KKTY News...
KKTY Noon News Wed 2/20/19
Two crew members were injured and diesel fuel was spilled into the North Platte River when two BNSF coal trains wrecked in Wendover Canyon near Guernsey Monday afternoon.
The railway company says a loaded BNSF coal train hit the rear of another BNSF coal train about 15 miles west of Guernsey. The impact resulted in 3 derailed locomotives and 4 derailed cars. Two crew members sustained non-life threatening injuries and were treated and released from a local hospital.
Worst case, as much as 6,000 gallons of fuel may have leaked out of the locomotives. Crews have placed a containment boom in the North Platte River at the leading edge of the diesel fuel, and outflow has been cut back from Glendo Reservoir to limit dispersal of the fuel in the river.
BNSF crews are working to clear the site and restore the track. The incident is under investigation. 020519
The railway company says a loaded BNSF coal train hit the rear of another BNSF coal train about 15 miles west of Guernsey. The impact resulted in 3 derailed locomotives and 4 derailed cars. Two crew members sustained non-life threatening injuries and were treated and released from a local hospital.
Worst case, as much as 6,000 gallons of fuel may have leaked out of the locomotives. Crews have placed a containment boom in the North Platte River at the leading edge of the diesel fuel, and outflow has been cut back from Glendo Reservoir to limit dispersal of the fuel in the river.
BNSF crews are working to clear the site and restore the track. The incident is under investigation. 020519
Several proposals that would raise taxes on wind energy in Wyoming have died in the state Legislature.
The bills included one to raise the $1 per megawatt hour tax to $4 per megawatt hour and another to add $4 to the existing tax for a total of $5 per megawatt hour.
A third proposal that would have imposed a five-year escalating tax also died.
The wind tax may still come up again in a different forum. Republican Sen. Cale Case, of Lander, has been a proponent of raising the tax for years and has encouraged an initiative attempt to put the wind tax on the ballot in 2020.
The wind energy business is alive and well here in Converse County.
Construction is slated to begin this spring on Rocky Mountain Power's 400 MW Cedar Springs wind project north of Douglas. The wind farm will have more than 150 turbines, and will be located north of I-25 and west of the Energy Highway, Highway 59. 020519
The bills included one to raise the $1 per megawatt hour tax to $4 per megawatt hour and another to add $4 to the existing tax for a total of $5 per megawatt hour.
A third proposal that would have imposed a five-year escalating tax also died.
The wind tax may still come up again in a different forum. Republican Sen. Cale Case, of Lander, has been a proponent of raising the tax for years and has encouraged an initiative attempt to put the wind tax on the ballot in 2020.
The wind energy business is alive and well here in Converse County.
Construction is slated to begin this spring on Rocky Mountain Power's 400 MW Cedar Springs wind project north of Douglas. The wind farm will have more than 150 turbines, and will be located north of I-25 and west of the Energy Highway, Highway 59. 020519
Glenrock's big summer festival is taking a new page on the calendar.
Faced with competition from other events, organizers for Deer Creek Days have chosen to move the event. Traditionally, Deer Creek Days has been held the first week in August. Beartrap Summer Music festival moved to the same weekend several years ago, and rather than continuing to compete for vendors and attendance, the Deer Creek group chose to move their event to June 21st, 22nd and 23rd.
The Deer Creek Days volunteers will meet again on Thursday, February 7th at 6 p.m. at the Glenrock Town Hall. 020119
Faced with competition from other events, organizers for Deer Creek Days have chosen to move the event. Traditionally, Deer Creek Days has been held the first week in August. Beartrap Summer Music festival moved to the same weekend several years ago, and rather than continuing to compete for vendors and attendance, the Deer Creek group chose to move their event to June 21st, 22nd and 23rd.
The Deer Creek Days volunteers will meet again on Thursday, February 7th at 6 p.m. at the Glenrock Town Hall. 020119
Wyoming beef is finding its way to dinner tables in Taiwan.
Chester Chu is director of the Wyoming-Asia Pacific Trade Office. Chu says Taiwan relies completely on imported beef. He said is a growing middle class with disposable income, plus an increasing taste and demand for American beef. Chu says retail price for beef in Taiwan is likely to more than make up for the cost of exporting it.
