Sweetwater District Number 2 Announces Teacher of the Year

Superintendent Donna Little-Kaumo announced today that Denise Shears, first grade teacher at Jackson Elementary, has been selected as Teacher of the Year for the 2013-2014 school year. Nationally Board certified in 2012, Denise Shears has taught 1st grade for 32.5 years. Her commitment to early childhood is unshakeable. She is a reflective educator who strives each and every year to provide the absolute best instruction to support the young learners under her care. Denise serves as a mentor teacher for student teachers. Her understanding of teaching and learning serves as a great opportunity for development for each young teacher she has mentored. Denise Shears will serve as an excellent Teacher of the Year representative for Sweetwater District Number 2.

Gov. Mead calls for help for Oklahoma victims

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead is calling on state residents to join an effort to raise money to support victims of the recent tornado that hit Moore, Okla. Mead said Thursday that Wyoming residents Foster and Lynn Friess have committed to donate $1 million to the relief effort. They're challenging all 50 state governors to raise a matching million dollars by raising $20,000 from citizens in their state. Mead says he and his wife First Lady Carol Mead appreciate the couple's generosity. He says he's asking people from around Wyoming to help the citizens of Oklahoma start to rebuild their lives. The National Christian Foundation, working with the Salvation Army and the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, has agreed to accept donations and deliver them to Moore.

Sweetwater Events Complex Issues Two Reminders

The Sweetwater Events Complex wants to make sure you know about a couple of things this week. Chad Banks says the first is good news for Fair fans.






Banks also wants to remind everyone that the deadline to renew or purchase your program ad for this year's National High School Finals Rodeo is Saturday.






To secure your ad or for more information, just give Chad Banks a call at 352-6789 ext. 103.

Wyoming company plans new wind farm

A Wyoming company has released its plans to erect a 300-turbine wind farm near Wheatland and Chugwater in the southeast part of the state. Cheyenne-based Wyoming Wind and Power proposes to build a 900-megawatt wind farm on private land in eastern Platte County and western Goshen County. It hopes to begin production in 2016 with full operations by December 2019. Ryan Fitzpatrick, company vice president of business development, says the area chosen for the wind farm has great wind resources. The proposed wind farm would be split into two main parcels - one about five miles east of Wheatland and the other about two miles south of Chugwater. The facility will also generate about 30 full-time positions during normal operations.

Laramie conservation group seeks new leader

The executive director of the Laramie-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance will be stepping down this fall. Erik Molvar has been the group's executive director since September 2004. He will remain with the organization through September to help ease the transition to a new leader. Alliance Board President Mike Weber says Molvar has been relentless in his efforts to protect species and habitat in Wyoming. The Biodiversity Conservation Alliance is an independent environmental advocacy group that aims to protect wildlife and wild land areas in Wyoming and surrounding states. It has been involved in many conservation issues in Wyoming. It has been in operation since 1994.

6 semifinalists identified for Wyo. education post

The State Board of Education has identified six semifinalists for the position of director of the Wyoming Department of Education and plans to interview them in closed sessions Friday and Saturday. The board said Wednesday that the candidates' names won't be released until they have confirmed their availability for face-to-face interviews. The candidates each are being asked to also participate in 30-minute, public question and answer sessions Friday and Saturday. The board plans to recommend three candidates to Gov. Matt Mead, who will appoint the director. A statewide elected superintendent once led the Department of Education, but the Legislature and Mead changed that with a new law that says a director appointed by the governor will now lead it. The semifinalists were chosen from a pool of 84 applicants.

Brucellosis found in Bighorn Mountain elk

Two elk have tested positive for brucellosis in the Bighorn Mountains. However, no cattle in the same area have been found with the disease. State Veterinarian Jim Logan is recommending a risk assessment of livestock and advised area livestock producers to conduct voluntary surveillance for brucellosis. Elk arrive in the Bighorns from different locations, so Logan said he doesn't know how extensive the infection is. Tim Woolley, of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, says that the elk with brucellosis could have come from Montana, the Absaroka Mountains or from the Thermopolis area. Woolley says Game and Fish wants to obtain more information before arriving at any conclusions.

Tough to get referendum, initiative on Wyo. ballot

Sponsors of an effort to repeal a new state law say Wyoming's referendum process makes it too difficult to succeed in gaining access to the statewide ballot. Jennifer Young, of Torrington, was among those who submitted petition signatures this week in hopes of forcing a statewide vote on Wyoming's new law redefining the state superintendent of public instruction's powers and duties. Young says the state's referendum process is designed for such efforts to fail. Dan Neal of the Equality State Policy Center in Casper says Wyoming is 1 of the most difficult states for an initiative or referendum to succeed. State Republican Sen. Cale Case, of Lander, says Wyoming's process needs to be less restrictive but not too easy. He suggested allowing online signature gathering that can be verified.

Hill Bill

Citizens of sweetwater county were asked for their signature this week, Erick Pauley has the story

Adults Can Win Big With Summer Reading

Big prizes are available for this year's adult summer reading program at the Sweetwater County Library. Brittany Wells says the event will take place from June 1st through July 27th.






To view the baskets please visit the local libraries or Facebook.com/sweetlibraries.






Only physical books, electronic books, and/or audio books may be counted on the reading Log.

Up to foot of snow in northwest Wyoming

It may be late May, but snow is still falling in parts of Wyoming. The National Weather Service posted a winter weather advisory on Wednesday for the Absaroka Mountains in northwest Wyoming. Up to a foot of snow was possible above 10,000 feet and 8 inches mainly above 8,500 feet. Beartooth Pass was closed Wednesday because of heavy snow. Elsewhere, a flood watch was posted for portions of northeast Wyoming, including the Sundance and Hulett areas where 2 to 4 inches of rain was possible.

Laramie man seeks damages from Luke Martinez

A Laramie man has filed a civil lawsuit against former University of Wyoming basketball player Luke Martinez over a fight outside a bar last year. Attorney C.M. Aron filed suit in March on behalf of Parfait Nayigihugu. The lawsuit lists $150,000 in damages. Martinez's attorney, Tom Fleener, filed an answer to the lawsuit that asks the court to find in Martinez's favor. Martinez also has a criminal case pending in which he is charged with aggravated assault and battery. Martinez has pleaded not guilty in the criminal case. The civil suit and criminal case stem from what police say was a fight in late December 2012 outside a Laramie bar.

Wyoming oil production up in 2012

Wyoming oil production topped 57 million barrels last year. The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission reports that the production total represents an 8% bump since 2003 and an 11% increase since 2009. Bruce Hinchey, of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, attributes much of the increased production to new technology that results in more oil being extracted. But while the state oil production has been increasing in recent years, it is still nowhere near the state's all-time peak. In 1978, statewide production topped 135 million barrels.

West Nile Remains a Threat

West Nile virus (WNV) spread by mosquitoes remains a potential threat in Wyoming as warmer weather arrives across the state, says the Wyoming Department of Health.
“West Nile virus can sometimes cause serious illness,” said Emily Thorp, surveillance epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health. “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 important.”
Last year was an active WNV season in several states. Texas was particularly hard hit with 844 reported human cases and 89 deaths. In Wyoming last year, seven human WNV cases were reported. Since WNV first appeared in Wyoming in 2002, the annual numbers of reported human cases have ranged from two with no deaths to 393 and nine deaths.

Sweetwater County -9 Patrol Officer Speaks to Elementary Students

Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. tells us that Animal Control Officer Chris Thomas of the Sheriff’s Office recently provided some special animal safety education - including hands-on training - to over 60 kindergarten students at Harrison Elementary School in Green River.






Thomas showed the kids how ACOs use catch poles and special bite gloves.






Each child received an “animal bite awareness” coloring book.   

19 Year Old Green River Man Covicted of Larceny Arrested For Parole Violation

Last Friday, Green River police officers were called to the office of Wyoming Department of Probation and Parole where a person with an active arrest warrant had checked in with their probation officers. 19 year old Anthony Scott Greene of Green River was arrested on a warrant from Green River Circuit Court for violating the terms of his probation. He was on probabation for an earlier conviction of Larceny. Greene was transported to the Sweetwater County Detention Center where he was booked without incident.

