KKTY News...
KKTY Noon News on Thu 9/5/24
Fire on the Mountain.
Rural fire crews responded to a wildfire in far southern Converse County Tuesday afternoon. The Fred fire was 19 miles due south of Douglas, about 5 miles north of Esterbrook.
The fire was reported at about 6:30 pm, and had burned about 10 acres.
Smoke from the fire could be seen from Douglas, and some posts on Facebook showed flames from a distance. 090424
Rural fire crews responded to a wildfire in far southern Converse County Tuesday afternoon. The Fred fire was 19 miles due south of Douglas, about 5 miles north of Esterbrook.
The fire was reported at about 6:30 pm, and had burned about 10 acres.
Smoke from the fire could be seen from Douglas, and some posts on Facebook showed flames from a distance. 090424
A pair of hunters from Douglas were at the right place, at the right time, with the right skill sets... to rescue a wrecked and hurt airplane pilot from a fire outside Meeteetse on Sunday.
Steve Atencio, a Wyoming Army Guard Black Hawk pilot, and J.R. Larsen, a former athletic trainer, were hunting big horn sheep when they heard the crash.
They located the wreckage, saving the injured pilot, but the passenger, 78 year old Mary Lou Sanderson of Lake Havasu, Arizona, was killed.
Atencio used his firefighting skills to assist, guiding a rescue helicopter to the scene.
The pilot is recovering in Billings, Montana. 090424
Steve Atencio, a Wyoming Army Guard Black Hawk pilot, and J.R. Larsen, a former athletic trainer, were hunting big horn sheep when they heard the crash.
They located the wreckage, saving the injured pilot, but the passenger, 78 year old Mary Lou Sanderson of Lake Havasu, Arizona, was killed.
Atencio used his firefighting skills to assist, guiding a rescue helicopter to the scene.
The pilot is recovering in Billings, Montana. 090424
Teachers or administration could be armed in the classroom.
The Converse County School District #1 school board is considering adopting a rule to allow approved staff members to carry a concealed firearm on district property.
Two years ago, the school district began a comprehensive review process to create a concealed carry policy that would allow approved employees to carry firearms on district property.
The board intends to vote on this rule at their regular board meeting on October 8, 2024.
Between now and then, the board wants to consider input from interested stakeholders.
CCSD1 is inviting the public to come to a public comments meeting this Wednesday, August 28th at 7pm at the DHS auditorium.
Another special meeting will be held on September 25th. You can also provide a written comment by email.
The proposed concealed-carry policy and more information are posted on the school district website, ccsd1.org. 082824
The Converse County School District #1 school board is considering adopting a rule to allow approved staff members to carry a concealed firearm on district property.
Two years ago, the school district began a comprehensive review process to create a concealed carry policy that would allow approved employees to carry firearms on district property.
The board intends to vote on this rule at their regular board meeting on October 8, 2024.
Between now and then, the board wants to consider input from interested stakeholders.
CCSD1 is inviting the public to come to a public comments meeting this Wednesday, August 28th at 7pm at the DHS auditorium.
Another special meeting will be held on September 25th. You can also provide a written comment by email.
The proposed concealed-carry policy and more information are posted on the school district website, ccsd1.org. 082824
Two fires popped up in eastern Converse County on Tuesday.
The Flat Top fire burned 59 acres just east of Dickau Road, and the Lost Springs Creek 5 fire burned 11 acres just east of Shawnee and just north of Highway 18-20.
Converse County Rural Firefighters were called out on both fires. 082824
The Flat Top fire burned 59 acres just east of Dickau Road, and the Lost Springs Creek 5 fire burned 11 acres just east of Shawnee and just north of Highway 18-20.
Converse County Rural Firefighters were called out on both fires. 082824
What will hunters find when they take to the field this fall?
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its hunting forecast for eight regions around the state.
In the Casper region, Game & Fish says pronghorn populations have fluctuated in recent years. Some herds around Casper have remained at or near population objectives, while herds to the northeast from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance are still far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, and all of the region’s populations remain well below management goals. This is due to poor survival of mule deer caused by droughts, changes in habitat conditions, disease in some herds and predation.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021, and in some areas to a lesser extent in 2022 due to outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease. 2023 saw very low numbers of white-tails in most of the region, especially in the Black Hills. Numbers have begun to rebound in the Casper and Douglas areas.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all Casper Region herds, and hunting seasons continue to be liberalized in most areas. The region continues to provide excellent bull-hunting opportunities, with many limited quota areas boasting high harvest success and good antler quality. 082824
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its hunting forecast for eight regions around the state.
In the Casper region, Game & Fish says pronghorn populations have fluctuated in recent years. Some herds around Casper have remained at or near population objectives, while herds to the northeast from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance are still far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, and all of the region’s populations remain well below management goals. This is due to poor survival of mule deer caused by droughts, changes in habitat conditions, disease in some herds and predation.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021, and in some areas to a lesser extent in 2022 due to outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease. 2023 saw very low numbers of white-tails in most of the region, especially in the Black Hills. Numbers have begun to rebound in the Casper and Douglas areas.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all Casper Region herds, and hunting seasons continue to be liberalized in most areas. The region continues to provide excellent bull-hunting opportunities, with many limited quota areas boasting high harvest success and good antler quality. 082824
Five big fires still burning in Wyoming.
The House Draw fire east & south of Buffalo is holding steady at almost 175 thousand acres, and it's now 88 percent contained. It's been burning since Wednesday.
The Flat Rock Fire 13 miles west of Gillette has grown to almost 53 thousand with 35 percent containment.
The Constitution Fire has burned more than 24 thousand acres north of Gillette, with 28 percent containment.
The Remington Fire is actually the largest fire now, exploding for 18 thousand acres on Friday to more than 196 thousand acres and zero percent containment on Sunday. A small piece of that fire is in far northeastern Sheridan County, with most of the fire burning in Montana, towards Birney and Ashland.
The fifth fire is the Fish Creek Fire in western Wyoming, Fremont & Teton Counties. It's just over 11 thousand acres and 23 percent percent containment. It's the only mountain fire in the state, burning on the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest in heavy timber, understory & standing dead trees. The Fish Creek Fire has been burning since Friday, August 16th. 082624
The House Draw fire east & south of Buffalo is holding steady at almost 175 thousand acres, and it's now 88 percent contained. It's been burning since Wednesday.
The Flat Rock Fire 13 miles west of Gillette has grown to almost 53 thousand with 35 percent containment.
The Constitution Fire has burned more than 24 thousand acres north of Gillette, with 28 percent containment.
The Remington Fire is actually the largest fire now, exploding for 18 thousand acres on Friday to more than 196 thousand acres and zero percent containment on Sunday. A small piece of that fire is in far northeastern Sheridan County, with most of the fire burning in Montana, towards Birney and Ashland.
The fifth fire is the Fish Creek Fire in western Wyoming, Fremont & Teton Counties. It's just over 11 thousand acres and 23 percent percent containment. It's the only mountain fire in the state, burning on the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest in heavy timber, understory & standing dead trees. The Fish Creek Fire has been burning since Friday, August 16th. 082624
A grass fire on the Barber Ranch west of Douglas forced the closure of I-25 between Douglas and Casper Wednesday afternoon.
Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn said the fire was showing 40-foot flames at one point...
Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn said the fire was showing 40-foot flames at one point...
The fire was making a run towards the two natural gas plants on Natural Bridge Road, so the county made the decision to evacuate Natural Bridge Road and Barber Road, but shortly after the notice, rain showers came through and laid the fire down.
I-25 was closed both directions between Douglas and Casper from about 5pm til 6:15pm.
The evacuation order on Natural Bridge Road and Barber Road was lifted at 6:20pm. 082124
I-25 was closed both directions between Douglas and Casper from about 5pm til 6:15pm.
The evacuation order on Natural Bridge Road and Barber Road was lifted at 6:20pm. 082124
Tuesday was primary election day across Wyoming.
State House Districts 6 and 62 both drew a lot of attention in the primaries.
In House District 6, which includes Douglas and part of Converse County, by a 116 vote margin, incumbant Tomi Strock maintains her seat in Cheyenne, beating challenger & former district 6 representative Aaron Clausen, 1278 to 1162.
HD 62, which includes Glenrock, Evansville, parts of western Converse County and eastern Natrona County, shows just a 7 vote difference. Edis Allen beat Kevin Campbell in Converse County, but Campbell took the Natrona County portion of the district. Total between the two, Campbell gets 794 votes... Allen gets 787... Kevin Campbell shows a slight edge for the seat, probably by law gets a recount.
Other statewide races on the ballot included US Senator & Representative, John Barrasso and Harriet Hageman both win the Republican nomination in Converse County and statewide, both will advance to the General Election
Incumbent Brian Boner ran unopposed for another term representing State Senate District 2,
Locally, the big race was for two seats on the Converse County Commission.
Five candidates ran, all as Republicans,
Don Blackburn got the top talley with 1983 votes, and Rick Grant keeps his seat on the Commission with 1218 votes.
Tony Lehner got 1094, Joe Benedetta recieved 1024, and Darek Joppru received 824 votes.
Blackburn & Grant will advance to November's General Election, where they'll run unopposed.
Local non-partisan races, there were only one name filed for each of the following offices... incumbent Kim Pexton for Mayor of Douglas, Josh Valk for a two-year term on the Douglas City Council, a seat left open by John Bartling, who chose not to run again; incumbents Ron McNare and Matt Schmitt for two-four-year terms on the Douglas City Council; newcomer Russ Dalgarn and incumbent Margaret Nunn on the Glenrock Town Council and incumbent Donna Weaver for one of two-seats on the Rolling Hills Town Council. Candidates for all of those are running unopposed, and will advance to the general election.
082024
State House Districts 6 and 62 both drew a lot of attention in the primaries.
In House District 6, which includes Douglas and part of Converse County, by a 116 vote margin, incumbant Tomi Strock maintains her seat in Cheyenne, beating challenger & former district 6 representative Aaron Clausen, 1278 to 1162.
HD 62, which includes Glenrock, Evansville, parts of western Converse County and eastern Natrona County, shows just a 7 vote difference. Edis Allen beat Kevin Campbell in Converse County, but Campbell took the Natrona County portion of the district. Total between the two, Campbell gets 794 votes... Allen gets 787... Kevin Campbell shows a slight edge for the seat, probably by law gets a recount.
Other statewide races on the ballot included US Senator & Representative, John Barrasso and Harriet Hageman both win the Republican nomination in Converse County and statewide, both will advance to the General Election
Incumbent Brian Boner ran unopposed for another term representing State Senate District 2,
Locally, the big race was for two seats on the Converse County Commission.
Five candidates ran, all as Republicans,
Don Blackburn got the top talley with 1983 votes, and Rick Grant keeps his seat on the Commission with 1218 votes.
Tony Lehner got 1094, Joe Benedetta recieved 1024, and Darek Joppru received 824 votes.
Blackburn & Grant will advance to November's General Election, where they'll run unopposed.
Local non-partisan races, there were only one name filed for each of the following offices... incumbent Kim Pexton for Mayor of Douglas, Josh Valk for a two-year term on the Douglas City Council, a seat left open by John Bartling, who chose not to run again; incumbents Ron McNare and Matt Schmitt for two-four-year terms on the Douglas City Council; newcomer Russ Dalgarn and incumbent Margaret Nunn on the Glenrock Town Council and incumbent Donna Weaver for one of two-seats on the Rolling Hills Town Council. Candidates for all of those are running unopposed, and will advance to the general election.
082024
Top talent from around the Cowboy State will be performing this week at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas.
Fair general manager Courtny Conkle says they're bringing in the best...
Top talent from around the Cowboy State will be performing this week at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas.
Fair general manager Courtny Conkle says they're bringing in the best...
There were a couple of shows over the weekend, and judging has begun.
Today, Monday, the Youth Horse Shows begin at 8AM in the Pepsi Equine and outdoor areas. Today is a check in day for 4H & FFA exhibits, and many open class exhibits are being judged.
The Wyoming State Fair officially opens in Douglas on Tuesday and continues through Saturday, August 17th. 081224
Today, Monday, the Youth Horse Shows begin at 8AM in the Pepsi Equine and outdoor areas. Today is a check in day for 4H & FFA exhibits, and many open class exhibits are being judged.
The Wyoming State Fair officially opens in Douglas on Tuesday and continues through Saturday, August 17th. 081224
SATURDAY FIRE UPDATE - HARTVILLLE RESIDENTS WERE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES AGAIN ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
THE PLATTE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE EVACUATED THE COMMUNITY FOR A SECOND TIME ON FRIDAY EVENING AFTER THE WIND SHIFTED AND PUSHED THE PLEASANT VALLEY FIRE BACK TO THE WEST, THREATENING THE COMMUNITY AGAIN.
THE FIRE, WHICH BEGAN ON JULY 30TH, NOW STANDS AT 26 THOUSAND ACRES IN PLATTE AND GOSHEN COUNTIES NORTH OF HIGHWAY 26. MORE THAN 200 FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS ARE WORKING THE BLAZE, WHICH IS ESTIMATED AT 40 PERCENT CONTAINMENT.
ALL EVACUATION ORDERS WERE LIFTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
HIGHWAY 26 AND HIGHWAY 270 ARE NOW OPEN.
WHALEN CANYON AND PLEASANT VALLEY ARE OPEN TO RESIDENTS ONLY. 080324
THE PLATTE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE EVACUATED THE COMMUNITY FOR A SECOND TIME ON FRIDAY EVENING AFTER THE WIND SHIFTED AND PUSHED THE PLEASANT VALLEY FIRE BACK TO THE WEST, THREATENING THE COMMUNITY AGAIN.
THE FIRE, WHICH BEGAN ON JULY 30TH, NOW STANDS AT 26 THOUSAND ACRES IN PLATTE AND GOSHEN COUNTIES NORTH OF HIGHWAY 26. MORE THAN 200 FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS ARE WORKING THE BLAZE, WHICH IS ESTIMATED AT 40 PERCENT CONTAINMENT.
ALL EVACUATION ORDERS WERE LIFTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
HIGHWAY 26 AND HIGHWAY 270 ARE NOW OPEN.
WHALEN CANYON AND PLEASANT VALLEY ARE OPEN TO RESIDENTS ONLY. 080324
THURSDAY FIRES UPDATE - 8A Thu - Per Platte County Emergency Management and the Platte County Fire Warden, the evacuations of the Town of Hartville, Pleasant Valley and Whalen Canyon have been lifted, all residents may return to their homes. All closed roads have been opened however we ask that traffic on Whalen Canyon Road be kept to residents of that area only whereas we still have fire fighters and fire fighting operations continuing in this area. The fire itself has not been contained and residents in these areas need to remain vigilant of any fire dangers in the area.
The Pleasant Valley Fire in Platte and Goshen Counties is currently estimated at 28 thousand acres, zero percent containment.
A federal Type-3 fire team will assume management of firefighting efforts today.
By late Wednesday afternoon, Highway 26 had been re-opened to traffic between I-25 Dwyer Junction and Lingle. Highway 270 remained closed between Manville and Hartville.
So far, due to hard work by firefighters, no structures have been lost.
The Cold Springs Fire is about 20 miles southwest of Douglas out Highway 91, Cold Springs Road.
That fire was estimated Wednesday morning at about 8000 acres, now estimated at 1800 acres & 80 percent containment.
Mop-up operations are expected through today. No structures or homes were lost in this fire. 080124
The Pleasant Valley Fire in Platte and Goshen Counties is currently estimated at 28 thousand acres, zero percent containment.
A federal Type-3 fire team will assume management of firefighting efforts today.
By late Wednesday afternoon, Highway 26 had been re-opened to traffic between I-25 Dwyer Junction and Lingle. Highway 270 remained closed between Manville and Hartville.
So far, due to hard work by firefighters, no structures have been lost.
The Cold Springs Fire is about 20 miles southwest of Douglas out Highway 91, Cold Springs Road.
That fire was estimated Wednesday morning at about 8000 acres, now estimated at 1800 acres & 80 percent containment.
Mop-up operations are expected through today. No structures or homes were lost in this fire. 080124
Hot, dry weather made for a busy afternoon for local fire crews Tuesday afternoon.
Converse County crews responded to a wildfire southwest of Douglas, about 20 miles out Highway 91, Cold Springs Road. Smoke from the Magpie fire could be seen from Douglas. A fireline was established around the burn area yesterday evening. Estimated this morning at 8000 acres.
And Platte County fire crews battled a 1200 acre blaze off highway 270 between Hartville and US Highway 26. The town of Hartville was evacuated around 6:30 Tuesday evening, as it was under direct threat of being overrun by the fire. A relocation center was set up at Camp Guernsey. Black Hills Energy shut off natural gas service to the Hartville area.
The 8:40 AM report this morning said the wind died down for several hours last night, allowing units to get some areas put down, but the morning winds started blowouts along Highway 26.
As of this morning, Goshen County Emergency Managment said no structures have been lost in Platte or Goshen Counties.
Goshen County Emergency Management reported that Platte County's fire had merged with the Haystacks Fire last night and both were still running hard.
Goshen, Platte, State Forestry and BLM have multiple units on scene, including Single Engine Air Tankers, Helicopters and Heavy Air Tankers (C-130) aircraft dropping water and retardant all day.
Highway 26 from I-25 Dwyer Junction to Lingle is closed... Highway 270 from Manville to Guernsey is closed. 073124
Converse County crews responded to a wildfire southwest of Douglas, about 20 miles out Highway 91, Cold Springs Road. Smoke from the Magpie fire could be seen from Douglas. A fireline was established around the burn area yesterday evening. Estimated this morning at 8000 acres.
And Platte County fire crews battled a 1200 acre blaze off highway 270 between Hartville and US Highway 26. The town of Hartville was evacuated around 6:30 Tuesday evening, as it was under direct threat of being overrun by the fire. A relocation center was set up at Camp Guernsey. Black Hills Energy shut off natural gas service to the Hartville area.
The 8:40 AM report this morning said the wind died down for several hours last night, allowing units to get some areas put down, but the morning winds started blowouts along Highway 26.
As of this morning, Goshen County Emergency Managment said no structures have been lost in Platte or Goshen Counties.
Goshen County Emergency Management reported that Platte County's fire had merged with the Haystacks Fire last night and both were still running hard.
Goshen, Platte, State Forestry and BLM have multiple units on scene, including Single Engine Air Tankers, Helicopters and Heavy Air Tankers (C-130) aircraft dropping water and retardant all day.
Highway 26 from I-25 Dwyer Junction to Lingle is closed... Highway 270 from Manville to Guernsey is closed. 073124
A federal judge has ordered the Bureau of Land Management to halt issuing new oil and gas drilling permits on nearly 120,000 acres of public land in Wyoming.
The July 16 decision by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper requires a review of environmental impacts to be completed by mid-January.
This follows a 2022 lease sale.
While leases remain, permitting is paused.
The judge cited minor technical issues and potential climate harms needing further assessment.
Leases affected are primarily in Converse, Campbell, Sublette and Sweetwater Counties. 073124
The July 16 decision by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper requires a review of environmental impacts to be completed by mid-January.
This follows a 2022 lease sale.
While leases remain, permitting is paused.
The judge cited minor technical issues and potential climate harms needing further assessment.
Leases affected are primarily in Converse, Campbell, Sublette and Sweetwater Counties. 073124
Downtown Douglas drivers get a heads-up from the City.
Eastbound lanes of Center Street will have temporary closures now through September due to an ongoing sewer replacement project.
Detours will direct traffic to Oak Street or Elm Street, as needed.
The City of Douglas says Center Street will be open during the Wyoming State Fair, August 13th through the 17th. 072924
Eastbound lanes of Center Street will have temporary closures now through September due to an ongoing sewer replacement project.
Detours will direct traffic to Oak Street or Elm Street, as needed.
The City of Douglas says Center Street will be open during the Wyoming State Fair, August 13th through the 17th. 072924
FInal decision... the Douglas Municipal Waterpark will not re-open this summer.
The City of Douglas made the announcement Friday afternoon.
Due to unforseen mechanical issues with a pump, and unavailablility of replacement parts, the decision was made to close the pool and waterslides for the remainder of the season.
Due to the unexpected early closure, the city will now begin demolition for a planned renovation that was slated to start this fall.
The pool in Washington Park will have a new design that includes a lap swim area as well as the waterslides and zero-depth play areas. 071524
The City of Douglas made the announcement Friday afternoon.
Due to unforseen mechanical issues with a pump, and unavailablility of replacement parts, the decision was made to close the pool and waterslides for the remainder of the season.
Due to the unexpected early closure, the city will now begin demolition for a planned renovation that was slated to start this fall.
The pool in Washington Park will have a new design that includes a lap swim area as well as the waterslides and zero-depth play areas. 071524
One of Douglas's public pools has reopened.
Rec Director Nick DeWitt says they've been able to make the needed repairs on the DHS Douglas Rec Center pool...
Rec Director Nick DeWitt says they've been able to make the needed repairs on the DHS Douglas Rec Center pool...
DeWitt says there are several programs that will be able to use the pool right away...
No open swim right now... but they're looking at some options...
The Douglas Municipal Waterpark in Washington Park had to shut down TFN earlier this week due to some technical issues with a pump. 071224
The Converse County Fair gets underway this weekend with horse shows and the youth rodeo beginning on Saturday, and the Bud Tillard Memorial steer roping at noon on Sunday.
A full week's worth of fun next week, including PRCA Xtreme Broncs on Monday night. The market sale is Friday, July 19th at 4pm.
A complete schedule of events is on the Converse County Fair Facebook page, or at ConverseCountyFair.com. 071224
A full week's worth of fun next week, including PRCA Xtreme Broncs on Monday night. The market sale is Friday, July 19th at 4pm.
A complete schedule of events is on the Converse County Fair Facebook page, or at ConverseCountyFair.com. 071224
The circus is coming to town.
Main Street Douglas is bringing the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to Douglas on Friday, July 12th.
This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus featurs Big Cats presented by Trey Key, our Aerialist Extraordinaire Simone on the trapeze, 10th generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders, the Perez Daredevil Duo on the Tight Rope and Wheel of Destiny, Elizabeth Ayala's incredible foot juggling and hair hang and everyone's favorite Circus Clown Leo Acton.
Tent raising & Big Top tours start Friday morning at 9:30 AM, the Midway opens at 4, and the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will offer two shows, Friday at 5:00 & 7:30 pm at Bartling Park in Douglas.
Advance discount tickets are available at the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center, and at the College Inn Bar.
Tickets at the gate are $16 for adults, $9 dollars for children age 2 to 12 and seniors 65 and older. 071124
Main Street Douglas is bringing the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to Douglas on Friday, July 12th.
This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus featurs Big Cats presented by Trey Key, our Aerialist Extraordinaire Simone on the trapeze, 10th generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders, the Perez Daredevil Duo on the Tight Rope and Wheel of Destiny, Elizabeth Ayala's incredible foot juggling and hair hang and everyone's favorite Circus Clown Leo Acton.
Tent raising & Big Top tours start Friday morning at 9:30 AM, the Midway opens at 4, and the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will offer two shows, Friday at 5:00 & 7:30 pm at Bartling Park in Douglas.
Advance discount tickets are available at the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center, and at the College Inn Bar.
Tickets at the gate are $16 for adults, $9 dollars for children age 2 to 12 and seniors 65 and older. 071124
A heads-up to drivers through Casper.
WYDOT has begun process of switching interstate traffic from southbound lanes to northbound lanes as work continues to replace I-25 bridges.
Nightly closures will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with detours in place and posted, using Bryan Stock Trail and Amoco Road.
