Memorial Hospital of Converse County CEO Matt Dammeyer talks with KKTY News
with an in-depth discussion of hospital issues and direction.
This program broadcast live on Friday, June 30th
with an in-depth discussion of hospital issues and direction.
This program broadcast live on Friday, June 30th
KKTY News...
KKTY Noon News on Thu 9/21/23

The 95th Annual Wyoming Ram Sale takes place at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas today.
Wyoming Wool Growers executive director Alison Crane told the Northern Ag Network that she's hopeful for a strong sale this year, after a harsh winter across the region...
Wyoming Wool Growers executive director Alison Crane told the Northern Ag Network that she's hopeful for a strong sale this year, after a harsh winter across the region...
The Wyoming Wool Growers has historically conducted one of the premier Ram Sales in the region, offering the highest quality rams meeting some of the most rigorous standards of any sale in the country, and has consistantly rendered some of the highest prices for stud rams in the nation.
The 95th Annual Wyoming Ram Sale gets underway Tuesday morning at 11 AM at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 091223
The 95th Annual Wyoming Ram Sale gets underway Tuesday morning at 11 AM at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 091223

New owners for a Powder River Basin natural gas pipeline system.
Western Midstream Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million dollar, all-cash transaction.
Meritage owns and operates a large-scale natural gas gathering and processing business in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
Meritage’s assets, located in Converse, Campbell, and Johnson counties, include 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, approximately 380 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity, and the Thunder Creek NGL pipeline, which is a 120-mile, 38,000 barrel-per-day natural gas liquids pipeline that connects to Meritage’s processing facilities.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. 091123
Western Midstream Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million dollar, all-cash transaction.
Meritage owns and operates a large-scale natural gas gathering and processing business in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
Meritage’s assets, located in Converse, Campbell, and Johnson counties, include 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, approximately 380 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity, and the Thunder Creek NGL pipeline, which is a 120-mile, 38,000 barrel-per-day natural gas liquids pipeline that connects to Meritage’s processing facilities.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. 091123

When the leaves in the high country start to turn, it's hunting season in Wyoming.
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from its eight regions around the state.
Pronghorn population has been variable in the Casper Region in recent years, with herds around Casper remaining at or near population management objectives. Herds in northeast Wyoming (from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance) remain far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, with all populations being well below established objectives.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021 in much of the Casper Region due to a severe disease outbreak.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all herds in the Casper region.
Click here to check the forecast for each region in the state. 083123
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from its eight regions around the state.
Pronghorn population has been variable in the Casper Region in recent years, with herds around Casper remaining at or near population management objectives. Herds in northeast Wyoming (from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance) remain far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, with all populations being well below established objectives.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021 in much of the Casper Region due to a severe disease outbreak.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all herds in the Casper region.
Click here to check the forecast for each region in the state. 083123

The Laramie Peak Humane Society in Douglas is looking for a few good foster homes.
The Douglas animal shelter is at double its capacity for dogs, and at capacity for cats as well.
The shelter is working hard to adopt and find fosters.
Please call and leave a message if you would like to foster or adopt.
LPHS will supply all supplies for any fostered animals.
For more information, cal the LPHS at 358-6475. 082823
The Douglas animal shelter is at double its capacity for dogs, and at capacity for cats as well.
The shelter is working hard to adopt and find fosters.
Please call and leave a message if you would like to foster or adopt.
LPHS will supply all supplies for any fostered animals.
For more information, cal the LPHS at 358-6475. 082823

More pushback to Rocky Mountain Power's proposed rate hike.
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray said Wednesday that the rate increase is bad for Wyoming’s citizens, as well as for small businesses, and troubling in light of Rocky Mountain Power’s recent move toward renewable energy and away from Wyoming coal.
In Douglas, the Enterprise sent out an email last Friday against the proposed price hike.
In part, the email said, "RMP’s presentations and justifications all follow the same approach – “This is a complicated problem, we don’t expect you to understand it, and we don’t like asking for the increase – but we have to – and we can’t explain it to you because it’s too complicated.” When a powerful organization says, “It’s complicated” – it really isn’t. It’s just code for: we don’t want to have to explain why we’re taking your money."
The Enterprise is Converse County's economic development organization.
Rocky Mountain Power has proposed a rate increase that would raise power bills by 29.2%, and in the case of some business, commercial, and industrial users, that rate will be 33%.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission will hold another hearing tonight at 5:30 PM at the State Office Building in Casper. The hearings are open to the public. 082423
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray said Wednesday that the rate increase is bad for Wyoming’s citizens, as well as for small businesses, and troubling in light of Rocky Mountain Power’s recent move toward renewable energy and away from Wyoming coal.
In Douglas, the Enterprise sent out an email last Friday against the proposed price hike.
In part, the email said, "RMP’s presentations and justifications all follow the same approach – “This is a complicated problem, we don’t expect you to understand it, and we don’t like asking for the increase – but we have to – and we can’t explain it to you because it’s too complicated.” When a powerful organization says, “It’s complicated” – it really isn’t. It’s just code for: we don’t want to have to explain why we’re taking your money."
The Enterprise is Converse County's economic development organization.
Rocky Mountain Power has proposed a rate increase that would raise power bills by 29.2%, and in the case of some business, commercial, and industrial users, that rate will be 33%.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission will hold another hearing tonight at 5:30 PM at the State Office Building in Casper. The hearings are open to the public. 082423

A Glenrock man will spend close to five years in prison for drug and gun crimes.
39 year old Chaney Yates Jones heard the 57-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne last Thursday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson also ordered Jones to serve five years of supervised probation after his release from custody and pay a $200 special assessment. 082423
39 year old Chaney Yates Jones heard the 57-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne last Thursday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson also ordered Jones to serve five years of supervised probation after his release from custody and pay a $200 special assessment. 082423

The 111th Wyoming State Fair wrapped up over the weekend.
Results from Saturday morning's State Fair Parade...
Safeway won the adult division
UW Alumni took the wagon division
The DHS swim team topped the youth division
Knight Kruisers Car Club took top honors in the collectors cars division
and Memorial Hospital of Converse County won the service division.
A dozen cars entered the arena for the championship heat of the 40th annual Billy Cathcart Memorial Douglas Vounteer Fire Department Demolition Derby.
In front of a packed house in the Ford Grandstands Arena, Marty Million got the last hit in his Chrysler Imperial to claim the $5 thousand dollar first prize money.
Jordan Martin won $2 thousand dollars for second place.
Martin also claimed the $3 thousand dollar Mad Dog Heavy Hitter award. 082123
Results from Saturday morning's State Fair Parade...
Safeway won the adult division
UW Alumni took the wagon division
The DHS swim team topped the youth division
Knight Kruisers Car Club took top honors in the collectors cars division
and Memorial Hospital of Converse County won the service division.
A dozen cars entered the arena for the championship heat of the 40th annual Billy Cathcart Memorial Douglas Vounteer Fire Department Demolition Derby.
In front of a packed house in the Ford Grandstands Arena, Marty Million got the last hit in his Chrysler Imperial to claim the $5 thousand dollar first prize money.
Jordan Martin won $2 thousand dollars for second place.
Martin also claimed the $3 thousand dollar Mad Dog Heavy Hitter award. 082123

A Laramie County woman died and three other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon just south of Douglas.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 25 year old Brooke Howard of Burns died after two pickup trucks carrying livestock trailers collided on Interstate 25 four miles south of town.
Howard's truck and trailer were disabled and parked on the emergency lane to the right.
A Dodge pickup driven by 37-year-old Cheyenne resident Kelsey Baumgartner, towing a gooseneck livestock trailer was headed north, and struck and sideswiped Howard's truck and trailer.
Driver inattention and fatigue are being considered as possible causes. The weather was clear in the area, and the road conditions were dry. 081623
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 25 year old Brooke Howard of Burns died after two pickup trucks carrying livestock trailers collided on Interstate 25 four miles south of town.
Howard's truck and trailer were disabled and parked on the emergency lane to the right.
A Dodge pickup driven by 37-year-old Cheyenne resident Kelsey Baumgartner, towing a gooseneck livestock trailer was headed north, and struck and sideswiped Howard's truck and trailer.
Driver inattention and fatigue are being considered as possible causes. The weather was clear in the area, and the road conditions were dry. 081623

Wednesday is day two of the 111th Wyoming State Fair in Douglas.
It's Military Appreciation Day... with proper identification, veterans and active duty military get into the fair for free.
It's Youth Day, and kids under 12 get in free.
And it's FAIR TO FORK HUNGER INITIATIVE DAY – Visitors can bring four cans of food to get into the fair for $4 for adults
Goat shows begin at 8 AM, the 4H Cat shows are at 9am,
At 1pm, AOB Cattle Shows followed by Wyoming Maine-Anjou Market Beef Show
Carnival opens at 2pm, the first performance of the Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo is at 7pm in the Ford Grandstands Arena. 081623
It's Military Appreciation Day... with proper identification, veterans and active duty military get into the fair for free.
It's Youth Day, and kids under 12 get in free.
And it's FAIR TO FORK HUNGER INITIATIVE DAY – Visitors can bring four cans of food to get into the fair for $4 for adults
Goat shows begin at 8 AM, the 4H Cat shows are at 9am,
At 1pm, AOB Cattle Shows followed by Wyoming Maine-Anjou Market Beef Show
Carnival opens at 2pm, the first performance of the Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo is at 7pm in the Ford Grandstands Arena. 081623

Converse County School District #1 students return to class this coming Monday, and Superintendant Dr Paige Fenton Hughes says there's one detail that parents don't want to miss...
The online registration is not just for new students... it's for all student attending Douglas schools. Fenton-Hughes says the reason is so the district has current information about contacts for parents and guardians, updated health information, and accurate emergency contacts so they can best take care of our kids and keep our parents informed. 081623

Average gasoline prices in Wyoming have risen 12 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.95 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy.com's survey of 494 stations in Wyoming.
Prices in Wyoming are 36 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and stand at 15 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Triple AAA says Teton County's up to $4.26. Natrona's the lowest at $3.70 average. Converse County comes in at $3.73 a gallon average. 081623
Prices in Wyoming are 36 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and stand at 15 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Triple AAA says Teton County's up to $4.26. Natrona's the lowest at $3.70 average. Converse County comes in at $3.73 a gallon average. 081623
The Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo is Tuesday August 15th through Saturday August 19th in Douglas. 080923

Livestock investigators from the Wyoming Livestock Board are investigating the deaths of four horses in a suspected poisoning incident.
Security camera footage from Sunday, July 30th showed the horses on the Bright ranch in Converse County east of Douglas behaving normally until evening when they were found dead.
A fifth horse was rushed to Colorado State University for treatment and is expected to recover fully.
The family suspects a targeted and malicious act due to past incidents.
A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the culprit's conviction.
Any information should be reported to the Converse County Sheriff’s Office or the Wyoming Livestock Board. 080723
Security camera footage from Sunday, July 30th showed the horses on the Bright ranch in Converse County east of Douglas behaving normally until evening when they were found dead.
A fifth horse was rushed to Colorado State University for treatment and is expected to recover fully.
The family suspects a targeted and malicious act due to past incidents.
A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the culprit's conviction.
Any information should be reported to the Converse County Sheriff’s Office or the Wyoming Livestock Board. 080723

A quick rope means a win for a Douglas cowboy at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Troy Tillard of Douglas won a CFD Champion Buckle in 2004. Saturday he finished two steers in 31.4 seconds, fourth in the average.
On championship Sunday, Tillard stopped the clock in 14.6 seconds in the winner-take-all final round of CFD’s tournament-style rodeo. That was nearly a full second faster than the runner-up.
The Tillard family was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2007. This year marked the 80th anniversary of Bud Tillard – Troy’s late grandfather – competing at the “Daddy of ’em All.” His uncle, Marty Tillard, also won steer roping in 1991. 073123
Troy Tillard of Douglas won a CFD Champion Buckle in 2004. Saturday he finished two steers in 31.4 seconds, fourth in the average.
On championship Sunday, Tillard stopped the clock in 14.6 seconds in the winner-take-all final round of CFD’s tournament-style rodeo. That was nearly a full second faster than the runner-up.
The Tillard family was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2007. This year marked the 80th anniversary of Bud Tillard – Troy’s late grandfather – competing at the “Daddy of ’em All.” His uncle, Marty Tillard, also won steer roping in 1991. 073123

It's Fair Time in Douglas as the Converse County Fair opens this weekend.
Saturday's activities include the 4H Dog, Cat and Pocket Pet shows, 4H Static Interview and Fashion Review judging, and Tractor Pulls in the Ford Grandstands Arena Saturday night at 6pm.
Sunday at noon is the Bud Tillard Memorial Steer Tipping in the big arena.
Activities go on through the week next week, with the Junior Market Sale next Friday afternoon at 4pm in the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 071423
Saturday's activities include the 4H Dog, Cat and Pocket Pet shows, 4H Static Interview and Fashion Review judging, and Tractor Pulls in the Ford Grandstands Arena Saturday night at 6pm.
Sunday at noon is the Bud Tillard Memorial Steer Tipping in the big arena.
Activities go on through the week next week, with the Junior Market Sale next Friday afternoon at 4pm in the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 071423

Wyoming donors opened their checkbooks, and Wyoming non-profits got the benefit.
WyoGives Day 2023, which took place Wednesday, July 12, raised nearly $4 million for charities across Wyoming.
WyoGives is a yearly single-day online fundraiser that seeks to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits across the state.
Among the highest donors is the Hughes Charitable Foundation with a $1 million donation through its matching grant challenge.
The Boys and Girls Club of Douglas was one of the local groups who benefited from WyoGives Day, raising over $66 hundred dollars.
In total, 6,730 donors made 11,787 gifts, across 326 different charities. 071423
WyoGives Day 2023, which took place Wednesday, July 12, raised nearly $4 million for charities across Wyoming.
WyoGives is a yearly single-day online fundraiser that seeks to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits across the state.
Among the highest donors is the Hughes Charitable Foundation with a $1 million donation through its matching grant challenge.
The Boys and Girls Club of Douglas was one of the local groups who benefited from WyoGives Day, raising over $66 hundred dollars.
In total, 6,730 donors made 11,787 gifts, across 326 different charities. 071423

Evening activities have been announced for this summer's Wyoming State Fair.
Fair manager Courtny Conkle says there's lots of rodeo activities to start the week...
Fair manager Courtny Conkle says there's lots of rodeo activities to start the week...
Something new in the arena on Friday night...
More information is available on the website wystatefair.com and on the fair's social media sites. 071223

Campbell County officials have identified a 25-year-old Littleton, Colorado, man who died in a head on collision with a mine bus Sunday morning south of Wright.
Campbell County Coroner Paul Wallem identified the man as Nicholas Finnian Mahoney. He was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup north on Highway 59 south of Cosner Road, crossed the center line and died instantly at the scene.
The driver of the bus was extracted and life-flighted. There was no official word on the driver’s condition in the Monday update.
No official word on how many passengers were on the bus. 071123
Campbell County Coroner Paul Wallem identified the man as Nicholas Finnian Mahoney. He was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup north on Highway 59 south of Cosner Road, crossed the center line and died instantly at the scene.
The driver of the bus was extracted and life-flighted. There was no official word on the driver’s condition in the Monday update.
No official word on how many passengers were on the bus. 071123

More than 600 kids and their parents and brothers and sisters and their 4H leaders are in Douglas this weekend at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds for the 4H State Shooting Sports competition.
Johnathan Despain is State 4-H Program Coordinator. He says 4H Shooting Sports is a first access to firearms...
Johnathan Despain is State 4-H Program Coordinator. He says 4H Shooting Sports is a first access to firearms...
Competition includes shooting at 3D targets...
Kids aged 8 to 18 compete in archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, air rifle, air pistol,.22 rifle and .22 pistol.
Early competition began Thursday evening, with a full day of competition on Friday and Saturday. The awards program is at the McKibben Cafeteria on Sunday morning.
All events are open to the public. 070723
Early competition began Thursday evening, with a full day of competition on Friday and Saturday. The awards program is at the McKibben Cafeteria on Sunday morning.
All events are open to the public. 070723

Is Memorial Hospital of Converse County Healthy?
CEO Matt Dammeyer says yes...
CEO Matt Dammeyer says yes...
Dammeyer says MHCC has a commitment to a higher level of service...
Dammeyer says that growth always includes an element of risk...
We'll sit down with Memorial Hospital of Converse County CEO Matt Dammeyer for an in-depth discussion of hospital issues and direction Friday morning at 7:30, here on 100.1 FM, KKTY. 062823

A tornado struck the North Antelope Rochelle Mine in southern Campbell County Friday afternoon.
Campbell County Emergency Manger David King says thunderstorms rolled across northern Natrona and Converse Counties and southern Campbell County, dropping at least three funnels as they moved through.
King says when the tornado hit the mine site, it left plenty of damage...
Campbell County Emergency Manger David King says thunderstorms rolled across northern Natrona and Converse Counties and southern Campbell County, dropping at least three funnels as they moved through.
King says when the tornado hit the mine site, it left plenty of damage...
King said mine officials are still trying to account for all their employees.
Cleanup will begin on Saturday...
There were no fatals in the storm.
Six people were transported by ambulance, one to Douglas, the other five to Gillette. 062323
Six people were transported by ambulance, one to Douglas, the other five to Gillette. 062323

Local communities and counties are set to receive state money to help deal with the economic impacts associated with energy development.
Wyoming's State Industrial Siting Council met at the Douglas Library on Tuesday for an Industrial Siting Hearing for the Cedar Springs IV wind project that will be built north of Douglas and Glenrock.
Converse County Commission chairman Jim Willox says the county got most of the money that they asked for...
Wyoming's State Industrial Siting Council met at the Douglas Library on Tuesday for an Industrial Siting Hearing for the Cedar Springs IV wind project that will be built north of Douglas and Glenrock.
Converse County Commission chairman Jim Willox says the county got most of the money that they asked for...
The state Industrial Siting Council designates state funding to help pay for impacts caused by large scale construction projects.
Willox said the county didn't get everything they asked for...
Willox said the county didn't get everything they asked for...
The money will be distributed in equal installments to each entity over the next seventeen months, starting in August and ending in December of 2024. 062323

Converse County could get a bunch of unwanted visitors this summer.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says Converse and Natrona counties could be hotspots for mormon crickets this year.
A swarm of the crickets was seen two weeks ago around Midwest and Edgerton.
One big challenge with Mormon cricket outbreaks is that the pests can band together, migrate up to a mile a day and change directions without any reason.
They can do a lot of damage to agricultural croplands. On the prairie, they're mostly just big, ugly.& annoying.
Natrona and Converse County Weed and Pest offices and APHIS are closely monitoring the situation and treating the outbreak. 062323
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says Converse and Natrona counties could be hotspots for mormon crickets this year.
A swarm of the crickets was seen two weeks ago around Midwest and Edgerton.
One big challenge with Mormon cricket outbreaks is that the pests can band together, migrate up to a mile a day and change directions without any reason.
They can do a lot of damage to agricultural croplands. On the prairie, they're mostly just big, ugly.& annoying.
Natrona and Converse County Weed and Pest offices and APHIS are closely monitoring the situation and treating the outbreak. 062323
The Douglas City Council has set their budget for the coming year...
Douglas City Administrator JD Cox says they've been saving to get some things done...
The Council approved the budget in a special session Thursday night. The City's fiscal year begins July 1st. 061923

A new executive director has been named for Converse County’s economic and community development organization.
Morryah McCurdy will replace longtime director Cindy Porter, who recently retired, at The Enterprise.
McCurdy brings an extensive background in economic development, business retention and expansion, marketing, community collaboration, and grant-writing.
She previously served as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Advance Casper, Natrona County’s Economic Development Organization. 061923
Morryah McCurdy will replace longtime director Cindy Porter, who recently retired, at The Enterprise.
McCurdy brings an extensive background in economic development, business retention and expansion, marketing, community collaboration, and grant-writing.
She previously served as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Advance Casper, Natrona County’s Economic Development Organization. 061923

Walker Creek School will remain open but empty.
At Tuesday night's board meeting, Converse County School District 1 voted to keep the school open, but it will be mothballed this fall.
District Superintendent Paige Fenton-Hughes says the board got good input from the public Tuesday night...
At Tuesday night's board meeting, Converse County School District 1 voted to keep the school open, but it will be mothballed this fall.
District Superintendent Paige Fenton-Hughes says the board got good input from the public Tuesday night...
Walker Creek School had 6 students in 2017, 4 in 2018, 4 in 2019, no students in 20 or 21, 4 in 22 and 9 in 23. Prior to the decision, there was some question about whether any of those 9 students would be returning this fall.
Walker Creek School is northeast of Douglas. Other rural options would be Shawnee School east of town, and Dry Creek School at Bill.
Fenton-Hughes said that the number of students at CCSD1's five rural schools is declining... in 2017 the district had 62 kids at rural schools... five years later, in 2022, there were 40. 061623
Walker Creek School is northeast of Douglas. Other rural options would be Shawnee School east of town, and Dry Creek School at Bill.
Fenton-Hughes said that the number of students at CCSD1's five rural schools is declining... in 2017 the district had 62 kids at rural schools... five years later, in 2022, there were 40. 061623

The KING'S PORTION food pantry in Douglas is closing down, and this Friday June 16th, from 11am-4pm, the doors will be open to sell all remaining items.
Items selling will include wall hangings, round tables, chairs, kitchen items, steam table, kitchen storage carts, totes, shelving units, rugs, end tables, desks, conference room table with 14 chairs, decor, clocks and more!
There's also an enclosed 7x14 trailer $7,000 obo
Final distribution at the Kings Portion will be Thursday June 15th... walk-in on a FIRST come, FIRST serve basis.
SENIOR CITIZENS FROM 4-5pm
GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5-6pm
The KING'S PORTION food pantry is at 809 S 9th Street in Douglas. 061423
Items selling will include wall hangings, round tables, chairs, kitchen items, steam table, kitchen storage carts, totes, shelving units, rugs, end tables, desks, conference room table with 14 chairs, decor, clocks and more!
There's also an enclosed 7x14 trailer $7,000 obo
Final distribution at the Kings Portion will be Thursday June 15th... walk-in on a FIRST come, FIRST serve basis.
SENIOR CITIZENS FROM 4-5pm
GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5-6pm
The KING'S PORTION food pantry is at 809 S 9th Street in Douglas. 061423

It only lasted 18 months, but the Pony Express made an impact on history that is still strong today. The annual Pony Express Re-ride is underway and will be rolling through Wyoming this week.
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse County in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
California. Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Riders arrived in Wyoming on Monday morning.
Expected stops include Ft Caspar Tuesday evening at 6:45, the National Trails Historic Interperative Center in Casper at 7:10pm, Glenrock at 10:00pm, Inez at midnight, southeast of Douglas at 1:30AM Wednesday morning. They'll continue on to Glendo at 4:30AM, Register Cliff at Guernsey at 8, and Ft Laramie Wednesday morning at 9:45.
The ride ends at St Joseph, Missouri, Friday night at 7:30PM 061323
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse County in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
California. Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Riders arrived in Wyoming on Monday morning.
Expected stops include Ft Caspar Tuesday evening at 6:45, the National Trails Historic Interperative Center in Casper at 7:10pm, Glenrock at 10:00pm, Inez at midnight, southeast of Douglas at 1:30AM Wednesday morning. They'll continue on to Glendo at 4:30AM, Register Cliff at Guernsey at 8, and Ft Laramie Wednesday morning at 9:45.
The ride ends at St Joseph, Missouri, Friday night at 7:30PM 061323

Former Interior Secretary James Watt has died.
Watt was the Reagan administration’s sharp-tongued, pro-development interior secretary who was admired by conservatives but ran afoul of environmentalists.
A Lusk native, Watt's family later moved to Wheatland, where his father practiced law. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1960 and obtaining a law degree two years later.
In 1962, Watt became a personal assistant to former Gov. Milward L. Simpson, and he went to Washington after Simpson was elected to the U.S. Senate later that year.
Watt died in Arizona on May 27th.
He was 85. 061223
Watt was the Reagan administration’s sharp-tongued, pro-development interior secretary who was admired by conservatives but ran afoul of environmentalists.
A Lusk native, Watt's family later moved to Wheatland, where his father practiced law. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1960 and obtaining a law degree two years later.
In 1962, Watt became a personal assistant to former Gov. Milward L. Simpson, and he went to Washington after Simpson was elected to the U.S. Senate later that year.
Watt died in Arizona on May 27th.
He was 85. 061223

Hang out the "No Vacancy" sign... the Douglas animal shelter is full-up.
The Laramie Peak Humane Society says they have 15 dogs on site, and are unable to accept additional dogs at their facility.
The Douglas Police Department relies on the LPHS to care for animals taken into custody, and until the situation resolves, the Police say they will no longer pick up and impound stray and loose animals.
The Laramie Peak Humane Society also says they are in dire need of individuals to act as animal foster families. If you'd like to help, call Lisa Patterson at 358-6475. 060923
The Laramie Peak Humane Society says they have 15 dogs on site, and are unable to accept additional dogs at their facility.
The Douglas Police Department relies on the LPHS to care for animals taken into custody, and until the situation resolves, the Police say they will no longer pick up and impound stray and loose animals.
The Laramie Peak Humane Society also says they are in dire need of individuals to act as animal foster families. If you'd like to help, call Lisa Patterson at 358-6475. 060923

The King's Portion food pantry in Douglas will be closing their doors permanently June 30th.
All of the center is dissolving and customers are being referred to the Trinity Baptist food pantry.
There are discussions happening with other local churches and organizations about certain ministries being continued, but nothing has been determined yet.
The last food distribution service in the King's Portion food pantry will be June 15th from 4-6 pm. 060823
All of the center is dissolving and customers are being referred to the Trinity Baptist food pantry.
There are discussions happening with other local churches and organizations about certain ministries being continued, but nothing has been determined yet.
The last food distribution service in the King's Portion food pantry will be June 15th from 4-6 pm. 060823

The future of a rural school in Converse County hangs in the balance.
At their board meeting Tuesday night, the Converse County School District #1 board discussed the future of Walker Creek School, which is about 20 miles northeast of Douglas.
The school will have no students next year.
The board is discussing whether or not to "mothball" the school or permanently close it.
A decision will be made next month. The CCSD1 board urged patrons to weigh in before then if they have strong feelings. 051123
At their board meeting Tuesday night, the Converse County School District #1 board discussed the future of Walker Creek School, which is about 20 miles northeast of Douglas.
The school will have no students next year.
The board is discussing whether or not to "mothball" the school or permanently close it.
A decision will be made next month. The CCSD1 board urged patrons to weigh in before then if they have strong feelings. 051123

Glendo State Park is preparing for a busy spring and summer ahead.
The big lake 25 miles south of Douglas has over 550 campsites in 19 campgrounds so there's plenty of camping available, BUT, you're reminded to make your reservations early.
It's also a good idea to buy your Wyoming State Parks annual pass and camping pass.
Recent park updates show water systems are on in most areas of the park...
Boat ramps and docks are in the water and available for use. The water level is at 71% ...
The 3D archery course is up and running, with new targets available...
The fishing is great and sources say this could be one of the better years for fishing in recent memory.
Glendo State Park will host a bird bioblitz this Saturday, May 13th from 5am to 11am at the park headquarters. 051023
The big lake 25 miles south of Douglas has over 550 campsites in 19 campgrounds so there's plenty of camping available, BUT, you're reminded to make your reservations early.
It's also a good idea to buy your Wyoming State Parks annual pass and camping pass.
Recent park updates show water systems are on in most areas of the park...
Boat ramps and docks are in the water and available for use. The water level is at 71% ...
The 3D archery course is up and running, with new targets available...
The fishing is great and sources say this could be one of the better years for fishing in recent memory.
Glendo State Park will host a bird bioblitz this Saturday, May 13th from 5am to 11am at the park headquarters. 051023

Frank Eathorne will serve a third term as Chairman of the Wyoming Republican Party.
Eathorne was reelected Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party’s quarterly Central Committee meeting in Jackson.
Committee members chose Eathorne 49-25 over former state lawmaker and Converse County rancher Frank Moore of Douglas.
One of the primary issues in the party leadership election was differing perspectives on how division within the party should be addressed moving forward.
Eathorne lost his first run at state GOP chair in 2015 by three votes. He was elected vice-chairman in 2017, and stepped up to the chair four months later when then-chairman Ryan Mulholland took a job and left Wyoming. Eathorne was reelected in 2019 and 2021. 050823
Eathorne was reelected Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party’s quarterly Central Committee meeting in Jackson.
Committee members chose Eathorne 49-25 over former state lawmaker and Converse County rancher Frank Moore of Douglas.
One of the primary issues in the party leadership election was differing perspectives on how division within the party should be addressed moving forward.
Eathorne lost his first run at state GOP chair in 2015 by three votes. He was elected vice-chairman in 2017, and stepped up to the chair four months later when then-chairman Ryan Mulholland took a job and left Wyoming. Eathorne was reelected in 2019 and 2021. 050823

