The owner of 2 pit bulls held responsible for killing Shetland pony in Laramie County last month has pleaded no contest to three public nuisance charges. The dogs will be euthanized. Melissa Blair entered the plea Thursday in Laramie County Circuit Court. Blair faces a $50 fine for each charge. Blair's lawyer indicated she may seek to work off the fines by volunteering at a local animal rescue. The 8-year-old pony was killed in its pen northeast of Cheyenne last month. Witnesses saw the event. Cheyenne Animal Shelter employees said the pit bulls were covered in blood when they arrived and a local veterinarian confirmed they were responsible. Wyoming law requires any dog that kills livestock must be put down.
Friday, March 30, 2012
National Elk Refuge ends supplemental feeding
The supplemental feeding program for elk at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson was shorter than usual this year. The refuge ended its feeding program on Wednesday after 56 days. That's two weeks shorter than the average supplemental feeding period. Refuge manager Eric Cole says feeding at the refuge has averaged roughly 70 days over the past ten years. He says the refuge didn't have significant snow limiting access to forage until late January and said the spring thaw was earlier than usual. Cole said the refuge also saw increased forage production because of a new irrigation system. There were 7,360 elk on the refuge in February, up from the 10-year average of 7,324.
Constitution Party gains access to Wyoming ballot
Secretary of State Max Maxfield says the Constitution Party has gained access to Wyoming's general election ballot this fall. Maxfield says the Constitution Party got on the ballot as a provisional party by collecting 3,740 signatures of registered voters. Maxfield says there are now five political parties represented on the ballot. That is the most since the 2000 general election. He says it's possible that additional parties may qualify for the ballot prior to the June 1 deadline for submitting petitions to the secretary of state's office. So far, the parties qualifying to be on the state's November ballot are the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Americans Elect and Constitution Party.
Telehealth
Telehealth is coming to Sweetwater County. Kathy Tacke, Director of Community Impact for United Way of Southwest Wyoming, states that using Telehealth technology to provide medical care over distance is improving healthcare for people everyday. According to Larry Biggio, Executive Director of the Wyoming Health Information Organization, “Telehealth typically involves physicians using interactive video and/or store-and-forward consultations to treat patients. Interactive video allows medical specialists to directly communicate with their patients who are in another location, using television monitors and specially adapted equipment. Store-and- forward techniques include physicians sending pictures, x-rays, and other patient information directly to the medical provider’s computer. After reviewing that information, the provider then sends the diagnosis back to the local intake site, who treats the patients and provides follow-up care. It allows physicians and health care specialists to diagnose and treat patients over distances – whether that span
is across a street, a city, or a region. Telehealth can prevent uncomfortable delays, high travel expenses and family separation by bringing specialized medical care directly to the people who need it. Telehealth is being practiced in rural areas, school districts, home-health settings and in nursing homes.” An informational meeting regarding Telehealth will be held April 4, 2012 at Young At Heart Senior Citizens Center, 2400 Reagan Ave., Rock Springs, WY beginning at 6 p.m.
is across a street, a city, or a region. Telehealth can prevent uncomfortable delays, high travel expenses and family separation by bringing specialized medical care directly to the people who need it. Telehealth is being practiced in rural areas, school districts, home-health settings and in nursing homes.” An informational meeting regarding Telehealth will be held April 4, 2012 at Young At Heart Senior Citizens Center, 2400 Reagan Ave., Rock Springs, WY beginning at 6 p.m.
Wyoming transportation highway contracts awarded
The Wyoming Transportation Commission has approved more than $31 million for 11 highway projects around the state. Projects include a new West Belt Loop Road west of Casper, highway improvement projects in Cheyenne, new snow fence sections Interstate 80 between Walcott Junction and Cooper Cove, and highway improvements for truck traffic in Greybull. Commissioners say some of the projects could result in traffic delays.
Appeals court rejects man's murder appeal
A federal appeals court has rejected an appeal from a Wyoming man convicted of murdering his wife. A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver on Wednesday rejected an appeal from David Bush. He's serving a sentence of 45 years to life. A state jury in 2007 found Bush guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Lynn Bush. She disappeared in Natrona County in 1990 and her body has never been found. David Bush had argued that the Wyoming court system violated his rights by prohibiting him from arguing that his brother might have been responsible for the crime. Wednesday's appeals court ruling upheld an earlier decision by U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson of Cheyenne rejecting Bush's arguments.
Body of Missing Gillette Woman Found
Searchers have found the body of a Gillette woman who has been missing since Monday, and no foul play is suspected. Authorities found the body of 49-year-old Ruth Martinson on Thursday near her truck, which searchers found earlier in the day. Campbell County Coroner Tom Eekhoff says she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wyoming Service Helping Older and Disabled Residents
Wyoming residents may find the help they need to meet challenges often faced by those growing older or coping with a disability, according to Kim Deti (Dee-tie) with the Wyoming Department of Health.
The WyADRC toll-free number, 1-877-435-7851, puts any Wyoming caller in touch with professional and knowledgeable staff members who can direct people to resources in their community.
You can also access information by going to wyomingadrc.org. There are no income eligibility guidelines to receive help from the WyADRC program.
The WyADRC toll-free number, 1-877-435-7851, puts any Wyoming caller in touch with professional and knowledgeable staff members who can direct people to resources in their community.
You can also access information by going to wyomingadrc.org. There are no income eligibility guidelines to receive help from the WyADRC program.
Feds charge former Powell hospital CEO with fraud
Federal prosecutors have charged the former CEO of a Powell hospital with fraud, alleging he worked with an accomplice in Indiana to rack up more nearly $850,000 in false billings last year for staff recruitment work that was never performed. Former Powell Valley Healthcare CEO Paul D. Cardwell and Michael J. Plake of West Lafayette, Ind., were indicted this month on 15 counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cardwell resigned as CEO of the Powell hospital in September. He also faces a civil lawsuit filed by the hospital alleging embezzlement. Cardwell and Plake both pleaded not guilty at initial court appearances this week. They are scheduled to stand trial June 4 in before U.S. District Judge Nancy Freudenthal in Cheyenne.
Worland Man Charged With Felony Poaching
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says a 19-year-old Worland man is the first to be charged under the state's new felony poaching law. 19-year-old Colton Lapp faces five felony poaching counts under a state law that went into effect last July. Prosecutors in Hot Springs County charge that Lapp killed four buck deer and shot at another this winter after he was convicted of 2 earlier poaching counts. The new state law allows prosecutors to charge people with a felony if they're convicted of poaching three times within a 10-year period. Lapp is free on a $10,000 bond in Hot Springs County while awaiting his next court appearance. Nick Carter, a Gillette attorney representing Lapp, declined comment.
Hit and Run Investigation Continues
The Green River Police Department is continuing our investigation into the Hit and Run crash that occurred on N 3rd E on Friday 3/23/12 at 9:24 pm. The suspect vehicle was exiting the alley between E Flaming Gorge Way and E 2nd N when he struck the pedestrian. The alley is adjacent to the Red Feather Bar parking lot. The victim advised the suspect car was a 4 door white sedan which turned north onto N 3rd E and continued north after striking the victim. Anyone with any information regarding a car fitting the description of the suspect vehicle and was in the area on Friday night, 3/23/12 at 09:24 hours, please call the GRPD at 872-0555.
Wyoming Business Council
The Wyoming Business Council recently welcomed three new members to its board of directors hailing from Cheyenne, Dayton and Lyman, Wyo.
Mike Sullivan, a Cheyenne native, graduated and received a BSBA from the University of Denver in 1972. He then worked for the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta, Ga. In 1975, he moved to New York City to work with the United Brands company. He and his family worked their way back to Wyoming and acquired DT’s Liquors in Cheyenne in 1983 and sold all corporate holdings in 2008. Sullivan is involved with many organizations including serving as a board member for the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, president of the Cheyenne Quarterback Club, president of Laramie County Liquor Association, an advisory board member of First Interstate Bank, and a former board member of the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority. Mike has been married to his wife Maryana for 30 years.
Tom Scott of Dayton, grew up on his family ranch outside Sheridan, Wyo. He attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a degree in economics. In 1967, the Scott family purchased a controlling interest in the Bank of Commerce in Sheridan and he began his banking career there in 1969. Scott served as CEO of what became First Interstate BancSystem until 2004 when he became chairman of the board. Scott is a director of the Padlock Ranch and managing partner of Scott Land and Livestock. He has also served on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Tom and his wife, Joan, have a son and daughter involved in the financial services of First Interstate Bank.
Mike Sullivan, a Cheyenne native, graduated and received a BSBA from the University of Denver in 1972. He then worked for the Coca Cola Company in Atlanta, Ga. In 1975, he moved to New York City to work with the United Brands company. He and his family worked their way back to Wyoming and acquired DT’s Liquors in Cheyenne in 1983 and sold all corporate holdings in 2008. Sullivan is involved with many organizations including serving as a board member for the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, president of the Cheyenne Quarterback Club, president of Laramie County Liquor Association, an advisory board member of First Interstate Bank, and a former board member of the Cheyenne Downtown Development Authority. Mike has been married to his wife Maryana for 30 years.