Overnight closures will be in effect Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14.
Traffic should be switched to northbound lanes by the morning of Monday, July 15. 071124
WYDOT has begun process of switching interstate traffic from southbound lanes to northbound lanes as work continues to replace I-25 bridges.
Nightly closures will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with detours in place and posted, using Bryan Stock Trail and Amoco Road.
Overnight closures will be in effect Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14.
Traffic should be switched to northbound lanes by the morning of Monday, July 15. 071124
Phone, online and other digital scams, particularly ones involving cryptocurrency transactions, have been on the rise in Douglas.
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker says there's a whole new round of scammers who call impersonating a local officer...
Converse County Sheriff Clint Becker says there's a whole new round of scammers who call impersonating a local officer...
Becker says the scammers tell people to go to a Bitcoin kiosk like the one at Safeway in Douglas to pay off the imaginary bond or fine.
He also said that the scammers are professionals who are very convincing...
He also said that the scammers are professionals who are very convincing...
Sheriff Becker says you should always contact local law enforcement if something doesn't smell right...
A similar rash of scams have also been reported out of Campbell County. 071024
With the hottest weather of the summer forcast for later this week... the Douglas Municipal Water Park is closed.
Douglas Rec Center officials say the poll and waterslides at the Water Park are experiencing some technical difficulties, and the pool will remain closed until further notice.
City of Douglas employees are working hard to get the pool up and going again quickly.
The Douglas Rec Center pool has also been closed for the last week due to equipment issues. 071024
Douglas Rec Center officials say the poll and waterslides at the Water Park are experiencing some technical difficulties, and the pool will remain closed until further notice.
City of Douglas employees are working hard to get the pool up and going again quickly.
The Douglas Rec Center pool has also been closed for the last week due to equipment issues. 071024
The Douglas Police Department has a 4th of July full of fun planned for the Jackalope City.
The First Responders Freedom Fest and 5K will build on Independence Day activities over the past few years, with some new twists.
The fun begins Thursday morning with a 5K run, walk, hop, skip or jump... whatever pace you set is just right.
The Patriotic Kiddie Parade is at 9:00 AM.
The Freedom Fest is from 10:30 til 1pm in Washington Park, with live music, a petting zoo, food trucks, a dunk tank, kids games, face painting and sidewalk chalk art.
The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department's annual 4th of July Fireworks show begins at dusk from the back parking lot at Douglas High School, with a special blend of patriotic hits broadcast on 100.1 FM, KKTY. 070324
The First Responders Freedom Fest and 5K will build on Independence Day activities over the past few years, with some new twists.
The fun begins Thursday morning with a 5K run, walk, hop, skip or jump... whatever pace you set is just right.
The Patriotic Kiddie Parade is at 9:00 AM.
The Freedom Fest is from 10:30 til 1pm in Washington Park, with live music, a petting zoo, food trucks, a dunk tank, kids games, face painting and sidewalk chalk art.
The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department's annual 4th of July Fireworks show begins at dusk from the back parking lot at Douglas High School, with a special blend of patriotic hits broadcast on 100.1 FM, KKTY. 070324
Glendo State Park is a favorite destination to celebrate the 4th of July.
Latest reports from park personnel say the water level on the reservoir is at about 66 percent... that's a little below average for this time of year, but there's still plenty of water to recreate in.
The Elkhorn Boat Ramp is closed for the rest of the year.
Safety notes... Glendo Reservoir is under fire restrictions. Open campfires are not allowed. Gas grills and charcoal grills with lids are allowed.
Fireworks are not allowed on the park. There will be a fireworks display at the Glendo Airport on Friday, July 5th. 070324
Latest reports from park personnel say the water level on the reservoir is at about 66 percent... that's a little below average for this time of year, but there's still plenty of water to recreate in.
The Elkhorn Boat Ramp is closed for the rest of the year.
Safety notes... Glendo Reservoir is under fire restrictions. Open campfires are not allowed. Gas grills and charcoal grills with lids are allowed.
Fireworks are not allowed on the park. There will be a fireworks display at the Glendo Airport on Friday, July 5th. 070324
Names have been released of those involved in Sunday evening's fatal accident on Cold Springs Road just west of Douglas.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says Troopers said a 2017 Chevrolet 3500 pickup was traveling westbound, and a 2017 Ford Edge was traveling eastbound. The pickup crossed the center line and collided with the Ford Edge in a head-on collision.
The Ford Edge driver was identified as 32-year-old Douglas resident Justine Crouch, who was injured and transported by life flight to Denver, Colorado.
A juvenile located in the back driver side car seat was injured and lifeflighted to Denver.
The 14-year old juvenile in the front passenger seat died on scene from injuries from the crash.
The driver of the pickup was identified as 43-year-old Douglas resident Wesley Kersey. He refused medical treatment on scene.
Kersey has been charged with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault with Serious Bodily Injury. 062624
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says Troopers said a 2017 Chevrolet 3500 pickup was traveling westbound, and a 2017 Ford Edge was traveling eastbound. The pickup crossed the center line and collided with the Ford Edge in a head-on collision.
The Ford Edge driver was identified as 32-year-old Douglas resident Justine Crouch, who was injured and transported by life flight to Denver, Colorado.
A juvenile located in the back driver side car seat was injured and lifeflighted to Denver.
The 14-year old juvenile in the front passenger seat died on scene from injuries from the crash.
The driver of the pickup was identified as 43-year-old Douglas resident Wesley Kersey. He refused medical treatment on scene.
Kersey has been charged with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol with Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault with Serious Bodily Injury. 062624
One person died and two others were injured in a rollover crash Sunday evening just west of Douglas.
A Chevy Silverado pickup was westbound along Cold Springs Road, Wyoming Highway 91 between Douglas and the KOA Kampground.
The pickup swerved into the eastbound lane of oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Ford Edge, forcing the Ford off the road and into a driver’s-side roll.
The Ford tumbled over an embankment and rolled several times before eventually coming to a stop.
A 14-year-old was killed in the wreck, and two more people were injured. One person came away uninjured.
Roads were dry and clear. No word if seatbelts were in use. 062624
A Chevy Silverado pickup was westbound along Cold Springs Road, Wyoming Highway 91 between Douglas and the KOA Kampground.
The pickup swerved into the eastbound lane of oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Ford Edge, forcing the Ford off the road and into a driver’s-side roll.
The Ford tumbled over an embankment and rolled several times before eventually coming to a stop.
A 14-year-old was killed in the wreck, and two more people were injured. One person came away uninjured.
Roads were dry and clear. No word if seatbelts were in use. 062624
Primary elections are set for August 20th, less than two months away, and the Converse County Clerk's office is already preparing.
County Clerk Karen Rimmer says election equipment to be used for the Primaries will be publicly tested this week...
County Clerk Karen Rimmer says election equipment to be used for the Primaries will be publicly tested this week...
Rimmer says the checks are required by state law...
If the results don't show 100 percent accuracy, they cant use that machine, and it will be pulled from service.
RImmer says the voting machine tests are open to the public, and you may get put to work.
Testing will be done on Thursday, June 27th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the basement Community Room, at the Converse County Courthouse 107 N. 5th Street in Douglas. 062624
RImmer says the voting machine tests are open to the public, and you may get put to work.
Testing will be done on Thursday, June 27th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the basement Community Room, at the Converse County Courthouse 107 N. 5th Street in Douglas. 062624
Glendo State Park has announced a power outage for this Tuesday, June 11th, with several areas around the lake to be affected.
Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the outage will affect :
-Park Headquarters: HQ office, trailer dump station water and the main fee booth
-Bennett Hill: electric sites, water system and fish cleaning station
-Marina
-Reno Cove: Cabin Area, electrical sites and water system
-Two Moon: electric sites and water system.
-Whiskey Gulch: water system
Again, service should be restored by 4pm Tuesday. 061024
Scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the outage will affect :
-Park Headquarters: HQ office, trailer dump station water and the main fee booth
-Bennett Hill: electric sites, water system and fish cleaning station
-Marina
-Reno Cove: Cabin Area, electrical sites and water system
-Two Moon: electric sites and water system.
-Whiskey Gulch: water system
Again, service should be restored by 4pm Tuesday. 061024
New leadership has been chosen for the Douglas FFA chapter.
The new team includes President Dean Shatto, Vice President Megan Stoltenberg, Secretary Elza Moffatt, Treasurer McCoy Horr, Parliamentarian Haylee Gibbs, Reporter Raelea Taylor and Sentinel Tyler Bevers.
FFA members do community service all year round, and offers a great leadership opportunity for kids of any background. 061024
The new team includes President Dean Shatto, Vice President Megan Stoltenberg, Secretary Elza Moffatt, Treasurer McCoy Horr, Parliamentarian Haylee Gibbs, Reporter Raelea Taylor and Sentinel Tyler Bevers.
FFA members do community service all year round, and offers a great leadership opportunity for kids of any background. 061024
A $250,000 charitable gift from Tallgrass will be doubled by state of Wyoming matching funds and used to create a CO2 Storage Excellence Fund at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources.
The fund will provide essential support to advance existing efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage from research and demonstration to commercialization.
Tallgrass has significant natural gas and crude oil operations in Wyoming, including gas and oil pipelines and natural gas processing plants at Douglas and Casper. 060724
The fund will provide essential support to advance existing efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage from research and demonstration to commercialization.
Tallgrass has significant natural gas and crude oil operations in Wyoming, including gas and oil pipelines and natural gas processing plants at Douglas and Casper. 060724
Thanks to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the Keith Rider lower park pond will be open to fishing in time for free fishing day, this Saturday, June 1st.
The Converse County SFW group will be giving away free fishing poles to the first 25 kids 16 and under Saturday morning from 9 - 11 am.
Each year Wyoming Game and Fish designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in most of Wyoming without a fishing license.
Game and Fish encourages all Wyoming residents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors this weekend! 053024
The Converse County SFW group will be giving away free fishing poles to the first 25 kids 16 and under Saturday morning from 9 - 11 am.
Each year Wyoming Game and Fish designates the first Saturday of National Boating and Fishing Week as a free fishing day when anyone can fish in most of Wyoming without a fishing license.
Game and Fish encourages all Wyoming residents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors this weekend! 053024
A big donation from a Converse County ranch family will benefit the University of Wyoming.
A $2.5 million gift from Art and Catherine Nicholas, owners of Wagonhound Land & Livestock, will boost the University of Wyoming’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program.
The donation, matched by the state to total $5 million, establishes the Wyoming Ranching Excellence Fund, supporting students, faculty, and industry engagement, and fostering future leaders in ranch management statewide.
The Nicholas family has also supported the UW rodeo team and the university's American Heritage Center. 052824
A $2.5 million gift from Art and Catherine Nicholas, owners of Wagonhound Land & Livestock, will boost the University of Wyoming’s Ranch Management and Agricultural Leadership Program.
The donation, matched by the state to total $5 million, establishes the Wyoming Ranching Excellence Fund, supporting students, faculty, and industry engagement, and fostering future leaders in ranch management statewide.
The Nicholas family has also supported the UW rodeo team and the university's American Heritage Center. 052824
The Memorial Day weekend means you, and others, will be putting out flowers to remember loved ones at area cemeteries.
In order to keep the Douglas Park Cemetery looking nice, the City of Douglas requests that all flowers, flowerpots and vases from Memorial Day be removed from gravesites by June 17th.
City personnel will remove all artificial sprays, wreaths or decorations that don't comply with Douglas Park Cemetery rules and regulations.
Anything that you wish to keep, needs to be picked up on or before June 16th.
Call Douglas Public Works at 358-9750 for more information. 052824
In order to keep the Douglas Park Cemetery looking nice, the City of Douglas requests that all flowers, flowerpots and vases from Memorial Day be removed from gravesites by June 17th.
City personnel will remove all artificial sprays, wreaths or decorations that don't comply with Douglas Park Cemetery rules and regulations.
Anything that you wish to keep, needs to be picked up on or before June 16th.
Call Douglas Public Works at 358-9750 for more information. 052824
The cost to use some of our favorite area campgrounds is going up.
After two years of development, review, and public input, the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests have finalized new and increased fees at 89 developed recreation sites.
Campground prices in the Douglas Ranger District are increasing at Campbell Creek, Curtis Gulch, Esterbrook, Friend Park, and the LaPrele Guard Station.
The adjusted fee structure will allow the Forests to sustainably operate, maintain, and improve local developed recreation sites.
A complete list of the impacted sites is available online. Most fee changes at sites will be implemented in 2024.
There are no fee changes for the Thunder Basin National Grassland. 052424
After two years of development, review, and public input, the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests have finalized new and increased fees at 89 developed recreation sites.
Campground prices in the Douglas Ranger District are increasing at Campbell Creek, Curtis Gulch, Esterbrook, Friend Park, and the LaPrele Guard Station.
The adjusted fee structure will allow the Forests to sustainably operate, maintain, and improve local developed recreation sites.
A complete list of the impacted sites is available online. Most fee changes at sites will be implemented in 2024.
There are no fee changes for the Thunder Basin National Grassland. 052424
Unemployment in Converse County dropped in April, following a statewide trend.
The Converse unemployment rate dropped from 2.8 percent in March to 2.2 percent in April. That's about the same as it was the year before.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says that at 2.2 percent, Converse County had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, second only to Weston County at 2 percent. Sublette County had the highest unemployment in Wyoming, at 3.6 percent.
Overall, Wyoming's statewide unemployment rate was flat, at 2.8 percent. 052424
The Converse unemployment rate dropped from 2.8 percent in March to 2.2 percent in April. That's about the same as it was the year before.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says that at 2.2 percent, Converse County had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, second only to Weston County at 2 percent. Sublette County had the highest unemployment in Wyoming, at 3.6 percent.
Overall, Wyoming's statewide unemployment rate was flat, at 2.8 percent. 052424
Casper's old Holiday Inn along the North Platte River could be open again as soon as this summer.
A sweep by city officials last summer found massive damage from flooding and squatters. The buildings were condemned by the city, with estimates for cleanup alone at over $3 million dollars.
F Street Rehab is doing business now as the Riverside Hotel at 300 West F St.
Representatives told the Casper City Council this week that they believed they could resurrect the 210-room hotel.
The hotel has also been branded as a Ramada, and an Econolodge before being shut down and boarded up late last year. 052424
A sweep by city officials last summer found massive damage from flooding and squatters. The buildings were condemned by the city, with estimates for cleanup alone at over $3 million dollars.
F Street Rehab is doing business now as the Riverside Hotel at 300 West F St.
Representatives told the Casper City Council this week that they believed they could resurrect the 210-room hotel.
The hotel has also been branded as a Ramada, and an Econolodge before being shut down and boarded up late last year. 052424
Both of Wyoming’s Red Lobster locations will remain open despite their parent company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 20.
A company spokesperson confirmed there are no changes for the state’s two restaurants in Cheyenne and Casper.
Red Lobster continues to operate as usual during bankruptcy, backed by a $100 million financing commitment. 052424
A company spokesperson confirmed there are no changes for the state’s two restaurants in Cheyenne and Casper.
Red Lobster continues to operate as usual during bankruptcy, backed by a $100 million financing commitment. 052424
President Joe Biden has signed into law bipartisan legislation that could help reinvigorate a dormant energy sector in eastern Wyoming...
President Joe Biden has signed into law bipartisan legislation that could help reinvigorate a dormant energy sector in eastern Wyoming...
Senator John Barrasso introduced the legislation in the Senate over a year ago, in March of 2023...
Converse County and the Powder River Basin have an extensive in-situ uranium production history, with proven reserves still waiting for development.
Cameco's Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ mine opened in 1975 and produced 23 million pounds of uranium.
Commercial production was shut down at the mine in 2016 due to weak market conditions and foreign competition. 051524
Cameco's Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ mine opened in 1975 and produced 23 million pounds of uranium.
Commercial production was shut down at the mine in 2016 due to weak market conditions and foreign competition. 051524
State Senator Brian Boner has announced that he will seek re-election to the Wyoming Senate in 2024.
Boner has served Senate District 2, representing Converse and Natrona County, since 2015.
He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs committee and the Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee.
In his re-election campaign announcement, Boner noted that 70% of his personal bills have become law over the past two years, which is over twice the success rate of an average legislator. 051524
Boner has served Senate District 2, representing Converse and Natrona County, since 2015.
He currently serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs committee and the Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee.
In his re-election campaign announcement, Boner noted that 70% of his personal bills have become law over the past two years, which is over twice the success rate of an average legislator. 051524
The Wyoming State Fair has met the challenge.
In 2023, the State Legislature agreed to match contributions dollar for dollar if half a million was raised.
State fair officials announced Thursday that the fair has not only met but exceeded its ambitious goal of raising $500,000 to match a Wyoming Legistaltive Challenge of $500,000 for the Wyoming State Fair Endowment Fund.
All together, a total of over $1 million in funds will create the Wyoming State Fair Endowment, creating an ongoing source of funding for the State Fair. 050324
In 2023, the State Legislature agreed to match contributions dollar for dollar if half a million was raised.
State fair officials announced Thursday that the fair has not only met but exceeded its ambitious goal of raising $500,000 to match a Wyoming Legistaltive Challenge of $500,000 for the Wyoming State Fair Endowment Fund.
All together, a total of over $1 million in funds will create the Wyoming State Fair Endowment, creating an ongoing source of funding for the State Fair. 050324
The Douglas City Council will hold a special session this evening, with one item on the agenda... consideration of a resolution establishing an open container district in the downtown Douglas area.
The downtown outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, sets an area where open containers are allowed from 5pm to midnight on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Requirements include a wristband to be provided and worn by the establishment from which the alcohol was purchased.
Alcohol must be in original, non-glass containers or clear non-glass cups.
The DORA area basically includes Second Street to Fourth Street, and Walnut Street to Oak Street.
No crossing of Center Street with an open container will be allowed, due to WYDOT rules, and no open containers will be allowed in Jackalope Square without an appropriate permit.
Council meets this evening at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall.
Douglas City Council meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 9 in Douglas. 050224
The downtown outdoor refreshment area, or DORA, sets an area where open containers are allowed from 5pm to midnight on
Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Requirements include a wristband to be provided and worn by the establishment from which the alcohol was purchased.
Alcohol must be in original, non-glass containers or clear non-glass cups.
The DORA area basically includes Second Street to Fourth Street, and Walnut Street to Oak Street.
No crossing of Center Street with an open container will be allowed, due to WYDOT rules, and no open containers will be allowed in Jackalope Square without an appropriate permit.
Council meets this evening at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall.
Douglas City Council meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve cable channel 9 in Douglas. 050224
As a matter of fact, it WAS a meteor.
The National Weather Service in Riverton has confirmed witness reports of a meteor that streaked through the upper atmosphere around 2:35 a.m. on Monday, April 29th.
After reports of a loud boom, the Converse County Sheriffs office checked the oilfields off East Antelope Road and Highway 59 for evidence of an explosion, but found nothing.
The Weather Service said the shooting star passed somewhere between Casper and Douglas, moving south to north. 050124
The National Weather Service in Riverton has confirmed witness reports of a meteor that streaked through the upper atmosphere around 2:35 a.m. on Monday, April 29th.
After reports of a loud boom, the Converse County Sheriffs office checked the oilfields off East Antelope Road and Highway 59 for evidence of an explosion, but found nothing.
The Weather Service said the shooting star passed somewhere between Casper and Douglas, moving south to north. 050124
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking information on three elk that were illegally shot and left to waste southeast of Wright last week.
On April 24, a member of the public discovered and reported two dead bull elk on public land in the Rochelle Hills area.
During the investigation, a cow elk was also discovered along with evidence that the elk were shot multiple times from a distance, then shot in the head at close range.
Game & Fish said the elk were likely killed several days before the investigation.
Anyone with possible information regarding this incident can call the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-943-3847.
Callers may remain anonymous and any information leading to the arrest and conviction may result in a reward of up to $5,000. 050124
On April 24, a member of the public discovered and reported two dead bull elk on public land in the Rochelle Hills area.
During the investigation, a cow elk was also discovered along with evidence that the elk were shot multiple times from a distance, then shot in the head at close range.
Game & Fish said the elk were likely killed several days before the investigation.
Anyone with possible information regarding this incident can call the Stop Poaching Hotline at 1-877-943-3847.
Callers may remain anonymous and any information leading to the arrest and conviction may result in a reward of up to $5,000. 050124
Douglas FFA members traveled to Cheyenne for the 2024 Wyoming State FFA Convention last week... and one group is buying plane tickets for Indianapolis.
The Douglas FFA chapter had quiz bowl, Vet Science, Ag. Sales, Horse Evaluation, and Livestock Evaluation contestants this year.
Congratulations to our Douglas FFA Ag Mechanics team - Miles Chapman, Waylon Boynton, Tyler Bevers, and Dean Shatto, who earned 1st place at State Convention! They'll advance to compete at nationals this fall.
More than 69 thousand students, teachers and guests will attend the 97th National FFA Convention will be held October 23 -26 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 041524
The Douglas FFA chapter had quiz bowl, Vet Science, Ag. Sales, Horse Evaluation, and Livestock Evaluation contestants this year.
Congratulations to our Douglas FFA Ag Mechanics team - Miles Chapman, Waylon Boynton, Tyler Bevers, and Dean Shatto, who earned 1st place at State Convention! They'll advance to compete at nationals this fall.
More than 69 thousand students, teachers and guests will attend the 97th National FFA Convention will be held October 23 -26 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 041524
If you've dreamed of taming a wild horse of your own, the BLM has an opportunity coming up to adopt animals from its care.
The event is this Friday, April 19th at the Off Range Corral site in Wheatland. The event opens at 8 a.m. with the live auction starting at 9 a.m. Up to 30 horses are available for adoption. The auction will run until noon, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about the adoption process and requirements, check out the BLM website. 041524
The event is this Friday, April 19th at the Off Range Corral site in Wheatland. The event opens at 8 a.m. with the live auction starting at 9 a.m. Up to 30 horses are available for adoption. The auction will run until noon, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about the adoption process and requirements, check out the BLM website. 041524
Natrona County Coroner James Whipps has identified the victim of a homicide at Eastridge Mall on Sunday as 14-year-old Robert Dean Maher Jr. of Casper.
According to court documents, Maher was trying to protect his girlfriend from a pair of teens following her and a female friend around Eastridge Mall when he was fatally stabbed.
Two 15-year-old juveniles were charged with first-degree homicide on Monday in relation to the April 7 stabbing. They are being charged as adults.
The coroner’s office is continuing to investigate the incident in conjunction with the Casper Police Department.
A GoFundMe for the Maher family has also been established. 041024
According to court documents, Maher was trying to protect his girlfriend from a pair of teens following her and a female friend around Eastridge Mall when he was fatally stabbed.
Two 15-year-old juveniles were charged with first-degree homicide on Monday in relation to the April 7 stabbing. They are being charged as adults.
The coroner’s office is continuing to investigate the incident in conjunction with the Casper Police Department.
A GoFundMe for the Maher family has also been established. 041024
Bureaucratic momentum prevailed last week as the State Land and Investment Board discussed a contentious gravel pit proposal on state-owned land north of Casper Mountain.
Despite public opposition, including a petition with 5,000 signatures, the board unanimously granted Prism Logistics a lease for 3,200 acres at $1 per acre.
Residents packed the hearing room and overflowed into simulcast rooms and hallways.
The lease, which was initially placed on a consent agenda without objection, raises concerns over potential environmental impacts and bypassing standard mining regulations.
Governor Mark Gordon acknowledged public concerns but emphasized the need to follow established processes.