Slurry Work Continues in Green River

The City of Green River will have a contractor working in Green River this week installing Slurry Seal on Streets. You are asked to please move parked vehicles along the streets being worked on to allow the contractor to work as scheduled. Curing time for the slurry seal is 4-6 hours and dependent on weather conditions. Residents should receive a notice from the contractor prior to the street being done and can call Intermountain Slurry Seal at 801-386-1575 for questions. For a list of streets that are affected, go to cityofgreenriver.org.

Green River To Flush Water Lines

The City of Green River Utility Division will be flushing the water lines throughout Green River this spring and summer. The procedure may temporarily affect the color and clarity of your water. If this occurs, it's recommended that you run your cold water faucet for a few minutes until the water clears. If you have any questions, just call 872-0548.

Airline says changes will improve Riverton service

Great Lakes Airlines chief executive officer Chuck Howell says the airline is working to improve service at Riverton Regional Airport. Addressing local airport board members last week, Howell says airplane shortages, shifting routes and weather have caused service problems at Riverton over the last couple of years. Howell says that the airline is making changes. For instance, the early morning flight will no longer be shared with passengers from Worland Municipal Airport. Instead, the plane will be filled with passengers departing from Riverton, and the plane and crew will spend the night in Riverton. In addition, the noon departure flight will be upgraded to the 30-passenger aircraft as opposed to the 19-passenger plane that had been serving that departure.

Wyoming snowpack down to 56% of normal

Wyoming's mountain snowpack is hanging on a little bit better than it did at this time last year. The federal Natural Resources Conservation Service reports that the state's snowpack is down to 56% of normal this week. At this time last year, when the state was in a drought, the snowpack was down to 43% of normal. Wyoming relies heavily on its mountain snowpack to supply its drinking and irrigation water needs for the year.

Atlantic Rim Natural Gas Development Review Team Meeting Scheduled

The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office will host an Atlantic Rim Natural Gas Development Review team meeting on Tuesday, June 18th, beginning at 10 a.m. at the field office.  






The Atlantic Rim Project Area is a multi-operator project to drill roughly 2,000 gas wells south of Rawlins on approximately 270,080 acres, of which 173,672 acres or 64 percent are federal surface, 82,348 acres or 31 percent are private surface, and 14,060 acres or 5 percent are state surface. 






The Atlantic Rim Review team is comprised of federal, state, county and private entities which are charged with monitoring project implementation. The group meets approximately every quarter during the year.  

Deadline approaching for hunting licenses

The deadline is coming up fast for Wyoming resident big game hunters to apply online for limited quota elk, deer, and antelope licenses. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says the deadline for submitting online applications is 5 p.m. May 31. The deadline to submit paper applications was May 15. The department says that it currently receives more than 90% of hunters' applications online. It says that applying online is not only more convenient for hunters but also saves more for the department and reduces errors.

Wyoming Game and Fish to trap/release wolves

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department plans to trap and release wolves near Dubois, Cody and Pinedale over the next few months. The game department is required to monitor wolf populations under its agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that ended federal oversight of wolves in the state last year. Once the state agency traps the wolves, it will immobilize them and then process them before releasing them on site. The trapping will occur in the Absaroka Range north of Dubois and west of Cody, the Wind River Range near Dubois and the Gros Ventre Range, north of Pinedale and east of Bondurant. The game department plans to post all trapping sites and says it's critical that the public doesn't enter posted areas.

Couple get prison terms in double slayings

A husband and wife have been sentenced to long prison terms after pleading guilty to abetting the slayings of 2 people in Hudson in 2011. Joseph Jude Jenkins was sentenced to 70 years and Samantha June Hanway received a 25 to 50-year term. The sentences came in hearings Thursday. They were among five people charged in the deaths of Eric Clinton Likes and his girlfriend, Elva Charlotte Quiver, in November 2011. A third defendant received a life term and a fourth was sentenced to eight to 16 years. The fifth is awaiting a decision on whether his case will be handled in juvenile court. Authorities say Clinton and Quiver were killed during a robbery.

Tanker rolls near Medicine Bow, spills hot goo

Last Friday, a tractor-trailer pulling two tankers loaded with asphalt sealer overturned and spilled a hot, sticky mess near Medicine Bow. The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the crash happened about seven miles west of Medicine Bow. No other vehicles were involved and nobody was hurt. The patrol says the tanker combination was carrying 39,000 pounds of liquid asphalt sealer at a temperature of 340 degrees. The driver swerved and lost control, causing the tanker truck to roll over. The rear tanker ruptured and spilled the asphalt sealer onto the roadside. Authorities closed the eastbound lanes of U.S. 30 and waited for the goo to cool so it could be cleaned up.

Native American vets push for recognition

Before World War II and in the decades since, tens of thousands of American Indians have enlisted in the Armed Forces to serve their country at a rate much greater than any other ethnicity. Yet, among all the monuments and statues along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., not one stands in recognition. A grassroots effort is brewing among tribes across the country to change that, while Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii has introduced legislation that would clear the way for the National Museum of the American Indian to begin raising private funds for a memorial. The president of the National Congress of American Indians, Jefferson Keel, says it's an effort both sides of the political aisle can get behind and something that just needs to be done.

Swimming-related Illnesses Take Away Pool Time Fun

While splashing in the waters of Wyoming’s pools is a favorite activity for many families, swimmers should take steps to avoid catching or spreading recreational water illnesses (RWI) that can take away their pool time fun. “Basically diseases such as cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are caused when parasites, or germs, get into the places we swim,” said Kelly Weidenbach, an epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). Symptoms of these diseases in humans can occur days to weeks after exposure and include active diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea and loss of appetite.“We began seeing increases in cryptosporidiosis cases here in 2006. While national rates have also increased, Wyoming’s incidence rate is nearly three times as high as the national rate,” Weidenbach said. In 2012, 35 cryptosporidiosis cases were reported to WDH; 40 percent among Campbell County residents. Weidenbach said most recreational water illnesses are caused by contamination with fecal matter. “To prevent the spread of those germs, we strongly encourage people to shower before entering pools or hot tubs,” she added.
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture inspects public pools in Wyoming. Together, the agencies monitor RWI linked with public pools, hot tubs and hot springs across the state.

Medical Reserve Corps

The Sweetwater County Medical Reserve Corps is in the early stages of planning. This group of volunteers will assist in dealing with natural disasters, mass prophylaxis/vaccination clinics, and other public health needs. Our focus will be the recruitment of licensed health and medical personnel, but ancillary volunteers are also necessary to meet the needs of the community. If you would like information please attend an informal question and answer segment at the Green River Fire Department, 500 Shoshone, on Thursday June 6 are unable to attend the meeting and would like additional information please call 307-922-5390.

Sweetwater Speedway Revs Again On June 1st

The Sweetwater Speedway is up and running, although they are taking Memorial Day weekend off. Chad Banks with the Sweetwater Events Complex says the next race with be on Saturday, June 1st.






Banks says the Speedway is great, affordable entertainment for the entire family.






You can find out about other upcoming races by going to sweetwaterspeedway.webs.com.

Wyo. Patrol prepared for first holiday weekend

The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be out in force this Memorial Day Weekend. The patrol says it will be paying particular attention to enforcing seat belt law as part of a nationwide enforcement campaign. The campaign is an attempt by law enforcement officers across the United States to reduce the number of unrestrained fatalities and injuries associated with vehicle crashes. Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff says the best way to accomplish the task is to take a zero tolerance approach toward drivers and passengers who fail to buckle up.

No flooding so far in annual Wyoming runoff

The annual snowmelt in Wyoming has been uneventful so far with no reports of flooding. But the runoff isn't expected to reach its peak until the first week or 2 of June. National Weather Service hydrologist Jim Fahey says there have been instances of rivers or streams reaching near capacity this spring on the east side of the Bighorn Mountains but no flooding. Fahey says the runoff so far has involved snowpack that had accumulated below 10,000 feet. A warm spell a week ago brought a brief rush of water down from the mountains but cooler temperatures this week slowed the melt. Fahey says the only wild card now is the amount of rain that falls, which can quickly raise rivers and streams already carrying snowmelt water.