The state opened the Wyoming-Asia Pacific Trade Office in Taipei, Taiwan, and hired Chu in the fall of 2018 after the Legislature allocated money from the state’s general fund to encourage the export of products and services from Wyoming to national and international markets. Chu made his first visit to Wyoming last week. He will make another trip later this year.
More details on this story from the Wyoming Business Council. 013019
Chester Chu is director of the Wyoming-Asia Pacific Trade Office. Chu says Taiwan relies completely on imported beef. He said is a growing middle class with disposable income, plus an increasing taste and demand for American beef. Chu says retail price for beef in Taiwan is likely to more than make up for the cost of exporting it.
The state opened the Wyoming-Asia Pacific Trade Office in Taipei, Taiwan, and hired Chu in the fall of 2018 after the Legislature allocated money from the state’s general fund to encourage the export of products and services from Wyoming to national and international markets. Chu made his first visit to Wyoming last week. He will make another trip later this year.
More details on this story from the Wyoming Business Council. 013019
Kinder Morgan and Tallgrass Energy have announced a joint oil pipeline project in the Rockies that will leverage their existing assets to move rapidly growing oil volumes out of the region.
The proposed joint venture will increase the existing oil takeaway capacity in the Powder River and DJ Basins as well as add incremental capacity to the Bakken Shale region and Western Canada.
Tallgrass Energy would contribute its Pony Express Pipeline System, which begins at Guernsey and moves oil from Wyoming and Colorado.
Kinder Morgan will contribute portions of its Wyoming Interstate Company system and Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline -- which it will convert to crude oil service -- to the partnership. The companies will also construct 200 miles of new pipeline.
Overall, the system would be capable of transporting 800,000 BPD of light crude oil produced out of shale plays like the Bakken and Powder River Basin. The system would move this oil to Kinder Morgan's Deeprock terminal in Cushing, Oklahoma. 012419
The proposed joint venture will increase the existing oil takeaway capacity in the Powder River and DJ Basins as well as add incremental capacity to the Bakken Shale region and Western Canada.
Tallgrass Energy would contribute its Pony Express Pipeline System, which begins at Guernsey and moves oil from Wyoming and Colorado.
Kinder Morgan will contribute portions of its Wyoming Interstate Company system and Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline -- which it will convert to crude oil service -- to the partnership. The companies will also construct 200 miles of new pipeline.
Overall, the system would be capable of transporting 800,000 BPD of light crude oil produced out of shale plays like the Bakken and Powder River Basin. The system would move this oil to Kinder Morgan's Deeprock terminal in Cushing, Oklahoma. 012419
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon is looking at at least three potential sites for the experimental coal-generating plant he wants to build in the state.
Governor Gordon said Friday that the Integrated Test Center near Gillette is one possibility. The other potential sites include the Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock and the Jim Bridger Plant in Sweetwater County.
Gordon has asked state lawmakers for $10 million to build a 5-megawatt plant that would be capable of capturing at least 75 percent of its carbon emissions.
The money would be used to leverage up to $40 million in federal grant funding to supplement the work of the test center, a research facility at the Dry Fork Station power plant. 012019
Governor Gordon said Friday that the Integrated Test Center near Gillette is one possibility. The other potential sites include the Dave Johnston Power Plant at Glenrock and the Jim Bridger Plant in Sweetwater County.
Gordon has asked state lawmakers for $10 million to build a 5-megawatt plant that would be capable of capturing at least 75 percent of its carbon emissions.
The money would be used to leverage up to $40 million in federal grant funding to supplement the work of the test center, a research facility at the Dry Fork Station power plant. 012019
Legislation that would repeal the death penalty in Wyoming has been introduced in the state Legislature.
Republican Rep. Jared Olsen, of Cheyenne, and Republican Sen. Brian Boner, of Douglas, are the main sponsors of House Bill 145, which would leave life in prison without parole as the most severe penalty available.
Olsen says the death penalty is costly and ineffective, noting that the state public defender office spends about $750,000 a year in taxpayer money on capital cases.
The Legislative Service Office estimates the elimination of the death penalty would save the state that amount of money each year.
Boner says the state has not executed anyone in 27 years and currently has no inmates on death row. 011619
Republican Rep. Jared Olsen, of Cheyenne, and Republican Sen. Brian Boner, of Douglas, are the main sponsors of House Bill 145, which would leave life in prison without parole as the most severe penalty available.