Tom Scott of Dayton, grew up on his family ranch outside Sheridan, Wyo. He attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a degree in economics. In 1967, the Scott family purchased a controlling interest in the Bank of Commerce in Sheridan and he began his banking career there in 1969. Scott served as CEO of what became First Interstate BancSystem until 2004 when he became chairman of the board. Scott is a director of the Padlock Ranch and managing partner of Scott Land and Livestock. He has also served on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Tom and his wife, Joan, have a son and daughter involved in the financial services of First Interstate Bank.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Court upholds convictions in interstate assault
A federal appeals court has upheld the convictions of a Utah man in connection with a naked rampage on Interstate 80 in south-central Wyoming. A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week upheld the convictions of Armando Juan Cano of Moroni, Utah. He pleaded guilty last year to attempted carjacking and using a firearm during a violent crime. Authorities say Cano rammed another vehicle, fired shots from a stolen handgun and ran naked in traffic. The nighttime rampage happened in June 2010. The appeals court upheld Cano's 10-year sentence on the firearm count, but ruled that his 57-month sentence on the carjacking charge exceeded federal guidelines. The court ordered him resentenced under guidelines that set the maximum sentence for the firearm violation at 51 months.
Wyoming personal income ranks 6th in nation
Personal income in Wyoming was over $47,000 per capita in 2011, placing the state sixth highest in a national ranking. Jim Robinson, economist with Wyoming's Economic Analysis Division, says the figures are based on estimates released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Per capita income nationwide last year was over $41,600. Wyoming per capita income rose more than 5% from 2010. Most of the growth was attributable to mining and farm industries. The analysis includes all income received by all persons from all sources. That includes wages, interest and dividends, rents, and government transfer payments. Robinson says Wyoming has seen three consecutive quarters of income growth where it was able to match or exceed income growth in both the Rocky Mountain region and the whole country.
Environment Dept. probes acid disposal in Riverton
The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality is investigating the disposal of acid powder that caused concern among Riverton trash workers exposed to the substance last month. Sanjel Corp. disposed of the benzoic acid powder. Workers at a trash baling facility were exposed to a cloud of the material while cleaning out a trash truck. Three or four employees will undergo medical tests. Paul Throckmartin, manager of Riverton's lands division, says he's thankful there wasn't any real problem. Rick Sollars, lawyer with the Fremont County Solid Waste District, says the state's Department of Environmental Quality has alerted the state Attorney General's Office. Vivienne Allen is Sanjel manager of corporate marketing and communication in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She says the company is looking into the situation.
BMX Racing To Be Held This Weekend at Sweetwater Events Complex
Remember challenging your friends to a race on your bikes? Well, those competing this weekend in the BMX races at the Sweetwater Events Complex Indoor Arena are way beyond that. Marketing Director Chad Banks says we have some very talented racers from our area.
The public is invited to come out and enjoy the races.
If you are interested in becoming involved with BMX racing, Banks says to give the Events Complex a call at 352-6789 and they will put you in touch with the organization.
The public is invited to come out and enjoy the races.
If you are interested in becoming involved with BMX racing, Banks says to give the Events Complex a call at 352-6789 and they will put you in touch with the organization.
Enzi and Barrasso Critical of Fed Pollution Limits On Power Plants
Wyoming Republican Sens. John Barrasso and Mike Enzi are critical of federal pollution limits on new power plants. Barrasso says the Obama administration regulations will prevent construction of new coal plants, shut down American energy development, destroy jobs and drive up energy prices. Enzi says the president's policies are driving up gasoline prices and now he is trying to make electricity unaffordable, too.
UW Vietnam Vets Memorial To Be Rededicated
The Vietnam veterans' memorial at the University of Wyoming will be rededicated at 3 p.m. Friday. The memorial is located on the east corner of Ninth and Ivinson streets, southwest of Old Main.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Wyoming cloud seeding project gets $2.4M more
The Wyoming Legislature has provided an additional $2.4 million to complete a cloud seeding research project and ensure that it will have scientifically sound results. The state has invested about $11 million since 2005 in the project, which seeks to determine whether cloud seeding increases the amount of snowpack in several of the state's mountain ranges. Most of Wyoming's water supply comes from winter snowfall. Supporters of the project say increasing the state's winter snowpack would provide more water for communities and irrigation and would be cheaper than building new dams and reservoirs. Barry Lawrence, of the Wyoming Water Development Office, says the project will go on for two more winters and a report is planned in late 2014.
Cheyenne Police Investigate Drive By Shooting
Police in Cheyenne are seeking information about a second drive-by shooting at a house in the city. Sgt. Rob Dafoe of the Cheyenne Police Department says police were called at about 2 a.m. Tuesday in response to a report of shots fired at a house on the 500 block of East Seventh Street. No one was injured. Investigators determined the residence was hit by at least five bullets, with several penetrating to the inside. Two men were in the house at the time of the shooting. One told police that a vehicle had left the area before officers arrived. Shots were fired at the same house the night of March 16th. Cheyenne police are investigating both incidents and urge anyone with information to contact them.
Pavillion Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Death of Son
A Pavillion woman has pleaded not guilty to charges in the death of her infant son. Candace Lea Wagner is charged with child abuse, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of 2-month-old Clancy Lee Wagner on Nov. 11th. Police say Wagner had gone to a bar the night before the 2-month-old boy died and nursed him before they both went to sleep in her bed. Her son wasn't breathing in the morning, and the cause of death was later ruled asphyxia. District Judge Marvin L. Tyler has set a tentative jury trial date of Aug. 6th.
Rock Springs Class Helps You Learn To Live With Diabetes
If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you know how scary that word can be. Nursing Director at Young at Heart Senior Center in Rock Springs, Karen Schanno, has partnered with the UW Extension Office to provide a class that helps with that fear.
Schanno says that having diabetes can make you feel like you have lost control.
The Dining With Diabetes Class is just 25 dollars per person. If you are interested in joining one of the classes, call Josie Berra at 352-6775 for more information.
Schanno says that having diabetes can make you feel like you have lost control.
The Dining With Diabetes Class is just 25 dollars per person. If you are interested in joining one of the classes, call Josie Berra at 352-6775 for more information.
Welcome Home Celebration In Cheyenne Set
The Welcome Home celebration for veterans in Cheyenne will be at American Legion Post 6 at 5:00 p.m. this Friday. Governor Matt Mead and Major General Luke Reiner are among the speakers at the event. There will also be a receiving line where you can personally welcome home all of our local military heroes. If you know of a hero who would like to be part of the event call the veterans commission at 777-8151.
UW License Plate Sales Hits 5,000 Mark
The number of brown and gold license plates issued by the University of Wyoming Alumni Association recently hit the 5,000 mark. Proceeds from the sale of the special plates fund scholarships that support UW students.
Major Yellowstone elk herd continues to decline
Scientists say a major elk herd that migrates from Yellowstone National Park has suffered another steep decline due to a hard winter, predator attacks and hunting. Wildlife agencies said Tuesday the Northern Yellowstone Elk herd is down to about 4,174 animals. That's a 10% drop from last year. Yellowstone biologist Doug Smith says the herd remains healthy despite its smaller size. Smith says it is more in line with historic levels since wolves were reintroduced and grizzly bears and mountain lions returned naturally. Some outfitters and others who live outside the park say officials have not done enough to curb predator attacks, particularly by wolves. The Yellowstone herd supported a thriving hunting industry before its numbers started to drop. It peaked at about 20,000 animals in 1992.
Wyoming Game and Fish meeting
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has drafted new regulations covering wolf management and wolf hunting. The draft regulations are available on the WGFD website at gf.state.wy.us
Promulgating regulations is the next step towards getting wolves in Wyoming removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in Wyoming. Last August, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reached an agreement to move forward with delisting. Under the agreement, Wyoming will maintain at least 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Reservation. The current Trophy Game Management Area in northwest Wyoming will extend about 50 miles to the south from its current location near the Wyoming/Idaho border. Wolves in this seasonal expansion area will be managed as trophy game from Oct. 15 to the last day of February. During the rest of the year, wolves in this seasonal expansion area will be designated as predators.
In September 2011, after a public comment period, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved changes to its Gray Wolf Management Plan that incorporated the elements of the agreement. Subsequently, in October, the US Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice in the Federal Register of their intent to delist wolves in Wyoming. The Wyoming Legislature recently made changes to the statutes, which allow Wyoming to move forward with its management plan. The meeting will be held in Green River: April 10, Green River WGFD Office, 7:00 pm
At the end of 2011, there were an estimated minimum of 224 wolves in Wyoming outside Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Indian Reservation. Biologists estimate that only about 27 wolves are currently in areas outside the designated Trophy Game Area.
Promulgating regulations is the next step towards getting wolves in Wyoming removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in Wyoming. Last August, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reached an agreement to move forward with delisting. Under the agreement, Wyoming will maintain at least 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Reservation. The current Trophy Game Management Area in northwest Wyoming will extend about 50 miles to the south from its current location near the Wyoming/Idaho border. Wolves in this seasonal expansion area will be managed as trophy game from Oct. 15 to the last day of February. During the rest of the year, wolves in this seasonal expansion area will be designated as predators.
In September 2011, after a public comment period, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved changes to its Gray Wolf Management Plan that incorporated the elements of the agreement. Subsequently, in October, the US Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice in the Federal Register of their intent to delist wolves in Wyoming. The Wyoming Legislature recently made changes to the statutes, which allow Wyoming to move forward with its management plan. The meeting will be held in Green River: April 10, Green River WGFD Office, 7:00 pm
At the end of 2011, there were an estimated minimum of 224 wolves in Wyoming outside Yellowstone National Park and the Wind River Indian Reservation. Biologists estimate that only about 27 wolves are currently in areas outside the designated Trophy Game Area.
Allergy Season
Runny noses and itchy eyes – a sure sign of spring in Wyoming for those with seasonal allergies. Tree pollen counts have been in the "high" category in areas below the snow line since last week. Maples, poplars and junipers are the main culprits. Dr. Amanda Staudt, climate scientist with the National Wildlife Federation, says the mild winter means spring allergies will play out longer than usual.