Attempts by Secretary of State Chuck Gray to modify or terminate the lease failed to gain support, although the board agreed to explore options for canceling leases in the future.
The outcome of last week's meeting in Casper leaves the fate of the proposed gravel pit uncertain, with further steps and discussions expected in the coming months. 040924
Despite public opposition, including a petition with 5,000 signatures, the board unanimously granted Prism Logistics a lease for 3,200 acres at $1 per acre.
Residents packed the hearing room and overflowed into simulcast rooms and hallways.
The lease, which was initially placed on a consent agenda without objection, raises concerns over potential environmental impacts and bypassing standard mining regulations.
Governor Mark Gordon acknowledged public concerns but emphasized the need to follow established processes.
Attempts by Secretary of State Chuck Gray to modify or terminate the lease failed to gain support, although the board agreed to explore options for canceling leases in the future.
The outcome of last week's meeting in Casper leaves the fate of the proposed gravel pit uncertain, with further steps and discussions expected in the coming months. 040924
Repairs and renovations to the pool and waterslides at Washington Park were a topic of conversation at Monday night's Douglas City Council Meeting.
Parks & Rec Supervisor Brandon Frye gave the council an update on where they're at on the project...
Parks & Rec Supervisor Brandon Frye gave the council an update on where they're at on the project...
Some of the issues involve aging infrastructure, while some would provide for a better user experience at the pool.
Frye said that there's no plans to involve locker room or building renovations as a part of this phase of work.
The projected cost of this phase of renovation is $3.7 million dollars.
Frye said they hope to begin construction after this summer's pool season. 040924
Frye said that there's no plans to involve locker room or building renovations as a part of this phase of work.
The projected cost of this phase of renovation is $3.7 million dollars.
Frye said they hope to begin construction after this summer's pool season. 040924
Casper police officer Officer Michael Chand has returned to active duty.
Chand was placed on administrative leave after the Feb. 14 shooting of a man suspected of shooting and killing Sgt. Nevada Krinkee in Sheridan.
The Casper Police Department said Officer Chand was one of 23 Casper officers who were assisting police in Sheridan.
A press release on Tuesday said that after more than 24 hours of unsuccessful negotiations and tactical attempts to bring a peaceful resolution to the incident, the suspect was fatally shot in the evening hours of Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
Officer Michael Chand, a four-year veteran of the Casper Police Department, was the officer who, in the performance of his duties, resolved the ongoing dangerous situation in Sheridan.
Chand has returned to active duty with the CPD in a modified assignment. 040524
Chand was placed on administrative leave after the Feb. 14 shooting of a man suspected of shooting and killing Sgt. Nevada Krinkee in Sheridan.
The Casper Police Department said Officer Chand was one of 23 Casper officers who were assisting police in Sheridan.
A press release on Tuesday said that after more than 24 hours of unsuccessful negotiations and tactical attempts to bring a peaceful resolution to the incident, the suspect was fatally shot in the evening hours of Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
Officer Michael Chand, a four-year veteran of the Casper Police Department, was the officer who, in the performance of his duties, resolved the ongoing dangerous situation in Sheridan.
Chand has returned to active duty with the CPD in a modified assignment. 040524
Personnel changes at Douglas High School.
DHS Activities Director Doug Hughes will be retiring at the end of this year. Hughes has been the Bearcat Activities Director for the past five years. He also coached football, track, and served as the activities director in Lander from 2005-2016. His career has spanned 34 years coaching multiple sports with stops in Belle Fourche, SD, Lander, and Douglas.
Moving into the Activities Director position will be long-time Bearcat football coach, Jay Rhoades. Rhoades has been the football coach in Douglas for the past 18 years. In this time the Bearcats have compiled a record of 136 wins and 44 losses, with seven appearances in the state title game and winning three championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Prior to Douglas, Rhoades was the head football coach in Chadron, NE where the Cardinals went 35-13.
Stepping into the head football position will be Bearcat assistant coach, Drew Hodgs pending board approval. Hodgs was the Bearcat’s quarterback in Rhoades’ first season in 2006 where he led the Bearcats to the state title game. Hodgs went on to be a 4-year starting quarterback at Black Hills State University from 2007- 2010. He served as an assistant coach in Lead-Deadwood, SD in the 2011 and 2012 seasons before returning to Douglas to teach and coach in his hometown. Hodgs has been an integral part of coordinating the Bearcat offense during his eleven years as an assistant. 040424
DHS Activities Director Doug Hughes will be retiring at the end of this year. Hughes has been the Bearcat Activities Director for the past five years. He also coached football, track, and served as the activities director in Lander from 2005-2016. His career has spanned 34 years coaching multiple sports with stops in Belle Fourche, SD, Lander, and Douglas.
Moving into the Activities Director position will be long-time Bearcat football coach, Jay Rhoades. Rhoades has been the football coach in Douglas for the past 18 years. In this time the Bearcats have compiled a record of 136 wins and 44 losses, with seven appearances in the state title game and winning three championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Prior to Douglas, Rhoades was the head football coach in Chadron, NE where the Cardinals went 35-13.
Stepping into the head football position will be Bearcat assistant coach, Drew Hodgs pending board approval. Hodgs was the Bearcat’s quarterback in Rhoades’ first season in 2006 where he led the Bearcats to the state title game. Hodgs went on to be a 4-year starting quarterback at Black Hills State University from 2007- 2010. He served as an assistant coach in Lead-Deadwood, SD in the 2011 and 2012 seasons before returning to Douglas to teach and coach in his hometown. Hodgs has been an integral part of coordinating the Bearcat offense during his eleven years as an assistant. 040424
63 new residents in the last four years.
That's the latest Converse County estimate from the US Census Bureau.
Between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, the population of Converse County increased from 13.746 to 13,809, a jump of 63 residents.
Natrona County dropped a bit over the same period, decreasing from 80,299 in 2022 to 79,941 in 2023, a three-year loss of 358 residents.
Laramie County was the only county in the state to top 100 thousand, at 100,984, a three-year gain of about 250 residents.
The US Census Bureau estimates Wyoming's total population at 584,057 as of July 1st, 2023. 032224
That's the latest Converse County estimate from the US Census Bureau.
Between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, the population of Converse County increased from 13.746 to 13,809, a jump of 63 residents.
Natrona County dropped a bit over the same period, decreasing from 80,299 in 2022 to 79,941 in 2023, a three-year loss of 358 residents.
Laramie County was the only county in the state to top 100 thousand, at 100,984, a three-year gain of about 250 residents.
The US Census Bureau estimates Wyoming's total population at 584,057 as of July 1st, 2023. 032224
The North Platte River will get a good flush, starting Monday.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's ten-day flushing flow project starting March 25.
Flows on the river from Gray Reef Reservoir at Alcova to Glendo will surge from 500 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second between 3-7 a.m., tapering back gradually and stabilizing at 500 cfs by 10 a.m. daily until April 3rd.
This flushing flow initiative aims to enhance fish spawning habitats and bolster invertebrate production critical for fish sustenance.
Wyoming Game & Fish urges caution due to potential safety hazards associated with fluctuating water levels at Casper, Glenrock and Douglas. 032224
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's ten-day flushing flow project starting March 25.
Flows on the river from Gray Reef Reservoir at Alcova to Glendo will surge from 500 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second between 3-7 a.m., tapering back gradually and stabilizing at 500 cfs by 10 a.m. daily until April 3rd.
This flushing flow initiative aims to enhance fish spawning habitats and bolster invertebrate production critical for fish sustenance.
Wyoming Game & Fish urges caution due to potential safety hazards associated with fluctuating water levels at Casper, Glenrock and Douglas. 032224
The price of a gallon of gasoline continues its slow rise.
GasBuddy.com says the national average climbed 4.4 cents this week.
That's up 19 cents from a month ago and is now up 1.6 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA reports that Wyoming’s average is $3.11, up 3 cents from a week ago.
Platte County had the most expensive gas in the state on Monday, at an average of $3.45 a gallon.
Natrona County’s average of $2.88 remains the cheapest in the state, and Converse County averaged $3.08 on Monday. 031824
GasBuddy.com says the national average climbed 4.4 cents this week.
That's up 19 cents from a month ago and is now up 1.6 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA reports that Wyoming’s average is $3.11, up 3 cents from a week ago.
Platte County had the most expensive gas in the state on Monday, at an average of $3.45 a gallon.
Natrona County’s average of $2.88 remains the cheapest in the state, and Converse County averaged $3.08 on Monday. 031824
The Casper-Natrona County International Airport terminal was evacuated Monday morning.
A potential hazardous materials situation led to the evacuation, and a specialized response team was brought in to assess the situation.
By a little after 10:30 a.m., Airport and sheriff’s officials determined that the substance was not hazardous, there was no public safety threat and the terminal was be reopened. 031824
A potential hazardous materials situation led to the evacuation, and a specialized response team was brought in to assess the situation.
By a little after 10:30 a.m., Airport and sheriff’s officials determined that the substance was not hazardous, there was no public safety threat and the terminal was be reopened. 031824
Eight Wyoming communities are vying for a proposed state-of-the-art shooting and sporting complex expected to draw thousands of sports enthusiasts and millions in revenue.
The City of Casper — along with Uinta County, the town of Guernsey, Park County, Hot Springs County, Fremont County, Cheyenne and Campbell County have all filed letters of intent to be included in the running for the facility.
A task force will decide the best-suited location.
Economic development is the primary goal, with legislators emphasizing the need for future-proof infrastructure. A decision on the location is expected by this fall. 031824
The City of Casper — along with Uinta County, the town of Guernsey, Park County, Hot Springs County, Fremont County, Cheyenne and Campbell County have all filed letters of intent to be included in the running for the facility.
A task force will decide the best-suited location.
Economic development is the primary goal, with legislators emphasizing the need for future-proof infrastructure. A decision on the location is expected by this fall. 031824
A 44-year-old woman died on slick roads near Wheatland on Friday.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says Brandy McKinney was heading south along Interstate 25 near Wheatland at about 4:30 Friday morning.
McKinney lost control of the vehicle while crossing a bridge, going into a driver’s-side slide before exiting the road and rolling multiple times.
In its report, the WHP cites icy road conditions as a possible contributing factor. 031824
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says Brandy McKinney was heading south along Interstate 25 near Wheatland at about 4:30 Friday morning.
McKinney lost control of the vehicle while crossing a bridge, going into a driver’s-side slide before exiting the road and rolling multiple times.
In its report, the WHP cites icy road conditions as a possible contributing factor. 031824
The Boys and Girls Club State Youth of the Year competition was held at the State Capitol in Cheyenne on Feb. 15th and Feb. 16th.
This year’s winner was Isabell Norris from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
The first runner-up was Aiden Cabrera from the Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne, and the second runner-up was Jaycee Nachtman from the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas.
First Lady Jennie Gordon kicked off the event with a proclamation designating Feb. 11–17 as Boys and Girls Club Week in Wyoming.
Youth of the Year is a key program within the Boys and Girls Club Movement that helps develop key leadership skills and ethics in youth. These competitions exemplify the impact that the clubs have on youth across the nation. 021924
This year’s winner was Isabell Norris from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.
The first runner-up was Aiden Cabrera from the Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne, and the second runner-up was Jaycee Nachtman from the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas.
First Lady Jennie Gordon kicked off the event with a proclamation designating Feb. 11–17 as Boys and Girls Club Week in Wyoming.
Youth of the Year is a key program within the Boys and Girls Club Movement that helps develop key leadership skills and ethics in youth. These competitions exemplify the impact that the clubs have on youth across the nation. 021924
Archeologists have made a remarkable find at an ancient hunting camp along La Prele Creek near the North Platte River west of Douglas.
A tiny, irregular bead, possibly crafted from a rabbit's hollow bone, is now recognized as the oldest documented bead in the Americas, dating back 13,000 years.
University of Wyoming archaeologists, led by Professor Todd Surovell, used advanced methods to identify the material, emphasizing the site's significance in understanding early human activities.
The bead will be preserved at the University's archaeological repository. 021724
A tiny, irregular bead, possibly crafted from a rabbit's hollow bone, is now recognized as the oldest documented bead in the Americas, dating back 13,000 years.
University of Wyoming archaeologists, led by Professor Todd Surovell, used advanced methods to identify the material, emphasizing the site's significance in understanding early human activities.
The bead will be preserved at the University's archaeological repository. 021724
Wyoming's 2024 omnibus water construction bill proposes $52.8 million for various projects, including the $118 million LaPrele Dam replacement west of Douglas, and $84 million Goshen irrigation tunnel repair.
Most of the LaPrele reconstruction would be federally funded; Wyoming has appropriated $30 million for that project so far.
The Goshen irrigation tunnel repair has received a $21.8 million Wyoming appropriation and part of the total $84 million cost would be shared with Nebraska.
The total projects cost over $335 million, with federal aid and appropriations contributing, highlighting the significance of state water development initiatives. 021724
Most of the LaPrele reconstruction would be federally funded; Wyoming has appropriated $30 million for that project so far.
The Goshen irrigation tunnel repair has received a $21.8 million Wyoming appropriation and part of the total $84 million cost would be shared with Nebraska.
The total projects cost over $335 million, with federal aid and appropriations contributing, highlighting the significance of state water development initiatives. 021724
Douglas schools promote from within again.
Converse County School District #1 announced Wednesday morning that Justin Carr will become principal at Douglas High School effective July 1st of this year.
Carr replaces current principal Ryan Mackey, who will become assistant superintendent later this year, and the new superintendent of CCSD1 when Dr. Paige Fenton Hughes retires on July 1, 2025.
Justin Carr is currently assistant principal and girls soccer coach at Douglas High School. He also served previously as activities director. 021524
Converse County School District #1 announced Wednesday morning that Justin Carr will become principal at Douglas High School effective July 1st of this year.
Carr replaces current principal Ryan Mackey, who will become assistant superintendent later this year, and the new superintendent of CCSD1 when Dr. Paige Fenton Hughes retires on July 1, 2025.
Justin Carr is currently assistant principal and girls soccer coach at Douglas High School. He also served previously as activities director. 021524
Spring snowmelt runoff on the North Platte River basin will be below average.
The Bureau of Reclamation's snowmelt runoff forecasts say total April through July runoff in the North Platte River Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 570,000 acre-feet (af), which is 60% of the 30-year average.
While the snowpack at upper elevations is still low, water stored in the seven reservoirs on the North Platte River is high.
As of January 31st, the combined storage content in the North Platte Reservoirs was 1.8 million acre/feet, which is 112% of the 30-year average.
This North Platte River system provides irrigation supply to hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and produces power generation from 6 powerplants which supply power to tens of thousands of homes. 021524
The Bureau of Reclamation's snowmelt runoff forecasts say total April through July runoff in the North Platte River Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 570,000 acre-feet (af), which is 60% of the 30-year average.
While the snowpack at upper elevations is still low, water stored in the seven reservoirs on the North Platte River is high.
As of January 31st, the combined storage content in the North Platte Reservoirs was 1.8 million acre/feet, which is 112% of the 30-year average.
This North Platte River system provides irrigation supply to hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland and produces power generation from 6 powerplants which supply power to tens of thousands of homes. 021524
More than $10 thousand dollars was raised for Special Olympics Wyoming at Friday's Jackalope Jump fundraiser at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals worked hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and all funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide who compete year-round in Wyoming.
Certificate winners at Friday's event included Jacob Nendzola for for most money raised by an individual, Dalton Ferris for most money raised by an athlete, Douglas Boys and Girls Club for most money raised by a group.
Memorial Hospital of Converse County put together the largest group to jump, the DHS Student Council Minions had the best costume, and Douglas Middle School was the Cool School Challenge winner. 021224
Teams and individuals worked hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and all funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide who compete year-round in Wyoming.
Certificate winners at Friday's event included Jacob Nendzola for for most money raised by an individual, Dalton Ferris for most money raised by an athlete, Douglas Boys and Girls Club for most money raised by a group.
Memorial Hospital of Converse County put together the largest group to jump, the DHS Student Council Minions had the best costume, and Douglas Middle School was the Cool School Challenge winner. 021224
The sports complex project is complete.
Converse County School District #1 held ribbon cutting ceremonies Tuesday at the new Douglas Middle School Athletic Complex.
Superintendent Dr Paige Fenton Hughes says it's money well-spent...
Converse County School District #1 held ribbon cutting ceremonies Tuesday at the new Douglas Middle School Athletic Complex.
Superintendent Dr Paige Fenton Hughes says it's money well-spent...
The project includes two turf fields for football and soccer, two grass soccer fields, bleachers with a press box, and expanded parking. The new gym has one competition-sized court for basketball and volleyball... it can also be divided for two full-sized practice courts... the multi-purpose mezzanine upstairs can be used for wrestling practice... and there's restrooms and locker rooms that are accessable from both inside and outside the building.
The DMS Athletic Complex project came in at just under $14 million dollars. Funding was a combination of monies from CCSD1, the City of Douglas, the Douglas Recreation District, and a Land & Water Conservation grant. 020724
The DMS Athletic Complex project came in at just under $14 million dollars. Funding was a combination of monies from CCSD1, the City of Douglas, the Douglas Recreation District, and a Land & Water Conservation grant. 020724
The number of trains shipping coal out of the Powder River Basin is on the rise.
Weekly US coal train loadings nationwide increased 20% last week to an average of 65 trains/day
The Surface Transportation Board says more loadings in the Powder River Basin drove the nationwide increase.
Coal train loadings in the Powder River Basin rose 36.5% on the week to 36 trains a day.
PRB coal train loadings were still 14% lower than a year ago. 020524
Weekly US coal train loadings nationwide increased 20% last week to an average of 65 trains/day
The Surface Transportation Board says more loadings in the Powder River Basin drove the nationwide increase.
Coal train loadings in the Powder River Basin rose 36.5% on the week to 36 trains a day.
PRB coal train loadings were still 14% lower than a year ago. 020524
A stretch of Highway 20/26 west of the Casper airport was closed Saturday morning by law enforcement.
A traffic stop about 7:25 Saturday morning escalated into an armed standoff with the driver, who barracaded themselves into the vehicle.
Law enforcement agents were eventually able to de-escalate the situation, and the suspect eventually surrendered peacefully.
The highway was closed between Casper and Moneta during the incident... the Wyoming highway Patrol reopened it Saturday at about 12:15. 020524
A traffic stop about 7:25 Saturday morning escalated into an armed standoff with the driver, who barracaded themselves into the vehicle.
Law enforcement agents were eventually able to de-escalate the situation, and the suspect eventually surrendered peacefully.
The highway was closed between Casper and Moneta during the incident... the Wyoming highway Patrol reopened it Saturday at about 12:15. 020524
Zoë Short observes a monarch butterfly at LaPrele Park in Laramie. (Kellyn Chandler Photo)
Healthy butterflies in eastern Wyoming.
In a groundbreaking study, University of Wyoming graduate Zoë Short has discovered that a parasite responsible for monarch butterfly decline globally, is absent in the species in east-central Wyoming.
Short's research was published in Prairie Naturalist, indicating potential better migratory success for Wyoming monarchs.
During Short’s study, three sites -- one along the North Platte River southeast of Douglas and two sites in Glendo State Park -- were sampled weekly during the summer of 2022
The study was part of Short's undergraduate research supported by the Wyoming Research Scholars Program.
It will provide valuable insights into monarch conservation. 020524
In a groundbreaking study, University of Wyoming graduate Zoë Short has discovered that a parasite responsible for monarch butterfly decline globally, is absent in the species in east-central Wyoming.
Short's research was published in Prairie Naturalist, indicating potential better migratory success for Wyoming monarchs.
During Short’s study, three sites -- one along the North Platte River southeast of Douglas and two sites in Glendo State Park -- were sampled weekly during the summer of 2022
The study was part of Short's undergraduate research supported by the Wyoming Research Scholars Program.
It will provide valuable insights into monarch conservation. 020524
A new superintendent for Douglas schools, and the board promotes from the inside.
Converse County School District #1's board has announced that Douglas High School Principal Ryan Mackey has been offered a contract to be an assistant superintendent next year and the new District 1 superintendent beginning in 2025.
After a nationwide search conducted by Wyoming School Boards Association, the board interviewed Mackey and two other candidates.
Each went through a day-long process of visiting our schools; attending forums with administrators and staff, parents and members of the community and parents; and interviewing with the board.
Mackey will replace Dr. Paige Fenton-Hughes, who is set to retire on July 1st, 2025. 020224
Converse County School District #1's board has announced that Douglas High School Principal Ryan Mackey has been offered a contract to be an assistant superintendent next year and the new District 1 superintendent beginning in 2025.
After a nationwide search conducted by Wyoming School Boards Association, the board interviewed Mackey and two other candidates.
Each went through a day-long process of visiting our schools; attending forums with administrators and staff, parents and members of the community and parents; and interviewing with the board.
Mackey will replace Dr. Paige Fenton-Hughes, who is set to retire on July 1st, 2025. 020224
Plans to open a new private school in Douglas are moving ahead.
The board of Douglas Christian Academy has added Dr. Kathryn Skuza to the board, replacing Gigi Leman.
The board has hired a school administrator who will play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the academy.
Plans are underway to submit an application to Hillsdale College to utilize their curriculum at our school., and a banquet is in the early planning stages to celebrate the achievements of Douglas Christian Academy and to engage with the community.
The next Douglas Christian Academy board meeting will take place on February 12th at 6:00 pm at Trinity Baptist Church at 1424 Griffith Way in Douglas. 020224
The board of Douglas Christian Academy has added Dr. Kathryn Skuza to the board, replacing Gigi Leman.
The board has hired a school administrator who will play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the academy.
Plans are underway to submit an application to Hillsdale College to utilize their curriculum at our school., and a banquet is in the early planning stages to celebrate the achievements of Douglas Christian Academy and to engage with the community.
The next Douglas Christian Academy board meeting will take place on February 12th at 6:00 pm at Trinity Baptist Church at 1424 Griffith Way in Douglas. 020224
New residents at the Converse County Joint Justice Center.
The Converse County Attorney, Clerk of District Court, Circuit Court, and District Court offices have all moved to the Justice Center campus at 1201 Mesa Drive.
The move comes as Phase Two of the Joint Justice Center project nears completion.
The courts and offices have been housed in the Converse County Courthouse in downtown Douglas for many years. 012524
The Converse County Attorney, Clerk of District Court, Circuit Court, and District Court offices have all moved to the Justice Center campus at 1201 Mesa Drive.
The move comes as Phase Two of the Joint Justice Center project nears completion.
The courts and offices have been housed in the Converse County Courthouse in downtown Douglas for many years. 012524
Wyoming Rescue Mission is taking their program to the streets of Casper.
In an effort to impact those experiencing street homelessness, the Mission has launched a Street Outreach Ministry this winter.
Volunteers walk the streets of downtown Casper to talk with the community's most vulnerable individuals, with a goal of restoring homeless lives back to community independence.
Teams of two or three volunteers offer gloves, hats, water, coffee, "Get Real Help" cards, Bibles, and prayers to those in need.
So far, over 110 people have been impacted since the Street Outreach Ministry began in October and several have found their way to care at the Wyoming Rescue Mission. 012524
In an effort to impact those experiencing street homelessness, the Mission has launched a Street Outreach Ministry this winter.
Volunteers walk the streets of downtown Casper to talk with the community's most vulnerable individuals, with a goal of restoring homeless lives back to community independence.
Teams of two or three volunteers offer gloves, hats, water, coffee, "Get Real Help" cards, Bibles, and prayers to those in need.