Olsen says the death penalty is costly and ineffective, noting that the state public defender office spends about $750,000 a year in taxpayer money on capital cases.
The Legislative Service Office estimates the elimination of the death penalty would save the state that amount of money each year.
Boner says the state has not executed anyone in 27 years and currently has no inmates on death row. 011619
The Converse County Commissioners have set their leadership for the next two years.
At their first meeting of 2019 last Wednesday, the commissioners elected Robert Short to serve as commission chairman. Jim Willox will serve as vice-chair.
The commissioners also chose Willox to serve on the Wyoming County Commissioners Association Board of Directors for a two-year term, and Chairman Short appointed commissioners Tony Lehner, Mike Colling and Jim Willox as voting members of the Converse County Municipal and Joint Powers Board.
The next official meeting of the Converse County Commission is Tuesday, January 15th. 010719
At their first meeting of 2019 last Wednesday, the commissioners elected Robert Short to serve as commission chairman. Jim Willox will serve as vice-chair.
The commissioners also chose Willox to serve on the Wyoming County Commissioners Association Board of Directors for a two-year term, and Chairman Short appointed commissioners Tony Lehner, Mike Colling and Jim Willox as voting members of the Converse County Municipal and Joint Powers Board.
The next official meeting of the Converse County Commission is Tuesday, January 15th. 010719
Two Niobrara County men died in an accident Thursday evening on Highway 18/20 just west of Lusk.
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the area for a two-vehicle collision at 6:13 pm.
A 1999 Chevrolet truck was traveling west on US 18/20 when the vehicle crossed the center line and entered the eastbound lane colliding head-on with a 1997 Pontiac car.
The driver of the Pontiac has been identified as 29-year-old Lusk, Wyoming resident Kyle Blake.
The driver of the Chevrolet has been identified as 76-year-old Manville, Wyoming resident Ewart Johnson. Both men died at the scene of the crash. 010419
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the area for a two-vehicle collision at 6:13 pm.
A 1999 Chevrolet truck was traveling west on US 18/20 when the vehicle crossed the center line and entered the eastbound lane colliding head-on with a 1997 Pontiac car.
The driver of the Pontiac has been identified as 29-year-old Lusk, Wyoming resident Kyle Blake.
The driver of the Chevrolet has been identified as 76-year-old Manville, Wyoming resident Ewart Johnson. Both men died at the scene of the crash. 010419
A Washington man died Wednesday in a two-car accident about nine miles south of Wheatland on I-25.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says a 2004 Toyota Corolla had pulled off the interstate in the emergency lane to investigate a strange noise coming from the vehicle. A passenger in the vehicle was standing in front of the car, when a farm tractor hauling hay collided with the stopped vehicle. The tractor came to a stop partially blocking the northbound lanes of the interstate. The driver of the tractor backed up to clear the interstate and hit the passenger of the Toyota.
21-year-old Lacey, Washington resident John Steele died from his injuries at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the farm tractor was a Wheatland resident and was not injured.
This is the 1st fatality on Wyoming’s highways in 2019. 010419
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says a 2004 Toyota Corolla had pulled off the interstate in the emergency lane to investigate a strange noise coming from the vehicle. A passenger in the vehicle was standing in front of the car, when a farm tractor hauling hay collided with the stopped vehicle. The tractor came to a stop partially blocking the northbound lanes of the interstate. The driver of the tractor backed up to clear the interstate and hit the passenger of the Toyota.
21-year-old Lacey, Washington resident John Steele died from his injuries at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the farm tractor was a Wheatland resident and was not injured.
This is the 1st fatality on Wyoming’s highways in 2019. 010419
Chesapeake Energy CEO Doug Lawler tells the Wall Street Journal that lower oil prices stress a company like Chesapeake, but the Oklahoma City-based company plans to dedicate at least 80% of 2019 capital expenditures to oil production because it sees crude as the key to a more profitable future.
Lawler says Chesapeake needs to produce more in order to improve cash flow, and its operations here in the Powder River Basin, where it added a fifth drilling rig last year, will be a test; it costs CHK ~$8M to drill and frack each of its wells in Wyoming, compared with ~$6M per well in the Eagle Ford shale of South Texas, but the company says the extra expense is worth it because Powder River Basin wells are more prolific.