Staudt says the changing climate is setting up conditions in which more allergy-causing trees could take root.
Staudt predicts the situation could be even worse for those with fall allergies. She says the conditions are ripe for a record crop of ragweed, a common allergen, later in the year.
Staudt says the changing climate is setting up conditions in which more allergy-causing trees could take root.
Staudt predicts the situation could be even worse for those with fall allergies. She says the conditions are ripe for a record crop of ragweed, a common allergen, later in the year.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Ex-Yellowstone worker sentenced for child porn
A former Yellowstone National Park concession worker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was convicted for possession of child pornography. James Durant was arrested at Old Faithful last October after an investigation by Montana, Wyoming and National Park Service employees led authorities to the 57-year-old concession worker. Yellowstone officials say hundreds of images of child pornography were found on Durant's computers. He was tried and convicted, and U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl sentenced Durant on March 15. The 10-year prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Durant used to work in Yellowstone's Old Faithful area and in Grand Canyon National Park.
Wyo. fracking disclosure regulation challenged
Environmentalists are suing the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, saying the state agency is honoring companies' requests to keep the ingredients in hydraulic fracturing fluids proprietary despite insufficient justification. The groups Powder River Basin Resource Council, Wyoming Outdoor Council, Earthworks and OMB Watch sued in Natrona County District Court on Monday. Hydraulic fracturing involves pumping water, sand and chemicals into oil and gas wells to crack open fissures. Wyoming has required oilfield service companies to tell the state the ingredients in their fracking fluids since 2010. Wyoming's open records law provides an exception for public disclosure of trade secrets. The groups say the commission has allowed companies to invoke that on flimsy grounds. State Oil and Gas Supervisor Tom Doll said the commission is following its regulation and the open records law.
Help Needed Identifying Driver of Hit And Run In Green River
The Green River Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a vehicle and driver that hit a man last Friday on North 3rd East and East Flaming Gorge Way. Detective Fred Moczulski says the victim was walking on the sidewalk at around 9:25 PM.
The car is described as a small white, four door sedan. Moczulski hopes the driver will just come forward.
The victim was taken to Sweetwater Memorial Hospital and was treated and released. Anyone with information is asked to call the Green River Police Department at 872-0555.
The car is described as a small white, four door sedan. Moczulski hopes the driver will just come forward.
The victim was taken to Sweetwater Memorial Hospital and was treated and released. Anyone with information is asked to call the Green River Police Department at 872-0555.
Victims In Head On Kemmerer Collision Identified
Authorities have identified the two women killed in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 30 near Kemmerer in southwestern Wyoming. The Wyoming Highway Patrol said Sunday that 60-year-old Verna P. Prater, of Kemmerer, was driving west when her car hit a mile marker post Friday afternoon. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a vehicle driven by 60-year-old Kathleen Collings, of Afton. Authorities say Prater died at the scene and Collings died aboard an aircraft en route to a hospital in Salt Lake City on Friday night. Both had been wearing seatbelts. A 4-year-old boy in the backseat of Prater's car was hospitalized. A front seat passenger in Collings' car was treated and released from a hospital, while a 12-year-old in the backseat was hospitalized. Authorities are investigating.
Death of Natrona County Inmate Being Investigated
Wyoming authorities are investigating the death of a 32-year-old inmate at the Natrona County jail. Larry Turner Jr. was found dead Saturday, a day after being jailed for allegedly violating his bond. He was set to stand trial in May for a car crash that killed one man in October. A conviction could have brought a life sentence because Turner had three prior felony convictions. The Star-Tribune reports that sheriff's deputies declined to comment on the circumstances of his death.
North Fork of Shoshone River Closed To Fishing April 1st
The North Fork of the Shoshone River will be closed to fishing starting April 1. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reminds anglers that the seasonal spring closure covers a portion of the North Fork arm of Buffalo Bill Reservoir and the lower 28 miles of the North Fork Shoshone River and its tributaries. The closure reduces fishing pressure on fish migrating upstream to spawn.
No health violations for Rawlins eatery over possible road kill deer
A health inspector has determined that a Rawlins restaurant didn't violate any health regulations when it processed and stored meat from two deer there. Carbon County health inspector Kevin Krouch says that the China House restaurant was sanitary after an inspection was conducted. Krouch determined two deer were brought to the restaurant, but that they weren't served to public and instead were for personal consumption. It hasn't been determined whether the meat was road kill that was taken illegally. Game and Fish officials are still investigating. Moving road-kill animals is illegal unless the animal is tagged by a game warden.
Wyoming Business Council
he state of Wyoming has teamed with a leader in the energy research industry to study how available technologies could add value to and improve markets for the state’s energy resources.
The Wyoming Business Council, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources have partnered to research the viability of transforming the state’s raw energy resources into higher value products.
The study will particularly focus on Hybrid Energy Systems (HES), which combine two or more complimentary resources, such as fossil, renewable or nuclear, to produce a variety of energy products that have much higher values than the commodities alone, for example, transportation fuels, chemical feedstock and electricity.
Hybrid Energy Systems combine raw energy resources with innovative conversion facilities to attain greater efficiency of resource use and plant utilization, resilience to varying market conditions, more efficient deployment of capital, and better stewardship of fossil resources and renewable energy resources like wind and solar.
The Wyoming Business Council, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources have partnered to research the viability of transforming the state’s raw energy resources into higher value products.
The study will particularly focus on Hybrid Energy Systems (HES), which combine two or more complimentary resources, such as fossil, renewable or nuclear, to produce a variety of energy products that have much higher values than the commodities alone, for example, transportation fuels, chemical feedstock and electricity.
Hybrid Energy Systems combine raw energy resources with innovative conversion facilities to attain greater efficiency of resource use and plant utilization, resilience to varying market conditions, more efficient deployment of capital, and better stewardship of fossil resources and renewable energy resources like wind and solar.
Kemmerer Crash Kills Two
Authorities are investigating after two women were killed in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 30 near Kemmerer in southwest Wyoming.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says a 60-year-old woman was driving west when her vehicle hit a mile marker post Friday afternoon. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and struck another vehicle, also driven by a 60-year-old woman.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports no other information was available, and the women's names have not been released.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says a 60-year-old woman was driving west when her vehicle hit a mile marker post Friday afternoon. The vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and struck another vehicle, also driven by a 60-year-old woman.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports no other information was available, and the women's names have not been released.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Yellowstone Opens To Bicyclists
Here's another sign of springtime in Yellowstone National Park: Portions of the park now are open to people on bicycles. The park has closed to snowmobiles for the winter but has yet to open to motorized vehicles for the summer. In the meantime, bicyclists can travel between West Yellowstone, Madison, Norris and Mammoth Hot Springs, although not to Old Faithful or Canyon. Park officials say bicyclists should be well prepared for weather that can quickly change to severe snow, ice and cold. Potentially dangerous animals including bison and grizzly bears are out and about and no services are available. Yellowstone officials say anybody bicycling in Yellowstone this time of year should be ready to endure winter conditions for an extended period and be able to rescue themselves if necessary.
Million Files For Reconsideration On Pipeline Rejection
The Colorado businessman proposing to build a 500-mile pipeline to carry water from southwestern Wyoming to Colorado's Front Range has asked a federal agency to reconsider its rejection of his permit application. Fort Collins businessman Aaron Million on Friday filed the reconsideration request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The agency last month dismissed his application, saying it was premature and lacked specifics about the proposed pipeline. Million proposes to draw from the Green River at Flaming Gorge Reservoir in southwestern Wyoming. His proposal has drawn opposition Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead as well as county and local governments in southwestern Wyoming and conservation groups. Million says his project is essential to helping Colorado meet its increasing demand for water. The state of Colorado also is evaluating the project's merits.
Doctors doubt favoritism in Cheney transplant
Doctors say it is unlikely that former Vice President Dick Cheney got special treatment when he was given a new heart that thousands of younger people also were in line to receive. After spending nearly two years on a waiting list, Cheney received a transplant Saturday. The 71-year-old underwent surgery at the same Virginia hospital where doctors implanted a small heart pump that has kept him alive the past few years. Cheney was recovering Sunday at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va. He had severe congestive heart failure and had suffered five heart attacks over the past 25 years. Dr. Allen Taylor, cardiology chief at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, said Sunday that the heart transplant waitlist is "a very regimented and fair process, and heavily policed."
BLM Prescribed Fires Planned
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) High Desert District has plans to conduct five prescribed fire treatments within the Rawlins (RFO) and Pinedale (PFO) field office areas this spring. One 2,000 acre prescribed fire took place last week at the Marking Pen Creek on the south-southeast portion of the Seminoe Mountains. Shelley Gregory says the burns are necessary.
The four other burns will take place at Miner Creek/East Ferris, Iron Mountain, Upper Billies and Camp Creek.
The exact timing of the prescribed fires is dependent on fuel and weather conditions meeting the burn prescription. Additional information will be released for each fire treatment as it is initiated. For more information, please contact RFO Fuels Specialist Chris Otto at 307-328-4250 or PFO Fuels Specialist Greg Reser at 307-367-5350.
The four other burns will take place at Miner Creek/East Ferris, Iron Mountain, Upper Billies and Camp Creek.
The exact timing of the prescribed fires is dependent on fuel and weather conditions meeting the burn prescription. Additional information will be released for each fire treatment as it is initiated. For more information, please contact RFO Fuels Specialist Chris Otto at 307-328-4250 or PFO Fuels Specialist Greg Reser at 307-367-5350.
