Sheriff’s Office investigates Clearview Acres crash

The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a one-vehicle crash that landed a half-overturned pickup in the yard of a Clearview Acres residence. According to Detective Dick Blust, Jr., investigating Deputy Sheriff Gary Frey found that 18 year old Hayley Fennell, was driving a 2001 Ford pickup east on White Mountain Road at the time of the crash with a 15-year-old passenger.






Frey found that the Fennell vehicle failed to negotiate the corner of White Mountain Road onto Clearview Drive, struck several concrete poles at 109 Clearview Drive, went airborne, and crashed into a residence. 






Authorities said alcohol was not a factor in the crash. Both the Fennell vehicle and the property at 109 Clearview were extensively damaged.

BLM Wild Horses Receive New Names

Two yearling wild horses showcased for adoption at the Green River Chamber Visitor Center in Green River, Wyo., were given new names, Jessie and Mesa. Becky Boyse of Green River chose “Jessie” for buckskin filly #9903 and Brian Wimer of Green River renamed white pinto colt #9915 “Mesa.” Boyse and Wimer both received $25 Chamber of Commerce gift certificates for use with merchants throughout Sweetwater County. Mesa has been adopted by a horse lover in Rock Springs, but Jessie is still available. This is the third year wild horses have been fostered for adoption at the Green River Chamber Visitor Center, giving people a chance to see wild horses up close and promoting the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program.

Liz Cheney, husband late paying tax on $1.6M home

County records show U.S. Senate candidate Liz Cheney and her husband were late paying their first property taxes on the $1.6 million home they bought last year in the tony northwest Wyoming community of Jackson Hole. They owed almost $4,500 in taxes on the four-bedroom, four-bath log home for the first half of 2012. The money was due by Nov. 10. Teton County records show they didn't pay until Jan. 29. Cheney is the elder daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney and is running against Wyoming senior U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, a fellow Republican. Liz Cheney and her husband bought the house in May 2012. She says she thought the previous owners paid the property tax bill for the first half of 2012 at closing. She says she paid when she realized the oversight.

Wyo. education employee videotaped floor debate

A recent inquiry into how the Wyoming Department of Education operated under state schools Superintendent Cindy Hill includes information that an agency videographer was used for political purposes. Tom Lacock was hired by Hill in 2011 as a videographer to tape various education related events and practices. However, he told an inquiry team appointed by Gov. Matt Mead that when the Legislature was debating a law to remove the superintendent as head of the Education Department, he was assigned to tape floor debate so Hill and her top aides would know who to lobby against the bill. Hill responds that the taping was merely done to document the debate for historical purposes. The videotaping is among the questionable uses of resources and money under Hill raised in the inquiry.

Sweetwater officials report successful rodeo

Sweetwater County officials say there were few problems during this year's National High School Finals Rodeo. Sweetwater County Events Complex Executive Director Larry Lloyd says the commitment of the National High School Rodeo Association to police its own members kept law enforcement problems to a minimum. Lloyd also noted more traffic and congestion in stores this year, compared to 2012. He says rodeo visitors were more comfortable getting around and shopping in Rock Springs. Sweetwater County commissioner John Kolb says that the 2013 event was an overwhelming success. Lloyd says organizers are already looking to improve the 2014 rodeo.

2 people taken to hospital after Sinclair fire

Two people were taken to the hospital after a fire at the Sinclair Oil refinery east of Rawlins. Sinclair Oil vice president Clint Ensign said Tuesday's fire in the crude unit was "minor" and involved an independent contractor working there. The condition of the two people taken to the hospital wasn't known. The refinery has had several accidents and releases over the past several years and hired five more safety experts this year.

Rock Springs man arrested, charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree

A bond of $250,000 has been set for a Rock Springs man charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Battery Against a Household Member. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that 56 year old Ernest Eugene Richmond was arrested by county deputies at his home west of Rock Springs on July 26th.






Richmond got onto Interstate 80, headed toward Rock Springs. After turning on the cruise control while going around 80 miles per hour, Cathcart said that Richmond repeatedly hit her, kicked her and attempted to kick her out of the speeding vehicle.






Cherry also observed several other injuries that were also consistent with Cathcart's statement that Richmond continually kicked her in his attempt to get her out of the moving vehicle. Richmond is also charged with Battery Against a Household Member. His $250,000 cash or surety bond was set in Circuit Court in Rock Springs on July 29th. A preliminary hearing has been set for August 6th.

Lawyers: Toss lawsuit by Hill petition supporters

Lawyers for the state of Wyoming say a state court lacks the authority to grant more time to organizers of a petition drive seeking to restore power to the superintendent of public instruction. Instead, the state Attorney General's Office says a Laramie District Court judge should toss a lawsuit against Secretary of State Max Maxfield. The lawsuit claims Maxfield violated the rights of petition supporters by taking too long to provide them with petition forms. Petition sponsor Jennifer Young wants another 90 days to gather signatures challenging a new law that removed schools Superintendent Cindy Hill as head of the education department. Their petition drive this past spring fell well short of the signatures needed. No court date has been set for the case.

At least 6 animals die during Frontier Days rodeo

At least six animals died during the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. Five steers or calves died or were euthanized out of the 4,500 animals that participated in the 10-day event. A 15-year-old steer wrestling horse also died during competition but an autopsy found a pre-existing heart condition, not an injury, was to blame. The fate of 4 other animals released to their owners after suffering serious injuries isn't known. Animal rights activists returned to the rodeo this year and posted online videos of events they find objectionable, including the roping of larger steers. Activists believe they're more likely to be injured when they're caught. Rodeo organizers dispute that and say that anyone who violates the rules will be penalized.

Satirical article creates stir in Wyoming town

The southern Wyoming coal mining town of Hanna gained some dubious national attention as part of website spoof about implanted radio frequency identification chips. Hanna Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales says her office started receiving calls early Monday from people asking whether a local ordinance really required its government-assisted citizens to be implanted with identification chips. The callers' anxiety stemmed from an article on a website called National Report, which claimed Hanna was part of a federal health care pilot program, and that the town mayor was the first recipient of a chip. Gonzales says that dozens of calls came in from citizens, pastors and doctors asking if it was true. The National Report publication offers a disclaimer that all its news articles are fiction.

Ex-hospital CEO in custody pending Aug. 9 hearing

A judge says a former CEO accused of defrauding hospitals in two states will remain in federal custody pending a hearing Aug. 9. Paul Cardwell appeared in federal court in Cheyenne on Monday. He is accused of stealing about $848,000 from Powell Valley Healthcare in Wyoming in 2011 when he was its CEO. He was arrested in Thailand in June. An indictment says Cardwell would arrange for hospital funds to be sent to a bogus recruiting firm supposedly run by Michael Plake of West Lafayette, Ind., but the money went to Plake and Cardwell instead. Plake was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Cardwell is accused of a similar scheme when he was CEO at White County Memorial Hospital in Monticello, Ind.

LinkWYOMING

Wyoming’s broadband team, LinkWYOMING, is asking residents from around the state to utilize an app that collects and analyzes mobile broadband performance to accurately map mobile wireless coverage and find problem areas in the state.
Many states across the country are charged with mapping broadband service availability and speeds as part of the National Broadband Plan. Wyoming is working with providers to update maps and document accurate speeds to improve government services such as police and fire that depend on mobile wireless networks. The data collected will also be available to produce detailed coverage maps for the public.

New Entertainment Offered At This Year's Sweetwater County Fair

If you are wondering what is new this year for Wyoming's Big Show – The Sweetwater County Fair, Chad Banks says you should check out some of the entertainment.






Nasa will also be at the fair with their Driven To Explore exhibit where you can touch a three billion-year-old moon rock brought back aboard Apollo 17 in 1972.






The Main Gates and Midway open today at 4 PM. The fair open on Wednesday at 10:30 AM. All of the entertainment is included in the price of gate admission.