Feds keep Preble's mouse on threatened list

The federal government will continue to protect as a threatened species a mouse that lives in Wyoming and Colorado. The state of Wyoming and the group Coloradoans for Water Conservation had long-standing petitions to remove the Preble's meadow jumping mouse from Endangered Species Act protection. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Thursday that following a review, the Preble's mouse will remain listed as a threatened species. The Preble's mouse has an unusually long tail and can jump long distances but is very similar to other subspecies of jumping mice. The mouse first was listed as threatened in 1998. For a time, the Preble's mouse was protected in Colorado but not Wyoming. A judge ruled that the mouse couldn't be protected in one state and not the other.

Wyo. man sentenced in sex assault on reservation

Prosecutors say a Northern Arapaho man has been ordered to pay restitution over a sexual assault on the Wind River Indian Reservation in October. Federal prosecutors say 20-year-old Starr Dana Miller, of Arapahoe, was ordered Wednesday to pay restitution of $2,467. He also was sentenced to time served, seven months of home confinement and five years of supervised release. He had been accused of abusive sexual assault following allegations that he had sexual contact with someone who was physically unable to decline. Details of his plea agreement weren't available in online court records Thursday.

Wyo. Patrol prepared for first holiday weekend

The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be out in force this Memorial Day Weekend. The patrol says it will be paying particular attention to enforcing seat belt law as part of a nationwide enforcement campaign. The campaign is an attempt by law enforcement officers across the United States to reduce the number of unrestrained fatalities and injuries associated with vehicle crashes. Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Col. Shannon Ratliff says the best way to accomplish the task is to take a zero tolerance approach toward drivers and passengers who fail to buckle up.

$30,000 in Damages To Vehicles By Vandalism Reported To Green River Police

In the past two weeks, eight reports of vehicles that had been keyed were reported to the Green River Police Department. All of the vehicles were located in the area of West Teton Boulevard. The damage to the eight vehicles has been estimated at nearly $30,000. A suspect has been identified... and 11 year old boy. The reports have been forwarded to the County Attorney's office for review.

Green River To Start Slurry Seal Process on Some Roads

The City of Green River will have a contractor working in Green River the week of May 28th installing Slurry Seal on some streets. Please move parked vehicles along the streets to allow the contractor to work as scheduled. Curing time for the slurry seal is 4-6 hours and dependent on weather conditions. Residents should receive a notice from the contractor prior to the street being done and can call Intermountain Slurry Seal at 801-386-1575 for questions. You can also see a complete list of streets that are affected at the City of Green River website at cityofgreenriver.org.

Sweetwater County Library System Children's Summer Reading Program Begins June 1st

The Sweetwater County Library System’s Summer Reading Program “Dig Into Reading” begins Saturday, June 1. Brittany Wells says that this year's them is Dig Into Reading.






Kids who sign up for the Summer Reading Program will be able to take home prizes when they meet a reading goal.






For information on all other programs please visit the local library and pick up the Children’s Summer Reading Brochure.

Judge sends former Guernsey treasurer to prison

A federal judge has sentenced the former Guernsey town treasurer to two years in prison for failing to pay taxes on money she has admitted to embezzling from the town. Judge Alan B. Johnson ordered U.S. Marshals to take 39-year-old Leslie Diane Zynda into custody immediately after Wednesday's sentencing hearing in Cheyenne. Johnson ordered Zynda to repay Guernsey more than $276,000. He also ordered her to pay the IRS more than $75,000 in unpaid taxes on the embezzled money. Zynda apologized for taking the money from the town. Prosecutors said the embezzlement started in 2005 and stopped after current Guernsey Mayor Edward Delgado was elected in 2010 and started scrutinizing the books. Delgado told Johnson that Zynda's actions have hurt public confidence in town government.

Defendants plead not guilty in Clark slayings

Two teenagers charged in the shooting deaths of a woman and her parents near the Wyoming-Montana border earlier this year have pleaded not guilty. Stephen Hammer and Tanner Vanpelt, both 19 years old, appeared before District Judge Steven Cranfill in Cody on Wednesday. Defense lawyers entered the pleas for each defendant. Prosecutors charge the teens shot and killed Ildiko Freitas and her parents, Janos and Hildegard Volgyesi, at a residence in the small community of Clark on March 2. The teens face 11 felony counts each, including murder charges that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors haven't decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Missing man's body found in Fremont Co. canal

Officials in Fremont County have recovered the body of a 62-year-old Ethete (EE'-tha-tee) man who had been missing for more than a week. Police say Curtis LeClair's body was discovered at about 1:30 p.m. Monday in a canal system about 400 yards from the inlet of Pilot Butte Reservoir. LeClair was reported missing on May 11. Authorities have said they don't expect foul play. Fremont County Sheriff Skip Hornecker says that initial indications lead authorities to believe LeClair fell into the canal.

Wyoming teen pregnancy rates decline

Wyoming's teen birthrate dropped by nearly 15% between 2007 and 2012, but officials are unclear as to why. Ashley Busacker is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wyoming assignee. She says the decline could be because of strong pregnancy prevention messages or increased use of birth control. Her office will study the issue in coming months. Busacker says that a more in depth analysis of the birth certificate data and of the pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system will be done to maybe get a better picture of teen births in Wyoming.

June 1 is free fishing day in Wyoming

Both Wyoming residents and nonresidents may fish for free in the state on June 1. The Wyoming Legislature authorized Free Fishing Day in 2003. Free Fishing Day applies to all waters in Wyoming except those in Yellowstone National Park and on the Wind River Indian Reservation. All fishing regulations still apply, such as creel and size limits, gear restrictions, fishing hours and stream closures. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says Free Fishing Day is held in conjunction with National Fishing and Boating Week. It provides people an opportunity to get reacquainted with fishing and enjoy fishing opportunities in the state.

1 week left for petition to collect signatures

An effort to refer a new Wyoming law to a statewide vote has one week left to collect the required signatures. The Wyoming Constitution Party is leading a petition drive to repeal the new law that changes the powers and duties of the state superintendent of public instruction. Organizers have until next Tuesday to collect 37,606 valid signatures. Referendum sponsor Jennifer Young says she's confident the goal will be met. She doesn't know how many signatures have been collected so far. The petition would put a referendum on the ballot for the 2014 general election. The last time a referendum made the ballot in Wyoming was 1996.

Wyoming Indian students to exhibit art in Casper

An upcoming exhibit at the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper will feature art by students at Wyoming Indian High School. The exhibit entitled "Resurgence of Native Spirit" will run from June 1 through Sept. 4. The exhibit will include 20 prints and 30 ceramic sculptures by students at the school in Ethete on the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Fla. man suspected of faking death found in Wyo.

A Florida man suspected of faking his own death has been arrested in Wyoming. Fifty-year-old David Leon Lashley was arrested Monday in the Clark area near the Montana border by U.S. Marshals and U.S. Coast Guard investigators. Park County Sheriff Scott A. Steward said Tuesday that Lashley fled Florida in a motor home and was living under the name Wesley Byrd. Sheriff's officials say a warrant for his arrest was issued out of Gainesville, Fla. Steward says Lashley is wanted by the Coast Guard in connection with the disappearance of a houseboat in which he allegedly attempted to fake his death. He is also wanted for failing to appear in court in March. Lashley waived his right Tuesday to fight extradition to Florida. It wasn't immediately clear if he had a lawyer.

Groups petition Wyo. to toughen up oil-gas rules

A coalition of groups is asking Wyoming's state oil and gas regulatory agency to adopt tougher rules for oil and gas development. The groups have petitioned the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to further restrict the practice of flaring, or burning off excess gas from oil wells. The groups also want a wider minimum distance between drilling and homes, schools and businesses. In addition, the groups seek more penalties for accidents, including spills. The groups include the Powder River Basin Resource Council, Equality State Policy Center and smaller groups in Cheyenne, Clark, Pinedale and Pavillion. Shannon Anderson with the resource council said Tuesday that a new state energy policy opens the door to changes. John Robitaille with the Petroleum Association of Wyoming says changes are unnecessary.