Friday, March 23, 2012
BLM Rawlins Prescribed Burn
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rawlins Field Office (RFO) anticipates optimal burn conditions and will initiate a 2,000 acre prescribed fire at Marking Pen Creek on the south-southeast portion of the Seminoe Mountains today. Located 25 northeast of Rawlins and west of the North Platte River and Seminoe Dam and Reservoir, the 7,000 acre Marking Pen Creek project area is included in the 26,000 acre Seminoe Mountain prescribed fire project area and is part of a multi-phase treatment over a 10-year period. The treatment is intended to reduce the potential for catastrophic wildfire by eliminating existing fuel loads, creating natural fuel breaks, rejuvenating decadent aspen communities and improving upland vegetative health and diversity. Mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, sagebrush, aspen and conifers will be burned. The Seminoe Mountain project area is a popular recreation and hunting destination and includes antelope, elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep crucial winter ranges which will benefit from the prescribed fire.
Wyo. governor rides at snowmobile hill climb
Move over, Vladimir Putin. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead also does public displays of mildly dangerous machismo. Putin is the Russian leader famous for stunts such as petting a polar bear and riding a horse while bare-chested. On Thursday, Mead took part in the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb. The annual event draws thousands of people to Jackson Hole. The object of a hill climb is to ride a snowmobile as far as you can up a steep slope and back down again. Many competitors tumble hundreds of feet downhill after wiping out. Mead did a quick run wearing a helmet and camel hair sport coat. He says he didn't go as far uphill as he wanted to because he didn't want to wreck the sled he'd borrowed to ride.
Health agency calls for Sheridan patient testing
The Wyoming Department of Health says Sheridan Memorial Hospital should offer testing for three diseases to patients exposed to inadequately sterilized surgical airways between last May and November. State health officials say the CDC recommended testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Doctors say that CDC physicians believe that while the risk that any patient contracted any of the diseases is low, "they cannot say it is nonexistent."
Rawlins Man To Be Honored By DAV
A Rawlins man who takes veterans to the VA Medical Center in Cheyenne twice a week is the Disabled American Veterans' driver of the year. Interstate 80 between Rawlins and Cheyenne is 1 of the worst stretches of road in the state when bad weather hits. However, Joe Lucero has never canceled a trip because of the weather or any other reason during his three years as a volunteer. The Vietnam veteran was a truck driver and says he never was in an accident during his 18-year career on the road. He has logged more than 75,000 since becoming a DAV van driver. Lucero will be honored by the DAV next month.
Road Kill Found In Rawlins Restaurant Freezer
Wildlife officials are investigating a Rawlins restaurant after a possible road-killed animal was found in its freezer. West Rawlins game warden Brady Frude said meat samples were taken for lab sampling during a search of the China House restaurant on Tuesday. He said it doesn't look like the meat was served to customers. Owner Ed Gong says that an employee had taken meat from a deer he had found and was planning to cook it for himself. Gong said it wasn't served to customers. Game and Fish regional wildlife supervisor Jason Hunter said the agency usually doesn't allow people to take and eat animals killed by cars. Road-killed animals are supposed to be tagged by a game warden.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
White Mountain Library Will Feature An Energy Healing Massage Program
The White Mountain Library will be the place to go for complete relaxation next Tuesday. Brittany Wells with the Sweetwater County Library System says that Masseuse, Apollos Niblett will be instructing a Energy Healing Massage program at 2 PM.
The program will include both a discussion and application. To learn more about this program and other library sponsored programs and services, visit the Library System on-line at sweetwaterlibraries.com, or at Facebook at facebook.com/sweetlibraries.
The program will include both a discussion and application. To learn more about this program and other library sponsored programs and services, visit the Library System on-line at sweetwaterlibraries.com, or at Facebook at facebook.com/sweetlibraries.
H2S Leak At Brady Natural Gas Plant South of Rock Springs Contained
Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Detective, Dick Blust, Jr. says that an H2S leak at the Brady Natural Gas Plant south of Rock Springs yesterday was contained and eliminated the need to activate contingency plans to close off public access and evacuate the plant.
No one was injured during the course of the incident, and the area has been deemed safe.
No one was injured during the course of the incident, and the area has been deemed safe.
Green River Chamber luncheon
Senator John Hastert was one of three state officials to speak at a recent Green River Chamber luncheon
Granger Jobs
Hundreds of jobs are coming to Sweetwater county after a major construction project at the FMC’s facility in Granger. The soda ash producer plans to begin its Granger Optimization Project in May, 2013, which will result in the facility being capable of producing 1.3 million tons of refined soda ash per year. A work force of 204 workers during a 26-month period will add new brine processing equipment designed to give FMC’s existing facilities a soda ash liquor concentration similar to dry ore processing. A total of 25 full time, permanent jobs will be added once the renovation is completed.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
MSears-young authors VO
More than 1,000 budding writers and their fans will be on the Indiana University Kokomo campus for the Young Authors Conference on Friday which gives children opportunities to learn how books are written and published, and also to display their own finished work.
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The reading council sponsors the annual conference, which includes a book signing and discussion led by a children's author, literacy activities provided by IU Kokomo School of Education students and, the highlight of the evening, displays of books written by elementary school pupils from the Kokomo area. About 1,000 children write books for the conference. Their books will be on display from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children's author Denise Brennan-Nelson will speak at 6 p.m. Brennan will sign books from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
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The reading council sponsors the annual conference, which includes a book signing and discussion led by a children's author, literacy activities provided by IU Kokomo School of Education students and, the highlight of the evening, displays of books written by elementary school pupils from the Kokomo area. About 1,000 children write books for the conference. Their books will be on display from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children's author Denise Brennan-Nelson will speak at 6 p.m. Brennan will sign books from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
2nd Yellowstone grizzly could be killed in mauling
A second grizzly bear could be killed in connection with the fatal mauling of a Michigan man at Yellowstone National Park last summer. Park superintendent Dan Wenk discussed the possibility on KODI-AM earlier this month. Park spokesman Al Nash said Tuesday that no date has been set for a decision. One grizzly was euthanized last fall after it was linked to the scene of 59-year-old hiker John Wallace's death. DNA tests show the bear killed a California hiker and also fed on Wallace but officials aren't sure if the sow killed Wallace. Hair from the second bear at issue was found about 22 yards away from where Wallace died but test results didn't come back until after bears entered hibernation. That bear, which has a radio collar, is still in its den.
Bears Emerge In Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park said Wednesday that bear tracks have been spotted. The announcement alerts local residents and park visitors to exercise caution throughout the park. The Jackson Hole Valley park warns that bears may soon visit the Flagg Ranch, Colter Bay, Beaver Creek and Kelly areas of Wyoming. A spokeswoman for the park says the timing is on par with normal bear trends. She advises local residents and park visitors to begin carrying bear spray and looking out for bear tracks. On average, male grizzly bears are out of hibernation by March 15. They are followed by female bears in late March to mid-April.
Wyoming coal prices hit a 2-year low
The spot price for Powder River Basin coal hit a 2-year low this week. On the informal, over-the-counter market, coal contracts for April delivery sold for $6.50 a short ton on Monday. That's the lowest level since Sept. 29, 2009. For perspective, Powder River Basin spot contracts for next month delivery reached $16.35 in February 2008. Charlie Noh, of Platts Coal Group, says that PRB coal is selling low because of the warm winter and lower natural gas prices.
3 Injured In Accident on I-25 Near WY-CO Line
Three people have been hospitalized in Cheyenne after a three-vehicle crash that shut down southbound Interstate 25 for an hour. The crash happened Wednesday at around 8:30 a.m. just north of the Wyoming-Colorado border. The Wyoming Highway Patrol said 18-year-old Antonio Martinez slowed his pickup truck to make a U-turn on I-25 and was rear-ended by a GMC Jimmy driven by 35-year-old Luke Melchior of Cheyenne. Melchior's vehicle then collided with a commercial truck. The patrol said Melchior had life-threatening injuries. Martinez and a passenger in the GMC Jimmy, Frank McHenry, were in serious condition at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.
PARKS, HISTORIC SITES AND TRAILS FREE MOBILE APP
THE OFFICIAL WYOMING STATE PARKS, HISTORIC SITES AND TRAILS FREE MOBILE APP IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH POCKET RANGER. ACCORDING TO DOMENIC BRAVO, PARKS ADMINISTRATOR, THE NEW APP FEATURES ADVANCED GPS MAPPING, AN AREA LOCATOR, SEARCH ACTIVITIES, DETAILED FACILITY INFORMATION, RECORD TRACKS AND SAVE WAYPOINTS, GEOCACHE CAPABILITIES AND GEOCHALLENGE ACTIVITIES AND GAMES.
ADDITIONALLY, THE APP PROVIDES INFORMATION TO ALL WYOMING STATE PARKS, HISTORIC SITES AS WELL AS THE TRAILS PROGRAM AND LINKS TO THE DIVISION’S WEBSITE. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE APP ON ITUNES OR ANDROID MARKET AS “POCKET RANGER.” OR YOU CAN FIND IT ONLINE AT WYOPARKS.ORG.
ADDITIONALLY, THE APP PROVIDES INFORMATION TO ALL WYOMING STATE PARKS, HISTORIC SITES AS WELL AS THE TRAILS PROGRAM AND LINKS TO THE DIVISION’S WEBSITE. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE APP ON ITUNES OR ANDROID MARKET AS “POCKET RANGER.” OR YOU CAN FIND IT ONLINE AT WYOPARKS.ORG.
