KKTY News...
KKTY Noon News Thu 7/20/17
Petroleum Association of Wyoming President Bruce Hinchey is touting a budding rebound for Wyoming oil, especially for the Powder River Basin.
Hinchey cites a dramatic increase in well applications and a higher rig count.
He says that he believes the state's oil industry is looking pretty good compared to last year.
Following a 12 percent decline in oil production in the first quarter of the year compared to 2016, Hinchey said producers are starting to pump more and are ramping up for a busy summer.
In all of 2016, 11 rigs operated in the state. So far through June this year, 25 rigs have been reported operating.
Applications for opening up new wells are up 43 percent so far. 071117
Hinchey cites a dramatic increase in well applications and a higher rig count.
He says that he believes the state's oil industry is looking pretty good compared to last year.
Following a 12 percent decline in oil production in the first quarter of the year compared to 2016, Hinchey said producers are starting to pump more and are ramping up for a busy summer.
In all of 2016, 11 rigs operated in the state. So far through June this year, 25 rigs have been reported operating.
Applications for opening up new wells are up 43 percent so far. 071117
The Douglas City Council has voted itself a raise, but current council members might never cash the check. Here's Douglas City Administrator Tony Tolstedt...
The proposed raises would go into effect on January 1st, 2020. The Mayor's salary would go from $250 dollars to $500 dollars a month... City Council members would get a raise from $125 a month to $250 a month.
It's the first raise in 20 years for the city's elected officials. The amount was last adjusted in 1997 and went into effect in 2000. 071117
It's the first raise in 20 years for the city's elected officials. The amount was last adjusted in 1997 and went into effect in 2000. 071117
Almost two weeks of Converse County Fair fun gets underway today on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
4-H/FFA Horse Show Performance Events will be judged today, and horse speed and stock events are tomorrow.
The FFA and 4-H will host a petting zoo at Thursday Night's Converse County Bank Hot Night in the Park.
Poultry, rabbit, cat and pocket pet shows are on Friday.
The Converse County Fair continues next week, and wraps up on Friday, July 21st with the Junior Market Livestock Sale, followed by a community dance and beer garden. 071117
4-H/FFA Horse Show Performance Events will be judged today, and horse speed and stock events are tomorrow.
The FFA and 4-H will host a petting zoo at Thursday Night's Converse County Bank Hot Night in the Park.
Poultry, rabbit, cat and pocket pet shows are on Friday.
The Converse County Fair continues next week, and wraps up on Friday, July 21st with the Junior Market Livestock Sale, followed by a community dance and beer garden. 071117
The agency that regulates the U.S. nuclear industry will not fine a company for spilling radioactive sludge outside a disposal facility.
Saskatoon, Canada-based Cameco had faced a $35,000 fine from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Commission officials told the company in a recent letter that they won't seek a fine in part because of Cameco's efforts to prevent more leaks.
Cameco spokesman Gord Struthers said Wednesday that company officials are pleased they've resolved the problem to the agency's satisfaction.
The leaks happened on two occasions, in 2015 and 2016. Both times, low-level radioactive waste leaked from trucks from Cameco's Smith Ranch-Highland uranium processing facility in Converse County.
Workers noticed the leaks after the trucks arrived outside a Utah disposal facility. Testing found no elevated radiation along the shipment route through Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. 070517
Saskatoon, Canada-based Cameco had faced a $35,000 fine from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Commission officials told the company in a recent letter that they won't seek a fine in part because of Cameco's efforts to prevent more leaks.
Cameco spokesman Gord Struthers said Wednesday that company officials are pleased they've resolved the problem to the agency's satisfaction.
The leaks happened on two occasions, in 2015 and 2016. Both times, low-level radioactive waste leaked from trucks from Cameco's Smith Ranch-Highland uranium processing facility in Converse County.
Workers noticed the leaks after the trucks arrived outside a Utah disposal facility. Testing found no elevated radiation along the shipment route through Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. 070517
Efforts by Wyoming's uranium industry to get a tax break are getting a cool reception from members of a legislative committee.
Companies that operate in Wyoming had argued that reducing taxes would keep them afloat until prices rise.
Global competition has pressured some companies to cut staff and defer expansion plans.
However, members of the Joint Minerals Committee weren't convinced a tax cut would benefit the state given the downturn in the state's oil, gas and coal industries, all of which have higher tax burdens than uranium.
State Democratic Rep. James Byrd, of Cheyenne, says he feels if an exception was made for uranium, the other extraction industries would demand tax breaks too.
Wyoming employs about 300 people in the uranium industry, many of those at Cameco's Smith Ranch-Highland facilities here in Converse County. 070317
Companies that operate in Wyoming had argued that reducing taxes would keep them afloat until prices rise.
Global competition has pressured some companies to cut staff and defer expansion plans.
However, members of the Joint Minerals Committee weren't convinced a tax cut would benefit the state given the downturn in the state's oil, gas and coal industries, all of which have higher tax burdens than uranium.
State Democratic Rep. James Byrd, of Cheyenne, says he feels if an exception was made for uranium, the other extraction industries would demand tax breaks too.
Wyoming employs about 300 people in the uranium industry, many of those at Cameco's Smith Ranch-Highland facilities here in Converse County. 070317
Cars and swimming pools don't mix... a young Douglas driver learned that lesson the hard way Friday night.
A 15-year old driver apparently hit the gas instead of the brake in Washington Park Friday night around 8:30, launching her car through the fence and into the deep end of the Douglas Municipal Waterpark. Police say no one was injured... the car a '95 Dodge two-door, was removed from the pool, and the driver was cited for driving without a license.
The pool will be closed for at least a week for cleanup and repair. 062417
A 15-year old driver apparently hit the gas instead of the brake in Washington Park Friday night around 8:30, launching her car through the fence and into the deep end of the Douglas Municipal Waterpark. Police say no one was injured... the car a '95 Dodge two-door, was removed from the pool, and the driver was cited for driving without a license.
The pool will be closed for at least a week for cleanup and repair. 062417
A local lawyer's getting a new job.
Governor Matt Mead has appointed Scott Peasley to be District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District. Peasley fills the vacancy occurring in Converse County with the retirement of Judge John Brooks effective August 4. The District serves Converse, Niobrara, Platte and Goshen Counties.
Peasley has been in private practice for 16 years in Douglas with his father. His practice has been broad and diverse, including representation of municipalities as well as the local school district. He has also served as a part-time deputy with the Converse County Attorney’s Office since 2001. For the County Attorney’s Office, he handled misdemeanor and felony criminal cases until a couple years ago when his work turned primarily to Converse County civil matters. 061917
Governor Matt Mead has appointed Scott Peasley to be District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District. Peasley fills the vacancy occurring in Converse County with the retirement of Judge John Brooks effective August 4. The District serves Converse, Niobrara, Platte and Goshen Counties.
Peasley has been in private practice for 16 years in Douglas with his father. His practice has been broad and diverse, including representation of municipalities as well as the local school district. He has also served as a part-time deputy with the Converse County Attorney’s Office since 2001. For the County Attorney’s Office, he handled misdemeanor and felony criminal cases until a couple years ago when his work turned primarily to Converse County civil matters. 061917
A nurse in Douglas has been placed on administrative leave after hospital administrators determined he had been taking a narcotic painkiller intended for patients.
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing has identified the nurse as Ryan J. Harris.
Memorial Hospital of Converse County CEO Ryan Smith told KKTY News that officials believe the nurse had taken the painkiller and then replace it with saline solution...
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing has identified the nurse as Ryan J. Harris.
Memorial Hospital of Converse County CEO Ryan Smith told KKTY News that officials believe the nurse had taken the painkiller and then replace it with saline solution...
It's unknown how much hydromorphone the nurse took. Smith says the theft occurred over about nine months, between September 13th of last year and June 2nd.
Smith says more than 400 patients at the hospital may have received a weakened or essentially worthless form of hydromorphone because of the nurse's actions.
The hospital is still trying to identify patients who may have been affected...
Smith says more than 400 patients at the hospital may have received a weakened or essentially worthless form of hydromorphone because of the nurse's actions.
The hospital is still trying to identify patients who may have been affected...
MHCC has set up a dedicated line, 358-7345, to answer any questions that people may have.
Smith says Harris apparently took the drug for his own use.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Harris had not been arrested or charged. His RN license has been suspended by the Wyoming Board of Nursing. 061517
Smith says Harris apparently took the drug for his own use.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Harris had not been arrested or charged. His RN license has been suspended by the Wyoming Board of Nursing. 061517
There'll be music at this summer's Wyoming State Fair after all.
Funding cuts at the state level put a concert at the fair in jeopardy, but a Wyoming-based coal company has stepped up to sponsor a show.
Country breakout band Old Dominion, presented by Cloud Peak Energy, will perform live in the Ford Grandstands Arena on Friday, August 18th at 8:00 pm during the 105th Wyoming State Fair.
In 2016, Old Dominion was named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter-Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Their hits include “Break Up With Him”, “Snapback”, and “Song For Another Time”. Old Dominion's latest single is “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”.
Tickets are $33 dollars, on sale now at wsf.fairwire.com, or by calling the Wyoming State Fair office at 358-2398. 061417
Funding cuts at the state level put a concert at the fair in jeopardy, but a Wyoming-based coal company has stepped up to sponsor a show.
Country breakout band Old Dominion, presented by Cloud Peak Energy, will perform live in the Ford Grandstands Arena on Friday, August 18th at 8:00 pm during the 105th Wyoming State Fair.
In 2016, Old Dominion was named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter-Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Their hits include “Break Up With Him”, “Snapback”, and “Song For Another Time”. Old Dominion's latest single is “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”.
Tickets are $33 dollars, on sale now at wsf.fairwire.com, or by calling the Wyoming State Fair office at 358-2398. 061417
Severe storms spawned tornadoes and dropped large hail in parts of eastern Wyoming, injuring at least one person.
Tornadoes were reported Monday afternoon in Laramie, Platte, Goshen and Natrona counties.
In Goshen County, where a tornado damaged a house and overturned tractors, there was one report of a person being injured.
A tornado southeast of Cheyenne near Carpenter in Laramie County damaged a rural building, downed power lines and damaged a gas line, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
A tornado was reported west of Bar Nunn and northwest of Casper at around 6:40 Monday evening.
Baseball sized hail was reported at Wheatland, golfball to baseball sized hail at Douglas, mostly on the east side of town and in the East Antelope Road area. 061317
Tornadoes were reported Monday afternoon in Laramie, Platte, Goshen and Natrona counties.
In Goshen County, where a tornado damaged a house and overturned tractors, there was one report of a person being injured.
A tornado southeast of Cheyenne near Carpenter in Laramie County damaged a rural building, downed power lines and damaged a gas line, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
A tornado was reported west of Bar Nunn and northwest of Casper at around 6:40 Monday evening.
Baseball sized hail was reported at Wheatland, golfball to baseball sized hail at Douglas, mostly on the east side of town and in the East Antelope Road area. 061317
A quick meeting Monday night for the Douglas City Council.
The Council got an update from Steve Molton of Ingberg-Miller, Engineers, on the transitions underway at the Douglas Landfill.
City Council reappointed Clara Chaffin to the Converse County Tourism Promotion Board, and signed contracts with H. Rick Hollon as municipal judge, and Jim Hardee as substitute municipal judge for the City of Douglas.
Council extended Helping Hands' lease in Washington Park for another three years, through June 30, 2020. The city provides the building in the park at no charge.
The Council also approved the city's Strategic Plan for 2017-2018, setting the city's goals and objectives. 061317
The Council got an update from Steve Molton of Ingberg-Miller, Engineers, on the transitions underway at the Douglas Landfill.
City Council reappointed Clara Chaffin to the Converse County Tourism Promotion Board, and signed contracts with H. Rick Hollon as municipal judge, and Jim Hardee as substitute municipal judge for the City of Douglas.
Council extended Helping Hands' lease in Washington Park for another three years, through June 30, 2020. The city provides the building in the park at no charge.
The Council also approved the city's Strategic Plan for 2017-2018, setting the city's goals and objectives. 061317
A two-vehicle crash temporarily closed part of the Old Glenrock Highway between Glenrock and Casper on Sunday.