So far, over 110 people have been impacted since the Street Outreach Ministry began in October and several have found their way to care at the Wyoming Rescue Mission. 012524
Maverik wants to build a new fueling station and convenience store in Douglas.
The Utah-based company will submit a development report for approval to the Douglas Planning and Zoning Department this Monday night.
The proposal is to build the new facility on the old drive-in property on the south side Highway 93 at the intersection of Highway 59 and the on-ramp to Interstate 25.
Maverik would build an approximately 6 thousand square foot convenience store building, more than twice the size of their current store just up the street on West Yellowstone.
The four acre lot would be big enough for easy access for semis, rv's, and pickups with trailers.
Fuel pumps would be located on both the east and west sides of the building. 011224
The Utah-based company will submit a development report for approval to the Douglas Planning and Zoning Department this Monday night.
The proposal is to build the new facility on the old drive-in property on the south side Highway 93 at the intersection of Highway 59 and the on-ramp to Interstate 25.
Maverik would build an approximately 6 thousand square foot convenience store building, more than twice the size of their current store just up the street on West Yellowstone.
The four acre lot would be big enough for easy access for semis, rv's, and pickups with trailers.
Fuel pumps would be located on both the east and west sides of the building. 011224
Hundreds of Wyoming’s top music students will meet in Casper next week for the 2024 All-State Music Conference.
More than 375 band, orchestra and choir student musicians from across the state will participate in the event.
Student musicians will be led by guest conductors for two days in collaborations and music creation through rehearsal and performance.
The closing concert will showcase skills learned during the program and feature student musicians. The performance is on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., and will also be at Highland Park Community Church.
Tickets are $6. 011224
More than 375 band, orchestra and choir student musicians from across the state will participate in the event.
Student musicians will be led by guest conductors for two days in collaborations and music creation through rehearsal and performance.
The closing concert will showcase skills learned during the program and feature student musicians. The performance is on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., and will also be at Highland Park Community Church.
Tickets are $6. 011224
More wind turbines will be built in Converse County.
AES has announced the 150 megawatt Settler Wind Farm Project for 13 miles south of Glenrock between Mormon Canyon and Deer Creek roads.
The project will generate enough renerable energy to power the equivilant of 44 thousand homes.
Subject to FAA approval, the new wind farm will use a radar-activated system that will only turn on the flashing red tower lights when low-flying aircraft are in the area.
AES says construction on the Settler wind farm will create about 200 construction jobs in Converse County, with commercial operations slated to begin in the 4th quarter of 2026. 011023
AES has announced the 150 megawatt Settler Wind Farm Project for 13 miles south of Glenrock between Mormon Canyon and Deer Creek roads.
The project will generate enough renerable energy to power the equivilant of 44 thousand homes.
Subject to FAA approval, the new wind farm will use a radar-activated system that will only turn on the flashing red tower lights when low-flying aircraft are in the area.
AES says construction on the Settler wind farm will create about 200 construction jobs in Converse County, with commercial operations slated to begin in the 4th quarter of 2026. 011023
Picnickers at Washington Park will enjoy a new shelter by the end of the summer.
At Monday night's Council meeting, the Douglas City Council awarded a contract to replace the Belmont Stakes shelter in Washington Park.
The old shelter is estimated to be 50 to 60 years old, and is showing signs of wear from heavy snow loads and decay. The concrete holds pools of water and the retaining wall has cracked and shifted in a few places.
Council accepted a bid for $119 thousand dollars from K&R Construction to demolish the old shelter and build a new 20' x 36' foot shelter on the same site.
The Douglas City Council approved the motion to award the bid on a 3-1 vote, with councilman Ron McNare abstaining. 011024
At Monday night's Council meeting, the Douglas City Council awarded a contract to replace the Belmont Stakes shelter in Washington Park.
The old shelter is estimated to be 50 to 60 years old, and is showing signs of wear from heavy snow loads and decay. The concrete holds pools of water and the retaining wall has cracked and shifted in a few places.
Council accepted a bid for $119 thousand dollars from K&R Construction to demolish the old shelter and build a new 20' x 36' foot shelter on the same site.
The Douglas City Council approved the motion to award the bid on a 3-1 vote, with councilman Ron McNare abstaining. 011024
Casper landlords may soon bear the burden of tenants' unpaid utility bills within city limits.
The Casper City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending utility billing, shifting responsibility to landlords if the city can't collect from tenants.
The city is aiming to reduce the burden of unpaid charges on ratepayers.
In fiscal year 2023, the city collected almost $800,000 in unpaid charges, prompting the proposed change. 011024
The Casper City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending utility billing, shifting responsibility to landlords if the city can't collect from tenants.
The city is aiming to reduce the burden of unpaid charges on ratepayers.
In fiscal year 2023, the city collected almost $800,000 in unpaid charges, prompting the proposed change. 011024
PacifiCorp and its research partners are moving forward with a study to evaluate the effects of painting a single wind turbine blade in black on 36 different turbines to reduce collision risks to birds flying near the Glenrock and Rolling Hills wind projects in Converse County.
The proposed study, with FAA approval secured, builds on promising prior research and addresses key scientific gaps.
The power company says the Glenrock and Rolling Hills sites, which include 158 General Electric turbines each more than 250 feet high, is ideal for the study as they already have several years of data charting bird interactions with turbines.
Collaborators hope to set new standards for wildlife protection in advancing renewable energy projects. 122923
The proposed study, with FAA approval secured, builds on promising prior research and addresses key scientific gaps.
The power company says the Glenrock and Rolling Hills sites, which include 158 General Electric turbines each more than 250 feet high, is ideal for the study as they already have several years of data charting bird interactions with turbines.
Collaborators hope to set new standards for wildlife protection in advancing renewable energy projects. 122923
A collision on icy roads north of Douglas claimed the life of a Douglas man.
60 year old Steven Amble was killed the five-vehicle crash at about 7:30pm on Saturday evening Dec. 23rd.
A Dodge Ram 1500, headed north near milepost 27, collided head-on with a southbound GMC Sierra on an icy bridge with limited visibility.
A southbound Cadillac DTS then hit the Dodge Ram’s passenger side. The Dodge then struck the bridge rail.
A southbound Honda Civic managed to pull over before a Dodge Ram 2500 clipped it, disabling the Civic on the shoulder. The Dodge Ram 2500 then rear-ended the Cadillac, causing it to side-swipe the first Dodge Ram. The vehicles came to rest scattered across the road.
Amble was the sole fatality. He was using a seatbelt. Five others involved in the crash were not injured.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, citing speed and driver fatigue as possible contributing factors. Road conditions, including ice and snow, also played a role in this event.
Highway 59 north of Douglas was closed Saturday night and part of Sunday morning for investigation and cleanup. 122823
60 year old Steven Amble was killed the five-vehicle crash at about 7:30pm on Saturday evening Dec. 23rd.
A Dodge Ram 1500, headed north near milepost 27, collided head-on with a southbound GMC Sierra on an icy bridge with limited visibility.
A southbound Cadillac DTS then hit the Dodge Ram’s passenger side. The Dodge then struck the bridge rail.
A southbound Honda Civic managed to pull over before a Dodge Ram 2500 clipped it, disabling the Civic on the shoulder. The Dodge Ram 2500 then rear-ended the Cadillac, causing it to side-swipe the first Dodge Ram. The vehicles came to rest scattered across the road.
Amble was the sole fatality. He was using a seatbelt. Five others involved in the crash were not injured.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, citing speed and driver fatigue as possible contributing factors. Road conditions, including ice and snow, also played a role in this event.
Highway 59 north of Douglas was closed Saturday night and part of Sunday morning for investigation and cleanup. 122823
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Ships are christened with names... here in Douglas, we name our snowplows.
City manager JD Cox has the details... Students from Converse County School District #1 got creative naming the city's big snow pushers...
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307 Signs and More did the vinyl letting, and the newly-christened snow plows are ready hit the streets of Douglas with the next big storm. 121523
Serving on the Douglas City Council means more than just showing up for a couple of meetings each month.
The Council named representatives to several other boards at Monday night's meeting.
Councilman Matt Schmidt and Mayor Kim Pexton were reappointed to the Municipal Joint Powers Board... Councilman Perry Hershberger and City Administrative Services Director Mary Nicole were appointed to one-year terms on the Wyoming Community Gas Board, and Councilman Ron McNare was named to a three year term on the Converse County Joint Justice Center Board. 121223
The Council named representatives to several other boards at Monday night's meeting.
Councilman Matt Schmidt and Mayor Kim Pexton were reappointed to the Municipal Joint Powers Board... Councilman Perry Hershberger and City Administrative Services Director Mary Nicole were appointed to one-year terms on the Wyoming Community Gas Board, and Councilman Ron McNare was named to a three year term on the Converse County Joint Justice Center Board. 121223
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen for a 12th consecutive week.
GasBuddy.com says the national average dropped 9 cents a gallon to $3.12 per gallon on Sunday.
The national average is down 24 cents from a month ago and down 10 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA says Wyoming’s average is $3.03, down 7 cents from a week ago. Teton County had the highest prices again in the state at $3.69 average... Natrona County was the lowest at $2.45... Converse County's average was at $3.10 a gallon on Monday. 121223
GasBuddy.com says the national average dropped 9 cents a gallon to $3.12 per gallon on Sunday.
The national average is down 24 cents from a month ago and down 10 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA says Wyoming’s average is $3.03, down 7 cents from a week ago. Teton County had the highest prices again in the state at $3.69 average... Natrona County was the lowest at $2.45... Converse County's average was at $3.10 a gallon on Monday. 121223
Christmas is a time when every child can't wait to see what's under the tree.
It's also a time when many families need a little halp, and Douglas's Secret Santa program is there to provide assistance.
At last night's Douglas City Council meeting, the Douglas Police Department recognized Bob Heiman for his vision starting Secret Santa.
DPD Lieutenant Todd Matthews told the story...
It's also a time when many families need a little halp, and Douglas's Secret Santa program is there to provide assistance.
At last night's Douglas City Council meeting, the Douglas Police Department recognized Bob Heiman for his vision starting Secret Santa.
DPD Lieutenant Todd Matthews told the story...
Heiman started the program with a donation to the DPD in 2016. The program includes money and groceries distributed through the Douglas Police Department to families in need. 112823
Free admission at Glendo and Guernsey...
The Wyoming State Parks department is waiving entrance fees the day after Thanksgiving.
Wyoming State Parks is joining park systems across the country for the ‘Opt Outside’ program that encourages families to choose to ‘Opt Outside’ as an alternative to Black Friday shopping.
Wyoming State Parks is offering free entry into all state parks and historic sites on Friday, November 24.
The 6th annual ‘Opt Outside’ is a day for all to get outside, give thanks, and spend time in nature. 112123
The Wyoming State Parks department is waiving entrance fees the day after Thanksgiving.
Wyoming State Parks is joining park systems across the country for the ‘Opt Outside’ program that encourages families to choose to ‘Opt Outside’ as an alternative to Black Friday shopping.
Wyoming State Parks is offering free entry into all state parks and historic sites on Friday, November 24.
The 6th annual ‘Opt Outside’ is a day for all to get outside, give thanks, and spend time in nature. 112123
Plans are moving forward for creation of a mountain bike skills park on the old D hill just east of Downtown Douglas.
The skills park would serve as a hub for learning, practicing and perfecting mountain bike skills in a safe and controlled environment, and would include trails for biking and hiking.
City Manager JD Cox gave the Douglas City Council an update on the project at Monday night's Council meeting...
The skills park would serve as a hub for learning, practicing and perfecting mountain bike skills in a safe and controlled environment, and would include trails for biking and hiking.
City Manager JD Cox gave the Douglas City Council an update on the project at Monday night's Council meeting...
If you'd like to find out more about the project, the Outdoor Enthusiasts of Converse County will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, November 29th at 6:30 pm at the LB Yard at the historic Hotel LaBonte in downtown Douglas. 111723
A new report from the State of Wyoming shows strong growth in sales and use taxes collected in Converse County.
The Economic Analysis Division's annual publication of Wyoming Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Revenue shows strong growth statewide for 2023's fiscal year.
Total sales and use tax reached a record-breaking $1.2 billion, which is up 15% from last year.
Closer to home, Converse County led the state with a 42 1/2 percent increase in sales and use taxes collected, by far the biggest jump in the state.
Total sales and use taxes collected in Converse County jumped from $57 million in 2022 to $82 million in fiscal 2023.
Converse County also showed the fastest growth in lodging taxes collected with a jump of almost 21 percent.
The report says growth in both categories could be attributed to a rebound in mineral activities. 111523
The Economic Analysis Division's annual publication of Wyoming Sales, Use, and Lodging Tax Revenue shows strong growth statewide for 2023's fiscal year.
Total sales and use tax reached a record-breaking $1.2 billion, which is up 15% from last year.
Closer to home, Converse County led the state with a 42 1/2 percent increase in sales and use taxes collected, by far the biggest jump in the state.
Total sales and use taxes collected in Converse County jumped from $57 million in 2022 to $82 million in fiscal 2023.
Converse County also showed the fastest growth in lodging taxes collected with a jump of almost 21 percent.
The report says growth in both categories could be attributed to a rebound in mineral activities. 111523
A judge's ruling in Washington DC plays favorably for Converse County.
Commission chairman Jim Willox says the ruling on the environmental impact statement for the Converse County Oil and Gas Project was a win...
Commission chairman Jim Willox says the ruling on the environmental impact statement for the Converse County Oil and Gas Project was a win...
Willox said the project could still face a risk of lawsuits...
Willox says that moving forward, it's still a waiting game...
The Bureau of Land Management approved the project almost two years ago, allowing for 5,000 new oil and gas wells to be drilled between Douglas and Glenrock over the course of 10 years. The project was initially proposed in 2014. Some drilling has already started. 111523
The new Scooters Coffee store under construction at the corner of Yellowstone and Wind River in Douglas is one of several going up around the Cowboy State.
Franchisees RaeAnn and Kent Jeffries are Gillette residents. They own a Scooters Coffee in Casper, and are also building stores at Gillette, Sheridan, and Helena, Montana.
The Jeffries bring plenty of business experience to the operation... they own six other franchises, including Old Chicago, Ace Hardware, Subway and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
In addition to coffees, Scooter’s menu includes children’s items, energy drinks, smoothies, protein drinks, teas, lemonades and pup cups, which are a little dish of whipped cream and a bone for dogs.111523
Franchisees RaeAnn and Kent Jeffries are Gillette residents. They own a Scooters Coffee in Casper, and are also building stores at Gillette, Sheridan, and Helena, Montana.
The Jeffries bring plenty of business experience to the operation... they own six other franchises, including Old Chicago, Ace Hardware, Subway and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
In addition to coffees, Scooter’s menu includes children’s items, energy drinks, smoothies, protein drinks, teas, lemonades and pup cups, which are a little dish of whipped cream and a bone for dogs.111523
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A Douglas police officer saves a life.
DPD Sergent Rudy Toman tells the story... Officer Katy Howard was recognized at Monday night's Douglas City Council meeting. 111423
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The General Manager of the Wyoming State Fair is honored by her peers.
The Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs has named Courtny Conkle its 2023 Fair Manager of the Year. RMAF Executive Director Alexcia Jordan says Conkle was nominated for the award by others in the fair business... |
Courtny Conkle became the first female Executive of the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas in 2019.
The Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs has served the industry for the past 89 years, representing fairs & events Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Alberta & Saskatchewan. 111423
The Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs has served the industry for the past 89 years, representing fairs & events Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Alberta & Saskatchewan. 111423
A $5 thousand dollar reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the July 4th fire that destroyed the Lakeside Marina at Alcova Reservoir.
The money is being offered by the Cheyenne Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office.
The ATF has classified the fire as “Incendiary,” meaning that the act featured willful ignition of a fire in an area, or under circumstances, where or when there should not be a fire.
Information can be submitted to the ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). 111423
The money is being offered by the Cheyenne Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office.
The ATF has classified the fire as “Incendiary,” meaning that the act featured willful ignition of a fire in an area, or under circumstances, where or when there should not be a fire.
Information can be submitted to the ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). 111423
Average gasoline prices in Wyoming have fallen 11 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.37/g, according to GasBuddy's survey of 494 stations in Wyoming.
Prices in Wyoming are 30 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 19 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Triple AAA says Teton County finally dipped below the $4 dollar mark, but gas in Jackson Hole was still the highest priced in the state, averaging $3.96 a gallon.
Natrona County's the cheapest, at $2.85 average.
Converse County's average price on Monday was at $3.36 a gallon. 111423
Prices in Wyoming are 30 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 19 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Triple AAA says Teton County finally dipped below the $4 dollar mark, but gas in Jackson Hole was still the highest priced in the state, averaging $3.96 a gallon.
Natrona County's the cheapest, at $2.85 average.
Converse County's average price on Monday was at $3.36 a gallon. 111423
The Laramie Peak Humane Society in Douglas maintained its no-kill status in 2022, according to Best Friends Animal Society’s annual data report
LPHS director Lisa Patterson says this means the shelter saved more than 95% of the dogs and cats that were brought in last year.
LPHS director Lisa Patterson says this means the shelter saved more than 95% of the dogs and cats that were brought in last year.
Patterson says that, in addition to giving humane care to the animals that they take in, there's also a business benefit...
Patterson says sometimes it's a balancing act...
Anyone who'd like to adopt a pet may begin the process online at laramiepeakhumanesociety.org, or stop by the shelter on North 2nd Street during winter hours, seven days a week from 1 to 5 pm. 111423
A federal court in Washington DC has rejected environmentalists' bid for a temporary block on a major oil and gas project in Wyoming's Powder River Basin.
Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the Powder River Basin Resource Council and the Western Watersheds Project failed to meet the stringent criteria for a preliminary injunction.
The groups aim to halt the expansive Converse County project involving 5,000 wells across 1.5 million acres.
Governor Mark Gordon welcomed the announcement of the dismissal of a lawsuit, saying it was a welcome decision for the people of Wyoming and a victory for American families who need affordable oil and gas that is produced responsibly in Wyoming. 111023
Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the Powder River Basin Resource Council and the Western Watersheds Project failed to meet the stringent criteria for a preliminary injunction.
The groups aim to halt the expansive Converse County project involving 5,000 wells across 1.5 million acres.
Governor Mark Gordon welcomed the announcement of the dismissal of a lawsuit, saying it was a welcome decision for the people of Wyoming and a victory for American families who need affordable oil and gas that is produced responsibly in Wyoming. 111023
The Converse County Clerk’s Office is seeking to fill several election judge positions for the 2024 Primary and General Elections.
Election judges provide a vital and critically important civic duty and service to our community, county, state, and nation.
Election Judges are compensated and must be a Converse County registered voter.
For more information, please call the Converse County Clerk's office at 358-2244. 111023
Election judges provide a vital and critically important civic duty and service to our community, county, state, and nation.
Election Judges are compensated and must be a Converse County registered voter.
For more information, please call the Converse County Clerk's office at 358-2244. 111023
An expanded Veterans Memorial in Douglas.
The memorial honors Veterans from all branches, and former Douglas Police Chief Ron Casalenda says it's been a work in progress...
The memorial honors Veterans from all branches, and former Douglas Police Chief Ron Casalenda says it's been a work in progress...
The project began before Covid in 2020, and it's been a community effort... former Douglas City Councilman Doug Olsen worked on the Blue Star Highway designation, Ann Rex donated the eagle statue in her husband's memory, and time and materials were donated by K&R Construction, Arrow Electric and the City of Douglas.
A ribbon cutting will be held this afternoon for the newly completed Veterans Memorial...
A ribbon cutting will be held this afternoon for the newly completed Veterans Memorial...
The ribbon cutting will be held on Thursday afternoon at 1pm, and public is invited.
The Douglas Veterans Memorial is behind the bronze eagle statue on the curve where Second Street becomes West Yellowstone. 110923
The Douglas Veterans Memorial is behind the bronze eagle statue on the curve where Second Street becomes West Yellowstone. 110923
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The Douglas High School FFA chapter has returned from the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, and they brought home hardware.
Chapter advisor Luke Bethea says the Douglas FFA was ranked with a silver emblem Chapter in Poultry Evaluation... Maggie Booth earned a gold emblem individual, and Lauren Vollman, Savanna Moffatt and Elza Moffatt all earned silver emblem indivdual awards.
Recent graduate Ceara Moffatt also earned her American FFA Degree... |
Bethea says Douglas FFA will busy in the month ahead, with a community leaf raking service project and the Fall Leadership Conference in Casper on the November calendar. 110823
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If your kids come home playing "Chopstix", they may have learned how at the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas.
Director of operations Whitney Tomlinson says the Boys & Girls Club has converted the old Teen space into a music room... |
Here's where the Chopstix comes in...
Rich & Jody Davis donated the piano.
Boys & Girls Club unit director Robert Ricks says Crestwood Energy donated the manpower to move the piano into the club...
Boys & Girls Club unit director Robert Ricks says Crestwood Energy donated the manpower to move the piano into the club...
Ricks says they're looking for someone who can begin to teach piano at the Boys & Girls Club. 110623
Every fall, more than 65 thousand kids in blue jackets go to Indianapolis for their national convention, and a pair of Glendo students brought home some hardware this year.
Tess Palen and Rachel Hill are members of the Glendo FFA. They competed at the 96th annual FFA Convention & Expo this week, finishing 7th in the Nation with a silver award in Agriscience Social Division 6.
Congrats also to Wheatland FFA, who finished 3rd high team in the nation in farm and agribusiness management, Caden Wade was
the high individual overall.
Wheatland also finished as a silver emblem team in Agricultural sales. 110323
Tess Palen and Rachel Hill are members of the Glendo FFA. They competed at the 96th annual FFA Convention & Expo this week, finishing 7th in the Nation with a silver award in Agriscience Social Division 6.
Congrats also to Wheatland FFA, who finished 3rd high team in the nation in farm and agribusiness management, Caden Wade was
the high individual overall.
Wheatland also finished as a silver emblem team in Agricultural sales. 110323
32 scarecrows dressed their best for the 2023 Jackalope City Scarecrow Contest, produced by the Enterprise.
First place went to the scarecrow bank robbers at First Northern Bank.
Second prize to Douglas City Hall, and third place to Points West Community Bank.
The People's Choice award went to the College Inn Bar.
Prizes were sponsored by Slick's VR World, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Memorial Hospital of Converse County and the Enterprise. 110323
First place went to the scarecrow bank robbers at First Northern Bank.
Second prize to Douglas City Hall, and third place to Points West Community Bank.
The People's Choice award went to the College Inn Bar.
Prizes were sponsored by Slick's VR World, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Memorial Hospital of Converse County and the Enterprise. 110323
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A local board member has been honored by all the clubs in the state.
Boys & Girls Club of Douglas executive director Joey Burke says Board Member Jay Butler has been awarded "Board Member of the Year” by the Wyoming Area Council. Burke says Butler has been noticed by more than just the Boys & Girls Club...
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Jay Butler has been a board member with the Boys & Girls Club of Douglas since 2011. 103123
The Douglas Volunteer Fire Department lost a truck in an accident Saturday morning.
Fire Chief Rick Andrews says there were five firefighters on the department's main rescue unit when it hit black ice on highway 59 and rolled.
The fire rescue truck was responding to another accident north of Bill.
One firefighter will probably need some surgery, but all five walked away from the accident.
Andrews said the truck is probably a total loss, although they'll be able to salvage some of the tools.
Because it's a specialty vehicle, he said it could take up to two years to get a replacement unit. 103023
Fire Chief Rick Andrews says there were five firefighters on the department's main rescue unit when it hit black ice on highway 59 and rolled.