Rock Springs Police Department Receives Donation For Bicycle Helmets To Be Given To The Public

The Rock Spring Police Department received a $1,600 donation toward the purchase of bicycle helmets along with 149 bicycle helmets from the Sweetwater County Brain Injury Support Group. The Rock Spring Police Department and Sweetwater County Brain Injury Support Group mutually decided to combine resources in the effort to provide bicycle helmets at no cost to children in the community. The goal is to decrease traumatic brain injuries with the use of fitted bicycle helmets. Eight year old Daylan Smith, who is the reigning Wyoming State Supreme Queen, Wyoming Western States Dreams Pageant, raised $400.00 of the Sweetwater County Brain Injury Support Group donation. The Rock Spring Police Department, Sweetwater County Brain Injury Support Group, and Ms. Smith will be providing helmets to the public during family day at the Sweetwater County Fair on Wednesday, from 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

Mansface WyoLink low level radio site Near Green River

Beginning around August 5th, the State of Wyoming Public Safety Communication Commission and Motorola will start construction on the Mansface WyoLink low level radio site. WyoLink is a statewide public safety trunked radio system designed to link agencies from a multitude of different organizations together for better communication capabilities. Given the geography of Green River and the immediate surrounding area, the PSCC designated Green River and Mansface Mountain as the needed location for a low level site to boost communication capabilities in and around Green River. This will not only benefit the Green River Police and Fire Departments, but also the Castle Rock Ambulance Service, School District Number 2, Wyoming Highway Patrol and the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Department.

Motorola will be bringing in a pre-constructed 10’x40’ building and a 100’ tower will be placed next to the building on top of Mansface. A small area around the building and tower will then be fenced for protection of the site. The construction, from beginning to end, should last approximately 2 months. Once completed, all local Public Service agencies will migrate fully to the WyoLink radio system.

Frontier Days attendance close to 1996 record

Attendance at this year's Cheyenne Frontier Days was close to the record set in 1996, the event's centennial year. Final figures aren't available yet but organizers say over 250,000 tickets were sold before Frontier Days closed on Sunday. Jason Aldean's show on Friday night set a new night show record with 25,000 tickets sold. The previous record was set in 2004 when nearly 24,000 tickets were sold to a show by George Strait.

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County CEO Signs Five Year Contract

There are many things changing at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, but one of them won't be their leadership. In a recent discussion with the MHSC Board of Trustees, Gerard D. Klein, CEO of Memorial Hospital, signed a contract to stay in his position for another five years. Mr. Klein, originally from Nebraska, came to Memorial Hospital after 40 years of healthcare experience spread out through Ohio, Nebraska and Iowa. He moved to Sweetwater County in January of 2011 to fulfill the position of CEO and has also become involved in the community, serving on various committees and also serving on the Board for the Rock Springs – Sweetwater County Airport and the RS Chamber of Commerce.

Memorial Hospital is currently building an 80,000 sq. foot Medical Office Building/Cancer Treatment Center that will include the first full-service cancer center in the region as well as several specialities and providers from their employed physician practice, Sweetwater Medical Group. View more information at their website at sweetwatermemorial.com.

Download The Ap for Wyoming's Big Show

If you are planning on attending Wyoming's Big Show, the Sweetwater County Fair this year, Chad Banks says there is a way you can keep up to the minute on all of the fun activities taking place.






The ap is completely free and is available for Iphones and Droid.






While some events have already kicked off at the fair, such as the first day of 4-H and open class, tomorrow is the first day the gates charge admission. This year, admission is 12 dollars for adults, 8 dollars for seniors and children ages 6 to 12 and children under the age of six are free. The Main gates and Midway are open from 4 to 10 PM.

Governor appoints Craig Jones to circuit court in Sweetwater County

Gov. Matt Mead has appointed a new circuit court judge in Sweetwater County. The governor's office on Friday announced the selection of Craig Jones as circuit court judge for the Third Judicial District. He replaces Judge Daniel Forgey, who moved to another district. Jones is currently the chief deputy district attorney in Cheyenne. He received his law degree from the University of Wyoming. He has held public legal positions in Johnson and Converse Counties and also has worked in private practice. Jones says he and his family are excited to move and become a part of the Sweetwater County community.

Woman found in ditch died of cardiac event

The Fremont County coroner says a 55-year-old woman who was found in an irrigation ditch in Riverton experienced a cardiac event before she fell into the water. Coroner Ed McAuslan says that despite initial reports, Dajuana Crichton did not drown in the ditch near her rural home northwest of Riverton. A passer-by called authorities after spotting Crichton floating in the ditch at about 12:45 p.m. Wednesday. The woman was taken to a hospital, where she died about an hour later.

Powell man gets probation for sword attack

A 23-year-old Powell man accused of using a Japanese-style sword to attack his roommate during an argument has been sentenced to five years of supervised probation. Matthew J. Thull has pleaded no contest to felony aggravated assault stemming from a Nov. 4 altercation with Antroine Smiley. Smiley told police Thull kicked in a bathroom door, made threats, yelled expletives about unpaid rent and swung at him with a sword known as a katana. Investigators determined Smiley was cut on both hands as he tried to grab the sword from his roommate. Thull was ordered to pay $1,045 to cover Smiley's medical bills.

Wildfire near Lander nearly contained

Firefighters are nearing full containment of a blaze that has charred more than 1,300 acres southwest of Lander. The lightning-caused Fairfield Fire was 98% contained Sunday, and some resources were being called off. The fire, which was reported July 22, is burning in grass and heavy timber. Meanwhile, firefighters continue to monitor a nearly 5,000-acre fire burning in the Washakie Wilderness about 50 miles southwest of Cody. That fire also was started by lightning and was discovered July 20.

Charges expected in shooting death

Charges are expected to be filed against one suspect arrested in connection with the shooting death at a bar in Evansville. District Attorney Michael Blonigen says that the person would be charged Friday afternoon. The suspect's name and age haven't been released. Forty-1-year-old Todd Callies died after the shooting early Thursday at Taylor's Sports Bar and Spirits. Evansville Chief of Police Zach Gentile has refused to discuss the shooting, referring all questions to the district attorney's office. Blonigen said Casper police and the Natrona County Sheriff's Office are helping investigate.

Northwest College gets OK for wind turbine

Northwest College in Powell is moving ahead with construction of its very own wind turbine. Park County Commissioners unanimously voted this week to grant permission for the college to erect a 52-foot high turbine. School officials say the structure will serve as an education tool for math and science students. The wind-harvesting device will be situated near the school's Paul Stock Agriculture Pavilion off Highway 295. Northwest College Facilities Director Dave Plute says the grant-funded turbine would cost $21,000 to install and lead to $300 in electricity savings annually. Plute says the turbine should be below regulated sound levels, according to the turbine manufacturer, and the closest home is 1,100 feet away.

Mustang Versatility Trail Ride Buckle Series\

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) High Desert District and its partners congratulate Lynn Huckaby of Farson, Wyo., and her mustang Sagebrush for placing first in July’s Mustang Versatility Trail Ride Buckle Series’ Extreme Trail Competition in Rock Springs, Wyo.
Leah Huckaby, also on Sagebrush, received Horse of the Month honors at the event. The Horse of the Month is chosen by the judges and other committee members based on how well a rider and mustang work together.
The Fourth Annual Mustang Versatility Trail Ride Buckle Series kicked off on June 15. The four-event series offers trail rides, obstacle courses, in-hand events and timed games for riders of all ages to showcase their mustangs, although all horse breeds are welcome. As a special challenge, the Extreme Trail Competition is offered for riders 18 or older competing only on a mustang.
Thirty horse and rider pairs participated in July. Series winners for the “Youth 12 and Under” category include Karissa Phillips on Blue Boy in first place, Daniel Hartford on Trixie in second and Gentry Sammons on Will in third. In the “Youth 14 to 18” category, winners include
Leah Huckaby on Sagebrush in first, Keaten Martin on Dakota Dust in second and Breanna Martin on Ima Spirit Song in third. Winners for the “19 and Over” category include Bryan Helms on Cheeto in first, Melissa Robles on Crescendos Two Bars in second and Laura Halbert on Ruger in third.

Authorities say man dead in Evansville shooting

Authorities say one man is dead following a midnight shooting at a bar in Evansville. The Natrona County Coroner's Office identifies the dead man as 41-year-old Todd Callies. The office reports that he died of a gunshot wound at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. Evansville Police say they're investigating a shooting that occurred early Thursday at Taylor's Sports Bar and Spirits. Witnesses say one man is in custody. Casper officials are assisting in the investigation. A Natrona County Sheriff's Office incident summary states there was a report of shots fired at Taylor's at 12:15 a.m. Thursday. Evansville Chief of Police Zach Gentile won't confirm whether any injuries or fatalities had occurred.