Last defendant pleads guilty in wind farm fraud

The last of 5 defendants charged with defrauding investors of more than $4 million by promoting non-existent wind farm projects in Wyoming and South Dakota has pleaded guilty to federal felony charges. Robert Arthur Reed, of Salt Lake City, pleaded guilty in Casper on Tuesday to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money. Four other co-defendants have entered earlier guilty pleas to various charges. Prosecutors charged that Reed and the others used aliases as well as the company names of Mountain State Power Group, Mountain State Power and Sovereign Energy Partners. The indictment alleges they hired phone solicitors to make cold calls to investors, urging them to invest in wind farms they claimed were being constructed jointly by private investors and the U.S. government.

Three Utah Men Rescued from Swamped Boat on Flaming Gorge

Four quick-acting Utah boaters averted a tragedy on Flaming Gorge on May 18th. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that 20 year old Dalton, Campbell, 20 year old Bennett Holton and 19 year old Skyler Siddaway, all of Kamas, Utah, were boat fishing in the Anvil Draw area Saturday afternoon when bad weather and high winds struck the lake.






The swamped boat was towed to the Anvil Draw boat ramp by Sheriff Rich Haskell and Deputy Sheriff Scott Meyers, who were on the lake in the Sheriff’s Office patrol boat. Haskell and Meyers were assisted by game wardens of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and a United States Forest Service law enforcement officer.






Just under three weeks ago, on May 2nd, the body of 46-year-old drowning victim Danny Angelo Durante, of Jackson, Wyoming, was recovered from Jug Hollow on Flaming Gorge on the Utah side of the lake, about 5 miles generally south of Anvil Draw.  Daggett County, Utah, authorities say Durante was boat fishing alone on the day of his disappearance and believe his boat capsized in heavy weather.

Game and Fish holds meetings on wolf hunt changes

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department continues to hear from the public on proposed changes for the state's second annual wolf hunting season later this year. Under the changes, fewer wolves would be killed compared to last year. Last year, the kill limit for a trophy-game zone outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks was 52 wolves. Hunters killed 42 wolves during the hunting season, which began Oct. 1 and ended Dec. 31. The proposed rules for this year's season set a kill limit of 26 wolves. Upcoming public meetings on the changes will be in Sheridan on Tuesday, Cody on Wednesday, Jackson on May 28, Green River and Sundance on May 29, and Casper on May 30. Shooting wolves on sight continues to be allowed outside the trophy-game zone.

Wyo. jobless rate falls to 4.8% in April

Wyoming's unemployment rate fell slightly in April to 4.8%. The jobless rate was 4.9% in March. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says the state's unemployment rate remained significantly lower than the national rate of 7.5%. Teton County's unemployment rate shot up from 5.8% in March to 8.9% in April. Workforce Services says it's normal for Teton County's unemployment rate to increase in April because the ski season has ended and the summer tourist season has not yet begun. Lincoln County had the second highest jobless rate in the state at 6.8%, followed by Johnson at 6.1% and Fremont at 6%. The lowest unemployment rates were reported in Converse County at 3.5% and Niobrara and Albany at 3.6% each.

Milling Work Has Begun On Flaming Gorge - US 191

Stephanie Harsha with the Wyoming Department of Transportation tells us that contract crews are working on the milling phases of the Flaming Gorge Road (US 191 South) I-80 Interchange South Section this week.






Harsha says that those who work or live off Blairtown Road or Purple Sage Road should plan for those delays.






For more information concerning WYDOT activities, contact Stephanie Harsha at (307) 352-3065. For information on road closures and weather conditions, dial 511 or go to wyoroad.info.

Grand Teton Grizzly 399 emerges with 3 more cubs

1 of the best-known grizzly bears in Grand Teton National Park has emerged from her den with three new cubs. This is the third year that Grizzly Number 399 has produced a litter of 3 cubs. 399 gave birth to a single cub one year. Grizzly 399 and 1 of her offspring, Grizzly Number 610, are well-known in Grand Teton because of the amount of time they spend with their cubs along roadsides in the park. The behavior makes the bears and their cubs unusually visible to tourists. The bears often cause traffic jams as tourists stop to watch the animals. Biologists speculate that spending time near roads helps the bears protect themselves and their cubs from aggressive male bears.

Four Green River Teens In Trouble on Drug Charges and Curfew Violation

Some Green River teenagers are now in trouble and facing drug charges after officer stopped a suspicious vehicle. 18 year old Jeremy T. Hall was arrested on Saturday at around 3:45 AM on Green River Way. He has been charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of spice. A 16 year old male was also arrested for possession of spice and illegal possession of prescription medication. A 15 year old female and a 16 year old female were cited for curfew and released to a guardian. All four were in the vehicle that was pulled over under suspicion of having juveniles in the vehicle after curfew.

Mead looking at homeless services coordination

Gov. Matt Mead says Wyoming is close to announcing a plan to coordinate services for homeless people across the state. Wyoming is 1 of the few states without a designated coordinator of services for the homeless. Mead says he's looking at having one or two state employees take on that role. Linda Scherr, executive director of the Council of Community Services in Gillette, says she's thrilled the governor is taking an interest in the issue. Homelessness is on the rise in Wyoming. Federal figures show the state's homeless population rose from just over 1,000 people in 2011 to more than 1,800 in 2012.

Second fire in a week at Wheatland plant, 3 hurt

Three workers were burned in the second fire in a week to break out at the same power plant near Wheatland. Basin Electric Power Cooperative says the fire broke out early Sunday at the Laramie River Station. The Bismarck, N.D.-based utility said in a release Monday the fire started in the plant's coal unloading area. Three workers were taken to Platte County Memorial Hospital. One worker was flown to a burn center in Greeley, Colo., and remains there for treatment. The other two were released from the hospital and scheduled for follow-up treatment at the burn center Monday. Basin Electric spokesman Daryl Hill says he didn't know the employees' conditions. A fire broke out at the same coal-fired power plant last Tuesday. Hill calls the fires coincidental and not related.

Jackson antler auction raises record $131,400

This year's Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction in Jackson brought in a record $131,400. Sales at Saturday's 46th event were way above the 10-year average of $77,781. The National Elk Refuge says the amount of antlers sold - 8,507 pounds - and the average $15 a pound price were also above the 10-year average. The antlers were all shed by elk on the 25,000-acre refuge. It will get the majority of the proceeds but a quarter of the money will go to the Boy Scouts' Jackson District to cover their national dues.

Statewide Hearing Scheduled on Helicopter/Motorized Vehicle Use in BLM Wild Horse Management

The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming invites the public to its annual statewide hearing on the use of helicopters and motorized vehicles in wild horse management operations. Serena Baker says the hearing will be held at the Rawlin Field office at 5:30 PM on Thursday, June 6th.






Management actions include wild horse removals, aerial census and population distribution flights of herd management areas. 






The Rawlins Field office is located at 1300 North Third Street. For more information, please contact Wild Horse Specialist Ben Smith at 307-328-4319.

Wyo. continues study of mountain goats

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is continuing to study mountain goat health, reproduction and movements in the western part of the state. State wildlife managers recently captured four mountain goats in the Snake River Canyon near Alpine to collect samples and fit 3 of them with GPS collars. The goats are part of the Palisades herd which straddles the state line with Idaho. Wildlife managers from both states are interested in learning how much interstate travel may be occurring among the goats. Mountain goats are not native to Wyoming. They were reintroduced to the Snake River Range in Idaho between 1969 and 1971. The goat herd has increased in number and distribution since, causing concern that they may be displacing native bighorn sheep in some areas of northwest Wyoming.

Udall tells USFS to override air tanker protest

Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado is urging the U.S. Forest Service to make sure a contract dispute doesn't ground large air tankers used to fight wildfires. Missoula, Mont.-based Neptune Aviation on Thursday formally protested a recent U.S. Forest Service decision to award national firefighting contracts to five other companies. Neptune Aviation didn't get a contract to fly so-called "next-generation" large air tankers against wildfires. Chief Operating Officer Dan Snyder says the Forest Service was unfair and his company needs the contract to help it remain viable. The dispute puts the contracts for up to seven large air tankers in limbo. Udall says the Forest Service should seek emergency authority to keep the planes available to fight fires despite the dispute. Forest Service officials did not return messages seeking comment.