WyDOT said both lanes of Highway 20/26 between mileposts 171 and 173 were closed sometime before 11 a.m. They were reopened in the afternoon.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said multiple people were taken to the hospital. Cause of the crash remains under investigation. 061217
WyDOT said both lanes of Highway 20/26 between mileposts 171 and 173 were closed sometime before 11 a.m. They were reopened in the afternoon.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said multiple people were taken to the hospital. Cause of the crash remains under investigation. 061217
A helicopter crash northwest of Douglas Friday morning left a couple of people with minor injuries.
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker says the helicopter belonging to the Wagonhound Land & Livestock Co. was about to land at one of its ranches off Wyoming 93 about five and a half miles north of Douglas when the crash occurred.
A couple of people were taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
Becker says the wind was blowing hard at the time. He says the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. 061217
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker says the helicopter belonging to the Wagonhound Land & Livestock Co. was about to land at one of its ranches off Wyoming 93 about five and a half miles north of Douglas when the crash occurred.
A couple of people were taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
Becker says the wind was blowing hard at the time. He says the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. 061217
Police have identified a man they say was involved in a standoff that temporarily closed Interstate 25 in central Wyoming.
The standoff ended around 2 a.m. Sunday with the arrest of 34-year-old Christopher Eads at a transmission shop in Casper. Police weren't saying Monday what Eads was charged with and what led to the standoff, and it wasn't clear if Eads had an attorney.
Traffic signs along I-25 warned of an "armed fugitive" and told motorists not to pick up hitchhikers. Glenrock police asked locals to stay inside and lock their doors Saturday.
Arrested in Glenrock was 25-year-old Santana Grace Keener.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation says the two took part in several crimes including drug violations, robbery, burglary and aggravated assault. 060617
The standoff ended around 2 a.m. Sunday with the arrest of 34-year-old Christopher Eads at a transmission shop in Casper. Police weren't saying Monday what Eads was charged with and what led to the standoff, and it wasn't clear if Eads had an attorney.
Traffic signs along I-25 warned of an "armed fugitive" and told motorists not to pick up hitchhikers. Glenrock police asked locals to stay inside and lock their doors Saturday.
Arrested in Glenrock was 25-year-old Santana Grace Keener.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation says the two took part in several crimes including drug violations, robbery, burglary and aggravated assault. 060617
The annual revival of the Pony Express has been chosen as the official event to celebrate Nebraska's 150th birthday.
More than 700 horse-riders began the mail service trip in Missouri Monday and will travel nearly 2,000 miles via the Pony Express National Historic Trail to California by June 15. Riders are expected to enter Nebraska Tuesday, which has the most miles among the eight states included, at 565.
This year's commemorative letter honors Nebraska's sesquicentennial, describing the Great Platte River Road's history and featuring the iconic Chimney Rock. The envelope will also showcase the U.S. Postal Service-issued Nebraska Sesquicentennial postage stamp.
Though the original Pony Express only operated for 19 months in the 1860s, it was the most direct means of connecting the new state of California with the rest of the U.S. In Wyoming, the Pony Express Trail follows the North Platte River at Glendo, Douglas, Glenrock and Casper. 060617
More than 700 horse-riders began the mail service trip in Missouri Monday and will travel nearly 2,000 miles via the Pony Express National Historic Trail to California by June 15. Riders are expected to enter Nebraska Tuesday, which has the most miles among the eight states included, at 565.
This year's commemorative letter honors Nebraska's sesquicentennial, describing the Great Platte River Road's history and featuring the iconic Chimney Rock. The envelope will also showcase the U.S. Postal Service-issued Nebraska Sesquicentennial postage stamp.
Though the original Pony Express only operated for 19 months in the 1860s, it was the most direct means of connecting the new state of California with the rest of the U.S. In Wyoming, the Pony Express Trail follows the North Platte River at Glendo, Douglas, Glenrock and Casper. 060617
Glenrock residents were advised under a Code Red to stay inside and lock their doors, and I-25 was closed for a couple of hours Saturday night as law enforcement officials pursued an armed fugitive.
Not a lot of official details of the incident yet, but law enforcement agencies at Casper were showing activity near I-25 around 9:30 Saturday night. Glenrock Police issued the Code Red advisory around 10:30 pm. That Code Red was lifted around midnight, and most of the activity seemed to have moved back to Casper, where special response officers were involved in a standoff at Dayton Transmission, off the interstate at 1600 F Street.
A female accomplice was taken into custody at Glenrock.
Casper Police said a man was taken into custody and the situation was resolved by about 2:30 Sunday morning. 060517
Not a lot of official details of the incident yet, but law enforcement agencies at Casper were showing activity near I-25 around 9:30 Saturday night. Glenrock Police issued the Code Red advisory around 10:30 pm. That Code Red was lifted around midnight, and most of the activity seemed to have moved back to Casper, where special response officers were involved in a standoff at Dayton Transmission, off the interstate at 1600 F Street.
A female accomplice was taken into custody at Glenrock.
Casper Police said a man was taken into custody and the situation was resolved by about 2:30 Sunday morning. 060517
The Bureau of Land Management is offering 140 parcels totaling about 118,000 acres in Wyoming for its next oil and gas lease sale.
The sale includes parcels located in Big Horn, Campbell, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Goshen, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, Washakie and Weston counties.
The sale is scheduled for Sept. 21 and will be conducted online.
The proposed list of parcels is subject to a public protest period, which ends on June 22. 053017
The sale includes parcels located in Big Horn, Campbell, Converse, Crook, Fremont, Goshen, Johnson, Niobrara, Sheridan, Washakie and Weston counties.
The sale is scheduled for Sept. 21 and will be conducted online.
The proposed list of parcels is subject to a public protest period, which ends on June 22. 053017
In a belated ceremony, the nation's fallen Peace Officers will be remembered in Douglas tomorrow.
May 14th through the 20th was National Police Officer Memorial Week, and the annual memorial ceremonies at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy last Friday were rescheduled due to bad weather.
Tomorrow's ceremonies will begin with arrival of the motorcade at 1:15pm, and welcoming remarks by Wyoming Peace Officers Association 1st president Matt Withroder at 1:30. The day's featured speakers include Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Attorney General Pete Michael.
The public is invited to attend and remember and honor our fallen peace officers. 052417
May 14th through the 20th was National Police Officer Memorial Week, and the annual memorial ceremonies at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy last Friday were rescheduled due to bad weather.
Tomorrow's ceremonies will begin with arrival of the motorcade at 1:15pm, and welcoming remarks by Wyoming Peace Officers Association 1st president Matt Withroder at 1:30. The day's featured speakers include Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Attorney General Pete Michael.
The public is invited to attend and remember and honor our fallen peace officers. 052417
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has expanded free Wi-Fi availability at rest stops, welcome and information centers around the state.
The newest locations with Wi-Fi are the rest areas located at Chugwater, Dwyer Junction and Orin Junction, all on Interstate 25 between Cheyenne and Casper.
The agency says Wi-Fi will also soon be available at rest areas at Independence Rock, southwest of Casper on Wyoming 220 and both the westbound and eastbound Bitter Creek rest areas, 41 miles east of Rock Springs on I-80.
Those will likely be completed within the next 12-18 months.
Additionally, Wi-Fi is available at the Southeast Welcome Center, on I-25; the Northeast Welcome Center and the Sheridan Information Center, both on Interstate 90. 052317
The newest locations with Wi-Fi are the rest areas located at Chugwater, Dwyer Junction and Orin Junction, all on Interstate 25 between Cheyenne and Casper.
The agency says Wi-Fi will also soon be available at rest areas at Independence Rock, southwest of Casper on Wyoming 220 and both the westbound and eastbound Bitter Creek rest areas, 41 miles east of Rock Springs on I-80.
Those will likely be completed within the next 12-18 months.
Additionally, Wi-Fi is available at the Southeast Welcome Center, on I-25; the Northeast Welcome Center and the Sheridan Information Center, both on Interstate 90. 052317
The 34-year-old man killed in an ATV accident in northeast Wyoming last week has been identified as Richard Schumacker of Douglas.
The Campbell County Coroner's Office said the cause of death is pending an autopsy.
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office reports that Schumacker died Friday morning after the four-wheeler he was riding turned over onto him in a crash in southern Campbell County.
Deputy Greg Baker said that Schumacker was spraying weeds on his four-wheeler when it flipped over. 051017
The Campbell County Coroner's Office said the cause of death is pending an autopsy.
The Campbell County Sheriff's Office reports that Schumacker died Friday morning after the four-wheeler he was riding turned over onto him in a crash in southern Campbell County.
Deputy Greg Baker said that Schumacker was spraying weeds on his four-wheeler when it flipped over. 051017
State tourism officials say the solar eclipse passing over the entire length of Wyoming in August could give the state economy a much needed boost.
Casper, Douglas, Riverton and Jackson are among the places where the eclipse will last the longest. The expected ideal viewing conditions in Wyoming is attracting astronomers and others from around the world.
State officials estimate about 350,000 people could visit Wyoming just to watch the first total solar eclipse to be seen from the mainland U.S. in almost four decades.
State tourism director Diane Shober says it's a great opportunity for Wyoming and communities all along the eclipse path to impress visitors about the state's attractions. She says those visitors will spend money, which helps a state economy struggling to recover from the energy downturn. 051017
Casper, Douglas, Riverton and Jackson are among the places where the eclipse will last the longest. The expected ideal viewing conditions in Wyoming is attracting astronomers and others from around the world.
State officials estimate about 350,000 people could visit Wyoming just to watch the first total solar eclipse to be seen from the mainland U.S. in almost four decades.
State tourism director Diane Shober says it's a great opportunity for Wyoming and communities all along the eclipse path to impress visitors about the state's attractions. She says those visitors will spend money, which helps a state economy struggling to recover from the energy downturn. 051017
The Wyoming Republican Party has new leaders.
The state party Central Committee unanimously elected Ryan Mulholland of Sheridan County as the party's next chairman. He will serve a two-year term.
Mulholland is a founder of a Sheridan technology firm. He succeeds Chairman Matt Micheli, an attorney from Cheyenne.
Meeting in Jackson last weekend, the Central Committee chose Frank Eathorne of Converse County vice chairman and Charles Curley of Hot Springs County secretary. 050917
The state party Central Committee unanimously elected Ryan Mulholland of Sheridan County as the party's next chairman. He will serve a two-year term.
Mulholland is a founder of a Sheridan technology firm. He succeeds Chairman Matt Micheli, an attorney from Cheyenne.
Meeting in Jackson last weekend, the Central Committee chose Frank Eathorne of Converse County vice chairman and Charles Curley of Hot Springs County secretary. 050917
Government forecasters say we can expect high waters on the North Platte River this spring.
The Bureau of Reclamation office in Mills says total April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 1,065,000-acre feet. That's 118 percent of the 30-year average on the river.
Total storage for the North Platte Reservoir system as of March 31 is 2.3 million acre-feet, 141 percent of the 30-year average, but still about 500 thousand acre feet under the total storage capacity of the reservoir system. 041717
The Bureau of Reclamation office in Mills says total April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 1,065,000-acre feet. That's 118 percent of the 30-year average on the river.
Total storage for the North Platte Reservoir system as of March 31 is 2.3 million acre-feet, 141 percent of the 30-year average, but still about 500 thousand acre feet under the total storage capacity of the reservoir system. 041717
Wyoming State Parks staff at Glendo State Park is doing some clean-up to prepare for the summer season. Parts of Sandy Beach campground are closed through Memorial Day for tree cutting and tree trimming.
Many of the trees at Sandy Beach are in decline and struggling to survive, because of continual high water events, moving soils, high wind, age and the nature of cottonwoods. Glendo State Park has started a new initiative to thin the cottonwood forest by trimming the trees and cutting down those that are dead or dying.
Campground closure information can be found on the state parks website at wyoparks.org or on the Glendo State Park Facebook page. 041717
Many of the trees at Sandy Beach are in decline and struggling to survive, because of continual high water events, moving soils, high wind, age and the nature of cottonwoods. Glendo State Park has started a new initiative to thin the cottonwood forest by trimming the trees and cutting down those that are dead or dying.