Sweetwater County Fair
Fans attending the Sweetwater County Fair – Wyoming’s Big Show on Saturday, August 4, 2012, will enjoy the 2012 Roots and Boots Tour featuring Joe Diffie and Sammy Kershaw when these two Country Stars come together in one venue to perform their timeless hit songs. This will be an incredible night of music in an amazing venue, allowing fair-goers to get a good, up-close view of Sammy and Joe...there's not a bad seat in the house.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Noyes Health Care Center in Baggs closes doors
The Noyes Health Care Center in Baggs has permanently closed. The only health care provider in town announced its closure in a news release Tuesday. It says it will advertise dates when patients can get copies of their medical records. A staff member also will be retained for two weeks as patients move to other health care providers. The Little Snake River Valley EMS will not be affected by the closure. Details of why the center closed weren't given. The center said in a news release that its board had faced many challenges over the past several years and that the decision to close came after a thorough assessment and investigation.
Riverton Baby Born Enroute To The Hospital
A Wyoming woman has given birth in a car while she and her husband were racing to a Riverton hospital. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the baby was born late Sunday along U.S. 26 about 20 miles from Riverton. A trooper had pulled the couple over for speeding at about 10 p.m. When the husband explained the baby was coming, the trooper told them to drive into Riverton while he followed. After about 25 miles, the couple pulled over as the baby girl was born. The trooper summoned an ambulance. A second trooper who once worked as a paramedic arrived, and he wrapped the baby in a blanket and cleared her airway. The ambulance took mother and daughter to Riverton Memorial Hospital. Names of the parents and troopers weren't released.
Lifesaving work of Detention Center staff recognized
According to Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr., six Sweetwater County Detention Center staff members received awards at the regular County Commission meeting in Green River on March 20th.
According to the award citation, “At about 4:30 AM on January 17, 2012, an inmate at the Sweetwater County Detention Center was discovered to be undergoing a life-threatening cardiac emergency.
The inmate, who was unresponsive, was revived and transported to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. She was then air-transported to a hospital facility Utah where she was treated and is expected to recover.
According to the award citation, “At about 4:30 AM on January 17, 2012, an inmate at the Sweetwater County Detention Center was discovered to be undergoing a life-threatening cardiac emergency.
The inmate, who was unresponsive, was revived and transported to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. She was then air-transported to a hospital facility Utah where she was treated and is expected to recover.
Statement Released About Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation’s investigation of Sweetwater County Sheriff
Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that Rock Springs attorney Steve Palmer, who represents Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell,issued a statement on Tuesday, regarding the completion of the recent Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation’s investigation.
Haskell had been accused of inappropriate expenditure of public funds and using public funds to pay relatives for services performed for the County.
Haskell had been accused of inappropriate expenditure of public funds and using public funds to pay relatives for services performed for the County.
Wyo. to welcome veterans home March 30
People around Wyoming will be encouraged to say thanks to all veterans on March 30, which has been designated Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day. This will be the second annual event after Wyoming Veterans Welcome Home Day was codified into state law last year. The Wyoming Veterans Commission says several celebrations are planned March 30. Gov. Matt Mead and others plan to speak at ceremonies that day in Wheatland, Gillette, Worland, Laramie and Cheyenne.
FERC denies petition against Douglas wind farm
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has denied a petition against two wind farms south of Douglas. A group of residents in the area has been fighting to stop Wasatch Wind from going through with the projects. They contended the company had improperly divided its proposal into two projects to take advantage of federal rules favoring smaller projects. But the federal commission last week said it would not examine the group's claim. Wasatch Wind spokesman Michelle Stevens says that the company has followed the law. The company plans to begin construction this spring.
Foundation makes $1M donation to UW nursing school
The McMurry Foundation is making a $1 million donation to the University of Wyoming nursing school for scholarships. The foundation says a formal announcement is planned Thursday at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. The foundation says the scholarships will increase opportunities for nurses to earn a bachelor's degree or higher. UW School of Nursing Dean Mary Burman and former Sen. Barbara Cubin will attend the news conference, along with Wyoming Medical Center CEO Vickie Diamond.
Rock Springs gets 2015 high school rodeo finals
Rock Springs will host the National High School Finals Rodeo through 2015. The rodeo already was scheduled to be held this year and next year at the Sweetwater County Events Complex, but the National High School Rodeo Association decided recently to extend it by another year. Sweetwater County fended off competition from locations in Texas and New Mexico to continue conducting the rodeo through 2015. Gov. Matt Mead was among those attending the announcement of the extension. Mead says that hosting the national finals represented the independent spirit of the people of Wyoming.
Settlement Awarded to Worker
The U.S. Labor Department has ordered Union Pacific to pay an engineer $24,823 for forcing the employee to continue working while ill. Officials say the engineer told UP officials that he was too sick to continue working safely, but railroad officials intimidated the engineer and persuaded him not to seek medical attention. Railroad spokesman Mark Davis says Union Pacific plans to appeal the decision.b The incident happened while the engineer was travelling between Green River and his home base of Pocatello, Idaho.
Prescribed fires
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) High Desert District plans to conduct five prescribed fire treatments within the Rawlins (RFO) and Pinedale (PFO) field office areas this spring.
Prescribed fires are designed to improve wildlife habitat and watersheds, increase forage distribution and production for livestock, improve rangeland vegetation health, reduce the hazardous build-up of fuels, slow the encroachment of pine and juniper into productive grasslands and stimulate aspen growth.
Planned prescribed fires in the RFO include:
· Marking Pen Creek: 2,000 acres of mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, sagebrush, aspen and conifers will be burned within the 7,000 acre project area 25 miles northeast of Rawlins, Wyo. in the Seminoe Mountains.
· Miner Creek/East Ferris: 8,250 acres of sagebrush, mountain shrubs, aspen and conifer will be burned within the 144,250 acre project area 25 miles north of Rawlins on the east portion of Ferris Mountain.
· Iron Mountain: 400 acres of mountain mahogany, bitterbrush and sagebrush will be burned within a total area of 6,250 acres 30 miles northwest of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Planned prescribed fires in the PFO include:
· Upper Billies: 450 acres of conifer encroached aspen will be burned across 850 acres along the Wyoming Range front 20 miles northwest of Big Piney, Wyo.
· Camp Creek: 210 acres of conifer encroached aspen will be burned within the 3,523 acre project area 20 miles northwest of Big Piney. This treatment is a continuation of the prescribed burn initiated in June of 2011.
Prescribed fires are designed to improve wildlife habitat and watersheds, increase forage distribution and production for livestock, improve rangeland vegetation health, reduce the hazardous build-up of fuels, slow the encroachment of pine and juniper into productive grasslands and stimulate aspen growth.
Planned prescribed fires in the RFO include:
· Marking Pen Creek: 2,000 acres of mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, sagebrush, aspen and conifers will be burned within the 7,000 acre project area 25 miles northeast of Rawlins, Wyo. in the Seminoe Mountains.
· Miner Creek/East Ferris: 8,250 acres of sagebrush, mountain shrubs, aspen and conifer will be burned within the 144,250 acre project area 25 miles north of Rawlins on the east portion of Ferris Mountain.
· Iron Mountain: 400 acres of mountain mahogany, bitterbrush and sagebrush will be burned within a total area of 6,250 acres 30 miles northwest of Cheyenne, Wyo.
Planned prescribed fires in the PFO include:
· Upper Billies: 450 acres of conifer encroached aspen will be burned across 850 acres along the Wyoming Range front 20 miles northwest of Big Piney, Wyo.
· Camp Creek: 210 acres of conifer encroached aspen will be burned within the 3,523 acre project area 20 miles northwest of Big Piney. This treatment is a continuation of the prescribed burn initiated in June of 2011.
Monday, March 19, 2012
State board Oks grant to help land data center
The State Loan and Investment Board has approved a $5 million grant to help bring a proposed $112 million data center to Cheyenne. Cheyenne is 1 of 2 finalists in the Rocky Mountain region for the data center. State officials have declined to identify the company behind the project, but they say it is a Fortune 100 firm. The state board approved the $5 million grant on Monday. Gov. Matt Mead says he's willing to provide another $5 million in state money to help land the center, bringing the state's total possible contribution to $10 million. The money would be used to help pay for infrastructure costs if Cheyenne is chosen.
Bears Are Emerging Early
Wildlife officials say grizzly bears are coming out of hibernation and have been spotted along the Rocky Mountain Front and in Yellowstone National Park. Just before the recent snow storm, a Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden spotted a female grizzly with three cubs on the Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area near Choteau. Another grizzly female with a couple of cubs was reported west of Dupuyer. FWP bear management specialist Mike Madel says it's unusual for family groups to be out in mid-March. Adult males usually emerge from winter dens first, and may already be out. Yellowstone National Park officials say bear activity has been reported in several areas of the park. Bears that come out of their winter sleep this early focus on finding and eating winter-killed elk and deer.
No Antler Hunting Until May
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding people not to be in too much of a hurry to collect antlers from public lands in western Wyoming. Collecting antlers that have been shed from elk and other big game animals is prohibited on state and federal land west of the Continental Divide each Jan. 1 through April 30. Wyoming enacted the rule two years ago after many antler hunters made a practice of getting too close to big game animals in western Wyoming. Prime antler specimens can sell for hundreds of dollars but Game and Fish says overeager antler collectors can create stress for animals during the lean winter and spring months.
National Red Cross Month is Being Highlighted in Wyoming
The American Red Cross is celebrating National Red Cross month during March. Spencer Pollock, Chief Operations Manager with the state of Wyoming High Plains Branch Office in Cheyenne says the key to responding to any disaster is being prepared.
