High fire danger returns to eastern Wyoming

High fire danger is returning to the eastern half of Wyoming. A warm front is expected to bring warm, dry and windy weather to the region. The National Weather Service says winds will gust by as much as 35 mph through Friday evening. No red flag warnings have been issued in western Wyoming, where crews are fighting a wildfire burning on over 21 square miles in the Teton Wilderness. Fire managers are hopeful the North Buffalo Fire will burn itself out soon as it works its way into a treeless rocky area. Firefighters there could get some help from the weather too. Humidity has been rising and fire spokeswoman Robbie McAboy said there's also a 50% chance of rain there on Friday.

Delisting of wolves in Wyoming could come soon

The next step in ending federal protections for wolves in Wyoming could be close. State wildlife officials expect the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make an announcement about delisting wolves on today (Friday). Gov. Matt Mead's spokesman Renny MacKay said it usually takes 30 days for such action to become official. So if federal officials announce the plan today (Friday), MacKay said it would take effect in time for Wyoming's Oct. 1 wolf hunt. However, the move could spark legal challenges from environmental groups outraged that the state plans to classify wolves as predators that can be shot on sight in most areas. An attorney for EarthJustice, Jenny Harbine, said conservation groups may got to court to fight the delisting of wolves.

Evanston Corporation Plane Crashes; Two Dead

Investigators are trying to determine why a single-engine airplane crashed and burned in a field about two miles away from the Nephi Airport. Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor says local authorities report two people on board were killed when the Alarus CH2000 went down Thursday evening. The plane is registered to a corporation based in Evanston, Wyo., although no phone number for the company is listed.

6th Penny Tax

Voters get to weigh in on the 6th Penny Tax as it will appear before voters this November after five of the six communities in Sweetwater County approved resolutions supporting it. Bairoil was the only community voting not to support the ballot issue and, as a result of language added by the Sweetwater County Commissioners last week, will not receive funding for projects through the tax.

2 Names Added to Ward 2 Ballott

Voters in Ward 2 will see two new names added to the General Election ballot this November. In Ward 2, Dick Wilson will officially run against incumbent Lisa Maes. Sweetwater County Clerk Dale Davis said Wilson filed to run after being informed he was eligible for ballot placement. Wilson believes the Council is out of control, saying they’re micromanaging and meeting in secret. Wilson also voiced concerns over departures of former City Administrator Barry Cook and former Human Resources Director Debbie Klein-Robertson. Wilson said he believes the two were forced from their positions.

Wyoming Ranks 3rd for Business Climate

Wyoming has once again made the top-ten list of "Pollina's Corporate Real Estate's Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2012." The study, published last week, placed Wyoming third, just behind Utah and Virginia. The prestigious annual study of job retention and creation is one of the most comprehensive of its kind. It has been issuing reports since 2004 and Wyoming has made the list every year since. The study focuses on thirty-two factors including taxes, human resources, education, and energy costs. The results of the report speak for themselves - Wyoming provides an excellent environment for existing business as well as those that are seeking to relocate here.

UW ranked 11th on Forbes best value college list

The University of Wyoming is listed among "America's Best Value Colleges" in rankings released by Forbes.com. UW ranks 11th in the best value category, which is part of Forbes' annual "America's Top Colleges" rankings. The rankings are compiled by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity. The rankings measure the overall cost of each school relative to the quality of education offered. UW Admissions Director Shelley Dodd says UW offers an excellent combination of academic experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, robust scholarship programs and affordability for students.

BLM extends deadline for wild horse sanctuaries

The Bureau of Land Management is giving landowners more time to apply to run sanctuaries for wild horses. Wednesday had been the closing date but the BLM announced Thursday it was extending the application deadline to Sept. 19. It didn't say why it was granting the extension. The BLM wants to find landowners who can provide long-term care for excess wild horses as an alternative to keeping them in government-run holding facilities. The sanctuaries would have to care for at least 100 horses and be open to the public, potentially as ecotourism sites. That's the approach being taken at a 4,000-acre former cattle ranch near Laramie, Wyo. On Wednesday, the BLM approved a plan to turn the Deerwood Ranch into a wild horse ecosanctuary for up to 300 horses.

Oregon Woman receives 30-year prison sentence In Rock Springs Attempted Murder

An Oregon woman has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for her role in a carjacking and attempted murder south of Rock Springs in 2011. Sweetwater County Sheriff Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that 36 year old Jessica Fritts and her husband, 34-year-old Roy Fritts, were arrested near Echo, Utah, on August 14, 2011, following a multi-state crime spree that included carjackings in two states, a shooting in Sweetwater County, and a law enforcement pursuit that culminated in the pair’s capture.






The three camped in the Firehole Canyon area on the night of August 13.  The next morning, Roy Fritts shot the 54-year-old Thornell several times with a .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol and he and Jessica Fritts left in his van.






Federal District Judge Nancy Freudenthal handed down her sentence in Cheyenne on August 29. Roy Fritts pleaded guilty on July 17th in Green River to the charges of first degree murder and larceny. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 1st.

Turkish athlete honored by Wyoming colleagues

A Turkish athlete from Riverton is being honored by her colleagues for her athletic career that began in Wyoming. Turkish National Team basketball player Kristen Newlin came back home to Riverton to see her high school jersey number retired. Newlin broke countless records as a Wolverine swimmer and basketball player. She then moved on playing basketball for Stanford University and the Turkish National Team. Coaches say she may be the best female athlete ever coming out of Wyoming.

Heat wave helps break, tie Wyoming weather records

The latest wave of hot weather has helped break or tie some weather records in Wyoming.

Cheyenne set a new record Wednesday when the temperature reached 93 degrees at the city's airport. The National Weather Service says that broke the previous record high for the day, set back in 1900, by one degree.

Lander has tied the 2001 record for the most 90 degree days at 47. Casper and Riverton have had the second highest number of 90-degree days in their history this summer.

The good news is the fire danger has dropped and no red flag warnings were in effect in the state on Thursday.

McKinnon Man Killed In Tractor Mishap

A McKinnon man was killed in a tractor mishap on Monday. Sweetwater County deputy sheriffs and coroner’s office officials responded at about 1:00 PM on Monday to the scene, located approximately a mile southwest of the intersection County Road 1 and Highway 414 in southern Sweetwater County. County investigators determined that the victim, Steve Wilkinson, 80, of McKinnon, and his son, Joseph Wilkinson, were jump-starting a tractor at the time of the accident.  The tractor was apparently still in gear when Steve Wilkinson, who was standing in front of the left rear tire, reached over to engage the ignition.  The tractor moved forward, knocking him down and running him over.

Wyoming primary election results certified

The State Canvassing Board has certified this month's primary election results. Secretary of State Max Maxfield said Wednesday his office has notified any write-in candidates who received the most votes and met the 25-vote minimum of their nomination for a particular office. Those individuals have five days to accept their nominations. Maxfield says the general election ballot will be finalized as soon as all write-in candidates have notified his office of their acceptance or refusal of the nomination and petitions for independent candidates have been validated. According to state statute, Sept. 6 is the last day for the Secretary of State to certify to each county clerk the list of names for the general election ballot.

BLM Releases Decision On Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse Ecosanctuary

The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office has found no significant impact through an environmental assessment of a wild horse ecosanctuary on the Deerwood Ranch, located about 30 miles west of Laramie. Shelley Gregory says that a decision record has been released.






Located in the Centennial Valley, the 4,000-acre, family-owned Deerwood Ranch applied to provide long-term, humane care for up to 300 excess, non-reproducing wild horses gathered from Western public rangelands. Public lands are not included in this proposal.






The DR is subject to administrative review through the appeal process, which is outlined in the Decision Record. Copies are available at blm.gov.