Campground closure information can be found on the state parks website at wyoparks.org or on the Glendo State Park Facebook page. 041717
Two of the six final candidates in Eastern Wyoming College's presidential search will have open forums this week.
Finalist Darrell L. Wilkes, Ph.D. will be on the Torrington Campus this afternoon with an open forum at the EWC Fine Arts Auditorium, 1:30 – 2:45 pm. Dr. Wilkes will be on the Douglas Campus on Tuesday, April 11th for an open forum to be held at 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Finalist Doug Zalesky, Ph.D. will have an open forum on the Torrington Campus on Wednesday, April 12th, 1:30 – 2:45 pm in the EWC Fine Arts Auditorium. Dr. Zalesky will be at the Douglas Campus for an open forum on Thursday, April 13th, 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Community members, students and others who are interested are invited to attend all open forums. These events are free and open to the public and input will be solicited. 041017
Finalist Darrell L. Wilkes, Ph.D. will be on the Torrington Campus this afternoon with an open forum at the EWC Fine Arts Auditorium, 1:30 – 2:45 pm. Dr. Wilkes will be on the Douglas Campus on Tuesday, April 11th for an open forum to be held at 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Finalist Doug Zalesky, Ph.D. will have an open forum on the Torrington Campus on Wednesday, April 12th, 1:30 – 2:45 pm in the EWC Fine Arts Auditorium. Dr. Zalesky will be at the Douglas Campus for an open forum on Thursday, April 13th, 11:00 am – Noon in the Multi-Purpose Room.
Community members, students and others who are interested are invited to attend all open forums. These events are free and open to the public and input will be solicited. 041017
The world's largest private-sector coal company is coming out of bankruptcy.
Peabody Energy emerged from Chapter 11 protection yesterday, and will begin trading again today on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BTU.
Since filing for Chapter 11 reorganization a year ago, the company has reduced debt by more than $5 billion from pre-filing levels in March of 2016.
Kemal Williamson is President – Americas for Peabody. He said in a press release yesterday that the company's team in the Powder River Basin played a significant role in driving the success of Peabody. Williamson also said that they've started rebuilding their workforce to meet customer needs.
In 2016, Peabody employed 1400 workers in the Powder River Basin, produced over 113 million tons of coal and reclaimed over 900 acres of mined lands.
Peabody owns and operates the North Antelope Rochelle mine on the Converse/Campbell County line. 040417
Peabody Energy emerged from Chapter 11 protection yesterday, and will begin trading again today on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BTU.
Since filing for Chapter 11 reorganization a year ago, the company has reduced debt by more than $5 billion from pre-filing levels in March of 2016.
Kemal Williamson is President – Americas for Peabody. He said in a press release yesterday that the company's team in the Powder River Basin played a significant role in driving the success of Peabody. Williamson also said that they've started rebuilding their workforce to meet customer needs.
In 2016, Peabody employed 1400 workers in the Powder River Basin, produced over 113 million tons of coal and reclaimed over 900 acres of mined lands.
Peabody owns and operates the North Antelope Rochelle mine on the Converse/Campbell County line. 040417
A Converse County jailer has been arrested.
According to a Friday press release from the Converse County Sheriff's office, Detention Officer Mike Martinez was arrested Thursday night in Casper and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The Sheriff's Department says Martinez has been placed on administrative leave.
The incident is currently under investigation. 031817
According to a Friday press release from the Converse County Sheriff's office, Detention Officer Mike Martinez was arrested Thursday night in Casper and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. The Sheriff's Department says Martinez has been placed on administrative leave.
The incident is currently under investigation. 031817
Two Kentucky men on a cable television hunting show have been fined nearly $31,000 and have lost their hunting privileges for 15 years for poaching two bull elk north of Douglas in 2014.
The case came to light when someone watching "Hunting in the Sticks" reported the men appeared to have killed elk in the wrong hunting district.
Game and Fish investigator Mike Ehlebracht says he believes 37-year-old Ricky J. Mills and 25-year-old Jimmy G. Duncan were driven to get "kill shot footage" for their tv show and it led them to make bad decisions.
Both men had elk licenses that year, but the licenses were valid for Elk Hunt Area 51, which is in extreme northwest Wyoming bordering Yellowstone National Park, not for Elk Hunt Area 113 where they shot the elk. Elk Hunt Area 113 in northern Converse County is a highly coveted hunt area with very few licenses, and bulls are only allowed to be harvested every other year.
The men pleaded guilty Monday in Converse County Circuit Court. Duncan was ordered to pay $17,500 in fines and restitution while Mills was ordered to pay $13,460. 031517
The case came to light when someone watching "Hunting in the Sticks" reported the men appeared to have killed elk in the wrong hunting district.
Game and Fish investigator Mike Ehlebracht says he believes 37-year-old Ricky J. Mills and 25-year-old Jimmy G. Duncan were driven to get "kill shot footage" for their tv show and it led them to make bad decisions.
Both men had elk licenses that year, but the licenses were valid for Elk Hunt Area 51, which is in extreme northwest Wyoming bordering Yellowstone National Park, not for Elk Hunt Area 113 where they shot the elk. Elk Hunt Area 113 in northern Converse County is a highly coveted hunt area with very few licenses, and bulls are only allowed to be harvested every other year.
The men pleaded guilty Monday in Converse County Circuit Court. Duncan was ordered to pay $17,500 in fines and restitution while Mills was ordered to pay $13,460. 031517
Wyoming's unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.8 percent in December.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says the rate is down from November's 4.9 percent.
From November to December, unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and increased in nearly every county. As colder weather sets in, employment often falls in construction and other sectors.
The largest jobless rate increases occurred in Johnson, Crook and Sheridan counties. Teton County's unemployment rate fell thanks to the start of the ski season.
Natrona County's 6.6 percent jobless rate was the highest rate in December, followed by Fremont's 6.4 percent, Campbell's 6 percent and Sublette's 5.8 percent. The lowest unemployment rates were in Niobrara and Albany, both at 2.8 percent, and Goshen, at 3 percent.
Converse County's unemployment stood at 5.4 percent in December, up a full percentage point from 4.4 percent a year earlier. 012517
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says the rate is down from November's 4.9 percent.
From November to December, unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and increased in nearly every county. As colder weather sets in, employment often falls in construction and other sectors.
The largest jobless rate increases occurred in Johnson, Crook and Sheridan counties. Teton County's unemployment rate fell thanks to the start of the ski season.
Natrona County's 6.6 percent jobless rate was the highest rate in December, followed by Fremont's 6.4 percent, Campbell's 6 percent and Sublette's 5.8 percent. The lowest unemployment rates were in Niobrara and Albany, both at 2.8 percent, and Goshen, at 3 percent.
Converse County's unemployment stood at 5.4 percent in December, up a full percentage point from 4.4 percent a year earlier. 012517
A tentative agreement has been reached between Basin Electric Power Cooperative and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to lower sulfur dioxide emissions from the Laramie River Station in Wheatland.
Basin Electric says the proposed settlement will ensure a clean environment and help ensure the long-term operation of the plant, which employs over 330 workers.
Basin Electric announced Tuesday that the tentative settlement comes in its lawsuit against the EPA over the agency's attempts to reduce haze from coal-fired power plants in Wyoming.
It says if the EPA confirms the proposed settlement after a public comment period, the Wheatland plant will be required to install equipment to lower SO2 emissions in 2018 and 2019.
It says the equipment installation work will cost about $350 million and create about 200 construction jobs. 011117
Basin Electric says the proposed settlement will ensure a clean environment and help ensure the long-term operation of the plant, which employs over 330 workers.
Basin Electric announced Tuesday that the tentative settlement comes in its lawsuit against the EPA over the agency's attempts to reduce haze from coal-fired power plants in Wyoming.
It says if the EPA confirms the proposed settlement after a public comment period, the Wheatland plant will be required to install equipment to lower SO2 emissions in 2018 and 2019.
It says the equipment installation work will cost about $350 million and create about 200 construction jobs. 011117
Several members of the Glenrock Police Department were honored this week.
At Monday night's town council meeting, Glenrock Police Chief Tim Hurd named Detective Colter Felton as the GPD's Officer of the Year...
At Monday night's town council meeting, Glenrock Police Chief Tim Hurd named Detective Colter Felton as the GPD's Officer of the Year...
Hurd also named Shelly Steinfeld Communications Officer of the Year, and Communication Supervisor Karie Moulton was named Administrative Assistant of the Year. 011117
The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust has completed a conservation easement on 515 acres in Converse County.
The trust says in a news release that the easement involves the LaPrele Creek Ranch southwest of Douglas.
The ranch borders another ranch that the Stock Growers Land Trust had conserved earlier.
The trust says the conservation easement will protect migration corridors of mule deer and elk and also help ensure the protection of clean water sources, including natural springs that offer year round water sources for livestock and wildlife. 010917
The trust says in a news release that the easement involves the LaPrele Creek Ranch southwest of Douglas.
The ranch borders another ranch that the Stock Growers Land Trust had conserved earlier.
The trust says the conservation easement will protect migration corridors of mule deer and elk and also help ensure the protection of clean water sources, including natural springs that offer year round water sources for livestock and wildlife. 010917
The Campbell County Commission has expressed concerns to federal officials about problems with prairie dogs on the Thunder Basin National Grassland.
They voiced their concerns this week in a meeting with U.S. Forest Service district ranger Shane Walker.
The prairie dog population on the grassland has exploded. Area ranchers say the prairie dogs interfere with their cattle grazing operati ons.
The Forest Service is proposing to form a coalition that would include representatives of the Campbell, Weston and Converse county governments to discuss issues related to the grassland. 010917
They voiced their concerns this week in a meeting with U.S. Forest Service district ranger Shane Walker.
The prairie dog population on the grassland has exploded. Area ranchers say the prairie dogs interfere with their cattle grazing operati ons.
The Forest Service is proposing to form a coalition that would include representatives of the Campbell, Weston and Converse county governments to discuss issues related to the grassland. 010917
The Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees have begun the search process for a new president. The Trustees have engaged the services of Gold Hill Associates to conduct the search and are seeking individuals interested in serving on the search committee. The Board will appoint a committee that represents our college constituents.
Interested parties should submit their name on the online form at ewc.wy.edu/presidentialsearch. The deadline for submission is January 17, 2017.
For more information, call Search Liason Holly Branham in Torrington at 532.8303. 010517
Interested parties should submit their name on the online form at ewc.wy.edu/presidentialsearch. The deadline for submission is January 17, 2017.
For more information, call Search Liason Holly Branham in Torrington at 532.8303. 010517
Wyoming's state parks are holding free hikes for the public on New Year's Day.
12 parks and historic sites are participating in the First Day Hikes program, an effort by all 50 state park systems and a private organization called America's State Parks.
Hikes in Wyoming are scheduled at Curt Gowdy, Bear River, Edness K. Wilkins, Guernsey, Keyhole, Sinks Canyon and Buffalo Bill state parks. They will also be held at Fort Bridger, Fort Fred Steele, Trail End and South Pass City state historic sites and the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Area.
About 500 people participated in last year's First Day Hike in Wyoming.
The hikes are open to anyone, and entrance fees at participating state parks will be waived for the event. 122816
12 parks and historic sites are participating in the First Day Hikes program, an effort by all 50 state park systems and a private organization called America's State Parks.
Hikes in Wyoming are scheduled at Curt Gowdy, Bear River, Edness K. Wilkins, Guernsey, Keyhole, Sinks Canyon and Buffalo Bill state parks. They will also be held at Fort Bridger, Fort Fred Steele, Trail End and South Pass City state historic sites and the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Area.
About 500 people participated in last year's First Day Hike in Wyoming.
The hikes are open to anyone, and entrance fees at participating state parks will be waived for the event. 122816
University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols paid a visit to educators and alumni in Douglas this morning to hear comment about the operation of the state's only public, four-year university over the next five years. Nicholls told KKTY News that they're looking for input from state residents on how the University can best serve Wyoming...