Illegal to adopt wildlife in Wyoming

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is reminding people who find young animals this spring to leave newborn wildlife alone even if they appear to be abandoned. The agency says most animal mothers hide their young and return to them periodically to nurse. People finding young animals often assume the newborns have been abandoned, but this is almost never the case. The mother knows where her young are and will almost certainly return. State and federal laws forbid possession of game and many nongame animals, so adopting newborn wildlife is illegal. The best solution is to leave the young animals alone. If children bring home a wild newborn, it should be immediately returned to the exact spot it was found. In the instance when a fawn or other newborn is found and the mother is known to be dead, contact the nearest game warden, biologist, or regional office.

Man gets 8-16 years for role in Hudson slayings

A 24-year-old man charged in connection with the slayings and robbery of a Hudson couple has been sentenced to eight to 16 years in prison. Ryan Blake Hanway struck a deal with prosecutors in November and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. Two first-degree murder charges were dismissed. Hanway, who was sentenced Thursday, was 1 of 5 people charged in the slayings of 42-year-old Eric Clinton Likes and his girlfriend, 20-year-old Elva Charlotte Quiver, in Likes' home in November 2011. Investigators say the home was set on fire two days later to cover up the crime. Hanway was accused of helping the group scope out the scene before the murders, but his attorney says his client didn't participate in the crimes.

Groundwater test proposal gets good reviews

Gov. Matt Mead's proposal to require groundwater testing at oil and gas drilling sites is getting favorable reviews from environmental advocates, landowners and industry representatives. Mead released a state energy policy on Monday that includes baseline groundwater testing before oil or gas drilling occurs. Richard Garrett of the Wyoming Outdoor Council says any step to protect groundwater is welcome. Paul Cook of the Cheyenne Area Landowners Coalition says groundwater testing is a top priority for property owners considering leasing land to energy developers. And Bruce Hinchey of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming says baseline testing could help the industry make its case that its drilling techniques are safe.

Wyoming's investment returns likely to help budget

Gov. Matt Mead's office says the latest Wyoming revenue figures continue to support his position that the state probably won't have to cut agency budgets in the coming year. The state's Economic Analysis Division issued a report on state revenues on Tuesday. As of the end of March, the state's multi-billion-dollar Permanent Mineral Trust Fund was holding $218 million in realized but undistributed capital gains. If things hold steady, those capital gains will transfer to the state's General Fund in July. The state's currently operating on a 2-year $3.2 billion general funds budget. Other sources of state revenue are on-track with projections. Mead early this year vetoed legislation that would have required state agencies to propose a range of budget cuts. He has said he would propose cuts if necessary.

New telephone scam circulating in Sweetwater County

A relatively new telephone scam surfaced in Rock Springs recently involving medical devices and appliances. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust Jr. says that several people have reported that a recorded telephone message informs residents that their "medical adviser" has approved a "medical appliance" for them that needs to be delivered.






Blust says the scammers hope their intended victims will believe that their doctor or other health care provider has made arrangements for the device and that they will be willing to pay certain ‘fees’ or other costs.






Blust says the best thing to do is simply hang up. Your doctor is never going to make arrangements for medical services or treatments that you do not know about.

BLM draft fracking rules get close look in Wyo.

Wyoming officials worry that Interior Department rules for hydraulic fracturing on federal land might unnecessarily duplicate existing state regulations. On Thursday, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell released the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's latest draft rules for fracking - pumping pressurized water mixed with sand and chemicals into oil and gas wells to break open surrounding rock. Wyoming in 2010 became the first state to require companies to disclose the chemicals they use in fracking. The BLM rules likewise would require companies to disclose the ingredients in the fracking chemicals they use. Renny MacKay, spokesman for Gov. Matt Mead, says Mead considers the BLM rules unnecessary but is looking them over. The Powder River Basin Resource Council says Wyoming's rules are stronger in some ways than what BLM proposes.

Northwest College breaks ground on new building

Northwest College in Powell is beginning construction of a $14.25 million building on campus. Ground breaking on the Yellowstone Building is scheduled for Thursday. The 47,000-square-foot building will house nursing, allied health, criminal justice and law enforcement education programs. In addition, it will have a community conference center to accommodate workforce training programs, conferences, community events and larger-venue demands. It also will be home to the Communication Program and the Social Science and Education Division. The state of Wyoming contributed $9.38 million toward construction. Construction is scheduled to be completed by fall 2014.

Small earthquake jolts SE Idaho, western Wyoming

A small earthquake jolted parts of southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. The U.S. Geological Survey says the temblor measured at 3.6 magnitude occurred late Wednesday on the Idaho side of the Idaho-Wyoming border. The nearest city is Afton, Wyo., about 14 miles from the epicenter. Afton police say officers felt the quake but there were no reports of damage. Police in Pocatello and Idaho Falls, both about 60 miles from the epicenter, say the quake went mostly unnoticed.

Wyoming's job market soft in last quarter 2012

Officials with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services say the state's job market grew marginally in the third quarter of last year. 13 of the state's 23 counties saw employment gains in the last quarter while the other 10 counties saw job numbers slip. Senior economist at Workforce Services David Bullard says the state's employment slowdown is being mirrored by a slowdown in the energy industry. Bullard says that employment is still growing at below 1%, but the state is losing jobs in the oil and gas sector. He says the state is still dealing with lingering effects from the 2008 recession.

Veterans Encouraged To Apply For Tax Exemption Program

Sweetwater County Assessor, Pat Drinkle, would like to remind all Sweetwater County Veterans of Foreign Wars and surviving spouses to take advantage of the Veteran’s Exemption Program. She says the exemption may be used on property tax owned by the veteran or spouse with an approximate benefit of $210 or on motor vehicle registration with an approximate benefit $90.






The dates that a vet must have served for that clarification are from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975.






Veterans must be Wyoming residents for 3 years, have their DD-214, and served in an armed conflict. Any veteran with an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the previous qualifications should contact the office for eligibility status. If you are uncertain of your eligibility please contact the Assessor’s Office at 922-5200 or 872-3700. Applications must be in by May 28th.

Green River Man Cited For Drug Possession

Green River Police officers cited 26 year old Daniel S. Samsel of Rock Springs on Wednesday with drug charges. Officers were checking a suspicious vehicle. When Samsel rolled down the driver's window, the officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana. After an investigation, officers found a small amount of marijuana and a pipe on Samsel. He was cited for possession of marijuana and released.

UW eases admission of Wyo. community college grads

Students who earn an associate of arts or associate of science degree at any of Wyoming's seven community colleges will be able to receive automatic admission to the University of Wyoming. State higher educational leaders announced Wednesday that beginning this fall, qualified students will need only to complete an admissions form and provide other necessary information to transfer from Wyoming community colleges to UW. There will be no application fee, and UW will offer counseling on academic requirements and financial aid, as well as other transition support. UW President Tom Buchanan says the new policy is a significant step forward in expanding higher education opportunities for students in Wyoming. Wyoming Community College Commission Chairman Larry Atwell says the policy will encourage students to complete their community college degrees.

Encana plans facility to clean Wyo. produced water

Encana Oil and Gas plans to build a facility to treat produced water from an oil and gas field west of Casper. Paul Ulrich with Encana told state lawmakers in Gillette on Tuesday his company will use state-of-the-art technology to clean up the water. Work on the new facility is expected to begin this summer. The facility would clean up some of the byproduct water produced by Encana's 280 or so gas wells in the area. Encana also proposes to re-inject produced water into an aquifer. The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission approved that plan in March. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is still reviewing the proposal. Encana plans to drill another 4,200 wells in the area as part of the Moneta Divide project.

Small plane crashes near Pine Bluffs, pilot OK

Laramie County authorities say a pilot escaped injury after crash landing while practicing touch and go landings at the Pine Bluffs Airport. The county sheriff's department says the Cessna 188 went down about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday in a field, about a mile and half west of the runway. The pilot was identified as Mark Nardin, of Emigrant, Mont. Nardin told authorities the plane lost altitude, forcing him to land in the field. The plane then struck a fence, causing extensive damage to the aircraft operated by Circle S Aviation. Nardin walked away from the wreck. The crash is under investigation by federal authorities.