A possible crime wave has local law enforcement officers urging residents to take precautions.
On Monday, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Converse County Sheriff's Office determined that a ring of methamphetamine addicts, who had stolen vehicles in the past, were planning to steal a specific camper trailer in Douglas.
The owner of this camper was notified and the theft was averted.
The CCSO and the Wyoming DCI have information that there may still be ongoing plans to steal campers within Douglas and Converse County.
They're requesting all owners please take extra steps to secure campers such as, purchasing ball locks or placing other vehicles in front of the tongue of the campers.
They also advise people to not leave keys in vehicles and lock them when leaving them. 050423
On Monday, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Converse County Sheriff's Office determined that a ring of methamphetamine addicts, who had stolen vehicles in the past, were planning to steal a specific camper trailer in Douglas.
The owner of this camper was notified and the theft was averted.
The CCSO and the Wyoming DCI have information that there may still be ongoing plans to steal campers within Douglas and Converse County.
They're requesting all owners please take extra steps to secure campers such as, purchasing ball locks or placing other vehicles in front of the tongue of the campers.
They also advise people to not leave keys in vehicles and lock them when leaving them. 050423

The Glenrock High School culinary team recently tasted victory.
The Herders were part of the Cook Around The World culinary high school competition at Disney World last week and brought home top honors.
The competition brought 85 teams from across the country, made up of over 500 students. Judged by Chef and author Anne Burrell from the Food Network, the Glenrock team had an incredible finish in session 3, winning 1st place Main Dish, 3rd place side dish, 3rd place overall, and was even awarded the Chef's Choice Award.
Burrell autographed their award and wrote a note saying, "Beautifully presented - elegant and flavorful."
She also told them the sauce on their dish is one of the most delicious she'd tasted that weekend, including in restaurants.
To be one of the top award winners at a competition at Disney World and be called out by an elite national chef, is no... small potatoes. 050423
The Herders were part of the Cook Around The World culinary high school competition at Disney World last week and brought home top honors.
The competition brought 85 teams from across the country, made up of over 500 students. Judged by Chef and author Anne Burrell from the Food Network, the Glenrock team had an incredible finish in session 3, winning 1st place Main Dish, 3rd place side dish, 3rd place overall, and was even awarded the Chef's Choice Award.
Burrell autographed their award and wrote a note saying, "Beautifully presented - elegant and flavorful."
She also told them the sauce on their dish is one of the most delicious she'd tasted that weekend, including in restaurants.
To be one of the top award winners at a competition at Disney World and be called out by an elite national chef, is no... small potatoes. 050423

Three people have died as the result of a multi-vehicle crash near Evansville Monday morning.
The Wyoming Highway patrol says that on Monday morning at about 8:45 a.m., a 2002 Ford F-150 was headed west on US 20/26/87 and crossed the centerline colliding head-on with a 2018 Ford F-150.
The crash occurred at milepost 180 on the Old Glenrock Highway east of Casper.
The driver of the 2002 Ford has been identified as 34-year-old Casper resident Kristofer Counts. He was not wearing a seatbelt and died of injuries at the crash scene. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt and died at the crash scene.
The driver of the 2018 Ford has been identified as 28-year-old Glenrock resident Aaron Henson. It's not known if Henson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Driver inattention and fatigue on the part of Counts are being investigated as possible contributing factors. 050223
The Wyoming Highway patrol says that on Monday morning at about 8:45 a.m., a 2002 Ford F-150 was headed west on US 20/26/87 and crossed the centerline colliding head-on with a 2018 Ford F-150.
The crash occurred at milepost 180 on the Old Glenrock Highway east of Casper.
The driver of the 2002 Ford has been identified as 34-year-old Casper resident Kristofer Counts. He was not wearing a seatbelt and died of injuries at the crash scene. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt and died at the crash scene.
The driver of the 2018 Ford has been identified as 28-year-old Glenrock resident Aaron Henson. It's not known if Henson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Driver inattention and fatigue on the part of Counts are being investigated as possible contributing factors. 050223

Call it barrel racing with an attitude.
Cowboy mounted shooting came to Douglas this weekend.
The Wyoming Rough Riders hosted the Robert Parish Memorial Shoot Saturday at the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Mounted shooting is a timed event using a set of 10 balloons on stands.
Each rider uses two .45-caliber single-action revolvers loaded with five rounds of certified black-powder blanks. There is no projectile. What pops the balloons is a combination of gas and heat as the gun powder is ignited.
After five shots at the five balloons heading out, the rider holsters the first gun and unholsters a second while on the run, and tries to hit the remaining five balloons on the straightaway rundown back to the finish.
And to keep it all Western, historical late-1800s style costume wear is encouraged.
Horses have to be fast and pretty much bomb-proof. Riders must be able to shoot accurately at a full gallop. 050123
Cowboy mounted shooting came to Douglas this weekend.
The Wyoming Rough Riders hosted the Robert Parish Memorial Shoot Saturday at the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Mounted shooting is a timed event using a set of 10 balloons on stands.
Each rider uses two .45-caliber single-action revolvers loaded with five rounds of certified black-powder blanks. There is no projectile. What pops the balloons is a combination of gas and heat as the gun powder is ignited.
After five shots at the five balloons heading out, the rider holsters the first gun and unholsters a second while on the run, and tries to hit the remaining five balloons on the straightaway rundown back to the finish.
And to keep it all Western, historical late-1800s style costume wear is encouraged.
Horses have to be fast and pretty much bomb-proof. Riders must be able to shoot accurately at a full gallop. 050123

Most Wyoming counties added residents in 2022.
U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the state's total resident population grew moderately to 581,381 as of July 2022.
The annual statewide increase from July 2021 totaled 1,898 persons.
Converse County added 108 residents from 2021 to 2022, bringing the count to 13,786.
Campbell County saw the biggest growth over the period, adding 525 residents.
The biggest drop was in Teton County, where they lost 335 people. 033123
U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the state's total resident population grew moderately to 581,381 as of July 2022.
The annual statewide increase from July 2021 totaled 1,898 persons.
Converse County added 108 residents from 2021 to 2022, bringing the count to 13,786.
Campbell County saw the biggest growth over the period, adding 525 residents.
The biggest drop was in Teton County, where they lost 335 people. 033123

Cold temperatures and deep snow are taking a toll on Wyoming wildlife.
The Wyoming Game & Fish says its wildlife managers across the state are actively monitoring the impact on big game and are seeing increased mortality in some areas of the state.
The Casper Region is experiencing moderate winter conditions in the Thunder Basin and the Black Hills.
But much of the rest of the region is experiencing relatively harsh winter conditions. Areas around Lusk, Pine Ridge north of Casper/Glenrock, northern Laramie Range, southern Bighorns, Rattlesnakes and low-elevation basin areas are experiencing heavier than normal snowpack.
Unlike most winters in the Casper Region, snow has persisted on the landscape for the past three months, with the exception of some wind-blown areas.
In particular, mule deer and pronghorn in the Casper and Glenrock areas have the highest potential for above-normal winter mortality, but this will depend on how the March weather unfolds. 033123
The Wyoming Game & Fish says its wildlife managers across the state are actively monitoring the impact on big game and are seeing increased mortality in some areas of the state.
The Casper Region is experiencing moderate winter conditions in the Thunder Basin and the Black Hills.
But much of the rest of the region is experiencing relatively harsh winter conditions. Areas around Lusk, Pine Ridge north of Casper/Glenrock, northern Laramie Range, southern Bighorns, Rattlesnakes and low-elevation basin areas are experiencing heavier than normal snowpack.
Unlike most winters in the Casper Region, snow has persisted on the landscape for the past three months, with the exception of some wind-blown areas.
In particular, mule deer and pronghorn in the Casper and Glenrock areas have the highest potential for above-normal winter mortality, but this will depend on how the March weather unfolds. 033123

A woman accused of setting fire to an abortion clinic under construction at Casper will be released from jail while her case proceeds.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick ruled Tuesday that 22-year-old Lorna Roxanne Green may be released from jail to carry on life as a college student pending further developments in her case,
Green waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
She won't be required to post bond but would owe $10,000 for violating bond conditions.
Those conditions include living with her parents in Casper while attending college and working part time as a food delivery driver. Her parents must remove firearms from their home.
On social media, the Casper woman posted details including competing in a bike race and visiting a butterfly garden but showed no anti-abortion views.
Investigators say Green told them the planned clinic in Casper was giving her anxiety and nightmares, so she decided to burn it down last May.
Her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said he's pleased Green is being released and looks forward to defending her. 032923
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick ruled Tuesday that 22-year-old Lorna Roxanne Green may be released from jail to carry on life as a college student pending further developments in her case,
Green waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
She won't be required to post bond but would owe $10,000 for violating bond conditions.
Those conditions include living with her parents in Casper while attending college and working part time as a food delivery driver. Her parents must remove firearms from their home.
On social media, the Casper woman posted details including competing in a bike race and visiting a butterfly garden but showed no anti-abortion views.
Investigators say Green told them the planned clinic in Casper was giving her anxiety and nightmares, so she decided to burn it down last May.
Her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said he's pleased Green is being released and looks forward to defending her. 032923

The US Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct three quarterly competitive oil and gas lease sales this year.
That's after suspending its First Quarter sale, along with a total of seven quarterly sales in 2021 and 2022.
President Joe Biden put the brakes on the program in 2021.
The courts required the federal government to resume sales, but the program now includes higher minimum bid amounts, royalty and rental rates mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The BLM says that the three federal oil and gas lease sales planned for Wyoming this year tentatively include a total 371 parcels across about 392 thousand acres. 032723
That's after suspending its First Quarter sale, along with a total of seven quarterly sales in 2021 and 2022.
President Joe Biden put the brakes on the program in 2021.
The courts required the federal government to resume sales, but the program now includes higher minimum bid amounts, royalty and rental rates mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The BLM says that the three federal oil and gas lease sales planned for Wyoming this year tentatively include a total 371 parcels across about 392 thousand acres. 032723

The unemployment rate in Converse County rose in January, from 2.8 percent to 3.3 percent.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services said unemployment rates across the state usually rise because of seasonal job losses in construction, retail trade, professional business services and government.
The statewide unemployment rate from December to January was unchanged at 3.9 percent.
From January 22 to January 23, unemployment rose in 13 counties, fell in nine, and was unchanged in one.
Year to Year, Converse County fell from 3.9 percent in Jan 22 , to 3.3 percent in Jan 23. 032723
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services said unemployment rates across the state usually rise because of seasonal job losses in construction, retail trade, professional business services and government.
The statewide unemployment rate from December to January was unchanged at 3.9 percent.
From January 22 to January 23, unemployment rose in 13 counties, fell in nine, and was unchanged in one.
Year to Year, Converse County fell from 3.9 percent in Jan 22 , to 3.3 percent in Jan 23. 032723

The wife of the police chief the town of Glenrock fired two years ago has been charged with stealing money from a church in Tucson, Arizona.
54-yr-old Carmen Theel faces multiple felony fraud charges that allege that she stole more than $100,000 from a Tucson church from 2012-2018.
She’s accused of entering false information in the church’s check register spreadsheet to hide money from church employees so she could take it for herself.
Carmen and her husband, David Theel, in December 2021 sued the town of Glenrock and its police department after the City Council fired him.
The Theels and the town of Glenrock reached a settlement agreement last month and the U.S. District Court for Wyoming dismissed the case last week. 032223
54-yr-old Carmen Theel faces multiple felony fraud charges that allege that she stole more than $100,000 from a Tucson church from 2012-2018.
She’s accused of entering false information in the church’s check register spreadsheet to hide money from church employees so she could take it for herself.
Carmen and her husband, David Theel, in December 2021 sued the town of Glenrock and its police department after the City Council fired him.
The Theels and the town of Glenrock reached a settlement agreement last month and the U.S. District Court for Wyoming dismissed the case last week. 032223

A Celebration of Life service for 60 year old Rene` Suzzette Kemper, will be held Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 P.M. at the Douglas High School Auditorium, 1701 Hamilton Street, Douglas, with The Reverend Bobbe Fitzhugh officiating.
The family would invite all joining them in the celebration to wear pink or Kemper Strong.
Rene` Kemper, Mayor of Douglas, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County after a courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Youth Development Services, P.O. Box 1328 in Douglas would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements. 032123
The family would invite all joining them in the celebration to wear pink or Kemper Strong.
Rene` Kemper, Mayor of Douglas, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County after a courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Youth Development Services, P.O. Box 1328 in Douglas would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements. 032123

A Douglas teacher is one of four in Wyoming who have been selected as 2023 state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Charity Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas. She is also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S.
Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
Also selected are Emmy Hergert from Thermopolis Middle School, Rick Simineo of East High School in Cheyenne, and London Jenks from Hot Springs County High School. 032123
Charity Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas. She is also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S.
Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
Also selected are Emmy Hergert from Thermopolis Middle School, Rick Simineo of East High School in Cheyenne, and London Jenks from Hot Springs County High School. 032123

A methane gas release north of Douglas in December is under scrutiny by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
Tallgrass Energy released the gas over a two-day period from its Douglas Gas Plant off Highway 59 just north of town.
Tallgrass told the DEQ that it purged its gas pipeline because it discovered traces of oxygen, creating a potential hazard. The DEQ says Tallgrass handled the issue correctly, and with proper regard to public safety.
The plume of gas reached out over almost five miles to the north of the gas plant.
At issue, is how much methane was actually released.
Tallgrass says it was about 2.5 metric tons.
But a report in Bloomberg News says it could have been more like 845 metric tons.
The state DEQ is investigating whether there is a discrepancy. 032123
Tallgrass Energy released the gas over a two-day period from its Douglas Gas Plant off Highway 59 just north of town.
Tallgrass told the DEQ that it purged its gas pipeline because it discovered traces of oxygen, creating a potential hazard. The DEQ says Tallgrass handled the issue correctly, and with proper regard to public safety.
The plume of gas reached out over almost five miles to the north of the gas plant.
At issue, is how much methane was actually released.
Tallgrass says it was about 2.5 metric tons.
But a report in Bloomberg News says it could have been more like 845 metric tons.
The state DEQ is investigating whether there is a discrepancy. 032123
Water levels will rise and fall on the river through Douglas next week.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department cautions anglers to be aware of sizable increases in water flows in the North Platte River next week as part of a flushing flow project.
The Game and Fish Department advises anglers and recreationists to know the potential dangers - they ask that people consider the fluctuating water levels and be aware that areas that can be waded effectively normally may not be safe at the higher levels.
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin releasing additional water from Gray Reef Reservoir in the early morning hours beginning March 20 and go through March 29.
Flushing flows are normally scheduled for completion in March to maximize benefits for spawning rainbow trout. 061623
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department cautions anglers to be aware of sizable increases in water flows in the North Platte River next week as part of a flushing flow project.
The Game and Fish Department advises anglers and recreationists to know the potential dangers - they ask that people consider the fluctuating water levels and be aware that areas that can be waded effectively normally may not be safe at the higher levels.
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin releasing additional water from Gray Reef Reservoir in the early morning hours beginning March 20 and go through March 29.
Flushing flows are normally scheduled for completion in March to maximize benefits for spawning rainbow trout. 061623
A change in leadership at Douglas City Hall.
Following the death of Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper, the Douglas City Council has named a new mayor...
Following the death of Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper, the Douglas City Council has named a new mayor...
Councilman Ron McNare made the motion, which passed unanimously.
Council also named McNare to serve as council president and mayor pro-temp.
Because Kim Pexton left the council to take the mayor's seat, the City Council invites interested residents to apply for the job...
Council also named McNare to serve as council president and mayor pro-temp.
Because Kim Pexton left the council to take the mayor's seat, the City Council invites interested residents to apply for the job...
Applications for the open seat on the Douglas City Council will be accepted through March 31st. A new councilperson will be selected by April 6th, and sworn in at the Council's April 10th meeting. 031523

A death in Converse County earlier this month was not a homicide.
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Converse County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations team, began an investigation related to a deceased male, identified as Ryan Green, whose body was located on private property at about MP 12 on Highway 93 northwest of Douglas.
In a press release Monday, Sheriff Clint Becker says that through numerous investigative techniques, including autopsy, scene processing by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, interviews of family, witnesses and other persons, and cell phone data recovery that, pending toxicological results from the autopsy, Ryan Green’s death does not appear to be a homicide.
This case is still being investigated. 031423
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Converse County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations team, began an investigation related to a deceased male, identified as Ryan Green, whose body was located on private property at about MP 12 on Highway 93 northwest of Douglas.
In a press release Monday, Sheriff Clint Becker says that through numerous investigative techniques, including autopsy, scene processing by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, interviews of family, witnesses and other persons, and cell phone data recovery that, pending toxicological results from the autopsy, Ryan Green’s death does not appear to be a homicide.
This case is still being investigated. 031423

Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper died Thursday night after a long battle with cancer.
Kemper was first elected to the Douglas City Council in 2016, and served two terms as Mayor.
She also served as executive director of Youth Development Services in Douglas, which offers a long-term Group Home and short-term Crisis Shelter for youth up to 17 years of age.
Douglas City Council has cancelled their regular meeting on Monday, March 13th, and will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14th to choose a new mayor from among themselves. Council will then accept applications from the public to fill the empty council seat.
Until then, the Mayor Pro Tem Kim Pexton will fill the post.
The governor has authorized the City of Douglas to lower flags to half-mast through sunset on Friday, March 10, 2023, in remembrance of Mayor René Kemper. 030623
Kemper was first elected to the Douglas City Council in 2016, and served two terms as Mayor.
She also served as executive director of Youth Development Services in Douglas, which offers a long-term Group Home and short-term Crisis Shelter for youth up to 17 years of age.
Douglas City Council has cancelled their regular meeting on Monday, March 13th, and will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14th to choose a new mayor from among themselves. Council will then accept applications from the public to fill the empty council seat.
Until then, the Mayor Pro Tem Kim Pexton will fill the post.
The governor has authorized the City of Douglas to lower flags to half-mast through sunset on Friday, March 10, 2023, in remembrance of Mayor René Kemper. 030623

The Converse County Sheriff's office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating a death off Wyoming Highway 93, the Ft Fetterman Road.
In a statement this morning, the CCSO says deputies were called out at about 6:45 this morning to a possible death on private property along WY-93 in a rural part of the county.
Deputies arrived and confirmed there was a deceased person at the location.
Please do not stop or delay in the area as you pass by. The deceased individuals identity has not been confirmed. There is no danger to the public stemming from this incident. 030123
In a statement this morning, the CCSO says deputies were called out at about 6:45 this morning to a possible death on private property along WY-93 in a rural part of the county.
Deputies arrived and confirmed there was a deceased person at the location.
Please do not stop or delay in the area as you pass by. The deceased individuals identity has not been confirmed. There is no danger to the public stemming from this incident. 030123

We've melted off a lot of snow in the past few weeks... but there's plenty more up in Wyoming's high country.
Statewide, the snow water equivalent hit 112% of the 30-year median on Monday. That's up from 107% last week... and it's a big jump from a year ago, when snow across the state had only accumulated to 85% of the median.
The Little Snake Basin in southern Wyoming tops the rankings this week at 145% of the median. The Lower North Platte Basin, which includes Casper, Douglas, Glendo and Guernsey, comes in second at 134%.
Due largely to the winter’s frequent snowstorms, Casper Mountain’s snowpack has climbed, as of Monday, to 121% of the median. 030123
Statewide, the snow water equivalent hit 112% of the 30-year median on Monday. That's up from 107% last week... and it's a big jump from a year ago, when snow across the state had only accumulated to 85% of the median.
The Little Snake Basin in southern Wyoming tops the rankings this week at 145% of the median. The Lower North Platte Basin, which includes Casper, Douglas, Glendo and Guernsey, comes in second at 134%.
Due largely to the winter’s frequent snowstorms, Casper Mountain’s snowpack has climbed, as of Monday, to 121% of the median. 030123

Wyoming’s oil and gas production was mostly back to normal in 2022.
That's according to the latest summary report on oil and gas from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
One of the most positive items in this year’s report was that oil production in 2022 was greater than had been originally predicted.
The summary report also noted that 60 percent of Wyoming’s oil comes from just two counties, Converse and Campbell counties.
As for natural gas, production in Wyoming either held steady or declined in 2022. Sublette, Sweetwater, and Fremont Counties continued to be the top producing counties. 022423
That's according to the latest summary report on oil and gas from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
One of the most positive items in this year’s report was that oil production in 2022 was greater than had been originally predicted.
The summary report also noted that 60 percent of Wyoming’s oil comes from just two counties, Converse and Campbell counties.
As for natural gas, production in Wyoming either held steady or declined in 2022. Sublette, Sweetwater, and Fremont Counties continued to be the top producing counties. 022423

More than $9100 dollars raised... that was the total after teams and individuals jumped in the tank for the DOUGLAS Jackalope
Jump fundraiser Friday afternoon at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals have been working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and they held up their end of the bargain with a jump in the tank today.
The air temerature was about 30 degrees and the water temerature was 34 degrees.
All funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide who compete year-round in Wyoming.
Money raised helps cover program costs such as transportation, sports equipment, team uniforms, and meals. 021023
Jump fundraiser Friday afternoon at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals have been working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and they held up their end of the bargain with a jump in the tank today.
The air temerature was about 30 degrees and the water temerature was 34 degrees.
All funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide who compete year-round in Wyoming.
Money raised helps cover program costs such as transportation, sports equipment, team uniforms, and meals. 021023

A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County on Friday evening after a semi-truck collided into the parked patrol car on Highway 59.
The trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the truck and hit the back of the patrol vehicle.
The accident happened 46 miles north of Douglas where the trooper was assisting several vehicles that had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions.
The trooper was inside of vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was cited for speeding too fast for road conditions. 020623
The trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the truck and hit the back of the patrol vehicle.
The accident happened 46 miles north of Douglas where the trooper was assisting several vehicles that had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions.
The trooper was inside of vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was cited for speeding too fast for road conditions. 020623

Wyoming’s statewide graduation rate dropped by less than a percentage point in 2021-22, but remains “consistently strong,” according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
Statewide, the graduation rate for four-year students during the 2021-22 academic year was 81.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 2021. Since 2015, Wyoming graduation rates have been above 80%.
New numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education show an 87.3 percent graduation rate for Converse County School District #1 at Douglas, and 85.7 percent in Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock.
Natrona County School District #1 was lower than the state average, at 77.7 percent. 020223
Statewide, the graduation rate for four-year students during the 2021-22 academic year was 81.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 2021. Since 2015, Wyoming graduation rates have been above 80%.
New numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education show an 87.3 percent graduation rate for Converse County School District #1 at Douglas, and 85.7 percent in Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock.
Natrona County School District #1 was lower than the state average, at 77.7 percent. 020223

Converse County's unemployment rate gained a bit in December.
From November to December, the percentage of unemployed here rose from 2.3 percent to 2.7 percent. December 21 to December 22, Converse County fell from 3.3 to 2.7 percent.
Sweetwater County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent in December.
Teton and Weston Counties had the lowest rate, at 2.4 percent.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.6 percent in November, to 3.7 percent in December. 020223
From November to December, the percentage of unemployed here rose from 2.3 percent to 2.7 percent. December 21 to December 22, Converse County fell from 3.3 to 2.7 percent.
Sweetwater County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent in December.
Teton and Weston Counties had the lowest rate, at 2.4 percent.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.6 percent in November, to 3.7 percent in December. 020223

Once WYDOT gets done rebuilding that big bridge project on I-25 at Casper... they're going to do it again.
In fact, WYDOT plans to replacing four more Interstate 25 bridges, as well as the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.
The project is set to begin during this spring's construction season and will replace the aging structures, three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street.
The project includes new road surfacing between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersection upgrades.
The project covers about a mile, and is expected to take two years to complete. 012523
In fact, WYDOT plans to replacing four more Interstate 25 bridges, as well as the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.
The project is set to begin during this spring's construction season and will replace the aging structures, three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street.
The project includes new road surfacing between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersection upgrades.
The project covers about a mile, and is expected to take two years to complete. 012523

History buffs will get a look at early-day ranching in Converse County this weekend.
The Converse County Historical Society will host a program featuring Kari and Andy Gray of the Gray Ranch located near Orin, Wyoming.
Heidi McCullough says the ranch is one of the oldest in the area...
The Converse County Historical Society will host a program featuring Kari and Andy Gray of the Gray Ranch located near Orin, Wyoming.
Heidi McCullough says the ranch is one of the oldest in the area...
The program will begin at 2:00 PM this Sunday, January 22nd at the Douglas Senior Center. It's free, and open to the public. 011823

2022 was a “return to normal” for Wyoming’s oil and gas industry.
The latest summary report by the Wyoming State Geological Survey shows crude oil and natural gas production returned to their pre-pandemic trends and year-over-year gain in oil volumes with a gradual decline in natural gas production.
Highlights of the report include the return of oil and gas production to pre-pandemic trends, the resumption of oil and gas lease sales by the Bureau of Land Management, and an increase in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
More than 100 oil or gas wells were completed in Wyoming in the first half of 2022.
The report shows that Converse County lead oil production in the state again last year, turning out a full 33 percent of the state's oil production. Campbell County was the second highest producer, at 23 percent of the volume. 011323
The latest summary report by the Wyoming State Geological Survey shows crude oil and natural gas production returned to their pre-pandemic trends and year-over-year gain in oil volumes with a gradual decline in natural gas production.
Highlights of the report include the return of oil and gas production to pre-pandemic trends, the resumption of oil and gas lease sales by the Bureau of Land Management, and an increase in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
More than 100 oil or gas wells were completed in Wyoming in the first half of 2022.
The report shows that Converse County lead oil production in the state again last year, turning out a full 33 percent of the state's oil production. Campbell County was the second highest producer, at 23 percent of the volume. 011323

This week's cold weather means some folks are getting a longer-than-expected Christmas holiday.
Due to the extreme cold weather, the Douglas Rec Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, in addition to Christmas Eve on Saturday and Christmas on Sunday.
Normal Rec hours will resume on Monday, December 26th.
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers and Thrift Store will be closed this Thursday and Friday, and Monday the 26th.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
Not weather related, but due to the holiday weekend..
The City Landfill will be closed on Saturday in observance of Christmas Eve.
All City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of holidays.
Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Mondays will have their pickup dates moved to Tuesday the next two weeks.
Converse County offices will also be closed on Monday, in observation of the Christmas holidays. 122222
Due to the extreme cold weather, the Douglas Rec Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, in addition to Christmas Eve on Saturday and Christmas on Sunday.
Normal Rec hours will resume on Monday, December 26th.
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers and Thrift Store will be closed this Thursday and Friday, and Monday the 26th.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
Not weather related, but due to the holiday weekend..
The City Landfill will be closed on Saturday in observance of Christmas Eve.
All City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of holidays.
Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Mondays will have their pickup dates moved to Tuesday the next two weeks.
Converse County offices will also be closed on Monday, in observation of the Christmas holidays. 122222

Coal mine sues railroad...
After a year of shipment struggles that Navajo Transitional Energy Company alleged has cost millions of dollars, the company is suing BNSF.
NTEC said it was only able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to port through November of this year. It had expected to ship 5.5 million tons, possibly more, but couldn’t get train service for coal shipments.
The mining company accuses BNSF of breach of contract for not providing enough locomotives to shuttle coal to the port at Vancouver, British Columbia.
NTEC alleges that the BNSF had taken on new coal customers to their disadvantage.
For its part, BNSF had reported rail challenges throughout the year. 122222
After a year of shipment struggles that Navajo Transitional Energy Company alleged has cost millions of dollars, the company is suing BNSF.
NTEC said it was only able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to port through November of this year. It had expected to ship 5.5 million tons, possibly more, but couldn’t get train service for coal shipments.
The mining company accuses BNSF of breach of contract for not providing enough locomotives to shuttle coal to the port at Vancouver, British Columbia.
NTEC alleges that the BNSF had taken on new coal customers to their disadvantage.
For its part, BNSF had reported rail challenges throughout the year. 122222

