Main Street Innovation Award

Three Wyoming communities were recognized recently for their dedication, leadership and excellence in revitalizing local downtowns.
Mayor Hank Castillon received the 2012 Wyoming Main Street Leadership Award; and the Evanston and Buffalo, Wyo., Main Street programs received the Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award in the Certified and Affiliate community categories, respectively.
Castillon was selected due to his personal commitment to see success in the Green River Main Street Program. He has committed hours of his own time to attending Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) workshops, meetings and retreats to show his support. His true commitment to Main Street was shown this year when he provided resources to send as many board and committee members as possible to the 2012 Wyoming Main Street pre-trip and National Main Street Conference in Baltimore, Md. As a result, nine individuals representing Green River attended.
“Mayor Castillon sets the bar for other mayor’s across the state in supporting their Main Street programs,” said Mary Randolph, director of the Wyoming Main Street program. “We are pleased to give this award to such a deserving person this year.”
The Main Street Innovation Award is presented to local programs that demonstrate excellence, originality, and effectiveness.

West Nile virus

Despite low numbers of reported cases in Wyoming over the last few years, a Wyoming Department of Health representative is reminding residents to protect themselves from West Nile virus as warmer weather arrives across the state.
“West Nile virus activity in any given year is tough to predict,” said Emily Thorp, surveillance epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. “We don’t want people to think the low case numbers we’ve seen recently means this disease is definitely gone forever.”
Three human West Nile virus (WNV) infection cases were reported in Wyoming last year. There were 6 human cases and no deaths in 2010; 12 human cases with 1 death in 2009; 10 human cases with no deaths in 2008; and 185 human cases with 2 deaths in 2007. The year of highest WNV activity in Wyoming was 2003 with 393 human cases and nine deaths. The state has seen human cases of WNV reported as early as May and as late as October with late summer and early fall as the typical peak times.
West Nile virus (WNV) can cause potentially serious illness in humans. Because mosquitoes spread the virus by feeding on infected birds and then biting people, other birds and animals, preventing mosquito breeding and avoiding bites are the primary prevention strategies.

Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development

Ten percent of the jobs in Cody are directly connected to spending on fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The town was a case study in a new report from Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development that looked at rural community economic health and public lands management. Mike Darby is president of the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Irma Hotel. He says this report helps demonstrate the importance of the outdoor recreation industry on public lands.






The report also tracked jobs related to oil, gas and mining – not just in Cody, but throughout Wyoming and six other states – along with per capita incomes in counties heavy on development, and those heavy on conservation. Development-focused county per capita incomes are around 30-thousand dollars a year compared with 38-thousand dollars a year in conservation-focused counties.
Even with the disparity in incomes, the report doesn’t say one focus is better than the other. Brad Powell with Trout Unlimited says the point is that there needs to be balance between the two.






Trout Unlimited is a member of Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development.

Fish spawning in Wyoming right on track

Wyoming wildlife officials say spawning of game fish in the state does not appear to have been affected by an unusually warm and early spring. Mike Snigg, regional fisheries supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in Laramie, says although ice and snow melted earlier than normal, Wyoming's elevation and cool nights have kept the spring spawn on the right track. He says some fisheries biologists in the Midwest have reported seeing crappie exhibiting confused spawning behavior because of warm temperatures. Water temperature and length of day are primary contributors to a fish's spawning schedule. But the early spring raised water temperatures so quickly in parts of the Midwest that it seemed to get the fish out of synch with the length of day.

Free Fishing Day On Saturday

Saturday, June 2, is free fishing day in Wyoming for residents and nonresidents alike. Free fishing day means anglers may fish without buying a state license. Licenses are still required to fish in Yellowstone National Park and on the Wind River Indian Reservation. All fishing regulations including creel and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours, and stream closures will still apply.

10 Year Old Rawlins Boy Injured In Idaho Accident; Two Killed

The Idaho State Police says two men were killed and a 10-year-old boy injured when all three were ejected from a pickup truck in a rollover crash in southeastern Idaho. The pickup was towing a fishing boat westbound on Old Kilgore Road about 12 miles east of Dubois at 5 p.m. Tuesday when the crash happened. ISP says 40-year-old Kevin Johnson of Rawlins, Wyo., and 34-year-old Shane Siren of Dubois died at the scene. Kobe Johnson was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center and then flown to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. ISP has not determined who was driving. The crash remains under investigation.

Body Found In Submerged Vehicle Near Gillette

Authorities say a 48-year-old man who was reported missing Sunday night has been found dead in a submerged car in a reservoir west of Gillette. Deputies found the body of Glenn Fogle on Monday afternoon, and investigators are trying to determine if a medical condition caused the Gillette man to crash into the water. Campbell County Undersheriff Scott Matheny says that skid marks blackened the roadway a few hundred yards from the reservoir. They then led down a hill, up an embankment and through a fence before disappearing into the water. The undersheriff says the car was completely submerged and was difficult to see from most angles.

Two Killed In Head On Crash Near Casper

Authorities say a 24-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man were killed in a head-on crash west of Casper. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the victims, whose names have not been released, were headed east on U.S. Highway 20/26 at about 3 a.m. Sunday when the car they were in crashed into an SUV. The driver of the SUV was hospitalized, but his condition remains unclear.

EPA proposes tougher rules for Wyo. power plants

A company that operates coal-fired plants in Wyoming says a federal proposal to accelerate the reduction of air pollution from its plants requires an unreasonably aggressive time frame. The Environmental Protection Agency recently released a regional haze management plan for the state. The state has implemented its own recommendations for dealing with haze created by power plants. Steven Dietrich of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality says that the state is reviewing the differences between the EPA and state plans. But PacifiCorp spokesman David Eskelsen says the EPA's proposal would accelerate installation of pollution controls at the Jim Bridger near Rock Springs and add more controls at the Dave Johnston plant near Glenrock. The EPA's plan for Wyoming is expected to be completed this fall.

Two workers injured in Rawlins refinery fire

Two workers were injured during a brief fire at the same refinery near Rawlins where four workers were injured in another blaze last month. The fire happened Friday night. According to one report, the fire that injured the two workers was limited to a pump and that the refinery is in operation. One worker was treated and immediately released from a hospital and the other worker was released Monday. A fire on May 8th at the refinery about five miles east of Rawlins injured four workers. The Wyoming Occupational and Safety Health Administration is investigating that fire and citations against the refinery are possible.

Wyoming Business Council Recognizes Three Local Communities

The Wyoming Business Council has announced that three Wyoming communities were recognized recently for their dedication, leadership and excellence in revitalizing local downtowns.






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Green River Mayor Hank Castillon received the 2012 Wyoming Main Street Leadership Award; and the Evanston and Buffalo Main Street programs received the Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award in the Certified and Affiliate community categories, respectively. Castillon was selected due to his personal commitment to see success in the Green River Main Street Program. He has committed hours of his own time to attending Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency (URA) workshops, meetings and retreats to show his support.

Evanston received the 2012 Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award for a Certified Main Street community. The Evanston URA/Main Street was selected due to the vision and leadership shown in the infrastructure projects they have completed downtown, including the entire railroad complex with the Roundhouse, machine shop and visitor center and Depot Square. The Evanston URA was also recognized for their innovation in the protection and economic development of historic buildings in their downtown and events such as the Renewal Ball.

The 2012 Wyoming Main Street Innovation Award for an Aspiring program was presented to the Buffalo Downtown Association. Buffalo was selected for their strong re-organizational efforts and for developing a program that allowed them to apply for Certified status. They have recently become the newest Wyoming Certified Main Street Community.

UW study reveals robust Wyoming sheep industry

A University of Wyoming study finds that Wyoming has a robust sheep industry and that sheep production will likely remain a vital part of the state's agricultural economy for the foreseeable future. The study published recently reveals that many Wyoming ranchers still earn a large portion of their income from sheep production. However, the study revealed that, with 25% of Wyoming sheep producers over the age of 65, young producers are needed to maintain the vitality of sheep production in the state. Brenda Alexander, assistant professor in the UW Department of Animal Science in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources says there are students who are interested in raising sheep but she doesn't know if there will be enough.