NRA says bullet that hit house not from range

An evaluation by the National Rifle Association has concluded that a bullet a Natrona County homeowner says pierced the roof of his house didn't come from a nearby gun range. Homeowner says. Homeowner Will Duel is questioning the credibility of the NRA's report. Duel says a .50-caliber bullet came through the roof of his house last September from the Poison Spider Shooting Range, west of Casper.

Liz Cheney announces Wyo. US Senate campaign team

Liz Cheney has announced a core group of Wyoming leaders and advisers for her U.S. Senate campaign. Vice President Dick Cheney's elder daughter announced last week she'll try to unseat a fellow Republican, three-term Sen. Mike Enzi, next year. Her newly named team includes Harriet Hageman, a Cheyenne attorney known for taking up conservative causes.

BLM Congratulates July Winners of Mustang Versatility Trail Ride Buckle Series

The Bureau of Land Management High Desert District and its partners congratulate Lynn Huckaby of Farson and her mustang Sagebrush for placing first in July’s Mustang Versatility Trail Ride Buckle Series’ Extreme Trail Competition in Rock Springs.  Shelley Gregory says that Leah Huckaby, also on Sagebrush, received Horse of the Month honors at the event.






As a special challenge, the Extreme Trail Competition is offered for riders 18 or older competing only on a mustang. Thirty horse and rider pairs participated in July.






Winners for the “19 and Over” category include Bryan Helms on Cheeto in first, Melissa Robles on Crescendos Two Bars in second and Laura Halbert on Ruger in third.  The Extreme Trail Competition is for riders 18 or older competing only on a mustang. The series’ remaining events are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14 at the Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility on Lionkol Rd. in Rock Springs. Membership is not required to participate, but only members accumulate points toward year-end buckles and awards. Nonmembers are eligible to receive daily prizes. For more information, call 307-352-0292 or 307-297-0772.

Fire officials to hold public meeting in Lander

Fire officials will meet with people evacuated by the wildfire threatening summer homes near Lander. They plan to hold a public meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at Lander Middle School to discuss what firefighters have already done to stop the fire and explain what their future plan. The 3-square-mile Fairfield Fire was 47% contained Thursday. It started Monday, forcing the evacuation of about 50 homes in Homestead park and Lower Sinks Canyon. No homes have been lost. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Crews are also fighting a 100-acre fire in the Medicine Bow National Forest. It is 10% contained and has shown little activity. A 380-acre wildfire in the Washakie (WASH'-ah-kee) Wilderness is being watched.

Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team makes 250th arrest - plus one

The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team’s made its 250th arrest following a foot chase at the Imperial Apartments in Rock Springs. Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that 25 year old Ryon Ruby James Herbst was wanted on two local felony charges - Forgery and Possession of Forged Writings. Those charges stem from a theft of business checks in Fremont County, one of which was later cashed in Rock Springs for $1,970.






He was spotted a short time later inside the McDonald’s on Sunset Drive by Lieutenant Jason Love of the Sheriff’s Office, who took him into custody.






Also captured Wednesday was one of Sweetwater County’s Most Wanted, 29-year-old Tabitha Rachelle Chenoweth, formerly of Rock Springs, who was wanted for Conspiracy and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. When Team members learned she was in Colorado Springs, Colorado, they notified the Colorado Springs Police Department and she was arrested without incident.

Black bear wanders into pub in Estes Park

A bear walks into a bar... no really. An Irish pub not far from Rocky Mountain National Park got an unusually burly visitor last week. A black bear briefly wandered into Lonigan's pub in downtown Estes Park. Daniel Lyell, of Estes Park, says he followed the bear inside and took a photo of it while trying to warn customers up front that a bear was walking toward them. He says customers didn't seem to notice. The bear left a short time later. The bar's owner and bartender didn't see the bear either, but a surveillance camera shows it ambling past empty tables and chairs. Bar owner David Callahan says this is the second time he knows of that a bear has entered the saloon.

Lubnau to address Wyo. GOP Central Committee

State House Speaker Tom Lubnau will address the Wyoming Republican Party Central Committee this weekend to answer questions about the legislative investigation into schools Superintendent Cindy Hill. Central Committee member Karl Allred of Evanston says the investigation is a waste of money engineered by people with "a personal vendetta against her." Lubnau noted that 42 members of the 60-member House supported the investigation into Hill. He said he will attempt to explain the breadth of concern among lawmakers about Hill's administration of an agency that oversees an education budget of more than $1 billion a year and is key to Wyoming's current K-12 education reform efforts. Depending on the committee's findings and recommendations, Hill could face impeachment before the full House. Hill has denied any wrongdoing.

State plans meetings on Boysen State Park plan

The state of Wyoming plans a series of public meetings to discuss development of a new master plan for Boysen State Park. Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails plans to hold meetings in central Wyoming next month. The first meeting will be Aug. 5 in Riverton. Other meetings are Aug., 6 in Thermopolis and Aug. 7 in Casper. All workshops start at 6:30 p.m. Participants will see a presentation on the project and an overview of the work that's already been performed and state officials will take public comments.

2 accused of involvement in kids shot by BB gun

Prosecutors are seeking the arrests of a Frannie man accused of repeatedly shooting two children with a BB gun and the girlfriend who is accused of encouraging him to do it. Prosecutors are seeking the arrests of Michael Harvey and Teresa Hart after a parole agent reported finding them together in violation of their bond conditions. Harvey had been free on a $7,500 cash bond. Hart was free on a $20,000 unsecured bond. Sheriff's officials say Harvey is suspected of punishing a 6-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl by shooting them with a BB gun. The children's relationship to Harvey wasn't immediately clear. Harvey has pleaded not guilty to child abuse. Hart missed a Friday hearing when she was due to enter a plea.

Wildfire near Lander, Wyo., 15% contained

Firefighters are beginning to stop the 1,900-acre wildfire burning near about 50 summer homes in Wyoming. The Fairfield Fire was 15% contained Wednesday because of lines crews have dug on its north side. Firefighters will now try to build some containment lines along the head of the fire near Lander. The homes and campgrounds in Sinks Canyon were evacuated after it broke out Monday. U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Kristie Salzmann says no homes have been lost. Crews dug lines and an air tanker also dropped slurry to protect them. It's the most significant fire of the season so far in Wyoming. Crews are also fighting a fire burning on about 100 acres in the Medicine Bow National Forest. A 380-acre wildfire in the Washakie (WASH'-ah-kee) Wilderness is being watched.

BLM Issues Adobe Town/Salt Wells Creek Wild Horse Gather Decision

The BLM Rawlins and Rock Springs field offices announced this week that they will conduct a horse gather in the Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek herd management areas. Shelley Gregory says the two areas are managed as the ATSW complex, located in Sweetwater and Carbon Counties and has a current wild horse population of nearly 1,447.






This gather is tentatively scheduled to start in October 2013 and expected to conclude in November. The public can view the gather. Just email your contact information to Serena Baker at sbaker@blm.gov to be added to the visitor’s log.






To find out more about wild horse adoptions, go to blm.gov. For more information, call 307-352-0256.

Green River Resident Victim of Scam On Craig's List

Green River Police are issuing a warning to the public to be very careful of buying vehicles online after a Green River resident became the victim of a scam. The victim found a vehicle they wanted to purchase on Craigslist and made arrangements to do so. They paid a total of $2069 for the vehicle and to have it shipped from New York. After making the payment, they realized it was a scam. They were simply out the $2069 and the vehicle. The Green River Police Department reminds citizens of the ease which they can be tricked when doing business online, and to double check all transactions when purchasing items listed for sale on the various web sites

Green River Owner of Nuisance Animal Gets Arrested

While investigating a complaint of a nuisance animal on Virginia, Green River Police Officers learned an arrest warrant had been issued for the owner of the animals. 33 year old Tammi Kay Briley of Green River was arrested for Contempt of Court. The arrest warrant was issued by the Honorable Judge Jason Petri of the Green River Municipal Court. She was booked into the Sweetwater County Detention Center.