The fire rescue truck was responding to another accident north of Bill.
One firefighter will probably need some surgery, but all five walked away from the accident.
Andrews said the truck is probably a total loss, although they'll be able to salvage some of the tools.
Because it's a specialty vehicle, he said it could take up to two years to get a replacement unit. 103023
A couple of new board members will add their voices to the conversation.
The Douglas City Council made appointments to two local boards at Monday night's Council meeting.
Bruce Jones was appointed and Kerry Shatto was re-appointed the Douglas Housing Authority board, which manages and oversees operations of the Irwin Towers senior housing.
And Karma McElvie and Richard Burke were named to the 7-member Douglas Arts and Culture Board of Trustees, a new group formed to manage the public arts program in Douglas. 101023
The Douglas City Council made appointments to two local boards at Monday night's Council meeting.
Bruce Jones was appointed and Kerry Shatto was re-appointed the Douglas Housing Authority board, which manages and oversees operations of the Irwin Towers senior housing.
And Karma McElvie and Richard Burke were named to the 7-member Douglas Arts and Culture Board of Trustees, a new group formed to manage the public arts program in Douglas. 101023
A Camp Guernsey soldier is being commended for saving a life.
Staff Sgt. Jason Gosselin is Camp Guernsey's Training Center Command supply sergeant.
On the morning of Friday, September 15th Goesselin was conducting unit business in Guernsey.
A man who had exited his truck forgot to engage the parking brake. The unattended truck began rolling, eventually trapping the gentleman beneath its weight.
Gosselin worked with others present to free the trapped civilian from beneath the truck, saving the man's life.
Staff Sgt. Jason Gosselin received an Impact Award for his exceptional heroism and commitment to the community's well-being. The Wyoming Army National Guard says this award is a testament to his outstanding dedication and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. 100223
Staff Sgt. Jason Gosselin is Camp Guernsey's Training Center Command supply sergeant.
On the morning of Friday, September 15th Goesselin was conducting unit business in Guernsey.
A man who had exited his truck forgot to engage the parking brake. The unattended truck began rolling, eventually trapping the gentleman beneath its weight.
Gosselin worked with others present to free the trapped civilian from beneath the truck, saving the man's life.
Staff Sgt. Jason Gosselin received an Impact Award for his exceptional heroism and commitment to the community's well-being. The Wyoming Army National Guard says this award is a testament to his outstanding dedication and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. 100223
A judge has sentenced an abortion opponent to five years in prison for burning a Casper abortion clinic.
The 2022 fire delayed the opening of the Wellspring Health Access clinic in Casper by almost a year.
Lorna Roxanne Green pleaded guilty to arson in July and said at her sentencing Thursday she took responsibility for the crime.
The facility opened in April as Wyoming’s first full-service abortion clinic in at least a decade.
Green told investigators the planned clinic was giving her nightmares and anxiety, so she broke in and used gasoline to light it on fire. 100223
The 2022 fire delayed the opening of the Wellspring Health Access clinic in Casper by almost a year.
Lorna Roxanne Green pleaded guilty to arson in July and said at her sentencing Thursday she took responsibility for the crime.
The facility opened in April as Wyoming’s first full-service abortion clinic in at least a decade.
Green told investigators the planned clinic was giving her nightmares and anxiety, so she broke in and used gasoline to light it on fire. 100223
The 95th Annual Wyoming Ram Sale takes place at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas today.
Wyoming Wool Growers executive director Alison Crane told the Northern Ag Network that she's hopeful for a strong sale this year, after a harsh winter across the region...
Wyoming Wool Growers executive director Alison Crane told the Northern Ag Network that she's hopeful for a strong sale this year, after a harsh winter across the region...
The Wyoming Wool Growers has historically conducted one of the premier Ram Sales in the region, offering the highest quality rams meeting some of the most rigorous standards of any sale in the country, and has consistantly rendered some of the highest prices for stud rams in the nation.
The 95th Annual Wyoming Ram Sale gets underway Tuesday morning at 11 AM at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 091223
The 95th Annual Wyoming Ram Sale gets underway Tuesday morning at 11 AM at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 091223
New owners for a Powder River Basin natural gas pipeline system.
Western Midstream Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million dollar, all-cash transaction.
Meritage owns and operates a large-scale natural gas gathering and processing business in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
Meritage’s assets, located in Converse, Campbell, and Johnson counties, include 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, approximately 380 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity, and the Thunder Creek NGL pipeline, which is a 120-mile, 38,000 barrel-per-day natural gas liquids pipeline that connects to Meritage’s processing facilities.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. 091123
Western Midstream Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million dollar, all-cash transaction.
Meritage owns and operates a large-scale natural gas gathering and processing business in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
Meritage’s assets, located in Converse, Campbell, and Johnson counties, include 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, approximately 380 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity, and the Thunder Creek NGL pipeline, which is a 120-mile, 38,000 barrel-per-day natural gas liquids pipeline that connects to Meritage’s processing facilities.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. 091123
When the leaves in the high country start to turn, it's hunting season in Wyoming.
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from its eight regions around the state.
Pronghorn population has been variable in the Casper Region in recent years, with herds around Casper remaining at or near population management objectives. Herds in northeast Wyoming (from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance) remain far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, with all populations being well below established objectives.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021 in much of the Casper Region due to a severe disease outbreak.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all herds in the Casper region.
Click here to check the forecast for each region in the state. 083123
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from its eight regions around the state.
Pronghorn population has been variable in the Casper Region in recent years, with herds around Casper remaining at or near population management objectives. Herds in northeast Wyoming (from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance) remain far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, with all populations being well below established objectives.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021 in much of the Casper Region due to a severe disease outbreak.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all herds in the Casper region.
Click here to check the forecast for each region in the state. 083123
The Laramie Peak Humane Society in Douglas is looking for a few good foster homes.
The Douglas animal shelter is at double its capacity for dogs, and at capacity for cats as well.
The shelter is working hard to adopt and find fosters.
Please call and leave a message if you would like to foster or adopt.
LPHS will supply all supplies for any fostered animals.
For more information, cal the LPHS at 358-6475. 082823
The Douglas animal shelter is at double its capacity for dogs, and at capacity for cats as well.
The shelter is working hard to adopt and find fosters.
Please call and leave a message if you would like to foster or adopt.
LPHS will supply all supplies for any fostered animals.
For more information, cal the LPHS at 358-6475. 082823
More pushback to Rocky Mountain Power's proposed rate hike.
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray said Wednesday that the rate increase is bad for Wyoming’s citizens, as well as for small businesses, and troubling in light of Rocky Mountain Power’s recent move toward renewable energy and away from Wyoming coal.
In Douglas, the Enterprise sent out an email last Friday against the proposed price hike.
In part, the email said, "RMP’s presentations and justifications all follow the same approach – “This is a complicated problem, we don’t expect you to understand it, and we don’t like asking for the increase – but we have to – and we can’t explain it to you because it’s too complicated.” When a powerful organization says, “It’s complicated” – it really isn’t. It’s just code for: we don’t want to have to explain why we’re taking your money."
The Enterprise is Converse County's economic development organization.
Rocky Mountain Power has proposed a rate increase that would raise power bills by 29.2%, and in the case of some business, commercial, and industrial users, that rate will be 33%.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission will hold another hearing tonight at 5:30 PM at the State Office Building in Casper. The hearings are open to the public. 082423
Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray said Wednesday that the rate increase is bad for Wyoming’s citizens, as well as for small businesses, and troubling in light of Rocky Mountain Power’s recent move toward renewable energy and away from Wyoming coal.
In Douglas, the Enterprise sent out an email last Friday against the proposed price hike.
In part, the email said, "RMP’s presentations and justifications all follow the same approach – “This is a complicated problem, we don’t expect you to understand it, and we don’t like asking for the increase – but we have to – and we can’t explain it to you because it’s too complicated.” When a powerful organization says, “It’s complicated” – it really isn’t. It’s just code for: we don’t want to have to explain why we’re taking your money."
The Enterprise is Converse County's economic development organization.
Rocky Mountain Power has proposed a rate increase that would raise power bills by 29.2%, and in the case of some business, commercial, and industrial users, that rate will be 33%.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission will hold another hearing tonight at 5:30 PM at the State Office Building in Casper. The hearings are open to the public. 082423
A Glenrock man will spend close to five years in prison for drug and gun crimes.
39 year old Chaney Yates Jones heard the 57-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne last Thursday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson also ordered Jones to serve five years of supervised probation after his release from custody and pay a $200 special assessment. 082423
39 year old Chaney Yates Jones heard the 57-month sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson in Cheyenne last Thursday for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Johnson also ordered Jones to serve five years of supervised probation after his release from custody and pay a $200 special assessment. 082423
The 111th Wyoming State Fair wrapped up over the weekend.
Results from Saturday morning's State Fair Parade...
Safeway won the adult division
UW Alumni took the wagon division
The DHS swim team topped the youth division
Knight Kruisers Car Club took top honors in the collectors cars division
and Memorial Hospital of Converse County won the service division.
A dozen cars entered the arena for the championship heat of the 40th annual Billy Cathcart Memorial Douglas Vounteer Fire Department Demolition Derby.
In front of a packed house in the Ford Grandstands Arena, Marty Million got the last hit in his Chrysler Imperial to claim the $5 thousand dollar first prize money.
Jordan Martin won $2 thousand dollars for second place.
Martin also claimed the $3 thousand dollar Mad Dog Heavy Hitter award. 082123
Results from Saturday morning's State Fair Parade...
Safeway won the adult division
UW Alumni took the wagon division
The DHS swim team topped the youth division
Knight Kruisers Car Club took top honors in the collectors cars division
and Memorial Hospital of Converse County won the service division.
A dozen cars entered the arena for the championship heat of the 40th annual Billy Cathcart Memorial Douglas Vounteer Fire Department Demolition Derby.
In front of a packed house in the Ford Grandstands Arena, Marty Million got the last hit in his Chrysler Imperial to claim the $5 thousand dollar first prize money.
Jordan Martin won $2 thousand dollars for second place.
Martin also claimed the $3 thousand dollar Mad Dog Heavy Hitter award. 082123
A Laramie County woman died and three other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon just south of Douglas.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 25 year old Brooke Howard of Burns died after two pickup trucks carrying livestock trailers collided on Interstate 25 four miles south of town.
Howard's truck and trailer were disabled and parked on the emergency lane to the right.
A Dodge pickup driven by 37-year-old Cheyenne resident Kelsey Baumgartner, towing a gooseneck livestock trailer was headed north, and struck and sideswiped Howard's truck and trailer.
Driver inattention and fatigue are being considered as possible causes. The weather was clear in the area, and the road conditions were dry. 081623
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 25 year old Brooke Howard of Burns died after two pickup trucks carrying livestock trailers collided on Interstate 25 four miles south of town.
Howard's truck and trailer were disabled and parked on the emergency lane to the right.
A Dodge pickup driven by 37-year-old Cheyenne resident Kelsey Baumgartner, towing a gooseneck livestock trailer was headed north, and struck and sideswiped Howard's truck and trailer.
Driver inattention and fatigue are being considered as possible causes. The weather was clear in the area, and the road conditions were dry. 081623
Wednesday is day two of the 111th Wyoming State Fair in Douglas.
It's Military Appreciation Day... with proper identification, veterans and active duty military get into the fair for free.
It's Youth Day, and kids under 12 get in free.
And it's FAIR TO FORK HUNGER INITIATIVE DAY – Visitors can bring four cans of food to get into the fair for $4 for adults
Goat shows begin at 8 AM, the 4H Cat shows are at 9am,
At 1pm, AOB Cattle Shows followed by Wyoming Maine-Anjou Market Beef Show
Carnival opens at 2pm, the first performance of the Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo is at 7pm in the Ford Grandstands Arena. 081623
It's Military Appreciation Day... with proper identification, veterans and active duty military get into the fair for free.
It's Youth Day, and kids under 12 get in free.
And it's FAIR TO FORK HUNGER INITIATIVE DAY – Visitors can bring four cans of food to get into the fair for $4 for adults
Goat shows begin at 8 AM, the 4H Cat shows are at 9am,
At 1pm, AOB Cattle Shows followed by Wyoming Maine-Anjou Market Beef Show
Carnival opens at 2pm, the first performance of the Wyoming State Fair PRCA Rodeo is at 7pm in the Ford Grandstands Arena. 081623
Converse County School District #1 students return to class this coming Monday, and Superintendant Dr Paige Fenton Hughes says there's one detail that parents don't want to miss...
The online registration is not just for new students... it's for all student attending Douglas schools. Fenton-Hughes says the reason is so the district has current information about contacts for parents and guardians, updated health information, and accurate emergency contacts so they can best take care of our kids and keep our parents informed. 081623
Average gasoline prices in Wyoming have risen 12 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.95 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy.com's survey of 494 stations in Wyoming.
Prices in Wyoming are 36 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and stand at 15 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Triple AAA says Teton County's up to $4.26. Natrona's the lowest at $3.70 average. Converse County comes in at $3.73 a gallon average. 081623
Prices in Wyoming are 36 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and stand at 15 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
Triple AAA says Teton County's up to $4.26. Natrona's the lowest at $3.70 average. Converse County comes in at $3.73 a gallon average. 081623
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The Wyoming State Fair begins next week, and State Fair General Manager Courtny Conkle says they're busy getting the grounds ready to welcome guests...
Conkle says there's new attractions coming this year...
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The Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo is Tuesday August 15th through Saturday August 19th in Douglas. 080923
Livestock investigators from the Wyoming Livestock Board are investigating the deaths of four horses in a suspected poisoning incident.
Security camera footage from Sunday, July 30th showed the horses on the Bright ranch in Converse County east of Douglas behaving normally until evening when they were found dead.
A fifth horse was rushed to Colorado State University for treatment and is expected to recover fully.
The family suspects a targeted and malicious act due to past incidents.
A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the culprit's conviction.
Any information should be reported to the Converse County Sheriff’s Office or the Wyoming Livestock Board. 080723
Security camera footage from Sunday, July 30th showed the horses on the Bright ranch in Converse County east of Douglas behaving normally until evening when they were found dead.
A fifth horse was rushed to Colorado State University for treatment and is expected to recover fully.
The family suspects a targeted and malicious act due to past incidents.
A $10,000 reward is offered for information leading to the culprit's conviction.
Any information should be reported to the Converse County Sheriff’s Office or the Wyoming Livestock Board. 080723
A quick rope means a win for a Douglas cowboy at Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Troy Tillard of Douglas won a CFD Champion Buckle in 2004. Saturday he finished two steers in 31.4 seconds, fourth in the average.
On championship Sunday, Tillard stopped the clock in 14.6 seconds in the winner-take-all final round of CFD’s tournament-style rodeo. That was nearly a full second faster than the runner-up.
The Tillard family was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2007. This year marked the 80th anniversary of Bud Tillard – Troy’s late grandfather – competing at the “Daddy of ’em All.” His uncle, Marty Tillard, also won steer roping in 1991. 073123
Troy Tillard of Douglas won a CFD Champion Buckle in 2004. Saturday he finished two steers in 31.4 seconds, fourth in the average.
On championship Sunday, Tillard stopped the clock in 14.6 seconds in the winner-take-all final round of CFD’s tournament-style rodeo. That was nearly a full second faster than the runner-up.
The Tillard family was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2007. This year marked the 80th anniversary of Bud Tillard – Troy’s late grandfather – competing at the “Daddy of ’em All.” His uncle, Marty Tillard, also won steer roping in 1991. 073123
It's Fair Time in Douglas as the Converse County Fair opens this weekend.
Saturday's activities include the 4H Dog, Cat and Pocket Pet shows, 4H Static Interview and Fashion Review judging, and Tractor Pulls in the Ford Grandstands Arena Saturday night at 6pm.
Sunday at noon is the Bud Tillard Memorial Steer Tipping in the big arena.
Activities go on through the week next week, with the Junior Market Sale next Friday afternoon at 4pm in the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 071423
Saturday's activities include the 4H Dog, Cat and Pocket Pet shows, 4H Static Interview and Fashion Review judging, and Tractor Pulls in the Ford Grandstands Arena Saturday night at 6pm.
Sunday at noon is the Bud Tillard Memorial Steer Tipping in the big arena.
Activities go on through the week next week, with the Junior Market Sale next Friday afternoon at 4pm in the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 071423
Wyoming donors opened their checkbooks, and Wyoming non-profits got the benefit.
WyoGives Day 2023, which took place Wednesday, July 12, raised nearly $4 million for charities across Wyoming.
WyoGives is a yearly single-day online fundraiser that seeks to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits across the state.
Among the highest donors is the Hughes Charitable Foundation with a $1 million donation through its matching grant challenge.
The Boys and Girls Club of Douglas was one of the local groups who benefited from WyoGives Day, raising over $66 hundred dollars.
In total, 6,730 donors made 11,787 gifts, across 326 different charities. 071423
WyoGives Day 2023, which took place Wednesday, July 12, raised nearly $4 million for charities across Wyoming.
WyoGives is a yearly single-day online fundraiser that seeks to raise funds and awareness for nonprofits across the state.
Among the highest donors is the Hughes Charitable Foundation with a $1 million donation through its matching grant challenge.
The Boys and Girls Club of Douglas was one of the local groups who benefited from WyoGives Day, raising over $66 hundred dollars.
In total, 6,730 donors made 11,787 gifts, across 326 different charities. 071423
Evening activities have been announced for this summer's Wyoming State Fair.
Fair manager Courtny Conkle says there's lots of rodeo activities to start the week...
Fair manager Courtny Conkle says there's lots of rodeo activities to start the week...
Something new in the arena on Friday night...
More information is available on the website wystatefair.com and on the fair's social media sites. 071223
Campbell County officials have identified a 25-year-old Littleton, Colorado, man who died in a head on collision with a mine bus Sunday morning south of Wright.
Campbell County Coroner Paul Wallem identified the man as Nicholas Finnian Mahoney. He was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup north on Highway 59 south of Cosner Road, crossed the center line and died instantly at the scene.
The driver of the bus was extracted and life-flighted. There was no official word on the driver’s condition in the Monday update.
No official word on how many passengers were on the bus. 071123
Campbell County Coroner Paul Wallem identified the man as Nicholas Finnian Mahoney. He was driving a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup north on Highway 59 south of Cosner Road, crossed the center line and died instantly at the scene.
The driver of the bus was extracted and life-flighted. There was no official word on the driver’s condition in the Monday update.
No official word on how many passengers were on the bus. 071123
More than 600 kids and their parents and brothers and sisters and their 4H leaders are in Douglas this weekend at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds for the 4H State Shooting Sports competition.
Johnathan Despain is State 4-H Program Coordinator. He says 4H Shooting Sports is a first access to firearms...
Johnathan Despain is State 4-H Program Coordinator. He says 4H Shooting Sports is a first access to firearms...
Competition includes shooting at 3D targets...
Kids aged 8 to 18 compete in archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, air rifle, air pistol,.22 rifle and .22 pistol.
Early competition began Thursday evening, with a full day of competition on Friday and Saturday. The awards program is at the McKibben Cafeteria on Sunday morning.
All events are open to the public. 070723
Early competition began Thursday evening, with a full day of competition on Friday and Saturday. The awards program is at the McKibben Cafeteria on Sunday morning.
All events are open to the public. 070723
Is Memorial Hospital of Converse County Healthy?
CEO Matt Dammeyer says yes...
CEO Matt Dammeyer says yes...
Dammeyer says MHCC has a commitment to a higher level of service...
Dammeyer says that growth always includes an element of risk...
We'll sit down with Memorial Hospital of Converse County CEO Matt Dammeyer for an in-depth discussion of hospital issues and direction Friday morning at 7:30, here on 100.1 FM, KKTY. 062823
A tornado struck the North Antelope Rochelle Mine in southern Campbell County Friday afternoon.
Campbell County Emergency Manger David King says thunderstorms rolled across northern Natrona and Converse Counties and southern Campbell County, dropping at least three funnels as they moved through.
King says when the tornado hit the mine site, it left plenty of damage...
Campbell County Emergency Manger David King says thunderstorms rolled across northern Natrona and Converse Counties and southern Campbell County, dropping at least three funnels as they moved through.
King says when the tornado hit the mine site, it left plenty of damage...
King said mine officials are still trying to account for all their employees.
Cleanup will begin on Saturday...
There were no fatals in the storm.
Six people were transported by ambulance, one to Douglas, the other five to Gillette. 062323
Six people were transported by ambulance, one to Douglas, the other five to Gillette. 062323
Local communities and counties are set to receive state money to help deal with the economic impacts associated with energy development.
Wyoming's State Industrial Siting Council met at the Douglas Library on Tuesday for an Industrial Siting Hearing for the Cedar Springs IV wind project that will be built north of Douglas and Glenrock.
Converse County Commission chairman Jim Willox says the county got most of the money that they asked for...
Wyoming's State Industrial Siting Council met at the Douglas Library on Tuesday for an Industrial Siting Hearing for the Cedar Springs IV wind project that will be built north of Douglas and Glenrock.
Converse County Commission chairman Jim Willox says the county got most of the money that they asked for...
The state Industrial Siting Council designates state funding to help pay for impacts caused by large scale construction projects.
Willox said the county didn't get everything they asked for...
Willox said the county didn't get everything they asked for...
The money will be distributed in equal installments to each entity over the next seventeen months, starting in August and ending in December of 2024. 062323
Converse County could get a bunch of unwanted visitors this summer.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says Converse and Natrona counties could be hotspots for mormon crickets this year.
A swarm of the crickets was seen two weeks ago around Midwest and Edgerton.
One big challenge with Mormon cricket outbreaks is that the pests can band together, migrate up to a mile a day and change directions without any reason.
They can do a lot of damage to agricultural croplands. On the prairie, they're mostly just big, ugly.& annoying.
Natrona and Converse County Weed and Pest offices and APHIS are closely monitoring the situation and treating the outbreak. 062323
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says Converse and Natrona counties could be hotspots for mormon crickets this year.
A swarm of the crickets was seen two weeks ago around Midwest and Edgerton.
One big challenge with Mormon cricket outbreaks is that the pests can band together, migrate up to a mile a day and change directions without any reason.
They can do a lot of damage to agricultural croplands. On the prairie, they're mostly just big, ugly.& annoying.
Natrona and Converse County Weed and Pest offices and APHIS are closely monitoring the situation and treating the outbreak. 062323
The Douglas City Council has set their budget for the coming year...
Douglas City Administrator JD Cox says they've been saving to get some things done...
The Council approved the budget in a special session Thursday night. The City's fiscal year begins July 1st. 061923
A new executive director has been named for Converse County’s economic and community development organization.
Morryah McCurdy will replace longtime director Cindy Porter, who recently retired, at The Enterprise.
McCurdy brings an extensive background in economic development, business retention and expansion, marketing, community collaboration, and grant-writing.
She previously served as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Advance Casper, Natrona County’s Economic Development Organization. 061923
Morryah McCurdy will replace longtime director Cindy Porter, who recently retired, at The Enterprise.
McCurdy brings an extensive background in economic development, business retention and expansion, marketing, community collaboration, and grant-writing.
She previously served as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing for Advance Casper, Natrona County’s Economic Development Organization. 061923
Walker Creek School will remain open but empty.
At Tuesday night's board meeting, Converse County School District 1 voted to keep the school open, but it will be mothballed this fall.
District Superintendent Paige Fenton-Hughes says the board got good input from the public Tuesday night...
At Tuesday night's board meeting, Converse County School District 1 voted to keep the school open, but it will be mothballed this fall.