Is there new life ahead for Converse County's uranium industry?
After sitting for years below $30 per pound, the price of uranium on the international market is moving closer to the $50-to-$60 range.
That's where Wyoming companies say they’ll once again be able to compete.
Three companies with in-situ operations in Wyoming have been chosen to help fill the U.S. Department of Energy’s $75 million strategic uranium reserve.
The federal agency will purchase 700,000 pounds of already mined uranium material from those companies in the first quarter of 2023: 300,000 pounds from Uranium Energy Corp, 300,000 pounds from Peninsula Energy subsidiary Strata Energy and 100,000 pounds from Ur-Energy.
UEC and Peninsula both have operations in the Powder River Basin. UR Energy has assets southwest of Casper in the Shirley Basin. 122122
After sitting for years below $30 per pound, the price of uranium on the international market is moving closer to the $50-to-$60 range.
That's where Wyoming companies say they’ll once again be able to compete.
Three companies with in-situ operations in Wyoming have been chosen to help fill the U.S. Department of Energy’s $75 million strategic uranium reserve.
The federal agency will purchase 700,000 pounds of already mined uranium material from those companies in the first quarter of 2023: 300,000 pounds from Uranium Energy Corp, 300,000 pounds from Peninsula Energy subsidiary Strata Energy and 100,000 pounds from Ur-Energy.
UEC and Peninsula both have operations in the Powder River Basin. UR Energy has assets southwest of Casper in the Shirley Basin. 122122

It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for some, they need a little help to make things wonderful.
The familiar red kettles and friendly bell-ringing volunteers of the Salvation Army are already in Douglas, and Committee coordinator Dick Taylor says every penny collected in Converse County, stays in Converse County.
Taylor, who has been volunteering with the Christmas Campaign for over 20 years, says 100% of the money raised goes toward helping residents who need a little help - maybe with their rent or utilities.
It also helps those passing through Douglas and Glenrock who may need a night at a hotel to escape the cold, or money for fuel to make it to their destination.
No one locally connected with the Salvation Army receives pay.
Converse County residents can be sure that when they give some spare change - in any amount, large or small - it stays in the community. 121922
The familiar red kettles and friendly bell-ringing volunteers of the Salvation Army are already in Douglas, and Committee coordinator Dick Taylor says every penny collected in Converse County, stays in Converse County.
Taylor, who has been volunteering with the Christmas Campaign for over 20 years, says 100% of the money raised goes toward helping residents who need a little help - maybe with their rent or utilities.
It also helps those passing through Douglas and Glenrock who may need a night at a hotel to escape the cold, or money for fuel to make it to their destination.
No one locally connected with the Salvation Army receives pay.
Converse County residents can be sure that when they give some spare change - in any amount, large or small - it stays in the community. 121922

Secret Santa will visit Douglas this weekend.
Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says area law enforcement will be doing Shop With A Cop this weekend...
Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says area law enforcement will be doing Shop With A Cop this weekend...
Once the gifts are selected, there's still packages to wrap...
Chief Byerly says there's an account set up at Converse County Bank in Douglas for anyone who'd like to donate to next year's Shop With A Cop Program. 121322

Casper's Natrona County High School went into lockdown Tuesday morning when a student was found to be in possession of a firearm at the school.
Casper police said the student was reportedly showing off the unloaded gun to other students, after which the incident was reported to staff.
CPD officers contacted the student, the firearm was recovered, the student was detained by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
Charges against the student are pending. 120722
Casper police said the student was reportedly showing off the unloaded gun to other students, after which the incident was reported to staff.
CPD officers contacted the student, the firearm was recovered, the student was detained by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
Charges against the student are pending. 120722

Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is expanding their services in Converse County.
A $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation has helped Hospice hire a new social worker.
The grant covered some hiring and training costs for Central Wyoming Hospice to add Desirae Laird of Douglas to their team.
Central Wyoming Hospice said that expanding its team in Converse County will allow more people to stay home and receive hospice services. 120722
A $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation has helped Hospice hire a new social worker.
The grant covered some hiring and training costs for Central Wyoming Hospice to add Desirae Laird of Douglas to their team.
Central Wyoming Hospice said that expanding its team in Converse County will allow more people to stay home and receive hospice services. 120722

Cardboard recycling is available again in the Jackalope City.
The City of Douglas announced Friday a public/private partnership between the City and 307 Disposal.
307 will begin processing, baling, and transporting cardboard waste products to a processing center, using existing space and equipment at the city's landfill.
In return, the City will pick up cardboard from existing locations throughout the community and deliver to the designated recycling area at the landfill.
Citizens are encouraged to immediatly begin recycling corrugated cardboard products.
Cardboard boxes would need to be broken down in order to fit inside the city's familiar blue recycling dumpsters, located in more than 25 locations around Douglas. 120522
The City of Douglas announced Friday a public/private partnership between the City and 307 Disposal.
307 will begin processing, baling, and transporting cardboard waste products to a processing center, using existing space and equipment at the city's landfill.
In return, the City will pick up cardboard from existing locations throughout the community and deliver to the designated recycling area at the landfill.
Citizens are encouraged to immediatly begin recycling corrugated cardboard products.
Cardboard boxes would need to be broken down in order to fit inside the city's familiar blue recycling dumpsters, located in more than 25 locations around Douglas. 120522

It's a Douglas Holiday Tradition, and you're invited!
Come enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24th.
They'll be serving from 11am to 2 pm at the Douglas Moose Lodge, 120 North Second Street.
For Carry Out Call Paige at 351-1188, or Kate 351-8817.112322
Come enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24th.
They'll be serving from 11am to 2 pm at the Douglas Moose Lodge, 120 North Second Street.
For Carry Out Call Paige at 351-1188, or Kate 351-8817.112322

Wyoming's leaders are concerned that railroad workers may go on strike after a rail union rejected a proposed contract.
The tentative contract deal resulted from last-minute negotiations convened by the Biden administration in mid-September.
But the agreement proved unsatisfactory to 50.9% of workers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Several other rail unions have voted to approve the contract, but don’t plan to cross the picket lines. A strike could begin as soon as Dec. 5.
If the railroads can’t move Powder River Basin coal, Wyoming’s mines could be forced to scale back production or even shut down until rail service resumes. 112222
The tentative contract deal resulted from last-minute negotiations convened by the Biden administration in mid-September.
But the agreement proved unsatisfactory to 50.9% of workers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Several other rail unions have voted to approve the contract, but don’t plan to cross the picket lines. A strike could begin as soon as Dec. 5.
If the railroads can’t move Powder River Basin coal, Wyoming’s mines could be forced to scale back production or even shut down until rail service resumes. 112222

The nation’s average gas price fell for the second straight week, down 12 cents from a week ago to $3.64.
GasBuddy.com says the national average is down 16.4 cents from a month ago and remains 24.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Teton County continued to report the highest average in the state on Monday, averaging $4.34 a gallon. Natrona County was the cheapest in the state, at $3.04 a gallon, and several Casper stations were below $3.90. Converse County gasoline averaged $3.49 a gallon on Monday. 112222
GasBuddy.com says the national average is down 16.4 cents from a month ago and remains 24.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Teton County continued to report the highest average in the state on Monday, averaging $4.34 a gallon. Natrona County was the cheapest in the state, at $3.04 a gallon, and several Casper stations were below $3.90. Converse County gasoline averaged $3.49 a gallon on Monday. 112222

Eastern Wyoming College Assistant Professor of Nursing, Kasey Powell has been honored by the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) with the Inspiring Our Future Nurses award.
The award is given to a WNA nursing instructor member who has been a positive influence on the future of nurses or Wyoming.
Powell has been a full-time Assistant Professor of Nursing on EWC’s Douglas Campus since 2021, but has been involved in the EWC nursing program since its start in January 2016
Before taking on the instructor’s role and teaching future nurses, Powell worked as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical and OB floors at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She has worked there since 2011.
She also was the Director of Inpatient Services where she managed clinical staff on Medical Surgical, OB and the ICU. 111922
The award is given to a WNA nursing instructor member who has been a positive influence on the future of nurses or Wyoming.
Powell has been a full-time Assistant Professor of Nursing on EWC’s Douglas Campus since 2021, but has been involved in the EWC nursing program since its start in January 2016
Before taking on the instructor’s role and teaching future nurses, Powell worked as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical and OB floors at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She has worked there since 2011.
She also was the Director of Inpatient Services where she managed clinical staff on Medical Surgical, OB and the ICU. 111922

A Converse County Commissioner offered testimony in Washington DC this week.
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) welcomed Converse County Commissioner Jim Willox to the Senate where he served as an expert witness regarding the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) during an Environment and Public Works Subcommittee hearing.
During the hearing, Commissioner Willox discussed rural access for competitive grants, as well as other issues Wyoming towns and counties are facing while implementing the IIJA.
In his testimony, Commissioner Willox highlighted many of Sen. Lummis’s priorities including the need for additional permitting reform, and solutions to onerous regulations from the Federal Highway Administration.
An example Willox identified was the Federal Highway Administration denying eight of Wyoming’s eleven requested exemptions under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. 111722
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) welcomed Converse County Commissioner Jim Willox to the Senate where he served as an expert witness regarding the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) during an Environment and Public Works Subcommittee hearing.
During the hearing, Commissioner Willox discussed rural access for competitive grants, as well as other issues Wyoming towns and counties are facing while implementing the IIJA.
In his testimony, Commissioner Willox highlighted many of Sen. Lummis’s priorities including the need for additional permitting reform, and solutions to onerous regulations from the Federal Highway Administration.
An example Willox identified was the Federal Highway Administration denying eight of Wyoming’s eleven requested exemptions under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. 111722

Turkeys on Wyoming's Thanksgiving tables will come at a higher cost this year.
Retail prices for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast hit a new record in September at $6.70 per pound. That's more than double the price from last year, when turkeys were running just $3.16 a pound.
Bird flu swept across the nation from Maine to Wyoming this year, forcing the destruction of more than 23 million turkeys, chickens and game birds.
Tim Simeroth is captain of the Salvation Army in Casper.
He estimates that his organization will likely need 600 birds for food baskets this year. That's a significant increase from the 400 needed last year. 111022
Retail prices for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast hit a new record in September at $6.70 per pound. That's more than double the price from last year, when turkeys were running just $3.16 a pound.
Bird flu swept across the nation from Maine to Wyoming this year, forcing the destruction of more than 23 million turkeys, chickens and game birds.
Tim Simeroth is captain of the Salvation Army in Casper.
He estimates that his organization will likely need 600 birds for food baskets this year. That's a significant increase from the 400 needed last year. 111022

Ballots are counted, and Converse County voters have spoken... here's results of the contested races in Tuesday's general election.
Republican Tomi Stock will represent eastern Converse County in the Wyoming State Legislature. Strock defeated former Douglas mayor Bruce Jones by about a 2-1 margin. Stock received 2266 votes, Jones marked 1079, and Democrat Hank Szramkowski got 218 votes.
Trent Kaufman, Robert Short and Jim Willox get the 3 seats on the Converse County Commission. Kaufman came in with 3363 votes, Short got 3199, Willox got 2794. Darek Joppru received 1909 votes.
Bruce Roumell will continue to serve as Mayor of Glenrock. He beat challenger Margaret Nunn 424 to 378.
Perry Hershberger and Kim Pexton take the two four-year seats on the Douglas City council.
Matt Schmidt defeats Josh Valk for the two-year seat on the Douglas Council.
Judy Colling and Roy Kincaid win the four-year seats on the Glenrock council.
Rolling Hills town council, two seats open, Kenneth Montgomery gets 90 votes, Lori Cielinski gets 66, Glenn Lewis gets 63.
Converse County School District #1 board, four-year terms, go to Trent Boner, Josh Moore, Shane Stinson and Jared Vollman. Two-year seats go to Ty Tillard and Jeremiah Darr.
CCSD #2 board seats go to Casey Tillard and Viki Kinkaid.
The optional one-cent sales tax, and the lodging tax both passed easily, and the pari-mutual wagering ballot issue passed by just 72 votes.
A link to complete election total is available here. 110822
Republican Tomi Stock will represent eastern Converse County in the Wyoming State Legislature. Strock defeated former Douglas mayor Bruce Jones by about a 2-1 margin. Stock received 2266 votes, Jones marked 1079, and Democrat Hank Szramkowski got 218 votes.
Trent Kaufman, Robert Short and Jim Willox get the 3 seats on the Converse County Commission. Kaufman came in with 3363 votes, Short got 3199, Willox got 2794. Darek Joppru received 1909 votes.
Bruce Roumell will continue to serve as Mayor of Glenrock. He beat challenger Margaret Nunn 424 to 378.
Perry Hershberger and Kim Pexton take the two four-year seats on the Douglas City council.
Matt Schmidt defeats Josh Valk for the two-year seat on the Douglas Council.
Judy Colling and Roy Kincaid win the four-year seats on the Glenrock council.
Rolling Hills town council, two seats open, Kenneth Montgomery gets 90 votes, Lori Cielinski gets 66, Glenn Lewis gets 63.
Converse County School District #1 board, four-year terms, go to Trent Boner, Josh Moore, Shane Stinson and Jared Vollman. Two-year seats go to Ty Tillard and Jeremiah Darr.
CCSD #2 board seats go to Casey Tillard and Viki Kinkaid.
The optional one-cent sales tax, and the lodging tax both passed easily, and the pari-mutual wagering ballot issue passed by just 72 votes.
A link to complete election total is available here. 110822

Employers across the state will tell you how difficult it is to hire good workers... and the people who plow your highways are no different.
With winter weather in the weeks and months ahead, the Wyoming Department of Transportation says they have a shortage of snow plow drivers.
WYDOT said in a press release Tuesday that crews currently seeing the most severe staffing shortages include Rock Springs, Hulett, Shirley Rim, LaBarge, Reno Junction, Patrick Draw and Muddy Gap. Douglas is currently down 8 drivers. Application are available online. Driving a plow requires a CDL license.
To deal with the staffing shortages, WYDOT says they'll work to move crews from areas less impacted by storms to routes experiencing the most severe weather. 110222
With winter weather in the weeks and months ahead, the Wyoming Department of Transportation says they have a shortage of snow plow drivers.
WYDOT said in a press release Tuesday that crews currently seeing the most severe staffing shortages include Rock Springs, Hulett, Shirley Rim, LaBarge, Reno Junction, Patrick Draw and Muddy Gap. Douglas is currently down 8 drivers. Application are available online. Driving a plow requires a CDL license.
To deal with the staffing shortages, WYDOT says they'll work to move crews from areas less impacted by storms to routes experiencing the most severe weather. 110222

A Casper teen died Monday afternoon in a head-on collision with a dump truck.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the 15-year-old was driving west on Wyoming Highway 220 at about 4 p.m. when his car drifted across the center-line and hit an oncoming truck, .
The boy died at the scene. The dump truck driver, 47-year-old Dustin H. Geiger of Casper, was not injured.
Highway patrol officials say inattention on the boy's part may have contributed to the crash.
The crash, near the intersection of highways 220 and 487 between Casper and Alcova, led authorities to shut down a section of 220 for nearly two hours Monday afternoon as they investigated.110222
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the 15-year-old was driving west on Wyoming Highway 220 at about 4 p.m. when his car drifted across the center-line and hit an oncoming truck, .
The boy died at the scene. The dump truck driver, 47-year-old Dustin H. Geiger of Casper, was not injured.
Highway patrol officials say inattention on the boy's part may have contributed to the crash.
The crash, near the intersection of highways 220 and 487 between Casper and Alcova, led authorities to shut down a section of 220 for nearly two hours Monday afternoon as they investigated.110222

Congratulations to the Jackalope City Scarecrow Contest winners!!
23 entries this year in the contest organized by the Enterprise.
Out of nearly 450 votes, 1st: CP Realty on Center Street. - 2nd: Converse County Bank - 3rd: College Inn Bar - People's Choice: Boys & Girls Club of Douglas
Thank you everyone who participated, judged and voted!! Be sure to check out the winners during Downtown Trick or Treat today. 103122
23 entries this year in the contest organized by the Enterprise.
Out of nearly 450 votes, 1st: CP Realty on Center Street. - 2nd: Converse County Bank - 3rd: College Inn Bar - People's Choice: Boys & Girls Club of Douglas
Thank you everyone who participated, judged and voted!! Be sure to check out the winners during Downtown Trick or Treat today. 103122

The DHS Bearcat Marching Band has a new trophy, bringing home Superior honors Saturday in the state marching band competition in Casper.
Band director Tim Painter told KKTY's Liz Ostrander they worked hard for it...
Band director Tim Painter told KKTY's Liz Ostrander they worked hard for it...
Painter said this win was the first in his 5 years at DHS and the first Superior rating the band has received since 2016. 101822

A Converse County man died Saturday afternoon when he was thrown from the pickup he was driving when it rolled over near Rolling Hills.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 61 year old Russell Caves was driving north on Wyoming Highway 95 at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon when his pickup swerved, skidded and rolled, coming to rest on its roof.
Caves was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown clear of the truck.
The highway patrol says driver inattention was a possible contributing factor to the crash. 101822
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 61 year old Russell Caves was driving north on Wyoming Highway 95 at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon when his pickup swerved, skidded and rolled, coming to rest on its roof.
Caves was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown clear of the truck.
The highway patrol says driver inattention was a possible contributing factor to the crash. 101822

Converse County School District #1 has received a worldwide honor from is accreditation provider.
Cognia is the global school improvement and accreditation organization. It serves 36,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Cognia announced Converse County School District #1 at Douglas has received their Systems of Distinction designation, one of only 38 systems across the globe.
The Systems of Distinction earn this recognition based on the results of Cognia’s Accreditation Engagement Review process.
Converse County School District #1 hosted its accreditation review in the spring of 2022. 101422
Cognia is the global school improvement and accreditation organization. It serves 36,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Cognia announced Converse County School District #1 at Douglas has received their Systems of Distinction designation, one of only 38 systems across the globe.
The Systems of Distinction earn this recognition based on the results of Cognia’s Accreditation Engagement Review process.
Converse County School District #1 hosted its accreditation review in the spring of 2022. 101422

The DHS Bearcat Band and 22 other high school marching bands will participate in the Wyoming State Marching Band Festival in Casper this Saturday.
The festival is set to begin at noon Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Doors will open at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Bearcats Band is scheduled to perform at 1:30 PM.
After the high school bands all perform, the University of Wyoming’s Western Thunder Marching Band is set to deliver a performance at around 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Awards to high school bands will be presented after the Western Thunder performance. 101422
The festival is set to begin at noon Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Doors will open at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Bearcats Band is scheduled to perform at 1:30 PM.
After the high school bands all perform, the University of Wyoming’s Western Thunder Marching Band is set to deliver a performance at around 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Awards to high school bands will be presented after the Western Thunder performance. 101422

Memorial Hospital of Converse County is growing again to better serve the healthcare needs of Converse and Natrona Counties.
The Converse County Commissioners gave the green light this week for the hospital board to move foreward with the $38 million dollar purchase of Summit Medical Center in Casper.
In addition to the private surgical practice, the purchase includes a lease of the Summit Medical center building on East Second Street next to Vista Toyota.
MHCC already operates in Natrona County. They purchased Western Medical Associates in 2020. That practice serves 16,000 patents in Natrona County, with two locations in Casper.100622
The Converse County Commissioners gave the green light this week for the hospital board to move foreward with the $38 million dollar purchase of Summit Medical Center in Casper.
In addition to the private surgical practice, the purchase includes a lease of the Summit Medical center building on East Second Street next to Vista Toyota.
MHCC already operates in Natrona County. They purchased Western Medical Associates in 2020. That practice serves 16,000 patents in Natrona County, with two locations in Casper.100622

Air passengers will get another flight between Casper and Salt Lake City.
The Natrona County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on Tuesday to add the additional flight, which comes via an agreement between the airport and SkyWest Airlines, connecting Casper-Natrona County International Airport to Salt Lake City, Utah.
The move comes just months after work was done to improve the airport, which included rehabilitating the runway and runway lighting and adding several pieces of navigational aid. 100622
The Natrona County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on Tuesday to add the additional flight, which comes via an agreement between the airport and SkyWest Airlines, connecting Casper-Natrona County International Airport to Salt Lake City, Utah.
The move comes just months after work was done to improve the airport, which included rehabilitating the runway and runway lighting and adding several pieces of navigational aid. 100622

High natural gas prices are making coal-burning power plants a more attractive option, and that's pushing the price of Powder River Basin coal higher.
How high natural gas prices become, and how coal markets respond, will depend partly on temperatures this winter in the United States and in Northern Europe.
The spot price of Powder River Coal typically hovers between about $10 and $12 per short ton. It averaged $16.20 during the first two weeks of September and $16.15 during the next two, then rose to $16.25 per short ton as of Sept. 30.
There's also a bottleneck getting coal to market due to ongoing rail disruptions curtailing mines’ ability to ship coal. 100522
How high natural gas prices become, and how coal markets respond, will depend partly on temperatures this winter in the United States and in Northern Europe.
The spot price of Powder River Coal typically hovers between about $10 and $12 per short ton. It averaged $16.20 during the first two weeks of September and $16.15 during the next two, then rose to $16.25 per short ton as of Sept. 30.
There's also a bottleneck getting coal to market due to ongoing rail disruptions curtailing mines’ ability to ship coal. 100522

Two people died Saturday when the pickup they were driving rolled over southwest of Douglas.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office says 30 year old Stephen Bradley Duane Williams, and 23 year old Cason C. Grant, were both thrown from the truck and died at the scene.
The crash occurred shortly before noon Saturday near mile marker 26 on Cold Springs Road. Deputies, medics and firefighters responded to the crash and asked for a helicopter as well. When rescuers arrived, they found a red crew cab Chevrolet with Texas plates that had rolled down a steep hill. Medics determined both men were already dead.
The sheriff's office says it suspects alcohol use and speeding contributed to the crash. No other vehicles were involved. 100422
The Converse County Sheriff's Office says 30 year old Stephen Bradley Duane Williams, and 23 year old Cason C. Grant, were both thrown from the truck and died at the scene.
The crash occurred shortly before noon Saturday near mile marker 26 on Cold Springs Road. Deputies, medics and firefighters responded to the crash and asked for a helicopter as well. When rescuers arrived, they found a red crew cab Chevrolet with Texas plates that had rolled down a steep hill. Medics determined both men were already dead.
The sheriff's office says it suspects alcohol use and speeding contributed to the crash. No other vehicles were involved. 100422

Two popular Wyoming boating locations are changing their protocols for watercraft inspections to protect waters from invasive zebra mussels.
These changes, instituted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, will begin Wednesday, October 5th.
At both Keyhole and Glendo state parks, all watercraft will be inspected at the boat ramp before launching. Inspection hours will be 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Use of the boat ramp is restricted to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Launching without an inspection is prohibited.
Glendo boaters will launch only at Whiskey Gulch. All other boat ramps will be closed, and shore launching will be prohibited. State Parks says boaters should expect delays. 100322
These changes, instituted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, will begin Wednesday, October 5th.
At both Keyhole and Glendo state parks, all watercraft will be inspected at the boat ramp before launching. Inspection hours will be 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Use of the boat ramp is restricted to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Launching without an inspection is prohibited.
Glendo boaters will launch only at Whiskey Gulch. All other boat ramps will be closed, and shore launching will be prohibited. State Parks says boaters should expect delays. 100322

Artists have been named for the 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, and they include a Wyoming favorite.
The Ford Wyoming Center will host country music acts Chancey Williams, Josh Dorr and Sawyer Brown for its 40th anniversary concert on December 10th.
The Casper Events Center opened in 1982. It's one of the state's biggest venues and has hosted a wide variety of musicians, musicals and sports events including Elton John, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Santana and the College National Finals Rodeo, as well as many state basketball, volleyball and wrestling tournaments. 092922
The Ford Wyoming Center will host country music acts Chancey Williams, Josh Dorr and Sawyer Brown for its 40th anniversary concert on December 10th.
The Casper Events Center opened in 1982. It's one of the state's biggest venues and has hosted a wide variety of musicians, musicals and sports events including Elton John, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Santana and the College National Finals Rodeo, as well as many state basketball, volleyball and wrestling tournaments. 092922

A promotion at the Wyoming State Fair office in Douglas.
Kris Mitchell has been named Assistant General Manager of the State Fair.
Mitchell has served on the Wyoming State Fair team as the Exhibits Supervisor for the past three years.
She competed at the National High School Rodeo before attending college at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington on a full-ride rodeo scholarship.
After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Kris and her husband began raising a family in Douglas where she worked in the school district.
As Assistant General Manager, Kris's duties include handling sponsorships, contracting, hiring judges, assisting in marketing efforts, and year-round interim events. 092922
Kris Mitchell has been named Assistant General Manager of the State Fair.
Mitchell has served on the Wyoming State Fair team as the Exhibits Supervisor for the past three years.
She competed at the National High School Rodeo before attending college at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington on a full-ride rodeo scholarship.
After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Kris and her husband began raising a family in Douglas where she worked in the school district.
As Assistant General Manager, Kris's duties include handling sponsorships, contracting, hiring judges, assisting in marketing efforts, and year-round interim events. 092922

Thick black smoke at Glenrock Wednesday evening.
Converse County emergency Management says the smoke came up from a fire at the lignite plant just north of town. The Glenrock Fire Department was at the fire, which was active outside of the buildings.
Emergency Management said there was no threat to the community, and the fire was contained to the lignite plant property. 092922
Converse County emergency Management says the smoke came up from a fire at the lignite plant just north of town. The Glenrock Fire Department was at the fire, which was active outside of the buildings.
Emergency Management said there was no threat to the community, and the fire was contained to the lignite plant property. 092922

The State of Wyoming will get almost $27 million dollars in Federal funding to begin building charging stations for electric vehicles around the state.
Biden administration officials approved the first stage of Wyoming’s plan on Tuesday.
The funds will be used over the next five years to build, expand and maintain at least seven public charging stations along I-25, I-80 and I-90 as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The federal program wants no more than 50 miles between charging stations.
While several communities around the state already have charging stations in place, WYDOT wants to build charging stations in Douglas, Pine Bluffs, Buffalo and Sundance, and modify existing, Tesla-supported stations in Sheridan, Wheatland and Laramie. 092822
Biden administration officials approved the first stage of Wyoming’s plan on Tuesday.
The funds will be used over the next five years to build, expand and maintain at least seven public charging stations along I-25, I-80 and I-90 as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The federal program wants no more than 50 miles between charging stations.
While several communities around the state already have charging stations in place, WYDOT wants to build charging stations in Douglas, Pine Bluffs, Buffalo and Sundance, and modify existing, Tesla-supported stations in Sheridan, Wheatland and Laramie. 092822

Cadets who haven't finished their time at the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy now have some options.
The Wyoming Military department announced earlier this month that the resident portion of the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy in Guernsey would close indefinitely.
Now, Idaho, California, and Montana Challenge programs have agreed to enroll cadets immediately into their classes to continue forward to graduate in December 2022.
The Nevada Challenge program has agreed to enroll all the remaining cadets into the class starting in January 2023.
Of the 63 cadets in the current class at Guernsey, 32 have elected to participate in another challenge program, including 3 joining the Nevada class in January.
The 31 remaining cadets will have remote options for either credit recovery or to prepare for a High School Equivalency test. Some have elected to return to their high school. 092822
The Wyoming Military department announced earlier this month that the resident portion of the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy in Guernsey would close indefinitely.
Now, Idaho, California, and Montana Challenge programs have agreed to enroll cadets immediately into their classes to continue forward to graduate in December 2022.
The Nevada Challenge program has agreed to enroll all the remaining cadets into the class starting in January 2023.
Of the 63 cadets in the current class at Guernsey, 32 have elected to participate in another challenge program, including 3 joining the Nevada class in January.
The 31 remaining cadets will have remote options for either credit recovery or to prepare for a High School Equivalency test. Some have elected to return to their high school. 092822

A landmark roadside eatery is closing its doors.
The final day of business at the Three Sisters Truck Stop at Manville will be October 16th. The bar will remain open until dart leagues finish up, then it will also close for good.
Current owners Lori Carpenter and Shirley Bullock have owned and operated the Niobrara County business for the past 25 years. 092822
The final day of business at the Three Sisters Truck Stop at Manville will be October 16th. The bar will remain open until dart leagues finish up, then it will also close for good.
Current owners Lori Carpenter and Shirley Bullock have owned and operated the Niobrara County business for the past 25 years. 092822