NPS approves 100-foot cell tower in Yellowstone

The National Park Service has decided that Verizon Wireless can build a 100-foot tall cell tower near Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park. A permit clearing the way for construction of the new cell tower was recently approved by John Wessels, the director of the Park Service Intermountain Region. Cell phone service originating from inside Yellowstone is currently limited to the Mammoth, Old Faithful, Canyon, Tower-Roosevelt and Grant developed areas. The new cell tower will cover the developed area on the north side of Yellowstone Lake. The Park Service says the tower won't be visible from the nearby Lake Hotel, Fishing Bridge, Lake Lodge Historic Districts as well as area hiking trails.

Game and Fish wants to know about dead sage grouse

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is asking people to report any dead sage grouse they find immediately so they can be tested for West Nile virus. The game and fish department says reporting discoveries of dead sage grouse will help in managing the bird population. Sage grouse have a low resistance to West Nile virus and it's usually fatal to them. Testing has turned up the virus in Goshen County so far this year. Wyoming Game and Fish sage grouse biologist Tom Christiansen says warmer temperatures apparently help the virus to multiply in the gut of the mosquito. He says that if conditions remain warm through August, the virus could be more prevalent this year Christiansen says birds that were obviously killed by vehicles don't need to be reported.

UP Railroad plans to restore massive steam engine

Union Pacific Railroad says it will try to restore 1 of the largest steam locomotives ever built to operating condition. The railroad said Tuesday it reached an agreement to acquire a "Big Boy" locomotive from the RailGiants Train Museum at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. It will be moved to Union Pacific's Cheyenne shops, where the railroad maintains other operating steam locomotives. The railroad says it's uncertain when the move will occur. Twenty-5 of the massive and powerful engines were built in the 1940s to haul heavy Union Pacific freight trains over Wyoming and Utah mountains. The last was retired in 1962. RailGiants museum acquired one for display. Restoration will be an enormous undertaking given the locomotive's age and complexity. Union Pacific is based in Omaha, Neb.

3 wildfires burning in Wyoming

Several wildfires are burning in Wyoming. Two fires are burning in the Shoshone National Forest and another in the Medicine Bow National Forest. A fire southwest of Lander has burned about 1,200 acres of trees, grass and sagebrush in Sinks Canyon State Park since it started Monday. Two subdivisions with about 50 residences have voluntarily evacuated and nearby campgrounds have been cleared. More than 200 firefighters aided by air tankers are on the scene and a federal team is taking over the fight Tuesday. To the north, a 50-acre wildfire is burning in the Washakie (WASH'-ah-kee) Wilderness in the Shoshone National Forest. The fire is being monitored. Another fire in the Medicine Bow National Forest is burning about a half-mile south of Wyoming Highway 70 in beetle-killed trees.

Wyoming, Utah Troopers kick off I-80 challenge

The Wyoming Highway Patrol, along with other state agencies from California to New Jersey will be out in full force keeping motorists safe during the Interstate 80 Challenge Highway Safety Initiative. From July 24th to July 31st, the Wyoming Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officials serving the Interstate 80 corridor across the U.S. will be cracking down on drivers who are speeding, driving drunk or distracted, or not wearing a seat belt, with the goal of achieving a zero fatality rate for the eight-day period. The Wyoming Highway Patrol hopes the increased enforcement will help drivers and passengers arrive safely to their summer destinations.
This safety initiative targets a heavy summer travel period when the rate of fatal and injury crashes on I-80 is higher than any other time of the year. Over 15 people were killed in traffic crashes on I-80 in Wyoming last year alone.
Nationally, in 2011, more than 21,000 passenger vehicle occupants across the nation were killed in traffic crashes. Of those fatalities, 52 percent were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes. Approximately 9,900 people were killed in drunk driving crashes, with more than 3,330 killed in fatal crashes involving a distracted driver, and nearly 10,000 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes.Law enforcement encourages drivers to slow down, stay off your phone and don’t drink and drive.

WY, Utah Troopers Kick Off I-80 Initiative

Stephanie Harsha with the Wyoming Department of Transportation tells that the Wyoming Highway Patrol, along with other state agencies from California to New Jersey will be out in full force keeping motorists safe during the Interstate 80 Challenge Highway Safety Initiative.






The Wyoming Highway Patrol hopes the increased enforcement will help drivers and passengers arrive safely to their summer destinations.






Approximately 9,900 people were killed in drunk driving crashes, with more than 3,330 killed in fatal crashes involving a distracted driver, and nearly 10,000 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes. Law enforcement encourages drivers to slow down, stay off your phone and don’t drink and drive.

Green River Man Arrested After Falling Into Ditch

A Green River man found himself in trouble after falling in a ditch this past weekend. Officers were called to the drainage ditch between Logan and Jensen because someone was yelling and crying. What officers found was Israel Simon Espinoza of Green River stuck in the ditch and unable to climb out due to his level of intoxication. Espinoza was helped out of the ditch and then arrested for Public Intoxication and possession of a controlled substance/marijuana.

Green River Has Used Power Poles For Sale

The City of Green River's Landfill has used power poles for sale. Poles are available for $53.00 each (tax included). Please contact the Landfill Scalehouse for more information.

Wyo. makes top 10 of best states to do business

A study ranks Wyoming fifth in the nation as 1 of the best places to do business. The ranking was done by Pollina Corporate Real Estate The annual study of job retention and creation measures a state's economic development prowess. It ranks states based on 32 factors controlled by state government, including taxes, human resources, education, right-to-work legislation, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers' compensation laws, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts. Mark Willis, of the Wyoming Business Council, says Wyoming's ranking is a testament to its pro-business commitment.

Man appeals Gov. Mead's denial of grizzly records

The Wyoming Supreme Court must decide whether Gov. Matt Mead was justified in withholding documents regarding grizzly bear management. Grizzly activist Robert Aland divides his time between Wyoming and Illinois. He has appealed a recent district court ruling that Mead was justified in withholding records. Aland had asked Mead for records supporting his contention that the state's grizzly population is healthy enough that federal Endangered Species Act protections are no longer needed. Mead claims that the state's public records law contains a "deliberative process" exemption that allows him to withhold some materials. Federal law recognizes such an exception, which covers materials officials rely upon in reaching a final decision. The Wyoming Supreme Court hasn't said whether the deliberative process exception exists in state law. Aland maintains it doesn't.

Most teams finish grueling Cheyenne-to-Casper race

Twenty-5 of 28 teams successfully completed the 3-day Cowboy Tough expedition race between Cheyenne and Casper. The race began Thursday at Curt Gowdy State Park west of Cheyenne. Teams competed to visit as many checkpoints as possible while trekking, climbing, biking, canoeing and orienteering their way to Casper. Racers covered more than 300 miles by the time the race ended Sunday. Tecnu Adventure Racing finished first among the four-person teams with a time of 2 days, 23 hours and 47 minutes. Tecnu racer Bob Miller says he persevered despite severe cramping on the first day. A two-person team called Untamed New England was the top finisher overall. Team members Erik Grimm and Jason Urckfitz finished in 2 days, 23 hours and 33 minutes.

Investigation of Wyo. school chief to start Aug. 7

A special House committee to investigate Superintendent Cindy Hill's management of the state Education Department over the last two years will hold its first meeting Aug. 7 in Cheyenne. The Legislature's Management Council gave House Speaker Tom Lubnau permission to investigate information in a recent inquiry that Hill may have misused federal funds while she ran the agency. Hill was stripped of her authority over the agency by a new state law enacted this past winter. Hill has denied any wrongdoing and is challenging the constitutionality of the law. The Select Investigative Committee consists of 15 members. It includes all 13 members of the House Rules and Procedures Committee as well as Republican Reps. Mark Baker, of Rock Springs, and Nathan Winters, of Thermopolis.

BLM Invites Public To Donate Blood in Rock Springs on Tuesday

Shelley Gregory with the Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Field Office says they are inviting the public to donate blood on Tuesday, July 23rd.






Donors can also drop by the Blood Mobile on the 23rd at the Rock Springs Field Office, located at 280 Highway 191 North in Rock Springs from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Wyoming Game and Fish gets $50K to help mule deer

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has received a $50,000 donation to help with mule deer habitat improvements in the Platte Valley. The Mule Deer Foundation donated the money. Tom Ryder with the game department says mule deer numbers in the Platte Valley have been declining for decades. He says that deterioration of habitat from development, fire management practices and other factors is to blame. The game department is considering a various habitat improvement projects. They include developing a new water source for cattle that would help to distribute them more widely across the landscape or staging a controlled burn to rejuvenate a stand of aspen. Ryder says the department hopes to raise more money from other sources.