One of the biggest ways you can help the Red Cross to stay prepared is simply to donate money now... before a disaster strikes.
For more information on how to donate and other ways you can help, go to wyomingredcross.org.
One of the biggest ways you can help the Red Cross to stay prepared is simply to donate money now... before a disaster strikes.
For more information on how to donate and other ways you can help, go to wyomingredcross.org.
Woman accused of Wyo. welfare fraud
A 28-year-old woman has been accused of defrauding the Wyoming Department of Family Services by falsely claiming her daughter on applications for welfare benefits. Elizabeth M. Cook is charged with obtaining assistance of services by misrepresentation. Investigators say that Cook collected about $11,500 worth of benefits between August 2009 and March 2010 by filling out forms indicating that she had custody of her daughter in Gillette. But investigators say in court documents that the daughter was in the custody of her father in Idaho at the time. If convicted, Cook could face up to 20 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
Deal signed, bison going to Fort Peck
Sixty-four bison from Yellowstone National Park are set to arrive on northeast Montana's Fort Peck Indian Reservation under a long-stalled initiative to repopulate parts of the West with the iconic animals. Robert Magnan with the Fort Peck Fish and Game Department says tribal and state officials signed an agreement late Friday allowing the transfer to take place. Magnan says the date of the shipment was kept quiet until it was under way to avoid a court injunction. A group of northeastern Montana landowners and property groups have sued to stop the transfer. The bison have been quarantined for several years to ensure they are free of the disease brucellosis. But critics of the animals' relocation have lingering concerns about bison competing with cattle for rangeland.
Horse Racing Businesses Get 3-year Permits
Wyoming's only licensed horse racing operator says a new state law that allows regulators to issue 3-year permits to horse racing businesses will bring stability to the industry. The law signed by Gov. Matt Mead this month gives the state commission that oversees horse racing the power to issue permits of up to three years for live and simulcast racing.
Blowing Dust Expected Across The Powder River Basin
Blowing dust is expected across the Powder River Basin through this afternoon with gusts as high as 55 mph. The Wyoming Air Quality Division says the elderly, young children and anyone with respiratory problems should mostly stay indoors and avoid intense physical activity.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Hunters harvest estimated 43,400 Colo. elk in '11
State wildlife biologists say hunters in Colorado last year harvested about 43,400 elk, down about 9.5% from 2010. Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said Friday the total is still more than in any other state. Wildlife officials say the lower harvest may be partly because fewer cow elk licenses were available. The success rate for hunters harvesting elk was 21% last year, compared with 22% in 2010. Colorado has an estimated 280,000 elk. Wyoming hasn't posted 2011 figures online yet, but the 10-year average there is about 22,000 elk harvested each year, with success rates for elk hunters averaging around 40%. Hunters harvested an estimated 33,200 deer and 11,700 pronghorn in Colorado last year. Colorado uses surveys to estimate harvest numbers.
Tourist visits to Sweetwater Co. rise in 2011
The hotel and motel occupancy rate in Sweetwater County in 2011 rose by 7% over the previous year. Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism Board Executive Director Jenissa Bartlett says a media campaign last year worked to promote Sweetwater County in Salt Lake City and Denver. The campaign marketed Sweetwater County as a stop along the way to national parks. Other marketing efforts include creating a convention and sporting event recruitment committee to help draw visitors to the area and bringing travel writers in for tours.
High prices thrill Wyo. and Colo. bison ranchers
Wyoming and Colorado ranchers are loving the bison meat prices. They are now at an all-time high. In 2010, bison went for about $2.38 a pound. This year, the going rate is closer to $3.90, and prices for live animals are strong as well. According to one rancher, the demand for bison meat is growing because consumers are finding out how good the product is. Dave Carter of the National Bison Association, says that he expects bison prices to remain strong and that Wyoming and Colorado are well situated to grow with the industry.
BLM Closes Hartt Cabin Draw Road Near Baggs
Serena Baker with the Bureau of Land Management announced last Friday that the BLM Rawlins Field Office has closed the Hartt Cabin Draw Road.
Baker says that a large culvert washed out making the road unsafe for travel.
For more information, contact Andy Skordas, Supervisory Civil Engineer, at 307-328-4374.
Baker says that a large culvert washed out making the road unsafe for travel.
For more information, contact Andy Skordas, Supervisory Civil Engineer, at 307-328-4374.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Hartt Cabin Draw Road Closed By the BLM
The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office has closed the Hartt Cabin Draw Road. A large culvert washed out making the road unsafe for travel. Hartt Cabin Draw Road is an unnumbered dirt road, approximately 20 miles west of Baggs which branches off Carbon County Road 700, also known as Sand Creek Road. It is a high traffic road used by recreationists, oil and gas companies, grazing permittees, and other public land users. Road closure signs have been posted. Hartt Cabin Draw Road will be closed until further notice.
Two More Arrested In Hudson Murder Case
Two more people have been arrested in connection with the killings of 2 people in Hudson. Twenty-2-year-old Ryan Blake Hanway of Arapahoe was arrested Thursday on two counts of alleged conspiracy to commit murder and one count of alleged conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. A 15-year-old Riverton boy was also arrested Wednesday. Fremont County Capt. Ryan Lee says that he will be charged as an adult. Three other people have already been arrested in the slayings of Clinton Likes and his girlfriend, Elva Quiver, in Likes' home in November. Investigators allege the home was set on fire two days later to cover up the crime. State public defender Diane Lozano said all five are being represented by public defenders. The attorneys couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
Cindy Hill Unphased By Criticism
Just over a year into her job as Wyoming's top public education official, Cindy Hill is finding that the learning curve in managing a large government agency can be more challenging than running a grade school. Hill has seen an exodus of employees from the Department of Education under her watch. Fifty of some 150 employees under the previous superintendent have left. One former division director contends the department has become a hostile workplace and is in chaos. Some lawmakers have questioned her management of the agency. Hill says her department is functioning fine and the criticism against her is mostly political. She says some longtime employees were uncomfortable with her changing department focus to more on helping teachers improve classroom instruction.
More help for school bullying in Wyoming
People looking for help dealing with school bullying now have an alternative to relying on school officials. The founders of a program called Bullying Hurts have developed a link to their website where parents, victims and others can report a bullying problem. Marvin Nash, of Cheyenne, describes it as a 911 for bullying. Nash says the free reporting link seeks detailed information about the problem so that he can act as a go-between to help resolve the issue. He says it's an expansion of a pilot bullying ombudsman program he had with the Cheyenne school district this winter. You can find out more at bullyinghurts.com.
Cheyenne 1 of 2 finalists for $112M data canter
The Wyoming Business Council says Cheyenne is 1 of 2 finalists for a proposed $112 million data center that would create 40 new jobs. Molly Spangler with the Business Council says the company will choose between Cheyenne and another location in the region within the next two to six weeks. Wyoming is looking at offering $10 million in grants to help lure the data center to Cheyenne. Business Council officials aren't naming the company and say doing so could hurt the city's chances. They say it's a Fortune 100 company with an international presence.
Center for Rural Affairs
Small towns are becoming increasingly reliant on Medicaid. A new study from the Center for Rural Affairs calls Medicaid a “vital insurance source” in rural Wyoming – and there are several reasons why, according to study author Jon Bailey.
Bailey says while some view Medicaid as “welfare,” he found that about 65 percent of families using the coverage have at least one family member in the workforce. He adds that Medicaid is a critical piece of the rural health care system that serves everyone, because program money is a significant source of funding for healthcare providers and industry jobs.
Bailey says he found that Medicaid coverage was most often used by children, low-income Wyomingites with disabilities, low-income seniors and pregnant women.
Bailey says while some view Medicaid as “welfare,” he found that about 65 percent of families using the coverage have at least one family member in the workforce. He adds that Medicaid is a critical piece of the rural health care system that serves everyone, because program money is a significant source of funding for healthcare providers and industry jobs.
Bailey says he found that Medicaid coverage was most often used by children, low-income Wyomingites with disabilities, low-income seniors and pregnant women.
The Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors
The Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors held a community open dialog session, heard updates from four of its operational divisions as well as reviewed applications for Business Ready Community (BRC) Business Committed and Community Facilities grants at its March 15 meeting in Douglas, Wyo.
The Business Council’s Agribusiness, Business and Industry, Rural Development/Wyoming Main Street, and regional office divisions reported on their recent work. The board also evaluated two Business Ready Community Business Committed grant applications totaling $7,531,424 and four BRC Community Facilities program applications totaling $3,614,950.
The Business Council administers the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program (BRC), which provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities. The Business Council board is required by statute to forward BRC grant recommendations to the SLIB for final approval. The SLIB is made up of the five statewide elected officials: Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Max Maxfield, State Treasurer Joe Meyer, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill.
The Business Council’s Agribusiness, Business and Industry, Rural Development/Wyoming Main Street, and regional office divisions reported on their recent work. The board also evaluated two Business Ready Community Business Committed grant applications totaling $7,531,424 and four BRC Community Facilities program applications totaling $3,614,950.
The Business Council administers the Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program (BRC), which provides financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities. The Business Council board is required by statute to forward BRC grant recommendations to the SLIB for final approval. The SLIB is made up of the five statewide elected officials: Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Max Maxfield, State Treasurer Joe Meyer, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office To Step Up Enforcement For St. Patty's Day
Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, and the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting special DUI patrols March 16 and 17. Detective Dick Blust. Jr. says that crashes involving drunk drivers spike nationwide over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and the extra patrols have been set up as part of a campaign to cut down on DUI-related injury and death.