Illegal Payments Made for Sewer

The Radio network has obtained copies of emails and signed statements that indicate the City of Green River knew it was illegal to repair a sewar problem at Arizona and Colorado, but proceeded anyway---

Steve Core has the details

Jackson Hole pronghorn population near record

State biologists have counted near-record numbers of summering pronghorn antelope in Jackson Hole this year. In addition, they have found the highest fawn ratios since modern record-keeping started in Jackson Hole. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department survey is used to determine hunting quotas and seasons for the following year. It's a trend survey and is not considered a census count of the population. Game and Fish wildlife biologist Doug Brimeyer says he counted some 400 pronghorn in the area, including about 260 in Grand Teton National Park. Brimeyer says that he is seeing about 80 fawns per 100 does this year. That's well above the usual 40 to 60 seen in Jackson Hole.

Generic Drugs

All across the nation, dozens of lawsuits against manufacturers of generic drugs have been dismissed because of a decision by the U-S Supreme Court a year ago. It's a ruling that Wyomingites don't likely know about - centering on whether generic manufacturers have to update warnings about drug dangers when safety issues surface with name-brand equivalents. They're not required to do so. Attorney Gary Leppla represented the family of a young woman who had an adverse reaction to a generic medication and died. He points out that generics aren't even usually the patient's, or doctor's, choice.






Proposed legislation would force makers of generics to update the warning label when a new safety issue arises. Leppla says nearly 80 percent of all prescriptions filled in the U-S are filled with generic drugs.






Insurance companies say generic drugs save money and have the same active ingredients as the brand names. Name-brand manufacturers are required by the F-D-A to constantly update their labels.

Traffic Stop East of Evanston Leads To 33 Ponds of Pot Seized

A traffic stop by Troopers for a speeding violation of 83 mph in a 75 mph zone on Interstate 80 has led to the arrest and felony charges filed on a 47 year-old man from Laguna Woods, California. Michael A. Howard was traveling eastbound approximately 30 miles east of Evanston on August 23rd when a pair of State Troopers stopped his speeding rented Chevrolet Camaro. Howard's demeanor and inconsistencies in his travel plans made the Troopers suspicious. A Highway Patrol K-9 then searched the vehicle which led to the discovery of 30 vacuum sealed baggies in two duffle bags in the trunk of the vehicle, totaling 33 pounds. Just over $1300 cash was also seized. Howard has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.  The marijuana has an approximate street value estimated at $198,000.00. 

Wyo. parolee sues over forced urine sample

A parolee who says he was forcibly catheterized to provide a urine sample is suing the Wyoming Department of Corrections and the city of Cheyenne. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Daniel Delaney Friday. It alleges a parole officer ordered a nurse to insert the catheter while he was handcuffed to a hospital bed last August even though Delaney had admitted to consuming alcohol and taking over-the-counter sleeping pills. In his parole agreement, Delaney consented to testing without search warrants. However, Delaney's lawyers say he is still protected by the Fourth Amendment's prohibition against unreasonable searches. They contend forcibly obtaining the urine sample was unreasonable, given his admission. A previous blood test didn't show any other controlled substances. A corrections spokesman and Cheyenne's city attorney couldn't immediately be reached.

Wildfire burning in northern Colo. near Wyo. line

Firefighters have made progress building lines to contain a wildfire in northern Colorado near the Wyoming border. The Roach Fire was estimated to be burning on about 250 acres Tuesday in northwest Larimer County in the Roosevelt National Forest, about 3 miles south of the Wyoming line. Fire officials say it is 10% contained. No structures are threatened. U.S. Forest Service officials say the nearest structure is six miles away. The fire is burning in lodgepole pine that has been hit with mountain pine beetle, so there is dead wood to burn. About 100 people are fighting the blaze, which was reported Monday afternoon. Three single-engine air tankers, a heavy air tanker and two helicopters are on the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Inmate Community Service Program Work Groups Begin Setting Up County Reactive Steel Targets at Shooting Range

Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that the sheriff's inmate community service program work crew has begun setting up the county's reactive steel targets and target systems at the county shooting sports complex range every Saturday.






The ICSP Crew arrives at the country firearms range located on the Little Fire Hole Road about four miles south of US 191 South around 8 Am and sets up the targets which are left up all day under the supervision of the on duty range officer.






The handgun targets and target systems were obtained in 2011 by the sheriff's office through a friends of the NRA grant. They are available not only to law enforcement for firearms training but to the general shooting public as well.

Wyoming waives oversize fees for hay trucks

With the homegrown hay crop hit hard by drought, Wyoming is waiving fees for oversize loads of hay coming into the state. The waiver went into effect Monday and will continue as long as drought disaster designations expire or until Dec. 31. Wyoming ranchers are looking for hay elsewhere since the state is facing 1 of its worst hay harvests in terms of acreage in nearly 80 years. Hay is Wyoming's biggest cash crop and is suffering the most from a lack of rain earlier in the season. If hay acreage estimates hold, the 2012 hay crop could be the worst since the Dust Bowl days of 1934. Gov. Matt Mead has requested federal agricultural disaster designations for all but one Wyoming's 23 counties.

BLM Kemmerer Releases Carter Lease Allotment Proposed Decision

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kemmerer Field Office has released a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and proposed decision record (DR) for the environmental assessment (EA) of the Carter Lease Allotment grazing permit renewal.
The 257,313 acre Carter Lease Allotment is located in the checkerboard land ownership pattern, 43 percent of which is public land administered by the BLM. The allotment’s north boundary begins approximately three miles southeast of Kemmerer, Wyo., extends south and east to boundaries defined by branches of the Union Pacific Railroad between Granger, Wyo., and Evanston, Wyo., and extends west to the Albert Creek and Cumberland Flats allotments.
An EA was prepared to analyze grazing management practices within the allotment in order to promote healthy, sustainable rangeland ecosystems and continue to meet rangeland health standards.

WCCC

If you're looking for a chance to learn something new, Your'e in luck...Erick Pauley has the story

Bison hunting could expand in Wyoming

Wyoming may expand bison hunting because the state's population is above management goals. The Wyoming Legislature may consider a bill to increase the number of cows that can be taken by hunters. A proposal by Jackson Republican Rep. Keith Gingery would end the once-in-a-lifetime rule for harvesting cows and replace it with a once-every-5-year rule.

Another Fire At the Sinclair Refinery

Another fire at the Sinclair Refinery in south-central Wyoming forced the evacuation of the plant but caused no injuries. The fire broke out inside the refinery late Friday afternoon. The fire was reported about 4:25 p.m. and flames and smoke were visible from the Sinclair Town Hall until about 6:20 p.m. It was the fourth fire at the facility since May. Four workers were injured on May 8 in a flash fire in a gas recovery unit at the east end of the refinery. Shortly after, another fire injured two more employees. Another fire on Aug. 5 injured one person. Sinclair Oil Corp. spokesman Clint Ensign says that the company is working to make the facility safer.

17 Year Old Runaway Steals Green River Vehicle and Leads Law Enforcement on One Hour High Speed Chase Into Idaho

A 17 year old runaway is in big trouble after leading law enforcement on a high speed chase in a stolen vehicle from a job site in Green River. On Saturday, Wyoming State Troopers spotted the 2006 Chrysler 300 just west of Kemmerer on US 30 at around 11 PM. After the vehicle stopped, and just as a Trooper was approaching it, it took off again, with speeds reaching around 120 miles per hour. The driver continued for 54 miles before stopping again just before entering a construction zone. The Trooper in pursuit, exited his vehicle and ordered the driver out of the car. But this time, the driver, at high speed, crossed the State Line into Idaho. The Wyoming Highway Trooper notified the Idaho State Patrol and asked for assistance. The driver was finally stopped with tire spikes by Officers of the Soda Springs, Idaho Police Department after continuing through Caribou and into Bannock County Idaho. The 17 year old now faces numerous charges including felony larceny of a vehicle, eluding, no driver's license, reckless driving and endangerment and interference with a peace officer. He is currently being held at a detention facility in Idaho and cannot be released since he may face an additional felony charge in Wyoming. No one was injured during the one hour chase.