Douglas Middle School operated under Secure mode for much of the day today as Douglas Police dealt with an issue across the street from the school.
The PD got a suicide call early Monday from a residence on Wind River Drive across from the school.
Douglas police chief Todd Byerly said before lunch that there is NO concern to the safety of the Douglas Middle School, but they have been placed into a SECURE mode.
At about 2:30PM, the DPD said the situation had been safely resolved with no injuries.
The Hold and Secure status at the Douglas Middle School was lifted, and parent pickup and school bus routes are taking place on a normal schedule. 092622
The PD got a suicide call early Monday from a residence on Wind River Drive across from the school.
Douglas police chief Todd Byerly said before lunch that there is NO concern to the safety of the Douglas Middle School, but they have been placed into a SECURE mode.
At about 2:30PM, the DPD said the situation had been safely resolved with no injuries.
The Hold and Secure status at the Douglas Middle School was lifted, and parent pickup and school bus routes are taking place on a normal schedule. 092622

A headstone has been placed in Niobrara County in memory of a World War II veteran who's been missing in action for 77 years.
Maj. Virgil Olds was a fighter pilot shot down while flying over Tokyo, Japan, in 1945. His body was never recovered.
On Friday, American Legion Post 1 of Van Tassell and the Niobrara County VFW honored Olds with a headstone marker near his family home at the Node Cemetery east of Lusk.
Olds was born in 1915 on a ranch about a mile south of Node.
He was raised by his grandparents, attended a little schoolhouse in Node and later graduated from Lusk High School in 1933.
U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney coordinated with the Wyoming VFW and Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville to get a headstone arranged for Olds.
Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. congressional candidate Harriet Hageman were among those in attendance at Friday's ceremonies. 092122
Maj. Virgil Olds was a fighter pilot shot down while flying over Tokyo, Japan, in 1945. His body was never recovered.
On Friday, American Legion Post 1 of Van Tassell and the Niobrara County VFW honored Olds with a headstone marker near his family home at the Node Cemetery east of Lusk.
Olds was born in 1915 on a ranch about a mile south of Node.
He was raised by his grandparents, attended a little schoolhouse in Node and later graduated from Lusk High School in 1933.
U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney coordinated with the Wyoming VFW and Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville to get a headstone arranged for Olds.
Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. congressional candidate Harriet Hageman were among those in attendance at Friday's ceremonies. 092122

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline on Monday, Sept. 19 is down slightly in Wyoming compared with a week ago.
Triple AAA says the statewide average cost for regular gasoline stands at $3.80 per gallon on Monday, down about a penny from a week ago.
Meanwhile, the national average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline stands at $3.67, down from $3.71 a week ago.
The average price of regular jumped 14 cents in Natrona County last week, to $3.40 a gallon.
Albany and Campbell Counties now has the cheapest gas in the state, at $3.37.
Teton County remains the highest, at $4.61.
Converse County averaged $3.81 a gallon on Monday. 092022
Triple AAA says the statewide average cost for regular gasoline stands at $3.80 per gallon on Monday, down about a penny from a week ago.
Meanwhile, the national average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline stands at $3.67, down from $3.71 a week ago.
The average price of regular jumped 14 cents in Natrona County last week, to $3.40 a gallon.
Albany and Campbell Counties now has the cheapest gas in the state, at $3.37.
Teton County remains the highest, at $4.61.
Converse County averaged $3.81 a gallon on Monday. 092022
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Douglas drivers have a new way across town.
The Pearson Street extension opens this afternoon. Pearson Street is on the west side of the North Platte River...Until today, it's come to a dead end in a field just south of Flicker Street. But city officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning on the extension that will connect West Riverbend and West Yellowstone on the west side of the river. Douglas Upper Elementary and Douglas Intermediate Schools are at the north end of the street... Douglas Middle School is at the south end... . Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says the new street will change traffic patterns... |
The new street will also improve access into the neighborhood for fire, ambulance and other emergency vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Power is putting the final touches on street lights this afternoon.
Douglas Public Works Director John Harbarger says the street should be open to the public by 5 this evening. 091922
Rocky Mountain Power is putting the final touches on street lights this afternoon.
Douglas Public Works Director John Harbarger says the street should be open to the public by 5 this evening. 091922

Sheep producers from across the West come to Douglas this week.
The Wyoming Wool Growers Association will host the the 94th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds.
The sale offers the highest quality range rams, stud rams, and rams for those with smaller flocks as well.
It's also a time when sheep producers get together to visit, discuss the industry, and renew old, and make new, acquaintances.
The event opens with a free reception Monday night at 6 at the Douglas Moose Lodge.
The Sale begins Tuesday morning at 11 on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. The sale will be broadcast live on DVAuction. 091222
The Wyoming Wool Growers Association will host the the 94th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds.
The sale offers the highest quality range rams, stud rams, and rams for those with smaller flocks as well.
It's also a time when sheep producers get together to visit, discuss the industry, and renew old, and make new, acquaintances.
The event opens with a free reception Monday night at 6 at the Douglas Moose Lodge.
The Sale begins Tuesday morning at 11 on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. The sale will be broadcast live on DVAuction. 091222

The Douglas City Council meets tonight for the first of their two regular monthly sessions.
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider approval of A Resolution Adopting A Policy for Accepting Gifts and Donations to the City.
Council will also consider bids to replace a fence around the city landfill.
Council will consider an authorization to apply for the Devon Energy Emergency Responder $10,000 grant to assist in purchase of a drug dog for the Douglas police Department.
City Council will also consider approval of a recommendation appointing Laurie Boner to the WY State Fair Board for a 4-year term from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2026
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 091222
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider approval of A Resolution Adopting A Policy for Accepting Gifts and Donations to the City.
Council will also consider bids to replace a fence around the city landfill.
Council will consider an authorization to apply for the Devon Energy Emergency Responder $10,000 grant to assist in purchase of a drug dog for the Douglas police Department.
City Council will also consider approval of a recommendation appointing Laurie Boner to the WY State Fair Board for a 4-year term from Sept. 2022 to Sept. 2026
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 091222

It's Homecoming Week at Douglas High School.
Monday is dress like a staff member day... the evening activity is dodgeball at 6:30pm
Tuesday is dress as Adam Sandler... the DHS homecoming parade is Tuesday evening at 6:30pm.
Wednesday is Water Safety, with powder puff events at 6:30pm
Thursday is throwback day, with seniors dressing in the 2000's, Juniors head for the 80's soph's th 90's and freshmen dig out the bell bottoms & dress like the 1970's. Thursday night the homecoming scavenger hunt starts at 6:30pm
Friday is the day for everyone to show their Bearcat Pride, and come out volleyball and football... the homecoming dance is after the football game at 9pm. 091222
Monday is dress like a staff member day... the evening activity is dodgeball at 6:30pm
Tuesday is dress as Adam Sandler... the DHS homecoming parade is Tuesday evening at 6:30pm.
Wednesday is Water Safety, with powder puff events at 6:30pm
Thursday is throwback day, with seniors dressing in the 2000's, Juniors head for the 80's soph's th 90's and freshmen dig out the bell bottoms & dress like the 1970's. Thursday night the homecoming scavenger hunt starts at 6:30pm
Friday is the day for everyone to show their Bearcat Pride, and come out volleyball and football... the homecoming dance is after the football game at 9pm. 091222

Wyoming conservation groups sued Wednesday over the environmental impacts of the 5,000-well Converse County Oil and Gas Project.
More than eight years after the project began and close to two years since it got approval from the Bureau of Land Management, a group called Advocates for the West has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Western Watersheds Project and the Powder River Basin Resource Council that reiterated the groups’ longstanding concerns
Of particular concern to the groups are the wells’ anticipated harms to local and regional air quality, and to sage grouse. The groups allege the BLM "improperly exempted" the project from certain land use restrictions imposed to protect sage grouse and nesting raptors.
Since approval two years ago, the BLM has approved more than 225 permits to drill at least 377 new wells in the area, according to Wednesday’s filing. The lawsuit challenges those permits in addition to the agency’s 2020 decision.
Converse County is already one of Wyoming’s top oil and gas producers. In 2020, it led the state for the third consecutive year. 090922
More than eight years after the project began and close to two years since it got approval from the Bureau of Land Management, a group called Advocates for the West has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Western Watersheds Project and the Powder River Basin Resource Council that reiterated the groups’ longstanding concerns
Of particular concern to the groups are the wells’ anticipated harms to local and regional air quality, and to sage grouse. The groups allege the BLM "improperly exempted" the project from certain land use restrictions imposed to protect sage grouse and nesting raptors.
Since approval two years ago, the BLM has approved more than 225 permits to drill at least 377 new wells in the area, according to Wednesday’s filing. The lawsuit challenges those permits in addition to the agency’s 2020 decision.
Converse County is already one of Wyoming’s top oil and gas producers. In 2020, it led the state for the third consecutive year. 090922

A wildfire in western Converse County burned 1,800 acres on Wednesday.
The Antelope Creek Fire, began around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and burned mostly grassland on the Ogalalla Ranch north of Glenrock, and east of Midwest.
Crews from Glenrock and the Bureau of Land Management worked on the blaze through Wednesday afternoon. BLM crews were flying in water to drop on the fire.
Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn said they had a good blade line all the way around it by the end of the day.
Some trees in the creek bed still burning in the interior.
The cause of the fire is not known. 090822
The Antelope Creek Fire, began around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and burned mostly grassland on the Ogalalla Ranch north of Glenrock, and east of Midwest.
Crews from Glenrock and the Bureau of Land Management worked on the blaze through Wednesday afternoon. BLM crews were flying in water to drop on the fire.
Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn said they had a good blade line all the way around it by the end of the day.
Some trees in the creek bed still burning in the interior.
The cause of the fire is not known. 090822

A Douglas neighborhood was evacuated around midday Tuesday due to a broken gas pipe.
The City issued an evacuation notice at around 11:30 Tuesday morning when a gas main was hit at the intersection of Cody and 5th Street. Residents in a two-block radius were urged to evacuate an area between Richards & Cody Streets, and LaBonte & 5th Street.
Black Hills Energy responded and worked to contain the situation.
By 12:20 Tuesday afternoon, the gas leak had been stopped and roads reopened, citizens were allowed to return safely to the evacuated area. 083122
The City issued an evacuation notice at around 11:30 Tuesday morning when a gas main was hit at the intersection of Cody and 5th Street. Residents in a two-block radius were urged to evacuate an area between Richards & Cody Streets, and LaBonte & 5th Street.
Black Hills Energy responded and worked to contain the situation.
By 12:20 Tuesday afternoon, the gas leak had been stopped and roads reopened, citizens were allowed to return safely to the evacuated area. 083122

A Converse County jury took about three hours last week to convict Solomon Bolen on 13 of 15 felonies stemming from the attempted murder of three California hunters just short of a year ago.
The 42-year-old Douglas-area resident was charged with a slew of crimes in October 2021, with burglaries involving weapons and pickup trucks and culminating with the shooting of the three out-of-state hunters.
The California trio said Friday that the experience was traumatic but made better by the quick actions of the first responders and law enforcement as well as prosecutors who got justice for them. 082522
The 42-year-old Douglas-area resident was charged with a slew of crimes in October 2021, with burglaries involving weapons and pickup trucks and culminating with the shooting of the three out-of-state hunters.
The California trio said Friday that the experience was traumatic but made better by the quick actions of the first responders and law enforcement as well as prosecutors who got justice for them. 082522

The Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock is celebrating the grand opening of a new Club building for Glenrock’s youth.
The new building is housed at the new Glenrock Town Square.
It's a gift from the Town of Glenrock and Converse County.
Private and corporate donations will support operations, equipment and furnishings to provide programs that focus on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
The Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration was held on Thursday last week, celebrating the completion of two years of planning and hard work. 082322
The new building is housed at the new Glenrock Town Square.
It's a gift from the Town of Glenrock and Converse County.
Private and corporate donations will support operations, equipment and furnishings to provide programs that focus on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
The Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration was held on Thursday last week, celebrating the completion of two years of planning and hard work. 082322

The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline fell for the 10th consecutive week last week.
Fuel price tracker GasBuddy said on Monday that the national average fell a nickle from a week ago to $3.86 per gallon.
The national average is down 51 cents from a month ago but up 72 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA says Natrona County still has the cheapest gas in the state, but it's gone up 3 cents, to an average $3.38 a gallon.
Converse County averages $4.08.
Teton County still tops the state with an average price of $4.85 a gallon. 082322
Fuel price tracker GasBuddy said on Monday that the national average fell a nickle from a week ago to $3.86 per gallon.
The national average is down 51 cents from a month ago but up 72 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA says Natrona County still has the cheapest gas in the state, but it's gone up 3 cents, to an average $3.38 a gallon.
Converse County averages $4.08.
Teton County still tops the state with an average price of $4.85 a gallon. 082322

It's a Back-To-School Monday in Converse County... School District #1 students in Douglas and District #2 students at Glenrock return to class today.
Classes begin at 8:00 AM at Douglas High School, Middle School, Primary and Rural Schools. Classes start at 8:13 AM at Douglas Upper Elementary and Douglas Intermediate.
Drivers are advised to be alert and aware, expecially in school zones, as kids head back to classes.
Classes also reopen today in Lusk.
Platte County #2 schools at Guernsey start classes on Tuesday
Platte County District 1 schools at Wheatland, Glendo and Chugwater go back to class on Wednesday.
Natrona County schools start Tuesday, September 6th. 082222
Classes begin at 8:00 AM at Douglas High School, Middle School, Primary and Rural Schools. Classes start at 8:13 AM at Douglas Upper Elementary and Douglas Intermediate.
Drivers are advised to be alert and aware, expecially in school zones, as kids head back to classes.
Classes also reopen today in Lusk.
Platte County #2 schools at Guernsey start classes on Tuesday
Platte County District 1 schools at Wheatland, Glendo and Chugwater go back to class on Wednesday.
Natrona County schools start Tuesday, September 6th. 082222

The 110th Wyoming State Fair in Douglas wrapped up on Saturday...
State Fair Parade winners were:
Youth Division - the Douglas Boys and Girls Club
Adult General Division - Navajo Energy
Service/Non-Profit Division - Korein Shriners
Wagon Division - Fort Laramie Mini Stagecoach
Collector Car or Tractor Division - Pedro Tirado Military Carrier
Division winners plaques and prizes money were sponsored by Douglas Hardware Hank, Global Propane, Navajo Energy, Memorial Hospital of Converse County and Fremont Motors.
Saturday night's Douglas Volunteer Fire Department Demolition Derby played out before a packed house, as usual.
Winners in the main event:
4th place, $400 dollars and a trophy from Twin Peaks Pump and Supply to Mart Million
3rd place, $1000 dollars and a trophy from Tyler Plumbing to Caylah Million
2nd place, $2000 dollars and a trophy provided by Crossroads Diesel Service to Casey Johnson
1st place, $3000 dollars and a trophy from ReMax Horizon Realty, to Wyatt Ramsey.
Ramsey also picked up another $2500 dollars and a trophy from Advanced Contracting Group and Beddes Dental for the "Mad Dog" award, given to the driver who consistently put up heavy hits all night long. 082222
State Fair Parade winners were:
Youth Division - the Douglas Boys and Girls Club
Adult General Division - Navajo Energy
Service/Non-Profit Division - Korein Shriners
Wagon Division - Fort Laramie Mini Stagecoach
Collector Car or Tractor Division - Pedro Tirado Military Carrier
Division winners plaques and prizes money were sponsored by Douglas Hardware Hank, Global Propane, Navajo Energy, Memorial Hospital of Converse County and Fremont Motors.
Saturday night's Douglas Volunteer Fire Department Demolition Derby played out before a packed house, as usual.
Winners in the main event:
4th place, $400 dollars and a trophy from Twin Peaks Pump and Supply to Mart Million
3rd place, $1000 dollars and a trophy from Tyler Plumbing to Caylah Million
2nd place, $2000 dollars and a trophy provided by Crossroads Diesel Service to Casey Johnson
1st place, $3000 dollars and a trophy from ReMax Horizon Realty, to Wyatt Ramsey.
Ramsey also picked up another $2500 dollars and a trophy from Advanced Contracting Group and Beddes Dental for the "Mad Dog" award, given to the driver who consistently put up heavy hits all night long. 082222

Another COVID-related death in Converse County.
The Converse County Emergency Management Agency says an older adult Converse County gentleman died this month. He was not hospitalized. He did have health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
This is Converse County’s 56th recorded Covid 19 death. 081822
The Converse County Emergency Management Agency says an older adult Converse County gentleman died this month. He was not hospitalized. He did have health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
This is Converse County’s 56th recorded Covid 19 death. 081822

The recount is finished... there's no change in the results.
Following Tuesday's Wyoming primary elections, Converse County's Commissioner's race was too close to call, and by state statute, went to a recount.
Converse County election officials re-ran all of the ballots.
The results of the recount showed the same nine-vote difference between Jim Willox and Tony Lehner. Robert Short, challenger
Trent Kaufman and Jim Willox had the top three vote tallies... they'll take the three open seats on the Commission.
Incumbent Tony Lehner served on the Converse County Commission for 14 years. He came on the board when the commission went from three to five members in 2008. 081722
Following Tuesday's Wyoming primary elections, Converse County's Commissioner's race was too close to call, and by state statute, went to a recount.
Converse County election officials re-ran all of the ballots.
The results of the recount showed the same nine-vote difference between Jim Willox and Tony Lehner. Robert Short, challenger
Trent Kaufman and Jim Willox had the top three vote tallies... they'll take the three open seats on the Commission.
Incumbent Tony Lehner served on the Converse County Commission for 14 years. He came on the board when the commission went from three to five members in 2008. 081722

A new hunting opportunity in Converse.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has announced the opening of a new ~4,000-acre public access area in northwestern Converse County that will provide new antelope and deer hunting opportunities.
The new Ogalalla Ranch Public Access Area includes about 4,000 acres of deeded land and also provides legal access to over 5,100 acres of other public land in the state.
The new public access area is in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Casper Region and will allow antelope and deer hunting opportunities between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30 each year. 081722
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has announced the opening of a new ~4,000-acre public access area in northwestern Converse County that will provide new antelope and deer hunting opportunities.
The new Ogalalla Ranch Public Access Area includes about 4,000 acres of deeded land and also provides legal access to over 5,100 acres of other public land in the state.
The new public access area is in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Casper Region and will allow antelope and deer hunting opportunities between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30 each year. 081722

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking information about a bull elk that was poached along Highway 34 in Sybille Canyon in early August.
Sometime between the evening of Friday, Aug. 5 and the morning of Saturday, Aug. 6, a mature bull elk was shot along Highway 34 about two-and-a-half miles west of the Thorne/Williams Wildlife Research Center. The elk’s head and antlers were removed that weekend.
The elk was taken out of season and was left to waste.
A reward is being offered for information on this case, and informants are urged to call the Stop Poaching Tip Line at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847). 081722
Sometime between the evening of Friday, Aug. 5 and the morning of Saturday, Aug. 6, a mature bull elk was shot along Highway 34 about two-and-a-half miles west of the Thorne/Williams Wildlife Research Center. The elk’s head and antlers were removed that weekend.
The elk was taken out of season and was left to waste.
A reward is being offered for information on this case, and informants are urged to call the Stop Poaching Tip Line at 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847). 081722
2022 Wyoming Primary Election Wrap-Up
Converse County's Commissioner's race will go to a recount.
A very close election for the three seats on the county commission... Robert Short leads all votes with 2253, challenger Trent Kaufman gets 1998, Jim Willox gets 1986, and Tony Lehner polls 1977. Kaufman will take a seat on the County Commission.
But because there's a less-than-one percent difference between Willox and Lehner, there will be an automatic recount in that race. That recount will take place Wednesday morning. County election officials will re-run all of the ballots. That process is not open to the public.
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Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker gets another four years. Becker collected 2878 votes, Keri McNare got 1958.
Challenger Tomi Strock upsets incumbent Aaron Clausen 1723 to 1667 to take the House District 6 seat.
Douglas City Council, three seats open... Perry Hershberger gets 1209, Kim Pexton 1192, Matt Schmidt 1061, Josh Valk 449. Two seats on the Glenrock Town Council... Judi Colling 436, Roy Kinkaid 416, Taylor Mae Flores 226.
A close race for mayor of the Town of Glenrock... Margaret Nunn defeats incumbent mayor Bruce Roumell 377-351.
All of the municipal canditdates in Douglas and Glenrock will advance to the general election.
**************************
The Converse County Clerk and the Canvassing Board will conduct the 2022 canvas and certification of the 2022 Primary Election on Friday, August 19th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers at the Courthouse in Douglas.
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Gov. Mark Gordon has won Wyoming’s Republican primary as he seeks a second term.
Gordon defeated Brent Bien of Sheridan and Rex Rammell of Rock Springs on Tuesday and is expected to easily win in November’s election.
In a more competitive Republican primary race, state Rep. Chuck Gray, of Casper, defeated Sen. Tara Nethercott, of Cheyenne, with roughly 75 thousand to 63 thousand votes, for the secretary of state nomination.
Treasurer Curt Meier defeated a Republican primary challenge from Bill Gallop of Cheyenne.
Republican Auditor Kristi Racines, of Cheyenne, was unopposed for a second term.
The Republican race for state superintendent was very tight in the late night hours, but it looks like Megan Degenfelder of Laramie will beat recent appointee Brian Schroeder with roughly 59 thousand votes to 55 thousand votes, respectively.
***********************
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney says after losing a Republican primary she’s thinking about running for president.
Cheney is ex-President Donald Trump’s fiercest Republican adversary in Congress and lost the primary Tuesday to Trump-backed Harriet Hageman.
Cheney tells supporters she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Trump “is never again anywhere near the Oval Office.”
Cheney told NBC on Wednesday defeating Trump will require a “united front of Republicans, Democrats and independents.”
Cheney declines to say if she will run for president but concedes it’s something she’s “thinking about.” 081622
Converse County's Commissioner's race will go to a recount.
A very close election for the three seats on the county commission... Robert Short leads all votes with 2253, challenger Trent Kaufman gets 1998, Jim Willox gets 1986, and Tony Lehner polls 1977. Kaufman will take a seat on the County Commission.
But because there's a less-than-one percent difference between Willox and Lehner, there will be an automatic recount in that race. That recount will take place Wednesday morning. County election officials will re-run all of the ballots. That process is not open to the public.
***************************
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker gets another four years. Becker collected 2878 votes, Keri McNare got 1958.
Challenger Tomi Strock upsets incumbent Aaron Clausen 1723 to 1667 to take the House District 6 seat.
Douglas City Council, three seats open... Perry Hershberger gets 1209, Kim Pexton 1192, Matt Schmidt 1061, Josh Valk 449. Two seats on the Glenrock Town Council... Judi Colling 436, Roy Kinkaid 416, Taylor Mae Flores 226.
A close race for mayor of the Town of Glenrock... Margaret Nunn defeats incumbent mayor Bruce Roumell 377-351.
All of the municipal canditdates in Douglas and Glenrock will advance to the general election.
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The Converse County Clerk and the Canvassing Board will conduct the 2022 canvas and certification of the 2022 Primary Election on Friday, August 19th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Chambers at the Courthouse in Douglas.
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Gov. Mark Gordon has won Wyoming’s Republican primary as he seeks a second term.
Gordon defeated Brent Bien of Sheridan and Rex Rammell of Rock Springs on Tuesday and is expected to easily win in November’s election.
In a more competitive Republican primary race, state Rep. Chuck Gray, of Casper, defeated Sen. Tara Nethercott, of Cheyenne, with roughly 75 thousand to 63 thousand votes, for the secretary of state nomination.
Treasurer Curt Meier defeated a Republican primary challenge from Bill Gallop of Cheyenne.
Republican Auditor Kristi Racines, of Cheyenne, was unopposed for a second term.
The Republican race for state superintendent was very tight in the late night hours, but it looks like Megan Degenfelder of Laramie will beat recent appointee Brian Schroeder with roughly 59 thousand votes to 55 thousand votes, respectively.
***********************
Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney says after losing a Republican primary she’s thinking about running for president.
Cheney is ex-President Donald Trump’s fiercest Republican adversary in Congress and lost the primary Tuesday to Trump-backed Harriet Hageman.
Cheney tells supporters she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure Trump “is never again anywhere near the Oval Office.”
Cheney told NBC on Wednesday defeating Trump will require a “united front of Republicans, Democrats and independents.”
Cheney declines to say if she will run for president but concedes it’s something she’s “thinking about.” 081622

A new report verifies a deep oil discovery in Converse and Natrona counties.
Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (COPL) and its affiliates said the discovery totals 993.5 million barrels of Original Oil in Place.
COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company with production and development operations focused in Converse and Natrona counties.
The company first reported the discovery earlier this year, and President & CEO Arthur Millholland says the new report offers independent verification of the discovery.
The oil is on federal lands north and east of Cole Creek, which puts it roughly along the Converse/Natrona County line.
Canadian Overseas says they plan to drill “one horizontal Frontier 1 well and two horizontal Frontier 2 wells as part of its 2022-23 drilling campaign commencing in the 4th quarter of this year.”
Natrona County commissioners said that while the discovery is an exciting prospect, success will depend on how much oil there is, and how well it can be recovered. 080922
Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (COPL) and its affiliates said the discovery totals 993.5 million barrels of Original Oil in Place.
COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company with production and development operations focused in Converse and Natrona counties.
The company first reported the discovery earlier this year, and President & CEO Arthur Millholland says the new report offers independent verification of the discovery.
The oil is on federal lands north and east of Cole Creek, which puts it roughly along the Converse/Natrona County line.
Canadian Overseas says they plan to drill “one horizontal Frontier 1 well and two horizontal Frontier 2 wells as part of its 2022-23 drilling campaign commencing in the 4th quarter of this year.”
Natrona County commissioners said that while the discovery is an exciting prospect, success will depend on how much oil there is, and how well it can be recovered. 080922

The Douglas City Council meets tonight for the first of their two regular monthly sessions.
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider consider changes to its regulations regarding short-term rental units and Air B-N-B's.
Newly-adopted code requires short-term rental units be located 1,000 feet from school or day care facilities.
Under that regulation, none of the existing, pending, or applied-for short-term rentals meet the requirement. Reducing the buffer to 500 feet would only allow three of the current short-term rentals to operate.
With staff recommendations, Council will consider their options again tonight.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 080822
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider consider changes to its regulations regarding short-term rental units and Air B-N-B's.
Newly-adopted code requires short-term rental units be located 1,000 feet from school or day care facilities.
Under that regulation, none of the existing, pending, or applied-for short-term rentals meet the requirement. Reducing the buffer to 500 feet would only allow three of the current short-term rentals to operate.
With staff recommendations, Council will consider their options again tonight.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 080822

Douglas residents get a chance to meet the Candidates Tuesday night when the Converse County Farm Bureau Federation presents a candidates forum at Jackalope Square.
The event begins at 6pm in downtown Douglas. Seating will not be provided, so bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on.
Tuesday evening's candidates Forum will be broadcast live on KKTY's 100.1 FM. 080822
The event begins at 6pm in downtown Douglas. Seating will not be provided, so bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on.
Tuesday evening's candidates Forum will be broadcast live on KKTY's 100.1 FM. 080822

Quick action by firefighters kept a grass fire under control Friday morning north of Casper.
Natrona County Fire District was called out at about 8AM to a pickup on fire just east of I-25 near the Ormsby Road interchange.
Crews arrived on scene to a decaying vehicle fire but an actively burning grass fire. The pickup had experienced mechanical failure, overheated and started on fire.
Units went to work to quickly contain the grass fire and put the rest of the vehicle fire out. About 3.5 acres was burned.
This incident had the potential to become much larger but thanks to the fast response and hard work of firefighters, this fire was kept relatively small. No reports of injuries to firefighters were noted. The pickup's driver and his dog were able to make it out of the truck without any injuries. 80522
Natrona County Fire District was called out at about 8AM to a pickup on fire just east of I-25 near the Ormsby Road interchange.
Crews arrived on scene to a decaying vehicle fire but an actively burning grass fire. The pickup had experienced mechanical failure, overheated and started on fire.
Units went to work to quickly contain the grass fire and put the rest of the vehicle fire out. About 3.5 acres was burned.
This incident had the potential to become much larger but thanks to the fast response and hard work of firefighters, this fire was kept relatively small. No reports of injuries to firefighters were noted. The pickup's driver and his dog were able to make it out of the truck without any injuries. 80522

New leadership at Eastern Wyoming College, and he likes what he sees...
New leadership at Eastern Wyoming College, and he likes what he sees...
Dr. Jeffery Hawes is the new president of Eastern Wyoming College. He's been on the job for about a month now, and he said he's spent much of that time meeting with the internal and extrnal stakeholders at the college.
Dr Hawes comes to Torrington and Douglas from Galva, Illinois, where he was Executive Dean of East Campus for Black Hawk College. 080522

Warmer and drier forecasted weather this week will bring an uptick in fire behavior on the Sugarloaf Fire southwest of Laramie Peak.
Areas that have not seen activity are expected to become more active.
The fire is now at 524-acres with 19% containment.
402 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, that started a week ago, and is considered to be human-caused 080122.
Areas that have not seen activity are expected to become more active.
The fire is now at 524-acres with 19% containment.
402 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, that started a week ago, and is considered to be human-caused 080122.