Thirty percent of Americans will be involved at some point in their lives in an alcohol-related crash, whether they have been drinking or not, and statistics confirm that alcohol is a factor in forty percent of all crash fatalities.
Blust also wants to remind you that if someone you are with has had too much to drink and is about to drive, stop them; they’ll thank you for it later. You are also encouraged to call in a drunk driver if you see them on the road. Be sure to get a vehicle description and license plate number.
Thirty percent of Americans will be involved at some point in their lives in an alcohol-related crash, whether they have been drinking or not, and statistics confirm that alcohol is a factor in forty percent of all crash fatalities.
Blust also wants to remind you that if someone you are with has had too much to drink and is about to drive, stop them; they’ll thank you for it later. You are also encouraged to call in a drunk driver if you see them on the road. Be sure to get a vehicle description and license plate number.
Sailors Relieved He Lived Long Enough To Receive Honor
Wyoming basketball great Kenny Sailors says he's relieved he's lived long enough to be elected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Sailors is 91 and says he was personally notified of the honor by the chairman of the selection committee. Sailors led Wyoming to the 1943 NCAA title.
Warnings of High Water On North Platte In April
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says fishermen should be on the lookout for high water on the North Platte River in early April. Authorities asked for more water from the Gray Reef Reservoir to maintain fish spawning habitat and increase populations of the invertebrates that fish eat. The increased flows will begin April 2 and peak in the early morning.
Wildlife Official Search For Wolves That Attacked Dog
Wildlife officials are searching for wolves that attacked a dog in the Jackson area. The Jackson Hole Daily reports that the dog survived the attack. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service says there are at least two wolves in the area and authorities are seeking to capture and kill them.
Eagle Permit Sparking Outrage
A Native American tribe in Wyoming has been granted a license by federal officials to kill 2 bald eagles for a religious ceremony. Normally they would be given eagles that were about to die but in this instance they are getting 2 bald eagles that are not about to die. There was no reason given as to why the federal officials granted the license. The move is sparking outrage across the nation as many patriots are wondering why anyone in this country is allowed to kill the nation symbol, religious reasons or not.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
US appeals court allows wolf hunts
A federal appeals court has rejected a lawsuit from conservation groups that want to block wolf hunts that have killed more than 500 of the predators across the Northern Rockies in recent months. The ruling said Congress had the right to intervene when it stripped protections from wolves last spring. That amendment marked the first time Congress has forcibly removed a species' endangered status. Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson said opponents "no longer have a defensible position." Michael Robinson with the Center for Biological Diversity said a Supreme Court appeal was possible but no decision had been made. He called the congressional budget bill rider that lifted protections "undemocratic" and said that it set a precedent for future political meddling with imperiled wildlife.
Sheridan Hospital Cited For Sterilization Problems
The state health department says Sheridan Memorial Hospital was cited for not properly sterilizing devices used during surgeries but has corrected the problem. The department received a tip in November about the cleaning of masks used to help patients breathe during surgery. The department said it immediately inspected the hospital and found it wasn't following recommended sterilization procedures and wasn't tracking how many times each device had been used. The violation was publicized Tuesday by national consumer watchdog group Public Citizen. The health department and the hospital say there have been no reports of illnesses caused by the devices. However, the state hasn't notified patients of the violation and isn't required to do so. Regulators plan to follow up with a surprise inspection.
BLM To Hold Meeting Thursday On Oil Shale And Tar Pits Development
The Wyoming Wildlife Federation is calling wildlife supporters to attend the Bureau of Land Management meeting tonight in Rock Springs. Public Land Organizer Matthew Copeland says the BLM is calling for public input on their draft plan for oil shale and tar sands development in northwestern Colorado, southwestern Wyoming, and northeastern Utah.
Copeland is hoping sportsmen will show support for the BLM's proposal to take a much more cautious approach to oil shale development and to limit leasing to research and development projects. He also believes that all fish and wildlife habitats should be excluded from oil shale activity.
The meeting will be held tonight from 7 to 9:30 PM at the Rock Springs BLM Office.
Copeland is hoping sportsmen will show support for the BLM's proposal to take a much more cautious approach to oil shale development and to limit leasing to research and development projects. He also believes that all fish and wildlife habitats should be excluded from oil shale activity.
The meeting will be held tonight from 7 to 9:30 PM at the Rock Springs BLM Office.
WY Senators Vote Against Federal Tax Break For Wind Energy Production
Both of Wyoming's senators voted against a proposal to extend a federal tax break for wind energy production. The measure failed in a 49-49 vote yesterday. Sixty votes were needed for it to advance. A spokesman for Sen. Mike Enzi told the Casper Star-Tribune that the amendment would have added $11.7 billion over 10 years to the budget deficit.
Man Accused of Supplying Rawllns Cocaine Dealer
A Colorado man recently sentenced to prison on drug charges is accused of supplying a Rawlins cocaine dealer. Fifty-year-old Manuel Ersmo Trujillo of Johnstown was sentenced in January to 18 years behind bars in Colorado. The Rawlins Daily Times reports that Trujillo is now in Carbon County to face the new charges.
Permit to Kill Bald Eagles
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken the unusual step of issuing a permit allowing an American Indian tribe to kill two bald eagles for religious purposes.
The agency's decision comes after the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming filed a federal lawsuit last year contending the refusal to issue such permits violates tribal members' religious freedom. Although thousands of American Indians apply for eagle feathers and carcasses from a federal repository, permits allowing the killing of bald eagles are exceedingly rare, according to both tribal and legal experts on the matter.
The agency's decision comes after the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming filed a federal lawsuit last year contending the refusal to issue such permits violates tribal members' religious freedom. Although thousands of American Indians apply for eagle feathers and carcasses from a federal repository, permits allowing the killing of bald eagles are exceedingly rare, according to both tribal and legal experts on the matter.
School District Meeting
School District #2 met for its March meeting Tuesday night, Erick Pauley has the story
RS Vandals
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has recently discovered two vandalized bridges in the Rock Springs area and would like to warn residents and travelers of the
penalties associated with vandalizing state property. Several concrete pillars were vandalized on a bridge near exit 107 on Interstate 80. The bridge carries interstate traffic over Swanson Drive on the Northeast part of town. The pillars were defaced with spray paint. A second I-80 Bridge that runs over Dewar Drive near Exit 102 was also ruined with paint. WYDOT crews have removed the graffiti on Swanson Drive and will be continuing removal efforts on the Dewar Drive Bridge, which will also need repainting. If anyone has any information about these vandalism incidents, or any other acts of vandalism on
highways in Sweetwater County, please contact WYDOT at 307-352-3000.
penalties associated with vandalizing state property. Several concrete pillars were vandalized on a bridge near exit 107 on Interstate 80. The bridge carries interstate traffic over Swanson Drive on the Northeast part of town. The pillars were defaced with spray paint. A second I-80 Bridge that runs over Dewar Drive near Exit 102 was also ruined with paint. WYDOT crews have removed the graffiti on Swanson Drive and will be continuing removal efforts on the Dewar Drive Bridge, which will also need repainting. If anyone has any information about these vandalism incidents, or any other acts of vandalism on
highways in Sweetwater County, please contact WYDOT at 307-352-3000.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
WY Ranks In The Middle For Revenue At Indian Casinos
An annual report says among the 29 states that have Indian gambling, Wyoming ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of revenue at the casinos. The Indian Gaming Industry Report shows declining growth in revenue from Indian casinos. Wyoming Public Radio reports in 2010, revenue growth at Indian casinos was down to just over 1%.
Owner Determined To Build Horse Slaughtering Plant in SW Missouri
The founder of a Wyoming company says she is determined to build a horse slaughtering and processing plant in southwest Missouri, despite strong opposition from some residents. During the Wright County Livestock Auction yesterday, Unified Equine CEO Sue Wallis said a building near Mountain Grove is no longer being considered for the plant, but she says it will be based elsewhere in southwest Missouri.
Doobie Brothers Drummer and Resident of Dubois Dies
Longtime Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack has died at age 65. The band's manager, Bruce Cohn, says Hossack died of cancer yesterday in his home in Dubois (DO'-boys), Wyo. Hossack's drumming can be heard on early hits including "Listen To The Music," ''China Grove" and "Blackwater." He stopped performing with the band two years ago while struggling with cancer.
Wyoming tribe gets rare permit to kill bald eagles
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken the unusual step of issuing a permit allowing an American Indian tribe to kill two bald eagles for religious purposes. The agency's decision comes after the Northern Arapaho Tribe in Wyoming filed a federal lawsuit last year contending the refusal to issue such permits violates tribal members' religious freedom. Although thousands of American Indians apply for eagle feathers and carcasses from a federal repository, permits allowing the killing of bald eagles are exceedingly rare, according to both tribal and legal experts on the matter. Federal law prohibits the killing of bald eagles, the national bird, in almost all cases. The government keeps eagle feathers and body parts in a federal repository and tribal members can apply for them for use in religious ceremonies.
Harlem Ambassadors Take Time Out To Speak To The Kids At Pilot Butte Elementary
The Harlem Ambassadors will not only perform their entertaining basketball game tonight, they are also taking the time to speak to local kids. Brittany Wells with the Sweetwater County Library Foundation says the group will present an assembly today at Pilot Butte Elementary School at 4:30 PM.
The assembly is called “Stay In School, Stay Off Drugs.” During the program, the team will perform a few ball handling tricks and then share an individual inspirational message drawing from their personal stories.
Tonight, the Harlem Ambassadors will take on the Sweetwater County Read’n Rebels at 7 p.m. in the gym at Western Wyoming Community College. All of the proceeds will benefit
the Sweetwater County Library Foundation as part of the Wyoming Library Endowment Challenge.