Wildfire burning in Wyo.'s Washakie Wilderness

The U.S. Forest Service is monitoring a new wildfire burning in wilderness in western Wyoming. The Hardluck Fire was discovered Saturday deep within the Washakie (WASH'-ah-kee) Wilderness in the Shoshone National Forest. It was estimated to be burning on 3 acres Sunday morning but no updated acreage is available yet. Officials believe it has grown in warm, windy conditions. Forest Service spokeswoman Kristie Salzmann says an outfitter in the area reported seeing smoke coming from the fire. A reconnaissance flight is planned Monday. Firefighters aren't trying to suppress the fire because it's in a remote area with difficult terrain near the confluence of East Fork Creek and the South Fork of the Shoshone River. Another smaller fire was also reported Saturday near Table Mountain just outside the forest.

DO SOME PLANNING BEFORE YOUR BUY A LEFTOVER BIG GAME LICENSE

The draws for Resident Elk, Deer and Antelope, and Nonresident Deer and Antelope licenses was completed in mid-June. As is usually the case, a number of areas have licenses remaining, but many of the license types are valid only on private lands and hunters need to do some planning and research before purchasing a leftover license.
“Hunters should be aware that many leftover Type 6 and 7 licenses come with specific limitations that a person should be aware of and plan for,” said Green River Wildlife Supervisor Steve DeCecco. “Some of these areas have restricted portions of the hunt area where people can and can’t hunt, some are private lands only, or there might be other access restrictions to be aware of. A person really needs to plan before purchasing the license and license holders should be very aware of the limitations and then plan for that.”
Full-price leftover licenses have been available to buy via home computer, automated license agents, or at Game and Fish regional offices since July 10. Reduced-price licenses for cow/calf elk and doe/fawn antelope and deer have been available since July 17. Some of the hunt areas have reasonable public access either through public federal and state lands or the Game and Fish hunter management and walk-in area programs. There are also many licenses remaining in hunt areas that are predominantly private lands where public access is difficult. Hunters are advised to obtain permission from landowners before applying for licenses in private land areas.
A complete listing of the areas with licenses remaining for each species is found on the Game and Fish website wgfd@wyo.gov

BLM issues horse roundup decision in Sweetwater and Carbon Counties

The Bureau of Land Management has decided to round up 85% of the wild horses in the Adobe Town and Salt Wells Creek herd management areas. The BLM announced Friday that the roundup in Sweetwater and Carbon counties will gather about 1,229 horses and remove 586, leaving 861 mustangs in the complex. Removing the mustangs would reduce the current population to 861 to 1,165. The 1,618,624 acre complex is located in the checkerboard pattern of mixed public, private and state land ownership. The area stretches from Interstate 80 south to the Colorado border. The ATSW Complex was last gathered in October 2010. This gather is tentatively scheduled to start in October 2013 and expected to conclude in November. All gathered mustangs get veterinary examinations. Released animals can be adopted.

Visitor survey shows uses of Forest Service land

People aren't always looking to just hike, camp or ski when they head to U.S. Forest Service lands. The agency on Friday released a summary of a 2012 visitor survey. It said 37% of respondents said they spent time simply relaxing when they visited Forest Service lands. When asked about their primary recreation activities, the most common responses were hiking or walking; downhill skiing; and viewing natural features. The Forest Service counts roughly 160 million visitors each year, and about 16% are age 16 or younger. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says that while national budget cuts have limited the availability of some facilities this year, he doesn't expect a significant dip in visitors.

McCain supports Mike Enzi in race over Liz Cheney

Arizona Sen. John McCain threw his support behind Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi in his primary race against fellow Republican Liz Cheney. The Arizona Republican told Candy Crowley on CNN's "State of the Union" that most who have served with Enzi are supporting him over the eldest daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney. "Mike Enzi is the epitome of a workhorse in the Senate," McCain said. Liz Cheney launched her campaign Tuesday to unseat the three-term incumbent. Cheney has struck a no-compromises tone and said it's time for Republicans in Congress to stop "cutting deals" with Democrats. Still, she has declined to say whether she was referring to Enzi, who has expressed pride in being able to work with Democrats on some issues.

Animal deaths at Frontier Days draw ire

Cheyenne Frontier Days has drawn the ire of an animal rights group after a steer died and a calf sustained a back injury during roping contests last week. Another steer suffered a broken leg and was euthanized. An investigator with Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, or SHARK, posted video of 2 of the incidents online. One shows a male contestant lassoing the calf and trying to tie it Thursday, then giving up after realizing the animal was rigid and immobile. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association plans to fine the contestant for the banned takedown. The other video shows a contestant's rope jerking a running steer onto its head, snapping its neck Friday. Frontier Days organizers say another steer broke a tibia Friday and was euthanized.

Proposed bill blocks national energy tax

U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Mike Enzi and others have introduced a bill to block President Barack Obama from going around Congress to implement a national energy tax. The proposal would prohibit the issuance of new carbon pollution standards through a presidential memorandum for existing coal-fired power plants. Barrasso says such a move would increase energy bills, close coal plants and decrease economic opportunities. The Republican says his bill will require the Obama Administration to get congressional approval before moving forward with regulations. Enzi says it's another example of Obama using the EPA as a weapon against the energy industry.

Wyoming's Big Show Prepares To Open - Barrel Race Registries Being Taken

Now that the National High School Rodeo Finals have wrapped up, the next big event is Wyoming's Big Show – The Sweetwater County Fair. According to Chad Banks, one of the premier events is the Big Show Barrel Race that will take place on August 2nd.






Entry forms must be received no later than July 30th. If you go to the fair that day, there is no additional charge to attend the races and Banks says it is an event you will not want to miss.






Wyoming's Big Show will take place July 25th through August 4th. Admission to the fair this year is 12 dollars for adults, 8 dollars for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. Children under the age of 6 are free.

West Nile virus found in Fremont County

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been discovered in Fremont County. The bugs were discovered between Hudson and Lander. Fremont County Weed and Pest assistant supervisor Nancy Pieropan said she was not aware of any cases in humans or horses, which also can contract the virus. Riverton officials say they do not expect the city to change its mosquito spraying program because West Nile has not been discovered in Riverton. Residents are advised to drain standing water around their homes, such as bird baths or decorative ponds.

Death at Riverton shelter under investigation

Officials are investigating the death of a transient whose body was found at the Fremont County Good Samaritan Center in Riverton. 59-year-old James Casteel was found dead Sunday morning. Coroner Ed McAuslan says there was nothing "outwardly suspicious" about the death. Casteel was staying at the shelter. Casteel's preliminary autopsy was inconclusive. Authorities are now waiting for results from toxicology tests, which can take four to six weeks to be completed.

BLM Kemmerer Invites Volunteers to National Public Lands Day Event

As an early celebration of National Public Lands Day, The Bureau of Land Management Kemmerer Field Office invites volunteers to help finish removing nine miles of fence along Sulfur Haul Road, 16 miles south-southwest of Kemmerer on Friday, Aug. 9th . Shelley Gregory says that, last year, 48 volunteers from the community, KFO, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Wyoming Game and Fish Department and local Boy Scout Troop 64, as well as a Utah Conservation Corps crew, removed five miles of the 40-inch tall fence consisting of a 36-inch tall woven wire bottom with a single strand of barbed wire.






To volunteer on Aug. 9th, meet at 8 a.m. at the KFO located at 312 Hwy. 189 North in Kemmerer or call 307-828-4508 for directions to the fence site.






Sunscreen and insect repellant are highly recommended. Lunch will be provided.

Enzi unmentioned, Cheney opposes 'cutting deals'

Liz Cheney says it's time for Republicans in Congress to stop "cutting deals" with Democrats. The elder daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney wouldn't say whether her comment was meant as a slight against the man she's trying to unseat, Wyoming's senior U.S. senator, Mike Enzi (EN'-zee). Enzi has expressed pride in being able to work with Democrats on some issues. Cheney stopped in Casper and Cheyenne on Wednesday, a day after announcing her bid to try to oust the three-term incumbent and fellow Republican. Cheney spoke to reporters in Cheyenne without once mentioning Enzi by name or even indirectly. Cheney instead made numerous references to the Obama administration. She says Republicans need to oppose the administration and its congressional allies "every step of the way."