Fire crews were working two fires off I-25 between Glenrock and Casper Sunday afternoon.
The Casper Interagency Dispatch listed a wildfire at milepost 178. That grass fire burned 31 acres before it was contained.
The other fire, a vehicle fire, burned 9 acres at milepost 177.
It was determined by fire units on scene that the vehicle that caught fire at MP 178, did start the fire at MP 177. The driver of the vehicle stated that he was having mechanical issues while driving down the interstate when the engine caught fire. The driver stated he was then able to get the vehicle off the road at MP 178. At that time, the vehicle became fully involved and began to start the second wildland fire.
The vehicle was destroyed; the driver of the vehicle was not injured. 072522
The Casper Interagency Dispatch listed a wildfire at milepost 178. That grass fire burned 31 acres before it was contained.
The other fire, a vehicle fire, burned 9 acres at milepost 177.
It was determined by fire units on scene that the vehicle that caught fire at MP 178, did start the fire at MP 177. The driver of the vehicle stated that he was having mechanical issues while driving down the interstate when the engine caught fire. The driver stated he was then able to get the vehicle off the road at MP 178. At that time, the vehicle became fully involved and began to start the second wildland fire.
The vehicle was destroyed; the driver of the vehicle was not injured. 072522

There'll be no more free school breakfasts or lunches this fall.
Converse County School District #1 Nutrition Director Monte Gilbreath say the federal funding has gone away...
Converse County School District #1 Nutrition Director Monte Gilbreath say the federal funding has gone away...
The free school breakfast and lunch programs were put in place two years ago in response to the COVID pandemic. The change will affect all 1200 students in District 1.
Gilbreath said it was a surprise that the government did away with the program...
Gilbreath said it was a surprise that the government did away with the program...
CCSD1 will offer school breakfasts and lunches at pre-COVID prices...
Applications for free and reduced lunches may filled out on the district website, ccsd1.org, and on the district's facebook page. 071922

A Douglas credit union's parent company is considering a merger.
Reliant Federal Credit Union and UniWyo Credit Union are both located in Wyoming and have a long history of supporting the communities they serve. The merger would combine UniWyo’s 36,000 members with Reliant’s 13,500, and will result in an organization with combined assets of almost $700 million, making it the second largest credit union in the state of Wyoming.
If approved, the proposed merger is expected to be completed in early 2023 and the unions would operate under the UniWyo brand.
Until the completion date, both organizations will continue with no change to how they serve their membership. 071822
Reliant Federal Credit Union and UniWyo Credit Union are both located in Wyoming and have a long history of supporting the communities they serve. The merger would combine UniWyo’s 36,000 members with Reliant’s 13,500, and will result in an organization with combined assets of almost $700 million, making it the second largest credit union in the state of Wyoming.
If approved, the proposed merger is expected to be completed in early 2023 and the unions would operate under the UniWyo brand.
Until the completion date, both organizations will continue with no change to how they serve their membership. 071822

Firefighting efforts have pretty well wrapped up on the Monday Creek Fire near Laramie Peak.
On Friday, containment was listed at 83 percent, and a local type 4 organization has taken over management of the fire from the outgoing type 3 team.
Esterbrook Road has been reopened between Mile Marker 32 and the Albany/Converse County line. Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution when driving on the road, as fire engines and heavy equipment continue to use it for operations related to the Monday Creek Fire. 071522
On Friday, containment was listed at 83 percent, and a local type 4 organization has taken over management of the fire from the outgoing type 3 team.
Esterbrook Road has been reopened between Mile Marker 32 and the Albany/Converse County line. Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution when driving on the road, as fire engines and heavy equipment continue to use it for operations related to the Monday Creek Fire. 071522

The Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight, and they'll get a first look at the plans for a second Dollar General store in Douglas.
The proposed store would be new construction, a 10,542 square foot building that would be built at 1708 Muirfield Court, the empty lot between the Hampton Inn and Riverbend Drive.
The only change requested by developers... Douglas Municipal Code requires 50 parking spaces and 2 ADA... the business plan requests 33 spaces and two ADA. The request is consistent with other similar businesses. The Dollar General on East Richards has
27 parking spaces, and Family Dollar at 4th & Richards has 25.
If approved tonight, the plans would be forwarded to the full Douglas City Council for their consideration.
The full agenda for tonight's Planning and Zoning meeting is available on the city's website, cityofdouglas.org. 071522
The proposed store would be new construction, a 10,542 square foot building that would be built at 1708 Muirfield Court, the empty lot between the Hampton Inn and Riverbend Drive.
The only change requested by developers... Douglas Municipal Code requires 50 parking spaces and 2 ADA... the business plan requests 33 spaces and two ADA. The request is consistent with other similar businesses. The Dollar General on East Richards has
27 parking spaces, and Family Dollar at 4th & Richards has 25.
If approved tonight, the plans would be forwarded to the full Douglas City Council for their consideration.
The full agenda for tonight's Planning and Zoning meeting is available on the city's website, cityofdouglas.org. 071522

The Monday Creek fire near Laramie Peak grew to an estimated 683 acres by midday Sunday.
The fire 6 miles southwest of Esterbrook was reported Saturday afternoon, and smoke could be seen from Douglas, Glendo and Wheatland.
Converse County Commission charmain Jim Willox gave KKTY news an update on the fire this morning...
The fire 6 miles southwest of Esterbrook was reported Saturday afternoon, and smoke could be seen from Douglas, Glendo and Wheatland.
Converse County Commission charmain Jim Willox gave KKTY news an update on the fire this morning...
The fire on the Medicine Bow National Forest is burning in a north northeasterly direction, and is located on a rocky, inaccessible ridge between Buzzard Peak and Spring Hill.
Fire behavior is reported active with running and torching.
Several retardant drops from heavy airtankers were made over the weekend.
There is a portion of Esterbrook Road between Braae Road and the Esterbrook community that's closed to public traffic for safety reasons. 071122
Fire behavior is reported active with running and torching.
Several retardant drops from heavy airtankers were made over the weekend.
There is a portion of Esterbrook Road between Braae Road and the Esterbrook community that's closed to public traffic for safety reasons. 071122
The Circus is coming to Douglas this Thursday night...
The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, presented by Douglas Main Street, will be at the Wyoming State Fair Pepsi parking lot south of the campground on Brownfield Road on July 7th, with shows at 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Advance tickets are available at the Douglas Railroad Museum and Visitors Center, Wild Winds Treasures, the College Inn bar, and Converse County Bank's downtown location. 070622
Advance tickets are available at the Douglas Railroad Museum and Visitors Center, Wild Winds Treasures, the College Inn bar, and Converse County Bank's downtown location. 070622

Converse County's unemployment fell to 2.8 percent in May of 2022.
That compares to 3.2 percent in April, and it's down from 5.1 percent in May of 2021. That follows a statewide trend... every county in
Wyoming saw a drop in their unemployment rates from May 2021 to May 2022.
According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Niobrara County had the lowest unemployment rate, at 1.8 percent. Natrona county had the highest, at 3.8 percent. 062922
That compares to 3.2 percent in April, and it's down from 5.1 percent in May of 2021. That follows a statewide trend... every county in
Wyoming saw a drop in their unemployment rates from May 2021 to May 2022.
According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Niobrara County had the lowest unemployment rate, at 1.8 percent. Natrona county had the highest, at 3.8 percent. 062922

The Douglas City Council meets tonight for its second regular monthly session.
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider a resolution establishing a city recycling feasibility task force;
will consider additional funding for the facade beautification grant program administered by the Enterprise;
and will recognize Douglas Police Department Sergeant Chad Holler for his more than 20 years of service to the community. Holler will retire from the DPD on July 1st.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 062722
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider a resolution establishing a city recycling feasibility task force;
will consider additional funding for the facade beautification grant program administered by the Enterprise;
and will recognize Douglas Police Department Sergeant Chad Holler for his more than 20 years of service to the community. Holler will retire from the DPD on July 1st.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 062722

The Bureau of Reclamation will be lowering the water level in Guernsey Reservoir next week in preparation for the annual silt run.
The silt run is a maintenance operation which provides silt-laden water to Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder Irrigation Districts. As the silt-laden water gets diverted into an irrigation canal, the water slows down and the silt sinks to the bottom of the canal. This works as a type of temporary sealant to help minimize the seepage out of the bottom and sides of the canal.
On the evening of July 5, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will drop from approximately 4,800 cubic feet per second to 2,000 cfs. The decreased flow will quickly drop Guernsey Reservoir by about 25 feet starting the morning of July 6 and continuing through July 10. By Saturday, July 9, the boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir will no longer be useable due to the low reservoir level.
Water being released from Glendo Reservoir will flow through Guernsey Reservoir, flushing silt from Guernsey Reservoir into the canals of downstream irrigators. The silt run will begin on July 11 and is anticipated to continue through July 24.
Beginning on the evening of July 24, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be rapidly increased to refill Guernsey Reservoir. Guernsey Reservoir should be suitable for boating again by the morning of July 27. However, the reservoir will continue to rise by approximately 3 feet per day and is expected to reach the normal reservoir operation level on Saturday, July 30. 062722
The silt run is a maintenance operation which provides silt-laden water to Goshen, Gering-Fort Laramie, and Pathfinder Irrigation Districts. As the silt-laden water gets diverted into an irrigation canal, the water slows down and the silt sinks to the bottom of the canal. This works as a type of temporary sealant to help minimize the seepage out of the bottom and sides of the canal.
On the evening of July 5, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will drop from approximately 4,800 cubic feet per second to 2,000 cfs. The decreased flow will quickly drop Guernsey Reservoir by about 25 feet starting the morning of July 6 and continuing through July 10. By Saturday, July 9, the boat ramps at Guernsey Reservoir will no longer be useable due to the low reservoir level.
Water being released from Glendo Reservoir will flow through Guernsey Reservoir, flushing silt from Guernsey Reservoir into the canals of downstream irrigators. The silt run will begin on July 11 and is anticipated to continue through July 24.
Beginning on the evening of July 24, the release of water from Glendo Reservoir will be rapidly increased to refill Guernsey Reservoir. Guernsey Reservoir should be suitable for boating again by the morning of July 27. However, the reservoir will continue to rise by approximately 3 feet per day and is expected to reach the normal reservoir operation level on Saturday, July 30. 062722

Deer Creek Days in Glenrock over the weekend... there were more than 55 entries in the Deer Creek Days parade.
The winners of the Most Patriotic Entry are: Spring Branch Ranch/Augustine Construction: Christy Hoskinson: and Glenrock Health Center!
The best decorated bike winners are Blakey Watson and Jessica Penwarden! 062722
The winners of the Most Patriotic Entry are: Spring Branch Ranch/Augustine Construction: Christy Hoskinson: and Glenrock Health Center!
The best decorated bike winners are Blakey Watson and Jessica Penwarden! 062722

Converse County's Commissioners will begin the process of crafting their annual budget this week. Commission Chairman Jim Willox says it's a three-day process to hear all of the budget requests...
Willox says he's cautiously optimistic as they begin their budget hearings...
The Commissioners budget work session runs from 8 am to 6 pm today... and again on Tuesday and Wednesday... in the commission chambers at the Converse County Courthouse in Douglas. The budget hearings are open to the public. 061322

It only lasted 18 months, but the Pony Express made an impact on history that is still strong today. The annual Pony Express Re-ride is underway and will be rolling through Wyoming this week.
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse County in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Estimated arrival in Wyoming is this Thursday around 6 pm. Expected stops include Glendo Friday morning at 4am, Douglas Friday 7am, Inez Friday 8:30a, Glenrock Friday 10:30a, and Casper Fri 12:30pm. 060722
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse County in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Estimated arrival in Wyoming is this Thursday around 6 pm. Expected stops include Glendo Friday morning at 4am, Douglas Friday 7am, Inez Friday 8:30a, Glenrock Friday 10:30a, and Casper Fri 12:30pm. 060722

Wyoming State Parks, in conjunction with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s “Free Fishing Day”, is waiving daily use fees at all parks/recreation areas that provide angling this Saturday, June 4th.
Wyoming State Park locations offering free entrance are Glendo, Guernsey, Edness K. Wilkins, Boysen, Buffalo Bill, Curt Gowdy, Fort Phil Kearny, Keyhole, Seminoe and Hawk Springs. Camping and reservation fees are not waived.
Free Fishing Day is offered annually on the first Saturday in June by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and involves lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions and stream closures remain in effect. 060322
Wyoming State Park locations offering free entrance are Glendo, Guernsey, Edness K. Wilkins, Boysen, Buffalo Bill, Curt Gowdy, Fort Phil Kearny, Keyhole, Seminoe and Hawk Springs. Camping and reservation fees are not waived.
Free Fishing Day is offered annually on the first Saturday in June by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and involves lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions and stream closures remain in effect. 060322

A monument that honors those who fought in the American Revolution and their WY descendants will be dedicated in Casper on Friday.
The Fort Casper museum has been chosen as the location for a monument in honor of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
It is the only “America250!” Monument in the state.
The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will be in the parking lot of the Museum on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 5:30 pm and will include a few words by Casper’s mayor as well as special guests from around the state and as far away as Washington, D.C.
The monument is sponsored by the Wyoming State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 060322
The Fort Casper museum has been chosen as the location for a monument in honor of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
It is the only “America250!” Monument in the state.
The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will be in the parking lot of the Museum on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 5:30 pm and will include a few words by Casper’s mayor as well as special guests from around the state and as far away as Washington, D.C.
The monument is sponsored by the Wyoming State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 060322

Fishermen on the North Platte River will benefit from the acquisition of more than 35 thousand acres of privately-owned land by the Bureau of Land Management.
The BLM’s purchase of the Marton Ranch, which includes almost nine miles of the North Platte east of Alcova, will allow anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to reach a new stretch of popular fly-fishing waters.
Federal ownership of the ranch also creates a 118-square-mile block of contiguous public land that connects 40,000 acres of formerly unreachable state and federal lands. 060222
The BLM’s purchase of the Marton Ranch, which includes almost nine miles of the North Platte east of Alcova, will allow anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to reach a new stretch of popular fly-fishing waters.
Federal ownership of the ranch also creates a 118-square-mile block of contiguous public land that connects 40,000 acres of formerly unreachable state and federal lands. 060222

Wyoming's U.S. Senator John Barrasso has introduced a bill that would provide federal funding to repair water infrastructure in Wyoming.
Last week Barrasso introduced Senate Bill 4233, the Platte River Basin Critical Maintenance and Repair Act.
Last week Barrasso introduced Senate Bill 4233, the Platte River Basin Critical Maintenance and Repair Act.
The legislation would provide access to funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for aging irrigation projects that have suffered a critical structural collapse within the last three years and are located in the Platte River Basin of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado.
Senator Barrasso said his legislation will provide access to the funding needed to build new tunnels and fix aging irrigation systems in Goshen County, and will help prevent catastrophic collapses like the one at Fort Laramie from happening again. 052522
Senator Barrasso said his legislation will provide access to the funding needed to build new tunnels and fix aging irrigation systems in Goshen County, and will help prevent catastrophic collapses like the one at Fort Laramie from happening again. 052522

Law enforcement officials are bracing for a busy weekend in Casper - estimates say between 5,000 and 20,000 people could be coming to Casper for the Trump rally.
Event manager Brad Murphy said they’re expecting around 10,000 attendees.
Casper police will have twice as many officers on patrol Saturday than a typical long weekend, and the extra help will largely be paid for by overtime.
In all, the city expects to spend around $40,000 on additional staffing between police and fire.
Trump’s team brings its own security and secret service for events so local officers won’t be used to protect the former president.
Certain traffic will be rerouted for around an hour after the rally ends to make way for people leaving. Officials say If you’re around Casper and not planning to attend the rally try to avoid the area Saturday afternoon. 052522
Event manager Brad Murphy said they’re expecting around 10,000 attendees.
Casper police will have twice as many officers on patrol Saturday than a typical long weekend, and the extra help will largely be paid for by overtime.
In all, the city expects to spend around $40,000 on additional staffing between police and fire.
Trump’s team brings its own security and secret service for events so local officers won’t be used to protect the former president.
Certain traffic will be rerouted for around an hour after the rally ends to make way for people leaving. Officials say If you’re around Casper and not planning to attend the rally try to avoid the area Saturday afternoon. 052522

Police believe an overnight fire on East Second Street in Casper that damaged a building being renovated to house a new abortion clinic was deliberately set.
Authorities are trying to determine the identity of a possible suspect seen running away from the building before dawn Wednesday who was carrying what appeared to be a gas can and a black bag.
The blaze damaged the inside of the building under renovation. The clinic had been set to open in June.
Authorities are trying to determine the identity of a possible suspect seen running away from the building before dawn Wednesday who was carrying what appeared to be a gas can and a black bag.
The blaze damaged the inside of the building under renovation. The clinic had been set to open in June.

Lots of area high school seniors will pick up their diplomas this weekend.
Glendo High School will graduate 4 in the Class of 2022... commencement Saturday night at 6pm
Sunday afternoon, Glenrock's graduation ceremonies are at 1pm... Guernsey and Wheatland graduations are Sunday at 2, and Chugwater's commencement in Sunday night at 6.
Douglas and Lusk seniors finished their high school careers last weekend. 052022
Glendo High School will graduate 4 in the Class of 2022... commencement Saturday night at 6pm
Sunday afternoon, Glenrock's graduation ceremonies are at 1pm... Guernsey and Wheatland graduations are Sunday at 2, and Chugwater's commencement in Sunday night at 6.
Douglas and Lusk seniors finished their high school careers last weekend. 052022

A newsman who got his start in Casper and worked his way to the top of his profession is retiring.
NBC News reporter Pete Williams is retiring from the network.
A Casper native who graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970, Williams studied journalism and history at Stanford University. He returned to Casper where he worked as a reporter and news director for KTWO TV and Radio from 1974 to 1985.
In 1986, Williams began working as the press secretary and legislative assistant for congressman Dick Cheney. Following that, Williams was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, serving under Cheney and President George. H. W. Bush.
Williams began working for NBC News in 1993, covering topics including 9/11, the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg; the Boston Marathon Bombings, the January 6 Capitol Attack and more.
Williams was inducted into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011. 052022
NBC News reporter Pete Williams is retiring from the network.
A Casper native who graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970, Williams studied journalism and history at Stanford University. He returned to Casper where he worked as a reporter and news director for KTWO TV and Radio from 1974 to 1985.
In 1986, Williams began working as the press secretary and legislative assistant for congressman Dick Cheney. Following that, Williams was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, serving under Cheney and President George. H. W. Bush.
Williams began working for NBC News in 1993, covering topics including 9/11, the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg; the Boston Marathon Bombings, the January 6 Capitol Attack and more.
Williams was inducted into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011. 052022

For more than 80 years, the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company dug iron out of the Sunrise Mine north of Guernsey in Platte county.
But a new study says mining history goes back much, much farther.
Researchers from the University of Wyoming and Wyoming State Archeologists Office say humans used an ancient red ocher mine at Sunrise starting almost 13,000 years ago, making it the oldest documented red ocher mine – and probably the oldest mine in general – in North and South America.
The researchers published a paper with their findings last week.
Confirmation of the site’s significance comes after decades of work by archaeologists.
Red ocher was used by Paleoindian societies to make red paint, used for a variety of purposes; it’s been found in ancient graves, caches, campsites and kill sites in areas like the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. 052022
But a new study says mining history goes back much, much farther.
Researchers from the University of Wyoming and Wyoming State Archeologists Office say humans used an ancient red ocher mine at Sunrise starting almost 13,000 years ago, making it the oldest documented red ocher mine – and probably the oldest mine in general – in North and South America.
The researchers published a paper with their findings last week.
Confirmation of the site’s significance comes after decades of work by archaeologists.
Red ocher was used by Paleoindian societies to make red paint, used for a variety of purposes; it’s been found in ancient graves, caches, campsites and kill sites in areas like the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. 052022

The Douglas High School Alumni Hall of Fame has announced the new inductees for the class of 2022. They are:
Major Leon Chamberlain DHS Class of 1970
Colonel J.R. Twiford DHS Class of 1988
Honorable F. Scott Peasley DHS Class of 1989
Ms. Rebecca Cole DHS Class of 2002
The 2022 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will take place on Saturday Sept. 17 @ 11:00AM in the DHS Rec. Center Front Gym. Tickets will be available in August at the DHS Activities office. 052022
Major Leon Chamberlain DHS Class of 1970
Colonel J.R. Twiford DHS Class of 1988
Honorable F. Scott Peasley DHS Class of 1989
Ms. Rebecca Cole DHS Class of 2002
The 2022 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will take place on Saturday Sept. 17 @ 11:00AM in the DHS Rec. Center Front Gym. Tickets will be available in August at the DHS Activities office. 052022

School classes will be ending soon, but Wyoming kids do not have to go hungry because their school is out of session.
The Wyoming Summer Food Service program for kids offered through the Wyoming Department of Education kicks off soon. Every summer the program delivers thousands of meals to Wyoming children and teens.
The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program and will be state-administered through the Converse County School District. 051922
The Wyoming Summer Food Service program for kids offered through the Wyoming Department of Education kicks off soon. Every summer the program delivers thousands of meals to Wyoming children and teens.
The Summer Food Service Program is a federally funded program and will be state-administered through the Converse County School District. 051922

A local businessman has put his name in the race for Converse County Commissioner.
In his election announcement, Trent Kaufman says he has a wealth of experience he feels would be both unique and beneficial to Converse County.
A Republican, Kaufman had a seat on the Douglas City Council in the '90s.
Trent is a lifelong resident of Wyoming. Born and raised in Converse County, he has his own consulting business. 051922
In his election announcement, Trent Kaufman says he has a wealth of experience he feels would be both unique and beneficial to Converse County.
A Republican, Kaufman had a seat on the Douglas City Council in the '90s.
Trent is a lifelong resident of Wyoming. Born and raised in Converse County, he has his own consulting business. 051922

Sky-watchers in Douglas and Casper will get a view of a total lunar eclipse this weekend.
The Moon will be close to perigee during the eclipse Sunday night, meaning it will be near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
The National Weather Service says skies will be mostly clear after a day of sunny conditions. The total lunar eclipse on Sunday evening should be easily visible to the naked eye if clouds don’t obstruct the view.
The eclipse will begin shortly before moonrise, so people in Wyoming will miss the very first part of it. However, the total eclipse will last until around 11 p.m. and a partial eclipse will last until shortly before midnight. People wanting to catch the eclipse should look to the east-southeast at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. 051322
The Moon will be close to perigee during the eclipse Sunday night, meaning it will be near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
The National Weather Service says skies will be mostly clear after a day of sunny conditions. The total lunar eclipse on Sunday evening should be easily visible to the naked eye if clouds don’t obstruct the view.
The eclipse will begin shortly before moonrise, so people in Wyoming will miss the very first part of it. However, the total eclipse will last until around 11 p.m. and a partial eclipse will last until shortly before midnight. People wanting to catch the eclipse should look to the east-southeast at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. 051322

Converse County is going back to work.
New reports from the state of Wyoming show that from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the fourth quarter of 2021, Converse County added 428 jobs, and total payroll in the county grew by almost $15 million dollars.
Percentage wise, those are some of the best numbers in the state.
The average weekly wage in Converse County was reported at $1241 dollars a week, up a little over $100 a week from 2020. Outside of Teton County, those are also some of the strongest numbers in the state.
Returning oil and gas workers accounted for much of Converse County's growth. Food and beverage servers also took a jump. 051122
New reports from the state of Wyoming show that from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the fourth quarter of 2021, Converse County added 428 jobs, and total payroll in the county grew by almost $15 million dollars.
Percentage wise, those are some of the best numbers in the state.
The average weekly wage in Converse County was reported at $1241 dollars a week, up a little over $100 a week from 2020. Outside of Teton County, those are also some of the strongest numbers in the state.
Returning oil and gas workers accounted for much of Converse County's growth. Food and beverage servers also took a jump. 051122

When you've gone to a concert or a sporting event at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, you may have noticed a big model of a battleship. If you took the time to look closer, you may have discovered that it's the USS Wyoming.
And now, the USS Wyoming may be moving to Dubois.
The 11-foot long model is actually owned by the US Navy. It's been on display on the concourse at the Events Center in Casper since 1998.
But there's an effort underway to move the model to the new National Museum of Military Vehicles at Dubois, a 140,000 square foot facility dedicated to displaying military equipment. The museum also plans to build an exhibit room dedicated specifically to the U.S.S. Wyoming.
The Casper city council still has to authorize the move of the ship. 051122
And now, the USS Wyoming may be moving to Dubois.
The 11-foot long model is actually owned by the US Navy. It's been on display on the concourse at the Events Center in Casper since 1998.
But there's an effort underway to move the model to the new National Museum of Military Vehicles at Dubois, a 140,000 square foot facility dedicated to displaying military equipment. The museum also plans to build an exhibit room dedicated specifically to the U.S.S. Wyoming.
The Casper city council still has to authorize the move of the ship. 051122

Converse County law enforcement warns that there's a new phone scam going around.
Sheriff Clint Becker says that folks are receiving phone calls from those pretending to be Deputies threatening people with a warrant for missing jury duty.
Becker says the Sheriff's Office will never call you to ask for a credit card or any other form of payment.
If you have any questions or concerns about calls you receive from someone claiming to be from the Converse County Sheriff's Office or from the Sheriff's Office number, please feel free to call the CCSO at 307-358-4700 or stop in with questions. 051022
Sheriff Clint Becker says that folks are receiving phone calls from those pretending to be Deputies threatening people with a warrant for missing jury duty.
Becker says the Sheriff's Office will never call you to ask for a credit card or any other form of payment.
If you have any questions or concerns about calls you receive from someone claiming to be from the Converse County Sheriff's Office or from the Sheriff's Office number, please feel free to call the CCSO at 307-358-4700 or stop in with questions. 051022

Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Keith Kautz to speak at the 73rd annual Eastern Wyoming College commencement this Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm in the EWC Fine Arts Center Auditorium in Torrington.
The Honorable Justice Kautz was appointed to his position on August 4, 2015, by Governor Matt Mead, and was retained in office in the general election in November 2016. Justice Kautz served as a District Judge in Wyoming’s Eighth Judicial District (Converse, Goshen, Platte and Niobrara Counties) from January 1993 to August 2015.
The EWC Commencement Ceremony will be available by webcast. Please visit the College’s website at ewc.wy.edu or social media pages for the link. 051022
The Honorable Justice Kautz was appointed to his position on August 4, 2015, by Governor Matt Mead, and was retained in office in the general election in November 2016. Justice Kautz served as a District Judge in Wyoming’s Eighth Judicial District (Converse, Goshen, Platte and Niobrara Counties) from January 1993 to August 2015.
The EWC Commencement Ceremony will be available by webcast. Please visit the College’s website at ewc.wy.edu or social media pages for the link. 051022

A traffic stop early Sunday morning by the Evansville Police Department led to the arrest of two individuals on drug charges.
Evansville Officer Sibal conducted a routine traffic stop around 1 am on May 9th for an equipment violation. During the stop a drug dog alerted, and on investigation, numerous suspected controlled substances were located in the vehicle along with money and a firearm. Several of the substances were tested as presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Other substances were cocaine, marijuana and a select assortment of prescription pills not prescribed the individuals along with scales and plastic baggies.
Two individuals were taken to the Natrona County Detention Center and charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and seven charges of possession of controlled substance. 051022
Evansville Officer Sibal conducted a routine traffic stop around 1 am on May 9th for an equipment violation. During the stop a drug dog alerted, and on investigation, numerous suspected controlled substances were located in the vehicle along with money and a firearm. Several of the substances were tested as presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Other substances were cocaine, marijuana and a select assortment of prescription pills not prescribed the individuals along with scales and plastic baggies.
Two individuals were taken to the Natrona County Detention Center and charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and seven charges of possession of controlled substance. 051022