Sweetwater County archery and firearms ranges open and available for hunters

With rifle hunting season approaching fast - and archery hunting already open for pronghorn antelope in many areas - the Sweetwater County Recreation Board is recommending that hunters take advantage of the county’s firearms and archery ranges to check and sight in their hunting weapons before the last-minute rush begins. Speaking on behalf of the Recreation Board, Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says the Sweetwater County Archery Complex is located about nine miles southwest of Rock Springs.






The archery complex features a 28-position hunter’s round, a 28-position N.F.A.A. field round, a third 28-position round, and a basic practice range.






There is no charge to use either the archery or firearms ranges.  Both ranges are available for walk-in use from dusk to dawn seven days a week, and a range officer is on duty at the firearms range Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

New wildfire in Teton Wilderness over weekend

A new wildfire that started in the Teton Wilderness in western Wyoming over the weekend has grown to about 4,000 acres. The North Buffalo Fire was first reported on Saturday and grew quickly because of hot, dry conditions. It is burning in mixed conifer and beetle-killed trees. About 30 firefighters and one helicopter are trying to suppress the fire. The cause of the fire isn't known. In Yellowstone National Park, a lightning-caused fire about 5 miles southeast of Norris Junction also saw some growth over the weekend. The Cygnet Complex Fire is estimated at around 1,000 acres. Heavy smoke from the fire could hinder travelers at times.

Reward Offered

The body of a young man found near Rock Springs on Sunday afternoon [August 19, 2012] has been officially confirmed to be that of a missing Rock Springs youth, the victim of murder.
In a joint release, Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell, Rock Springs Police Chief Mike Lowell, and County Coroner Dale Majhanovich said the remains have been positively identified as those of Rigoberto Alvarado, Jr., 17, who was reported missing to the Rock Springs Police Department by his father on July 30.
Haskell said a group of people exploring the remains of long-abandoned coal camps and coal mining operations outside of Rock Springs came upon the body and notified authorities. Officials said the focus of the investigation at this stage is on tracking Alvarado's movements, particularly on July 29, when he left the family's apartment in west Rock Springs at about 8:30 PM. He did not return home that night, and his father contacted the Police Department the next day.
A reward of $5,000 is being offered for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of person or persons involved in Alvarado's death. Anyone who has such information is asked to contact either the Rock Springs Police Department at (307) 389-0264 or the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office at (307) 350-4010.

National Public Lands Day

The Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Field Office (RSFO), in cooperation with the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce and Wyoming Department of Transportation, is inviting the public to celebrate National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to help clean up areas along the base of White Mountain and up its various draws and ravines.
The RSFO event is a wonderful way for individuals, families, and youth and civic groups to learn about their public lands and help preserve the nation’s natural resources and landscapes for future generations. Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the Sage Elementary School parking lot, 903 Summit Dr., Rock Springs, Wyo.
Volunteers are asked to wear proper work attire and bring safety glasses and gloves.
NPLD began in 1994 with 700 volunteers and three sites. Last year, more than 170,000 volunteers worked at over 2,067 sites and collected an estimated 500 tons of trash, removed an estimated 23,000 pounds of invasive plants, built and maintained an estimated 1,500 miles of trails, planted an estimated 100,000 trees, shrubs and other native plants and contributed an estimated $17 million to improve public lands across the country.
For more information, please contact RSFO Outdoor Recreation Planner Jo Foster at 307-352-0327.

Horses' tails stolen in Natrona, Converse counties

Authorities in Converse and Natrona counties say some residents are reporting that someone has been cutting their horses' tails off in the middle of the night. Natrona County Sheriff's Lt. Mark Sellers says it isn't the first time this has happened in the area. He remembers people were cutting horse tails several years ago and using the hair to make and sell items such as jewelry, hat bands and belts. Illegally cutting horse tails is a misdemeanor and only becomes a felony if the value of the hair stolen exceeds $1,000.

Largest fire in Wyoming is contained

The largest wildfire in Wyoming this season has been declared contained. The Arapaho Fire in the Laramie Peak area of the Medicine Bow National Forest was declared 100% contained on Thursday. The fire has burned about 153 square miles since lightning started it on June 27. At its' peak, the fire had around 1,000 firefighters assigned to it. The U.S. Forest Service cautions that there is extensive fire damage and people should use caution within the burned area. Hazards include changing road conditions due to rain and burned trees that are at increased risk of falling. Although containment has been achieved, there are still smoldering areas that may not be put out until the onset of cool, wet weather this fall.

19-year-old man killed in hit and run crash ID'd

Authorities have released the name of a 19-year-old man who died after a hit and run crash near Fort Washakie. Fremont County Coroner Ed McAuslan identified the teen as Enrique Chavez, who was struck on Trout Creek Road at about 3 a.m. on Aug. 18. Chavez, who is believed to have been from the area, was taken to a hospital in Lander and later flown to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, where he died. The FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are helping McAuslan with the investigation.

Missing Rock Springs youth found murdered; reward offered

The body of a young man found near Rock Springs on August 19th has been officially confirmed to be that of missing Rock Springs youth, 17 year old Rigoberto Alvarado, Jr. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that Alvarado was first reported missing to the Rock Springs Police Department on July 30th. 






Investigators say that Alvarado sustained a range of injuries, but declined to describe them because the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.  The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Springs Police Department are conducting a joint investigation. 






Officials confirm that the focus of the investigation at this stage is on tracking Alvarado’s movements, particularly on July 29th, when he left the family’s apartment in west Rock Springs at about 8:30 PM.  When he did not return home that night, his father contacted the Police Department the next day.






Those numbers again are 307-389-0264 or 307-350-4010. Officials say any calls will be handled with discretion.  

Bird Hunting

Limited quota sandhill crane, mourning dove, and early Canada goose seasonswill open Sept. 1 in the Pacific Flyway and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding bird hunters to get ready now. The sandhill crane hunt is only open to valid limited quota permit holders. Sandhill crane hunt areas within the Green River Region include hunt area 1 (Bear River
and Ham’s Fork Drainages), hunt area 3 (Bureau of Reclamation Eden Project in Sweetwater County) and hunt area 5 (all of Uinta County). The season opens Saturday, Sept. 1, and ends officially at sunset on Saturday, Sept. 8. The season bag limit is one crane. The early Canada goose season in the Pacific Flyway is a general season. The early Canada goose season also opens Sept. 1 and ends officially at sunset on Sept. 8. The daily bag limit on any Canada goose is two, and the possession limit is four; except in Teton County where the daily limit is three and possession limit is six. Hunting seasons for mourning doves, rails, and snipe also opens Sept. 1. The daily bag limit for doves is 15 and 30 in possession. Hunters are urged to read the 2012 Early Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations before going hunting.

Employment numbers

Employment numbers in Sweetwater County continue reflex a positive economy. The Wyoming department of employmnet reports Sweetwater Counties un-employment rate in July was 4.7 percent, down from June's rate of 4.9 percent. Last year the July rate was 4.9 percent. There were 1,176 un-employed workers in the county in July , down from 1,252 in June. Overall, Sweetwater County has 24,068 workers.
The statewide un-employement in July stood at 5.3 percent, down from June's rate of 5.6 percent. Last year, the rate stood at 5.5 percent. The lowest rate in the state can be found in Sublette county, at 3.6 percent. The highest rate is in Lincoln county at 7.2 percent.

City Special

The Green River City Council met for a special meeting last night, Erick Pauley has the Story.