Enzi says he is confident amid Cheney challenge

U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi says he will continue to do what he believes is right, even if it's not popular, as he faces a Republican primary challenge from Liz Cheney. Enzi has kept a low profile since the daughter of the former vice president announced her campaign Tuesday. In a news release issued Thursday, he says he will continue focusing on the job he was elected to do. He says people are calling and emailing to offer support. Enzi says he is confident Wyoming voters will support his "results, dedication, legislative experience and hard work."

Pavillion homes affected by drilling get cisterns

Twenty households east of Pavillion are getting cisterns for clean drinking water, paid for by the Wyoming Legislature after residents complained that hydraulic fracturing in the area contaminated their water. The water tanks are coming because lawmakers last year set aside $750,000 to supply them. The residents live in a 23-square-mile area east of Pavillion, in the Pavillion gas field. The natural resource policy adviser to Gov. Matt Mead says an investigation is ongoing into whether drilling activities caused the contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently turned its investigation over to the state.

N. Arapaho man faces Wind River murder charge

A Northern Arapaho man has been charged with murder in the stabbing death last month on the Wind River Indian Reservation. 25-year-old Dean Moss is accused of killing 28-year-old Dwight Spoonhunter with a large kitchen knife. Moss is in custody while the case moves to district court; a trial date has not been set. Five witnesses said that Spoonhunter had stopped Moss from assaulting Moss's ex-girlfriend several hours before Spoonhunter died. Later, Moss reportedly found the woman with Spoonhunter and attacked Spoonhunter, then fled the scene. Both men are enrolled members of the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

National rodeo impacts Rock Springs businesses

Sweetwater County officials hope this year's National High School Finals Rodeo brings more than $8 million to the local economy. The rodeo began this week with nearly 1,500 cowboys and cowgirls from high schools around the nation competing. The rodeo is being held at the Sweetwater Events Complex. Events Complex marketing director Chad Banks says the rodeo participants are just a tip of the iceberg when determining the economic impact to the businesses and the community. He says that each rodeo participant results in an average of about four people visiting the area. Restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores tend to do very well during the rodeo week. Last year, the rodeo brought in close to $7.5 million into the local economy.

Sweetwater County Child Development Center Opening Celebrated

Sweetwater County celebrated the opening of the new Sweetwater County Child Development Center. Erick Pauley has the story...

Golf Cart Crash at National High School Rodeo Finals Is Being Investigated

Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Detective Dick Blust, Jr. tells us their office is investigating a golf cart crash at the Sweetwater Events Complex that took place on Tuesday and involved nine National High School Finals Rodeo contestants.






A boy who had leapt onto her cart from another cart struck his head on the gooseneck trailer.






Blust says that alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

BLM Invites Public To Donate Blood

Shelley Gregory with the Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Field Office says they are inviting the public to donate blood on Tuesday, July 23rd.






Donors can also drop by the Blood Mobile on the 23rd at the Rock Springs Field Office, located at 280 Highway 191 North in Rock Springs from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Large Amount of Baseball Equipment Found In Green River

A large amount of baseball equipment was found at Veteran Park in Green River. Green River Police Officers were called to the park this week after the discovery was made. If you know who the equipment may belong to, you are encouraged to contact the Green River Police Department at 872-0555 so it can be returned to the proper owners.

Wyoming National Guard employees face furloughs

An estimated 430 Wyoming National Guard employees are dealing with mandated furloughs due to federal budget cuts. The civilian employees are seeing 20% salary cuts because they've been furloughed one day a week because of mandated budget cuts. The furloughs do not affect active duty National Guard personnel. The furloughs began the first week in July. Employees tell the paper that the cuts are going to be a hardship. The people affected by the cuts make up a good portion of the people who work daily at the Air and National Guard facilities in Cheyenne. The technicians maintain facilities in Cheyenne and seven Guard armories located around the state.

Wyo. patrol seeks to improve I-80 safety

The Wyoming Highway Patrol is teaming up with other law enforcement in other states to help make Interstate 80 safer for travelers. The campaign is called "I-80 Challenge Highway Safety Initiative." It seeks to ramp up enforcement of life-saving traffic safety laws from July 24-31. The Wyoming Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officials serving the I-80 corridor across the U.S. will be cracking down on drivers who are speeding, driving drunk or distracted, or not wearing a seat belt. The goal is a zero fatality rate for the 8-day period. Officials say too many lives are being lost on I-80 from those who violate the most basic traffic safety laws.

Wyo. governor lambasts EPA over haze plan

Gov. Matt Mead harshly criticized a plan by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce regional haze. The EPA plan seeks to reduce haze in national parks and wilderness areas by further limiting air pollution from coal-fired power plants located in Wyoming. During an EPA public hearing Wednesday in Cheyenne, Mead says the EPA plan would drive up electricity rates on Wyoming consumers and seems aimed more at killing the coal industry than improving air quality. However, Cheyenne resident Edith Cook says she favors stricter pollution controls. She says Wyoming could use some of its energy tax windfall to promote clean energy and help retire and retrofit dirty coal plants. The EPA is accepting comment on its proposal until Aug. 26.

Wyoming schools chief accused of harassment

Newly released records on Wyoming Schools Superintendent Cindy Hill show claims of sexual harassment by Hill and her staff. State officials have released a previously confidential portion of a report on their investigation into the embattled superintendent. The documents include claims that 1 of Hill's male deputies harassed female staff and that Hill herself made staff uncomfortable by applying unwanted touches and massages. Hill told the newspaper that the claims are "absurd."

5 pounds of marijuana seized near Riverton

A traffic stop near Riverton turned up 5 pounds of marijuana and other drugs including suspected illicit mushrooms. Officials also seized hydrocodone pills. The car was stopped at about 4 a.m. Saturday for failure to yield to a fire truck responding to an emergency. Authorities arrested 31-year-old Jana Behan of Riverton on two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and on one count of possession of a controlled substance. Also arrested was 22-year-old Mathew Padilla of Colorado Springs, Colo., who faces drug possession and traffic charges.

Highway Patrol completes ATV crash investigation

The Wyoming Highway Patrol has completed its investigation of an ATV crash at the National High School Rodeo Finals registration last week that involved two law enforcement officers. Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that Officer Clay Jarvie of the Rock Springs Police Department was operating a city-owned Canam side-by-side ATV on a dirt parking lot at the Sweetwater Events Complex at around 8:30 AM on July 11th when the accident occurred.






The investigation  revealed the vehicle was traveling at 16 mph just prior to the crash. 






No other persons or vehicles were involved. Neither man was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, and both were cited for Failure to Use Seat Belt.

Public Invited to Tour Wild Horse Holding Facility

Through July 19th, the Bureau of Land Management is offering various activities in Rock Springs for visitors and locals to enjoy between National High School Finals Rodeo events. The Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility will conduct public tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary for the one hour tour to view wild horses from the North Lander and Red Desert complexes and Adobe Town, Salt Wells Creek, Great Divide Basin, White Mountain and Little Colorado herd management areas housed at the facility. To get to the facility from I-80, take Elk Street Exit 104 and go north one mile; turn right onto Lionkol Road and follow for a half mile. The BLM Rock Springs Field Office at 280 Highway 191 N. will
also be showing a 45 minute wild horse and burro educational video at the bottom of the hour from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program adoption trailer and staff will be at the Sweetwater County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to provide information and answer questions. Information about the program is also available at www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/Wild_Horses.html.

More delays for Wyoming coal-to-gasoline plant

A Texas company planning a coal-to-gasoline plant near Medicine Bow may be in for more delays. Carbon County officials aren't sure about granting a permit extension for DKRW Advanced Fuels, which is planning the $1.75 billion plant. The newspaper says that county commissioners may ask the state's Industrial Siting Council to question the Houston company about its request for an extension for a permit first issued in 2008. Under its latest submitted plan, DKRW would start construction on the project by July 1, 2014, with a 4-year build schedule. Once operational, the plant would convert coal from a nearby mine into up to 11,700 barrels of gasoline a day.