The Douglas City Council meets tonight for the first of their two regular monthly sessions.
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider approval of A Resolution establishing a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area, basically an open container area bounded roughly between 2nd and 4th Streets, and Walnut to Oak. This would be the third summer that the DORA would be in effect between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Council will also consider a city administrator contract with JD Cox of Independence, Kansas. The contract with Cox would offer a base salary of $135 thousand dollars a year, plus benefits. The contract would go into effect on or before May 31st.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 050922
Among items on tonight's agenda, Council will consider approval of A Resolution establishing a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area, basically an open container area bounded roughly between 2nd and 4th Streets, and Walnut to Oak. This would be the third summer that the DORA would be in effect between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Council will also consider a city administrator contract with JD Cox of Independence, Kansas. The contract with Cox would offer a base salary of $135 thousand dollars a year, plus benefits. The contract would go into effect on or before May 31st.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
City Council meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 050922

The Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees has voted to move forward with the process of appointing a new president for the school.
Following a two-hour executive session last Wednesday, the board voted to offer the job to Dr. Jeffery Hawes
Dr. Hawes visited the EWC Douglas Campus for a public forum on Thursday April 28. He's currently Executive Dean of East Campus at Black Hawk College in northwestern Illinois.
Board members noted Hawes's agricultural background as one of his primary strengths.
The board will move forward immediately with the job offer and contract negotiations. 050922
Following a two-hour executive session last Wednesday, the board voted to offer the job to Dr. Jeffery Hawes
Dr. Hawes visited the EWC Douglas Campus for a public forum on Thursday April 28. He's currently Executive Dean of East Campus at Black Hawk College in northwestern Illinois.
Board members noted Hawes's agricultural background as one of his primary strengths.
The board will move forward immediately with the job offer and contract negotiations. 050922

Former President Donald Trump is coming to the Cowboy State.
Ford Wyoming Center in Casper confirmed Monday that Trump will appear at a rally in Casper later this month, on Saturday, May 28th.
It will be Trump's first political appearance in the state.
Trump is appearing Casper in support of Harriet Hageman, his pick to challenge incumbent Representative Liz Cheney in the highly anticipated August Republican primary.
Parking at the Ford Wyoming Center will open at 6 a.m. that morning. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with speakers starting at 1 p.m. Trump is scheduled to speak May 28th at 4 p.m. 050322
Ford Wyoming Center in Casper confirmed Monday that Trump will appear at a rally in Casper later this month, on Saturday, May 28th.
It will be Trump's first political appearance in the state.
Trump is appearing Casper in support of Harriet Hageman, his pick to challenge incumbent Representative Liz Cheney in the highly anticipated August Republican primary.
Parking at the Ford Wyoming Center will open at 6 a.m. that morning. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with speakers starting at 1 p.m. Trump is scheduled to speak May 28th at 4 p.m. 050322

Stronger COVID-19 prevention measures will go back into place at the Wyoming Women's Center in Lusk.
Surveillance testing at the prison turned up 14 positive cases in inmates there last week.
Officials elevated the prison's COVID-19 status to "red" the same day.
In response, mask wearing at the Lusk prison will be mandatory for everyone. All staff and prisoners will be tested weekly for the virus while the center remains in red status.
Visitation will be non-contact only, and prison programs will be limited in size and may be altered.
On-site screening, includes taking people's temperatures, will be resumed for people entering the prison.
The state's prison system has four COVID levels, with the red level at the high end. 050322
Surveillance testing at the prison turned up 14 positive cases in inmates there last week.
Officials elevated the prison's COVID-19 status to "red" the same day.
In response, mask wearing at the Lusk prison will be mandatory for everyone. All staff and prisoners will be tested weekly for the virus while the center remains in red status.
Visitation will be non-contact only, and prison programs will be limited in size and may be altered.
On-site screening, includes taking people's temperatures, will be resumed for people entering the prison.
The state's prison system has four COVID levels, with the red level at the high end. 050322

Local residents get a chance to do something good, and remember a friend this weekend.
Big Bucks Bingo and chili lunch, sponsored by the Marge Cares Foundation, returns after a two-year hiatus this Saturday, April 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Glendo School gymnasium.
As in past years, there is a silent auction and a live auction, a chili lunch and of course, the Big Bucks Bingo. There will also be door prizes. Entertainment will kick off at 11:30 a.m.
Marge Wilson was a Glendo resident and a long-time employee at Memorial Hospital of Converse County. She lost her battle with breast cancer 11 years ago. After watching her family struggle with the cost incurred, Marge's idea was to take her memorial fund and put it toward a foundation where people could receive help when they had to travel to receive treatment.
The non-profit Marge Cares Foundation has continued to raise an average of $25 thousand dollars a year to keep the program going
Big Bucks Bingo and chili lunch, sponsored by the Marge Cares Foundation, this Saturday, April 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Glendo School gymnasium. 042922
Big Bucks Bingo and chili lunch, sponsored by the Marge Cares Foundation, returns after a two-year hiatus this Saturday, April 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Glendo School gymnasium.
As in past years, there is a silent auction and a live auction, a chili lunch and of course, the Big Bucks Bingo. There will also be door prizes. Entertainment will kick off at 11:30 a.m.
Marge Wilson was a Glendo resident and a long-time employee at Memorial Hospital of Converse County. She lost her battle with breast cancer 11 years ago. After watching her family struggle with the cost incurred, Marge's idea was to take her memorial fund and put it toward a foundation where people could receive help when they had to travel to receive treatment.
The non-profit Marge Cares Foundation has continued to raise an average of $25 thousand dollars a year to keep the program going
Big Bucks Bingo and chili lunch, sponsored by the Marge Cares Foundation, this Saturday, April 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Glendo School gymnasium. 042922

Much of Wyoming's history rolled across the trails and rails that went up the North Platte River. And some of the folks who settled the area found their final resting place just north of what would become the Jackalope City.
The Douglas Historic Preservation Commission will kick off National Historic Preservation Month this Sunday with a program at the Pioneer Cemetery on the Highway 59 bypass.
They'll talk about the history of the cemetery, some of the folks buried there, and the Oregon Trail wagon ruts that run through the property.
The program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery on Sunday, May 1, and is open to all. 042922
The Douglas Historic Preservation Commission will kick off National Historic Preservation Month this Sunday with a program at the Pioneer Cemetery on the Highway 59 bypass.
They'll talk about the history of the cemetery, some of the folks buried there, and the Oregon Trail wagon ruts that run through the property.
The program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Cemetery on Sunday, May 1, and is open to all. 042922

The Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees will host another candidate for college president this week.
Dr. Jeffry D. Hawes has been invited to campus for an in-person interview, employee and student meetings, and public forums.
Dr. Hawes is a Michigan native, a Michigan State grad, and is currently Executive Dean of East Campus for Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois.
An open public forum will be held in the EWC Fine Arts Center Auditorium in Torrington on Wednesday, April 27, 1:30 - 2:45 pm.
An open public forum will be held on the Douglas Campus on Thursday, April 28, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
The EWC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon, April 27, at 4:00 pm to interview Dr. Hawes, in executive session. 042722
Dr. Jeffry D. Hawes has been invited to campus for an in-person interview, employee and student meetings, and public forums.
Dr. Hawes is a Michigan native, a Michigan State grad, and is currently Executive Dean of East Campus for Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois.
An open public forum will be held in the EWC Fine Arts Center Auditorium in Torrington on Wednesday, April 27, 1:30 - 2:45 pm.
An open public forum will be held on the Douglas Campus on Thursday, April 28, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
The EWC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon, April 27, at 4:00 pm to interview Dr. Hawes, in executive session. 042722

The City of Casper will spend $8 million dollars to buy a building for the Casper Police Department.
The Casper City Council voted Tuesday afternoon to move ahead with the purchase of the Casper Business Center building a block west of Center at 1st and David.
City officials looked at 15 other buildings and even considered building a new facility, at a cost of between $45 and $50 million, before setting its sights on the Casper Business Center.
The city currently spends around $250,000 a year to rent several building for the police department.
The sale of the eight-floor building and its attached parking garage is set to close on Friday in a deal with current owner Wyoming Financial.
It will take two to three years to renovate the office building and complete the transition. 042722
The Casper City Council voted Tuesday afternoon to move ahead with the purchase of the Casper Business Center building a block west of Center at 1st and David.
City officials looked at 15 other buildings and even considered building a new facility, at a cost of between $45 and $50 million, before setting its sights on the Casper Business Center.
The city currently spends around $250,000 a year to rent several building for the police department.
The sale of the eight-floor building and its attached parking garage is set to close on Friday in a deal with current owner Wyoming Financial.
It will take two to three years to renovate the office building and complete the transition. 042722

A Celebration of Life service for Doug Bull will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 1PM at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church 4600 S Poplar Street in Casper.
A small reception of cookies and coffee/lemonade drinks will follow.
Doug Bull, former Douglas High School and Casper College band director, died after a long battle with cancer, on Tuesday, April 12th. 042022
A small reception of cookies and coffee/lemonade drinks will follow.
Doug Bull, former Douglas High School and Casper College band director, died after a long battle with cancer, on Tuesday, April 12th. 042022

New leadership for Eastern Wyoming College.
The EWC Board of Directors met in special session Tuesday morning and voted on two items...
The EWC Board of Directors met in special session Tuesday morning and voted on two items...
The EWC board of trustees announced Friday April 8th that, after interviewing three candidates, their search for the next president of Eastern Wyoming College was unsuccessful.
Last Friday, April 15th, College President Dr. Leslie Travers abruptly submitted her immediate resignation to the board, and after an emergency meeting, the board named former college president Rick Patterson as interim college president.
Tuesday's meeting in Torrington opened the process to public comment, and the votes took place after a short executive session.
The college board goes back to the drawing board in the process of finding a permanent president for the communty college with campuses in Torrington and Douglas. 042022
Last Friday, April 15th, College President Dr. Leslie Travers abruptly submitted her immediate resignation to the board, and after an emergency meeting, the board named former college president Rick Patterson as interim college president.
Tuesday's meeting in Torrington opened the process to public comment, and the votes took place after a short executive session.
The college board goes back to the drawing board in the process of finding a permanent president for the communty college with campuses in Torrington and Douglas. 042022

The City of Casper is considering plans for a new indoor sports venue that would be built on the hill near the Ford Wyoming Center.
The new facility would include six courts for indoor sports, mainly youth basketball and volleyball. Plans also include a sports training area, concessions counter, spectator and picnic seating, team rooms and an office area.
The new sports facility would not be affiliated with or connected to the Ford Wyoming Center.
A group of Casper residents have formed a nonprofit organization to see the project through, and it would contract with a third party for the facility’s actual operations. 041822
The new facility would include six courts for indoor sports, mainly youth basketball and volleyball. Plans also include a sports training area, concessions counter, spectator and picnic seating, team rooms and an office area.
The new sports facility would not be affiliated with or connected to the Ford Wyoming Center.
A group of Casper residents have formed a nonprofit organization to see the project through, and it would contract with a third party for the facility’s actual operations. 041822

Converse County Public Health reported 14 COVID-19 cases during the month of March.
There were 9 cases in Douglas last month, 3 in Glenrock and 2 in Rolling Hills.
Currently, Converse County has no active cases, and no one is hospitalized here.
Isolation guidelines have changed from 10 days to 5 days.
There have now been 3041 COVID cases reported here, and 55 deaths that were covid-related. 040422
There were 9 cases in Douglas last month, 3 in Glenrock and 2 in Rolling Hills.
Currently, Converse County has no active cases, and no one is hospitalized here.
Isolation guidelines have changed from 10 days to 5 days.
There have now been 3041 COVID cases reported here, and 55 deaths that were covid-related. 040422

Converse County's mostly dormant uranium industry could benefit from a new bill in Congress.
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis are co-sponsors of a bill called the National Opportunity to Restore Uranium Supply Services In America (NO RUSSIA) Act of 2022.
Senator Barrasso says we're in an unacceptable situation...
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis are co-sponsors of a bill called the National Opportunity to Restore Uranium Supply Services In America (NO RUSSIA) Act of 2022.
Senator Barrasso says we're in an unacceptable situation...
This legislation will authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a national strategic uranium reserve. It will also increase domestic uranium production, conversion, and enrichment to ensure existing U.S. nuclear reactors have sufficient fuel to continue operating. 040122

If you were to build a Community Center in Douglas, what would you include?
There's a new survey out asking that very question. While a bond issue to fund construction of a Rec Center in Douglas has failed twice, The Enterprise executive director Cindy Porter explains why this is different...
There's a new survey out asking that very question. While a bond issue to fund construction of a Rec Center in Douglas has failed twice, The Enterprise executive director Cindy Porter explains why this is different...
Porter says the survey asks about interest in a smaller facility...
The survey asks just a couple of questions... do you think Douglas needs a community center, and what amenities or activities should be included in a community center.
The survey will be available for about a week. If you'd like to participate, and didn't get it in your email, you can go to the Enterprise website, the City of Douglas or Converse County websites, or the Enterprise's Facebook page for a link to the survey. 032922
The survey will be available for about a week. If you'd like to participate, and didn't get it in your email, you can go to the Enterprise website, the City of Douglas or Converse County websites, or the Enterprise's Facebook page for a link to the survey. 032922

There'll be a new place to gather in downtown Glenrock.
Glenrock's Town Square project is approaching completion.
The public space is similar to David Street Station in Casper but is around double the size.
One space will be a basketball court in the warm months, and and an ice skating rink in the Winter. The rink will be made with synthetic ice that doesn't require water.
Large fire pits will be spread out at various points around the Town Square and include bench-style seating.
There will be a playground for 1 to 5-year-olds, a volleyball court with astroturf, and a splash pad.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming have also invested in creating a new space for the Glenrock Club Kids right next to the Town Square.
The official grand opening will occur on June 3rd. 032822
Glenrock's Town Square project is approaching completion.
The public space is similar to David Street Station in Casper but is around double the size.
One space will be a basketball court in the warm months, and and an ice skating rink in the Winter. The rink will be made with synthetic ice that doesn't require water.
Large fire pits will be spread out at various points around the Town Square and include bench-style seating.
There will be a playground for 1 to 5-year-olds, a volleyball court with astroturf, and a splash pad.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming have also invested in creating a new space for the Glenrock Club Kids right next to the Town Square.
The official grand opening will occur on June 3rd. 032822

A pair of Douglas High School seniors will receive a prestigious scholarship to further their post-high school education.
Lexi Castro and Luci Holt have been named recipients of the Daniels Fund Scholarship.
Daniels Scholars receive up to $100,000 over four years towards their undergraduate degrees.
45 Wyoming high school seniors were selected as 2022 Daniels Scholars. They were among 240 students across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming accepted into the program. 032922
Lexi Castro and Luci Holt have been named recipients of the Daniels Fund Scholarship.
Daniels Scholars receive up to $100,000 over four years towards their undergraduate degrees.
45 Wyoming high school seniors were selected as 2022 Daniels Scholars. They were among 240 students across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming accepted into the program. 032922

Those famous Indian Tacos returned on Saturday, and Douglas residents turned out in force to celebrate.
The Douglas Senior Citizens Center invited the community to come see their new kitchen on Saturday. Senior Center director Nancy Fink said it was a big project...
The Douglas Senior Citizens Center invited the community to come see their new kitchen on Saturday. Senior Center director Nancy Fink said it was a big project...
The project came in an at a little over a half a million dollars, and like many good construction projects... it took longer than expected...
Fink said COVID also predictably slowed things down.
Several hundred residents celebrated the grand reopening with Indian Tacos and cinnamon rolls at the Douglas Senior Center on Saturday. 032822
Several hundred residents celebrated the grand reopening with Indian Tacos and cinnamon rolls at the Douglas Senior Center on Saturday. 032822

Guernsey residents will get an update on National Guard operations.
Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter will host a town hall at Camp Guernsey on Thursday, April 7th.
Community members will be able to ask Porter questions regarding the present and future direction and policies surrounding Camp Guernsey and the Wyoming Military Department.
The TAG town hall will be held at the General Instruction Building’s Auditorium from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 032822
Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter will host a town hall at Camp Guernsey on Thursday, April 7th.
Community members will be able to ask Porter questions regarding the present and future direction and policies surrounding Camp Guernsey and the Wyoming Military Department.
The TAG town hall will be held at the General Instruction Building’s Auditorium from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 032822

BNSF Railroad’s two largest unions will ask an arbitrator to throw out the railroad’s strict new attendance policy instead of appealing a court order preventing them from striking.
The unions representing 17,000 BNSF workers said Wednesday they decided that arbitration will provide the quickest resolution to the dispute.
The unions say the new rules that took effect Feb. 1 penalize employees for missing work for any reason and put them on call 24-7.
BNSF has defended the rules because it says they give employees a clearer idea of where they stand than the old system did while ensuring the railroad has enough workers available to operate its trains.
BNSF operates 960 miles of track in Wyoming, with more than 1100 employees and a combined payroll of $99 million dollars. 032522
The unions representing 17,000 BNSF workers said Wednesday they decided that arbitration will provide the quickest resolution to the dispute.
The unions say the new rules that took effect Feb. 1 penalize employees for missing work for any reason and put them on call 24-7.
BNSF has defended the rules because it says they give employees a clearer idea of where they stand than the old system did while ensuring the railroad has enough workers available to operate its trains.
BNSF operates 960 miles of track in Wyoming, with more than 1100 employees and a combined payroll of $99 million dollars. 032522

Are Wyoming's elections secure... can they be trusted?
Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan was in Douglas Thursday night to discuss election integrity...
Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan was in Douglas Thursday night to discuss election integrity...
Buchanan spent a couple of hours with a crowd of about 50 people at EWC-Douglas Campus discussing allegations of election abuse, and how his office has responded...
Buchanan answered questions from the crowd on a wide variety of election related topics for more than an hour after his presentation. 032522

Wyoming’s population is growing at a faster rate than the country’s in general.
The US census bureau says the state’s population grew by 1,536 people between July of 2020 and 2021.
That’s an increase of 0.3%. The nationwide average of 0.1% in the same time period.
Lincoln County reported the highest rate of growth in that time, with an increase of 2.4% from July 2020. Lincoln County includes Star Valley, where 9% of people who work in Teton County live. Teton County is the most expensive place to live in Wyoming.
Counties that rely heavily on the energy industry experienced declines — Natrona County lost 0.8% and Converse County dropped 0.4%. 032522
The US census bureau says the state’s population grew by 1,536 people between July of 2020 and 2021.
That’s an increase of 0.3%. The nationwide average of 0.1% in the same time period.
Lincoln County reported the highest rate of growth in that time, with an increase of 2.4% from July 2020. Lincoln County includes Star Valley, where 9% of people who work in Teton County live. Teton County is the most expensive place to live in Wyoming.
Counties that rely heavily on the energy industry experienced declines — Natrona County lost 0.8% and Converse County dropped 0.4%. 032522

New lines have been drawn for state legislative districts, and the redistricting process affects us in Converse County.
At Tuesday night's Dessert With Your Legislators in Douglas, representative Aaron Clausen, House District 6, explained where the new lines run for the house...
At Tuesday night's Dessert With Your Legislators in Douglas, representative Aaron Clausen, House District 6, explained where the new lines run for the house...
By law, the state is required to adjust its districts to assure equal representation every ten years after the US Census takes place. 032322

TerraPower says they will not use Russian uranium to power their new nuclear power plant being planned for western Wyoming.
According to Jeff Navin, TerraPower’s director of external affairs, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian fuel is no longer an option not even for that first plant at Kemmerer.
Navin said. “We have no interest in re-engaging with the Russians. We are putting all of our efforts into trying to figure out how to get a domestic supply chain stood up as quickly as possible.”
And that's a problem.
There’s only one U.S. enrichment facility authorized to make the fuel TerraPower needs... it's a nearly operational demonstration plant in Ohio, and it's only able to produce about 10 percent of the fuel TerraPower needs for the core load of the plant in time for its planned startup in 2028. 032122
According to Jeff Navin, TerraPower’s director of external affairs, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian fuel is no longer an option not even for that first plant at Kemmerer.
Navin said. “We have no interest in re-engaging with the Russians. We are putting all of our efforts into trying to figure out how to get a domestic supply chain stood up as quickly as possible.”
And that's a problem.
There’s only one U.S. enrichment facility authorized to make the fuel TerraPower needs... it's a nearly operational demonstration plant in Ohio, and it's only able to produce about 10 percent of the fuel TerraPower needs for the core load of the plant in time for its planned startup in 2028. 032122

Authorities say they found a man dead inside an Evansville home following an overnight standoff Friday night with law enforcement.
The man, whom authorities said earlier was armed, had barricaded himself in the home around 6 p.m. Friday.
Police say gunshots were heard in the area, and warned people to stay away.
The Natrona County coroner has identified the man as 29-year-old Blaine Clutter.
There was no one else inside the home during the incident. 032122
The man, whom authorities said earlier was armed, had barricaded himself in the home around 6 p.m. Friday.
Police say gunshots were heard in the area, and warned people to stay away.
The Natrona County coroner has identified the man as 29-year-old Blaine Clutter.
There was no one else inside the home during the incident. 032122

Water will rise in the North Platte River later this month as the Bureau of Reclamation runs a flushing flow downstream of Gray Reef Dam at Alcova.
Working with Wyoming Game and Fish, the bureau releases the water to improve spawning grounds for trout in the river. They clean spawning gravel of fine sediment that accumulates over the winter.
The river’s flow will increase from 450 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second overnight, then back down to 450 in the morning hours.
The flushing flows begin March 31. The process will be repeated daily through April 8. 032122
Working with Wyoming Game and Fish, the bureau releases the water to improve spawning grounds for trout in the river. They clean spawning gravel of fine sediment that accumulates over the winter.
The river’s flow will increase from 450 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second overnight, then back down to 450 in the morning hours.
The flushing flows begin March 31. The process will be repeated daily through April 8. 032122

Wyoming energy should be finding new markets in the Far East.
US Senator John Barrasso told a Senate Finance Committee hearing Tuesday that exporting American energy could stop our allies from depending on Russian energy...
US Senator John Barrasso told a Senate Finance Committee hearing Tuesday that exporting American energy could stop our allies from depending on Russian energy...
Barrasso suggested Wyoming energy could help provide a solution...
On another front, Barrasso asked the committee how we could counter China’s influence in the region if we don’t aggressively export American energy to our allies. 031622

Twenty more Wyomingites have died from COVID-19, the Wyoming Department of Health reported Tuesday, including another in Converse County.
County Emergency Management reports an older adult Converse County woman died in February.
She was hospitalized but it is unknown if she had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
She was the 54th COVID-related death in Converse County.
There have now been 1,769 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020. 031622
County Emergency Management reports an older adult Converse County woman died in February.
She was hospitalized but it is unknown if she had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
She was the 54th COVID-related death in Converse County.
There have now been 1,769 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020. 031622

The Converse County Library in Douglas will remain closed on a day-to-day basis until the weather warms up and repairs can be made to its heating and air conditioning systems.
During this recent cold snap, the high temperatures in the library have hovered between 40-60 degrees.
There have been ongoing problems in the original installation of the HVAC equipment in the five-year-old building. The company that installed the system has gone out of business.
Efforts are being made to solve the problem.
Meanwhile, patrons are encouraged to please use the Library website, yourccl.org, for audio books, to search databases and other useful information. 031122
During this recent cold snap, the high temperatures in the library have hovered between 40-60 degrees.
There have been ongoing problems in the original installation of the HVAC equipment in the five-year-old building. The company that installed the system has gone out of business.
Efforts are being made to solve the problem.
Meanwhile, patrons are encouraged to please use the Library website, yourccl.org, for audio books, to search databases and other useful information. 031122

A Natrona County commission seat will open up in the next month or so.
Commissioner and Visit Casper CEO Brook Kaufman is leaving Casper for Rapid City and a new job as CEO and president of its tourism agency, Visit Rapid City.
Kaufman has served for three years as a Natrona County commissioner.
Kaufman has led the Visit Casper tourism group as its CEO for the past six years. 031122
Commissioner and Visit Casper CEO Brook Kaufman is leaving Casper for Rapid City and a new job as CEO and president of its tourism agency, Visit Rapid City.
Kaufman has served for three years as a Natrona County commissioner.
Kaufman has led the Visit Casper tourism group as its CEO for the past six years. 031122

Eastern Wyoming College in Douglas will be closed Friday, March 11th.
EWC’s IT Department is performing systems updates on the Douglas campus computer system.
EWC Offices will reopen on Monday March 14. 031122
EWC’s IT Department is performing systems updates on the Douglas campus computer system.
EWC Offices will reopen on Monday March 14. 031122

A new oil terminal is being built in northwestern Converse County.
Cowboy Midstream has announced the planned opening of their Ross Road Terminal, a Crude Oil Truck Offload Facility capable of offloading and shipping Powder River crude in volumes of up to 20,000 barrels per day.
The new terminal sits directly adjacent to, and is tied into, Cowboy Midstream’s Powell Lateral II Pipeline, giving shippers the opportunity to access and capitalize on multiple downstream markets for their Powder River Crude.
Construction activities are underway, and Cowboy expects the new Terminal to be ready for crude oil receipt and transportation 1 April 2022. 030722
Cowboy Midstream has announced the planned opening of their Ross Road Terminal, a Crude Oil Truck Offload Facility capable of offloading and shipping Powder River crude in volumes of up to 20,000 barrels per day.
The new terminal sits directly adjacent to, and is tied into, Cowboy Midstream’s Powell Lateral II Pipeline, giving shippers the opportunity to access and capitalize on multiple downstream markets for their Powder River Crude.
Construction activities are underway, and Cowboy expects the new Terminal to be ready for crude oil receipt and transportation 1 April 2022. 030722

The good news is, temperatures will be about 60 degrees warmer this Wednesday than they were last week.
But the water will still be cold for the DOUGLAS Jackalope Jump fundraiser will be held this Wednesday, March 2nd at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals have been working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and they'll hold up their end of the bargain with a jump in the tank Wednesday afternoon.
Last year, jumpers raised almost $5 thousand dollars.
All funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide.
There's still time to participate... information and registration forms are online at www.SOWY.org
Registration will begin at 12:00 PM with the Jump starting at 1:15 PM in the back parking lot at Douglas High School. 030122
But the water will still be cold for the DOUGLAS Jackalope Jump fundraiser will be held this Wednesday, March 2nd at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals have been working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and they'll hold up their end of the bargain with a jump in the tank Wednesday afternoon.
Last year, jumpers raised almost $5 thousand dollars.
All funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide.
There's still time to participate... information and registration forms are online at www.SOWY.org
Registration will begin at 12:00 PM with the Jump starting at 1:15 PM in the back parking lot at Douglas High School. 030122

PacifiCorp and the State of Wyoming have put together a deal to keep Jim Bridger Power Plant Unit 2 operational past April 30.
The agreement provides that Wyoming will agree to PacifiCorp’s planned conversion of Jim Bridger Units 1 and 2 to gas.
The conversion may take up to two years, and both units may continue to operate until that conversion.
PacifiCorp has also agreed to issue requests for proposal to add carbon capture facilities at Unit 3 and/or 4 at Jim Bridger, and at Unit 4 of the Dave Johnston plant at Glenrock.
The agreement between the state and PacifiCorp has been memorialized in a consent decree approved this week in district court.
That decree was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday. 021822
The agreement provides that Wyoming will agree to PacifiCorp’s planned conversion of Jim Bridger Units 1 and 2 to gas.
The conversion may take up to two years, and both units may continue to operate until that conversion.
PacifiCorp has also agreed to issue requests for proposal to add carbon capture facilities at Unit 3 and/or 4 at Jim Bridger, and at Unit 4 of the Dave Johnston plant at Glenrock.
The agreement between the state and PacifiCorp has been memorialized in a consent decree approved this week in district court.
That decree was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday. 021822

Twenty-two more Wyoming residents have died from COVID-19 including one from Converse County.
The Wyoming Department of Health reported Tuesday that there have now been 1,689 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020.
The Converse County death count here now stands at 50.
The total number of coronavirus cases in Wyoming grew by 241 on Tuesday.
The Wyoming Department of Health reported 664 confirmed active cases. Case numbers have dropped below 1,000 this week for the first time since last August.
There are currently 91 patients hospitalized across the state. 021622
The Wyoming Department of Health reported Tuesday that there have now been 1,689 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020.
The Converse County death count here now stands at 50.
The total number of coronavirus cases in Wyoming grew by 241 on Tuesday.
The Wyoming Department of Health reported 664 confirmed active cases. Case numbers have dropped below 1,000 this week for the first time since last August.
There are currently 91 patients hospitalized across the state. 021622