About 45 people met with Nicholls at an open meeting at the EWC Douglas Campus this morning. Nicholls also spent time with teachers and councelors at Douglas High School.
Nichols will visit 10 communities across the state between November 30th and December 8th. 112816
Nichols will visit 10 communities across the state between November 30th and December 8th. 112816
The Douglas City Council suspended two retail liquor licenses last night.
Those licenses were held by Hughes, Incorporated at Clementines, and Guru Lodging, at Chutes Saloon at the Douglas Inn and Convention Center.
Both properties are currently closed. Both have considerable sales tax delinquencies owed the state of Wyoming.
Renewal of those retail liquor licenses will be considered at the February 27th meeting of the Douglas City Council. 111516
Those licenses were held by Hughes, Incorporated at Clementines, and Guru Lodging, at Chutes Saloon at the Douglas Inn and Convention Center.
Both properties are currently closed. Both have considerable sales tax delinquencies owed the state of Wyoming.
Renewal of those retail liquor licenses will be considered at the February 27th meeting of the Douglas City Council. 111516
Very high voter turnout, and very high new voter registration at the Converse County polls on Tuesday.
Converse County had 6143 registered voters coming into the election... 6706 votes were cast, so at least 563 new voters, and probably quite a few more checked a ballot.
Two new members for the Douglas City Council.
Two seats open this election cycle, and they'll go to Renee Kemper with 1369 votes, and Monte Gilbreath with 1114. Incumbent councilman Doug Olson got 1072 votes, just 42 behind Gilbreath, and Adam Hughes collected 616 votes.
Five seats open on the Converse County School Board #1, the Douglas School Board, and eleven candidates... the five elected are Tom Holt with 2240... Brad Reese and Jen Rinn tied with 1757. Brandon Gilbreath got 1729, and Jay Butler received 1704.
The Glenrock School Board, CCSD #2, five candidates for three seats... they go to Jared Williams, Vicki Widiker and Brad Jones.
Complete Converse County Election Results at http://conversecounty.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/926
110816
A new, assisted living senior housing facility in Douglas moved another step ahead last night.
Douglas Care Center has been working for several years on building a 30-unit assisted living facility adjancent to their nursing home on Birch Street. They first received a conditional use permit for the project in May of 2014. Joe Rude is president of Douglas Care Center, LLC. He said that they've spent the last two years preparing financing and fine tuning plans for the housing that reponded to several concerns that came up in the conditional use permit process. Rude says they hope to break ground in the early spring...
Douglas Care Center has been working for several years on building a 30-unit assisted living facility adjancent to their nursing home on Birch Street. They first received a conditional use permit for the project in May of 2014. Joe Rude is president of Douglas Care Center, LLC. He said that they've spent the last two years preparing financing and fine tuning plans for the housing that reponded to several concerns that came up in the conditional use permit process. Rude says they hope to break ground in the early spring...
The Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission approved the development plan 4-0 on October 17th... the Douglas City Council gave its unanimous approval to the plan last night. 102516
The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department has a new teaching tool, and they'll be debuting it this weekend.
Cher Bailey says the DVFD's new Fire Safety Training Trailer will help the department better teach fire safety skills...
Cher Bailey says the DVFD's new Fire Safety Training Trailer will help the department better teach fire safety skills...
The 21-foot trailer was built by a company in New York, and is built like a home inside... real hardwood floors, a real kitchen, a real bedroom.
Bailey says the DVFD will be able to do a lot of outreach with the new trailer...
Bailey says the DVFD will be able to do a lot of outreach with the new trailer...
The Fire Safety Training Trailer was purchased with funds from the City of Douglas, Converse County, and the Glenrock Fire Department.
You can take a look at the trailer this weekend. The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house to celebrate National Fire Prevention Week this Saturday, October 15th from 10 til 2 at the Douglas fire hall at 230 North Second Street. 101316
You can take a look at the trailer this weekend. The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department will hold an open house to celebrate National Fire Prevention Week this Saturday, October 15th from 10 til 2 at the Douglas fire hall at 230 North Second Street. 101316
Douglas schools get a thumbs-up.
Converse County School District #1 received good news last week when a review team from the AdvancED accreditation agency recommended full accreditation for the district.
The team commended the district on the extensive learning supports in place for all students, hiring and retaining highly qualified and effective staff, and the system’s sustained leadership and governance structures.
The agency's Improvement priorities for District #1 all had to do with aligning practices all across the district from kindergarten to 12th grade.
For instance, the team mentioned having the same grading policies and practices and making sure that the curriculum is aligned across all grade levels and schools.
Converse #1 scored an overall 300.70 on its review. The highest score is 400, and the average is 278.03. AdvancED accredits over 32,000 institutions across the United States and the world. 101216
Converse County School District #1 received good news last week when a review team from the AdvancED accreditation agency recommended full accreditation for the district.
The team commended the district on the extensive learning supports in place for all students, hiring and retaining highly qualified and effective staff, and the system’s sustained leadership and governance structures.
The agency's Improvement priorities for District #1 all had to do with aligning practices all across the district from kindergarten to 12th grade.
For instance, the team mentioned having the same grading policies and practices and making sure that the curriculum is aligned across all grade levels and schools.
Converse #1 scored an overall 300.70 on its review. The highest score is 400, and the average is 278.03. AdvancED accredits over 32,000 institutions across the United States and the world. 101216
Lower costs could mean a drop in the price of wind energy in coming decades.
According to a survey of wind-power experts led by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, advances in technology could drive down wind-energy costs by as much as 30 percent by the year 2030, and over 40 percent by 2050.
Ryan Wiser is the report's lead author, says reductions in up-front costs and increased performance output will be the biggest drivers...
According to a survey of wind-power experts led by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, advances in technology could drive down wind-energy costs by as much as 30 percent by the year 2030, and over 40 percent by 2050.
Ryan Wiser is the report's lead author, says reductions in up-front costs and increased performance output will be the biggest drivers...
Wiser says reduced costs will help the wind industry stay competitive with solar and fossil fuels by keeping prices low. He adds falling prices aren't likely to hit the industry the same way global price drops have affected oil and gas producers.
Wyoming's newest wind project, sEnergy's 80-megawatt Pioneer Wind Park, recently went online with 46 turbines on the Boxelder south of Glenrock. 101116
Federal officials have released a plan for two high-voltage transmission lines in southwestern Idaho that avoid sage grouse habitat and private land, but cross about 9 miles of a conservation area for raptors.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Friday released its final supplemental environmental impact statement for two segments of the Gateway West project proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power.
The two segments are part of a 1,000-mile transmission line project originating near Glenrock in Converse County that would deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west, potentially tapping into Wyoming's wind energy.
The southwestern Idaho portion has faced opposition from private property owners as well as environmental concerns where the powerlines cross the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. 101116
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Friday released its final supplemental environmental impact statement for two segments of the Gateway West project proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power.
The two segments are part of a 1,000-mile transmission line project originating near Glenrock in Converse County that would deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west, potentially tapping into Wyoming's wind energy.
The southwestern Idaho portion has faced opposition from private property owners as well as environmental concerns where the powerlines cross the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. 101116
A pipeline company plans to replace sections of a natural gas pipeline in Converse County that's had two leaks since August.
The 16-inch pipeline sprung a major leak 14 miles north of Douglas on Sept. 6. Authorities closed Highway 59 for more than two hours while workers shut off the flow.
The leaking gas didn't ignite. DCP Midstream spokeswoman Rosslyn Elliott says the pipeline was carrying 40 million cubic feet of gas a day to a gas-processing plant near Douglas.
Elliott says an inspection in late August revealed a pinhole leak in the same pipeline but about 40 miles north of the later September leak.
She says the company is still investigating the leaks and has been planning to replace sections along a 60-mile stretch of the pipeline. 100716
The 16-inch pipeline sprung a major leak 14 miles north of Douglas on Sept. 6. Authorities closed Highway 59 for more than two hours while workers shut off the flow.
The leaking gas didn't ignite. DCP Midstream spokeswoman Rosslyn Elliott says the pipeline was carrying 40 million cubic feet of gas a day to a gas-processing plant near Douglas.
Elliott says an inspection in late August revealed a pinhole leak in the same pipeline but about 40 miles north of the later September leak.
She says the company is still investigating the leaks and has been planning to replace sections along a 60-mile stretch of the pipeline. 100716
A big crowd turned out in downtown Douglas last night to get a first look at their new library.
After the ribbon cutting, library director Kirk Hissam said he was excited to see such interest from the public...
After the ribbon cutting, library director Kirk Hissam said he was excited to see such interest from the public...
Hissam said the new Douglas library is more than just a place to check out books...
After a successful ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony last night, the doors to the new Converse County Library at 300 Walnut Street will be open at 9am this morning. 100516
Douglas's new library opens today.
The grand opening will mark completion of three projects that Converse County voters approved back in November of 2012. A one-cent specific purpose tax was passed to pay for new Libraries at Douglas and Glenrock, as well as the new Eastern Wyoming College campus in Douglas.
While the original estimate was for an eight year payoff, strong tax income during the oil and gas boom meant that it was all paid for in only 2.5 years.
During construction, the Converse County Library in Douglas has been in temporary quarters in the lower level of the Ft Reno building on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds since March of last year.
Library director Kirk Hissam says the new building is something that everybody can be proud of...
The grand opening will mark completion of three projects that Converse County voters approved back in November of 2012. A one-cent specific purpose tax was passed to pay for new Libraries at Douglas and Glenrock, as well as the new Eastern Wyoming College campus in Douglas.
While the original estimate was for an eight year payoff, strong tax income during the oil and gas boom meant that it was all paid for in only 2.5 years.
During construction, the Converse County Library in Douglas has been in temporary quarters in the lower level of the Ft Reno building on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds since March of last year.
Library director Kirk Hissam says the new building is something that everybody can be proud of...
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held this afternoon at 5pm at the new library at 300 Walnut Street. An open house will follow til 8pm. The public is invited to attend the celebration.
The library will be open for business starting tomorrow morning. 100416
The library will be open for business starting tomorrow morning. 100416
Federal regulators say a worker at a Wyoming uranium mine falsified a required health survey for two other workers who were in a restricted area.
Cameco won't be cited for a violation. But an agreement reached Friday with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires the company to take steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring.
The NRC says the falsification happened in 2013 and involved workers at Cameco's North Butte satellite facility in Campbell County.
The deal with the commission comes after Cameco was ordered to stop shipments of radioactive waste Aug. 31 following two spills within nine months.
Cameco spokesman Ken Vaughn says the company is still working to resolve the issue. 100416
Cameco won't be cited for a violation. But an agreement reached Friday with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires the company to take steps to prevent a similar incident from occurring.
The NRC says the falsification happened in 2013 and involved workers at Cameco's North Butte satellite facility in Campbell County.
The deal with the commission comes after Cameco was ordered to stop shipments of radioactive waste Aug. 31 following two spills within nine months.
Cameco spokesman Ken Vaughn says the company is still working to resolve the issue. 100416
The Wyoming State Parks system is inviting eclipse fans to Come Over to the Park Side.
With four parks located in prime viewing areas for next summer's total solar eclipse on August 21st, the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is offering several reservation and permit packages that will be available to the public beginning this Saturday, Oct. 1.
Resident and non-resident camping and day-use packages for the Sierra Trading Post sponsored WyoParksEclipse events will be available for the eclipse weekend at Glendo, Guernsey, Edness K. Wilkins and Boysen state parks.
Reservations are very limited. Detailed information is available on the Wyoming State Parks website.at www.wyoparks.org. 092816
With four parks located in prime viewing areas for next summer's total solar eclipse on August 21st, the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is offering several reservation and permit packages that will be available to the public beginning this Saturday, Oct. 1.
Resident and non-resident camping and day-use packages for the Sierra Trading Post sponsored WyoParksEclipse events will be available for the eclipse weekend at Glendo, Guernsey, Edness K. Wilkins and Boysen state parks.
Reservations are very limited. Detailed information is available on the Wyoming State Parks website.at www.wyoparks.org. 092816
Worries about a possible explosion caused authorities to close a highway in northeast Wyoming after a gas pipeline ruptured and began spewing gas Tuesday.
