside the state. The changes must now be approved by the Senate before the legislation would head to Gov. Matt Mead for his signature.

Wyoming has the second-lowest business delinquency and loan failure rate in the nation.

Wyoming has the second-lowest business delinquency and loan failure rate in the nation. A study by market research group Dun and Bradstreet says about 12 percent of Wyoming businesses were behind in paying their loans in 2009, behind only North Dakota. Dun and Bradstreet attributed Wyoming's low rate to its strong natural resources industry.

Gas Prices

$3 gas has spread to Wyoming. AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report says the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in the state was $3.09 on today. That's still 30 cents less than national average price of $3.39. Wyoming just barely beats Montana for having the lowest price in the nation. KGWN reports the cost of a gallon of gas has climbed 21-cents in a month.

GR City Report

The City of Green River released its annual report to residents this week including an address to residents by both Hank Castillon, mayor of Green River and Barry Cook, Green River’s city administrator. Decreased revenues were talked about by both Cook and Castillon. Cook writes, quote, “In trying to fulfill the demands of customers in a declining revenue environment, elected officials must determine which expenditures are inappropriate or excessive. Is it money spent on law enforcement or recreation? Is it money spent on street maintenance or sanitation,” . The entire report is available on the city's website.

Three Year Plan

The Green River Main Street organization reviewed its three-year plan and their six goals last week.
The meeting also served as a brainstorming session for ideas to attract residents to downtown Green River. One such idea is an artificial ice arena. That idea was purposed by Green River City Councilwoman Lisa Maes.
Other ideas listed were a downtown customer service training seminar to improve the customer service businesses provide. John Dahlgren, administrator for the Main Street and Urban Renewal Agency said he thinks a substantial impact could be made with a training seminar. The three-year plan is part of the requirements placed on GRMS to be removed from its probationary status.

Western Wyoming Community College Presentation on New Zealand

Western Wyoming Community College students and faculty are hosting a presentation on their research in New Zealand on Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. in room 1302. The presentation will last approximately 40 minutes and will focus on the Chinese population in New Zealand. 
This public presentation will look at Western Wyoming Community College’s efforts to provide a better understanding of immigration to the Pacific’s Emerald Island.  
Partial funding for the research came from Wyoming’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), Sweetwater County BOCES and the Social Science Fine Arts Fund.

Energy policy and the environment

ublic health, energy policy and the environment were voted on specifically more than 20 times when the U-S House recently approved a new spending bill, according to a new scorecard from the national League of Conservation Voters. Votes on specific issues were tracked, and because the League is pro-environment, scores reflect decisions along those lines. Wyoming’s Cynthia Lummis (R) received a “zero,” as did many western Republican Congressmen. The League’s Alex Taurel explains the problem with that score by pointing to one amendment that prevents the E-P-A from regulating mercury pollution from cement plants…and mercury is a documented neurotoxin.







Taurel says decisions to allow more pollution in the water and air are short-sighted for states closely tied to traditional energy production. While decisions to lift pollution controls were touted as a way to boost businesses and the economy, he argues that the end result will be the opposite.






Debate on be bill focused on tough decisions to reduce federal spending in order to reduce the federal deficit. Seventy-four representatives scored “zero,” and 86 scored 100-percent.

Hinder Will Perform at the Sweetwater County Fair

One of many announcements to come about the line up at this year's Sweetwater County Fair has been made. Chad Banks, Public Relations and Marketing Director for the Sweetwater County Events Complex says that Hinder will completely energinze the rock line-up.






Wyoming's Big Show® will be held July 28 through August 7 at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs. For more information on Hinder or any of the many performance at the Fair, call (307) 352-6789 or 872-6348, ext 200 or visit the website at www.SweetwaterEvents.com.

Lincoln County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve the posting of a new full-time position

Lincoln County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to approve the posting of a new full-time position that will oversee emergency management projects and administer the ARMER emergency response radio system being developed in the county.

Lincoln County Sheriff Jack Vizecky voiced concerns over the new position having control over the ARMER system. The new hire, he said, would not be knowledgeable about individual department needs and Vizecky said he thought department heads should have more control over radios in their own departments.