Group asks feds to ban wolf hunting in Parkway

A conservation group is asking the National Park Service to rule that an area between Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks should be off-limits to wolf hunting. The National Parks Conservation Association on Wednesday filed a petition with the National Park Service asking it to start a formal rulemaking process. The association wants the federal agency to find that wolf-hunting shouldn't be allowed in the 24,000-acre John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Wyoming officials say they haven't yet reviewed the group's petition. However, the state game and fish department has stated in its wolf hunting regulations that the state has authority over the Parkway area. Wyoming took over wolf management from the federal government late last year and held an organized wolf hunt in areas adjoining the Parkway.

BLM Installs New High Desert District Manager

The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming State Director Donald Simpson administered the oath of office to Mark Storzer as the new High Desert District Manager on May 8th in front of a crowded room of government representatives, land owners, and BLM employees at the BLM HDD Office in Rock Springs. Serena Baker says that Storzer has more than 25 years of federal service and returns to Wyoming from Eastern States where he worked in Milwaukee, Wisc. as the Northeastern States Field Office Manager. 






The High Desert District encompasses approximately 9.4 million surface acres, which is roughly half the public land in Wyoming.  It manages the Chokecherry/Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project, the largest wind energy project proposed on public land in North America, as well as the Continental-Divide Creston Oil and Gas Project, the largest oil and gas project on BLM-administered land in the United States. It is also the home of the first BLM wild horse ecosanctuary in the country, and there are more nesting pairs of ferruginous hawks found here, than anywhere in Wyoming.






Storzer grew up in Wisconsin and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Natural Resource Management and Water Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin in Stevens Point.

Retiring UW dean critical of faculty salaries

A retiring University of Wyoming dean says the college is in danger of sinking into mediocrity unless it continues to attract and retain the best faculty available. Addressing graduating students on Saturday, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Oliver Walter faulted the Wyoming Legislature for having a short-sighted policy on faculty salaries. Walter says the university builds grand buildings and envisions "top-tier" status, but unless it attracts and retains the best faculty available, UW will sink into second-class status. He says currently 75% of all American universities offer more lucrative faculty salaries than UW. Walter is retiring in July after 43 years with UW. UW Board of Trustees President David Bostrom says that faculty salaries are among the top concerns of the board.

Hill says she cooperating with governor's inquiry

Wyoming public schools Superintendent Cindy Hill says she has cooperated with an inquiry into the operations of the state Education Department. But Hill is declining to discuss specifics until the inquiry has concluded. In February, Gov. Matt Mead created the inquiry to check out concerns about how the agency was being run in recent years under Hill and previous superintendents. The concerns came to a head this past winter when the state Legislature and Mead enacted major changes in how the state's K-12 education system is run. The biggest change replaced the statewide elected superintendent as head of the Education Department with a director appointed by the governor. Hill is challenging the constitutionality of the new law in a lawsuit that is awaiting a hearing before the state Supreme Court.

Record heat after record cold in Wyoming

Less than two weeks after seeing heavy snow and record cold, Wyoming is now seeing record heat. The temperature in Cheyenne reached 84 degrees on Tuesday, breaking the record of 83 degrees set in 1976. On Monday, record highs were set in Casper, Lander, Riverton and Rock Springs. It wasn't too long ago that the state was experiencing heavy snowfall and below normal temperatures. On May 2, Cheyenne set a record low temperature of 9 degrees and was digging out from more than a foot of snow. The National Weather Service says the hot weather has quickened the snowmelt, causing rivers and streams to rise to near flood stage in some areas.

Fire Breaks Out at Wheatland power plant

Platte County officials say sheriff's dispatchers got a report around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday of people trapped in a roof collapse at the Laramie River Station near. The initial report of people trapped turned out to be untrue and the fire was extinguished within a few hours. Bismarck, N.D.-based Basin Electric Power Cooperative is the operating agent of the Laramie River Station, a 1,700-megawatt, coal-fired power plant. Five other utilities are partners. Basin Electric spokesman Daryl Hill says the fire broke out in a surge bin, a container that collects coal from conveyor belts. Hill says all employees are accounted for and that the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Two Arrested In Green River For Heroin Possession

Two were arrested on Monday in Green River for possession of heroin. Green River police officers initially responded to a call at 11:48 PM on Jensen Street when 26 year old Jason S. Wilberger of South Jordan Utah reported that he believed he was going to be assaulted by the boyfriend of 24 year old Chelsey D. McMichael of Green River. When officers arrived, the boyfriend was nowhere to be found. Officers found that both Wilberger and McMichael had been using heroin prior to the call. After further investigation, they found that Wilberger and McMichael were in possession of the drug. They were both arrested and charged.

School district #2 Meeting Preview

School district #2 will meet for its monthly meeting tonight, Erick Pauley has the story

Adobe Town Salt Wells Creek Wild Horse Gather EA Available

The Bureau of Land Management Rawlins and Rock Springs field offices are launching a 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment to gather excess wild horses from the Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek Herd Management Areas.  Serena Baker says the two HMAs are managed collectively as the ATSW Complex due to wild horse movement between the two areas.






Population surveys conducted in May 2012 found approximately 1,005 wild horses in the Complex. However, wild horse populations are expected to increase by approximately 20 percent with the 2012 and 2013 foaling seasons, bringing the population to an estimated 1,447 wild horses by summer.  The appropriate management level is 861-1,165 wild horses and this gather is necessary to bring the herd to the lower range of that level.






The proposed action is also in conformance with the Consent Decree with the Rock Springs Grazing Association ordered by the U.S. District Court on April 3, 2013, to remove all wild horses from private lands within the Complex in 2013. This gather is anticipated for this year. The Complex was last gathered in fall 2010. During that gather, 99 mares released back to the HMAs were administered the PZP fertility control vaccine. Fertility control is an alternative being considered in the EA.  Public comments should be received at the BLM Rock Spring Field office by June 10th.

Green River Woman Arrested Driving on Suspended License, With Drugs and Children in Car

Last Thursday at around 1:15 PM, Green Police were called to a motel on West Flaming Gorge Way about a disturbance. While there, they found that 30 year old Tammy H. Hughes of Green River had left in a car with her two minor children. Problem was, Hughes has a suspended license. When police contacted her, she also was found to be in possession of Meth, pot and had no insurance. She was arrested and charged with Driving While Suspended, Child Endangering, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and No Insurance.

34 Year Old Woman Found Dead in Green River

A 34 year old woman was found dead in a residence on Anvil Drive in Green River. Little information has been released about the death by Green River police. The coroner's office was dispatched to the residence. An autopsy will performed to determine the manner and cause of death. The investigation is ongoing.

Intoxicated Green River Man Tries To Run From Police On Motorcycle

A Green River man was arrested on Sunday after making the decision to try to run from Green River police. At around 2:47 AM on Sunday, police attempted to stop 52 year old William E. Hendrickson for speeding on his motorcycle. Hendrickson tried to run, but was stopped after a brief chase. Officers discovered that Hendrickson was intoxicated. After being taken into custody, a blood test at the Sweetwater County Jail showed that Hendrickson's blood alcohol leverl was double the legal limit. He has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Attempting to Elude a Police Officer.

Mead unveils Wyo. energy policy 2 years in making

Gov. Matt Mead has unveiled a state energy policy that advocates maintaining Wyoming's position as a top energy-producing state while preserving its environment. The report released Monday outlines four main priorities: economic competitiveness, efficient regulation, natural resource conservation and developing new technologies. Specifics include developing a statewide pipeline network that would carry carbon dioxide to help restore pressure and production at aging oil fields. Wyoming also will promote development of liquid natural gas for export, and compressed natural gas to power vehicles. Dozens of other priorities in the report include reviewing the state's oil and gas regulations and influencing management of endangered species that could impede energy development. The policy was two years in the making. Mead says Wyoming needs an energy policy that balances energy development with environmental conservation.