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker says the buried line broke due to a pressure explosion a few hundred yards east of Wyoming 59 about 13 miles north of Douglas.
Nobody was hurt. Becker says the gas didn't catch fire or explode. He says nobody was digging in the area so the cause isn't immediately apparent.
Becker says the highway was closed between Douglas and Wright at around 7 a.m. and reopened around 9:15 a.m. after workers purged gas from the line. 090716
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker says the buried line broke due to a pressure explosion a few hundred yards east of Wyoming 59 about 13 miles north of Douglas.
Nobody was hurt. Becker says the gas didn't catch fire or explode. He says nobody was digging in the area so the cause isn't immediately apparent.
Becker says the highway was closed between Douglas and Wright at around 7 a.m. and reopened around 9:15 a.m. after workers purged gas from the line. 090716
A 75-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained during a five-car pileup on Old Glenrock Highway.
Leoda Cain, of Glenrock, was the only victim in the Sunday, August 21st crash who had remained hospitalized as of late last week. Officials confirmed she died Tuesday.
Wyoming Highway Patrol says the collision occurred just inside the Converse County line between Glenrock and Casper when a truck did not stop for construction, as four cars ahead of the vehicle did. The pickup was traveling about 70 mph. 083116
Leoda Cain, of Glenrock, was the only victim in the Sunday, August 21st crash who had remained hospitalized as of late last week. Officials confirmed she died Tuesday.
Wyoming Highway Patrol says the collision occurred just inside the Converse County line between Glenrock and Casper when a truck did not stop for construction, as four cars ahead of the vehicle did. The pickup was traveling about 70 mph. 083116
Authorities have identified a man who was shot by troopers following a high-speed chase that ended near Casper.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 38-year-old Jimmie Files was taken to a hospital after being shot Sunday. He has since been jailed, but authorities did not release his medical condition.
The incident began when troopers acting on a reckless driving report started pursuing a pickup truck on Interstate 25 in Converse County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the truck went over a spike strip, drove into oncoming traffic and started driving in the median before being rammed by a trooper's vehicle.
The patrol says officers shot the suspect as he drove toward them.
Two troopers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. 082416
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 38-year-old Jimmie Files was taken to a hospital after being shot Sunday. He has since been jailed, but authorities did not release his medical condition.
The incident began when troopers acting on a reckless driving report started pursuing a pickup truck on Interstate 25 in Converse County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the truck went over a spike strip, drove into oncoming traffic and started driving in the median before being rammed by a trooper's vehicle.
The patrol says officers shot the suspect as he drove toward them.
Two troopers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. 082416
Seventeen wild horses and burros were adopted during Wyoming Mustang Days at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas last week.
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program sponsored the annual adoption event, which also encourages previous wild horse adopters to showcase the abilities of their mustangs.
Twelve gentled halter-started horses and two burros were adopted throughout the week, by silent bid.
Two saddle-started and one halter-started horse were adopted Aug. 20. The adoption, through competitive bid, followed a demonstration by the trainers from the Mantle Wild Horse Adoption and Training Facility, demonstrating the horses’ abilities.
Wyoming Mustang Days also included the All Wild Horse Show, featuring 36 previous wild horse adopters and their adopted horses, competing in three divisions on Friday, Aug. 19.
Another wild horse adoption is planned for Sept. 9-10, at the Wyoming Honor Farm, in Riverton. 082416
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program sponsored the annual adoption event, which also encourages previous wild horse adopters to showcase the abilities of their mustangs.
Twelve gentled halter-started horses and two burros were adopted throughout the week, by silent bid.
Two saddle-started and one halter-started horse were adopted Aug. 20. The adoption, through competitive bid, followed a demonstration by the trainers from the Mantle Wild Horse Adoption and Training Facility, demonstrating the horses’ abilities.
Wyoming Mustang Days also included the All Wild Horse Show, featuring 36 previous wild horse adopters and their adopted horses, competing in three divisions on Friday, Aug. 19.
Another wild horse adoption is planned for Sept. 9-10, at the Wyoming Honor Farm, in Riverton. 082416
Firefighters from Natrona and Converse Counties responded to a grass fire out on Cole Creek Road Monday afternoon.
Fire crews arrived at about 230pm and found about 25 acres of tall grass and brush burning. Three air tankers were available and helped to put down the blaze.
An official cause has yet to be determined, but a welding unit may have started the fire.
Red Flag Fire Warnings were in effect for Natrona and Converse Counties, as well as much of the rest of eastern Wyoming on Monday afternoon. 082216
Fire crews arrived at about 230pm and found about 25 acres of tall grass and brush burning. Three air tankers were available and helped to put down the blaze.
An official cause has yet to be determined, but a welding unit may have started the fire.
Red Flag Fire Warnings were in effect for Natrona and Converse Counties, as well as much of the rest of eastern Wyoming on Monday afternoon. 082216
If you'd like to help guide how Converse County educates its kids, here's your opportunity.
Converse County Clerk Lucile Taylor says that there are openings on both the Douglas and Glenrock School Boards.
The candidate filing period for School Board Trustee for the CCSD #1 (Douglas) and CCSD #2 (Glenrock) is open now through Monday, August 29. CCSD #1 will have five trustees positions available and CCSD #2 will have three positions.
Candidates can pick up forms at the Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse in Douglas. Candidates in District #2 can also pick up the nomination forms at Glenrock High School. 081216
Converse County Clerk Lucile Taylor says that there are openings on both the Douglas and Glenrock School Boards.
The candidate filing period for School Board Trustee for the CCSD #1 (Douglas) and CCSD #2 (Glenrock) is open now through Monday, August 29. CCSD #1 will have five trustees positions available and CCSD #2 will have three positions.
Candidates can pick up forms at the Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse in Douglas. Candidates in District #2 can also pick up the nomination forms at Glenrock High School. 081216
The 104th edition of the Wyoming State Fair opens this weekend in Douglas, and there are a couple of pretty big changes in the fair's schedule.
The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department's Demolition Derby is moving from the first Saturday of the Fair to the last Saturday, and the Fair will open with Rodeo events in the Ford Grandstands Arena... the Wyoming State Ranch Rodeo Finals this Saturday night at 7, and the Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo on Sunday and Monday nights at 7pm.
Wyoming State Fair director Jame Goodrich explains the changes...
The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department's Demolition Derby is moving from the first Saturday of the Fair to the last Saturday, and the Fair will open with Rodeo events in the Ford Grandstands Arena... the Wyoming State Ranch Rodeo Finals this Saturday night at 7, and the Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo on Sunday and Monday nights at 7pm.
Wyoming State Fair director Jame Goodrich explains the changes...
The first events on the State Fair schedule are actually tomorrow morning with the Wyoming Open Cattle Dog Trials in the Silver Arena at 7:30 AM.
The Wyoming State Fair runs through Saturday, August 20th in Douglas. 081116
The Wyoming State Fair runs through Saturday, August 20th in Douglas. 081116
Wyoming authorities say the investigation is continuing into the June 30 fatal shooting of a man by deputy U.S. marshals at his father's funeral in Douglas.
Deputies shot and killed 44-year-old Jasen Scott Ramirez of Colorado while trying to arrest him outside a church after the funeral service. Ramirez was under federal indictment in Wyoming on drug and weapons charges.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Director Steve Woodson says his agency's investigation is still ongoing. Converse County Attorney Quentin Richardson said Wednesday he has no indication when the investigation will be completed.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office issued a statement after the shooting saying investigators found two handguns in Ramirez's vehicle and also found roughly 4 ounces of methamphetamine in the vehicle and on his person. 081116
Deputies shot and killed 44-year-old Jasen Scott Ramirez of Colorado while trying to arrest him outside a church after the funeral service. Ramirez was under federal indictment in Wyoming on drug and weapons charges.
Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation Director Steve Woodson says his agency's investigation is still ongoing. Converse County Attorney Quentin Richardson said Wednesday he has no indication when the investigation will be completed.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office and County Attorney's Office issued a statement after the shooting saying investigators found two handguns in Ramirez's vehicle and also found roughly 4 ounces of methamphetamine in the vehicle and on his person. 081116
Wildland firefighters have returned to Converse County.
A type 3 fire crew from Idaho has come to town to work on the Sawmill Creek fire, about 20 miles SW of Douglas off Highway 91, Cold Springs Road.
About 130 people are assigned including local and state agencies. The Sawmill Creek Fire is currently 28 acres and is 20 percent contained. Personnel with the Idaho crew includes 3 engines, four Type 2 Initial Attack crews, one Type 2 helicopter and one Type 3 helicopter.
Officials say the fire is likely a hold over fire from a lightning event on either July 29th or 30th. It is currently located on private land. 080216
A type 3 fire crew from Idaho has come to town to work on the Sawmill Creek fire, about 20 miles SW of Douglas off Highway 91, Cold Springs Road.
About 130 people are assigned including local and state agencies. The Sawmill Creek Fire is currently 28 acres and is 20 percent contained. Personnel with the Idaho crew includes 3 engines, four Type 2 Initial Attack crews, one Type 2 helicopter and one Type 3 helicopter.
Officials say the fire is likely a hold over fire from a lightning event on either July 29th or 30th. It is currently located on private land. 080216
|
Fire restrictions are being upgraded from partial to full restrictions on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management in Natrona, Converse, Platte and Goshen counties beginning August 1, 2016 due to dry conditions and high fire danger.
For more information on BLM fire restrictions or conditions, contact the Casper Field Office (307) 261-7600 or go to www.wy.blm.gov/wy_fire_restrictions. 080116 |
Alpha Natural Resources came out of bankruptcy yesterday.
The coal company operates the Belle Ayre and Eagle Buttes mines just north of Gillette. They were the first of three major mining companies in the Powder River Basin to go into chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, when the industry faces thirty-year lows.
The company will look different going forward. A federal judge approved a plan for the company to split into two companies. Alpha will continue to run its eastern operations, while its Wyoming assets will be rolled off to a new company named Contura Energy, which is owned by Alpha's senior lenders.
The reorganization plan also sets aside $13 million dollars to fund health benefits for more than 4500 former employees, and will end self-bonding at the Wyoming mines. 072716
The coal company operates the Belle Ayre and Eagle Buttes mines just north of Gillette. They were the first of three major mining companies in the Powder River Basin to go into chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, when the industry faces thirty-year lows.
The company will look different going forward. A federal judge approved a plan for the company to split into two companies. Alpha will continue to run its eastern operations, while its Wyoming assets will be rolled off to a new company named Contura Energy, which is owned by Alpha's senior lenders.
The reorganization plan also sets aside $13 million dollars to fund health benefits for more than 4500 former employees, and will end self-bonding at the Wyoming mines. 072716
Milward Simpson is stepping down as director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Affairs.
Gov. Matt Mead announced Tuesday that Simpson is leaving the director's post that he's held for the past 10 years.Simpson is taking a job as director of the Wyoming chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Simpson started working for the state as manager of the Wyoming Arts Council in 2004 and became director of State Parks and Cultural Resources in 2006. State Parks and Cultural Resources is the state agency that oversees Glendo and Guernsey State Parks, Ft Fetterman and and Camp Douglas Officers Club State Historic Sites and the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 072716
Gov. Matt Mead announced Tuesday that Simpson is leaving the director's post that he's held for the past 10 years.Simpson is taking a job as director of the Wyoming chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Simpson started working for the state as manager of the Wyoming Arts Council in 2004 and became director of State Parks and Cultural Resources in 2006. State Parks and Cultural Resources is the state agency that oversees Glendo and Guernsey State Parks, Ft Fetterman and and Camp Douglas Officers Club State Historic Sites and the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 072716
The Converse County Sheriff's office has released more information on last week's officer-involved fatal shooting in Douglas.
According to a Wednesday press release, the Sheriff's Department says that in the interest of preventing misinformation, they are releasing the following known facts:
On June 30th, 2016, U.S Marshals came to Douglas to serve a federal warrant on Jasen Scott Ramirez, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office responded at approximately 2:43 pm to a call of an officer-involved shooting at the Saint James Catholic Church.
Local Law Enforcement rendered aid to Ramirez outside of the vehicle where he was shot, but Mr. Ramirez passed away.