Hathaway Scholarship gives students incentive

Statistics show that the Hathaway Scholarship is giving Wyoming junior high and high school students incentive to perform better in the classroom. Special assistant to the University of Wyoming president, Mike Massie presented figures to a legislative committee Tuesday in Riverton showing that more students entering UW are receiving the honors scholarship award. Massie says that means they are doing their best in junior high and high school to access the highest level of financial support available to them. The Hathaway Scholarship is available to Wyoming residents who have attended colleges in the state since 2006. It offers four levels of scholarship awards. Freshmen students can receive up to $3,200 a year from the program, depending on their high school grades, test scores and high school curriculum.

GOP committee to back incumbent over Liz Cheney

The head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee says the organization will back Sen. Mike Enzi over challenger Liz Cheney in the campaign for the Republican nomination in Wyoming. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas told reporters on Tuesday that, in his words, "our support will be there for Mike." He spoke just moments after Cheney announced that she would challenge the three-term incumbent in the GOP primary. Moran also says that Republican senators are clearly behind their colleague. His comments are a clear message to Cheney that she faces a fight from Senate Republicans over her decision to take on the incumbent.

Liz Cheney challenges Wyoming GOP Sen. Mike Enzi

Former Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter Liz Cheney says she will run against Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi in a rare Republican primary challenge. Meanwhile, Enzi on Tuesday announced his bid for a fourth term. He made the announcement more than six months earlier in the political cycle than he has in the past. Enzi said he would continue to "do the job I was already elected to do." The 46-year-old Cheney is the elder of the two Cheney daughters. Married with five children, she was a resident of Virginia until recently. She and her husband bought a home last year in the posh northwest Wyoming community of Jackson Hole. In a statement, Cheney said she is running because "we can no longer afford simply to go along to get along."

Wyo. reservation schools trying to improve

School officials from the Wind River Reservation say they are slowly making progress in trying to improve graduation rates and educating students. They told a meeting of 2 legislative committees on Monday in Riverton that more early education for children and more involvement with parents are needed. But they all say that socio-economic factors also play a role. Tribal leaders and education officials say they are all striving to resolve the issue, but they say it will take time. State School Board Vice Chairman Scott Ratliff says that he believes early childhood education would help students learn at an earlier age. Lawmakers are considering supporting such an effort Wyoming Interim Education Director Jim Rose says better engagement with school boards will also be important.

Special Kids Get Special Rodeo At National High School Rodeo Finals

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is Resistol Hat Day at the National High School Rodeo Finals, but it is also a day where a very special event is held for some very special kids. Chad Banks, says the Special Kids Rodeo begins at 4:30 PM.






The Special Kids Rodeo will take place in the East Pavilion.






If you go for the evening performance on Wednesday, be sure to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. Go to sweetwaterevents.com for more information and for the link to download your free app that includes the complete daily schedule of all events.

Horse racing returning to Wyoming Downs

Horse racing will return to Wyoming Downs track in Evanston this fall for the first time in four years. Live races are coming Sept. 14 and 15. Wyoming Downs last hosted horse racing in 2009 under different ownership. State racing regulators agreed to license the track owner for the races. The owner plans to apply separately for permission to offer simulcast betting in four Wyoming cities. Wyoming Downs hopes to run 16 days of live racing next year, the number required by the state to receive a permit for simulcast betting. However, track owners can seek permission with the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission, which regulates horse racing, to lower the requirement.

Start near for first Cowboy Tough adventure race

Organizers are making final course preparations for what they say is this year's toughest U.S. adventure race, an intense scramble across more than 300 miles of roads, trails, mountainsides and open water. The first-ever Cowboy Tough race begins Thursday at Curt Gowdy State Park west of Cheyenne and finishes Sunday in Casper. Eighty racers in 30 teams are signed up. The goal of the two- and four-person teams is to reach all mandatory checkpoints and visit as many optional checkpoints as possible. The racers will rely on compasses in many places - global positioning devices are prohibited. Racers will bike through Laramie and Medicine Bow, canoe across Seminoe Reservoir and pull handcarts at Martin's Cove. They finish by sloshing down the North Platte River on river-boards and jogging through Casper.

Wyoming prepares for final winter of cloud seeding

Preparations are being made for a final winter of seeding clouds over Wyoming mountains as part of the state's unique research project to determine whether the practice actually works. The state has invested about $13 million since 2005 in the project, which seeks to determine whether cloud seeding increases the amount of snowpack in several of the state's mountain ranges. Cloud seeding involves injecting silver iodide into clouds. Under the right conditions, the chemical can help water droplets grow and fall to the ground. The Wyoming project has been hampered by drought conditions that have limited chances for cloud seeding the past two winters. Project manager Barry Lawrence, of the Wyoming Water Development Office, says he's cautiously optimistic that enough cloud seeding cases will be obtained for a valid study.

Cattle drive marks the start of Frontier Days

The annual cattle drive has marked the coming of Cheyenne Frontier Days. While the rodeo is still a week away, residents and visitors alike crowded along roadways to watch hundreds of steers brought into town and secured at Frontier Park on Sunday. CFD General Chairman Darin Westby says that 447 steers were herded along a three-mile route. He said the drive went off without a hitch, thanks in part to the many volunteers who donate their time to make it work. Rodeo slack begins Wednesday and the first official performance is Saturday.

E. coli levels prompt Middle Fork River closures

People are being warned to stay out of the Middle Fork River near Lander because of E. coli bacteria. The Fremont County Health Department says Monday that closures will remain in effect indefinitely. Health officials have posted signs warning of the potential risk at various points along the Middle Fork. The high E. coli concentrations were discovered through routine water testing by the Popo Agie Conservation District. Tests detected E. coli at about twice the normal concentration. The Middle Fork runs from Sinks Canyon through Lander.

Best Fishing

Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism invites visitors to sink a fishing line into its fresh, cool waters. The peaceful waters in and around the high-desert expanse of Southwest Wyoming lure fishermen and women.
Sweetwater County’s combination of tail waters, reservoirs, streams and rivers make the area ripe for fishing frenzy. Four species of trout are native to the area, and populations of brook, brown, mackinaw and rainbow trout have increased over the years.
The county's top-cast hot spot is arguably Flaming Gorge Reservoir, where trout weighing more than 50 pounds have set records in Wyoming and Utah. The summer season is the best time to catch these trophy trout that have been gorging in the depths all year. Many prime locations throughout the county offer lots of space to set up and reel in some lunkers – and some relaxation.
Lake Flaming Gorge – The Green River, Black's Fork River, Fontenelle Reservoir –

National High School Rodeo Finals Queen Contestants Begin Competing

Starting last Friday, one young lady from each of the National High School Rodeo Association's 47 states and provinces began the nerve racking process of competing for the title of 2013 National High School Rodeo Finals Queen. Chad Banks with the Sweetwater Events Complex says that Meghan Proctor of Lusk is competing for Wyoming.






Contestants will be graded on their performance in several categories by six judges.






The 2013 National High School Rodeo Finals Queen will be crowned at 5:30 PM on Sunday, July 20th. Go to sweetwaterevents.com for more information and for the link to download your free app that includes the complete daily schedule of all events.

Wyoming soldier survives 7 roadside bombs

A U.S. soldier from Wyoming has drawn national media attention for continuing to serve despite several close calls on the battlefield. During the July 4 episode of the ABC news program "Nightline," host Terry Moran said Army Staff Sgt. Chad Joiner has repeatedly cheated death. The program noted that roadside bombs exploded underneath Joiner's vehicles seven times during his three deployments in Iraq. The 31-year-old Joiner was born in Powell and raised in Cody. Joiner says in the program that God has a plan for him and there's a reason why he's still alive. His mother says that Joiner left Northwest College and joined the military immediately after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Joiner is now deployed in Afghanistan.

BLM takes comment on proposed Fremont uranium mine

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is taking public comments on a proposed uranium mine in eastern Fremont County. Vancouver, Canada-based Strathmore Resources proposes to mine uranium using conventional or open-pit methods and to process the uranium into yellowcake on site. The BLM says surface disturbance with pits, spoils storage, material storage and roads and processing facilities would total about 2,000 acres. Public comments are due to the BLM's Lander Field Office by Sept. 9. The BLM also plans to hold public meetings on the proposed uranium mine Aug. 6 in Lander and Aug. 8 in Riverton. Both meetings will be at the local library.