District Superintendent Paige Fenton-Hughes says the board got good input from the public Tuesday night...
Walker Creek School had 6 students in 2017, 4 in 2018, 4 in 2019, no students in 20 or 21, 4 in 22 and 9 in 23. Prior to the decision, there was some question about whether any of those 9 students would be returning this fall.
Walker Creek School is northeast of Douglas. Other rural options would be Shawnee School east of town, and Dry Creek School at Bill.
Fenton-Hughes said that the number of students at CCSD1's five rural schools is declining... in 2017 the district had 62 kids at rural schools... five years later, in 2022, there were 40. 061623
Walker Creek School is northeast of Douglas. Other rural options would be Shawnee School east of town, and Dry Creek School at Bill.
Fenton-Hughes said that the number of students at CCSD1's five rural schools is declining... in 2017 the district had 62 kids at rural schools... five years later, in 2022, there were 40. 061623
The KING'S PORTION food pantry in Douglas is closing down, and this Friday June 16th, from 11am-4pm, the doors will be open to sell all remaining items.
Items selling will include wall hangings, round tables, chairs, kitchen items, steam table, kitchen storage carts, totes, shelving units, rugs, end tables, desks, conference room table with 14 chairs, decor, clocks and more!
There's also an enclosed 7x14 trailer $7,000 obo
Final distribution at the Kings Portion will be Thursday June 15th... walk-in on a FIRST come, FIRST serve basis.
SENIOR CITIZENS FROM 4-5pm
GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5-6pm
The KING'S PORTION food pantry is at 809 S 9th Street in Douglas. 061423
Items selling will include wall hangings, round tables, chairs, kitchen items, steam table, kitchen storage carts, totes, shelving units, rugs, end tables, desks, conference room table with 14 chairs, decor, clocks and more!
There's also an enclosed 7x14 trailer $7,000 obo
Final distribution at the Kings Portion will be Thursday June 15th... walk-in on a FIRST come, FIRST serve basis.
SENIOR CITIZENS FROM 4-5pm
GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 5-6pm
The KING'S PORTION food pantry is at 809 S 9th Street in Douglas. 061423
It only lasted 18 months, but the Pony Express made an impact on history that is still strong today. The annual Pony Express Re-ride is underway and will be rolling through Wyoming this week.
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse County in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
California. Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Riders arrived in Wyoming on Monday morning.
Expected stops include Ft Caspar Tuesday evening at 6:45, the National Trails Historic Interperative Center in Casper at 7:10pm, Glenrock at 10:00pm, Inez at midnight, southeast of Douglas at 1:30AM Wednesday morning. They'll continue on to Glendo at 4:30AM, Register Cliff at Guernsey at 8, and Ft Laramie Wednesday morning at 9:45.
The ride ends at St Joseph, Missouri, Friday night at 7:30PM 061323
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse County in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
California. Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Riders arrived in Wyoming on Monday morning.
Expected stops include Ft Caspar Tuesday evening at 6:45, the National Trails Historic Interperative Center in Casper at 7:10pm, Glenrock at 10:00pm, Inez at midnight, southeast of Douglas at 1:30AM Wednesday morning. They'll continue on to Glendo at 4:30AM, Register Cliff at Guernsey at 8, and Ft Laramie Wednesday morning at 9:45.
The ride ends at St Joseph, Missouri, Friday night at 7:30PM 061323
Former Interior Secretary James Watt has died.
Watt was the Reagan administration’s sharp-tongued, pro-development interior secretary who was admired by conservatives but ran afoul of environmentalists.
A Lusk native, Watt's family later moved to Wheatland, where his father practiced law. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1960 and obtaining a law degree two years later.
In 1962, Watt became a personal assistant to former Gov. Milward L. Simpson, and he went to Washington after Simpson was elected to the U.S. Senate later that year.
Watt died in Arizona on May 27th.
He was 85. 061223
Watt was the Reagan administration’s sharp-tongued, pro-development interior secretary who was admired by conservatives but ran afoul of environmentalists.
A Lusk native, Watt's family later moved to Wheatland, where his father practiced law. He attended the University of Wyoming, graduating in 1960 and obtaining a law degree two years later.
In 1962, Watt became a personal assistant to former Gov. Milward L. Simpson, and he went to Washington after Simpson was elected to the U.S. Senate later that year.
Watt died in Arizona on May 27th.
He was 85. 061223
Hang out the "No Vacancy" sign... the Douglas animal shelter is full-up.
The Laramie Peak Humane Society says they have 15 dogs on site, and are unable to accept additional dogs at their facility.
The Douglas Police Department relies on the LPHS to care for animals taken into custody, and until the situation resolves, the Police say they will no longer pick up and impound stray and loose animals.
The Laramie Peak Humane Society also says they are in dire need of individuals to act as animal foster families. If you'd like to help, call Lisa Patterson at 358-6475. 060923
The Laramie Peak Humane Society says they have 15 dogs on site, and are unable to accept additional dogs at their facility.
The Douglas Police Department relies on the LPHS to care for animals taken into custody, and until the situation resolves, the Police say they will no longer pick up and impound stray and loose animals.
The Laramie Peak Humane Society also says they are in dire need of individuals to act as animal foster families. If you'd like to help, call Lisa Patterson at 358-6475. 060923
The King's Portion food pantry in Douglas will be closing their doors permanently June 30th.
All of the center is dissolving and customers are being referred to the Trinity Baptist food pantry.
There are discussions happening with other local churches and organizations about certain ministries being continued, but nothing has been determined yet.
The last food distribution service in the King's Portion food pantry will be June 15th from 4-6 pm. 060823
All of the center is dissolving and customers are being referred to the Trinity Baptist food pantry.
There are discussions happening with other local churches and organizations about certain ministries being continued, but nothing has been determined yet.
The last food distribution service in the King's Portion food pantry will be June 15th from 4-6 pm. 060823
The future of a rural school in Converse County hangs in the balance.
At their board meeting Tuesday night, the Converse County School District #1 board discussed the future of Walker Creek School, which is about 20 miles northeast of Douglas.
The school will have no students next year.
The board is discussing whether or not to "mothball" the school or permanently close it.
A decision will be made next month. The CCSD1 board urged patrons to weigh in before then if they have strong feelings. 051123
At their board meeting Tuesday night, the Converse County School District #1 board discussed the future of Walker Creek School, which is about 20 miles northeast of Douglas.
The school will have no students next year.
The board is discussing whether or not to "mothball" the school or permanently close it.
A decision will be made next month. The CCSD1 board urged patrons to weigh in before then if they have strong feelings. 051123
Glendo State Park is preparing for a busy spring and summer ahead.
The big lake 25 miles south of Douglas has over 550 campsites in 19 campgrounds so there's plenty of camping available, BUT, you're reminded to make your reservations early.
It's also a good idea to buy your Wyoming State Parks annual pass and camping pass.
Recent park updates show water systems are on in most areas of the park...
Boat ramps and docks are in the water and available for use. The water level is at 71% ...
The 3D archery course is up and running, with new targets available...
The fishing is great and sources say this could be one of the better years for fishing in recent memory.
Glendo State Park will host a bird bioblitz this Saturday, May 13th from 5am to 11am at the park headquarters. 051023
The big lake 25 miles south of Douglas has over 550 campsites in 19 campgrounds so there's plenty of camping available, BUT, you're reminded to make your reservations early.
It's also a good idea to buy your Wyoming State Parks annual pass and camping pass.
Recent park updates show water systems are on in most areas of the park...
Boat ramps and docks are in the water and available for use. The water level is at 71% ...
The 3D archery course is up and running, with new targets available...
The fishing is great and sources say this could be one of the better years for fishing in recent memory.
Glendo State Park will host a bird bioblitz this Saturday, May 13th from 5am to 11am at the park headquarters. 051023
Frank Eathorne will serve a third term as Chairman of the Wyoming Republican Party.
Eathorne was reelected Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party’s quarterly Central Committee meeting in Jackson.
Committee members chose Eathorne 49-25 over former state lawmaker and Converse County rancher Frank Moore of Douglas.
One of the primary issues in the party leadership election was differing perspectives on how division within the party should be addressed moving forward.
Eathorne lost his first run at state GOP chair in 2015 by three votes. He was elected vice-chairman in 2017, and stepped up to the chair four months later when then-chairman Ryan Mulholland took a job and left Wyoming. Eathorne was reelected in 2019 and 2021. 050823
Eathorne was reelected Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party’s quarterly Central Committee meeting in Jackson.
Committee members chose Eathorne 49-25 over former state lawmaker and Converse County rancher Frank Moore of Douglas.
One of the primary issues in the party leadership election was differing perspectives on how division within the party should be addressed moving forward.
Eathorne lost his first run at state GOP chair in 2015 by three votes. He was elected vice-chairman in 2017, and stepped up to the chair four months later when then-chairman Ryan Mulholland took a job and left Wyoming. Eathorne was reelected in 2019 and 2021. 050823
A possible crime wave has local law enforcement officers urging residents to take precautions.
On Monday, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Converse County Sheriff's Office determined that a ring of methamphetamine addicts, who had stolen vehicles in the past, were planning to steal a specific camper trailer in Douglas.
The owner of this camper was notified and the theft was averted.
The CCSO and the Wyoming DCI have information that there may still be ongoing plans to steal campers within Douglas and Converse County.
They're requesting all owners please take extra steps to secure campers such as, purchasing ball locks or placing other vehicles in front of the tongue of the campers.
They also advise people to not leave keys in vehicles and lock them when leaving them. 050423
On Monday, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Converse County Sheriff's Office determined that a ring of methamphetamine addicts, who had stolen vehicles in the past, were planning to steal a specific camper trailer in Douglas.
The owner of this camper was notified and the theft was averted.
The CCSO and the Wyoming DCI have information that there may still be ongoing plans to steal campers within Douglas and Converse County.
They're requesting all owners please take extra steps to secure campers such as, purchasing ball locks or placing other vehicles in front of the tongue of the campers.
They also advise people to not leave keys in vehicles and lock them when leaving them. 050423
The Glenrock High School culinary team recently tasted victory.
The Herders were part of the Cook Around The World culinary high school competition at Disney World last week and brought home top honors.
The competition brought 85 teams from across the country, made up of over 500 students. Judged by Chef and author Anne Burrell from the Food Network, the Glenrock team had an incredible finish in session 3, winning 1st place Main Dish, 3rd place side dish, 3rd place overall, and was even awarded the Chef's Choice Award.
Burrell autographed their award and wrote a note saying, "Beautifully presented - elegant and flavorful."
She also told them the sauce on their dish is one of the most delicious she'd tasted that weekend, including in restaurants.
To be one of the top award winners at a competition at Disney World and be called out by an elite national chef, is no... small potatoes. 050423
The Herders were part of the Cook Around The World culinary high school competition at Disney World last week and brought home top honors.
The competition brought 85 teams from across the country, made up of over 500 students. Judged by Chef and author Anne Burrell from the Food Network, the Glenrock team had an incredible finish in session 3, winning 1st place Main Dish, 3rd place side dish, 3rd place overall, and was even awarded the Chef's Choice Award.
Burrell autographed their award and wrote a note saying, "Beautifully presented - elegant and flavorful."
She also told them the sauce on their dish is one of the most delicious she'd tasted that weekend, including in restaurants.
To be one of the top award winners at a competition at Disney World and be called out by an elite national chef, is no... small potatoes. 050423
Three people have died as the result of a multi-vehicle crash near Evansville Monday morning.
The Wyoming Highway patrol says that on Monday morning at about 8:45 a.m., a 2002 Ford F-150 was headed west on US 20/26/87 and crossed the centerline colliding head-on with a 2018 Ford F-150.
The crash occurred at milepost 180 on the Old Glenrock Highway east of Casper.
The driver of the 2002 Ford has been identified as 34-year-old Casper resident Kristofer Counts. He was not wearing a seatbelt and died of injuries at the crash scene. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt and died at the crash scene.
The driver of the 2018 Ford has been identified as 28-year-old Glenrock resident Aaron Henson. It's not known if Henson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Driver inattention and fatigue on the part of Counts are being investigated as possible contributing factors. 050223
The Wyoming Highway patrol says that on Monday morning at about 8:45 a.m., a 2002 Ford F-150 was headed west on US 20/26/87 and crossed the centerline colliding head-on with a 2018 Ford F-150.
The crash occurred at milepost 180 on the Old Glenrock Highway east of Casper.
The driver of the 2002 Ford has been identified as 34-year-old Casper resident Kristofer Counts. He was not wearing a seatbelt and died of injuries at the crash scene. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt and died at the crash scene.
The driver of the 2018 Ford has been identified as 28-year-old Glenrock resident Aaron Henson. It's not known if Henson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Driver inattention and fatigue on the part of Counts are being investigated as possible contributing factors. 050223
Call it barrel racing with an attitude.
Cowboy mounted shooting came to Douglas this weekend.
The Wyoming Rough Riders hosted the Robert Parish Memorial Shoot Saturday at the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Mounted shooting is a timed event using a set of 10 balloons on stands.
Each rider uses two .45-caliber single-action revolvers loaded with five rounds of certified black-powder blanks. There is no projectile. What pops the balloons is a combination of gas and heat as the gun powder is ignited.
After five shots at the five balloons heading out, the rider holsters the first gun and unholsters a second while on the run, and tries to hit the remaining five balloons on the straightaway rundown back to the finish.
And to keep it all Western, historical late-1800s style costume wear is encouraged.
Horses have to be fast and pretty much bomb-proof. Riders must be able to shoot accurately at a full gallop. 050123
Cowboy mounted shooting came to Douglas this weekend.
The Wyoming Rough Riders hosted the Robert Parish Memorial Shoot Saturday at the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Mounted shooting is a timed event using a set of 10 balloons on stands.
Each rider uses two .45-caliber single-action revolvers loaded with five rounds of certified black-powder blanks. There is no projectile. What pops the balloons is a combination of gas and heat as the gun powder is ignited.
After five shots at the five balloons heading out, the rider holsters the first gun and unholsters a second while on the run, and tries to hit the remaining five balloons on the straightaway rundown back to the finish.
And to keep it all Western, historical late-1800s style costume wear is encouraged.
Horses have to be fast and pretty much bomb-proof. Riders must be able to shoot accurately at a full gallop. 050123
Most Wyoming counties added residents in 2022.
U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the state's total resident population grew moderately to 581,381 as of July 2022.
The annual statewide increase from July 2021 totaled 1,898 persons.
Converse County added 108 residents from 2021 to 2022, bringing the count to 13,786.
Campbell County saw the biggest growth over the period, adding 525 residents.
The biggest drop was in Teton County, where they lost 335 people. 033123
U.S. Census Bureau estimates show the state's total resident population grew moderately to 581,381 as of July 2022.
The annual statewide increase from July 2021 totaled 1,898 persons.
Converse County added 108 residents from 2021 to 2022, bringing the count to 13,786.
Campbell County saw the biggest growth over the period, adding 525 residents.
The biggest drop was in Teton County, where they lost 335 people. 033123
Cold temperatures and deep snow are taking a toll on Wyoming wildlife.
The Wyoming Game & Fish says its wildlife managers across the state are actively monitoring the impact on big game and are seeing increased mortality in some areas of the state.
The Casper Region is experiencing moderate winter conditions in the Thunder Basin and the Black Hills.
But much of the rest of the region is experiencing relatively harsh winter conditions. Areas around Lusk, Pine Ridge north of Casper/Glenrock, northern Laramie Range, southern Bighorns, Rattlesnakes and low-elevation basin areas are experiencing heavier than normal snowpack.
Unlike most winters in the Casper Region, snow has persisted on the landscape for the past three months, with the exception of some wind-blown areas.
In particular, mule deer and pronghorn in the Casper and Glenrock areas have the highest potential for above-normal winter mortality, but this will depend on how the March weather unfolds. 033123
The Wyoming Game & Fish says its wildlife managers across the state are actively monitoring the impact on big game and are seeing increased mortality in some areas of the state.
The Casper Region is experiencing moderate winter conditions in the Thunder Basin and the Black Hills.
But much of the rest of the region is experiencing relatively harsh winter conditions. Areas around Lusk, Pine Ridge north of Casper/Glenrock, northern Laramie Range, southern Bighorns, Rattlesnakes and low-elevation basin areas are experiencing heavier than normal snowpack.
Unlike most winters in the Casper Region, snow has persisted on the landscape for the past three months, with the exception of some wind-blown areas.
In particular, mule deer and pronghorn in the Casper and Glenrock areas have the highest potential for above-normal winter mortality, but this will depend on how the March weather unfolds. 033123
A woman accused of setting fire to an abortion clinic under construction at Casper will be released from jail while her case proceeds.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick ruled Tuesday that 22-year-old Lorna Roxanne Green may be released from jail to carry on life as a college student pending further developments in her case,
Green waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
She won't be required to post bond but would owe $10,000 for violating bond conditions.
Those conditions include living with her parents in Casper while attending college and working part time as a food delivery driver. Her parents must remove firearms from their home.
On social media, the Casper woman posted details including competing in a bike race and visiting a butterfly garden but showed no anti-abortion views.
Investigators say Green told them the planned clinic in Casper was giving her anxiety and nightmares, so she decided to burn it down last May.
Her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said he's pleased Green is being released and looks forward to defending her. 032923
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick ruled Tuesday that 22-year-old Lorna Roxanne Green may be released from jail to carry on life as a college student pending further developments in her case,
Green waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
She won't be required to post bond but would owe $10,000 for violating bond conditions.
Those conditions include living with her parents in Casper while attending college and working part time as a food delivery driver. Her parents must remove firearms from their home.
On social media, the Casper woman posted details including competing in a bike race and visiting a butterfly garden but showed no anti-abortion views.
Investigators say Green told them the planned clinic in Casper was giving her anxiety and nightmares, so she decided to burn it down last May.
Her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said he's pleased Green is being released and looks forward to defending her. 032923
The US Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct three quarterly competitive oil and gas lease sales this year.
That's after suspending its First Quarter sale, along with a total of seven quarterly sales in 2021 and 2022.
President Joe Biden put the brakes on the program in 2021.
The courts required the federal government to resume sales, but the program now includes higher minimum bid amounts, royalty and rental rates mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The BLM says that the three federal oil and gas lease sales planned for Wyoming this year tentatively include a total 371 parcels across about 392 thousand acres. 032723
That's after suspending its First Quarter sale, along with a total of seven quarterly sales in 2021 and 2022.
President Joe Biden put the brakes on the program in 2021.
The courts required the federal government to resume sales, but the program now includes higher minimum bid amounts, royalty and rental rates mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The BLM says that the three federal oil and gas lease sales planned for Wyoming this year tentatively include a total 371 parcels across about 392 thousand acres. 032723
The unemployment rate in Converse County rose in January, from 2.8 percent to 3.3 percent.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services said unemployment rates across the state usually rise because of seasonal job losses in construction, retail trade, professional business services and government.
The statewide unemployment rate from December to January was unchanged at 3.9 percent.
From January 22 to January 23, unemployment rose in 13 counties, fell in nine, and was unchanged in one.
Year to Year, Converse County fell from 3.9 percent in Jan 22 , to 3.3 percent in Jan 23. 032723
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services said unemployment rates across the state usually rise because of seasonal job losses in construction, retail trade, professional business services and government.
The statewide unemployment rate from December to January was unchanged at 3.9 percent.
From January 22 to January 23, unemployment rose in 13 counties, fell in nine, and was unchanged in one.
Year to Year, Converse County fell from 3.9 percent in Jan 22 , to 3.3 percent in Jan 23. 032723
The wife of the police chief the town of Glenrock fired two years ago has been charged with stealing money from a church in Tucson, Arizona.
54-yr-old Carmen Theel faces multiple felony fraud charges that allege that she stole more than $100,000 from a Tucson church from 2012-2018.
She’s accused of entering false information in the church’s check register spreadsheet to hide money from church employees so she could take it for herself.
Carmen and her husband, David Theel, in December 2021 sued the town of Glenrock and its police department after the City Council fired him.
The Theels and the town of Glenrock reached a settlement agreement last month and the U.S. District Court for Wyoming dismissed the case last week. 032223
54-yr-old Carmen Theel faces multiple felony fraud charges that allege that she stole more than $100,000 from a Tucson church from 2012-2018.
She’s accused of entering false information in the church’s check register spreadsheet to hide money from church employees so she could take it for herself.
Carmen and her husband, David Theel, in December 2021 sued the town of Glenrock and its police department after the City Council fired him.
The Theels and the town of Glenrock reached a settlement agreement last month and the U.S. District Court for Wyoming dismissed the case last week. 032223
A Celebration of Life service for 60 year old Rene` Suzzette Kemper, will be held Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 P.M. at the Douglas High School Auditorium, 1701 Hamilton Street, Douglas, with The Reverend Bobbe Fitzhugh officiating.
The family would invite all joining them in the celebration to wear pink or Kemper Strong.
Rene` Kemper, Mayor of Douglas, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County after a courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Youth Development Services, P.O. Box 1328 in Douglas would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements. 032123
The family would invite all joining them in the celebration to wear pink or Kemper Strong.
Rene` Kemper, Mayor of Douglas, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County after a courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Youth Development Services, P.O. Box 1328 in Douglas would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements. 032123
A Douglas teacher is one of four in Wyoming who have been selected as 2023 state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Charity Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas. She is also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S.
Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
Also selected are Emmy Hergert from Thermopolis Middle School, Rick Simineo of East High School in Cheyenne, and London Jenks from Hot Springs County High School. 032123
Charity Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas. She is also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S.
Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
Also selected are Emmy Hergert from Thermopolis Middle School, Rick Simineo of East High School in Cheyenne, and London Jenks from Hot Springs County High School. 032123
A methane gas release north of Douglas in December is under scrutiny by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
Tallgrass Energy released the gas over a two-day period from its Douglas Gas Plant off Highway 59 just north of town.
Tallgrass told the DEQ that it purged its gas pipeline because it discovered traces of oxygen, creating a potential hazard. The DEQ says Tallgrass handled the issue correctly, and with proper regard to public safety.
The plume of gas reached out over almost five miles to the north of the gas plant.
At issue, is how much methane was actually released.
Tallgrass says it was about 2.5 metric tons.
But a report in Bloomberg News says it could have been more like 845 metric tons.
The state DEQ is investigating whether there is a discrepancy. 032123
Tallgrass Energy released the gas over a two-day period from its Douglas Gas Plant off Highway 59 just north of town.
Tallgrass told the DEQ that it purged its gas pipeline because it discovered traces of oxygen, creating a potential hazard. The DEQ says Tallgrass handled the issue correctly, and with proper regard to public safety.
The plume of gas reached out over almost five miles to the north of the gas plant.
At issue, is how much methane was actually released.
Tallgrass says it was about 2.5 metric tons.
But a report in Bloomberg News says it could have been more like 845 metric tons.
The state DEQ is investigating whether there is a discrepancy. 032123
Water levels will rise and fall on the river through Douglas next week.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department cautions anglers to be aware of sizable increases in water flows in the North Platte River next week as part of a flushing flow project.
The Game and Fish Department advises anglers and recreationists to know the potential dangers - they ask that people consider the fluctuating water levels and be aware that areas that can be waded effectively normally may not be safe at the higher levels.
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin releasing additional water from Gray Reef Reservoir in the early morning hours beginning March 20 and go through March 29.
Flushing flows are normally scheduled for completion in March to maximize benefits for spawning rainbow trout. 061623
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department cautions anglers to be aware of sizable increases in water flows in the North Platte River next week as part of a flushing flow project.