A Search Warrant was obtained on the vehicle where approximately 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine and two handguns were recovered. In addition, about 0.5 ounces of methamphetamine, was found on Mr. Ramirez's person.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been asked to fully investigate the shooting.070616
According to a Wednesday press release, the Sheriff's Department says that in the interest of preventing misinformation, they are releasing the following known facts:
On June 30th, 2016, U.S Marshals came to Douglas to serve a federal warrant on Jasen Scott Ramirez, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office responded at approximately 2:43 pm to a call of an officer-involved shooting at the Saint James Catholic Church.
Local Law Enforcement rendered aid to Ramirez outside of the vehicle where he was shot, but Mr. Ramirez passed away.
A Search Warrant was obtained on the vehicle where approximately 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine and two handguns were recovered. In addition, about 0.5 ounces of methamphetamine, was found on Mr. Ramirez's person.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been asked to fully investigate the shooting.070616
After flooding, a temporary bridge and closure again for construction, traffic on the north side of Lusk will finally return to normal later this week.
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open to traffic the U.S. 85 bridge in Lusk. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 15 at the Lusk WYDOT facility, 328. N. Main St.
Mead will join state and local officials, WYDOT representatives, and others involved with the reconstruction of the highway bridge washed away by last year's flooding, in commemorating the new bridge and recognizing the Lusk community for overcoming the challenges the town has faced over the past year.
The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Parking is available at the WYDOT facility, accessible from N. Daley Street.
A June 4, 2015 storm sent a torrent of water down the Niobrara River flooding houses and buildings from Manville to Lusk, taking the bridge with it. A detour was quickly established and WYDOT crews went to work erecting its Acrow Corporation of America portable bridge. That bridge served as a temporary alternative as plans for the permanent replacement emerged. The temporary bridge opened to traffic July 31.
Cheyenne's Reiman Corp. won the contract to repair the approaches and build a new bridge. Work began mid-February. 070516
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead will attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open to traffic the U.S. 85 bridge in Lusk. The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, July 15 at the Lusk WYDOT facility, 328. N. Main St.
Mead will join state and local officials, WYDOT representatives, and others involved with the reconstruction of the highway bridge washed away by last year's flooding, in commemorating the new bridge and recognizing the Lusk community for overcoming the challenges the town has faced over the past year.
The event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Parking is available at the WYDOT facility, accessible from N. Daley Street.
A June 4, 2015 storm sent a torrent of water down the Niobrara River flooding houses and buildings from Manville to Lusk, taking the bridge with it. A detour was quickly established and WYDOT crews went to work erecting its Acrow Corporation of America portable bridge. That bridge served as a temporary alternative as plans for the permanent replacement emerged. The temporary bridge opened to traffic July 31.
Cheyenne's Reiman Corp. won the contract to repair the approaches and build a new bridge. Work began mid-February. 070516
Deputy U.S. Marshals were involved in the shooting that left a man dead Thursday in Douglas.
The Marshals Service says deputies were attempting to arrest 44-year-old Jasen Scott Ramirez of Colorado when he was shot and killed. He was shot in the parking lot of St James Catholic Church where he reportedly had attended his father's funeral.
No deputies were injured.
Ramirez was indicted in U.S. District Court in Wyoming last month on charges of illegal drug possession, possession of a firearm while drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations is investigating the shooting. An agency official declined comment.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper responding to the fatal shooting in Douglas is hospitalized with injuries after colliding with another motorist near Glenrock.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the trooper was on the old highway just east of the Glenrock town limits when his struck an SUV. The patrol car rolled multiple times.
The trooper was flown by helicopter Thursday to a Casper hospital, where he's listed in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Both are expected to recover. 070116
The Marshals Service says deputies were attempting to arrest 44-year-old Jasen Scott Ramirez of Colorado when he was shot and killed. He was shot in the parking lot of St James Catholic Church where he reportedly had attended his father's funeral.
No deputies were injured.
Ramirez was indicted in U.S. District Court in Wyoming last month on charges of illegal drug possession, possession of a firearm while drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations is investigating the shooting. An agency official declined comment.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper responding to the fatal shooting in Douglas is hospitalized with injuries after colliding with another motorist near Glenrock.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the trooper was on the old highway just east of the Glenrock town limits when his struck an SUV. The patrol car rolled multiple times.
The trooper was flown by helicopter Thursday to a Casper hospital, where he's listed in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Both are expected to recover. 070116
The liquor license at a local hotel is in jeopardy.
The Douglas City Council has suspended the city-issued retail liquor license at Chutes Saloon at the Douglas Inn and Convention Center. Guru Lodging, the hotel's owners, has been delinquent twice in the past six months in payment of their state sales taxes.
At the June 16th council meeting, the city suspended the retail liquor license and continued the hearing til the next council meeting, and also imposed a $500 dollar fine.
At last night's City Council meeting, the council heard that the sales taxes have been paid through April, essentially bringing them up to date again. For a second time, no representative of the hotel appeared before the council to present their own evidence and answer questions.
The Douglas City Council voted to require that the previously levied fine be paid by July 25th and continue suspension of the retail liquor license until the August 8th council meeting, and hotel management must appear before the city council.
If those stipulations are not met, the city may begin legal action to revoke the license.
The bar and restaurant at the Douglas Inn and Convention Center are currently closed, and the hotel itself is listed for sale with a Casper real estate firm. 062816
The Douglas City Council has suspended the city-issued retail liquor license at Chutes Saloon at the Douglas Inn and Convention Center. Guru Lodging, the hotel's owners, has been delinquent twice in the past six months in payment of their state sales taxes.
At the June 16th council meeting, the city suspended the retail liquor license and continued the hearing til the next council meeting, and also imposed a $500 dollar fine.
At last night's City Council meeting, the council heard that the sales taxes have been paid through April, essentially bringing them up to date again. For a second time, no representative of the hotel appeared before the council to present their own evidence and answer questions.
The Douglas City Council voted to require that the previously levied fine be paid by July 25th and continue suspension of the retail liquor license until the August 8th council meeting, and hotel management must appear before the city council.
If those stipulations are not met, the city may begin legal action to revoke the license.
The bar and restaurant at the Douglas Inn and Convention Center are currently closed, and the hotel itself is listed for sale with a Casper real estate firm. 062816
Stage I fire restrictions have been put into effect on the Thunder Basin National Grassland.
Recent hot, dry, red-flag weather conditions, as well as dry fuels have prompted the restrictions. This decision was made in coordination with Campbell, Converse, Crook, Niobrara and Weston Counties in Wyoming, and follows the implementation of fire restrictions recently by the counties and other area land management agencies.
Restrictions are necessary to protect public health and safety due to the current and anticipated elevated risk of wildfire.
For more information on the fire ban you can call the Douglas Ranger District at 358-4690 or stop by the office at 2250 E. Richards St. in Douglas. 062716
Recent hot, dry, red-flag weather conditions, as well as dry fuels have prompted the restrictions. This decision was made in coordination with Campbell, Converse, Crook, Niobrara and Weston Counties in Wyoming, and follows the implementation of fire restrictions recently by the counties and other area land management agencies.
Restrictions are necessary to protect public health and safety due to the current and anticipated elevated risk of wildfire.
For more information on the fire ban you can call the Douglas Ranger District at 358-4690 or stop by the office at 2250 E. Richards St. in Douglas. 062716
A former Douglas and Cody special education teacher has pleaded guilty to having sex with an underage student.
In exchange for a potentially lighter sentence, Katie Marcus pleaded guilty on May 20 to third-degree sexual molestation of a minor. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend she be placed on supervised probation for up to five years. After completing the probation the conviction could be wiped from her record.
The judge must approve the plea agreement.
According to court documents, Marcus approached a 17-year-old Douglas student in 2013. The two exchanged picture messages and eventually had sex. The teenager Snapchatted evidence of the intimate encounter to his friends.
The Cody School Board accepted Marcus's resignation in September. She was arrested in August. 062416
In exchange for a potentially lighter sentence, Katie Marcus pleaded guilty on May 20 to third-degree sexual molestation of a minor. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend she be placed on supervised probation for up to five years. After completing the probation the conviction could be wiped from her record.
The judge must approve the plea agreement.
According to court documents, Marcus approached a 17-year-old Douglas student in 2013. The two exchanged picture messages and eventually had sex. The teenager Snapchatted evidence of the intimate encounter to his friends.
The Cody School Board accepted Marcus's resignation in September. She was arrested in August. 062416
Wyoming's unemployment rate increased slightly in May to 5.6 percent.
The May jobless rate is up from April's 5.5 percent and higher than the national rate of 4.7 percent. A year ago, in May 2015, Wyoming's rate stood at 4.2 percent.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says that from May 2015 to May 2016, the largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Campbell (up from 3.8% to 8.0%), Natrona (up from 4.8% to 7.5%), Converse (up from 3.7% to 6.3%), and Weston (up from 3.4% to 5.8%) counties. All are counties that have been hit hard with layoffs in the energy industry.
Albany County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.9 percent in May. It was followed by Niobrara at 3.1 percent, Goshen at 3.5 percent and Laramie at 4 percent. 062216
The May jobless rate is up from April's 5.5 percent and higher than the national rate of 4.7 percent. A year ago, in May 2015, Wyoming's rate stood at 4.2 percent.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says that from May 2015 to May 2016, the largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Campbell (up from 3.8% to 8.0%), Natrona (up from 4.8% to 7.5%), Converse (up from 3.7% to 6.3%), and Weston (up from 3.4% to 5.8%) counties. All are counties that have been hit hard with layoffs in the energy industry.
Albany County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.9 percent in May. It was followed by Niobrara at 3.1 percent, Goshen at 3.5 percent and Laramie at 4 percent. 062216
Tickets for the 2016 concerts during the Wyoming State Fair have gone on sale, both online and at the Wyoming State Fair main office.
The concerts at this year’s Wyoming State Fair include country artists Sawyer Brown and Chris Janson on Friday, August 19th and contemporary Christian band Sidewalk Prophets on Thursday, August 18. Tickets for Sawyer Brown and Chris Janson are $30.00 and Sidewalk Prophets are $20.00.
Tickets are currently on sale for each concert online at www.wystatefair.com or at the Wyoming State Fair Administration office at 400 West Center Street in Douglas, Wyoming. You can also order tickets by calling the main office at 307-358-2398. Payments accepted are cash, check, Visa or Master Card.
The 104th Wyoming State Fair will be held August 13-20, 2016. 062116
The concerts at this year’s Wyoming State Fair include country artists Sawyer Brown and Chris Janson on Friday, August 19th and contemporary Christian band Sidewalk Prophets on Thursday, August 18. Tickets for Sawyer Brown and Chris Janson are $30.00 and Sidewalk Prophets are $20.00.
Tickets are currently on sale for each concert online at www.wystatefair.com or at the Wyoming State Fair Administration office at 400 West Center Street in Douglas, Wyoming. You can also order tickets by calling the main office at 307-358-2398. Payments accepted are cash, check, Visa or Master Card.
The 104th Wyoming State Fair will be held August 13-20, 2016. 062116
A Wheatland man is the winning bidder to bring a gas station and convenience store back to Chugwater by this fall.
Chugwater Mayor LaDonna Sand says Alex Cadar submitted the only bid Friday to build on the site where the Horton's Corner store burned down three-and-a-half years ago.
Local residents since have had to drive 25 miles to Wheatland or 45 miles to Cheyenne to buy gas. Many locals have been stockpiling gas at home.
Sand says Cadar's $400,000 bid includes a promise through the federal Community Development Block Grant program to hire around 18 people when the store opens.
The fire happened when a man crashed into Horton's Corner after driving off Interstate 25. The town of Chugwater bought the lot when the owners decided not to rebuild. 062116
Chugwater Mayor LaDonna Sand says Alex Cadar submitted the only bid Friday to build on the site where the Horton's Corner store burned down three-and-a-half years ago.
Local residents since have had to drive 25 miles to Wheatland or 45 miles to Cheyenne to buy gas. Many locals have been stockpiling gas at home.