Chesapeake says it has fine-tuned its approach so that its Wyoming wells can generate returns at $25-$35/bbl oil, which is well below the overall Powder River Basin average of $47, but those breakeven prices do not include full corporate overhead or land costs; consulting firm RS Energy says the average all-inclusive breakeven for Powder River is still at $61/bbl. 010319
Lawler says Chesapeake needs to produce more in order to improve cash flow, and its operations here in the Powder River Basin, where it added a fifth drilling rig last year, will be a test; it costs CHK ~$8M to drill and frack each of its wells in Wyoming, compared with ~$6M per well in the Eagle Ford shale of South Texas, but the company says the extra expense is worth it because Powder River Basin wells are more prolific.
Chesapeake says it has fine-tuned its approach so that its Wyoming wells can generate returns at $25-$35/bbl oil, which is well below the overall Powder River Basin average of $47, but those breakeven prices do not include full corporate overhead or land costs; consulting firm RS Energy says the average all-inclusive breakeven for Powder River is still at $61/bbl. 010319
Recent data shows Wyoming's average rate of unemployment remains higher than national numbers.
The U.S. unemployment rate currently sits at 3.7 percent compared to Wyoming's 4.2 percent.
The state's gradual climb out of a simultaneous bust in coal, oil and gas has yet to fill the gaps in jobs and state income created by the downturn. But a year and a half of favorable crude prices has shifted job numbers, particularly in areas of the state where activity in the oil and gas fields predominates.
Converse County's been a particular bright spot.
In just one month – from September to October – the unemployment rate in Converse County dropped from 3.6 percent to 3.1 percent. Converse is the richest area for current and anticipated oil and gas drilling and production in the state. The county hit a three-year record for applications for drilling permits in March of this year, when more than 1,000 applications were submitted to the state. 112718
The U.S. unemployment rate currently sits at 3.7 percent compared to Wyoming's 4.2 percent.
The state's gradual climb out of a simultaneous bust in coal, oil and gas has yet to fill the gaps in jobs and state income created by the downturn. But a year and a half of favorable crude prices has shifted job numbers, particularly in areas of the state where activity in the oil and gas fields predominates.
Converse County's been a particular bright spot.
In just one month – from September to October – the unemployment rate in Converse County dropped from 3.6 percent to 3.1 percent. Converse is the richest area for current and anticipated oil and gas drilling and production in the state. The county hit a three-year record for applications for drilling permits in March of this year, when more than 1,000 applications were submitted to the state. 112718
The Douglas Boys and Girls Club got another green light last night.
After discussion of proper fencing to go around the playground at the back of the building, the Douglas City Council voted 5-0 Monday night to approve development plans for a new facility to be built at 802 Riverbend, just west of the river and just off West Yellowstone.
An acre and a half of land has been donated to the Boys and Girls Club. The planned facility will be just over 13,000 square feet, and will replace the old city-owned building on 4th Street.
The Douglas Boys and Girls Club program is growing, serving 290 kids in 2018, a 15 percent increase over 2017.
A fundraising campaign is underway for the $7 million dollar project. 112718
After discussion of proper fencing to go around the playground at the back of the building, the Douglas City Council voted 5-0 Monday night to approve development plans for a new facility to be built at 802 Riverbend, just west of the river and just off West Yellowstone.
An acre and a half of land has been donated to the Boys and Girls Club. The planned facility will be just over 13,000 square feet, and will replace the old city-owned building on 4th Street.
The Douglas Boys and Girls Club program is growing, serving 290 kids in 2018, a 15 percent increase over 2017.
A fundraising campaign is underway for the $7 million dollar project. 112718
The state will pay communities in southern Wyoming a little over $5 million to address the economic impact of two proposed wind energy projects.
The Industrial Siting Council approved wind projects near Medicine Bow and Evanston last month, along with impact funding for nearby towns that will face an influx of workers and additional traffic.
The 100-turbine Ekola Flats wind project proposed near Medicine Bow will be owned and operated by Rocky Mountain Power.
Carbon and Albany counties will receive about $4.8 million during construction of the Ekola Flats project. The companies hope to have the wind farms built before federal tax credits are scheduled to end in 2020.