UW trustees seek pay increase for faculty

The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees is requesting $5.3 million in annual pay raises for faculty. The supplemental budget request for a 3% raise was approved unanimously by the board on Thursday. The pay raises would be awarded based on merit. Money for the salary increase must be approved by Gov. Matt Mead and the Legislature, which meets early next year. The request notes that without the increase UW faculty will go four years without a pay increase. It says the university is seeing more faculty leaving for higher salaries elsewhere. But the request comes at a time when state hasn't granted across-the-board pay increases for the last several years and when state agencies are being asked to identify budget cuts because of state revenue concerns.

UW trustees seek pay increase for faculty

A district judge has set a competency hearing for a Wheatland man accused of killing his three sons and his brother in a shooting rampage last summer. Judge John Brooks of Douglas has scheduled a hearing for Everett Conant III for Sept. 10 in Evanston. Conant has been undergoing mental evaluation at the state hospital there in recent months. Conant is accused of shooting and killing his sons - 11-year-old Joseph, 13-year-old Charles and 18-year-old Everett, as well as their 33-year-old uncle Nacuma Roland Conant in July 2011. The defendant is also charged with attempted murder in the wounding of his wife. Conant entered a not-guilty plea to the charges in January. A prosecutor and a defense lawyer declined comment on Thursday.

Positive Economy Reflected in Sweetwater County Economy

Employment numbers in Sweetwater County continue to reflect a positive economy. The Wyoming department of employment reports Sweetwater Counties un-employment rate in July was 4.7 percent, down from June's rate of 4.9 percent. Last year the July rate was 4.9 percent. There were 1,176 un-employed workers in the county in July , down from 1,252 in June. Overall, Sweetwater County has 24,068 workers. The statewide un-employement in July stood at 5.3 percent, down from June's rate of 5.6 percent. Last year, the rate stood at 5.5 percent. The lowest rate in the state can be found in Sublette county, at 3.6 percent. The highest rate is in Lincoln county at 7.2 percent.

Body Found Near Rock Springs

A body was found near Rock Springs on August 19th. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that county and city law enforcement officials are investigating.






Blust says the identification should be completed sometime Friday.






The Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Springs Police Department, who are conducting a joint investigation, are withholding further comment until the identification procedures are finished. 

Army honors slain servicemen from Ga., NY, Wyo

Fort Carson held a memorial service for three servicemen killed in Afghanistan. Air Force Maj. Walter D. Gray, Army Maj. Thomas E. Kennedy and Army Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin were honored Thursday at the infantry post outside Colorado Springs. They were killed Aug. 8 when insurgents detonated suicide vests. Griffin, from Laramie, was assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, part of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson. He competed on the Riverton High School wrestling team and won a state championship.

Wyo. ACT scores show mixed results

Wyoming students scored lower than the national average on the most recent ACT college entrance exam. The state's average ACT composite score was 20.3, compared to the national average of 21.1. Wyoming's average score was the lowest in English at 19.2 out of 36. However, the state's ACT scores are skewed because Wyoming is 1 of only nine states that have all high school juniors take the ACT. Compared to the other states that give the test to all their juniors, Wyoming students had higher average scores in English, reading, math and science than Mississippi. Students also scored higher in some areas than those in Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan and Tennessee. However, Wyoming's averages were lower across the board than Colorado, Illinois and North Dakota.

Wyo. safety officials investigate gas plant fire

State safety officials are investigating a flash fire at a natural gas processing plant in Fremont County that left four workers burned. 3 of the workers were flown by helicopters to hospitals after Wednesday morning's fire at ConocoPhillips Lost Cabin plant, including one who was taken to a burn center in Greeley, Colo. They haven't been identified and their conditions aren't known. The fire happened as workers were doing maintenance on part of the plant. An explosion destroyed part of the plant in 2010. Nearby residents were told to evacuate then but there were no evacuations this time. The latest fire was brief and went out on its own. ConocoPhillips said no natural gas was released.

Common Hunting Violations

Archery hunting began in some local areas August 15. Many more hunting seasons will open up September 1, 2012. In an effort to help hunters avoid any problems from not knowing the laws, here are the top ten violations that many hunters get stuck with;

Tagging Violations...These violations range from forgetting to sign your license in the excitement of having just bagged a big game animal to a "slick license" where the hunter intentionally omits all the tagging procedure with the hope of using the license again.

Shooting From a Public Road...It is illegal to shoot from or across a public road when hunting or target shooting. Two-track roads on public lands are not public roads;

Failure to Retain Evidence of Gender on Big Game Animal
Hunting in Wrong Area...For example: A general license is only valid in general license areas and cannot be legally used in limited quota areas.

Hunting Without Hunter Education Certification...Wyoming law requires all hunters born on or after January 1, 1966 to have passed a certified hunter education course.

Trespassing

Wanton Destruction...Shooting an animal and leaving it to waste.

Failure to Wear Fluorescent Orange

Failure to Purchase Conservation Stamp...In addition to the license, all hunters, except Pioneer License holders who are exercising hunting or fishing privileges under a pioneer license, must purchase a $12.50 Conservation Stamp. If the pioneer is hunting on a non-pioneer license, a conservation stamp is required.

Turnout low in Tuesday's Wyoming primary election

Fewer than half of Wyoming's registered voters turned out to the polls on Tuesday. State election director Peggy Nighswonger says the level of voter participation in the primary election was the lowest in the last 30 years. Nighswonger says unofficial figures show that roughly 108,000 people voted out of about 218,000 registered voters, or 49.5%. Nighswonger says voter turnout over the last five presidential elections has averaged 98% among registered voters. She says that if history repeats itself, voter turnout should be much higher in the November general election. The state canvassing board will meet next Wednesday to certify election results.

$3.4B Native American Land Trust settlement objector petitions Supreme Court

A woman who challenged a $3.4 billion settlement between the U.S. government and Native American land trust beneficiaries is asking the Supreme Court to take up her case. Kimberly Craven's attorney filed a petition with the Supreme Court Monday. Attorney Anand Ramana said Wednesday he does not expect to know for months whether the justices will take up the case. Craven says the settlement pits Native American plaintiffs against each other. She says it enriches the attorneys and the named plaintiffs led by Elouise Cobell of Montana, who died last year. The settlement was reached in 2009 after nearly 15 years of litigation in which Cobell argued government officials mismanaged billions of dollars in land royalties held in trust for Native Americans. An appeals court upheld the settlement in May.

4 hurt in explosion at Fremont County natural gas plant

Four people have been hurt in a flash fire at a ConocoPhillips natural gas processing plant in Fremont County. ConocoPhillips spokesman Jim Lowry says the flash fire occurred at the Lost Cabin plant near Lysite about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday while contract workers were doing maintenance on part of the plant. Lowry says the brief fire went out on its own. Fremont County Sheriff's Capt. Dave Good says that two of those hurt received what he described as "pretty severe" injuries. The injured were transported to hospitals in the region, including a burn center in Greeley, Colo. The names of the injured have not been released. There's no immediate word on what caused the explosion. Lowry says no gas was released.

Slots still open for Sweetwater County Civilian Handgun Training Course

Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that shooters have one more chance to take the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Civilian Handgun Training Course this year.






There is a $30.00 charge for the course.






To register, contact the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office at (307) 352-4901 or(307) 872-3870.

Election Results

It was election day in Sweetwater County yesterday , Erick Pauley has the results.

Hunters Urged to Avoid Burned Areas in the Ferris and Seminoe Mountains

The Bureau of Land Management’s Rawlins Field Office (RFO) is urging hunters with tags in northern Carbon County, Wyo., to adjust their hunting plans.
Approximately 12,479 acres were burned 30 miles northeast of Rawlins, Wyo., in this summer’s Ferris and Seminoe wildfires. The Ferris and Seminoe mountains serve as important elk, mule deer and pronghorn range and popular hunting areas on the east end of Ferris Mountain and north and west of Seminoe Dam in the Seminoe Mountains were affected.
As the archery season gets underway and the rifle season approaches, big game hunters are being informed of the burned areas. “We want hunters to know ahead of time the areas that burned so they can move their hunting trip to a different part of the mountain,” explains Andy Warren, RFO Supervisory Rangeland Management Specialist. He adds, “The habitat needs time to recover so that wildlife will have a long-term benefit from these fires.”
While the Ferris and Seminoe wildfire areas are not off limits to recreation, including hunting, hunters should recognize that wildlife may not be as prevalent in burned areas. The increased amount of human presence and air traffic while fighting the fires, coupled with the loss of available forage and cover, may have caused many wildlife species to relocate into adjacent unburned areas. If any member of the public chooses to recreate in these areas, Warren stresses, “Please stay on roads and off burned habitat and where fire engines drove to minimize further damage and erosion.”