Sand says Cadar's $400,000 bid includes a promise through the federal Community Development Block Grant program to hire around 18 people when the store opens.
The fire happened when a man crashed into Horton's Corner after driving off Interstate 25. The town of Chugwater bought the lot when the owners decided not to rebuild. 062116
Minor flooding continues along parts of the Laramie River in southeast Wyoming.
The river is running above flood stage at both the city of Laramie in Albany County and around Fort Laramie in Goshen County.
The river is expected to fall slowly throughout the week at Fort Laramie but rise slowly at Laramie.
Farther to the west, the North Platte River at Saratoga is running bankful. The river is expected to remain steady for the next couple of days and then rise again to about a foot above flood stage on Saturday.
Water did break over the spillway upriver on Pathfinder Reservoir over the weekend. And Glendo Reservoir is filling into the flood pool on the north end of the lake.
No other major rivers in the state have flooding issues right now. 053116
The river is running above flood stage at both the city of Laramie in Albany County and around Fort Laramie in Goshen County.
The river is expected to fall slowly throughout the week at Fort Laramie but rise slowly at Laramie.
Farther to the west, the North Platte River at Saratoga is running bankful. The river is expected to remain steady for the next couple of days and then rise again to about a foot above flood stage on Saturday.
Water did break over the spillway upriver on Pathfinder Reservoir over the weekend. And Glendo Reservoir is filling into the flood pool on the north end of the lake.
No other major rivers in the state have flooding issues right now. 053116
High water levels are expected again in the Douglas area.
While most of our local snow pack is gone. The reservoir system on the North Platte River is nearing capacity, and water in Pathfinder Reservoir will be going over the spillway in the next few days.
In order to try and make some room in Pathfinder, Alcova, and Grey Reef, the discharges upstream are currently being increased to evacuate part of the stored water now, before the rest of the snow pack melts out.
The current projected maximum discharge above Douglas is 7000 cfs. This is just shy of the discharges that we dealt with in 2011, when the river reached 7,500 cfs.
Glendo Reservoir is already entering into the “flood pool” area north of the reservoir. Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn says some farmers and ranchers in the flood pool will be affected again this year. The elevation that they are projecting is within 1 foot of the level from 2011.
Dalgarn says his office is watching river levels closely and will pass on any updates if there will be any major changes with the planned releases. 052516
While most of our local snow pack is gone. The reservoir system on the North Platte River is nearing capacity, and water in Pathfinder Reservoir will be going over the spillway in the next few days.
In order to try and make some room in Pathfinder, Alcova, and Grey Reef, the discharges upstream are currently being increased to evacuate part of the stored water now, before the rest of the snow pack melts out.
The current projected maximum discharge above Douglas is 7000 cfs. This is just shy of the discharges that we dealt with in 2011, when the river reached 7,500 cfs.
Glendo Reservoir is already entering into the “flood pool” area north of the reservoir. Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn says some farmers and ranchers in the flood pool will be affected again this year. The elevation that they are projecting is within 1 foot of the level from 2011.
Dalgarn says his office is watching river levels closely and will pass on any updates if there will be any major changes with the planned releases. 052516
If you have political aspirations... you're reminded that this Friday, May 27th at 5 pm is the deadline to file for city, county and state offices in this summer's primary election.
Seats open will include the House of Representatives, currently held by Cynthia Lummis, who's not running again... State Senate District 2, State House Districts 3, 4 and 6, and two seats on the Converse County Commission.
City and town Councils, there'll be two four-year positions on the Douglas City Council, two four-year terms and an unexpired two-year term on the Glenrock council, and three seats each on the Rolling Hills and Lost Springs town councils.
Candidates need to file to run at the Converse County Courthouse by 5 pm this Friday. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 16th .052516
Seats open will include the House of Representatives, currently held by Cynthia Lummis, who's not running again... State Senate District 2, State House Districts 3, 4 and 6, and two seats on the Converse County Commission.
City and town Councils, there'll be two four-year positions on the Douglas City Council, two four-year terms and an unexpired two-year term on the Glenrock council, and three seats each on the Rolling Hills and Lost Springs town councils.
Candidates need to file to run at the Converse County Courthouse by 5 pm this Friday. The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 16th .052516
Official groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Converse County Joint Justice Center will be held this afternoon.
Dirt work has already begun at the site on the east end of the old race track in Douglas. The Douglas PD and Converse County Sheriff's departments will be directing traffic.
Today's groundbreaking on the $34 million dollar Joint Justice Center is open to the public. Activities begin at 2 pm. 052516
Dirt work has already begun at the site on the east end of the old race track in Douglas. The Douglas PD and Converse County Sheriff's departments will be directing traffic.
Today's groundbreaking on the $34 million dollar Joint Justice Center is open to the public. Activities begin at 2 pm. 052516
Wyoming's Congressional delegation is standing up for the uranium industry.
Senators John Barrasso and Mike Enzi and Representative Cynthia Lummis led a group of 14 other lawmakers from from surrounding states in calling on the Department of Energy to stop hurting America’s uranium producers by flooding the market with excess uranium.
Since 2009, DOE has paid its contractors by bartering over $1 billion in excess uranium– an arrangement the Government Accountability Office has repeatedly said violates federal law.
In a letter to the Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, the lawmakers expressed their concerns that these so-called “barters” of excess uranium have contributed significantly to an oversupply of uranium in the world market. This oversupply directly resulted in large workforce reductions in the United States, including the elimination of 85 jobs announced by Cameco Resources last month. Cameco owns and operates the Smith Ranch-Highland uranium mines northwest of Douglas here in Converse County. The group asked the DOE to immediately suspend any barters of excess uranium until the uranium market recovers. 052416
Senators John Barrasso and Mike Enzi and Representative Cynthia Lummis led a group of 14 other lawmakers from from surrounding states in calling on the Department of Energy to stop hurting America’s uranium producers by flooding the market with excess uranium.
Since 2009, DOE has paid its contractors by bartering over $1 billion in excess uranium– an arrangement the Government Accountability Office has repeatedly said violates federal law.
In a letter to the Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, the lawmakers expressed their concerns that these so-called “barters” of excess uranium have contributed significantly to an oversupply of uranium in the world market. This oversupply directly resulted in large workforce reductions in the United States, including the elimination of 85 jobs announced by Cameco Resources last month. Cameco owns and operates the Smith Ranch-Highland uranium mines northwest of Douglas here in Converse County. The group asked the DOE to immediately suspend any barters of excess uranium until the uranium market recovers. 052416
Plenty of water is headed down the Platte River towards Nebraska, but officials don't know yet how much and when it will arrive.
Engineer Cory Steinke told the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District board members Monday that the water will come from the basin's rain runoff, nearly full Wyoming reservoirs upstream on the North Platte River and deeper-than-average snowpacks in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming.
Steinke says there isn't much room in the upstream reservoirs for a higher-than-normal snowpacks. He says releases from the Glendo Reservoir have been increased.
On Monday, Nebraska's Lake McConaughy was holding about 1.5 million acre-feet of water — around 85 percent of maximum. 050416
Engineer Cory Steinke told the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District board members Monday that the water will come from the basin's rain runoff, nearly full Wyoming reservoirs upstream on the North Platte River and deeper-than-average snowpacks in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming.
Steinke says there isn't much room in the upstream reservoirs for a higher-than-normal snowpacks. He says releases from the Glendo Reservoir have been increased.
On Monday, Nebraska's Lake McConaughy was holding about 1.5 million acre-feet of water — around 85 percent of maximum. 050416
Another day, another bank robbery.
Evansville police were call out to the Platte Valley Bank's Evansville branch at about 9:30 Tuesday morning. A middle-aged, white male had entered the bank, showed a gun, and escaped with an undetermined amount of cash. He escaped in a white SUV with no license plates.
At around noon on Tuesday, family members talked the man into turning himself in, and he was taken into custody a short time later. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The Points West Bank in Douglas was robbed on Monday afternoon. The robber, 52 year old Charles Mathis, was apprehended later on Monday and is being held at the Douglas jail pending charges. The Douglas Police Department and the Converse County Attorney's Office are working with the FBI and the US Attorney's Office to formally file the appropriate charges against Mathis. 050416
Evansville police were call out to the Platte Valley Bank's Evansville branch at about 9:30 Tuesday morning. A middle-aged, white male had entered the bank, showed a gun, and escaped with an undetermined amount of cash. He escaped in a white SUV with no license plates.
At around noon on Tuesday, family members talked the man into turning himself in, and he was taken into custody a short time later. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The Points West Bank in Douglas was robbed on Monday afternoon. The robber, 52 year old Charles Mathis, was apprehended later on Monday and is being held at the Douglas jail pending charges. The Douglas Police Department and the Converse County Attorney's Office are working with the FBI and the US Attorney's Office to formally file the appropriate charges against Mathis. 050416
A suspect has been taken into custody following a Monday afternoon robbery at Points West Community Bank in Douglas.
Police Chief Ron Casalenda says a dark-complected adult male robbed the bank at about 2:30 this afternoon. The man indicated that he had a weapon, but no weapon was shown. No word yet on how much money was taken. There were no injuries reported.
Casalenda said the man left the bank on foot, westbound on East Richards Street. He's described as dark complection, wearing all dark clothing and either a dark beanie or do-rag on his head.
A suspect was later taken into custody on I-25 southbound at exit 140.
Douglas High School and Douglas Primary School were placed on lockdown and students were held in the buildings until just before 4pm when law enforcement deemed it safe for them to be released. CCSD #1 Transportation was also locked down, and busses ran late this afternoon. 050216
Police Chief Ron Casalenda says a dark-complected adult male robbed the bank at about 2:30 this afternoon. The man indicated that he had a weapon, but no weapon was shown. No word yet on how much money was taken. There were no injuries reported.
Casalenda said the man left the bank on foot, westbound on East Richards Street. He's described as dark complection, wearing all dark clothing and either a dark beanie or do-rag on his head.
A suspect was later taken into custody on I-25 southbound at exit 140.
Douglas High School and Douglas Primary School were placed on lockdown and students were held in the buildings until just before 4pm when law enforcement deemed it safe for them to be released. CCSD #1 Transportation was also locked down, and busses ran late this afternoon. 050216
Cancellations and Closures today due to weather...
All Douglas Schools 2 hour early out, all afternoon & evening activities including tonight's choir concert are cancelled.
Douglas Boys & Girls Club will also be closed.
The Rec Center will be closing today at 1:30 due to the snow. Also Swimming Lessons that are scheduled for this afternoon will be made up at their regular times on Friday, April 29th!
EWC Douglas Campus closing at 2pm
Cowboy State Healthcare CNA training class at 5pm will be rescheduled
Converse County Rural Fire Training @ EWC cancelled tonight, will be rescheduled. 042616
All Douglas Schools 2 hour early out, all afternoon & evening activities including tonight's choir concert are cancelled.
Douglas Boys & Girls Club will also be closed.
The Rec Center will be closing today at 1:30 due to the snow. Also Swimming Lessons that are scheduled for this afternoon will be made up at their regular times on Friday, April 29th!
EWC Douglas Campus closing at 2pm
Cowboy State Healthcare CNA training class at 5pm will be rescheduled
Converse County Rural Fire Training @ EWC cancelled tonight, will be rescheduled. 042616
A trip to Mickey's House and the Beach, and the Band is bringing home some hardware. The Douglas High School band went to Disneyland this weekend to compete in the Music In The Parks competition. The band, under the direction of Ron Wagner, took 1st place in the High School Concert Band division, and also won the Esprit De Corps award.
Music in the Parks is a festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually at more than 40 amusement parks across the United States. Music groups perform before adjudicators who rate the ensemble in the morning, and then spend the day at the amusement park. The day culminates with an awards ceremony. Awards can be given to either a single player or a whole ensemble.
According to the Music In The Parks website, the Esprit De Corps is presented to students from a school who demonstrated proper social behavior as well as musical behavior/encouragement. They possess the qualities of highly successful people who are sensitive to the feelings of others and applaud accomplishments no matter if by one’s own school or another school. Evaluation has taken place from arrival at the festival site to the awards presentation. All schools are eligible for this award, but only one group will have the honor of taking this trophy with them back to their school.