The Game and Fish Department advises anglers and recreationists to know the potential dangers - they ask that people consider the fluctuating water levels and be aware that areas that can be waded effectively normally may not be safe at the higher levels.
The Bureau of Reclamation will begin releasing additional water from Gray Reef Reservoir in the early morning hours beginning March 20 and go through March 29.
Flushing flows are normally scheduled for completion in March to maximize benefits for spawning rainbow trout. 061623
A change in leadership at Douglas City Hall.
Following the death of Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper, the Douglas City Council has named a new mayor...
Following the death of Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper, the Douglas City Council has named a new mayor...
Councilman Ron McNare made the motion, which passed unanimously.
Council also named McNare to serve as council president and mayor pro-temp.
Because Kim Pexton left the council to take the mayor's seat, the City Council invites interested residents to apply for the job...
Council also named McNare to serve as council president and mayor pro-temp.
Because Kim Pexton left the council to take the mayor's seat, the City Council invites interested residents to apply for the job...
Applications for the open seat on the Douglas City Council will be accepted through March 31st. A new councilperson will be selected by April 6th, and sworn in at the Council's April 10th meeting. 031523
A death in Converse County earlier this month was not a homicide.
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Converse County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations team, began an investigation related to a deceased male, identified as Ryan Green, whose body was located on private property at about MP 12 on Highway 93 northwest of Douglas.
In a press release Monday, Sheriff Clint Becker says that through numerous investigative techniques, including autopsy, scene processing by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, interviews of family, witnesses and other persons, and cell phone data recovery that, pending toxicological results from the autopsy, Ryan Green’s death does not appear to be a homicide.
This case is still being investigated. 031423
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Converse County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations team, began an investigation related to a deceased male, identified as Ryan Green, whose body was located on private property at about MP 12 on Highway 93 northwest of Douglas.
In a press release Monday, Sheriff Clint Becker says that through numerous investigative techniques, including autopsy, scene processing by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, interviews of family, witnesses and other persons, and cell phone data recovery that, pending toxicological results from the autopsy, Ryan Green’s death does not appear to be a homicide.
This case is still being investigated. 031423
Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper died Thursday night after a long battle with cancer.
Kemper was first elected to the Douglas City Council in 2016, and served two terms as Mayor.
She also served as executive director of Youth Development Services in Douglas, which offers a long-term Group Home and short-term Crisis Shelter for youth up to 17 years of age.
Douglas City Council has cancelled their regular meeting on Monday, March 13th, and will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14th to choose a new mayor from among themselves. Council will then accept applications from the public to fill the empty council seat.
Until then, the Mayor Pro Tem Kim Pexton will fill the post.
The governor has authorized the City of Douglas to lower flags to half-mast through sunset on Friday, March 10, 2023, in remembrance of Mayor René Kemper. 030623
Kemper was first elected to the Douglas City Council in 2016, and served two terms as Mayor.
She also served as executive director of Youth Development Services in Douglas, which offers a long-term Group Home and short-term Crisis Shelter for youth up to 17 years of age.
Douglas City Council has cancelled their regular meeting on Monday, March 13th, and will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14th to choose a new mayor from among themselves. Council will then accept applications from the public to fill the empty council seat.
Until then, the Mayor Pro Tem Kim Pexton will fill the post.
The governor has authorized the City of Douglas to lower flags to half-mast through sunset on Friday, March 10, 2023, in remembrance of Mayor René Kemper. 030623
The Converse County Sheriff's office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating a death off Wyoming Highway 93, the Ft Fetterman Road.
In a statement this morning, the CCSO says deputies were called out at about 6:45 this morning to a possible death on private property along WY-93 in a rural part of the county.
Deputies arrived and confirmed there was a deceased person at the location.
Please do not stop or delay in the area as you pass by. The deceased individuals identity has not been confirmed. There is no danger to the public stemming from this incident. 030123
In a statement this morning, the CCSO says deputies were called out at about 6:45 this morning to a possible death on private property along WY-93 in a rural part of the county.
Deputies arrived and confirmed there was a deceased person at the location.
Please do not stop or delay in the area as you pass by. The deceased individuals identity has not been confirmed. There is no danger to the public stemming from this incident. 030123
We've melted off a lot of snow in the past few weeks... but there's plenty more up in Wyoming's high country.
Statewide, the snow water equivalent hit 112% of the 30-year median on Monday. That's up from 107% last week... and it's a big jump from a year ago, when snow across the state had only accumulated to 85% of the median.
The Little Snake Basin in southern Wyoming tops the rankings this week at 145% of the median. The Lower North Platte Basin, which includes Casper, Douglas, Glendo and Guernsey, comes in second at 134%.
Due largely to the winter’s frequent snowstorms, Casper Mountain’s snowpack has climbed, as of Monday, to 121% of the median. 030123
Statewide, the snow water equivalent hit 112% of the 30-year median on Monday. That's up from 107% last week... and it's a big jump from a year ago, when snow across the state had only accumulated to 85% of the median.
The Little Snake Basin in southern Wyoming tops the rankings this week at 145% of the median. The Lower North Platte Basin, which includes Casper, Douglas, Glendo and Guernsey, comes in second at 134%.
Due largely to the winter’s frequent snowstorms, Casper Mountain’s snowpack has climbed, as of Monday, to 121% of the median. 030123
Wyoming’s oil and gas production was mostly back to normal in 2022.
That's according to the latest summary report on oil and gas from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
One of the most positive items in this year’s report was that oil production in 2022 was greater than had been originally predicted.
The summary report also noted that 60 percent of Wyoming’s oil comes from just two counties, Converse and Campbell counties.
As for natural gas, production in Wyoming either held steady or declined in 2022. Sublette, Sweetwater, and Fremont Counties continued to be the top producing counties. 022423
That's according to the latest summary report on oil and gas from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
One of the most positive items in this year’s report was that oil production in 2022 was greater than had been originally predicted.
The summary report also noted that 60 percent of Wyoming’s oil comes from just two counties, Converse and Campbell counties.
As for natural gas, production in Wyoming either held steady or declined in 2022. Sublette, Sweetwater, and Fremont Counties continued to be the top producing counties. 022423
More than $9100 dollars raised... that was the total after teams and individuals jumped in the tank for the DOUGLAS Jackalope
Jump fundraiser Friday afternoon at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals have been working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and they held up their end of the bargain with a jump in the tank today.
The air temerature was about 30 degrees and the water temerature was 34 degrees.
All funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide who compete year-round in Wyoming.
Money raised helps cover program costs such as transportation, sports equipment, team uniforms, and meals. 021023
Jump fundraiser Friday afternoon at Douglas High School.
Teams and individuals have been working hard to raise money for Special Olympics Wyoming, and they held up their end of the bargain with a jump in the tank today.
The air temerature was about 30 degrees and the water temerature was 34 degrees.
All funds raised go to support programming and events for over 1,600 Special Olympics athletes statewide who compete year-round in Wyoming.
Money raised helps cover program costs such as transportation, sports equipment, team uniforms, and meals. 021023
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County on Friday evening after a semi-truck collided into the parked patrol car on Highway 59.
The trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the truck and hit the back of the patrol vehicle.
The accident happened 46 miles north of Douglas where the trooper was assisting several vehicles that had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions.
The trooper was inside of vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was cited for speeding too fast for road conditions. 020623
The trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the truck and hit the back of the patrol vehicle.
The accident happened 46 miles north of Douglas where the trooper was assisting several vehicles that had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions.
The trooper was inside of vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was cited for speeding too fast for road conditions. 020623
Wyoming’s statewide graduation rate dropped by less than a percentage point in 2021-22, but remains “consistently strong,” according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
Statewide, the graduation rate for four-year students during the 2021-22 academic year was 81.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 2021. Since 2015, Wyoming graduation rates have been above 80%.
New numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education show an 87.3 percent graduation rate for Converse County School District #1 at Douglas, and 85.7 percent in Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock.
Natrona County School District #1 was lower than the state average, at 77.7 percent. 020223
Statewide, the graduation rate for four-year students during the 2021-22 academic year was 81.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 2021. Since 2015, Wyoming graduation rates have been above 80%.
New numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education show an 87.3 percent graduation rate for Converse County School District #1 at Douglas, and 85.7 percent in Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock.
Natrona County School District #1 was lower than the state average, at 77.7 percent. 020223
Converse County's unemployment rate gained a bit in December.
From November to December, the percentage of unemployed here rose from 2.3 percent to 2.7 percent. December 21 to December 22, Converse County fell from 3.3 to 2.7 percent.
Sweetwater County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent in December.
Teton and Weston Counties had the lowest rate, at 2.4 percent.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.6 percent in November, to 3.7 percent in December. 020223
From November to December, the percentage of unemployed here rose from 2.3 percent to 2.7 percent. December 21 to December 22, Converse County fell from 3.3 to 2.7 percent.
Sweetwater County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent in December.
Teton and Weston Counties had the lowest rate, at 2.4 percent.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.6 percent in November, to 3.7 percent in December. 020223
Once WYDOT gets done rebuilding that big bridge project on I-25 at Casper... they're going to do it again.
In fact, WYDOT plans to replacing four more Interstate 25 bridges, as well as the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.
The project is set to begin during this spring's construction season and will replace the aging structures, three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street.
The project includes new road surfacing between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersection upgrades.
The project covers about a mile, and is expected to take two years to complete. 012523
In fact, WYDOT plans to replacing four more Interstate 25 bridges, as well as the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.
The project is set to begin during this spring's construction season and will replace the aging structures, three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street.
The project includes new road surfacing between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersection upgrades.
The project covers about a mile, and is expected to take two years to complete. 012523
History buffs will get a look at early-day ranching in Converse County this weekend.
The Converse County Historical Society will host a program featuring Kari and Andy Gray of the Gray Ranch located near Orin, Wyoming.
Heidi McCullough says the ranch is one of the oldest in the area...
The Converse County Historical Society will host a program featuring Kari and Andy Gray of the Gray Ranch located near Orin, Wyoming.
Heidi McCullough says the ranch is one of the oldest in the area...
The program will begin at 2:00 PM this Sunday, January 22nd at the Douglas Senior Center. It's free, and open to the public. 011823
2022 was a “return to normal” for Wyoming’s oil and gas industry.
The latest summary report by the Wyoming State Geological Survey shows crude oil and natural gas production returned to their pre-pandemic trends and year-over-year gain in oil volumes with a gradual decline in natural gas production.
Highlights of the report include the return of oil and gas production to pre-pandemic trends, the resumption of oil and gas lease sales by the Bureau of Land Management, and an increase in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
More than 100 oil or gas wells were completed in Wyoming in the first half of 2022.
The report shows that Converse County lead oil production in the state again last year, turning out a full 33 percent of the state's oil production. Campbell County was the second highest producer, at 23 percent of the volume. 011323
The latest summary report by the Wyoming State Geological Survey shows crude oil and natural gas production returned to their pre-pandemic trends and year-over-year gain in oil volumes with a gradual decline in natural gas production.
Highlights of the report include the return of oil and gas production to pre-pandemic trends, the resumption of oil and gas lease sales by the Bureau of Land Management, and an increase in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
More than 100 oil or gas wells were completed in Wyoming in the first half of 2022.
The report shows that Converse County lead oil production in the state again last year, turning out a full 33 percent of the state's oil production. Campbell County was the second highest producer, at 23 percent of the volume. 011323
This week's cold weather means some folks are getting a longer-than-expected Christmas holiday.
Due to the extreme cold weather, the Douglas Rec Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, in addition to Christmas Eve on Saturday and Christmas on Sunday.
Normal Rec hours will resume on Monday, December 26th.
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers and Thrift Store will be closed this Thursday and Friday, and Monday the 26th.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
Not weather related, but due to the holiday weekend..
The City Landfill will be closed on Saturday in observance of Christmas Eve.
All City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of holidays.
Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Mondays will have their pickup dates moved to Tuesday the next two weeks.
Converse County offices will also be closed on Monday, in observation of the Christmas holidays. 122222
Due to the extreme cold weather, the Douglas Rec Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, in addition to Christmas Eve on Saturday and Christmas on Sunday.
Normal Rec hours will resume on Monday, December 26th.
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers and Thrift Store will be closed this Thursday and Friday, and Monday the 26th.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
Not weather related, but due to the holiday weekend..
The City Landfill will be closed on Saturday in observance of Christmas Eve.
All City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of holidays.
Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Mondays will have their pickup dates moved to Tuesday the next two weeks.
Converse County offices will also be closed on Monday, in observation of the Christmas holidays. 122222
Coal mine sues railroad...
After a year of shipment struggles that Navajo Transitional Energy Company alleged has cost millions of dollars, the company is suing BNSF.
NTEC said it was only able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to port through November of this year. It had expected to ship 5.5 million tons, possibly more, but couldn’t get train service for coal shipments.
The mining company accuses BNSF of breach of contract for not providing enough locomotives to shuttle coal to the port at Vancouver, British Columbia.
NTEC alleges that the BNSF had taken on new coal customers to their disadvantage.
For its part, BNSF had reported rail challenges throughout the year. 122222
After a year of shipment struggles that Navajo Transitional Energy Company alleged has cost millions of dollars, the company is suing BNSF.
NTEC said it was only able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to port through November of this year. It had expected to ship 5.5 million tons, possibly more, but couldn’t get train service for coal shipments.
The mining company accuses BNSF of breach of contract for not providing enough locomotives to shuttle coal to the port at Vancouver, British Columbia.
NTEC alleges that the BNSF had taken on new coal customers to their disadvantage.
For its part, BNSF had reported rail challenges throughout the year. 122222
Is there new life ahead for Converse County's uranium industry?
After sitting for years below $30 per pound, the price of uranium on the international market is moving closer to the $50-to-$60 range.
That's where Wyoming companies say they’ll once again be able to compete.
Three companies with in-situ operations in Wyoming have been chosen to help fill the U.S. Department of Energy’s $75 million strategic uranium reserve.
The federal agency will purchase 700,000 pounds of already mined uranium material from those companies in the first quarter of 2023: 300,000 pounds from Uranium Energy Corp, 300,000 pounds from Peninsula Energy subsidiary Strata Energy and 100,000 pounds from Ur-Energy.
UEC and Peninsula both have operations in the Powder River Basin. UR Energy has assets southwest of Casper in the Shirley Basin. 122122
After sitting for years below $30 per pound, the price of uranium on the international market is moving closer to the $50-to-$60 range.
That's where Wyoming companies say they’ll once again be able to compete.
Three companies with in-situ operations in Wyoming have been chosen to help fill the U.S. Department of Energy’s $75 million strategic uranium reserve.
The federal agency will purchase 700,000 pounds of already mined uranium material from those companies in the first quarter of 2023: 300,000 pounds from Uranium Energy Corp, 300,000 pounds from Peninsula Energy subsidiary Strata Energy and 100,000 pounds from Ur-Energy.
UEC and Peninsula both have operations in the Powder River Basin. UR Energy has assets southwest of Casper in the Shirley Basin. 122122
It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for some, they need a little help to make things wonderful.
The familiar red kettles and friendly bell-ringing volunteers of the Salvation Army are already in Douglas, and Committee coordinator Dick Taylor says every penny collected in Converse County, stays in Converse County.
Taylor, who has been volunteering with the Christmas Campaign for over 20 years, says 100% of the money raised goes toward helping residents who need a little help - maybe with their rent or utilities.
It also helps those passing through Douglas and Glenrock who may need a night at a hotel to escape the cold, or money for fuel to make it to their destination.
No one locally connected with the Salvation Army receives pay.
Converse County residents can be sure that when they give some spare change - in any amount, large or small - it stays in the community. 121922
The familiar red kettles and friendly bell-ringing volunteers of the Salvation Army are already in Douglas, and Committee coordinator Dick Taylor says every penny collected in Converse County, stays in Converse County.
Taylor, who has been volunteering with the Christmas Campaign for over 20 years, says 100% of the money raised goes toward helping residents who need a little help - maybe with their rent or utilities.
It also helps those passing through Douglas and Glenrock who may need a night at a hotel to escape the cold, or money for fuel to make it to their destination.
No one locally connected with the Salvation Army receives pay.
Converse County residents can be sure that when they give some spare change - in any amount, large or small - it stays in the community. 121922
Secret Santa will visit Douglas this weekend.
Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says area law enforcement will be doing Shop With A Cop this weekend...
Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says area law enforcement will be doing Shop With A Cop this weekend...
Once the gifts are selected, there's still packages to wrap...
Chief Byerly says there's an account set up at Converse County Bank in Douglas for anyone who'd like to donate to next year's Shop With A Cop Program. 121322
Casper's Natrona County High School went into lockdown Tuesday morning when a student was found to be in possession of a firearm at the school.
Casper police said the student was reportedly showing off the unloaded gun to other students, after which the incident was reported to staff.
CPD officers contacted the student, the firearm was recovered, the student was detained by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
Charges against the student are pending. 120722
Casper police said the student was reportedly showing off the unloaded gun to other students, after which the incident was reported to staff.
CPD officers contacted the student, the firearm was recovered, the student was detained by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
Charges against the student are pending. 120722
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is expanding their services in Converse County.
A $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation has helped Hospice hire a new social worker.
The grant covered some hiring and training costs for Central Wyoming Hospice to add Desirae Laird of Douglas to their team.
Central Wyoming Hospice said that expanding its team in Converse County will allow more people to stay home and receive hospice services. 120722
A $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation has helped Hospice hire a new social worker.
The grant covered some hiring and training costs for Central Wyoming Hospice to add Desirae Laird of Douglas to their team.
Central Wyoming Hospice said that expanding its team in Converse County will allow more people to stay home and receive hospice services. 120722
Cardboard recycling is available again in the Jackalope City.
The City of Douglas announced Friday a public/private partnership between the City and 307 Disposal.
307 will begin processing, baling, and transporting cardboard waste products to a processing center, using existing space and equipment at the city's landfill.
In return, the City will pick up cardboard from existing locations throughout the community and deliver to the designated recycling area at the landfill.
Citizens are encouraged to immediatly begin recycling corrugated cardboard products.
Cardboard boxes would need to be broken down in order to fit inside the city's familiar blue recycling dumpsters, located in more than 25 locations around Douglas. 120522
The City of Douglas announced Friday a public/private partnership between the City and 307 Disposal.
307 will begin processing, baling, and transporting cardboard waste products to a processing center, using existing space and equipment at the city's landfill.
In return, the City will pick up cardboard from existing locations throughout the community and deliver to the designated recycling area at the landfill.
Citizens are encouraged to immediatly begin recycling corrugated cardboard products.
Cardboard boxes would need to be broken down in order to fit inside the city's familiar blue recycling dumpsters, located in more than 25 locations around Douglas. 120522
It's a Douglas Holiday Tradition, and you're invited!
Come enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24th.
They'll be serving from 11am to 2 pm at the Douglas Moose Lodge, 120 North Second Street.
For Carry Out Call Paige at 351-1188, or Kate 351-8817.112322
Come enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24th.
They'll be serving from 11am to 2 pm at the Douglas Moose Lodge, 120 North Second Street.
For Carry Out Call Paige at 351-1188, or Kate 351-8817.112322
Wyoming's leaders are concerned that railroad workers may go on strike after a rail union rejected a proposed contract.
The tentative contract deal resulted from last-minute negotiations convened by the Biden administration in mid-September.
But the agreement proved unsatisfactory to 50.9% of workers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Several other rail unions have voted to approve the contract, but don’t plan to cross the picket lines. A strike could begin as soon as Dec. 5.
If the railroads can’t move Powder River Basin coal, Wyoming’s mines could be forced to scale back production or even shut down until rail service resumes. 112222
The tentative contract deal resulted from last-minute negotiations convened by the Biden administration in mid-September.
But the agreement proved unsatisfactory to 50.9% of workers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Several other rail unions have voted to approve the contract, but don’t plan to cross the picket lines. A strike could begin as soon as Dec. 5.
If the railroads can’t move Powder River Basin coal, Wyoming’s mines could be forced to scale back production or even shut down until rail service resumes. 112222
The nation’s average gas price fell for the second straight week, down 12 cents from a week ago to $3.64.
GasBuddy.com says the national average is down 16.4 cents from a month ago and remains 24.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Teton County continued to report the highest average in the state on Monday, averaging $4.34 a gallon. Natrona County was the cheapest in the state, at $3.04 a gallon, and several Casper stations were below $3.90. Converse County gasoline averaged $3.49 a gallon on Monday. 112222
GasBuddy.com says the national average is down 16.4 cents from a month ago and remains 24.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Teton County continued to report the highest average in the state on Monday, averaging $4.34 a gallon. Natrona County was the cheapest in the state, at $3.04 a gallon, and several Casper stations were below $3.90. Converse County gasoline averaged $3.49 a gallon on Monday. 112222
Eastern Wyoming College Assistant Professor of Nursing, Kasey Powell has been honored by the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) with the Inspiring Our Future Nurses award.
The award is given to a WNA nursing instructor member who has been a positive influence on the future of nurses or Wyoming.
Powell has been a full-time Assistant Professor of Nursing on EWC’s Douglas Campus since 2021, but has been involved in the EWC nursing program since its start in January 2016
Before taking on the instructor’s role and teaching future nurses, Powell worked as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical and OB floors at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She has worked there since 2011.
She also was the Director of Inpatient Services where she managed clinical staff on Medical Surgical, OB and the ICU. 111922
The award is given to a WNA nursing instructor member who has been a positive influence on the future of nurses or Wyoming.
Powell has been a full-time Assistant Professor of Nursing on EWC’s Douglas Campus since 2021, but has been involved in the EWC nursing program since its start in January 2016
Before taking on the instructor’s role and teaching future nurses, Powell worked as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical and OB floors at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She has worked there since 2011.
She also was the Director of Inpatient Services where she managed clinical staff on Medical Surgical, OB and the ICU. 111922
A Converse County Commissioner offered testimony in Washington DC this week.
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) welcomed Converse County Commissioner Jim Willox to the Senate where he served as an expert witness regarding the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) during an Environment and Public Works Subcommittee hearing.
During the hearing, Commissioner Willox discussed rural access for competitive grants, as well as other issues Wyoming towns and counties are facing while implementing the IIJA.
In his testimony, Commissioner Willox highlighted many of Sen. Lummis’s priorities including the need for additional permitting reform, and solutions to onerous regulations from the Federal Highway Administration.
An example Willox identified was the Federal Highway Administration denying eight of Wyoming’s eleven requested exemptions under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. 111722
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) welcomed Converse County Commissioner Jim Willox to the Senate where he served as an expert witness regarding the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) during an Environment and Public Works Subcommittee hearing.
During the hearing, Commissioner Willox discussed rural access for competitive grants, as well as other issues Wyoming towns and counties are facing while implementing the IIJA.
In his testimony, Commissioner Willox highlighted many of Sen. Lummis’s priorities including the need for additional permitting reform, and solutions to onerous regulations from the Federal Highway Administration.
An example Willox identified was the Federal Highway Administration denying eight of Wyoming’s eleven requested exemptions under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. 111722
Turkeys on Wyoming's Thanksgiving tables will come at a higher cost this year.
Retail prices for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast hit a new record in September at $6.70 per pound. That's more than double the price from last year, when turkeys were running just $3.16 a pound.
Bird flu swept across the nation from Maine to Wyoming this year, forcing the destruction of more than 23 million turkeys, chickens and game birds.
Tim Simeroth is captain of the Salvation Army in Casper.
He estimates that his organization will likely need 600 birds for food baskets this year. That's a significant increase from the 400 needed last year. 111022
Retail prices for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast hit a new record in September at $6.70 per pound. That's more than double the price from last year, when turkeys were running just $3.16 a pound.