Weak earthquake shakes Colorado mountains

A weak earthquake has hit the Colorado mountains. The National Earthquake Information Center says the quake Tuesday afternoon registered a preliminary magnitude of 3.3. It was centered north of Basalt and south of Gypsum. A magnitude-3.3 quake generally isn't expected to cause much damage.

Northwest College OKs construction funding plan

The Northwest College board has approved a plan to raise $5 million for a new classroom building from four sources, and none involve raising taxes. Trustees agreed on the plan last week. It calls for taking $2 million from the college's reserves, charging students a $5-per-credit fee beginning next year, borrowing about $1.2 million from a Park County financial institution and getting $1.2 million through donations to the NWC Foundation. Four trustees voted in favor. The other three were absent. The $5 million is what the college needs to get nearly $9.4 million the Legislature set aside for the proposed Yellowstone Academic and Workforce Services Building. It would have nearly 50,000 square feet including classrooms, labs, faculty offices and a 300-seat conference facility.

Wyo. communities may apply now to be part of Main Street program

Wyoming Main Street is accepting applications from communities interested in participating in its program that uses historic preservation to help revitalize historic downtowns. Program Manager Britta Fuller says the program comprises a two-tier system designed to meet the varying needs of communities across the state and minimize local costs. 






Applications are due to the Wyoming Main Street office no later than Dec. 1.  Interested communities should submit a letter of intent to apply to the Wyoming Main Street office by Oct. 1.  The letter helps the Main Street office keep track of interested communities so as to help them through the application process. 






The application as well as information about the program may be downloaded from the Wyoming Main Street website at wyomingmainstreet.org.

Wild Horses Captured From Pryor Mountains To Be Sold At Auction in Wyoming

The BLM says at least 38 wild horses captured from the Pryor Mountains will be sold at auction in Wyoming on Sept. 8. Fourteen geldings, 20 females and four foals will be offered at the competitive bid adoption at the Britton Springs Corrals north of Lovell. Minimum bid for each animal is $125.

Funeral for Wyo. soldier killed in suicide attack

A Laramie soldier who was killed in a suicide attack in Afghanistan is being laid to rest today. Services will be held for 45-year-old Sgt. Maj. Kevin J. Griffin at Fort Carson. He'll be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. The 24-year Army veteran was killed along with two other soldiers and a foreign service officer on Aug. 8. He competed on the Riverton High School wrestling team and won a state championship.

West Nile Virus

As many states are experiencing a very active year for West Nile virus (WNV), the Wyoming Department of Health is saying an adult male from Crook County is the state’s first reported human case for 2012.
“Because many factors affect the transmission of the disease, we are unable to consistently predict what may happen with West Nile virus from year to year,” said Dr. Wendy Braund, state health officer and Public Health Division senior administrator with the Wyoming Department of Health.

“While summer may be winding down, the season for West Nile virus is not yet over. It remains important for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Braund added.

The “5 D’s” of WNV prevention include:

1) DAWN and 2) DUSK - Most mosquito species prefer to feed at dawn or dusk, so avoid spending time outside during these times.
3) DRESS - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt outdoors or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials.
4) DRAIN - Mosquitoes breed in shallow, stagnant water. Reduce the amount of standing water by draining and/or removing it.
5) DEET - Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). When using DEET, be sure to read and follow the label instructions. Other insect repellents such as Picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective.

The Wyoming Public Health Laboratory offers free WNV testing for healthcare providers with suspected cases in their patients.

Most people infected with WNV never develop symptoms. Among those who become ill, symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. A very small percentage of infected persons develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease (i.e. meningitis or encephalitis) with symptoms such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.

Area Smoke

Smoke has been a constant companion throughout the summer of 2012, Erick Pauley takes a look at why

34 bison killed in first days of Elk Refuge hunt

Hunters have killed 34 bison in the first 48 hours of the hunting season on the National Elk Refuge. Hunters took eight bulls, 25 cows and one calf between Wednesday and Friday. From 2007 to 2011, hunters took an average of just 11 animals on opening day. A 2007 plan drawn up by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service called for reducing the size of the bison herd to about 500 from 1,200. An aerial survey done last winter counted 910. Wyoming Fish and Game issued 410 of the once-in-a-lifetime bison permits this year. Of those, 300 licenses are for cows or calves and 110 are "either-sex" tags.

Sinclair fined $3.8M for pollution at Wyo. plants

Sinclair Oil has agreed to pay a $3.8 million fine for exceeding air pollution limits at two of its refineries in Wyoming. The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Justice Department announced the fine Monday. The EPA says Sinclair also agreed to spend about $10.5 million on additional pollution control equipment and other measures at its refineries in Casper and east of Rawlins in the town of Sinclair. The agency says the refineries exceeded nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emission limits. The limits were part of a 2008 settlement in which Sinclair paid a $2.4 million penalty. Sinclair Senior Vice President Clint Ensign says the company has been working to resolve the issues. EPA says the proposed settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.

2 held after marijuana found in vehicle

The Wyoming Highway Patrol says a tractor-trailer that was pulled over during a traffic stop over the weekend was carrying 231 pounds of marijuana worth almost $1.4 million. Troopers say 29-year-old driver Donald G. Cornelius of Orlando, Fla., and 55-year-old co-driver, Anthony M. Swift, of Chicopee, Mass., are being held on suspicion of drug charges. Their vehicle was pulled over Sunday morning on eastbound Interstate 80, about 21 miles east of Elk Mountain in Carbon County. Troopers say they found marijuana mixed in with a legitimate load of commercial lighting fixtures and electrical wire. Authorities also seized more than $3,000 in cash.

With Kids Back In School, Mind The Laws Around Stopped School Buses

Now that the kids of Sweetwater County School District Number Two are back in school, Superintendent Donna Little Como wants parents to remind their children about the rules of safety of riding on a school bus.






Little Como is also warning all drivers to respect the laws regarding school buses and to simply watch out for the students.






Just last December, a Wind River School sixth-grader was struck and killed as she exited a school bus. William Dean Barnes of Lander was accused of driving recklessly when, at 57 miles per hour, he passed the stopped bus that was flashing its red lights. He pleaded not guilty to the charge of felony aggravated vehicular homicide. His trial is set for November 12th.

50th Bday

It was the big Five-o for one of southwest wyomings largest employers , Erick Pauley has the story

Kids In Sweetwater County District Two Head Back To School

Drivers will want to be extra careful driving to work today. The kids in Sweetwater County School District Number Two are heading off to school. Superintendent Donna Little Como says the students will be excited today and may not pay as much attention to traffic as they should. While this is the first day for Sweetwater County District Two, the kids in Sweetwater County District Number one will start two weeks from tomorrow, on September 4th.

Resource guide produced for Wyo. landowners

A resource guide is available for Wyoming landowners with information ranging from soil and forest issues to septic systems and growing local food. The Wyoming Rural Living Resources is available for free at University of Wyoming Extension, conservation district, weed and pest and Wyoming State Forestry Division offices. The 76-page guide is produced by UW Extension personnel and resource group representatives in Wyoming. Jennifer Thompson of UW Extension says the guide is a convenient, user-friendly source of practical information for those living in rural areas. She says it can help landowners keep their land healthy, help maintain or add to its value and help residents enjoy their rural lifestyles.