Converse County will be in line for similar impact funding next year when Rocky Mountain Power begins construction of the 400 megawatt Cedar Springs wind farm 20 miles north of Douglas. 112618
The Industrial Siting Council approved wind projects near Medicine Bow and Evanston last month, along with impact funding for nearby towns that will face an influx of workers and additional traffic.
The 100-turbine Ekola Flats wind project proposed near Medicine Bow will be owned and operated by Rocky Mountain Power.
Carbon and Albany counties will receive about $4.8 million during construction of the Ekola Flats project. The companies hope to have the wind farms built before federal tax credits are scheduled to end in 2020.
Converse County will be in line for similar impact funding next year when Rocky Mountain Power begins construction of the 400 megawatt Cedar Springs wind farm 20 miles north of Douglas. 112618
Cloud Peak Energy could be up for sale.
As the coal company continues to face pressure from financial losses, Cloud Peak Energy has announced it’s reviewing the company’s “strategic alternatives,” which include the possibility of selling the company.
Cloud Peak is one of the largest coal producers in the United States and the only Powder River Basin-only play, operating the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Campbell County and the Spring Creek mine, north of Sheridan, Wyoming, in Montana. The company has about 1300 employees.
While Cloud Peak explores its financial options moving forward, just what moves or transactions it could make remain fluid.
The company's press release also says the board has not set a specific timetable for further action. 111418
As the coal company continues to face pressure from financial losses, Cloud Peak Energy has announced it’s reviewing the company’s “strategic alternatives,” which include the possibility of selling the company.
Cloud Peak is one of the largest coal producers in the United States and the only Powder River Basin-only play, operating the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Campbell County and the Spring Creek mine, north of Sheridan, Wyoming, in Montana. The company has about 1300 employees.
While Cloud Peak explores its financial options moving forward, just what moves or transactions it could make remain fluid.
The company's press release also says the board has not set a specific timetable for further action. 111418
The booming oil business brings another record month for Converse County's checkbook.
County-wide sales tax collections hit another high, reaching $7.56 million in September, the largest volume since March 2015, when sales tax totaled $8.5 million.
The Energy & Mining sector led collections, with $3.7 million during the month. That compares to $2.5 million in sales tax received a year ago in September 2017.
For a complete look at the county's financial information, see the County's transparency portal at conversecountywy.opengov.com. 111418
County-wide sales tax collections hit another high, reaching $7.56 million in September, the largest volume since March 2015, when sales tax totaled $8.5 million.
The Energy & Mining sector led collections, with $3.7 million during the month. That compares to $2.5 million in sales tax received a year ago in September 2017.
For a complete look at the county's financial information, see the County's transparency portal at conversecountywy.opengov.com. 111418
If your family traditions include setting up the Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving, here's your cue.
Permits to cut Christmas trees on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are now available at multiple locations in Colorado and Wyoming, including the Douglas Ranger District office.
Each permit costs $10 and allows for the cutting of one tree on National Forest System Lands. There is a limit of five permits per household. Trees must be for personal use, not for resale. The permit must be clearly displayed around the stem of the tree before leaving the cutting area.
There's other regulations about what and where you can cut.
Stop by the Douglas Ranger District Office at 2250 E. Richards St. for permits and more information.
They're open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12-1 p.m.) 111418
Permits to cut Christmas trees on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests are now available at multiple locations in Colorado and Wyoming, including the Douglas Ranger District office.
Each permit costs $10 and allows for the cutting of one tree on National Forest System Lands. There is a limit of five permits per household. Trees must be for personal use, not for resale. The permit must be clearly displayed around the stem of the tree before leaving the cutting area.
There's other regulations about what and where you can cut.
Stop by the Douglas Ranger District Office at 2250 E. Richards St. for permits and more information.
They're open Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12-1 p.m.) 111418
Ballots are counted in Converse County, and the people have made their choices.
In general election polling on Tuesday, Douglas residents have chosen current city councilwoman Rene Kemper to serve as the next mayor of the City of Douglas. Kemper received 1197 votes on Tuesday. Phil Romero received 682 votes.
For city council, two seats were open, and voters gave newcomer Kim Pexton 1121 votes, and incumbant John Bartling 1031. Karl Hertz got 906 votes. Pexton and Bartling will take the two available seats.