The assembly is called “Stay In School, Stay Off Drugs.” During the program, the team will perform a few ball handling tricks and then share an individual inspirational message drawing from their personal stories.
Tonight, the Harlem Ambassadors will take on the Sweetwater County Read’n Rebels at 7 p.m. in the gym at Western Wyoming Community College. All of the proceeds will benefit
the Sweetwater County Library Foundation as part of the Wyoming Library Endowment Challenge.
Sailors To Be Honored At UW Game
The University of Wyoming will honor Kenny Sailors at halftime of Wyoming's game against North Dakota State tomorrow night. The 91-year-old Sailors (equals) led Wyoming to the 1943 NCAA Championship. He is credited by some with being the first to use the modern day jump shot.
Driver In Fatal Rollover Wanted In Florida
A driver accused of causing a fatal rollover crash on Interstate 80 in Wyoming is wanted by authorities in Florida. A 6-year-old girl from Plainfield, Ill., Dynasty X. Barcenas, died in the crash early Friday morning while on her way to California for a wedding with her family. Twenty-4-year-old Daniel Rebarchek of Wheatland, Wyo. is accused of hitting the rear end of the family's Nissan Armada. The Wyoming Highway Patrol said he didn't stop and was arrested at a truck stop later. It's reported Tuesday that he was wanted on a warrant from the Polk County Sheriff's Department in Florida for fleeing, burglary and criminal mischief. He was also wanted by Miami Dade police for alleged drunken driving.
Spring Preparations Begin In Grand Teton National Park
Crews are clearing roads in Grand Teton National Park in preparation for spring. The work to clear snow from the Moose-Wilson Road and Teton Park Road began yesterday. Other roads in the Park as well as in Yellowstone National Park are being closed temporarily due to spring grizzly bear activity.
Fresno Mayor Talks Bankruptcy for City
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin is not ruling out bankruptcy to solve the city's bleak financial crisis. The mayor says the city is on its way to a 66-million-dollar budget deficit by 2017 if it continues on its current path. She wants city employees to come back to the bargaining table in hopes of reducing medical benefit and retirement costs. Mayor Swearengin is expected to present the Fiscal Sustainability Policy to the City Council next Thursday.
Sports
The NCAA Tournament tips off tonight with two of the "First Four" contests from Dayton, Ohio. Tonight's first matchup features 16-seeds Mississippi Valley State and Western Kentucky vying to move on and face number-one overall tournament seed Kentucky. After that, 14-seeds Brigham Young University and Iona meet for the right to face Florida in the second round.
Randy Moss is back in the NFL. NFL Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers have given the 35-year-old a one-year contract.
NBA Scores
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Boston Celtics 94, Los Angeles Clippers 85
NBA Tonight
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Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings
Randy Moss is back in the NFL. NFL Network reports that the San Francisco 49ers have given the 35-year-old a one-year contract.
NBA Scores
------
Boston Celtics 94, Los Angeles Clippers 85
NBA Tonight
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Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies
Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings
BLM Emissions Review
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has reviewed current emissions data and has made a preliminary determination that Pinedale Anticline Project Area (PAPA) operators have met the requirements for Visibility Milestone #2 as stipulated in the 2008 Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision.
The preliminary determination is based on a combination of reported 2011 and estimated 2012 NOx (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) emissions. The estimated emissions total of 1,618.28 tons/year is below the modeled threshold value of 1,703.5 tons/year which predicted an impact of 10 days or less of visibility impairment greater than one deciview within the Bridger Wilderness Area.
The preliminary determination is based on a combination of reported 2011 and estimated 2012 NOx (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide) emissions. The estimated emissions total of 1,618.28 tons/year is below the modeled threshold value of 1,703.5 tons/year which predicted an impact of 10 days or less of visibility impairment greater than one deciview within the Bridger Wilderness Area.
Government watchdogs
Government watchdogs and the general public in Wyoming have new tools to keep track of what agencies and boards are doing. The budget session that ended Thursday advanced two bills that address concerns rising out of the digital age. Dan Neal with the Equality State Policy Center says one bill bans public meetings from happening electronically unless the public can sit in and either hear or read the discussion as it happens. The second bill deals with the issue of government emails being public records.
Neal describes the new sunshine bills as products of political compromise. He had hoped there would be a deadline to provide the records requested, and hopes that can be discussed in the future.
Neal says when someone makes a public records request, it has to be acknowledged within seven days.
Neal describes the new sunshine bills as products of political compromise. He had hoped there would be a deadline to provide the records requested, and hopes that can be discussed in the future.
Neal says when someone makes a public records request, it has to be acknowledged within seven days.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Wanted Sex Offender On The Run
A man convicted of 3rd Degree Sexual Assault, is now on the run. The Fugitive Task Force is looking for 29-year-old Jedediah Moore. He's wanted on a warrant for failing to register as a sex offender and a parole violation. Moore was working for the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, when he saw his name in the paper last month and took off. Authorities believe he's still in the Cheyenne area. Anyone with information can call the Laramie County Sheriff's Department at 633-4732 or Silent Witness at 638-TIPS.
Harlem Ambassadors Tour Coming To Sweetwater County
The Sweetwater County Library Foundation will be hosting the internationally-acclaimed Harlem
Ambassadors in Sweetwater County for a game at the Western Wyoming Community College Gym on
Wednesday at 7 p.m. Brittany Wells says the Ambassadors offer non-stop laughs as well as a positive message for kids.
The Ambassadors are playing against the local hometown heroes called the Sweetwater County Read’n
Rebels.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children/students are free. Everyone must have a ticket to attend the game including the kids
Ambassadors in Sweetwater County for a game at the Western Wyoming Community College Gym on
Wednesday at 7 p.m. Brittany Wells says the Ambassadors offer non-stop laughs as well as a positive message for kids.
The Ambassadors are playing against the local hometown heroes called the Sweetwater County Read’n
Rebels.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children/students are free. Everyone must have a ticket to attend the game including the kids
Threat of Flooding In Forecast
The National Weather Service is warning of a threat of flooding as warm weather breaks up river ice. Forecasters say there's an increased potential for minor flooding below 8,000 feet through midweek. Ice broken free from rivers could cause flooding if they get jammed in sharp turns or bends. Temperatures could reach into the 60s in eastern Wyoming and near 50 in west of the Continental Divide.
Grand Teton Music Festival Sets Dates
The Grand Teton Music Festival has set dates for its 51st season this summer. The classical music festival will run from July 4 to Aug. 18. Among the guests scheduled for the festival are Scottish percussion virtuoso Colin Currie, MacArthur piano "Genius" Stephen Hough, Bay Area jazz string combo the Turtle Island Quartet and Juno Award-winning Wailin' Jenny Ruth Moody.
Wyoming will regulate mixed martial arts fights
Ultimate fighting fans could soon get a chance to see a high-profile bout in Wyoming. Gov. Matt Mead signed a bill into law on Thursday that creates a state-run mixed martial arts board. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Bryan Pedersen, a Cheyenne Republican, to help bring an Ultimate Fighting Championship event to Wyoming. The organization only holds events in states that regulate mixed-martial arts. Wyoming was among a handful that didn't. Mead will appoint three members to the new board once the law takes effect July 1. Fight organizers will have to hand over 5% of their sales to pay for the board.
HUD Funds
A public review period will open next week to collect comments on how U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds were utilized in the state.
HUD requires the public be provided an opportunity to review and comment on the Performance Evaluation Report (PER), a report on funding used for the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).
The performance report will be available for comment March 13-28.
The plan may be accessed via the Wyoming Business Council website at (URL WHEN POSTED). Digital and hard copies are available upon request. People requiring special formatting, assistance, or non-English accommodations should contact Julie Kozlowski at Julie.kozlowski@wyo.gov or at (307) 777-2812 to request alternative formats. Wyoming Relay Service is also available during regular business hours at 711.
Written comments are encouraged and may be submitted to Kozlowski, through the Wyoming Business Council Website, or sent to the Wyoming Business Council at 214 W 15th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002.
The Performance Evaluation Report will be submitted to HUD by March 30, 2011.
HUD requires the public be provided an opportunity to review and comment on the Performance Evaluation Report (PER), a report on funding used for the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).
The performance report will be available for comment March 13-28.
The plan may be accessed via the Wyoming Business Council website at (URL WHEN POSTED). Digital and hard copies are available upon request. People requiring special formatting, assistance, or non-English accommodations should contact Julie Kozlowski at Julie.kozlowski@wyo.gov or at (307) 777-2812 to request alternative formats. Wyoming Relay Service is also available during regular business hours at 711.
Written comments are encouraged and may be submitted to Kozlowski, through the Wyoming Business Council Website, or sent to the Wyoming Business Council at 214 W 15th Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002.
The Performance Evaluation Report will be submitted to HUD by March 30, 2011.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
sweetwater county rollover fatal accident
The Highway Patrol says a 6-year-old girl is dead and 7 of her relatives are injured following a rollover crash on Interstate 80 that happened Friday. Sgt. Stephen Townsend says Dynasty X. Barcenas of Plainfield, Ill., died following the crash around 3:30 a.m. Friday in Sweetwater County. According to a press release, a car driven by 24-year-old Daniel Rebarchek of Wheatland hit the rear end of an SUV carrying the child and 8 of her relatives, and the vehicle went off the road and rolled over. Everyone in the SUV except the driver were ejected. The driver escaped injury but all others were taken to area hospitals. Rebarcheck did not stop following the accident and was arrested a couple hours later. He faces several charges including aggravated vehicular homicide.
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