Rock Springs native without legs climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro

A Rock Springs native born with a genetic disorder that forced his legs to be amputated when he was a child has completed a climb many people with legs can't do. Spencer West climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in June as part of an effort to raise money for Free The Children, an organization that provides water, sanitation and education for impoverished children. West trained for a year to climb the mountain and worked to raise $750,000 for Free The Children. West says that the trek was more rigorous than he expected. But with some help from friends, West was able to complete the climb in six days. West now lives in Canada but returns regularly to see his parents in Rock Springs.

Sinclair Refinery has power outage

The Sinclair Refinery is gradually restarting operations after a power outage shut the plant down. Sinclair says the power outage occurred about 4:30 p.m. Thursday with it lost its electrical supply from two power plants. The company reports no injuries occurred from the outage but a sulfur processing unit was damaged. In addition, the plant had to flare hydrocarbons. But Sinclair says air monitors around the plant did not detect excessive sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and combustible gases. Sinclair says it will take about a week to get the plant back up to normal operations.

Rock Springs man charged in strangulation assault; victim says dog came to her aid

A dog may have been the hero in an assault near Rock Springs. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that 49 year old Martin Allen Moss was arrested on August 11th and charged with Strangulation of a household member and Interference with Emergency Calls when Kimmy Evans reported that Moss had lost his temper and began strangling her.  






Evans said that she could not talk or scream for help due to Moss choking her. Her statement also indicated that she was in the beginning stages of losing consciousness and thought she was going to die.






Moss is free on a $20,000 bond. Strangulation of a Household Member is a felony that carries a maximum possible penalty of imprisonment for five years, a $10,000 fine, or both.  Interference with Emergency Calls, a misdemeanor, is punishable by imprisonment for not more than six months, a fine of $750, or both. The investigation is continuing.

Red flag warning for SW Wyoming on Friday

Warmer temperatures are expected to bring more activity on several wildfires burning in Wyoming, but many areas of the state will only notice smoke from fires burning in neighboring states. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for extreme southwest Wyoming in the Evanston and Kemmerer regions. Otherwise, the rest of the state will see mild conditions that should keep fires in check. The two most active fires in the state are burning in western Wyoming. Both are in remote, high altitude areas and not threatening any structures. The Alpine Lake Fire on the Wind River Indian Reservation has burned about 1,300 acres in the Shoshone National Forest, while the Butte Creek Fire has burned about 800 acres in the Teton Wilderness. Firefighters are monitoring both fires.

Bears force Teton County road closure

Officials have closed a road in northwestern Wyoming after crowds of people gathered just feet away from foraging grizzly bears. Grand Teton National Park announced that the road between Moose and Wilson was closed at 11 a.m. Thursday and will remain closed for 48 hours. It may be closed again if the bears remain in the area. Park officials report that people congregated just feet away from foraging grizzlies and black bears. One or more grizzlies bluff-charged onlookers as well as to two parked vehicles. There's not enough room along the narrow road to allow people to remain a safe distance from the bears.

Hantavirus Suspected In Yosemite Death

A rare disease spread by rodents is suspected to have caused the death of a visitor to Yosemite National Park. State health officials believe the man was exposed to mice droppings or urine that contained hantavirus while vacationing at Curry Village. Since 1993, there have been 60 cases of hantavirus in California with one third of the cases resulting in death. Park officials say they're taking extra steps to reduce the risk of hantavirus exposure.

Wyoming Medicaid

A new website and hotline will make it easier for Wyoming residents to report potential Medicaid fraud. Operated by the Wyoming Department of Health, Medicaid is a joint federal and state government program that pays for medical care for some low-income and medically needy individuals and families.
The new website can be found online at stopwyomedicaidfraud.com; the hotline can be reached at 1-855-846-2563. Both efforts are intended to strengthen the ongoing work by Wyoming Medicaid and the Wyoming Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to combat Medicaid fraud in the state.

Lander bookkeeper pleads not guilty to $2.5M Riverton embezzlement

A 54-year-old former financial manager has pleaded not guilty to charges of embezzling more than $2.5 million. Gerald "Gary" Emil Anderson Jr. entered the pleas Wednesday in District Court in Lander. Anderson is charged with four counts of felony larceny and three counts of obtaining goods by false pretenses. Sublette County District Judge Marvin L. Tyler did not immediately set a jury trial date for Anderson. Prosecutors charge that Anderson embezzled money from Star-Tech Inc. and Precision Analysis in Riverton from 2000 through 2010. They contend he took the money for himself and relatives. Prosecutors dismissed two previous counts of conspiracy to commit felony larceny in July.

Laramie police officer wounds man

Laramie police say one of their officers shot and wounded a 26-year-old man. Police say the man, identified as Kevin R. Cook, of Laramie, was hospitalized in serious but stable condition Thursday. Police say the officer involved in the shooting was treated and released for unspecified injuries at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Police say the shooting occurred about 11 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to a call about a possible auto burglary. Laramie Police Commander Mitchell Cushman says an officer was assaulted by a man who was shot during the altercation. According to policy, the officer has been placed on administrative leave and the state Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting the investigation.

Man killed in Colo. gas well rupture was from Evantson

Authorities say a man who was killed after a rupture at a natural gas well in northern Colorado was from Evantson. Weld County coroner's officials identified the victim Thursday as 60-year-old Brian Wallace. They say he died immediately from blunt force injuries after the explosion Wednesday at a well operated by Encana Corp. north of Fort Lupton. Wallace worked for BGH Gas Testing Operations Inc., which provides well services to the site. Three other people suffered relatively minor injuries in the explosion. Sheriff's Sgt. Tim Schwartz says pressure apparently caused one or more pieces of equipment to break loose. Encana says the well is shut down while investigators try to determine what caused the accident.

Sweetwater County School District Number Two Kids Head Back To School On Monday

Parents of students in Sweetwater County School District Number Two are looking forward to Monday when their kids go back to school. Superintendent Donna Little Como says that if you are going to buy school supplies this weekend, the lists are readily available.






As far as school lunches, the district has a handy feature available to parents.






Little Como would like to remind all drivers to watch out for the kiddos as they head off to class. She says that kids will be excited and may not pay as much attention as they should.

2 Wyoming air tankers resume firefighting

Two Wyoming Air National Guard transport planes have returned to fighting wildfires this week. The increased fire activity in the West prompted the U.S. Forest Service to call for the C-130s, which are specially outfitted to drop up to 3,000 gallons of fire retardant slurry or water. The aircraft belonging to the Wyoming Air National Guard's 153rd Airlift Wing in Cheyenne are now operating out of the Boise Air Terminal in Idaho.

Not much activity expected from Wyoming wildfires

Cooler temperatures are keeping wildfires in Wyoming in check for the time being. Officials say they don't expect much activity Thursday on fires burning in remote areas of western Wyoming. The Alpine Lake Fire in the Shoshone National Forest on the Wind River Indian Reservation and the Butte Creek Fire in the Teton Wilderness both have died down. The two fires have burned about 1,000 acres apiece. Alpine Lake Fire spokesman Karl Brauneis (brown-YS') says little burning it expected from the fire, which is located between 9,000 and 10,000 feet altitude. However, Brauneis says the weather is predicted to warm up again Friday, leading to more fire activity.

Fire Plains

As fires continue to burn in Wyoming and throughout the West, some researchers suggest that thinking about fires in the same way we think about floods could be helpful. Just as there are floodplains near rivers, some areas could be seen as "fire plains" for their wildfire risks. The idea is to either limit development in those areas or make sure that it's done in the safest possible ways. The idea will be proposed at a U-S Senate hearing yesterday. Dr. Tony Cheng with the Forest Restoration Institute offers this perspective.






Cheng cautions that even with advance knowledge of fire-prone areas, wildfires aren't as easy to predict as floods.