The weekend also included some sun & fun at Huntington Beach, the Blue Man group in Las Vegas, and a couple of runs to In-N-Out Burger. 042516
Music in the Parks is a festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually at more than 40 amusement parks across the United States. Music groups perform before adjudicators who rate the ensemble in the morning, and then spend the day at the amusement park. The day culminates with an awards ceremony. Awards can be given to either a single player or a whole ensemble.
According to the Music In The Parks website, the Esprit De Corps is presented to students from a school who demonstrated proper social behavior as well as musical behavior/encouragement. They possess the qualities of highly successful people who are sensitive to the feelings of others and applaud accomplishments no matter if by one’s own school or another school. Evaluation has taken place from arrival at the festival site to the awards presentation. All schools are eligible for this award, but only one group will have the honor of taking this trophy with them back to their school.
The weekend also included some sun & fun at Huntington Beach, the Blue Man group in Las Vegas, and a couple of runs to In-N-Out Burger. 042516
It's not just oil, and it's not just coal... low market prices have hit the uranium industry.
Cameco Resources announced Thursday that they'll be cutting 85 jobs from their US operations. Cameco operates the Smith Ranch-Highland Mine northeast of Glenrock, the North Butte Mine south of Gillette, and the Crow Butte Mine at Crawford, Nebraska.
A little more than 200 workers are employed at Cameco's Wyoming operations, and 42 at the Nebraska mine.
No word yet on how many will be laid off at each facility, but company spokesmen say employees will be notified personally about their status by the end of May.
The company is also suspending operations at its Rabbit Lake facility in northern Saskatchewan.
Uranium prices have been down since the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in 2011. 042216
Cameco Resources announced Thursday that they'll be cutting 85 jobs from their US operations. Cameco operates the Smith Ranch-Highland Mine northeast of Glenrock, the North Butte Mine south of Gillette, and the Crow Butte Mine at Crawford, Nebraska.
A little more than 200 workers are employed at Cameco's Wyoming operations, and 42 at the Nebraska mine.
No word yet on how many will be laid off at each facility, but company spokesmen say employees will be notified personally about their status by the end of May.
The company is also suspending operations at its Rabbit Lake facility in northern Saskatchewan.
Uranium prices have been down since the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in 2011. 042216
Douglas is losing its lone new car dealership.
Greiner Motors announced this morning that they'll be closing their Douglas dealership effective April 30th.
Greiner management said the challenges of staffing, training and tooling for two different franchises, Ford and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep were just too much to keep up with in a small dealership.
They also said the effects of falling coal and oil prices on the overall economy also affected their decision.
Greiner Motors has owned the store in Douglas since 2007. They'll continue to serve the region from their Ford and Lincoln dealership at 3333 CY Avenue in Casper, and their Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealership at 6301 E. Second Street in Casper. 041816
Greiner Motors announced this morning that they'll be closing their Douglas dealership effective April 30th.
Greiner management said the challenges of staffing, training and tooling for two different franchises, Ford and Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep were just too much to keep up with in a small dealership.
They also said the effects of falling coal and oil prices on the overall economy also affected their decision.
Greiner Motors has owned the store in Douglas since 2007. They'll continue to serve the region from their Ford and Lincoln dealership at 3333 CY Avenue in Casper, and their Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealership at 6301 E. Second Street in Casper. 041816
The developer of a wind farm south of Glenrock says the 46-turbine facility will be operational by the end of the year.
sPower spokeswoman Naomi Keller says work began on the 80-megawatt Pioneer Wind Park in February and commercial operations will start sometime this year. Salt Lake City-based sPower took over ownership of the wind farm from Wasatch Wind in August.
The company still faces challenges to completing the project.
Keller says sPower is working to get a permit from wildlife officials to ensure birds are protected from the turbines. The company is also involved in a lawsuit brought by the Northern Laramie Range Alliance, alleging sPower doesn't have the financial capacity to construct the project.
The suit is before the Converse County District Court. 041116
sPower spokeswoman Naomi Keller says work began on the 80-megawatt Pioneer Wind Park in February and commercial operations will start sometime this year. Salt Lake City-based sPower took over ownership of the wind farm from Wasatch Wind in August.
The company still faces challenges to completing the project.
Keller says sPower is working to get a permit from wildlife officials to ensure birds are protected from the turbines. The company is also involved in a lawsuit brought by the Northern Laramie Range Alliance, alleging sPower doesn't have the financial capacity to construct the project.
The suit is before the Converse County District Court. 041116
State agencies will remain open in Douglas and Gillette to serve individuals and families affected by energy-related layoffs.
Full service temporary resource centers opened last week after almost 500 coal miners lost their jobs to layoffs at the North Antelope Rochelle and Black Thunder mines. Between Friday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 5, over 900 people sought help at the Workforce and Resource centers.
Wyoming construction employers, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources and others have job openings now. Some jobs are being offered on the spot. A list of contractors that may be hiring is also available.
The Douglas temporary resource center is located at Eastern Wyoming College - Douglas campus, 800 South Wind River Drive across from Douglas Middle School. More information is available by calling 358-2147.
The centers in Douglas and Gillette are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. 030716
Full service temporary resource centers opened last week after almost 500 coal miners lost their jobs to layoffs at the North Antelope Rochelle and Black Thunder mines. Between Friday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 5, over 900 people sought help at the Workforce and Resource centers.
Wyoming construction employers, the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources and others have job openings now. Some jobs are being offered on the spot. A list of contractors that may be hiring is also available.
The Douglas temporary resource center is located at Eastern Wyoming College - Douglas campus, 800 South Wind River Drive across from Douglas Middle School. More information is available by calling 358-2147.
The centers in Douglas and Gillette are open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice. 030716
Interest is picking up locally and hats are being thrown into the ring.
Two local men have announced their candidacy this week for the Wyoming State Legislature's House District 6.
Chris Sorge issued a press release on Monday that says he'll announce his candidacy for HD6 this Friday April 8th at 4:45pm at the Plains Restaurant. The public is invited to the event. This will mark the third time Sorge has run for the House seat.
And local rancher and busunessman Aaron Clausen also announced on Monday that he'll run for HD6. Clausen's announcement stated that he's been the president of Converse County Farm Bureau for 12 years, he's a graduate of the Wyoming LEAD program, and was president of the Wyoming AG Leadership. In 2012, Clausen was selected by the Casper Star Tribune as one of the top 20 Wyoming citizens under 40 years old making a difference in Wyoming.
Current House District 6 representative Richard Cannady of Glenrock told KKTY News Tuesday afternoon that he's not running again. Cannady has held the HD6 seat since January of 2009. 040616
Two local men have announced their candidacy this week for the Wyoming State Legislature's House District 6.
Chris Sorge issued a press release on Monday that says he'll announce his candidacy for HD6 this Friday April 8th at 4:45pm at the Plains Restaurant. The public is invited to the event. This will mark the third time Sorge has run for the House seat.
And local rancher and busunessman Aaron Clausen also announced on Monday that he'll run for HD6. Clausen's announcement stated that he's been the president of Converse County Farm Bureau for 12 years, he's a graduate of the Wyoming LEAD program, and was president of the Wyoming AG Leadership. In 2012, Clausen was selected by the Casper Star Tribune as one of the top 20 Wyoming citizens under 40 years old making a difference in Wyoming.
Current House District 6 representative Richard Cannady of Glenrock told KKTY News Tuesday afternoon that he's not running again. Cannady has held the HD6 seat since January of 2009. 040616
The state of Wyoming is encouraging workers who recently have lost their jobs in the state's energy industry to consider applying for vacant state positions including prison jobs with the state Department of Corrections.
Gov. Matt Mead says more than 2,400 state residents have lost jobs in the state's energy industries since January. The state has established resource centers in Gillette and Douglas to help unemployed workers.
Mead says the corrections department has more than 160 vacant positions in Rawlins, Lusk, Torrington, Riverton and Newcastle.
Mead says the Wyoming Department of Transportation and other state agencies also have open positions that people also may apply for at the resource centers. 040616
Gov. Matt Mead says more than 2,400 state residents have lost jobs in the state's energy industries since January. The state has established resource centers in Gillette and Douglas to help unemployed workers.
Mead says the corrections department has more than 160 vacant positions in Rawlins, Lusk, Torrington, Riverton and Newcastle.
Mead says the Wyoming Department of Transportation and other state agencies also have open positions that people also may apply for at the resource centers. 040616
Layoffs at NARM... Citing continuing financial difficulties during challenging marketing conditions, Peabody Energy announced Thursday morning that it's reducing its workforce at their North Antelope Rochelle coal mine, by about 235 hourly and salaried employees.
Peabody says the move is necessary for its Powder River Basin operation "to align the workforce with customer needs" as low coal prices and other pressures reduce the demand for thermal coal.
Peabody President — Americas Kemal Williamson says in the announcement. "We regret the impact of these actions on our employees, their families, and the surrounding communities in the Campbell and Converse county areas."
The layoffs represent about 15 percent of the 1,150 employee workforce at North Antelope Rochelle, which lies just north of the Converse-Campbell County line. Along with the company's other two Powder River Basin mines — Rawhide and Caballo — Peabody employs about 1,500 workers, and the company's Powder River Basin operations injected $5.5 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits into the region this past year. 033116
Peabody says the move is necessary for its Powder River Basin operation "to align the workforce with customer needs" as low coal prices and other pressures reduce the demand for thermal coal.
Peabody President — Americas Kemal Williamson says in the announcement. "We regret the impact of these actions on our employees, their families, and the surrounding communities in the Campbell and Converse county areas."
The layoffs represent about 15 percent of the 1,150 employee workforce at North Antelope Rochelle, which lies just north of the Converse-Campbell County line. Along with the company's other two Powder River Basin mines — Rawhide and Caballo — Peabody employs about 1,500 workers, and the company's Powder River Basin operations injected $5.5 billion in direct and indirect economic benefits into the region this past year. 033116
Tax revenues from wind production in Wyoming totaled $3.7 million in 2015, a 15 percent drop from the previous year.
Last year's wind tax revenues fell from $4.4 million in 2014.
Converse County led the state in wind tax collections last year, generating about $1.6 million in revenue. Carbon County came in second place with nearly $759,000, followed by Uinta County at more than $731,000.
Natrona County had the state's largest decrease in revenue from 2014 to 2015 with a 25 percent drop.
The declining wind tax revenues come as Wyoming faces a projected revenue shortfall of $477 million over the next two years, largely due to the downturn of the oil, natural gas and coal sectors. 032916
Last year's wind tax revenues fell from $4.4 million in 2014.
Converse County led the state in wind tax collections last year, generating about $1.6 million in revenue. Carbon County came in second place with nearly $759,000, followed by Uinta County at more than $731,000.
Natrona County had the state's largest decrease in revenue from 2014 to 2015 with a 25 percent drop.
The declining wind tax revenues come as Wyoming faces a projected revenue shortfall of $477 million over the next two years, largely due to the downturn of the oil, natural gas and coal sectors. 032916
A plan for two high-voltage transmission lines originating in Converse County and crossing southwestern Idaho has been altered after facing opposition from property owners.
The latest plan has the Gateway West transmission lines crossing more of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
The 1,700-page draft document released by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management earlier this month maps out potential routes for two segments of the Gateway West project that would each span more than 125 miles.
The segments are part of a larger project to deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west. The Gateway West lines would originate at the Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock, and would run across southern Wyoming and Idaho, terminating southwest of Boise.
The federal agency determined in 2014 that additional environmental analysis was necessary after Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power submitted revised applications.
Public meetings are planned in April with comments due by June 9. 032816
The latest plan has the Gateway West transmission lines crossing more of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
The 1,700-page draft document released by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management earlier this month maps out potential routes for two segments of the Gateway West project that would each span more than 125 miles.
The segments are part of a larger project to deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west. The Gateway West lines would originate at the Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock, and would run across southern Wyoming and Idaho, terminating southwest of Boise.
The federal agency determined in 2014 that additional environmental analysis was necessary after Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power submitted revised applications.
Public meetings are planned in April with comments due by June 9. 032816