Game and Fish says bears increasingly active

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is warning that black bears and grizzly bears are increasingly active in lower elevations around Cody. The game department is reminding landowners and outdoor enthusiast to avoid conflicts with bears. Mark Bruscino, the large carnivore section supervisor with the department says bears have been very active over the last couple of weeks along the valley floors and front county areas around Cody. All the bears have emerged from their dens by now and he says there's been an increase in bear activity. The game department advises rural residents to avoid bear conflicts by securing all attractants such as garbage, pet food, and livestock feed. People heading outdoors should take precautions and carry a deterrent such as commercially available bear spray.

Rich Dunkley New Administrator for the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming in Buffalo

Rich Dunkley is the new administrator for the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming in Buffalo.
The home, which is part of the Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Division, is an assisted living facility founded to help meet the needs of the state’s veterans and their spouses. Dunkley comes to the facility after spending the last 30 years working in nursing home management, working as a program director at a rehabilitation hospital over the sub-acute and brain injury programs and as a regional administrator for a contract therapy company. Dunkley earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Brigham Young University in 1978 along with a gerontology certificate from the Rocky Mountain Gerontology Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from Brigham Young University. Dunkley grew up in the Story area and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1971. Dunkley replaces interim administrator Thomas McClain, who returns to his role as facility manager. Longtime administrator Jack Tarter retired in 2010.

Cheyenne Church Gets Vanadlized for 2nd Time In Two Weeks

A Cheyenne church has been broken into and vandalized for the second time in two week. Police were called to the Christ Lutheran Church at around 6:30 AM last Friday. They found nothing was stolen, but a piano was overturned, food was thrown across the kitchen and everything was covered with fire extinguisher dust. In the sanctuary, seven pews had been kicked over. The investigation is continuing. Police estimate that damage totals could be several thousand dollars worth.

Grand Teton opens newly renovated visitor center

Grand Teton National Park's newly renovated Colter Bay Visitor Center is open for the summer season. The National Park Service says staff worked over the winter to renovate the interior space and to improve the look and function of the facility. The center on the east shore of Jackson Lake also features new interpretive exhibits and cultural displays. Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott says the "facelift" is just one step toward providing better visitor services at the location. More than 260,000 visitors pass through the center each year.

UW among green campuses in US and Canada

The University of Wyoming is among 322 colleges in the United States and Canada judged to be the most environmentally responsible. UW is included in a guidebook published by the Princeton Review and the U.S. Green Building Council. The guidebook profiles 322 institutions of higher education "that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation." UW Campus Sustainability Committee chairman Jim Scott says the ranking validates UW's special programs and initiatives to achieve a "green" campus. Scott says it shows prospective students know the University of Wyoming is serious about its commitment to the environment. The guidebook cites various UW programs to increase energy efficiency that include providing a shuttle service, a bike loan program and recycling program.

National Trappers Association Western Regional Trapping and Outdoor Expo To Be Held This Weekend

The 11th Annual National Trappers Association Annual Western Regional Trapping and Outdoor Expo will take place this weekend at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs. Chad Banks says the event starts at 8 AM on Friday.






Some examples of possible demonstrations include how to set a trap properly and how to clean a porcupine.






The event will also feature vendors for those interested in general sporting activities and not just trapping. For more information, call 307-352-6789.

EXPEDITION ACADEMY WINS GREAT AMERICAN CAN

Expedition Academy was declared the winner in a national recycling contest sponsored by the can industry and was awarded $6000 in prize money. Expedition Academy recycled a total of 120,996 cans, the most of any participating school in Wyoming. Recycling Coordinator for Expedition, Norri Gunter stated, “Without the help of our city’s Solid Waste Management team and our wonderful maintenance staff, this win would not have been possible.” The city of Green River’s Solid Waste Management Division hosted a citywide cleanup of which the collected aluminum went towards Expedition’s efforts in the
competition. The Sweetwater County School District #2 maintenance staff not
only emptied Expedition’s collection containers but also took their cans and other
recyclables to the city’s collection facility. “This was really a team effort. The
support we received from our community during this and last year’s competition
has been amazing”, said Gunter.

BLM Asks Public To Avoid Certain Areas

 Shelley Gregory with the Bureau of Land Management Kemmerer Field Office says they are asking the public to avoid certain areas while you are enjoying the outdoors. Specifically, they want you to avoid sensitive reclamation areas in the Moxa Arch oil and gas field and other sites throughout the Kemmerer Field Office area.






Gregory points out that, with help from the public in avoiding these areas, their recovery can contribute to a more positive experience for outdoor enthusiasts.






For more information, please contact Deej Brown at 307-828-4506.

Senate resolution honors cowboys

Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso have joined 12 other U.S. senators in introducing a resolution that will declare July 28 a day honoring the accomplishments and contributions of cowboys. It is the eighth year the resolution has been introduced. The late Wyoming U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas started the tradition of naming the fourth Saturday in July "National Day of the American Cowboy" in 2005. The day coincides each year with Cheyenne Frontier Days. After Thomas died, Enzi has continued the tradition in honor of his legacy. Enzi says the national cowboy day honors 1 of Wyoming's greatest symbols and offers a fitting tribute to the individuals who built and continue our agricultural heritage. He says cowboys are a symbol of the West and American culture.

Citations expected in Wyoming refinery fire

At least three citations are expected to be issued against the Sinclair oil refinery in Wyoming where a flash fire injured four workers. John Ysebaert, administrator of standards and compliance for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, says that no citations have been issued, but the company can expect to be penalized after the investigation is complete. The fire occurred May 8 at the Sinclair Oil Corp. refinery, about five miles east of Rawlins, and one worker, Tim Bjork (byork), remains hospitalized in satisfactory condition at a burn center in Salt Lake City. Ysebaert says Sinclair will have 15 days once the investigation is complete to informally contest the citatio

Wyoming close to 1M conserved acres for elk

The Wyoming Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is about 13,000 acres shy of reaching 1 million conserved acres for elk in the state. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has existed for about 28 years and has conserved 6 million acres nationwide. Ryan Kaiser, Wyoming's regional director of the elk foundation says that Wyoming will be first state to reach a million acres within a single state. If all the contracts the foundation has with BLM and Wyoming Game and Fish go through, Kaiser thinks the state will surpass 1 million acres by the end of summer. He says conserving land helps improve habitat for elk and other wildlife, which also helps the population grow.

Memorial Day observance set at state vets cemetery

A Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday morning at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery in Evansville. The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wyoming Secretary of State Max Maxfield will give the keynote address following a tribute by Casper Police Chief Chris Walsh. The Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery was established through the cooperative efforts of the state of Wyoming and the U.S. Veterans Affairs Cemetery System. Any veteran who received a discharge other than dishonorable from the U.S. Armed Forces is eligible for burial in the cemetery. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the cemetery's chapel.

Free Admission For Some Crazy Horse Memorial Visitors

Crazy Horse Memorial is offering free admission and a dynamite blast on the mountain during the Memorial Day weekend to kick off its summer visitor season.

The memorial in the southern Black Hills will waive admission fees Friday through Monday for residents of the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska who contribute cash or canned food to a Rapid City, S.D., food drive.

A dynamite blast is planned for Monday.

The memorial is a mountain carving in progress that will honor Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse. Work on the sculpture began in 1948.

Council Created for Native American Farmers

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has named the members of a council created in a 2010 settlement to ensure Native American farmers and ranchers have access to Department of Agriculture programs. The council, which will include Gerald Lunak of Blackfeet Nation, will suggest changes to Farm Service Agency regulations and make proposals to improve Native American participation in USDA programs.

Risk Management Marketing Meetings

A series of workshops in southeast Wyoming and the Big Horn Basin wrapped up this spring, helping agriculture producers learn about mitigating increased risk in their operations.
Risk Management Marketing, Serving Farmers and Ranchers through Targeted Risk Management Education, taught crop producers with limited knowledge of alternative commodity marketing strategies how to use price and financial risk management tools to improve marketing positions for their crop enterprises.
The workshop, sponsored by the Wyoming Business Council and PFM Inc., was successfully completed by six college students and 17 area producers at Eastern Wyoming College and 25 producers at Northwest College. College credit was offered to participants who successfully completed all sessions.
For more information, contact Randall at 307.777.6578 or email donn.randall@wyo.gov.