A third seat on the council will come open when Kemper begins her job as mayor, and the council will then choose someone to fill the remainder of her term. Speculation has it that either Hertz or Romero could be named to the soon-to-be-open seat, since both showed interest in a job with city government, or the council could name someone else.
In the town of Glenrock, current Councilman Bruce Roumell will move into the mayors chair, as he beat Linda Care-Smith 565 to 264.
Two seats were open on the Glenrock town council, and it's the same situation as in Douglas... a third seat will come open for appointment when Roumell becomes mayor.
The top vote getters for Glenrock Town Council were Annabelle "Boots" Faunce with 612 and Roy Kincaid with 403. Faunce and Kincaid will be seated on the town council. Tiffany Larramendy received 333 votes, and Russ Dalgarn got 209.
Four candidates were running for two open seats on the CCSD 2 school board in Glenrock... the top vote getters were Casey Tillard and Tracy Bopp.
Four people running for two seats as Conservation District rural supervisors... Sharon Lovett and Doug Horner win those slots.
Five people running for three open seats on the Glenrock hospital board... those go to Melody Dugan, Sharon Burns and Linda Care-Smith.
And a strong write in campaign for the newly-created senior citizens board trustees, but non of the write-ins got enough votes to challenge the names on the ballot. The five who'll serve as trustees are Tim Ricker, Billy Canday, Joanne Desmarais, Kathy Patceg and Ron Yates.
Tax issues, both the optional 5th cent sales tax and the lodging tax were passed again and will remain in effect in Converse County.
72 percent voter turnout in Converse County for Tuesday's general election. The county marked 6936 registered voters, and exactly 5000 ballots were filled out and turned in. 110618
Complete Converse County Vote Counts HERE
In general election polling on Tuesday, Douglas residents have chosen current city councilwoman Rene Kemper to serve as the next mayor of the City of Douglas. Kemper received 1197 votes on Tuesday. Phil Romero received 682 votes.
For city council, two seats were open, and voters gave newcomer Kim Pexton 1121 votes, and incumbant John Bartling 1031. Karl Hertz got 906 votes. Pexton and Bartling will take the two available seats.
A third seat on the council will come open when Kemper begins her job as mayor, and the council will then choose someone to fill the remainder of her term. Speculation has it that either Hertz or Romero could be named to the soon-to-be-open seat, since both showed interest in a job with city government, or the council could name someone else.
In the town of Glenrock, current Councilman Bruce Roumell will move into the mayors chair, as he beat Linda Care-Smith 565 to 264.
Two seats were open on the Glenrock town council, and it's the same situation as in Douglas... a third seat will come open for appointment when Roumell becomes mayor.
The top vote getters for Glenrock Town Council were Annabelle "Boots" Faunce with 612 and Roy Kincaid with 403. Faunce and Kincaid will be seated on the town council. Tiffany Larramendy received 333 votes, and Russ Dalgarn got 209.
Four candidates were running for two open seats on the CCSD 2 school board in Glenrock... the top vote getters were Casey Tillard and Tracy Bopp.
Four people running for two seats as Conservation District rural supervisors... Sharon Lovett and Doug Horner win those slots.
Five people running for three open seats on the Glenrock hospital board... those go to Melody Dugan, Sharon Burns and Linda Care-Smith.
And a strong write in campaign for the newly-created senior citizens board trustees, but non of the write-ins got enough votes to challenge the names on the ballot. The five who'll serve as trustees are Tim Ricker, Billy Canday, Joanne Desmarais, Kathy Patceg and Ron Yates.
Tax issues, both the optional 5th cent sales tax and the lodging tax were passed again and will remain in effect in Converse County.
72 percent voter turnout in Converse County for Tuesday's general election. The county marked 6936 registered voters, and exactly 5000 ballots were filled out and turned in. 110618
Complete Converse County Vote Counts HERE
Veterans Day is this Sunday, November 11th.
Converse County School District #1 invites all veterans of our military branches to attend the Veteran’s Day Assembly this Friday, November 9th at 10 AM at the Rec Center gym at Douglas High School.
If you wish to be recognized during the assembly as a veteran of one of the military branches, please contact Douglas High School at 358-2940.