Wyoming snowpack sees big decline over last week

Wyoming's snowpack saw some significant melting in the last week. The snowpack dropped from 92% of normal last week to 69% this week. However, it is still better than at this time last year, when the state was already down to 34% of normal. Lee Hackleman of the Natural Resources Conservation Service says with warm weather across the state he expects the snowpack to drop considerably more this week.

Police seek man in reported abduction attempt

Police in Laramie are asking for the public's help in finding a man they believe tried to abduct a boy on Monday afternoon. Police say the 3-year-old boy was playing in an unfenced yard in Laramie when the man grabbed him by the hand and started to walk away. The man let the boy go and walked away after the boy's caregiver called to the man. Police searched but failed to find the man. Police say the man is in his late 30s or early 40s, about 5-foot-10, with a stocky build and short, black hair. He was wearing a gray T-shirt, blue jeans with black, lace-up boots. The man may have been driving a small pickup truck with peeling, gray primer paint with green paint showing underneath.

Spring Clean Up Week Starts In Green River

This is Spring Clean Up week in Green River. Jennifer Holden with the Solid Waste Division says there are a few things residents need to know.






If you have old refrigerators or freezers, they will be picked up at no charge, but the food and the doors must be removed. Also, be sure if you have tree limbs, to cut them down into four foot sections.






If you have any questions about what can be picked up, just go to the city website and cityofgreenriver.org or call 872-0531.

Man accused of fatally shooting father released

A Campbell County man who was found not guilty by reason of mental illness after his father was fatally shot in 2001 has been released from the Wyoming State Hospital. Floyd C. Reno III, who is living in Evanston, was acquitted of first-degree murder in the death of 71-year-old Floyd Reno Jr. The elder Reno died from a .22-caliber gunshot wound to the head. He had been shot two days earlier but didn't realize it until he went to the hospital because of a headache. Defense attorneys said the younger Reno is schizophrenic and had not been taking his medication at the time. As part of his release, Reno's travel is limited and he must report to the hospital daily to take his medications.

USDA: SE Wyo. emerging from drought

The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows southeast Wyoming may be emerging from 11 months of drought. The USDA's weekly Drought Monitor out Thursday shows the Cheyenne area has been downgraded from "moderate drought" to "abnormally dry." Abnormally dry means an area may be trending toward drought or may be emerging from drought. The USDA has classified parts of Laramie County as exceptionally dry over the past year. The National Weather Service says Cheyenne is now above average for precipitation this year. Nearly 5 inches of rain and snow moisture has fallen since Jan. 1, almost an inch above average.

BLM proposes horse roundup in southern Wyoming

The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a wild horse roundup in Wyoming in an area in Sweetwater and Carbon counties, from Interstate 80 south to the Colorado border. The agency says the public can comment before June 10 on an environmental assessment of the proposed roundup, which would help the agency reduce conflicts between wild horses and private landowners in the area. The BLM estimates there will be nearly 1,450 wild horses there by the summer. The BLM says the ideal population is between 861 and 1,165 wild horses. It proposes gathering hundreds of horses in August, returning some of the mares to the area after they've been treated with a fertility control drug, and preparing other horses for sale or adoption.

Fort Washakie Owner drags smoking oven from home, saves building

Officials say residents saved a Fort Washakie home by removing a smoking oven from the kitchen before firefighters arrived. Fort Washakie fire chief Kevin Farris says the homeowner was cooking Thursday evening and noticed smoke coming from the oven. He says the residents dragged the heavy appliance outside before the fire could destroy anything. No one was injured.

Gov. Mead appoints Daniel Forgey of Sweetwater County as district judge in Natrona County

Gov. Matt Mead has appointed Circuit Court Judge Daniel Forgey of Sweetwater County to serve as district judge in Natrona County. Forgey will fill the seat vacated by Judge David Park, who is retiring. Forgey has served as circuit court judge since 2007. Forgey has worked as staff attorney for Justice Barton Voigt at the Wyoming Supreme Court. Forgey also has worked as county and prosecuting attorney in Hot Springs County and as law clerk for former U.S District Judge William Downes. Forgey received his law degree at the University of Wyoming.

GAME AND FISH SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON BIG GAME HERD OBJECTIVES

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is holding public information meetings to review and discuss big game herd management objectives for the Sierra Madre elk herd, Petition elk herd, and South Rock Springs deer, elk, and antelope herds. Game and Fish periodically reviews wildlife herd objectives to determine if they are appropriate.
The Sierra Madre elk herd includes hunt areas 13, 15, 21, 108, and 130 and will be discussed at the meetings in Baggs, Saratoga, and Rawlins. The Petition elk herd consists of hunt area 124 and will be discussed at the public meetings in Baggs and Green River. The South Rock Springs deer herd consists of hunt areas 101 and 102, and the South Rock Springs elk herd consists of hunt areas 30, 31, and 32. Hunt areas 59 and 112 make up the South Rock Springs antelope herd. The South Rock Springs big game herds will only be discussed at the meeting in Green River 7:00 p.m., May 23, at the Green River Game and Fish Office, 351 Astle Avenue

Sheriff warns public about recurring e-mail scam

An Internet scam that last surfaced in Sweetwater County in 2011 is once again making the rounds. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that an email is being received purportedly from The Federal Reserve Bank of America in New York City that tells the recipient that he has been awarded a substantial amount of money from the International Monetary Fund. They then ask for banking information including account and routing numbers.






Blust says that the caller informs the intended victim that they have been selected to receive some sort of prize or money award and wants to know if “a morning or afternoon delivery” is preferred. 






Officials remind Sweetwater County residents to never give out personal information including addresses, phone numbers, banking information to anyone unless you are completely certain you know who you are dealing with. Blust recommends the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s website at fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud as an excellent source of information to help people protect yourself against fraud and scams.

Green River Police Officers Investigate Hit And Run Accident

Green River police officers are looking for a Nissan pickup that was involved in a hit and run on Hitching Post Drive at Monroe Street. When officers arrived, they learned the driver of a Nissan pickup had struck the rear of a Ford Pickup truck driven by Dominic Martinez. The driver of the Nissan had got out of his truck, looked at the rear of the Ford and told Martinez the damage on the Ford was old damage and then drove off. No injuries were reported and the investigation is ongoing.

Green River Man Victim of Identity Theft While On Active Duty

A Green River man was the victim of fraud while on active duty in the military. Green River police officers received a report from a man who said that his identity had been used to obtain medical services over the past several years. The victim was on active duty at the time of the fraud and had never been to Illinois where the medical services were obtained. The case has been turned over to the investigation division.

More cuts to Game and Fish on the way?

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Scott Talbott says the agency faces another round of budget cuts unless lawmakers increase its funding. Talbott told a legislative committee Wednesday that the agency will have to slash $1.5 million to $2 million from its fiscal year 2014-15 budget if nothing is done. The cut would be on top of a $2 million reduction put in place in fiscal year 2012-13 and a $4.6 million cut that is being finalized for fiscal year 2013-14. Talbott says jobs or key services could be purged if more cuts are needed. But he added that many low-priority services already have been cut. A proposal to raise agency fees was rejected in the 2013 Legislature.

More cuts to Game and Fish on the way?

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Scott Talbott says the agency faces another round of budget cuts unless lawmakers increase its funding. Talbott told a legislative committee Wednesday that the agency will have to slash $1.5 million to $2 million from its fiscal year 2014-15 budget if nothing is done. The cut would be on top of a $2 million reduction put in place in fiscal year 2012-13 and a $4.6 million cut that is being finalized for fiscal year 2013-14. Talbott says jobs or key services could be purged if more cuts are needed. But he added that many low-priority services already have been cut. A proposal to raise agency fees was rejected in the 2013 Legislature.

Enzi pushes back release of mineral payments bill

Wyoming's senior U.S. senator is delaying the release of legislation that aims to block the federal government from cutting mineral royalty payments to 35 states. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., had said he planned to release a bill this week after the Department of Interior announced it would make $110 million in cuts this year. Daniel Head, a spokesman for Enzi in Washington, said Thursday that the senator now plans to release the bill next week because he's working to gather more supporters in the House. As the nation's leading coal-producing state, Wyoming stands to lose more than $50 million in royalties for minerals mined from federal land. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said this week that her agency had no choice but to trim the payments because of the automatic federal budget cuts that started March 1.