Wyoming Kids Count

For more than four thousand children in Wyoming – grandma, grandpa or an aunt is playing the role of “parent.” And a report released Wednesday, by the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows it’s a growing trend. Wyoming Kids Count Director Marc Homer says keeping children's ties to extended family is important when they endure the stress of a separation from their parents.






Children end up being cared for by relatives or close family friends because of military deployments, the death of a parent, substance abuse or mental illness, or child abuse and neglect. The report points out that many caregivers don't know there are resources available to help them cover the unexpected costs of taking in those children - such as SNAP, Medicaid, child care and cash assistance.
Homer says most kinship caregivers in Wyoming are grandparents, and they face unique challenges in caring for children again. He finds that state policies are often difficult when care-giving needs to become permanent.






Nationwide, the report says the number of children in kinship care has risen 18 percent in the past decade.

Yellowstone Ready For Summer Season

Yellowstone National Park is ready for another summer season. All park entrances are open, and the road over Dunraven Pass linking Canyon Village and Tower Fall is scheduled to open on Friday morning. Also set to open Friday is the Beartooth Highway, which connects the communities of Red Lodge and Cooke City, Mont., and the park's Northeast Entrance. Most seasonal visitor services are open in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Saturday also marks the opening of fishing season in the park. There will be no daytime travel delays or overnight road closures due to construction during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Spring visitors to the park are encouraged to have flexible travel plans and to be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions.

WY Wildlife Officials Work To Stabilize Mule Deer Population

Wyoming wildlife managers are working with landowners, nonprofit groups and other agencies to look for ways to stabilize the mule deer population in the North Platte River Valley. Officials say the herd has declined to about 11,000 today from about 25,000 15 years ago. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has set aside $500,000 to study habitat issues in the valley.

UW and CO State Officials Will Meet To Discuss Sale of Y Cross Ranch

The University of Wyoming and Colorado State University presidents intend to meet soon to talk about plans to sell a jointly owned ranch in southeast Wyoming. The two schools have been preparing since last year to begin marketing the Y Cross Ranch between Cheyenne and Laramie this spring, despite objections from the woman who donated it.

BLM Seeks Public Comment on Anticline Electrification Environmental Assessment

Shelley Gregory with the Bureau of Land Management Pinedale Field Office says they are seeking public input on the environmental assessment for the proposed Anticline Electrification Phase I Project.






It also includes a 10-mile reroute of the authorized Paradise 230 kV transmission line. Currently, this line is authorized to parallel Highway 191 to Highway 351 then follow Highway 351 to the Paradise Road. The transmission line reroute would go from Highway 191 west to the Falcon Compressor area and then north along the backbone of the Anticline to Highway 351 parallel to the above mentioned 25 kV distribution line. 






Gregory says the electrification project would also reduce the amount of ozone forming chemicals that enter the local environment and improve air quality in the region. A printed copy or compact disk of the EA is available at blm.gov. Comments can be mailed or delivered to the Pinedale field office with “Electrification Phase 1” in the subject line by June 20th. For more information, call Bill Wadsworth at 307-367-5341.

Filing Period

The filing period for public office is underway and already many residents, including incumbents in some positions, have put their hat in the public arena.
In Green River, one city Councilman is currently unopposed while another faces some stiff competition. In Ward One, Gene Smith is currently running unopposed, while Jim Boan in Ward Three will run against Brett Stokes and James Bronstein. As of Wednesday morning, no one has filed to run for the Ward Two Council seat. Lisa Maes’ seat as Councilwoman is up for re-election in the ward. The two Sweetwater County Commissioner seats up for re-election have already garnered some interest from the two incumbents as well as another resident. According to filing reports, Wally Johnson and Don Van Matre have filed to campaign for their respective seats. However, the two will face competition in the primary election from Jim Jessen. All three are Republicans and so far, Democrats have not registered to run for the seats.

Blake announced Reelection

Stan Blake announced his bid for reelection to the Wyoming House of Representatives District 39. I wish to say it has been a humbling experience, and an honor to represent the citizens of Green River, Rock Springs, Jamestown and other parts of Sweetwater County that are in House District 39. Blake is employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman. He is a member of the United Transportation Union Local 1857. Blake has also worked as a welder and ironworker in his 54 years in Wyoming, the last 22 in Green River. Blake is also a proud member of the NRA. And has received an A rating from the NRA in past election cycles.

Memorial Hospital

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County has joined forces with a statewide movement for breast cancer screening, Erick Pauley has the story

Explosive Devises Found Near Rock Springs; Detonated

Twenty explosive devices, actually known as McGyver Bombs or acid bombs, were found about 500 yards west of the intersection of Reagan and Summit Drives in Rock Springs on Tuesday. Sweetwater Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says a Rock Springs man found the devices while hiking.
 





Bomb Squad technicians found 20 expended overpressure devices and disrupted six of them that had apparently failed to explode.
 





A chemical reaction begins immediately, causing mounting pressure inside the vessel, which explodes violently, spraying liquid over a wide area.
 





Also found at the scene, and an even greater danger, was a home-made, grenade-sized, unexploded I.E.D., or Improvised Explosive Device, which contained a substantial explosive charge.
 





The Sweetwater Bomb Squad is comprised of law enforcement officers of the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Springs and Green River Police Departments. Bomb Squad technicians used a remotely-controlled Remotec Andros Mark V-A1 bomb disposal robot and an Andros Remotec Andros HD-1J, to disrupt the devices. 

Laramie County Bans Use of Fireworks

Laramie County has banned the use of fireworks in unincorporated areas because of the risk of grass fires. Fireworks will only be allowed in a designated area near I-25 from June 30 to July 4. The county is also asking property owners to keep dry grass near structures mowed short and not to burn trash.

Laramie police arrest man in bank robbery attempt

Police in Laramie say they arrested a Colorado man following an attempted bank robbery Tuesday morning. According to a statement from the Laramie Police Department, a 23-year-old man from Fort Collins, Colo., approached a worker with a handgun in the parking lot of a Wells Fargo bank early Tuesday morning. The bank employee was able to lock the bank door and called police. The man was arrested soon afterward after witnesses told police they had seen him changing his clothing and discarding evidence. The FBI is assisting with the investigation and prosecutors are reviewing the matter.

Riverton area horse plant planned within next year

A company led by a Wyoming state lawmaker hopes to build a horse slaughterhouse in the Riverton area within the next year. United Equine is moving ahead with plans to build slaughter plants in Oklahoma and Missouri. The company's chief executive, state Rep. Sue Wallis, said work on the Wyoming facility won't begin until those plants are up and running. Last year, Congress opened the door to opening horse slaughter plants by lifting a 5-year-old ban on funding horse meat inspection. The last plant that butchered horses closed in 2007. Wallis said the company is looking for local investors to finance the Riverton area plant. She said it would process up to 200 horses a day for sale abroad to ethnic markets in the United States.