One man died and another person was injured in an early morning crash Tuesday morning on Highway 59 south of Gillette.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 31 year old Steven Stice died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
The Patrol says Stice was driving a Volvo passenger car southbound and went in the ditch to pass two vehicles. The car came back on the road, went across into the northbound lane and hit a Ford pick-up truck.
The crash happened around 5:15 a.m. Tuesday morning near mile marker 91 south of Gillette.
Speed is listed in the preliminary crash report as a possible contributing factor to the crash. Stice was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. 021522
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 31 year old Steven Stice died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
The Patrol says Stice was driving a Volvo passenger car southbound and went in the ditch to pass two vehicles. The car came back on the road, went across into the northbound lane and hit a Ford pick-up truck.
The crash happened around 5:15 a.m. Tuesday morning near mile marker 91 south of Gillette.
Speed is listed in the preliminary crash report as a possible contributing factor to the crash. Stice was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. 021522

Converse County's unemployment rate stayed steady at 2.4 percent in December, exactly the same as it was in November.
2.4 percent is a big improvement, though, from the 6 percent unemployment rate reported a year ago in December 2020.
Statewide, the unemployment rate dropped from 3.7 percent in November to 3.3 percent in December.
The state's highest unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in Natrona County. The lowest was 1.6 percent in Teton County. 020122
2.4 percent is a big improvement, though, from the 6 percent unemployment rate reported a year ago in December 2020.
Statewide, the unemployment rate dropped from 3.7 percent in November to 3.3 percent in December.
The state's highest unemployment rate was 3.1 percent in Natrona County. The lowest was 1.6 percent in Teton County. 020122

A highly-respected author will visit Douglas later this spring.
Camille Dungy will be the guest poet at the WyoPoets 2022 Spring Workshop April 29-30 at the Converse County Library in Douglas.
Dungy is the author of four collections of poetry, most recently "Trophic Cascade", winner of the Colorado Book Award.
Her poems and essays have appeared in more than 30 anthologies, plus dozens of print and online venues.
Her debut collection of personal essays is "Guidebook to Relative Strangers", was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.
WyoPoets is a Wyoming-based organization of persons who write poetry for publication and/or as a hobby. It is the Wyoming branch of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. 020122
Camille Dungy will be the guest poet at the WyoPoets 2022 Spring Workshop April 29-30 at the Converse County Library in Douglas.
Dungy is the author of four collections of poetry, most recently "Trophic Cascade", winner of the Colorado Book Award.
Her poems and essays have appeared in more than 30 anthologies, plus dozens of print and online venues.
Her debut collection of personal essays is "Guidebook to Relative Strangers", was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award.
WyoPoets is a Wyoming-based organization of persons who write poetry for publication and/or as a hobby. It is the Wyoming branch of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. 020122

DHS students are doing virtual school today.
Late last evening and into the early morning hours, high school administration became aware of an online threat of shooting violence specifically related to Douglas High School. An investigation by district staff, local law enforcement, and state personnel is ongoing, but the district needs more time to discern the exact nature of this threat. Therefore, Douglas High School will move to a virtual day on Monday, January 31. All DHS students should log in to the Canvas platform and check their school email. Activities practices after school will depend on how the situation unfolds, so coaches will be in touch with practice details later today.
There has been no threat to the other school buildings in the district; therefore, in-person classes are able to take place as usual. Every precaution will be taken to ensure student and staff safety at those buildings. Law enforcement will be present at all sites in the morning and throughout the day on Monday. Students at any grade level can login to their online classes if families feel safer keeping their kids at home. Please follow the virtual guidelines for your schools, and let teachers know if your students will be participating virtually.
If any parents or students have information related to this threat, please report it to high school administrators by calling the school at 307.358.2940 or by emailing Principal Mackey at rmackey@ccsd1.org. 013122
Late last evening and into the early morning hours, high school administration became aware of an online threat of shooting violence specifically related to Douglas High School. An investigation by district staff, local law enforcement, and state personnel is ongoing, but the district needs more time to discern the exact nature of this threat. Therefore, Douglas High School will move to a virtual day on Monday, January 31. All DHS students should log in to the Canvas platform and check their school email. Activities practices after school will depend on how the situation unfolds, so coaches will be in touch with practice details later today.
There has been no threat to the other school buildings in the district; therefore, in-person classes are able to take place as usual. Every precaution will be taken to ensure student and staff safety at those buildings. Law enforcement will be present at all sites in the morning and throughout the day on Monday. Students at any grade level can login to their online classes if families feel safer keeping their kids at home. Please follow the virtual guidelines for your schools, and let teachers know if your students will be participating virtually.
If any parents or students have information related to this threat, please report it to high school administrators by calling the school at 307.358.2940 or by emailing Principal Mackey at rmackey@ccsd1.org. 013122

A Wheatland choir teacher will lose his hearing, and his students are raising money to help purchase a cochlear implant.
Chris Leathers is the choir teacher at Wheatland Middle School and Wheatland High School.
Leathers will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his head. The auditory nerve in his head will be severed as a result, forcing him to lose his hearing.
Leathers's students have set up a GoFundMe to raise an estimated $50 thousand dollars to cover the cost of a cochlear implant, which will allow him to retain a part of his hearing.
The implant is not covered by Leathers' insurance.
Click here for a link to the GoFundMe page. 013022
Chris Leathers is the choir teacher at Wheatland Middle School and Wheatland High School.
Leathers will undergo surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his head. The auditory nerve in his head will be severed as a result, forcing him to lose his hearing.
Leathers's students have set up a GoFundMe to raise an estimated $50 thousand dollars to cover the cost of a cochlear implant, which will allow him to retain a part of his hearing.
The implant is not covered by Leathers' insurance.
Click here for a link to the GoFundMe page. 013022

The Douglas High School cheer squad is heading to Casper this weekend.
The WHSAA's 2022 State Spirit Competition is being held at the Ford Wyoming Center this Friday, January 28.
Cheer and dance teams from schools across the state will have 2 1/2 to 3 minutes each to wow the crowd and the judges.
General Admission: $5.00 Adults, $4.00 Students... reserved seating is also available.
The competition starts this Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. 012622
The WHSAA's 2022 State Spirit Competition is being held at the Ford Wyoming Center this Friday, January 28.
Cheer and dance teams from schools across the state will have 2 1/2 to 3 minutes each to wow the crowd and the judges.
General Admission: $5.00 Adults, $4.00 Students... reserved seating is also available.
The competition starts this Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. 012622

This January has seen a dramatic rise in Covid 19 compared to last year, with almost 300 cases more this year.
Converse County Public Health Department received notification of 203 new positive case(s) for COVID-19 last week on Monday.
Cases 2481 through 2683 include 161 Douglas residents, 39 from Glenrock, and 3 from Rolling Hills.
There were 98 men and 105 women, including 19 students representing every school in CCSD#1 and #2 except Glenrock Middle School.
Currently there are 3 people hospitalized at MHCC. Total reported deaths 50. 012522
Converse County Public Health Department received notification of 203 new positive case(s) for COVID-19 last week on Monday.
Cases 2481 through 2683 include 161 Douglas residents, 39 from Glenrock, and 3 from Rolling Hills.
There were 98 men and 105 women, including 19 students representing every school in CCSD#1 and #2 except Glenrock Middle School.
Currently there are 3 people hospitalized at MHCC. Total reported deaths 50. 012522

Railroad workers in Douglas and Converse County could be headed for a strike.
BNSF railroad wants a federal judge to prevent two of its unions from going on strike next month over a new attendance policy that would penalize employees for missing work.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based railroad went to court after the two unions both threatened to strike over the new policy that is set to go into effect on Feb. 1.
The unions said they are surveying their 17,000 members who work for BNSF to see if workers will support a strike.
The railroad maintains that this issue is a minor dispute that the unions wouldn't be allowed to strike over under federal law, and a strike shouldn't be allowed because it would hurt the economy too much.
A hearing will be held Monday to determine whether the judge will block the threatened strike.
BNSF is one of the nation's largest railroads. It operates 32,500 miles of track in Wyoming and 27 other western states. 012122
BNSF railroad wants a federal judge to prevent two of its unions from going on strike next month over a new attendance policy that would penalize employees for missing work.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based railroad went to court after the two unions both threatened to strike over the new policy that is set to go into effect on Feb. 1.
The unions said they are surveying their 17,000 members who work for BNSF to see if workers will support a strike.
The railroad maintains that this issue is a minor dispute that the unions wouldn't be allowed to strike over under federal law, and a strike shouldn't be allowed because it would hurt the economy too much.
A hearing will be held Monday to determine whether the judge will block the threatened strike.
BNSF is one of the nation's largest railroads. It operates 32,500 miles of track in Wyoming and 27 other western states. 012122

Covid cases jumped in Converse County last week.
Converse County Public Health Department received notification of 118 positive case(s) for COVID-19 on Monday. That's up from 61 the week before.
Cases 2363 through 2480 included 95 people from Douglas, 21 from Glenrock, and 1 from Rolling Hills. 21 of the cases included were students in Converse County Schools.
As of Monday morning, there were 3 patients hospitalized at MHCC due to covid. 011821
Converse County Public Health Department received notification of 118 positive case(s) for COVID-19 on Monday. That's up from 61 the week before.
Cases 2363 through 2480 included 95 people from Douglas, 21 from Glenrock, and 1 from Rolling Hills. 21 of the cases included were students in Converse County Schools.
As of Monday morning, there were 3 patients hospitalized at MHCC due to covid. 011821

Political instability on the other side of the world could have implications for Powder River Basin uranium production.
US Senator John Barasso told KKTY News Monday morning that what happens in Kazakhstan affects us locally...
US Senator John Barasso told KKTY News Monday morning that what happens in Kazakhstan affects us locally...
Barrasso also said there's good news on the domestic front as well...
You can listen to the entire interview with Senator Barrasso here. 011721

The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department wants to build a new training facility in Douglas, and they have their eye on a piece of city-owned land where I-25 crosses the North Platte River.
The city's wastewater treatment plant is on about 5 acres of land at 450 West Robin Lane... you can see it when you go over the river... and the DVFD is proposing to build a 6500 square foot training center and an 1800 square-foot fire training tower on the site.
Plans will be presented to the Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission tonight. The plans have been forwarded from the City's Community Development Department with a recommendation for approval with conditions.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 011722
The city's wastewater treatment plant is on about 5 acres of land at 450 West Robin Lane... you can see it when you go over the river... and the DVFD is proposing to build a 6500 square foot training center and an 1800 square-foot fire training tower on the site.
Plans will be presented to the Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission tonight. The plans have been forwarded from the City's Community Development Department with a recommendation for approval with conditions.
The full agenda for tonight's meeting is posted at the city's website, cityofdouglas.org.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 61 in Douglas. 011722

Hospital employees in Douglas and Cheyenne filed a federal lawsuit against their employers aiming to stop policies related to COVID-19 vaccinations and testing.
Two Cheyenne Regional Medical Center employees and six Memorial Hospital of Converse County staffers are seeking a preliminary injunction against their employers over each hospital's respective COVID vaccination policies and asking the court for a declaratory judgment in their favor.
The case was filed December 22nd in U.S. District Court for Wyoming in Cheyenne and was assigned to Judge Nancy Freudenthal. 010622
Two Cheyenne Regional Medical Center employees and six Memorial Hospital of Converse County staffers are seeking a preliminary injunction against their employers over each hospital's respective COVID vaccination policies and asking the court for a declaratory judgment in their favor.
The case was filed December 22nd in U.S. District Court for Wyoming in Cheyenne and was assigned to Judge Nancy Freudenthal. 010622

Former Glenrock Police Chief David Theel has filed a lawsuit alleging he was wrongfully terminated from his position.
Theel’s exit from the police department came after an investigation into his conduct and treatment of employees, plus a hearing in front of the town council.
Theel was hired in March 2019. He was placed on administrative leave in February of 2021, and and officially terminated in October.
The suit alleges that the town did not follow its own grievance procedure, failing to notify Theel of the allegations against him until several months later.
Named in the lawsuit... Glenrock Mayor Bruce Roumell, as well as the town’s clerk, one member of its town council and the interim chief of police, Sgt. Colter Felton.
Theel is seeking damages and compensation for mental and physical care, alleging that the events caused him and his wife emotional distress, damaged their reputations and cost them pay and benefits, 010122
Theel’s exit from the police department came after an investigation into his conduct and treatment of employees, plus a hearing in front of the town council.
Theel was hired in March 2019. He was placed on administrative leave in February of 2021, and and officially terminated in October.
The suit alleges that the town did not follow its own grievance procedure, failing to notify Theel of the allegations against him until several months later.
Named in the lawsuit... Glenrock Mayor Bruce Roumell, as well as the town’s clerk, one member of its town council and the interim chief of police, Sgt. Colter Felton.
Theel is seeking damages and compensation for mental and physical care, alleging that the events caused him and his wife emotional distress, damaged their reputations and cost them pay and benefits, 010122

Winds rattled all of eastern Wyoming Thursday, causing problems for truckers and travelers.
A peak gust of 95 miles an hour noted 13 miles south of Glendo off I-25... and an 87 mile an hour gust south of Wheatland at Bordeaux
Hogadon Basin Ski Area shut down its Prospector chairlift on Thursday due to high winds on Casper Mountain.
The Mineshaft beginner area remained open and lessons went on at normally scheduled times, according to Hogadon. 123021
A peak gust of 95 miles an hour noted 13 miles south of Glendo off I-25... and an 87 mile an hour gust south of Wheatland at Bordeaux
Hogadon Basin Ski Area shut down its Prospector chairlift on Thursday due to high winds on Casper Mountain.
The Mineshaft beginner area remained open and lessons went on at normally scheduled times, according to Hogadon. 123021

Christmas is past, and the decorations are coming down. The City of Douglas says your Christmas tree does not go out with the rest of the trash.
Douglas Public Works director John Harbarger says there's a right way to dispose of your tree...
Douglas Public Works director John Harbarger says there's a right way to dispose of your tree...
Once you've taken your tree to the Douglas landfill, it gets a new life...
Harbarger says mulch and woodchips are available for free from the Douglas Landfill. 123021

The Douglas Police Department has issued more details on one of its officers who died early this week.
The DPD says that, on December 26, 2021, Officer Michael Ableman, a selfless community servant, father, son, brother and friend, was found deceased. In partnership with Officer Ableman’s family, we are deeply saddened to share that Officer Ableman took his own life.
Officer Ableman loved his community and his role in protecting it. He began his service with the Douglas Police Department in 2014, serving with the Casper Police Department for eight years prior. Officer Ableman took great pride in his work and wore the uniform with honor. He was a proud father to his eight-year-old daughter and cherished every available moment he had with her.
The Douglas Police Department mourns the loss of our brother. He will be truly missed.
A Memorial Fund has been established to assist Officer Ableman’s family with funeral expenses. Anyone wishing to donate may do so at Converse County Bank, located at 322 Walnut Street in Douglas or at the Casper Police Department, located at 201 North David Street in Casper.
Thank you for your support of our Department and the Ableman family during this incredibly difficult time. 122921
The DPD says that, on December 26, 2021, Officer Michael Ableman, a selfless community servant, father, son, brother and friend, was found deceased. In partnership with Officer Ableman’s family, we are deeply saddened to share that Officer Ableman took his own life.
Officer Ableman loved his community and his role in protecting it. He began his service with the Douglas Police Department in 2014, serving with the Casper Police Department for eight years prior. Officer Ableman took great pride in his work and wore the uniform with honor. He was a proud father to his eight-year-old daughter and cherished every available moment he had with her.
The Douglas Police Department mourns the loss of our brother. He will be truly missed.
A Memorial Fund has been established to assist Officer Ableman’s family with funeral expenses. Anyone wishing to donate may do so at Converse County Bank, located at 322 Walnut Street in Douglas or at the Casper Police Department, located at 201 North David Street in Casper.
Thank you for your support of our Department and the Ableman family during this incredibly difficult time. 122921

After a tough decade, 2021 was a brief bright spot for the coal industry.
U.S. coal consumption fell by half between 2010 and 2020.
But, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency, U.S. thermal coal use is expected to climb 21% through the end of 2021.
As the economy came out of COVID-19 lockdowns and fuel demand returned to pre-pandemic levels, natural gas production lagged behind, driving up prices.
This year marks the nation’s first increase in coal-fired electricity production since 2014.
Experts don't expect the growth to last, though.
Both coal consumption and production are forecast to sink back to their 2020 lows by 2024. 122721
U.S. coal consumption fell by half between 2010 and 2020.
But, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency, U.S. thermal coal use is expected to climb 21% through the end of 2021.
As the economy came out of COVID-19 lockdowns and fuel demand returned to pre-pandemic levels, natural gas production lagged behind, driving up prices.
This year marks the nation’s first increase in coal-fired electricity production since 2014.
Experts don't expect the growth to last, though.
Both coal consumption and production are forecast to sink back to their 2020 lows by 2024. 122721

Uranium production in the Powder River Basin could be on the upswing after Uranium Energy Corp. acquired Uranium One Americas, in a deal closed on Monday.
The sale consisted of U1A's assets in Converse County and elsewhere in the Powder River Basin.
Scott Melbye is executive vice president of the Texas-based UEC.
He said the company plans to begin producing in Wyoming once uranium market prices increase, with existing workers staying on board.
Melbye said they need sustained prices around $45 to $50 dollars a pound to make the decision to restart operations. 122421
The sale consisted of U1A's assets in Converse County and elsewhere in the Powder River Basin.
Scott Melbye is executive vice president of the Texas-based UEC.
He said the company plans to begin producing in Wyoming once uranium market prices increase, with existing workers staying on board.
Melbye said they need sustained prices around $45 to $50 dollars a pound to make the decision to restart operations. 122421

Christmas dinner with your friends... Memorial Hospital of Converse County invites you to join them for Billy's Free Christmas Dinner at the Arbor Cafe in Memory of Billy Cathcart.
Turkeys and delivery are donated by the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department. You can dine-in or call for delivery.
The free Christmas dinner will be served Christmas Day, Saturday December 25th, from 11am to 1pm.
Call Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas at 358-2122 for more information. 122421
Turkeys and delivery are donated by the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department. You can dine-in or call for delivery.
The free Christmas dinner will be served Christmas Day, Saturday December 25th, from 11am to 1pm.
Call Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas at 358-2122 for more information. 122421

A Glenrock church will help furnish that community's new Boys and Girls Club.
Members of Glenrock's Christ Episcopal Church presented the Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock with a gift of $45,000 from The Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and Christ Episcopal Church.
The funds will help furnish the new Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock facility, which is expected to open by the fall of 2022.
The Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock serves nearly 200 youth, ages five through twelve. The new facility will allow the Club to double participation. 122021
Members of Glenrock's Christ Episcopal Church presented the Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock with a gift of $45,000 from The Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and Christ Episcopal Church.
The funds will help furnish the new Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock facility, which is expected to open by the fall of 2022.
The Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock serves nearly 200 youth, ages five through twelve. The new facility will allow the Club to double participation. 122021

Wyoming State Parks may set an attendance record for a second year in a row.
State Parks and Historic Sites reported a record-breaking number of visitors in 2020, welcoming over 5.8 million people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency expects to host at least as many by the end of 2021.
Glendo State Park, south of Douglas, recorded the highest number of visitors so far this year, with 660,027 as of the end of October. That amounts to 8% more than last year.
Guernsey State Park has had 12% more visitors than in 2020.
Curt Gowdy State Park, between Cheyenne and Laramie, has had 10% more visitors. 122021
State Parks and Historic Sites reported a record-breaking number of visitors in 2020, welcoming over 5.8 million people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency expects to host at least as many by the end of 2021.
Glendo State Park, south of Douglas, recorded the highest number of visitors so far this year, with 660,027 as of the end of October. That amounts to 8% more than last year.
Guernsey State Park has had 12% more visitors than in 2020.
Curt Gowdy State Park, between Cheyenne and Laramie, has had 10% more visitors. 122021

Thirty more Wyoming residents have died from COVID-19, the Wyoming Department of Health reported Tuesday. That number represents the COVID deaths confirmed in the last week.
There have now been 1,502 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020.
There was one new COVID-related death reported in Converse County on Tuesday. An older adult man died last month. He was hospitalized and had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
This is Converse County’s 47th recorded Covid 19 death. 121521
There have now been 1,502 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020.
There was one new COVID-related death reported in Converse County on Tuesday. An older adult man died last month. He was hospitalized and had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
This is Converse County’s 47th recorded Covid 19 death. 121521

The Douglas Police Department honored their own last week.
The DPD had their annual awards banquet Friday, and several members received recognition and awards.
Employee of the Year: Letabeth Wagers
Leadership Award: Sgt Holler
Support: Annette Hilyard
Exceptional Duty: Officer Ableman, Detective Leman, Officer Evans, Lt Matthews, Officer Dowd
Unit Citation: Lt Matthews, Detective Leman, Officer Toman, Officer Ableman, Officer Dowd, Officer Hermann, Officer Evans, Officer Kelley, Communications Officer Boespflug, Communications Officer Parker, Letabeth Wagers
Honorable Service: Officer Evans, Annette Hilyard, Sgt Holler, Officer Kelley, Officer Toman, Letabeth Wagers, Detective Leman, Lt Matthews, Officer Panasuk, Sgt Schmidt, CSO Kelly
Expert Marksman: Officer Ableman (named Top Shooter), Officer Kelley, Sgt Holler, Officer Toman, Officer Cowardin, Officer Johnson, Detective Leman.
Congratulations to everyone on their awards! 121521
The DPD had their annual awards banquet Friday, and several members received recognition and awards.
Employee of the Year: Letabeth Wagers
Leadership Award: Sgt Holler
Support: Annette Hilyard
Exceptional Duty: Officer Ableman, Detective Leman, Officer Evans, Lt Matthews, Officer Dowd
Unit Citation: Lt Matthews, Detective Leman, Officer Toman, Officer Ableman, Officer Dowd, Officer Hermann, Officer Evans, Officer Kelley, Communications Officer Boespflug, Communications Officer Parker, Letabeth Wagers
Honorable Service: Officer Evans, Annette Hilyard, Sgt Holler, Officer Kelley, Officer Toman, Letabeth Wagers, Detective Leman, Lt Matthews, Officer Panasuk, Sgt Schmidt, CSO Kelly
Expert Marksman: Officer Ableman (named Top Shooter), Officer Kelley, Sgt Holler, Officer Toman, Officer Cowardin, Officer Johnson, Detective Leman.
Congratulations to everyone on their awards! 121521

The Douglas Police Department will play Secret Santa this season, due to the generosity of some local folks.
Anonymous donors has given the DPD more than 40 $100 dollar bills for the police officers to give to those they identify as possibly in need.
During the days before Christmas, over 40 individuals will be contacted by Douglas Police Officers who are “armed” with a Secret Santa gift.
You can help continue the program in the coming years. On behalf of the Secret Santa donors, an account has been set up at Converse County Bank for anyone that would like to donate.
The holidays can be extremely difficult either emotionally or financially for some. The spirit of giving exist in all of us, and for some, that giving enhances the spirit of others.
Our anonymous donors, hereby referred to as Secret Santa, and the Douglas Police Department, want to wish you happy holidays. 121421
Anonymous donors has given the DPD more than 40 $100 dollar bills for the police officers to give to those they identify as possibly in need.
During the days before Christmas, over 40 individuals will be contacted by Douglas Police Officers who are “armed” with a Secret Santa gift.
You can help continue the program in the coming years. On behalf of the Secret Santa donors, an account has been set up at Converse County Bank for anyone that would like to donate.
The holidays can be extremely difficult either emotionally or financially for some. The spirit of giving exist in all of us, and for some, that giving enhances the spirit of others.
Our anonymous donors, hereby referred to as Secret Santa, and the Douglas Police Department, want to wish you happy holidays. 121421

A member of the Douglas medical community died in a plane crash this weekend.
Officials say 46-year-old Dr. Clint Devin of Steamboat Springs was killed when his plane crashed at the top of Emerald Mountain in northern Colorado.
Devin was flying into Steamboat Springs from Cody, Wyoming, when he crashed Friday evening.
He was the only one on board.
Dr. Devin grew up in Laramie. He was a travelling orthopedic surgeon with Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. He also worked in Douglas and Gillette through Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash in the next several weeks. 121321
Officials say 46-year-old Dr. Clint Devin of Steamboat Springs was killed when his plane crashed at the top of Emerald Mountain in northern Colorado.
Devin was flying into Steamboat Springs from Cody, Wyoming, when he crashed Friday evening.
He was the only one on board.
Dr. Devin grew up in Laramie. He was a travelling orthopedic surgeon with Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. He also worked in Douglas and Gillette through Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash in the next several weeks. 121321

Thursday's snow was followed by big wind over the weekend that closed highways across eastern Wyoming.
Long stretches of I-25 and I-80 were closed at times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as WYDOT struggled to keep up with drifting and icing conditions. Other closures this weekend included the Energy Highway, Wyoming Highway 59 between Douglas and Gillette, and Highway 34 between Wheatland and Laramie
A peak wind gust of 118 miles an hour was recorded at Clark, Wyoming, 30 miles north of Cody.
Outer Drive at the base of Casper Mountain recorded a 76 mph gust early Sunday morning.
Winds in Cheyenne topped out at 66 mph.
There was an 83 mph south of Wheatland at Bordeaux Saturday night
A 62 mph @ Glenrock Sunday morning
Douglas recorded a peak gust of 62 miles an hour Saturday evening. 121321
Long stretches of I-25 and I-80 were closed at times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as WYDOT struggled to keep up with drifting and icing conditions. Other closures this weekend included the Energy Highway, Wyoming Highway 59 between Douglas and Gillette, and Highway 34 between Wheatland and Laramie
A peak wind gust of 118 miles an hour was recorded at Clark, Wyoming, 30 miles north of Cody.
Outer Drive at the base of Casper Mountain recorded a 76 mph gust early Sunday morning.
Winds in Cheyenne topped out at 66 mph.
There was an 83 mph south of Wheatland at Bordeaux Saturday night
A 62 mph @ Glenrock Sunday morning
Douglas recorded a peak gust of 62 miles an hour Saturday evening. 121321
A Wyoming woman died Saturday in a single car rollover near Glenrock.
32-year-old Lindsay Ritter was traveling east on the Old Glenrock Highway when her car went off the road to the right, she overcorrected to the left, and lost control.
The car spun 180 degrees and came to rest on its roof, with the driver partially ejected out the passenger side window.
According to the report a seat belt was not in use at the time.
This is the 104th fatality this year, and the 48th that didn't involve a seatbelt. 113021
32-year-old Lindsay Ritter was traveling east on the Old Glenrock Highway when her car went off the road to the right, she overcorrected to the left, and lost control.
The car spun 180 degrees and came to rest on its roof, with the driver partially ejected out the passenger side window.
According to the report a seat belt was not in use at the time.
This is the 104th fatality this year, and the 48th that didn't involve a seatbelt. 113021

A 120 mile an hour car chase early Sunday morning ended with a car in the ditch and the driver and a passenger in jail.
The incident started a little before 3 AM when Evansville Police tried to stop a Chevy SUV for running a red light. After trailing police around Evansville and Casper, the driver ran east on the old Glenrock Highway.
Glenrock Police deployed spike strips, which the SUV went over at a high rate of speed. The tire shredded and came off the drivers side, but the car continued to run on the rim at speeds around 90 miles an hour.
As the pursuit neared Douglas officers deployed spike strips again. The SUV went over the spike strip and continued south in the north bound lane until it went off the road at about mile post 137.
The driver and passenger were taken into custody without any further incident. Officers found a loaded handgun and drugs in the vehicle after subjects were removed at gun point from the SUV.
It was later determined that two of the subjects are not allowed to have firearms by law. 112921
The incident started a little before 3 AM when Evansville Police tried to stop a Chevy SUV for running a red light. After trailing police around Evansville and Casper, the driver ran east on the old Glenrock Highway.
Glenrock Police deployed spike strips, which the SUV went over at a high rate of speed. The tire shredded and came off the drivers side, but the car continued to run on the rim at speeds around 90 miles an hour.
As the pursuit neared Douglas officers deployed spike strips again. The SUV went over the spike strip and continued south in the north bound lane until it went off the road at about mile post 137.
The driver and passenger were taken into custody without any further incident. Officers found a loaded handgun and drugs in the vehicle after subjects were removed at gun point from the SUV.
It was later determined that two of the subjects are not allowed to have firearms by law. 112921