The "fire plain" research originated in Texas, another state that has seen its share of devastating wildfires.

Wyoming senator concerned about big game licenses

A state senator is questioning how some big game licenses are distributed. Each of the seven Wyoming Game and Fish Department commissioners can give eight of them every year to nonprofit groups, which must auction or raffle them to the public. The Wyoming Wildlife Federation once raised $100,000 for a license, which entitles a recipient to hunt any elk, deer or antelope in any area in the state during a legal hunting season. State Sen. Larry Hicks of Baggs is concerned the system allows wealthy bidders to regularly hunt in once-in-a-lifetime regions while some sportsmen wait decades for limited tags in sought-after areas. Hicks says if Game and Fish Department officials don't address the issue, he will propose capping licenses in areas with tag limits.

Chip Seal Maintenance Work Set To Begin on Wyoming 370

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will be conducting chip seal maintenance on Wyoming 370, also known as the Airport Road. Work will begin this week and will last 2-3 days. Residents and travelers are advised to expect delays up to 15 minutes, so those flying out of Rock Springs are encouraged to adjust their travel times accordingly. WYDOT crews will be closing two-mile sections at a time and running a pilot car for motorists over a single lane of traffic. The work is expected to begin tomorrow and carry on through the week.

WYDOT would like to remind drivers to slow down in work zones, be alert and cautious of
roadside workers. For more information on road construction, closures and weather conditions, please visit www.wyoroad.info.

Green River City Council selects City Administrator

Following an intensive interview and selection process, Mayor Hank Castillon and the City Council have announced the appointment of Martin P. Black as the next City Administrator for Green River. Black is a credentialed city manager by the International City/County Management Association and nationally certified as an expert in community development and planning. He was named one of the five finalists for Florida city manager of the year in 2006 and 2007, and received the 2007 American Society of Public Administrator’s Picot B. Floyd Award for Public Service Leadership. He has served in a variety of leadership roles for the Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity and other community-based organizations. He has over 27 years of public and private sector experience in local, state and federal governmental affairs, community development, comprehensive urban planning and municipal finance. He and his wife Mary will be moving to Green River next month and he’ll start work September 24th.

River Fest Will Have Something For Everyone

You will want to head over to Expedition Island tomorrow and Saturday for the 10th Annual River Festival in Green River. Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Briemaster says the festival has something for everyone... even the four legged kind.






The grown up kids will not want to miss what will be under the big Corona tent.






Friday night will also feature the Great Duck Race and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.

Wyo. backcountry anglers hauled out by helicopter

Firefighters safely airlifted five California men from a remote, mountain lake fishing camp in Wyoming when a wildfire threatened their only way out. The helicopter evacuation of the outfitter camp occurred Tuesday after the Alpine Lake Fire made a significant run on Monday in the Shoshone National Forest of central Wyoming. Fire officials say the remote outfitter camp was occupied by five men from the San Diego area on an annual fishing trip. The fire threatened to overrun the only trail that accesses the camp. It took three helicopter trips to get the men and their gear out. Firefighters have been unable to suppress the Alpine Lake Fire so far because it is located in extremely rugged terrain. The fire has burned about 1,300 acres of forest.

Sewer Rebuttal

The Green River City council held a special workshop meeting last night, Erick Pauley has the story

third highest weekly wage

Sweetwater County had the third highest weekly wage in Wyoming when 2011 came to a close----According the state employment department, the average weekly wage in Sweetwater County at the end of 2011 was 1,068 dollars, up eight dollars a week from 2010. The state average is 876 dollars a week. The top weekly wage can be found in Sublette county, at 1,152 dollars a week. Campbell County was number two at 1,091 dollars a week. Overall, in 2011, the total payroll in Sweetwater County was 346.8 million dollars, up 12.6 million dollars from 2010, thats a 3.8 percent increase from 2010. The average yearly wage in Sweetwater county in 2011 was 51,264 dollars.

Sweetwater County Has Third Highest Weekly Wage In Wyoming in 2011

Sweetwater County had the third highest weekly wage in Wyoming when 2011 came to a close----According the state employment department, the average weekly wage in Sweetwater County at the end of 2011 was 1,068 dollars, up eight dollars a week from 2010. The state average is 876 dollars a week. The top weekly wage can be found in Sublette county, at 1,152 dollars a week. Campbell County was number two at 1,091 dollars a week. Overall, in 2011, the total payroll in Sweetwater County was 346.8 million dollars, up 12.6 million dollars from 2010, thats a 3.8 percent increase from 2010. The average yearly wage in Sweetwater county in 2011 was 51,264 dollars.

Shoshone Forest fire grows to near 900 acres

A wildfire deep in the Shoshone National Forest in central Wyoming is growing larger by the day. The Alpine Lake Fire made several significant runs on Monday, forcing the evacuation of an outfitter camp on Tuesday morning. No one was hurt. The fire also crossed over on to the Fitzpatrick Wilderness. The fire was estimated at 888 acres Tuesday. The fire is not being suppressed because of the extreme rugged and remote area where it is burning. But fire managers are monitoring it from the air.

Feds prepare to end wolf protections in Wyoming

The federal government plans to announce an end to protections for wolves in Wyoming later this month. Spokesmen from some environmental groups say they plan to review the final wolf delisting rule carefully when it's issued Aug. 31. They say legal challenges are likely over the state's plan to classify wolves as predators that can be shot on sight in most areas. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead recently reached an agreement with U.S. Interior Sec. Ken Salazar that calls for Wyoming to maintain at least 10 breeding pairs of wolves and at least 100 individual animals outside of Yellowstone and the Wind River Indian Reservation in central Wyoming. There are currently about 270 wolves in the state outside Yellowstone.

River Festival To Feature Car Show On Saturday

As part of the 10th Annual River Festival to be held this Friday and Saturday in Green River, a car show will take place at Evers Park. Green River Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Briemaster says that if you own a vehicle you are proud of, you can enter.






There are several different ways you can register.






The River Festival will kick off on Friday at 3 PM on Expedition Island. For more information, go to grchamber.com.

Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Expo set in Casper

The 15th annual Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Hunting and Fishing Expo will be held Sept. 13-15 at the Casper Events Center. The expo is free for all ages. It has more than 150 activities, exhibits, and demonstrations focusing on hunting and fishing in Wyoming's outdoors. Most activities are at the events center and surrounding grounds, but shooting events are at nearby shooting complexes. More than 190,000 people have attended the Expo in the last 14 years. Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

More bison moving onto Wyo.'s National Elk Refuge

The number of elk moving from Grand Teton National Park to the National Elk Refuge is up this year. About 700 bison moved from the park to the refuge between July 28 and Aug. 3, about three-quarters of the Jackson Hole herd. Refuge biologist Eric Cole says that he estimates that more bison will be on the refuge for the beginning of hunting season Wednesday than on any other opening day. Cole said more bison could be harvested during the hunting season as a result. However, he said the downside is bison are already consuming forage meant for winter. The 100-year-old refuge is under a court order to gradually phase out supplemental feeding and to ultimately reduce the size of the herd. Hunting continues periodically through Jan. 6.

Jobs Feul Economy

New jobs and the payroll that goes with them, are continuing to fuel Wyoming's economy. Specifically, the strongest growth is in the oil and gas industry.
One third of those new jobs, and more than 40 percent of the new payroll for the entire state is in Natrona County. The latest statistics are for the fourth quarter of 2011, and show that Natrona County produced more than twice as many new jobs as any other county in Wyoming. Nearly 18,000 new jobs provided added payroll of more than $32-million. Laramie County was second in job growth with more than 800 jobs and just over $10-million in new payroll. Sweetwater County was next with more than 700 new jobs that amounted to more than $12-million in payroll.