Little Snake River Valley School

Forty-one students from Little Snake River Valley School (LSRV) spent the afternoon
exploring the aquatic life in Muddy Creek, about 20 miles north of Baggs, WY. The learning adventure was a cooperative project between Trout Unlimited, the Little Snake
River Conservation District, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Trout Unlimited Green River Project Manager Nick Walrath says the learning experience
for these students is one of the components to securing future fisheries conservation efforts.
“These forty-one students were able to see for their own eyes what species of plants, fish,
and aquatic insects live in and around Muddy Creek,” Walrath said. “Without the students being able to go outside on this field trip and leave their classrooms back in Baggs they might not even know what a valuable wildlife resource they have in their own backyard. If we want people of all ages to be good stewards of our wildlife resources we have to provide them opportunities to make the physical connection to the land and wildlife we need to protect.” Students rotated to four different stations where they learned about the plant species around Muddy Creek, the physical structure, velocity and flow of the creek, the different fish species found in Muddy Creek, and collected aquatic insects called Macroinvertebrates. “If you just drive by this area off Highway 789 all you see are sagebrush and greasewood plants and the country looks so dry and lifeless at times,” Walrath says. “But once you drive away from the highway you find these critical riparian areas, such as Muddy Creek, that provide food, cover, water, and space for so many different species of wildlife, including fish. Those are the key components to habitat and without habitat we won’t have any fish or other wildlife.” Teachers and chaperones from the LSRV School made the event possible, as well as the Weber family by providing access to Muddy Creek through their property. “Students were also treated to a demonstration on how fisheries biologists electroshock waters to sample fish populations,” Walrath said. “The technology of shocking fish has been around since the 1950’s and is nothing new, but many people have never been exposed to this technology.
Many of these students had never observed aquatic insects, or knew how to measure the flow and depth of the creek, or even why that is important for fish conservation. I think everyone learned something on this field trip, as well as having some fun. This experience was pure fun with a purpose. Providing these students the opportunity to make these real connections to wildlife in their own backyards is important because they are responsible for the future of our wildlife.”

Lavery assumes Sweetwater County judgeship

Richard Lavery is preparing to take over a district judgeship in Sweetwater County. Gov. Matt Mead last week tapped Lavery to succeed retiring Third Judicial District Judge Jere Ryckman. Ryckman retired Monday after more than 23 years on the bench. Lavery says he's not sure yet when he'll be sworn in. Lavery grew up in Rock Springs and has been working as a lawyer in Evanston. He received his law degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., in 1981. Mead thanked Ryckman for his service to the state. The governor says Lavery has a keen mind, wide professional experience and the proper temperament to serve as a judge.

Proposed cuts could cost 80-125 positions at UW

The University of Wyoming would lose 80 to 125 faculty and staff positions under proposed budget cuts submitted to Gov. Matt Mead on Tuesday. Falling energy revenues prompted Mead to order state agencies to prepare for 8% budget cuts in the fiscal year that starts July 2013. An 8% cut in state funding would cost Wyoming's only 4-year public university about $15.7 million a year. Because employee salaries make up about 75% of UW's general fund budget, UW President Tom Buchanan says workforce losses are inevitable but most could be handled through attrition. However, in order for that to work the university must expand its practice of carefully reviewing each position that comes open. Such a review process is already used with faculty positions.

Wyo. unemployment holds steady at 5.3%

The unemployment rate in Wyoming held steady at 5.3% from March to April. The rate is down from 6% a year ago and remains well below the nationwide unemployment rate of 8.1%. Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported Tuesday that unemployment declined in most Wyoming counties from March to April. The highest unemployment in Wyoming was 11.2% in Teton County. That was up from 6.6% in March, an annual jump that coincides with the end of winter tourist season in Jackson Hole. Lincoln County had the next-highest rate, 8.5%, followed by Fremont County, 6.6%, and Johnson County, 6.4%. Sublette County had the lowest unemployment rate, 3.4%, followed by Campbell and Albany counties, both 4.1%.

Attention All National High School Rodeo Finals Volunteers

Chad Banks with the Sweetwater Events Complex is thrilled with the over 325 volunteers that are coming forward to help with the upcoming National High School Finals Rodeo Championships. For those that have signed up, Banks says it's time for the next step.






Banks says having that information now will help them in knowing what shifts are full and where they may need more volunteers. And he says it's not too late to sign up.






If you are interested in volunteering, call 307-352-6789 or go to sweetwaterevents.com.

Ex-Rolling Hills clerk denied parole in theft case

A woman who pleaded guilty to embezzling $100,000 from the small Converse County town of Rolling Hills has been denied parole. Alyssa Stewart, who is the town's former treasurer and clerk, has been behind bars since 2009, when she was sentenced to two concurrent terms of 5 to 10 years. Stewart was up for release this month but the parole board denied it. Rolling Hills mayor Devonie Mueller (Dev-ah-KNEE' MYOO'-lur) says she's pleased with the board's decision. Stewart has been ordered repay the town what she stole but so far she's only been able to repay $800. She will be up for parole again next year.

Probe continues into Eastern Shoshone bomb threat

Authorities are still investigating a bomb threat which canceled a meeting to discuss alleged problems at the Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority. About 110 people gathered for the General Council meeting at Rocky Mountain Hall in Fort Washakie were evacuated because of the threat on May 12. FBI spokesman Dave Joly says that no device was found. Tribal members signed a petition calling for the meeting because of concerns with the housing authority. Housing authority officials say the petition was circulated because of bitterness over the firing of previous board members. Five managers were terminated after a General Council meeting in February 2010.

Wyoming snowpack down to 22% of average

Wyoming's snowpack is down to 22% of average compared to 220% at this time last year. In its final snowpack report this week, the National Resources Conservation Service office in Casper says that all 19 of Wyoming's basins are below average. Northwestern Wyoming is in the best shape, with measurements in the 60 and 70% range. The snow has completed melted away already in eight basins, including Cheyenne and Sweetwater. Reservoir levels in the state are still good because of leftover water from last year's snowfall. However, water users who pull water directly from rivers instead of the reservoirs could face problems because they will be more dependent on rain.

Public Comment Sought

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pinedale Field Office (PFO) is seeking public input on the environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed Anticline Electrification Phase I Project.
Phase I construction consists of three parts:
Approximately 23.5 miles of 25 kilovolt (kV) distribution line on wood poles beginning just north of Paradise Road and proceeding south and east along the backbone of the Anticline towards Highway 191.
Approximately five miles of 69 kV transmission line from Highway 351 north to the Boulder South County Road 23-106 and a substation south of Highway 351 and west of the North Jonah Road.
A 10-mile reroute of the authorized Paradise 230 kV transmission line. Currently, this line is authorized to parallel Highway 191 to Highway 351 then follow Highway 351 to the Paradise Road. The transmission line reroute would go from Highway 191 west to the Falcon Compressor area and then north along the backbone of the Anticline to Highway 351 parallel to the above mentioned 25 kV distribution line.
Construction of the 25 kV distribution line is anticipated to begin in the late summer or early fall of 2012; the 69 kV and 230 kV transmission lines would be constructed as needed.
Mail or deliver written comments to the PFO, 1625 W. Pine St., P.O. Box 768, Pinedale, WY 82941; fax to 307-367-5329; or email to bwadswor@blm.gov with “Electrification Phase I” in the subject line. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 20.

WYDOT State Transportation Improvement Plan Meeting

The WYDOT State Transportation Improvement Plan Meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. Introduction and sign-in starts at 2 pm with State Transportation Improvement Plan presentation and highlights as well as the Budget overview and Discussion of future local projects including I-80 Wamsutter East Westbound lane
Bridge over UPRR County Rd. 4-37
Hiawatha Road WY 430
I-80 Granger Jct. West
I-80 Wamsutter East Eastbound lane
I-80 Granger Jct. East
I-80 Rock Springs East
Farson to County line section

The meeting takes place at the WYDOT District 3 Offices, 3200 Elk Street in Rock Springs.

Judge allows Shoshone tribe into eagle permit case

A federal judge is allowing the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to challenge the Northern Arapaho Tribe's plan to kill bald eagles on the reservation they share in central Wyoming. U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson on Friday agreed to allow the Eastern Shoshone Tribe to participate in the lawsuit the Northern Arapaho Tribe filed last year against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The federal agency in March issued the Northern Arapaho Tribe the nation's first permit allowing the killing of bald eagles for religious purposes. The Northern Arapaho have called the federal permit a sham because it specified they must kill eagles outside the Wind River Indian Reservation and state law prohibits killing eagles off the reservation.

Glenrock girl found, authorities mum on charges

Converse County authorities won't say what charges have been filed against an unidentified person accused of involvement in the disappearance of a 2-year-old Glenrock girl from her apartment over the weekend. Authorities issued an Amber Alert on Saturday after the girl went missing from her bedroom early that morning. Authorities warned her disappearance might have been connected to the theft of a neighbor's Jeep. Glenrock Police Chief Tom Sweet says the girl was found alive in the Jeep Saturday afternoon. He says one unidentified person was arrested. A bond hearing was held Monday in circuit court, but no details about the defendant's identity or any charges will be released until ordered by a judge.