A Texas company is buying most of the uranium assets in the Powder River Basin.
Uranium Energy Corporation will pay $112 million dollars to Russia’s Uranium One Investments Inc. to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Uranium One Americas, Inc.
The agreement also includes the replacement of $19 million in reclamation bonding.
UEC is getting about 100,000 acres worth of assets in the Powder River and Great Divide Basins, which include dozens of under-explored, mineralized brownfield projects, as well as detailed databases of historic uranium exploration and development programs behind the projects.
The acquisition includes the Irrigarry and Christiansen Ranch projects in Campbell and Johnson Counties, the Moore Ranch Project in Campbell County, and the old Ludeman and Allemand-Ross projects formerly owned by Power Resources (Cameco) here in Converse County.
Closing of the deal is subject to certain regulatory approvals. 112621
Uranium Energy Corporation will pay $112 million dollars to Russia’s Uranium One Investments Inc. to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Uranium One Americas, Inc.
The agreement also includes the replacement of $19 million in reclamation bonding.
UEC is getting about 100,000 acres worth of assets in the Powder River and Great Divide Basins, which include dozens of under-explored, mineralized brownfield projects, as well as detailed databases of historic uranium exploration and development programs behind the projects.
The acquisition includes the Irrigarry and Christiansen Ranch projects in Campbell and Johnson Counties, the Moore Ranch Project in Campbell County, and the old Ludeman and Allemand-Ross projects formerly owned by Power Resources (Cameco) here in Converse County.
Closing of the deal is subject to certain regulatory approvals. 112621

If Rocky Mountain Power were to add carbon capture technology to the Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock, who would pay for it?
Public utilities that add carbon capture technology to coal-fired power plants in Wyoming may increase rates by a maximum 2% to cover the cost.
That's according to rule revisions adopted by the Wyoming Public Service Commission last week.
Regulated electric utilities in Wyoming must notify the PSC by the end of March whether they will seek a rate surcharge to implement carbon capture systems.
Lawmakers have considered a raft of measures over the past three years in an attempt to slow or block plans to retire coal-fired power generation in the state.
Rocky Mountain Power plans to decommission its entire coal-fired power fleet across several states by 2039.
The Dave Johnston coal-fired power plant near Glenrock is scheduled for retirement in 2027. 111821
Public utilities that add carbon capture technology to coal-fired power plants in Wyoming may increase rates by a maximum 2% to cover the cost.
That's according to rule revisions adopted by the Wyoming Public Service Commission last week.
Regulated electric utilities in Wyoming must notify the PSC by the end of March whether they will seek a rate surcharge to implement carbon capture systems.
Lawmakers have considered a raft of measures over the past three years in an attempt to slow or block plans to retire coal-fired power generation in the state.
Rocky Mountain Power plans to decommission its entire coal-fired power fleet across several states by 2039.
The Dave Johnston coal-fired power plant near Glenrock is scheduled for retirement in 2027. 111821

Converse County will not get a nuclear reactor... at least, not yet.
TerraPower announced Tuesday that it has chosen the Naughton power plant in Kemmerer as the site of its first Natrium nuclear reactor.
The Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock, as well as power plants at Gillette and Rock Springs, were also under consideration.
TerraPower said the coal plant will have to shut down before the Natrium nuclear plant can start up. The Kemmerer plant's 2025 retirement date, the earliest of the four, made it an appealing choice.
TerraPower officials told the Casper Star-Tribune last week that communities that aren't chosen for the first nuclear plant could still be the second or the third, because Rocky Mountain Power needs more.
Carbon capture technology is also an option for the Dave Johnston power plant. 111721
TerraPower announced Tuesday that it has chosen the Naughton power plant in Kemmerer as the site of its first Natrium nuclear reactor.
The Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock, as well as power plants at Gillette and Rock Springs, were also under consideration.
TerraPower said the coal plant will have to shut down before the Natrium nuclear plant can start up. The Kemmerer plant's 2025 retirement date, the earliest of the four, made it an appealing choice.
TerraPower officials told the Casper Star-Tribune last week that communities that aren't chosen for the first nuclear plant could still be the second or the third, because Rocky Mountain Power needs more.
Carbon capture technology is also an option for the Dave Johnston power plant. 111721

State water development officials are considering at least $281 million to fund agricultural irrigation works, dams, reservoirs, domestic water projects and other programs, and a couple of local projects are high on the list.
Funding under consideration by the Wyoming State Legislature would earmark $30 million to help rebuild the dangerous LaPrele Dam south of Natural Bridge and west of Douglas.
$21.8 million more would help resolve the collapse of the Goshen irrigation tunnel.
The Legislature’s Select Water Committee met for three days last week to consider options to forward to the entire State Legislature in February. 111721
Funding under consideration by the Wyoming State Legislature would earmark $30 million to help rebuild the dangerous LaPrele Dam south of Natural Bridge and west of Douglas.
$21.8 million more would help resolve the collapse of the Goshen irrigation tunnel.
The Legislature’s Select Water Committee met for three days last week to consider options to forward to the entire State Legislature in February. 111721

The first of three Medical Freedom Rallies will be held in Douglas on Tuesday.
Organizers are inviting local residents to help support our local hospital and stand up to medical tyranny.
The group says if we lose 70 percent of hospital staff, we lose our quality hospital as we know it.
Medical Freedom Rallies are scheduled this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 3pm at Washington Park in Douglas. 111521
Organizers are inviting local residents to help support our local hospital and stand up to medical tyranny.
The group says if we lose 70 percent of hospital staff, we lose our quality hospital as we know it.
Medical Freedom Rallies are scheduled this week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 3pm at Washington Park in Douglas. 111521

Water flowing through the North Platte River at Douglas will be a bit lower than usual this winter.
The Bureau of Reclamation says they'll be managing the river at slightly lower level between Alcova and Glendo Reservoirs.
Drought conditions this year mean less water flowing into the river system, and the Bureau is conserving water upstream for contract deliveries to irrigation districts and other users planned for next year.
Normally, the bureau runs the North Platte at 500 cubic feet per second in the winter, starting in September. This year, it was lowered further to 450 CFS in October to keep more water stored in the larger reservoirs upstream, including Seminoe and Pathfinder.
Glendo reservoir’s storage is already slightly above average, so the lower flow shouldn't really show any effect at the lake. 110221
The Bureau of Reclamation says they'll be managing the river at slightly lower level between Alcova and Glendo Reservoirs.
Drought conditions this year mean less water flowing into the river system, and the Bureau is conserving water upstream for contract deliveries to irrigation districts and other users planned for next year.
Normally, the bureau runs the North Platte at 500 cubic feet per second in the winter, starting in September. This year, it was lowered further to 450 CFS in October to keep more water stored in the larger reservoirs upstream, including Seminoe and Pathfinder.
Glendo reservoir’s storage is already slightly above average, so the lower flow shouldn't really show any effect at the lake. 110221

Douglas kids will get a first chance to try out this year's Halloween costumes on Thursday afternoon.
Main Street Douglas and the Enterprise are hosting Trick-or-Treating on Thursday from 3 til 5pm.
More than 50 local businesses will be taking part in the fun. Watch for posters in the windows of participating businesses.
Google a map of the businesses involved at jackalope.org.
Drivers are reminded to be extra careful and watch out for the little ghosties and ghoulies on Thursday. 102721
Main Street Douglas and the Enterprise are hosting Trick-or-Treating on Thursday from 3 til 5pm.
More than 50 local businesses will be taking part in the fun. Watch for posters in the windows of participating businesses.
Google a map of the businesses involved at jackalope.org.
Drivers are reminded to be extra careful and watch out for the little ghosties and ghoulies on Thursday. 102721

It's already been six years since the flood on the Niobrara River devastated the town of Lusk, but the community is still in the process of rebuilding vital infrastructure.
The town of Lusk will be receiving $3,019,000 in funding to improve its water and wastewater infrastructure. Miles of water and sewer mains will be replaced, and the storm collection system will be enhanced.
Rural Development has partnered with the State of Wyoming to assist this community to ensure health and safety standards are met.
To date, the town has received a total of $5.45 million for this project. 102621
The town of Lusk will be receiving $3,019,000 in funding to improve its water and wastewater infrastructure. Miles of water and sewer mains will be replaced, and the storm collection system will be enhanced.
Rural Development has partnered with the State of Wyoming to assist this community to ensure health and safety standards are met.
To date, the town has received a total of $5.45 million for this project. 102621

Converse County Public Health Department received notification of 52 positive cases for COVID-19 last week.
Cases 2006 through 2057 are comprised of 33 men and 19 women, 26 from Douglas, 25 from Glenrock, and 1 from Rolling Hills.
Currently, Converse County has 34 active cases, of which, 12 are hospitalized. 102621
Cases 2006 through 2057 are comprised of 33 men and 19 women, 26 from Douglas, 25 from Glenrock, and 1 from Rolling Hills.
Currently, Converse County has 34 active cases, of which, 12 are hospitalized. 102621

A third-generation rancher from Niobrara County will fill former Rep. Hans Hunt’s seat in Cheyenne.
47 year old J.D. Williams was selected Tuesday afternoon by county commissioners from Weston, Niobrara and Goshen Counties to fill the House District 2 seat.
Hunt resigned in late September to join Sen. Cynthia Lummis’s staff in Washington.
House District 2 covers parts of three counties. Williams’ ranch is set north of Lusk in the northern part of Niobrara County.
Williams will attend next week's special session of the Wyoming State Legislature in Cheyenne.
He says that he is in favor of the session that's been called to to fight back against President Joe Biden’s employee vaccine mandate, and he also says that he is against the mandate itself. 102021
47 year old J.D. Williams was selected Tuesday afternoon by county commissioners from Weston, Niobrara and Goshen Counties to fill the House District 2 seat.
Hunt resigned in late September to join Sen. Cynthia Lummis’s staff in Washington.
House District 2 covers parts of three counties. Williams’ ranch is set north of Lusk in the northern part of Niobrara County.
Williams will attend next week's special session of the Wyoming State Legislature in Cheyenne.
He says that he is in favor of the session that's been called to to fight back against President Joe Biden’s employee vaccine mandate, and he also says that he is against the mandate itself. 102021

Another Converse County resident dies of COVID-19.
Converse County Emergency Management says an older adult Converse County man died last week. He was hospitalized and had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
This is Converse County’s 33rd recorded Covid 19 death. 102021
Converse County Emergency Management says an older adult Converse County man died last week. He was hospitalized and had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
This is Converse County’s 33rd recorded Covid 19 death. 102021

Coal production has increased in Wyoming and Montana due to demand in the Asia Pacific region.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration said coal production increased 2% in Montana and 7% in Wyoming this year compared to the first nine months of 2020.
Exports of U.S. steam coal, the kind used in power plants and the kind of coal produced in the two states, were up about 47% in the first half of the year compared to the first six months of 2020. 101821
The U.S. Energy Information Administration said coal production increased 2% in Montana and 7% in Wyoming this year compared to the first nine months of 2020.
Exports of U.S. steam coal, the kind used in power plants and the kind of coal produced in the two states, were up about 47% in the first half of the year compared to the first six months of 2020. 101821

Converse County Public Health Department received notification of 86 positive cases for COVID-19 on Monday. That's a dozen more than the week before.
Cases 1859 through 1944 include 41 men and 45 women, 60 from Douglas, 23 from Glenrock and 3 from Rolling Hills. There were 15 people under 20 years old, including 11 students. The oldest were in their 80's.
Currently, Converse County has 82 active cases and 12 people are hospitalized. Total reported deaths remains at 30. 101121
Cases 1859 through 1944 include 41 men and 45 women, 60 from Douglas, 23 from Glenrock and 3 from Rolling Hills. There were 15 people under 20 years old, including 11 students. The oldest were in their 80's.
Currently, Converse County has 82 active cases and 12 people are hospitalized. Total reported deaths remains at 30. 101121

The Converse County School District #1 school board has a new member.
The board has chosen Jared Vollman to replace Terry Moss on the CCSD1 board.
Moss resigned when he took a new job in Laramie.
Volman will serve in Moss's place until the general election in November 2022. At that time, candidates may run for a two-year term on the board in addition to the five other seats which will be open.
Eight people sent letters of interest to the board expressing their willingness to serve. Some of these candidates had already met with the board when there was a previous opening. Additional candidates had an opportunity to individually meet with the board at Wednesday night's meeting. 100721
The board has chosen Jared Vollman to replace Terry Moss on the CCSD1 board.
Moss resigned when he took a new job in Laramie.
Volman will serve in Moss's place until the general election in November 2022. At that time, candidates may run for a two-year term on the board in addition to the five other seats which will be open.
Eight people sent letters of interest to the board expressing their willingness to serve. Some of these candidates had already met with the board when there was a previous opening. Additional candidates had an opportunity to individually meet with the board at Wednesday night's meeting. 100721

A shooting Wednesday afternoon puts a couple of hunters in the hospital.
The Converse County Sheriff's office says dispatch got a 911 call about 1230 Wednesday afternoon reporting that two hunters had been shot in the leg and foot, and the shooter had left the scene.
Deputies arrived on the scene on Irvine Road, south of Douglas, and provided emergency aid and confirmed it was safe for medical personnel to come into the scene.
Life Flight was called and both hunters were taken by ambulance to Converse County Memorial Hospital. The victims were identified as 60-year-old John Cleary and 61-year-old George Heger, both California residents.
Cleary and Heger were air lifted to the Medical Center of The Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. Both were in stable condition.
Deputies were able to locate the suspect and Wyoming resident Solomon Preston Bolen was arrested on Irvine Road at about 1:15pm. The sheriffs department says the parties involved did not know each other.
Bolen is facing multiple felony charges. The case remains under investigation. 100621
The Converse County Sheriff's office says dispatch got a 911 call about 1230 Wednesday afternoon reporting that two hunters had been shot in the leg and foot, and the shooter had left the scene.
Deputies arrived on the scene on Irvine Road, south of Douglas, and provided emergency aid and confirmed it was safe for medical personnel to come into the scene.
Life Flight was called and both hunters were taken by ambulance to Converse County Memorial Hospital. The victims were identified as 60-year-old John Cleary and 61-year-old George Heger, both California residents.
Cleary and Heger were air lifted to the Medical Center of The Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. Both were in stable condition.
Deputies were able to locate the suspect and Wyoming resident Solomon Preston Bolen was arrested on Irvine Road at about 1:15pm. The sheriffs department says the parties involved did not know each other.
Bolen is facing multiple felony charges. The case remains under investigation. 100621

Glendo Reservoir is among the latest lakes in Wyoming to receive a cyanobacterial bloom advisory.
The Wyoming Department of Health has issued nine harmful cyanobacterial bloom advisories since the beginning of September, including new advisories for Alcova Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.
The total count of bloom advisories in effect at Wyoming water bodies stands at 32. Eight of those water bodies are also under a toxin advisory.
The Wyoming Department of Health issues the advisories to inform the public of possible health risks in areas where the harmful cyanobacterial blooms occur.
The Health Department says blooms and toxins may only be present in certain areas of the water body and conditions can change frequently. 100621
The Wyoming Department of Health has issued nine harmful cyanobacterial bloom advisories since the beginning of September, including new advisories for Alcova Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.
The total count of bloom advisories in effect at Wyoming water bodies stands at 32. Eight of those water bodies are also under a toxin advisory.
The Wyoming Department of Health issues the advisories to inform the public of possible health risks in areas where the harmful cyanobacterial blooms occur.
The Health Department says blooms and toxins may only be present in certain areas of the water body and conditions can change frequently. 100621

Another round of prescribed burns is being planned by the US Forest Service in early October to improve vegetation near
Esterbrook.
Up to 450 acres in the Laramie Range are targeted for treatment with prescribed fire in southern Converse County.
There will be three burn units, both north and south of Harris Park Road (Forest Road 633), located approximately one mile east of the Forest Service Work Center in the community of Esterbrook.
Forest Service staff will meet with the Esterbrook community on Mon., Oct. 4 at 6 pm at the Forest Service Work center at Esterbrook to share plans for the burns and to answer any public questions. 100421
Esterbrook.
Up to 450 acres in the Laramie Range are targeted for treatment with prescribed fire in southern Converse County.
There will be three burn units, both north and south of Harris Park Road (Forest Road 633), located approximately one mile east of the Forest Service Work Center in the community of Esterbrook.
Forest Service staff will meet with the Esterbrook community on Mon., Oct. 4 at 6 pm at the Forest Service Work center at Esterbrook to share plans for the burns and to answer any public questions. 100421

The TOBY KEITH – COUNTRY COMES TO TOWN tour stop in Casper has been cancelled.
The Ford Wyoming Center said this morning that due to circumstances, the Toby Keith concert scheduled for October 17, 2021 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper has been cancelled.
Tickets purchased with credit cards will automatically be refunded within 30 days. Tickets purchased with cash at the Sinclair Box Office can be returned for a refund. If you have any questions, please call the SinclairTix Box Office at the Ford Wyoming Center at 800-442-2256 or 307-577-3030. 100121
The Ford Wyoming Center said this morning that due to circumstances, the Toby Keith concert scheduled for October 17, 2021 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper has been cancelled.
Tickets purchased with credit cards will automatically be refunded within 30 days. Tickets purchased with cash at the Sinclair Box Office can be returned for a refund. If you have any questions, please call the SinclairTix Box Office at the Ford Wyoming Center at 800-442-2256 or 307-577-3030. 100121

Douglas Police are investigating unauthorized entry into several vehicles over the weekend.
The PD says Saturday night, September 25th, someone or several someones entered unlocked vehicles in Douglas.
There were at least 12 vehicles rummaged through, mostly on the west side of town.
If you have any information or saw anything, please contact Officer Hermann of the Douglas Police Department at 358-3311.
And, the Douglas Police remind you to please remove all valuables from your vehicles and lock your doors. 092721
The PD says Saturday night, September 25th, someone or several someones entered unlocked vehicles in Douglas.
There were at least 12 vehicles rummaged through, mostly on the west side of town.
If you have any information or saw anything, please contact Officer Hermann of the Douglas Police Department at 358-3311.
And, the Douglas Police remind you to please remove all valuables from your vehicles and lock your doors. 092721
The Chief Operating Officer at Memorial Hospital of Converse County is moving to Laramie.
Terry Moss announced that he's accepted the COO position at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, a 99-bed facility serving Laramie, Albany County, and the surrounding area.
Moss explained what the draw of the job offer was... |
For the past 8 years Moss has served as the Practice Administrator for MHCC. He was just named as Chief Operating Officer at the Douglas hospital effective July 1st of this year.
Moss says he proud of the staff of medical providers that they've built at MHCC...
Moss says he proud of the staff of medical providers that they've built at MHCC...
Memorial Hospital of Converse County CEO, Matt Dammeyer says “Terry leaves big holes to fill. In the short-term, multiple MHCC leaders will work together to cover Terry’s varied roles as we evaluate external candidates to fill this position.”
Moss's resignation is effective October 11th. He'll be available via e-mail and phone to assist with the transition through the middle of November. 092421
Moss's resignation is effective October 11th. He'll be available via e-mail and phone to assist with the transition through the middle of November. 092421

Summer's over, and it's a great time to clean up and clean out before winter hits.
The Converse County Conservation District is holding their annual Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticide Collection day this Saturday at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Conservation District Manager Michelle Huntington says they collect all sorts of nasties...
The Converse County Conservation District is holding their annual Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticide Collection day this Saturday at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Conservation District Manager Michelle Huntington says they collect all sorts of nasties...
They'll also accept old antifreeze, and motor oil in containers of 5 gallons or less.
Huntington says it all goes away to be disposed of properly...
Huntington says it all goes away to be disposed of properly...
The Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticide Collection day this Saturday, September 25th from 10 AM to 2 PM, behind the grandstands at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Please enter off Brownfield Road at the Cowboy Drive entrance only.
The event is free to Converse County residents. 092421
Please enter off Brownfield Road at the Cowboy Drive entrance only.
The event is free to Converse County residents. 092421

Eight new members of the Douglas High School Alumni Hall of Fame will be honored this weekend for their accomplishments.
Members of the 2020 Alumni Hall Of Fame include Lt. Col. Andy Anderson, Class of 2000; Dr. Patrick Shea, Class of 2002; Gov. Mike Sullivan, DHS Class of 1957; and Mrs. Lisa (Yeaman) Weigel, Class of 1986.
Members of the 2021 Alumni Hall of Fame include Lt. Col. Debra (Chamberlain) Walker, Class of 1972; Dr. Dean Smylie D.V.M. Class of 1981; Mr. Bud Spicer, DHS 1958; and Lt. Col J. Tyler Walsh, Class of 2000.
The Douglas High School Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will be held this Saturday, September 25th beginning at 11:00 AM at the Douglas Rec Center Gym.
Tickets are $20 dollars per person or $100.00 dollars per table of six. 092421
Members of the 2020 Alumni Hall Of Fame include Lt. Col. Andy Anderson, Class of 2000; Dr. Patrick Shea, Class of 2002; Gov. Mike Sullivan, DHS Class of 1957; and Mrs. Lisa (Yeaman) Weigel, Class of 1986.
Members of the 2021 Alumni Hall of Fame include Lt. Col. Debra (Chamberlain) Walker, Class of 1972; Dr. Dean Smylie D.V.M. Class of 1981; Mr. Bud Spicer, DHS 1958; and Lt. Col J. Tyler Walsh, Class of 2000.
The Douglas High School Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will be held this Saturday, September 25th beginning at 11:00 AM at the Douglas Rec Center Gym.
Tickets are $20 dollars per person or $100.00 dollars per table of six. 092421

Wyoming Representative Chuck Gray of Casper has pulled out of the race for Wyoming's seat in the US House of Representatives.
Gray's campaign made the announcement this (Tuesday) morning.
Gray is the third candidate to end their campaign in the last week. Cheyenne businessman Darin Smith and Bryan Miller, chairman of the Sheridan County Republican Party, have both announced they were ending their campaigns.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Wyoming lawyer Harriet Hageman last week in a bid to unseat Liz Cheney, who currently holds the seat in Congress.
In his statement this morning, Gray said, "our first and most important goal is to unite to defeat Liz Cheney. With that in mind, I will be suspending my campaign today." 091421
Gray's campaign made the announcement this (Tuesday) morning.
Gray is the third candidate to end their campaign in the last week. Cheyenne businessman Darin Smith and Bryan Miller, chairman of the Sheridan County Republican Party, have both announced they were ending their campaigns.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Wyoming lawyer Harriet Hageman last week in a bid to unseat Liz Cheney, who currently holds the seat in Congress.
In his statement this morning, Gray said, "our first and most important goal is to unite to defeat Liz Cheney. With that in mind, I will be suspending my campaign today." 091421

Voters in the northern part of Converse County will have to travel farther to cast their ballots.
The Dry Creek Community Hall at Bill will no longer be a polling place for local, state and Federal elections.
Converse County Clerk Karen Rimmer says there are several reasons for the change...
The Dry Creek Community Hall at Bill will no longer be a polling place for local, state and Federal elections.
Converse County Clerk Karen Rimmer says there are several reasons for the change...
Rimmer says there are currently about 100 registered voters in Precinct 13-13. Those voters will now travel 37 miles south and cast their ballots at the Eastern Wyoming College Douglas Campus, or they may alternately cast absentee ballots.
The Dry Creek Community Hall was the last rural polling place in Converse County. With the change, all Converse County voters will cast their ballots at either EWC-Douglas, the Douglas Rec Center or the Glenrock Rec Center.
UPDATE: The Converse County Commissioners will consider the County Clerk's request to make the change at their October 6th meeting... it's on the agenda for 10:10 AM at the Converse County Courthouse. 091521
The Dry Creek Community Hall was the last rural polling place in Converse County. With the change, all Converse County voters will cast their ballots at either EWC-Douglas, the Douglas Rec Center or the Glenrock Rec Center.
UPDATE: The Converse County Commissioners will consider the County Clerk's request to make the change at their October 6th meeting... it's on the agenda for 10:10 AM at the Converse County Courthouse. 091521

Generous donors had fun and gave more than $180 thousand dollars to support the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas this weekend.
Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jenny Gordon were the guests of honor and featured speakers at the 8th Annual "Commit to Kids" dinner and benefit auction fundraiser Saturday night.
Mrs Gordon spent a day in June at the Boys & Girls Club...
Governor Mark Gordon and First Lady Jenny Gordon were the guests of honor and featured speakers at the 8th Annual "Commit to Kids" dinner and benefit auction fundraiser Saturday night.
Mrs Gordon spent a day in June at the Boys & Girls Club...
Mrs Gordon said it was about more than just having fun...
Later in the evening, auctioneer Ron Casalenda encouraged the bidders at the benefit auction to give more than $180 thousand dollars to support the club's in-house activities and feeding programs.
The Boys & Girls Club of Douglas's 2021 annual budget is around $650 thousand dollars. 091421
The Boys & Girls Club of Douglas's 2021 annual budget is around $650 thousand dollars. 091421

State Fair is over but the barns will have plenty of animals on Tuesday.
The Wyoming Wool Growers is having their 93rd Annual WY State Ram sale on Tuesday at the Wyoming State Fair Grounds.
The WWGA says that while the State Ram Sale is about the business of transferring genetics within the sheep industry, it is also a time when sheep producers get together to visit, discuss the industry, and renew old, and make new, acquaintances.
Wyoming is 4th in the nation for producing the most sheep and lambs. 091421
The Wyoming Wool Growers is having their 93rd Annual WY State Ram sale on Tuesday at the Wyoming State Fair Grounds.
The WWGA says that while the State Ram Sale is about the business of transferring genetics within the sheep industry, it is also a time when sheep producers get together to visit, discuss the industry, and renew old, and make new, acquaintances.
Wyoming is 4th in the nation for producing the most sheep and lambs. 091421

A new school board member will be seated in Douglas.
The board of Converse County School District 1 has chosen Lance Orner, Jr to fill the unexpired term of Amy Hughes, who resigned to move out of state.
Five people sent letters of interest to the board expressing their willingness to serve. The board held a special meeting Wednesday evening where candidates had an opportunity to individually discuss their thoughts about being a board member.
Orner will serve until the general election in November 2022. At that time, candidates may run for a two-year term on the board in addition to the four other seats which will be open. 090921
The board of Converse County School District 1 has chosen Lance Orner, Jr to fill the unexpired term of Amy Hughes, who resigned to move out of state.
Five people sent letters of interest to the board expressing their willingness to serve. The board held a special meeting Wednesday evening where candidates had an opportunity to individually discuss their thoughts about being a board member.
Orner will serve until the general election in November 2022. At that time, candidates may run for a two-year term on the board in addition to the four other seats which will be open. 090921

Douglas drivers will need to get used to a new four-way stop on West Richards Street.
The City of Douglas has installed a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Wind River and West Richards, in front of Douglas Middle School.
Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly explains why the stop signs were put up...
The City of Douglas has installed a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Wind River and West Richards, in front of Douglas Middle School.
Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly explains why the stop signs were put up...
Byerly said they want people to get used to stopping at the intersection... so the four-way stop will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week...
The chief said normal traffic laws will apply at the intersection. He said that the city may consider later whether to leave the four-way stop in place during the summer months, but at least during the school year, drivers should get used to making the stop in front of Douglas Middle School. 090121

Water levels will drop a little earlier than usual this year on Glendo and Guernsey Reservoirs.
The US Bureau of Reclamation says they'll be lowering Guernsey below the usable boat ramp levels before Labor Day weekend to begin repairs on the Guernsey Powerplant intake gate. Once reduced to a river level, the reservoir will not be refilling until March 2022.
Brian Johnson is superintendent up river at Glendo State Park. He says the work at Guernsey will affect lake levels at Glendo...
The US Bureau of Reclamation says they'll be lowering Guernsey below the usable boat ramp levels before Labor Day weekend to begin repairs on the Guernsey Powerplant intake gate. Once reduced to a river level, the reservoir will not be refilling until March 2022.
Brian Johnson is superintendent up river at Glendo State Park. He says the work at Guernsey will affect lake levels at Glendo...
Johnson reports that the Bureau says they're going to bring the lake level down to an elevation of about 4585', and that's pretty common for this season... it's just a couple of weeks earlier than usual.
Johnson said Glendo's Indian Point boat ramp will be unusable for the rest of the season due to lower water levels. 082621