Bird flu swept across the nation from Maine to Wyoming this year, forcing the destruction of more than 23 million turkeys, chickens and game birds.
Tim Simeroth is captain of the Salvation Army in Casper.
He estimates that his organization will likely need 600 birds for food baskets this year. That's a significant increase from the 400 needed last year. 111022
Ballots are counted, and Converse County voters have spoken... here's results of the contested races in Tuesday's general election.
Republican Tomi Stock will represent eastern Converse County in the Wyoming State Legislature. Strock defeated former Douglas mayor Bruce Jones by about a 2-1 margin. Stock received 2266 votes, Jones marked 1079, and Democrat Hank Szramkowski got 218 votes.
Trent Kaufman, Robert Short and Jim Willox get the 3 seats on the Converse County Commission. Kaufman came in with 3363 votes, Short got 3199, Willox got 2794. Darek Joppru received 1909 votes.
Bruce Roumell will continue to serve as Mayor of Glenrock. He beat challenger Margaret Nunn 424 to 378.
Perry Hershberger and Kim Pexton take the two four-year seats on the Douglas City council.
Matt Schmidt defeats Josh Valk for the two-year seat on the Douglas Council.
Judy Colling and Roy Kincaid win the four-year seats on the Glenrock council.
Rolling Hills town council, two seats open, Kenneth Montgomery gets 90 votes, Lori Cielinski gets 66, Glenn Lewis gets 63.
Converse County School District #1 board, four-year terms, go to Trent Boner, Josh Moore, Shane Stinson and Jared Vollman. Two-year seats go to Ty Tillard and Jeremiah Darr.
CCSD #2 board seats go to Casey Tillard and Viki Kinkaid.
The optional one-cent sales tax, and the lodging tax both passed easily, and the pari-mutual wagering ballot issue passed by just 72 votes.
A link to complete election total is available here. 110822
Republican Tomi Stock will represent eastern Converse County in the Wyoming State Legislature. Strock defeated former Douglas mayor Bruce Jones by about a 2-1 margin. Stock received 2266 votes, Jones marked 1079, and Democrat Hank Szramkowski got 218 votes.
Trent Kaufman, Robert Short and Jim Willox get the 3 seats on the Converse County Commission. Kaufman came in with 3363 votes, Short got 3199, Willox got 2794. Darek Joppru received 1909 votes.
Bruce Roumell will continue to serve as Mayor of Glenrock. He beat challenger Margaret Nunn 424 to 378.
Perry Hershberger and Kim Pexton take the two four-year seats on the Douglas City council.
Matt Schmidt defeats Josh Valk for the two-year seat on the Douglas Council.
Judy Colling and Roy Kincaid win the four-year seats on the Glenrock council.
Rolling Hills town council, two seats open, Kenneth Montgomery gets 90 votes, Lori Cielinski gets 66, Glenn Lewis gets 63.
Converse County School District #1 board, four-year terms, go to Trent Boner, Josh Moore, Shane Stinson and Jared Vollman. Two-year seats go to Ty Tillard and Jeremiah Darr.
CCSD #2 board seats go to Casey Tillard and Viki Kinkaid.
The optional one-cent sales tax, and the lodging tax both passed easily, and the pari-mutual wagering ballot issue passed by just 72 votes.
A link to complete election total is available here. 110822
Employers across the state will tell you how difficult it is to hire good workers... and the people who plow your highways are no different.
With winter weather in the weeks and months ahead, the Wyoming Department of Transportation says they have a shortage of snow plow drivers.
WYDOT said in a press release Tuesday that crews currently seeing the most severe staffing shortages include Rock Springs, Hulett, Shirley Rim, LaBarge, Reno Junction, Patrick Draw and Muddy Gap. Douglas is currently down 8 drivers. Application are available online. Driving a plow requires a CDL license.
To deal with the staffing shortages, WYDOT says they'll work to move crews from areas less impacted by storms to routes experiencing the most severe weather. 110222
With winter weather in the weeks and months ahead, the Wyoming Department of Transportation says they have a shortage of snow plow drivers.
WYDOT said in a press release Tuesday that crews currently seeing the most severe staffing shortages include Rock Springs, Hulett, Shirley Rim, LaBarge, Reno Junction, Patrick Draw and Muddy Gap. Douglas is currently down 8 drivers. Application are available online. Driving a plow requires a CDL license.
To deal with the staffing shortages, WYDOT says they'll work to move crews from areas less impacted by storms to routes experiencing the most severe weather. 110222
A Casper teen died Monday afternoon in a head-on collision with a dump truck.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the 15-year-old was driving west on Wyoming Highway 220 at about 4 p.m. when his car drifted across the center-line and hit an oncoming truck, .
The boy died at the scene. The dump truck driver, 47-year-old Dustin H. Geiger of Casper, was not injured.
Highway patrol officials say inattention on the boy's part may have contributed to the crash.
The crash, near the intersection of highways 220 and 487 between Casper and Alcova, led authorities to shut down a section of 220 for nearly two hours Monday afternoon as they investigated.110222
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the 15-year-old was driving west on Wyoming Highway 220 at about 4 p.m. when his car drifted across the center-line and hit an oncoming truck, .
The boy died at the scene. The dump truck driver, 47-year-old Dustin H. Geiger of Casper, was not injured.
Highway patrol officials say inattention on the boy's part may have contributed to the crash.
The crash, near the intersection of highways 220 and 487 between Casper and Alcova, led authorities to shut down a section of 220 for nearly two hours Monday afternoon as they investigated.110222
Congratulations to the Jackalope City Scarecrow Contest winners!!
23 entries this year in the contest organized by the Enterprise.
Out of nearly 450 votes, 1st: CP Realty on Center Street. - 2nd: Converse County Bank - 3rd: College Inn Bar - People's Choice: Boys & Girls Club of Douglas
Thank you everyone who participated, judged and voted!! Be sure to check out the winners during Downtown Trick or Treat today. 103122
23 entries this year in the contest organized by the Enterprise.
Out of nearly 450 votes, 1st: CP Realty on Center Street. - 2nd: Converse County Bank - 3rd: College Inn Bar - People's Choice: Boys & Girls Club of Douglas
Thank you everyone who participated, judged and voted!! Be sure to check out the winners during Downtown Trick or Treat today. 103122
The DHS Bearcat Marching Band has a new trophy, bringing home Superior honors Saturday in the state marching band competition in Casper.
Band director Tim Painter told KKTY's Liz Ostrander they worked hard for it...
Band director Tim Painter told KKTY's Liz Ostrander they worked hard for it...
Painter said this win was the first in his 5 years at DHS and the first Superior rating the band has received since 2016. 101822
A Converse County man died Saturday afternoon when he was thrown from the pickup he was driving when it rolled over near Rolling Hills.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 61 year old Russell Caves was driving north on Wyoming Highway 95 at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon when his pickup swerved, skidded and rolled, coming to rest on its roof.
Caves was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown clear of the truck.
The highway patrol says driver inattention was a possible contributing factor to the crash. 101822
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 61 year old Russell Caves was driving north on Wyoming Highway 95 at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon when his pickup swerved, skidded and rolled, coming to rest on its roof.
Caves was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown clear of the truck.
The highway patrol says driver inattention was a possible contributing factor to the crash. 101822
Converse County School District #1 has received a worldwide honor from is accreditation provider.
Cognia is the global school improvement and accreditation organization. It serves 36,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Cognia announced Converse County School District #1 at Douglas has received their Systems of Distinction designation, one of only 38 systems across the globe.
The Systems of Distinction earn this recognition based on the results of Cognia’s Accreditation Engagement Review process.
Converse County School District #1 hosted its accreditation review in the spring of 2022. 101422
Cognia is the global school improvement and accreditation organization. It serves 36,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Cognia announced Converse County School District #1 at Douglas has received their Systems of Distinction designation, one of only 38 systems across the globe.
The Systems of Distinction earn this recognition based on the results of Cognia’s Accreditation Engagement Review process.
Converse County School District #1 hosted its accreditation review in the spring of 2022. 101422
The DHS Bearcat Band and 22 other high school marching bands will participate in the Wyoming State Marching Band Festival in Casper this Saturday.
The festival is set to begin at noon Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Doors will open at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Bearcats Band is scheduled to perform at 1:30 PM.
After the high school bands all perform, the University of Wyoming’s Western Thunder Marching Band is set to deliver a performance at around 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Awards to high school bands will be presented after the Western Thunder performance. 101422
The festival is set to begin at noon Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper. Doors will open at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The Bearcats Band is scheduled to perform at 1:30 PM.
After the high school bands all perform, the University of Wyoming’s Western Thunder Marching Band is set to deliver a performance at around 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Awards to high school bands will be presented after the Western Thunder performance. 101422
Memorial Hospital of Converse County is growing again to better serve the healthcare needs of Converse and Natrona Counties.
The Converse County Commissioners gave the green light this week for the hospital board to move foreward with the $38 million dollar purchase of Summit Medical Center in Casper.
In addition to the private surgical practice, the purchase includes a lease of the Summit Medical center building on East Second Street next to Vista Toyota.
MHCC already operates in Natrona County. They purchased Western Medical Associates in 2020. That practice serves 16,000 patents in Natrona County, with two locations in Casper.100622
The Converse County Commissioners gave the green light this week for the hospital board to move foreward with the $38 million dollar purchase of Summit Medical Center in Casper.
In addition to the private surgical practice, the purchase includes a lease of the Summit Medical center building on East Second Street next to Vista Toyota.
MHCC already operates in Natrona County. They purchased Western Medical Associates in 2020. That practice serves 16,000 patents in Natrona County, with two locations in Casper.100622
Air passengers will get another flight between Casper and Salt Lake City.
The Natrona County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on Tuesday to add the additional flight, which comes via an agreement between the airport and SkyWest Airlines, connecting Casper-Natrona County International Airport to Salt Lake City, Utah.
The move comes just months after work was done to improve the airport, which included rehabilitating the runway and runway lighting and adding several pieces of navigational aid. 100622
The Natrona County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted on Tuesday to add the additional flight, which comes via an agreement between the airport and SkyWest Airlines, connecting Casper-Natrona County International Airport to Salt Lake City, Utah.
The move comes just months after work was done to improve the airport, which included rehabilitating the runway and runway lighting and adding several pieces of navigational aid. 100622
High natural gas prices are making coal-burning power plants a more attractive option, and that's pushing the price of Powder River Basin coal higher.
How high natural gas prices become, and how coal markets respond, will depend partly on temperatures this winter in the United States and in Northern Europe.
The spot price of Powder River Coal typically hovers between about $10 and $12 per short ton. It averaged $16.20 during the first two weeks of September and $16.15 during the next two, then rose to $16.25 per short ton as of Sept. 30.
There's also a bottleneck getting coal to market due to ongoing rail disruptions curtailing mines’ ability to ship coal. 100522
How high natural gas prices become, and how coal markets respond, will depend partly on temperatures this winter in the United States and in Northern Europe.
The spot price of Powder River Coal typically hovers between about $10 and $12 per short ton. It averaged $16.20 during the first two weeks of September and $16.15 during the next two, then rose to $16.25 per short ton as of Sept. 30.
There's also a bottleneck getting coal to market due to ongoing rail disruptions curtailing mines’ ability to ship coal. 100522
Two people died Saturday when the pickup they were driving rolled over southwest of Douglas.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office says 30 year old Stephen Bradley Duane Williams, and 23 year old Cason C. Grant, were both thrown from the truck and died at the scene.
The crash occurred shortly before noon Saturday near mile marker 26 on Cold Springs Road. Deputies, medics and firefighters responded to the crash and asked for a helicopter as well. When rescuers arrived, they found a red crew cab Chevrolet with Texas plates that had rolled down a steep hill. Medics determined both men were already dead.
The sheriff's office says it suspects alcohol use and speeding contributed to the crash. No other vehicles were involved. 100422
The Converse County Sheriff's Office says 30 year old Stephen Bradley Duane Williams, and 23 year old Cason C. Grant, were both thrown from the truck and died at the scene.
The crash occurred shortly before noon Saturday near mile marker 26 on Cold Springs Road. Deputies, medics and firefighters responded to the crash and asked for a helicopter as well. When rescuers arrived, they found a red crew cab Chevrolet with Texas plates that had rolled down a steep hill. Medics determined both men were already dead.
The sheriff's office says it suspects alcohol use and speeding contributed to the crash. No other vehicles were involved. 100422
Two popular Wyoming boating locations are changing their protocols for watercraft inspections to protect waters from invasive zebra mussels.
These changes, instituted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, will begin Wednesday, October 5th.
At both Keyhole and Glendo state parks, all watercraft will be inspected at the boat ramp before launching. Inspection hours will be 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Use of the boat ramp is restricted to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Launching without an inspection is prohibited.
Glendo boaters will launch only at Whiskey Gulch. All other boat ramps will be closed, and shore launching will be prohibited. State Parks says boaters should expect delays. 100322
These changes, instituted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, will begin Wednesday, October 5th.
At both Keyhole and Glendo state parks, all watercraft will be inspected at the boat ramp before launching. Inspection hours will be 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Use of the boat ramp is restricted to 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Launching without an inspection is prohibited.
Glendo boaters will launch only at Whiskey Gulch. All other boat ramps will be closed, and shore launching will be prohibited. State Parks says boaters should expect delays. 100322
Artists have been named for the 40th Anniversary Celebration at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, and they include a Wyoming favorite.
The Ford Wyoming Center will host country music acts Chancey Williams, Josh Dorr and Sawyer Brown for its 40th anniversary concert on December 10th.
The Casper Events Center opened in 1982. It's one of the state's biggest venues and has hosted a wide variety of musicians, musicals and sports events including Elton John, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Santana and the College National Finals Rodeo, as well as many state basketball, volleyball and wrestling tournaments. 092922
The Ford Wyoming Center will host country music acts Chancey Williams, Josh Dorr and Sawyer Brown for its 40th anniversary concert on December 10th.
The Casper Events Center opened in 1982. It's one of the state's biggest venues and has hosted a wide variety of musicians, musicals and sports events including Elton John, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Santana and the College National Finals Rodeo, as well as many state basketball, volleyball and wrestling tournaments. 092922
A promotion at the Wyoming State Fair office in Douglas.
Kris Mitchell has been named Assistant General Manager of the State Fair.
Mitchell has served on the Wyoming State Fair team as the Exhibits Supervisor for the past three years.
She competed at the National High School Rodeo before attending college at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington on a full-ride rodeo scholarship.
After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Kris and her husband began raising a family in Douglas where she worked in the school district.
As Assistant General Manager, Kris's duties include handling sponsorships, contracting, hiring judges, assisting in marketing efforts, and year-round interim events. 092922
Kris Mitchell has been named Assistant General Manager of the State Fair.
Mitchell has served on the Wyoming State Fair team as the Exhibits Supervisor for the past three years.
She competed at the National High School Rodeo before attending college at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington on a full-ride rodeo scholarship.
After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, Kris and her husband began raising a family in Douglas where she worked in the school district.
As Assistant General Manager, Kris's duties include handling sponsorships, contracting, hiring judges, assisting in marketing efforts, and year-round interim events. 092922
Thick black smoke at Glenrock Wednesday evening.
Converse County emergency Management says the smoke came up from a fire at the lignite plant just north of town. The Glenrock Fire Department was at the fire, which was active outside of the buildings.
Emergency Management said there was no threat to the community, and the fire was contained to the lignite plant property. 092922
Converse County emergency Management says the smoke came up from a fire at the lignite plant just north of town. The Glenrock Fire Department was at the fire, which was active outside of the buildings.
Emergency Management said there was no threat to the community, and the fire was contained to the lignite plant property. 092922
The State of Wyoming will get almost $27 million dollars in Federal funding to begin building charging stations for electric vehicles around the state.
Biden administration officials approved the first stage of Wyoming’s plan on Tuesday.
The funds will be used over the next five years to build, expand and maintain at least seven public charging stations along I-25, I-80 and I-90 as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The federal program wants no more than 50 miles between charging stations.
While several communities around the state already have charging stations in place, WYDOT wants to build charging stations in Douglas, Pine Bluffs, Buffalo and Sundance, and modify existing, Tesla-supported stations in Sheridan, Wheatland and Laramie. 092822
Biden administration officials approved the first stage of Wyoming’s plan on Tuesday.
The funds will be used over the next five years to build, expand and maintain at least seven public charging stations along I-25, I-80 and I-90 as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
The federal program wants no more than 50 miles between charging stations.
While several communities around the state already have charging stations in place, WYDOT wants to build charging stations in Douglas, Pine Bluffs, Buffalo and Sundance, and modify existing, Tesla-supported stations in Sheridan, Wheatland and Laramie. 092822
Cadets who haven't finished their time at the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy now have some options.
The Wyoming Military department announced earlier this month that the resident portion of the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy in Guernsey would close indefinitely.
Now, Idaho, California, and Montana Challenge programs have agreed to enroll cadets immediately into their classes to continue forward to graduate in December 2022.
The Nevada Challenge program has agreed to enroll all the remaining cadets into the class starting in January 2023.
Of the 63 cadets in the current class at Guernsey, 32 have elected to participate in another challenge program, including 3 joining the Nevada class in January.
The 31 remaining cadets will have remote options for either credit recovery or to prepare for a High School Equivalency test. Some have elected to return to their high school. 092822
The Wyoming Military department announced earlier this month that the resident portion of the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy in Guernsey would close indefinitely.
Now, Idaho, California, and Montana Challenge programs have agreed to enroll cadets immediately into their classes to continue forward to graduate in December 2022.
The Nevada Challenge program has agreed to enroll all the remaining cadets into the class starting in January 2023.
Of the 63 cadets in the current class at Guernsey, 32 have elected to participate in another challenge program, including 3 joining the Nevada class in January.
The 31 remaining cadets will have remote options for either credit recovery or to prepare for a High School Equivalency test. Some have elected to return to their high school. 092822
A landmark roadside eatery is closing its doors.
The final day of business at the Three Sisters Truck Stop at Manville will be October 16th. The bar will remain open until dart leagues finish up, then it will also close for good.
Current owners Lori Carpenter and Shirley Bullock have owned and operated the Niobrara County business for the past 25 years. 092822
The final day of business at the Three Sisters Truck Stop at Manville will be October 16th. The bar will remain open until dart leagues finish up, then it will also close for good.
Current owners Lori Carpenter and Shirley Bullock have owned and operated the Niobrara County business for the past 25 years. 092822
Douglas Middle School operated under Secure mode for much of the day today as Douglas Police dealt with an issue across the street from the school.
The PD got a suicide call early Monday from a residence on Wind River Drive across from the school.
Douglas police chief Todd Byerly said before lunch that there is NO concern to the safety of the Douglas Middle School, but they have been placed into a SECURE mode.
At about 2:30PM, the DPD said the situation had been safely resolved with no injuries.
The Hold and Secure status at the Douglas Middle School was lifted, and parent pickup and school bus routes are taking place on a normal schedule. 092622
The PD got a suicide call early Monday from a residence on Wind River Drive across from the school.
Douglas police chief Todd Byerly said before lunch that there is NO concern to the safety of the Douglas Middle School, but they have been placed into a SECURE mode.
At about 2:30PM, the DPD said the situation had been safely resolved with no injuries.
The Hold and Secure status at the Douglas Middle School was lifted, and parent pickup and school bus routes are taking place on a normal schedule. 092622
A headstone has been placed in Niobrara County in memory of a World War II veteran who's been missing in action for 77 years.
Maj. Virgil Olds was a fighter pilot shot down while flying over Tokyo, Japan, in 1945. His body was never recovered.
On Friday, American Legion Post 1 of Van Tassell and the Niobrara County VFW honored Olds with a headstone marker near his family home at the Node Cemetery east of Lusk.
Olds was born in 1915 on a ranch about a mile south of Node.
He was raised by his grandparents, attended a little schoolhouse in Node and later graduated from Lusk High School in 1933.
U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney coordinated with the Wyoming VFW and Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville to get a headstone arranged for Olds.
Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. congressional candidate Harriet Hageman were among those in attendance at Friday's ceremonies. 092122
Maj. Virgil Olds was a fighter pilot shot down while flying over Tokyo, Japan, in 1945. His body was never recovered.
On Friday, American Legion Post 1 of Van Tassell and the Niobrara County VFW honored Olds with a headstone marker near his family home at the Node Cemetery east of Lusk.
Olds was born in 1915 on a ranch about a mile south of Node.
He was raised by his grandparents, attended a little schoolhouse in Node and later graduated from Lusk High School in 1933.
U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney coordinated with the Wyoming VFW and Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Evansville to get a headstone arranged for Olds.
Gov. Mark Gordon and U.S. congressional candidate Harriet Hageman were among those in attendance at Friday's ceremonies. 092122
The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline on Monday, Sept. 19 is down slightly in Wyoming compared with a week ago.
Triple AAA says the statewide average cost for regular gasoline stands at $3.80 per gallon on Monday, down about a penny from a week ago.
Meanwhile, the national average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline stands at $3.67, down from $3.71 a week ago.
The average price of regular jumped 14 cents in Natrona County last week, to $3.40 a gallon.
Albany and Campbell Counties now has the cheapest gas in the state, at $3.37.
Teton County remains the highest, at $4.61.
Converse County averaged $3.81 a gallon on Monday. 092022
Triple AAA says the statewide average cost for regular gasoline stands at $3.80 per gallon on Monday, down about a penny from a week ago.
Meanwhile, the national average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline stands at $3.67, down from $3.71 a week ago.
The average price of regular jumped 14 cents in Natrona County last week, to $3.40 a gallon.
Albany and Campbell Counties now has the cheapest gas in the state, at $3.37.
Teton County remains the highest, at $4.61.
Converse County averaged $3.81 a gallon on Monday. 092022
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Douglas drivers have a new way across town.
The Pearson Street extension opens this afternoon. Pearson Street is on the west side of the North Platte River...Until today, it's come to a dead end in a field just south of Flicker Street. But city officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning on the extension that will connect West Riverbend and West Yellowstone on the west side of the river. Douglas Upper Elementary and Douglas Intermediate Schools are at the north end of the street... Douglas Middle School is at the south end... . Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says the new street will change traffic patterns... |
The new street will also improve access into the neighborhood for fire, ambulance and other emergency vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Power is putting the final touches on street lights this afternoon.
Douglas Public Works Director John Harbarger says the street should be open to the public by 5 this evening. 091922
Rocky Mountain Power is putting the final touches on street lights this afternoon.
Douglas Public Works Director John Harbarger says the street should be open to the public by 5 this evening. 091922
Sheep producers from across the West come to Douglas this week.
The Wyoming Wool Growers Association will host the the 94th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds.
The sale offers the highest quality range rams, stud rams, and rams for those with smaller flocks as well.
It's also a time when sheep producers get together to visit, discuss the industry, and renew old, and make new, acquaintances.
The event opens with a free reception Monday night at 6 at the Douglas Moose Lodge.
The Sale begins Tuesday morning at 11 on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. The sale will be broadcast live on DVAuction. 091222
The Wyoming Wool Growers Association will host the the 94th Annual Wyoming State Ram Sale at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds.
The sale offers the highest quality range rams, stud rams, and rams for those with smaller flocks as well.
It's also a time when sheep producers get together to visit, discuss the industry, and renew old, and make new, acquaintances.
The event opens with a free reception Monday night at 6 at the Douglas Moose Lodge.
The Sale begins Tuesday morning at 11 on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. The sale will be broadcast live on DVAuction. 091222