Wyoming mine blast results in notices of violation

Wyoming officials have issued two notices of violation to Cloud Peak Energy Inc. following a blast at the Cordero Rojo coal mine near Gillette that registered on seismographs on the scale of a small earthquake. No injuries were reported after the blast May 1st. State officials say the blast was so large because explosives adjacent to the blast area were also accidentally set off upon detonation, causing more than the legal limit of explosives to go off. The state has suspended the blaster in charge of the explosion and the blaster's assistant for at least 60 days. Cloud Peak Energy must submit plans to the state outlining how it will prevent a similar explosion. Federal mine regulators also have issued a citation, but no penalty was immediately assessed.

Warmer Weather Brings Threat of Tularemia

The Wyoming Department of Health wants to remind everyone that warmer weather can bring the threat of some diseases. Kim Deti says that one, tularemia, otherwise known as “rabbit” or “deery fly fever” can be caught in several different ways.






Tularemia symptoms can include fever, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, skin ulcers and diarrhea.  If the bacteria are inhaled, symptoms can include abrupt onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough and progressive weakness and pneumonia. 






Some precautions you can take in avoiding the illness is to avoid bathing, swimming or working in untreated water. Avoid handling rabbits, squirrels or other animals that appear sick. Wear rubber gloves when skinning animals, especially rabbits and squirrels and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling sick or dead animals. Finally, tularemia can be caught from ticks, so take normal precautions against them when enjoying the outdoors.

Boy Scout antler auction raises $90,469 in Jackson

The 45th annual Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction in Jackson has raised nearly $90,500, most of which will benefit the National Elk Refuge. The refuge says 7,398 pounds of antlers were auctioned off on Saturday. The amount was slightly below the 10-year average but bidders paid an average of nearly $3 a pound more than the decade average. The number of antlers collected at the refuge this year was lower because of the relatively mild winter and lower snow totals. Refuge manager Steve Kallin says many bull elk still had their antlers when they migrated off the refuge in the spring. Eighty percent of the proceeds will go to the refuge, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The rest goes to the Jackson District Boy Scouts to cover their national dues.

Wyo. lawmakers move ahead with building plans

State lawmakers are moving ahead with plans to build a new state office building and renovate the state Capitol in Cheyenne despite opposition by Gov. Matt Mead. Mead says now's not the time to build a new office building while the state faces budget cuts due to low prices for natural gas and falling state revenues. The new state office building would be located near the Capitol and cost an estimated $80 million. The next state budget includes $4.4 million to design the building. The Capitol would be renovated after the building is built. State employees in the Capitol would be moved into the new building to facilitate the renovations. A legislative subcommittee voted last week in favor of proceeding with the project.

Warm spring brings out early grasshoppers in Wyo.

Warm spring weather has caused grasshoppers to emerge well ahead of schedule in Wyoming this year. In the Lander area, grasshoppers began to hatch a month earlier than usual. Grasshoppers usually hatch around the time lilacs bloom in late May. This year, grasshoppers were hatching in April. Lars Baker with Fremont County weed and pest control says there are fewer grasshoppers this year compared to last year but this year's grasshoppers could be more damaging to agriculture because there is less healthy grass. More than 130 species of grasshoppers live in Wyoming.

19th annual deer mortality survey

Eleven volunteers and six Wyoming Game and Fish Department personnel completed the 19th annual deer mortality survey on May 5, 2012 in Nugget Canyon, to determine how deer overwintered in the Wyoming Range mule deer herd. Thayne Wildlife Biologist Gary Fralick said the results were much more encouraging than last year’s survey. "The 2011-12 winter was a polar opposite in the effects it had on western Wyoming deer herds,” Fralick said. “The result of the mild winter enabled us to search about 125 miles of transects. Only eight deer were found, compared to 382 carcasses found in 2011. The open, snow-free winter, and mild temperatures allowed extremely high over-winter survival for deer in the Wyoming Range and Sublette mule deer herds, two of Wyoming's premier deer populations.” Department personnel are anticipating 80-90% fawn survival this year compared to only 35%-50% fawn survival following the 2010-11 winter. Fralick believes that a substantial number of fawns will be added to the population this year because of the high overwinter survival, and as a result deer populations in these two deer herds will increase slightly.

Northern Arapaho drum group wins national contest

Four Northern Arapaho members from the Wind River Indian Reservation are the world champions of hand drum singing. The group known as North Bear claimed the title at the recent Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque, N.M. They won for their song "Daddy's Girl." Their style of round dance singing started in the traditional chant before they hit an unheard of 4-part harmony. North Bear singer Jermaine Bell says their unique singing style is being called a game-changer by some top performers in the Indian Country music. Video of North Bear's winning performance is making the rounds on the Internet and causing a stir on the reservation and elsewhere.

Wyo. Supreme Court denies Rawlins man's appeal

The Wyoming Supreme Court has denied the appeal of a Rawlins man sentenced to life in prison for attempted murder. Twenty-5-year-old Timothy Kramer was convicted of shooting Steven Devore in 2009. They had a fight and Kramer went home to get his pistol before returning to Devore's house. Kramer and his lawyer told the Supreme Court that he wasn't adequately represented. They said the Kramer could have been found guilty of a lesser, heat-of-passion offense if his trial lawyer had argued that the events happened closer together. The Supreme Court said that during the trial an expert and a witness couldn't account for how long it would have taken for Kramer to go to his house and then back to Devore.

Several Caught Illegally Collecting Shed Antlers in SW WY

Wyoming Game and Fish Department game wardens caught several people illegally collecting shed antlers in southwest Wyoming last month. It is against state law to collect shed antlers on most public land between Jan. 1 and April 30 in order to protect big game from harassment on their winter ranges. The agency says three individuals from Big Piney were apprehended with a total of 10 shed antlers in their possession on public lands. In the Kemmerer area two individuals are awaiting charges of collecting shed antlers in the big game winter range located west of LaBarge. Another individual was apprehended collecting shed antlers near Evanston. And 11 individuals were caught with 34 antlers in their possession west of Mountain View. Charges are pending on those who were apprehended this spring.

1 of 4 Groundwater Reports Released by BLM Pinedale Office

The Bureau of Land Management Pinedale Field Office is releasing the first of four groundwater monitoring reports completed as part of the Interim Groundwater/Aquifer Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Monitoring plan as required by the Pinedale Anticline Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision. Serena Baker says the reports were done in cooperation with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8.







The report results will be used to inform the public and agency decision makers as work progresses towards the completion of three additional reports.







The documents will be used in the development of a revised groundwater-monitoring program, to be presented under a Final Plan. The Final Plan is targeted for public release in late 2012/early 2013.

SE Wyoming seeing smoky air from Colo. wildfire

The Wyoming Department of Health reminds residents that smoke from wildfires can cause health concerns. Some areas of southeastern Wyoming area are seeing smoky air because of a fire burning northwest of Fort Collins, Colo. Dr. Tracy Murphy is epidemiologist at the Wyoming Department of Health. He says smoke can hurt people's eyes, aggravate respiratory problems and worsen the symptoms of heart of lung disease. Murphy says people should use common sense when the air in their locality is smoky and avoid heavy outdoor exercise.

Water Pipeline Gets rejected Again

Federal authorities have rejected a Colorado entrepreneur's request for a rehearing on his project to build a Flaming Gorge pipeline and divert Colorado River Basin water from Wyoming to Colorado. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's order Thursday sent Fort Collins-based Aaron Million back to the drawing board. Million's company, Wyco Power and Water Inc., "presented no information in its permit application or its request for rehearing to indicate that the planning, routing or authorizations for the water conveyance pipeline are in progress or reasonably foreseeable," FERC's order said. Until Wyco can do that, the order said, there's no point in issuing a preliminary permit.
FERC is the second federal agency to reject Million's plan. He first applied for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. That agency halted its review after seeking greater detail. The project would pump about 200,000 acre-feet of water a year through a 501-mile pipeline from the Flaming Gorge Reservoir in southwestern Wyoming — along the Green River — to Colorado's Front Range. Million proposes to generate electricity at power stations and then store water in a series of new and expanded reservoirs from Fort Collins to Pueblo for municipal use and to irrigate crops. Million said he expected this rejection and learned from the process.