BLM Rock Springs Opens Scoping on Horseshoe Basin Oil and Gas Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Rock Springs Field Office (RSFO) is launching a 30-day public scoping period prior to preparing an environmental assessment on a proposal by Devon Energy Production Company, L.P. Serena Baker says the proposal is to develop up to 20 new oil or gas wells within the Horseshoe Basin Unit.






The new project proposes drilling two wells per year utilizing horizontal or vertical drilling at depths ranging from 8,500 to 11,500 feet depending on the geologic formation.  The project would also include access roads, pipelines, and power lines. Devon plans to minimize surface disturbance by co-locating new wells on existing well pads, or by establishing multi-well pads, when possible.






Written comments should be received by June 4th, and may be submitted by fax, email, mail, or hand-delivery during regular business hours to the Rock Springs Field Office at 280 Highway 191 north in Rock Springs.

Wyoming goes slow on Sweetwater County lithium find

The discovery of lithium in Sweetwater County has already attracted four lithium lease applications. But Ryan Lance of the Office of State Lands and Investments says the applications are on hold for now while state officials develop a strategy on how to handle mining of the new resource. Lance says the State Board of Land Commissioners is taking its time deciding how to handle the applications because of the enormous potential value of the lithium find - estimated at up to $500 billion. The state board includes Gov. Matt Mead and the other four elected state officials. The board's options include issuing leases on a first-come, first-served basis or an auction. Lithium is a key component of batteries and many electronic devices.

Wyo. Senator: Bill protects states' cash from feds

Wyoming's senior U.S. senator says a pending bill would allow states to collect royalties directly from companies producing minerals from federal lands. Sen. Mike Enzi tells The Associated Press that he's working to line up co-sponsors to the bill he intends to introduce Thursday. The bill aims to restore about $110 million in federal payments to states. Wyoming is the nation's leading coal-producing state and stands to lose $53 million this year from the cuts. U.S. Interior Department officials say they have no choice but to implement the cuts because of the federal budget reduction law. By allowing states to collect royalties directly from producers, Enzi says the bill would not only protect the money from federal cuts, but allow states to avoid paying the current 2% federal administration fee.

Despite heavy snow, water short in N. Platte River

The Wyoming State Engineer's Office expects more calls on water rights in the North Platte River drainage in the months ahead despite recent heavy snowfall in the river headwaters. Hydrologists continue to forecast less water storage than the amount needed for irrigation. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation predicts that upcoming runoff combined with existing water in Pathfinder and Guernsey reservoirs through July will total 800,000 acre-feet. That's only 72% of the amount needed for irrigation. An acre-foot is enough water to cover an acre with 1 foot of water. In February, State Engineer Pat Tyrrell issued the first wintertime call on water rights for Wyoming's portion of the river in eight years. The purpose was to help fill the reservoirs and Tyrrell lifted the call May 1 as planned.

Sweetwater Downs to double no. of race days in '13

In its third year of operation this year, Sweetwater Downs will double the number of horse racing days from four to eight. Eugene Joyce, general manager of Wyoming Horse Racing LLC, which is the operator of the horse racing, cites the potential of increased revenue thanks to a new state law allowing wagering on historic horse races. Joyce said Sweetwater Downs will run four consecutive weekends starting Aug. 17. She says that adding race days is a way of showing appreciation to the horsemen and to Sweetwater County for helping revive the industry in Wyoming and for helping pass the new law. All race dates have been approved by the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission.

Yosemite Hiker's Body Is Recovered

Park rangers say a Yosemite hiker was fatally injured when he fell from a cliff near the top of Vernal Fall. The body of 73-year-old Kenneth Stensby was discovered late Monday after an extensive search. His backpack was found at the top of the waterfall on Sunday. He had left word with his hotel that he was planning a day trip and would be back Sunday afternoon.

MAY 15 IS PAPER APPLICATION DEADLINE

Hunters accustomed to applying for limited-quota big game licenses with paper applications by mail or in-person have until 5 p.m. May 15 to submit applications to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Cheyenne headquarters.
For many years, whether the application was submitted on paper or online, the deadline for resident elk, deer, and antelope limited-quota licenses has been May 31. In recent years, more than 90 percent of both resident and nonresident hunters have applied through the Game and Fish website, wgfd.wyo.gov. This has resulted in substantial savings, increased accuracy, and more timely drawings for the application process.
Hunters will still have until May 31 to apply online. Game and Fish has been accepting resident online applications for elk, deer, and antelope since Jan. 1. The paper application period is May 1-15.
The paperless application process represents another way Game and Fish is improving service to Wyoming hunters through technology. License draw coordinator Milissa Raner said that in addition to the online application process, this year was the first year application booklets were only available online.

BLM Firewood Permits To Be Offered This Spring

The Bureau of Land Management’s Kemmerer, Pinedale, Rawlins and Rock Springs field offices will be offering firewood permits for purchase this spring. Shelley Gregory says that the Kemmerer and Pinedale field offices will offer firewood permits beginning May 15th.






For designated wood cutting areas on Shirley Mountain, the cost is $5.00 per cord; for Green Mountain, the cost is $7.50 per cord. There is a three cord minimum and a 10 cord maximum for both areas. Permits are available for purchase at 1300 N. Third Street in Rawlins.  Permits for Green Mountain are also available at the Lander Field Office at 1335 Main Street in Lander. Green Mountain is under a seasonal closure and will not be open to wood cutting until June 15. 






Maps of the designated cutting areas are available with the permits. For all four field offices, permits can be purchased between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Man Injured in Motorcycle/Vehicle Crash in Green River

A motorcycle driver suffered injuries in an accident even with quick thinking. Green River Police officers were called to the scene of the crash on West Flaming Gorge at North 4th West. Jill Wiebers had turned her vehicle in front of a motorcycle driven by Cody Shaw. Shaw laid down the bike and slid into the Wiever vehicle. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital. No word on his condition. Damage to Shaw's motorcycle was estimated at over $1000. Damage to the Wieber vehicle was estimated at under $1000. Wieber was cited for failure to Yield Right of Way.

Green River Woman Leaves Purse Behind and Gets Credit Card Stolen

Be careful if you accidently leave your purse somewhere. A woman in Green River was contacted by a Smith's grocery store employee and told her that her purse was at the store. The problem is, that after she recovered her purse, she found that a credit card was missing. After checking, she learned there were seven fraudulent charges on the card. She called the Green River Police Department. The case is now under investigation.

Wyo. urges preparation for insurance changes

State Insurance Commissioner Tim Hirsig is urging Wyoming businesses to prepare for federal health care law requirements so they do not face unnecessary fines. Many of the new health insurance requirements under the Affordable Care Act will take effect Jan. 1. But Hirsig says employers need to spend the upcoming months understanding how the federal law will affect them. He said 1 of those steps includes determining if a business qualifies as a small or larger employer. Larger businesses to pay a fine if they do not offer coverage to their employees. Hirsig says that business owners should speak to consultants or contact the state Department of Insurance if they have questions.

April snow improves Wyoming mountain snowpack

Wyoming's mountain snowpack has improved greatly over the last month thanks to a succession of snowstorms over the last four weeks. But National Weather Service hydrologist Jim Fahey says runoff is still expected to be below normal in many areas this spring and summer. Wyoming relies on mountain snowfall in the winter to supply most of its water for crops and municipalities. Fahey says a lot of the moisture that fell in April was soaked up by the ground left dry from a yearlong drought. He says the southern and central parts of the state look to have below normal runoff, while areas of northern Wyoming will have more water running off the mountains. Wyoming's reservoirs are near average statewide in the amount of water they hold right now.

Meteor explodes above southern Wyoming

The American Meteor Society says it has received reports of a meteor exploding in the sky above southern Wyoming on Sunday night. The sight occurred about 10:45 p.m. and was observed from as far as 400 miles away. Eight witnesses, including people in Idaho and Colorado, reported the event to the American Meteor Society. Society volunteer Mike Hankey, of Baltimore, says the meteor traveled from southeast to northwest. On March 28, another meteor was spotted in northern Wyoming and was seen by people as far away as Canada.