Education petition organizers want another chance

The organizer of a failed petition drive to restore the authority of the Wyoming superintendent of public instruction is suing the secretary of state, seeking a chance to add signatures. The lawsuit says delays by the secretary of state's office in providing petition forms cost the organizers valuable time. Jennifer Young, who led the petition drive, says that violated organizers' rights. The state elections director declined to comment. The petition sought to put a measure on the ballot asking voters to overturn a law that reduced the powers of the office. Nearly 22,000 people signed, but more than 37,000 signatures were needed. Lawmakers weakened the position amid complaints that the current superintendent, Cindy Hill, wasn't doing enough to bolster education accountability. Hill disputes that.

Legislative leaders authorize Hill investigation

The Wyoming House will begin an unprecedented investigation of schools Superintendent Cindy Hill's administration of the state Education Department. The Legislature's Management Council unanimously voted Friday to allow House Speaker Tom Lubnau to empanel a special investigative committee. The panel could recommend impeachment proceedings against Hill. Some former employees have reported possible misuse of federal money during her administration. Lubnau, a Gillette Republican, says he doesn't have a timetable for forming the committee. Hill says she will cooperate. But she questioned the use of time and money for what she has termed a political witch hunt. The Legislature passed a bill this winter that stripped Hill's authority over the education department. Hill is challenging the law's constitutionality.

Legislative leaders consider Hill investigation

Wyoming legislative leaders are considering a request to investigate schools Superintendent Cindy Hill's administration of the state Education Department. The Legislature's Management Council meets Friday afternoon in Cheyenne to discuss the request by state House Speaker Tom Lubnau to empanel a special investigative committee. The special committee could recommend that the entire House begin impeachment proceedings against Hill. The Management Council oversees legislative matters when lawmakers are not in session. Lubnau made the request for a special committee after an inquiry reported possible misuse of federal funding while Hill ran the Education Department. Hill has denied any wrongdoing and says she is a victim of a political witch hunt. Hill's authority over the department was stripped by a state law enacted this past winter. Hill is challenging the law's constitutionality.

National High School Rodeo Finals Trade Show Opens Saturday

The National High School Rodeo Finals Trade Show Opens up tomorrow. Chad Banks with the Sweetwater Events Complex invites everyone to come out for a great experience.






Banks says there really is something for everyone at the Trade Show.






The National High School Finals Rodeo kicks off on Sunday and will continue through July 20th. Go to sweetwaterevents.com for more information and for the link to download your free app that includes the complete daily schedule.

Former probation officer's probation reset

A judge has elected to give a former Natrona County probation officer another shot at probation even though she violated terms of her initial probation. Natrona County District Judge Catherine Wilking said it would be the last opportunity for clemency for Ruby Maddox. During her probation revocation hearing Wednesday, Maddox admitted to taking more than her prescribed amount of medication while at the Casper Re-Entry Center. She was terminated from the program. Prosecutors recommended Maddox be sent to prison for violating her probation. Her attorney argued for continued probation and more treatment in a different program. The 35-year-old Maddox was originally convicted of felony drug possession and larceny after pleading guilty to stealing pain medication from her clients while on the job.

Report: National forest trails poorly maintained

A government report finds that hiking trails on national forests suffer from a $314 million backlog in maintenance. The Government Accountability Office report found only a quarter of the national forest system's 158,000 miles of trails meets quality standards, neglect that can lead to erosion and silt deposited in streams. It adds that the U.S. Forest Service relies heavily on volunteers to maintain trails but does not train its staff to work effectively with them. Jim Furnish is a retired Forest Service deputy chief for the forest system. He says the problem goes back decades, and results from the Forest Service and Congress making recreation a low priority. Forest Service spokesman Larry Chambers says the agency agrees with the findings and will look for ways to close the funding gap.

Australian gets 70 months for Wyoming bank heist

A federal judge in Wyoming says a 40-year-old Australian man will likely be deported after he serves a nearly 6-year sentenced for robbing a bank in Jackson. Corey Donaldson represented himself at his trial and likened himself to Robin Hood. He said he was justified in taking over $140,000 from the U.S. Bank on Dec. 31 because he used much of the cash to save the lives of homeless people. He also apologized for terrifying the bank manager by falsely claiming the bank building was rigged with explosives. Donaldson was arrested on Jan. 22 in Utah. Officers recovered more than $30,000 from Donaldson and in a room he had rented in an upscale hotel. At trial, officers testified they found $11,000 stuffed into envelopes and addressed to Donaldson's relatives.

Yellowstone visitation tops 1 million already

The number of people visiting Yellowstone National Park so far this year has topped 1 million. The National Park Service reports that more than 744,000 recreational visitors entered the park in June, bringing the six-month total to just over 1 million. The world's first national park attracts about 3 million visitors a year. July is typically the park's peak visitation month, followed by August, June, September and May.

GAO report highlights trail maintenance backlog

A report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office says about one-third of the trails in national forests are in need of maintenance. The report says only about a quarter of trails are being maintained to U.S. Forest Service standards. More people are using trails but the backlog in trail maintenance grew to more than $310 million last year. Several lawmakers including Wyoming Rep. Cynthia Lummis requested the report from the GAO, which is a nonpartisan government research agency. Lummis says the report shows that it's time to get creative about finding ways to maintain trails and suggests making better use of volunteers to do trail work.

French Tourists Get Lesson In American Traffic Law in Green River

Some French tourists got a quick lesson in traffic laws in Green River this week. A Green River police officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle with Colorado license plates for speeding. The officer activated the emergency lights and siren, but the vehicle refused to pull over and stop. The car then drover up South Hill. The officer continued to follow with the lights and siren out to Blacks Fork's Bridge. Finally, the vehicle stopped on the bridge. The occupants, who were from France, did not hear the siren, but did see the emergency lights. They were not aware the lights meant to pull over.

International Day Takes Place This Saturday in Rock Springs

International Day will take place this Saturday in Rock Springs. Live music, food, costumes, exhibits, activities and entertainment for the whole family will begin in Bunning Park at 10 AM. Kids activities such as the Arts and Crafts Table, Taekwondo, Bocce Ball, Karate, Pinatas and a drum circle will be offered until 7 PM. You can also enjoy Slovian, Scottish, Spanish, and Irish music and dance groups throughout the day. Rock Springs is known as the Home of 56 Nationalities. International Day celebrates the rich and diverse cultural heritage that Sweetwater County enjoys. It is the only ethnic festival held in Wyoming.

Yellowstone Road speed limit reduced during National High School Finals Rodeo

People driving along Yellowstone Road near the Sweetwater Events Complex will want to slow down as long as the National High School Finals Rodeo is in town. Sweetwater County Detective Dick Blust, Jr. says that beginning today, the speed limit along Yellowstone Road will be reduced from 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour through the duration of the rodeo which runs from July 14th through July 20th.






The change in the speed limit applies to Yellowstone Road from Killpecker Drive north to Front Nine Drive. County deputies, Rock Springs police officers, and Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers will be patrolling the area.






Haskell said special signs have been put up and the Rock Springs Police Department’s radar trailer will also be set up on Yellowstone Road to remind drivers of the change.

Teton County businesses report labor shortage

Some employers in Teton County are having trouble finding summer workers. An improving economy, increased tourism and a lack of affordable housing all appear to be factors in the labor shortage. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is offering a $500 reward for employees who recruit somebody to work as a cook or housekeeper. The incentive comes in two parts. The resort pays $200 one month after recruitment and $300 at the end of the season. Both employees have to work the whole season. The Shooting Star golf course at Teton Village doesn't have enough workers to spray for weeds and has resorted to hiring goats to eat the weeds. The course manager says he's four to six workers short of a full crew.

Sinks Canyon park raises money to preserve ram

The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources plans to hold an event later this month to commemorate the last bighorn ram that lived in Sink's Canyon. The department plans to hold the event on July 20. It's dedicated to a late bighorn ram that officials had called Bam Bam. The department is trying to raise $5,000 to have a full- body taxidermy mount and diorama about bighorns installed in the park visitor center. The ram died last winter. It was the last sheep from a herd that once numbered about 150 animals. The ram became well-known for his habit of ramming into vehicles, often leaving substantial dents in them.

BLM to host tours of Rock Springs horse facility

A wild horse holding facility in Rock Springs will be open for public tours next week. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has scheduled one-hour tours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Monday through Friday. The holding facility receives horses rounded up from herds in southwest Wyoming. Many of the wild horses are then put up for adoption. The tours coincide with the National High School Finals Rodeo being held in Rock Springs this year.