Riverton's water being cut by nearly 40%

Riverton's water supply is being cut by nearly 40% because of drought conditions. The Riverton City Council plans an emergency meeting Thursday evening to discuss ways to deal with the reduction. Officials are considering using water from winter wells but think it may be more practical to ask residents to conserve water. Some ideas include cutting back on lawn watering and fixing leaky toilets. City administrator Steven Weaver says the amount of water coming down the river is a record and lack of water will probably be a concern through the summer. Residents in Lander are already being asked to conserve water by watering lawns at night and fixing leaky faucets.

Wild horse adoption this week at Wyo. Honor Farm

The Bureau of Land Management and the Wyoming Honor Farm are holding a wild horse and burro adoption this weekend in Riverton. On Saturday, about 30 halter and saddle-started horses and a few burros will be offered for adoption through competitive bidding. All horses offered for adoption have been trailered and have had their feet handled. A covered four-horse trailer with a swing gate is required to adopt. On Friday, the Honor Farm will offer a free clinic to discuss the gentling program, followed by a preview of the horses.

Federal agency again rejects pipeline plan

A federal agency again has rejected a Colorado businessman's application for a permit to build a 500-mile pipeline to carry water from southwestern Wyoming to Colorado's Front Range. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday denied the request from Aaron Million of Fort Collins, Colo., to reconsider its denial earlier of his permit. Million proposes to draw water from the Green River in southwestern Wyoming and pipe it as far as Pueblo, Colo. His plans have drawn opposition from county and local governments in southwestern Wyoming. Many conservation groups also applauded FERC's action on Thursday. For example, the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance says the pipeline would hurt endangered species and cost local jobs. Million says he intends to reapply for a federal permit and is working to secure funding.

BLM Pinedale Field Office Plans Prescribed Burns For the Weekend

The BLM Pinedale Field office has two prescribed burns planned for this weekend. Serena Baker says the fires are planned for an area of about 660 acres in the Upper Billies and Camp Creek project areas, located about 20 miles northwest of Big Piney.






The Camp Creek treatment is a continuation of a prescribed burn that was initiated in June of last year. Both prescribed fires are part of the 9,000 acre Wyoming Front Aspen Restoration Project in Sublette and Lincoln counties.






It is anticipated that optimal burn conditions will be on Saturday, and, depending on weather, will last approximately one week.






For more information, please contact Greg Reser at 307-367-5350 or at greser@blm.gov.

Service Line Warranty Program

This Spring, City of Green River introduced a new, optional program available to homeowners, provided through the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program administered by Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA). The Service Line Warranty program provides low cost, worry free warranty protection for sewer lines.
The warranty protection covers sewer line repairs up to $4,000 plus an additional allowance of $4,000 for public street cutting, if necessary. If a repair is needed, SLWA has a 24-hour hotline and will dispatch a local plumber within 24 hours to perform the repair. There are no service fees or deductibles.
There is no need to send money now. To enroll via mail, please return the business reply card in the self-addressed envelope to Service Line Warranties of America and you will receive an invoice. Please do not send enrollment forms in with city water bill payments. If you prefer to enroll over the phone, please call 1-855-535-7141, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, to speak with SLWA directly.

Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention Funding

The Wyoming Department of Health is changing the way substance abuse and suicide prevention funding is managed and distributed across the state in an effort to save money and encourage effective prevention strategies. Department representatives notified community prevention organizations in March of plans to move to a single fiscal agent model on July 1. The change involves one prevention management organization charged with hiring local staff and distributing funding across the state. The Community Resource Center of Johnson County will fill this role. Tom Forslund, Wyoming Department of Health director, said the department is fully committed to this approach, as well as to working with community coalition partners. Forslund said discussions began on integrating prevention efforts some years ago. “However, the actual implementation has seemed to surprise a number of our valued community coalition partners,” he said. “It has become clear we should have done a better job with our communication efforts about this process. For that, we apologize.”

UW guard to speak at 2 Wind River schools

Wyoming men's basketball student-athlete Luke Martinez will speak at two schools on the Wind River Reservation about how Native Americans can succeed in higher education and athletics. Martinez was invited by the Northern Arapaho Tribal Education Department. He will address the 23 graduating seniors at Wyoming Indian High School's commencement ceremonies this Sunday and then visit St. Stephens Indian School on Monday. Martinez just completed his junior season with the Cowboys, averaging 11.8 points, 4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game this past season. A native of Bismarck, N.D., Martinez is enrolled as a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, which is located in the north central part of North Dakota.

Lander Low On Water This Year

Last year, the Lander area in central Wyoming had too much water to deal with because of runoff from a huge winter snowpack in the mountains. This year, the situation is just the opposite after a very low snowpack over the past winter. In fact, Steve White with the Lander Water Department says the town's water supply is running low. White says the town is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water by doing such things as watering lawns only at night and fixing leaky faucets.

Wamsutter and Farson-Eden Students Graduate From Dare Program

14 students at the Wamsutter and Farson-Eden Schools received their D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) graduation certificates at recent special ceremonies attended by family members, school officials, and sheriff’s officers. The Wamsutter D.A.R.E. graduation took place on April 25, and the Farson-Eden event on May 3.

Wamsutter graduates included Tyler Englehart, Alex Shields, Adriel Martinez, Emma Colson, Carson Shields, Jaden Buckley, Nick Chavez, and Jasmine Mendez.. Farson-Eden graduates included Clara Kuzara, Samantha Weaver, Maizee Thoren, Megan Owen, Cortland Barker, Adam Bryson, Clancy Gines, Preston Lehmann, Caidence Marriott, and Cody Sloan, Collin Piece, Hagan Jones, Autumn Draycott, and Lain Brady.

BLM Rawlins Field Office Seeking Comment on the Juniper Ridge Uranium Project

Serena Baker with the Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office says they are launching a 30-day public comment period on a Plan of Operations for the Juniper Ridge Uranium Exploration Project, located roughly seven miles west of Baggs in Carbon County.






The proposal includes developing up to 487 mud rotary drill sites, trenching or bulk sampling, construction of new roads and an equipment and vehicle storage area. In addition, up to 10 drill holes will be converted to ground water monitoring wells.  Surface disturbance is expected to be up to 54 acres.






Comments may be emailed , faxed or mailed or hand-delivered to the Bureau of Land Management, Rawlins Field Office, Juniper Ridge Comment, 1300 N. Third Street, P.O. Box 2407, Rawlins, WY  82301. For further information, please contact Mark Newman, at (307) 328-4200. 

City Council Meeting

the Green river city council met for its third monthly meeting tuesday night, Erick Pauley has the story

Pat Drinkle Announces Candidacy

Recently appointed Sweetwater County Assessor, Pat Drinkle, announced her candidacy for the office today. Pat was appointed in February to fill retired Assessor Dave Rauzi’s term. Pat was hired by Mr. Rauzi 21 years ago and was highly recommended by him to be the Assessor for the remaining 2 years of his term. Ms. Drinkle stated, “If elected, I fully intend to run for the office again in 2014. I have the support of my newly appointed Chief Deputy, Dave Divis and the office staff.”
Pat is a permanently certified appraiser designated by the Wyoming Department of Revenue with over 750 hours of certified education classes with a strong emphasis on residential, commercial and industrial valuations in both real property and personal property. She is a member of the International Association of Assessing Officers. She has worked closely with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and State Board of Equalization ensuring that the County’s valuations comply with their rules and regulations and with the Wyoming State Statutes. She states that, “If elected, my priority will be to keep the same high level of service and commitment that has been provided by our office to the citizens of Sweetwater County”.
Pat is a 4th generation resident of Wyoming and has resided in Sweetwater County since 1990 along with her husband, Don.