Wyoming Retirement System Lecture

Teachers, firefighters and nurses are among those scheduled to speak at a town hall meeting in Sheridan about the Wyoming Retirement System last night. The Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee has been doing interim work focused on budget implications related to the system. Sheridan firefighter and EMT George Neeson says it’s possible proposals will surface to cut benefits, and he thinks that’s based on misconceptions.






Local firefighters do not participate in Social Security, but most other state employees do. Neeson explains the state retirement system's defined benefit helps keep people out of state safety net programs when other savings collapse because of market ups and downs.
Neeson says another misconception is that the state retirement system is in fiscal trouble…






Additional town hall meetings are scheduled in November in Cheyenne and in Casper.

Ponds Wildfire

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) High Desert District (HDD) and Carbon County Fire Department launched an aggressive initial attack on the Ponds Wildfire in the Shirley Mountains approximately 10 miles northeast of the Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County, Wyo.
The fire was first reported at 2:37 p.m. on Aug. 10 and is believed to be caused by lightning. Initially, the BLM and Carbon County responded with one Type I helicopter, one Type III helicopter, one air attack plane, one single engine air tanker, a hotshot crew, and a Type V engine. The fire has burned an estimated 70 acres of mixed conifer timber on private land and is threatening public land. A private hunting cabin may also be in the path of the fire.
“This fire had a high potential for property loss, burning out of control, and growing very big,” says HDD Fire Management Officer Frank Keeler. “Light rain and our combined aggressive initial attack made all the difference.”
The blaze still has the potential for moderate to high spread due to dry grass, shrubs and trees in the area. Resources remaining to battle the blaze include the U.S. Forest Service’s Roosevelt Hotshot Crew based in Ft. Collins, Colo., and one Carbon County Type VI engine.
The public is advised to stay informed as fire behavior can change suddenly and fire spread is unpredictable if high winds develop. To report a wildfire, call the Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Center at 800-295-9953.

Veterans group stages cavalry re-enactment

The group Veterans Silent Cavalry is putting on a re-enactment of a cavalry supply patrol. They’ll be going from Cheyenne to Fort Laramie, riding in formation and dressed in cavalry uniforms from the 1800s. Organizer Doug Gumm says they’re trying to raise money for injured service members. And he says they’ve gotten a lot of support from local businesses already. Several ranches will also be allowing them to camp on their properties with some donating feed for the horses. Gumm says they’re hoping to raise $20,000 in total. He says they also want to educate the public about the sacrifices that service members have made during their time in the military.

Library fines forgiven for school supply donations

Libraries in Fremont County are waiving borrowers' fines for overdue materials if they donate school supplies. Terry Dunn of the Fremont County Library in Lander created the program, which will last until Aug. 25. It doesn't apply to patrons with lost or damaged library materials. Fremont County libraries have a similar program in November and December where patrons can bring in cans of food to wipe out their fines. Dunn says the school supply program allows people to help others out during the summer. Donations of school supplies, including notebooks, loose-leaf paper and crayons, must be in their original packages. They will be given to the Christian Food Store in Riverton, Care and Share in Lander and the Dubois Opportunity Shop in Dubois.

Wyoming facing worst hay crop in decades

New U.S. Agriculture Department estimates indicate Wyoming is facing one its worst hay harvests in terms of acreage in nearly 80 years. Hay is Wyoming's biggest cash crop, and it also is the one suffering the most from a lack of rains earlier in the season. USDA crop yield estimates released late last week project Wyoming's overall hay harvest this year to yield about 925,000 acres of hay. If realized, that would make 2012 the single worst year for Wyoming hay acreage since the Dust Bowl days of 1934. Overall tonnage of hay expected to be harvested in Wyoming is 1.82 million tons, down 23% from 2011 and the worst production since 2002.

Sweetwater County School District Number Two Kids Head Back To School August 20th

Kids will be going back to school in the Sweetwater County School District Number Two district early this year. Superintendent Donna Little Como says that parents need to make sure immunizations are up to date before the first day of class that lands on August 20th.






For those students who will be participating in athletics, those physicals will also have to be done.






For those parents and citizens wishing to get season passes, those are 60 dollars per family, 30 dollars for an adult and 15 dollars for students. The first Wolves Football game will be at home on September 7th. The first day of school for students at Sweetwater County School District Number One will be September 4th.

Fire ban won't stop Natrona Co. sweat lodge

A fire ban in Natrona County will not stop a weekly Native American spiritual ceremony. Participants in the ceremony and county officials worked out a solution that allows fire to be a part of the services by stationing a county-owned fire truck beside the sweat lodge where the ceremony is held each Sunday. The sweat lodge is located at Steve Weber's home near Edness K. Wilkins State Park east of Casper. Firefighters responded to a report of smoke at Weber's property recently and found a group participating in the American Indian spiritual ceremony. Weber says fire is a necessary part of the religious ceremony.

Crews take on 6,000-acre wildfire in Converse Co.

Fire crews are fighting a new wildfire in Converse County. The Little Boxelder Fire about 10 miles south of Glenrock has burned about 6,000 acres of grass and timber since it was first reported last Friday. It is about 20% contained. State Forestry Division spokeswoman Kathy Lujan says the fire initially threatened some rural ranch homes. But thanks to efforts by some 100 firefighters, the homes are no longer threatened. Elsewhere, there was a lot of wildfire activity in the state over the weekend, especially in Goshen, Fremont and Albany counties. But quick responses by firefighters kept the fires in check.

WY Troopers Look for Hit-and-Run Suspect

Wyoming Highway Patrol is looking for information in connection with a hit-and-run that left a motorcyclist dead. The crash was reported by someone passing by around 7 a.m. Authorities believe the motorcycle, driven by Jose D. Blea, 61, of Pueblo, CO, was struck from behind by an unknown vehicle as he was driving north on I-25. Blea was not wearing a helmet at the time. The collision caused Blea and his motorcycle to catapult off the right side of the roadway and down the embankment. Blea was found about 30 feet east of the northbound lane of I-25. This happened just barely north of the Colorado-Wyoming border in Laramie County. They believe the actual crash happened either late Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

UW has license agreement on arsenic technology

The University of Wyoming and a state nonprofit rural water organization have teamed up in an effort to make water safer to drink worldwide. UW recently completed a license agreement with the Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems in which the association will develop and market the university's patented technology that removes arsenic from water. The Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems is based in Glenrock. Executive Director Mark Pepper says the association will use its contacts within the water treatment industry in hopes of using the UW technology on a commercial scale. Arsenic is an odorless and tasteless semi-metal element. It enters drinking water supplies from natural earth deposits or from agricultural and industrial activity.

Man gets more than 3 years for fatal crash

A 36-year-old Wind River Reservation man charged in a drunken-driving crash in Fort Washakie that killed his passenger has been sentenced to more than three years in prison. U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer sentenced Michael Terry Hill on Wednesday to 41 months in prison and ordered him to pay $3,837 in restitution for the July 5, 2011, crash that killed 34-year-old Ryan T. Burnett. Hill's prison term will be followed by two years of supervised release. Prosecutors say his blood alcohol level was 0.116% when he lost control of his vehicle, which rolled multiple times in a barrow ditch. Hill pleaded guilty May 4 to involuntary manslaughter as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Aggressive Interagency Initial Attack Helps Control the Ponds Wildfire

The Bureau of Land Management High Desert District and Carbon County Fire Department launched an aggressive initial attack on the Ponds Wildfire in the Shirley Mountains approximately 10 miles northeast of the Seminoe Reservoir in Carbon County. Serena Baker says the fire was first reported at 2:37 p.m. on Aug. 10th and is believed to be caused by lightning.






On Saturday, HDD Fire Management Officer Frank Keeler said that the fire had a high potential for property loss, burning out of control, and growing very big. Keeler says that light rain and the combined aggressive initial attack made all the difference.






The public is advised to stay informed as fire behavior can change suddenly and fire spread is unpredictable if high winds develop. To report a wildfire, call the Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Center at 800-295-9953.