Game And Fish Meetings for this Month

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is holding a series of Open Houses to present and discuss 2011 hunting seasons for big, small and upland game. Open Houses will be held
March 21, 2011 5 PM - 7 PM Rock Springs White Mountain Library
March 21, 2011 5 PM –7 PM Kemmerer Lincoln County Library

March 22, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Evanston Uinta County Library
March 22, 2011 4 PM - 7 PM Green River Game and Fish Office

March 23, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Baggs Baggs Town Hall
March 23, 2011 5 PM – 7 PM Cokeville Town Hall

March 24, 2011 5 PM - 7 PM Lyman Lyman Town Hall

Attending a game season open house is one way to learn about local wildlife populations, ask questions and visit with local Game and Fish biologists and wardens.
A final Public Information Gathering Meeting will be held on Monday, March 28, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Department’s Green River Regional Office, 351 Astle Street.

Poached Antelope

Ten pronghorn antelope, including four fawns, five bucks and one doe, were intentionally run over on County Road 702 near Baggs, WY.
Baggs Game Warden Ron Iversen says the antelope were run over sometime the night of Friday, February 18 or very early in the morning on February 19. County Road 702 is also known as the back road between the towns of Baggs and Dixon.
Anyone with information on this or any wildlife violation may call the STOP Poaching Hotline at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847). Tips may be reported to Game Warden Ron Iversen at 307-383-2160. Tips may also be reported on line at gf.state.wy.us/stoppoaching

2 Men Sought

Two men sought by authorities on a variety of charges have made the Sweetwater County’s Most Wanted list, Sheriff Rich Haskell said Tuesday.

Floyd J. Booth, 41, and 25-year-old Benjamin Arthur Church are wanted for drug, alcohol, assault, obtaining property by false pretenses, traffic, and failure to appear offenses.

Both are white males. Booth is 5'5" in height, weight about 150 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. Church has brown hair and hazel eyes, weighs about 160 pounds, and is 5'9" tall. In addition, Church has a distinctive choker tattoo.

Anyone with information with about either man’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agency. Calls will be handled with discretion.

The Sheriff’s Office Sweetwater County’s Most Wanted program recently netted two other fugitives; Vance Norman, a child abuse suspect arrested in Idaho, and Kenneth Craig, wanted for arson, who was captured in Colorado.

Council Meeting

It’s official, Pizza Hut in Green River is moving. Where to? Justin Wolffing has the story

Road Closure

Road 55 in Sweetwater County is being shut down for emergency repairs. The Wyoming dept of transportation says that Union Pacific railroad notified them about the need for the closure to repair part of the tracks at the Bar X Road crossing. The repairs are expected to be complete some time today.

Read Across America Kicks Off Nationally and Locally Tomorrow

Well, there we were… we were working like that, when who should show up, but the Cat in the Hat. Tomorrow, Dr. Seuss will turn 107 years old and all across the country… teachers, students, parents, military personnel… will all be celebrating the thrill of reading with the 14th Annual Read Across America event. National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel encourages everyone to get involved.






Read Across America will kick off at the White House with First Lady Michelle Obama and a celebrity cast. Local events will be held at schools and libraries near you. For more information on how you can get involved, go to www.nea.org/readacross.

Ozona Action Day

State regulators have issued the first ozone advisory in western Wyoming's gas fields in more than two years and are telling people sensitive to air pollution to take precautions.
High levels of ozone are associated with smog, which sometimes smudges the sky in the Upper Green River Basin when conditions are right during the winter.
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality says high levels of ozone are possible in the basin Monday and Tuesday. The department says children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions should limit strenuous or extended outdoor activity.

Man Faces Federal Sexual Abuse Charges

A Whiterocks man is facing federal charges after he sexually abused two girls earlier this month, according to prosecutors.
Sterling Parris Littlegeorge Jr., 25, has been charged in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City with two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child within Indian Country.
The FBI was notified on Feb. 16 by Ute Tribe Social Services that a child had reported that Littlegeorge sexually abused her, according to court records. The girl accused Littlegeorge of sexually abusing her sister as well, court records state.
Both girls are under the age of 12.

Seedlings Available for Purchase

Lincoln Conservation District (LCD) is still accepting orders for seedling trees and shrubs as part of their natural resources conservation efforts. Trees and shrubs available are bare root and available in many different species. Evergreen seedlings are available in different varieties as well.
All bare root seedlings are sold in lots of 50 only. The cost is $55.00 per lot of 50. Large potted seedlings are sold in lots of 30 only. The cost is $67.00 per lot of 30. Small potted seedlings are also sold in lots of 30. The cost is $46.00 per lot of 30.
Application forms are available at the Lincoln Conservation District Office in the Cokeville Town Hall. You may request an order form by phoning the LCD Office at (307) 279-3256. The deadline for ordering seedlings is April 12.
The purpose of the program is to encourage landowners to plant effective windbreaks, living snow fences, and noise barriers, in addition to assisting with erosion control on stream banks and reforestation of logged lands.