Workplace Accidents

Wyoming had the nation's second-highest rate of fatal workplace accidents in 2010 amid a post-recession rebound in oil and gas development, according to newly released figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The deadliest U.S. mine accident in 40 years gave West Virginia the highest rate. The explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine claimed 29 of the 95 people killed in workplace accidents in West Virginia in 2010.
That year in Wyoming, workplace accidents claimed 33 lives, up from 19 in 2009. Wyoming ranked fourth for its workplace fatality rate in 2009 but has been first or second nine of the past 10 years.

The Green River Endangered

The Hoback and Green Rivers have been voted among the 10 most endangered rivers in the country by the nonprofit American Rivers. Since 1986, American Rivers has published an annual report on the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States. This year, because of PXP’s proposal to drill for gas in the Hoback Basin, the Hoback River was ranked the No. 5 most endangered river in the country. Scott Bosse is the Northern Rockies Director of American Rivers. He explained why the Hoback River, which flows 55 miles from the Wyoming Range to the Snake River, is such a critical body of water to protect. The Green River, which flows through Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, was voted into the No. 2 spot because of a proposal to pump enormous amounts of water from the river and into a pipeline that would stretch 500 miles from Wyoming to Colorado’s Front Range. Wyoming Governor Matt Mead opposes this proposal but now the governors of Utah and Colorado must get on board, the report stated, in order to protect the Green River.

Nevada panel seeks balance to protect sage grouse

A special panel appointed by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval hopes to find ways protect sage grouse without sacrificing economic development or rural lifestyles -- and do it by the end of July. At its inaugural meeting Tuesday, a senior adviser to the governor told the 10-member Greater Sage Grouse Advisory Committee that they must protect the bird while balancing the interests of industry, conservationists and local governments. In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined sage grouse deserved federal protection, but other species were higher priorities. A recent legal settlement gives the agency until 2015 to decide the bird's status.

Sage grouse are ground-dwelling birds up to 2 feet tall. During spring mating season, males compete for females by performing an elaborate dance. They are found in 11 western states.

Worker injured in Wyo. refinery fire moved to Utah

Two of the workers injured in a fire at a Sinclair oil refinery have been released from a Colorado hospital but a third has been transferred to a hospital in Salt Lake City. Tim Bjork (byork) was the most severely injured in the May 8th fire at the refinery. A spokeswoman for Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley said he was transferred in stable condition. The fire occurred at the Sinclair Oil Corp. refinery, about five miles east of Rawlins. A fourth worker was treated and released from a Rawlins hospital that day. The vice president of the Sinclair Companies, Clint Ensign, says that the investigation into what caused the fire is nearly complete. The state recently issued three safety citations against the refinery.

Rawlins Opera House Turns 100

The Rawlins Opera House turns 100 years old this year. A 100th anniversary celebration is planned this Saturday. It will feature a choir performance. The opera house was built in 1912, and over the years its uses changed. It is now home to several different businesses, including the Rawlins Music Academy. Building co-owner Leo Chapman says the opera house was built with thick slabs of concrete and he hopes to see it last another 100 years.

Freeman Announces Bid for District 60

John L. Freeman has announced his bid for the Democratic nomination for Wyoming House District 60. Representative Bill Thompson previously held this seat and has recently announced his retirement from the Legislature. House District 60 is centered in Green River. Freeman believes in targeted rather than a percentage cut across all agencies. Freeman would like to see the legislature reduce state savings to the amount required by current statute and constitutional mandates until revenues return. Currently, Wyoming is adding to it"s savings accounts above the requirements. At the same time, Wyoming roads and highways are in need of repairs and need immediate attention. One estimate shows the state needs 230 million dollars to keep the roads in decent shape. Freeman believes that we should be investing in Wyoming instead of Wall Street to protect Wyoming Jobs and infrastructure which is important in this tough economy.

Wyoming Entrepreneur will host a Strategic Patent Management Program

Wyoming Entrepreneur will host a Strategic Patent Management Program, June 11 in Laramie. The half-day workshop explores how to develop a strong patent strategy, work effectively with patent attorneys, understand and manage risks, and ultimately make solid patent investment decisions. The program will take place on Monday, June 11 from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Wyoming Technology Business Center in Laramie. Registration is $95. In addition, attendees will be eligible to apply for a private two-hour consultation with the presenter at no charge. Wyoming Entrepreneur is a business consulting group consisting of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center, Wyoming Procurement Technical Assistance Center, and the Wyoming Market Research Center. To register, go to https://www.dcnteam.com/dcn/spme7.nsf/register.

Center for Rural Affairs on Poverty

Poverty is persistent on the Great Plains. A new report from the Center for Rural Affairs finds that poverty rates in rural Eastern Wyoming are generally higher than poverty rates in urban areas, especially among children. Report author Jon Bailey says about 13 percent of the area’s regional population lives in poverty, with that rate bumping to 16 percent for children. Children in rural areas also face higher rates of food insecurity. Bailey says even though their report is “new” – the problems aren’t new.






Bailey says he thinks the poverty problems in the Great Plains haven’t been a priority because of the stereotype that poverty is just a big-city or inner-city issue.








The report examines data from the 2010 Census. Recommendations include finding innovative ways to create rural economic opportunities and revitalize economies. Bailey says that could happen through federal, state and local policies along with private-sector partnerships. He also notes that previous C-F-R-A research has shown how U-S-D-A and Congressional policies that subsidize the biggest and most powerful farms hurt rural development.

Worker safety seminar to be held in Casper

A seminar scheduled for this week in Casper will seek to raise industry awareness and improve the safety of Wyoming workers. Wyoming consistently ranks among the worst states for fatal workplace accidents. Last week, four workers at a Sinclair refinery east of Rawlins were injured in a flash fire. Tuesday's seminar is hosted by the Wyoming Mining Association, Wyoming Contractors Association and Petroleum Association of Wyoming. The full day seminar is directed at managers from a variety of Wyoming industries with the intent of providing insight and information to build and improve on operation safety programs. The seminar will include presentations on creating a culture of safety, case histories and breakout sessions.

Wyoming 130 is opened after plowing completed

The Wyoming Department of Transportation says Wyoming 130 in the southern part of the state is now open to traffic. A stretch of the highway in the Snowy Range is closed each winter because of snow, and crews plow the road open each spring. WYDOT spokesman Ross Doman says crews were able to plow the road open on Sunday. Doman says that mild weather conditions have let crews work to clear the road more quickly than usual. Doman says plow crews will now begin clearing Wyoming 70 over Battle Pass.

Bomb threat cancels Eastern Shoshone meeting

Authorities are investigating a bomb threat which canceled a meeting to discuss alleged problems at the Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority. About 110 people gathered for Saturday's General Council meeting at Rocky Mountain Hall in Fort Washakie were evacuated because of the threat. One attendee said that the threat happened shortly after leaders declared there were enough people present to proceed with the meeting. FBI spokesman Dave Joly confirmed the agency is among those investigating the threat. Tribal members signed a petition calling for the meeting because of concerns with the housing authority. Housing authority officials say the petition was circulated because of bitterness over the firing of previous board members. Five managers were terminated after a General Council meeting in February 2010.

"No Veteran Dies Alone" Volunteers Needed

The Cheyenne VA Medical Center located at 2360 East Pershing Blvd in Cheyenne Wyoming is actively recruiting volunteers for a new program through the VA Chaplain's Office called "No Veteran Dies Alone." Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions including program coordination, clerical support, patient and family support. Patient and family support includes regular visitation of veterans in the VA Hospital and Community Living Center. Extensive training will be provided. If you are interested in this or other volunteer opportunities, please contact the Voluntary Service Office at (307) 778-7550, x7317.

Wyoming Rural Development Council Workshop

The Wyoming Rural Development Council (WRDC) is holding a workshop to train new Community Assessment team members. The free workshop will be held May 30 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Wyoming Association of Municipalities Building, located at 315 W. 27th St., Cheyenne, Wyo. Anyone with an interest in learning the history of Wyoming’s communities and a desire to maintain and shape the future of rural Wyoming is invited to attend and become a team member. “Volunteering on Community Assessment resource teams is a very rewarding experience,” said Mary Randolph, Wyoming Main Street/Rural Development director. “We encourage people to take part in the training and help shape our rural communities.” Common topics for Community Assessments include: Agriculture, community volunteerism, economic development (new and existing businesses, job growth, etc.), education, infrastructure (streets, water, electrical systems, etc.), health and social services, housing needs, planning, town beautification, town communications, youth activities, and recreation. To date, the WRDC has conducted 127 Community and County Assessments and celebrated 10 years of Community Assessments in Wyoming in April 2011. For more information on the training workshop or the Community Assessment program, please contact Jo Ferguson, 307-777-5812, jo.ferguson@wyo.gov.

30-day public comment period

he Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rawlins Field Office is launching a 30-day public comment period on a Plan of Operations (POO) for the Juniper Ridge Uranium Exploration Project, located roughly seven miles west of Baggs, Wyo., in Carbon County.
The Juniper Ridge project is proposed by 448018 Exploration, Inc., based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The project area would encompass some 8,320 acres of public land. The proposal includes developing up to 487 mud rotary drill sites, trenching or bulk sampling, construction of new roads and an equipment and vehicle storage area. In addition, up to 10 drill holes will be converted to ground water monitoring wells. Surface disturbance is expected to be up to 54 acres.
Written substantive comments are most helpful if they are specific, cite additional relevant issues, and/or determine the extent of those issues. Only written comments are accepted and should be received by June 8. Get the contact info on our news blog.

Comments may be emailed to BLM_WY_JuniperRidge@blm.gov (please include “Juniper Ridge Comment” in the subject line), faxed to 307-328-4224, or mailed or hand-delivered to the Bureau of Land Management, Rawlins Field Office, Juniper Ridge Comment, 1300 N. Third Street, P.O. Box 2407, Rawlins, WY 82301. The POO is available online at: http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/NEPA/documents/rfo/juniper_ridge.html, as well as in the BLM Rawlins Field Office public room and the Carbon County Planning Office, 215 W. Buffalo Street, Rawlins, Wyoming.

Boats need inspection for invasive species

With boating season starting up, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department reminds boaters to make sure their boats are not carrying invasive species. Most of the states in the West, including those surrounding Wyoming, have lakes and reservoirs where aquatic invasive species have been documented. Wyoming is seeking to keep its waters free of such species. Game and Fish will conduct watercraft inspections again this year at all major waters throughout the state. Boats that have been on waters known to be infected with invasive species within the last 30 days must be inspected before launching in Wyoming. A standard inspection takes no more than five minutes. A more thorough inspection may take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the type and size of watercraft.

Wyo. oil refinery where 3 hurt cited recently

State regulators recently issued three safety citations against the Sinclair oil refinery in Wyoming where a flash fire this week injured four workers. In fact, a state workplace safety official says two fires occurred at the refinery about five miles east of Rawlins while a routine safety inspection was being conducted last year. The three citations issued in March listed serious violations with paperwork, maintenance, training and fire prevention. The state has proposed more than $45,000 in fines. A spokesman for Salt Lake City-based Sinclair was not immediately available for comment Friday. Three workers were critically injured and another one slightly hurt last Tuesday by a flash fire at the refinery. The three still hospitalized improved to fair condition on Friday. The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating.

Cheyenne Remembers Fallen Soldier

On Saturday the community of Cheyenne remembered Tech. Sergeant Matthew Schwartz at a soccer game held in his honor. Schwartz was a bomb specialist and a 12 year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at F.E. Warren. In January he was in Afghanistan on his sixth tour of duty when his humvee his a mine. He's survived by his wife of 12 years, Jenny, and their three daughters. Jenny and the girls were at the soccer game cheering on the Cheyenne Sting. Aliza Schwartz, Matthew and Jenny's oldest daughter, is on the team. In honor of the late airman, the team's set up a memorial scholarship meant to help soccer players and their families cover playing costs.

Outlaws Will Invade Rock Springs Library on Monday

Back in the saddle again, early horse thief Tom O’ Day along with fellow outlaw Bronco Nell will invade the Rock Springs Library tonight (Monday) at 6:30 p.m.






O'Day, portrayed by Ray Maple, was one of the least known members of the infamous Hole-In-The-Wall gang under Butch Cassidy. The gang called him "Peep" because they would send him ahead of a holdup to case banks, a duty he was given in the failed Belle Fourche, SD bank robbery. He was an active participant in many robberies but what ended his outlaw career was rustling horses belonging to Wyoming governor-to-be B.B. Brooks. Following his release from prison, O'Day followed the law until his death.

Nell, portrayed by Jackie Maple, was an early day freighter near Meeteetse. She became known as "Bronco Nell" by breaking out her best horse during haul trips. Nell had some run-ins with the law and was among the last women to serve time in the Rawlins penitentiary. The time was earned by convictions for putting her brand on a couple colts that belonged to a neighbor and selling moonshine.






This program is sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library Foundation. To learn more about this program and other library sponsored programs and services visit any Sweetwater County Library System location or visit the Library System on-line at sweetwaterlibraries.com or on facebook.

Yellowstone National Park southern entrance opens

The South Entrance to Yellowstone National Park opens to automobile traffic at 8 a.m. Friday. The opening will allow spring visitors from the Jackson area to have access to Old Faithful and other areas. The park's North and West Entrances opened April 20, and the East Entrance opened May 4. Park officials caution that spring weather in Yellowstone is unpredictable and may include cold temperatures, high winds and snow.

Sale of Town of Buford Now Official

The sale of a remote, unincorporated area in southern Wyoming to a man from Vietnam is now official. Cheyenne broker Rozetta Weston says the sale of Buford was closed this week. Located along busy Interstate 80 in southeast Wyoming, Buford advertised itself as the smallest town in the United States with one resident. It was sold at auction for $900,000 last month to Vietnamese businessman Pham Dinh Nguyen (WIN). Buford includes a gas station and convenience store, a 1905 schoolhouse, a cabin, a garage and a three-bedroom house on 10 acres between Cheyenne and Laramie. The town traces its origins to the 1860s and the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.

Fracking Danger Still Debated

The best way to find the smoking gun is to follow the smoke to the tip of the barrel. A hydrologist makes that point after being hired by environmental groups to review the E-P-A’s investigation that suggests a connection between hydraulic fracturing and groundwater contamination near Pavillion. Tom Myers found the E-P-A’s science to be sound, but has several recommendations. One is to put a tracer in fracking fluids to show a clear connection, or no connection, to pollution.






One complication is how long it might take fracking fluids to move upward. Myers says that depends on geology, and there’s variability in the region. It’s even possible water contamination being discovered now could be connected to gas production decades ago.






Myers has talked with families affected by contaminated water supplies, and says their concerns should be taken more seriously by the state, the E-P-A and drilling companies.






He adds that many chemicals used in fracking are odorless and tasteless – so unless regular testing is taking place, no one would know they were being exposed.

Three Injured in Flash Fire Near Rawlins Remain In Criticial Condition

Three workers injured in a flash fire on Tuesday at the Sinclair oil refinery near Rawlins remain in critical condition. Tim Bjork, Eric Hansen and Quinn McCartney were being treated at North Colorado Medical Center's Western States Burn Center in Greeley, Colo. Center spokesman Gene Haffner said their condition had not changed Thursday. The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the fire. Salt Lake City-based Sinclair has released little information but says it also is investigating the fire.

Book Characters Come Alive at the Mad Hatter's Ball In Green River

Tomorrow night, at 7 PM, the books at the Sweetwater County Library in Green River may seem to come to life. Young Adult Librarian, Ellie Davis, says that patrons that are high school age or older can join in the pandemonium that is the food drive and costume party known as the Mad Hatter's Ball.







To gain entry to the ball, you must bring a non-perishable food item. Davis encourages everyone to be creative, not only with their costumes, but also their food donations. Once inside, you will be entertained with some local music.







The Mad Hatters Ball is sponsored by the Sweetwater County Library System. All donated food items will go to the Green River Food Bank.