Check-in for veterans will be Friday morning at 9:15 AM in the Rec Center lobby. 110618
Converse County School District #1 invites all veterans of our military branches to attend the Veteran’s Day Assembly this Friday, November 9th at 10 AM at the Rec Center gym at Douglas High School.
If you wish to be recognized during the assembly as a veteran of one of the military branches, please contact Douglas High School at 358-2940.
Check-in for veterans will be Friday morning at 9:15 AM in the Rec Center lobby. 110618
Retired coal miners from the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines in Campbell County will lose their medical benefits as Gillette-based Cloud Peak Energy continues to find areas to narrow liabilities in a strained coal market.
Current retirees will continue to obtain benefits until the end of the year and then receive a lump sum, according to the company.
Cloud Peak will maintain an unfunded medical plan that covers limited medical needs for some retirees.
The change, which was announced to employees in August and made public this week, slashes $24.7 million from Cloud Peak’s benefits obligation. 110118
Current retirees will continue to obtain benefits until the end of the year and then receive a lump sum, according to the company.
Cloud Peak will maintain an unfunded medical plan that covers limited medical needs for some retirees.
The change, which was announced to employees in August and made public this week, slashes $24.7 million from Cloud Peak’s benefits obligation. 110118
A new economic report says Wyoming enjoyed its largest one-year rebound in sales, lodging and use tax collections in more than a decade this year.
But the report Monday from Wyoming's Economic Analysis Division shows that total tax collections are still 15 percent lower than they were before the 2015 economic downturn.
An improving energy sector fueled by increases in oil and natural gas prices and rising levels of mining activity accounted for most of the tax revenue gains this year.
Though annual sales tax collections increased in all but three counties across the state, the largest jumps were seen in the energy producing counties, especially Converse, Sublette and Niobrara.
Tax collections generated by drilling rose by more than 57 percent this year. 110118
But the report Monday from Wyoming's Economic Analysis Division shows that total tax collections are still 15 percent lower than they were before the 2015 economic downturn.
An improving energy sector fueled by increases in oil and natural gas prices and rising levels of mining activity accounted for most of the tax revenue gains this year.
Though annual sales tax collections increased in all but three counties across the state, the largest jumps were seen in the energy producing counties, especially Converse, Sublette and Niobrara.
Tax collections generated by drilling rose by more than 57 percent this year. 110118
A Douglas doctor is honored as a regional educator.
The University of Washington Department of Medicine has named John Thalken, M.D. as a recipient of the 2017-2018 WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Faculty Award.
Dr. Thalken is one of six recipients that were selected for this award from more than 325 University of Washington clinical faculty members in the Department of Medicine from the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI). The recognition is based on medical student nominations and committee selection for “demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to the teaching of medical students and residents.” Dr. Thalken is an Internist at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. 103018
The University of Washington Department of Medicine has named John Thalken, M.D. as a recipient of the 2017-2018 WWAMI Excellence in Teaching Faculty Award.
Dr. Thalken is one of six recipients that were selected for this award from more than 325 University of Washington clinical faculty members in the Department of Medicine from the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho (WWAMI). The recognition is based on medical student nominations and committee selection for “demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to the teaching of medical students and residents.” Dr. Thalken is an Internist at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. 103018
Charges have been filed related to a death in Douglas last week.
Douglas police were called out Wednesday night to a residence in the 500 block of South 5th Street, where a dead man was found.
Police Chief Ron Casalenda says formal criminal charges of aggravated assault and one count of 2nd degree murder have been filed against 30-year-old Maxwell B. Schwartz, a recent resident of Douglas. The victim in the case has been identified as 32-year-old Joseph J. Schwartz.
Maxwell Schwartz is being held pending further court appearances.
Casalenda says the case remains under investigation. 102218
Douglas police were called out Wednesday night to a residence in the 500 block of South 5th Street, where a dead man was found.
Police Chief Ron Casalenda says formal criminal charges of aggravated assault and one count of 2nd degree murder have been filed against 30-year-old Maxwell B. Schwartz, a recent resident of Douglas. The victim in the case has been identified as 32-year-old Joseph J. Schwartz.
Maxwell Schwartz is being held pending further court appearances.
Casalenda says the case remains under investigation. 102218
As the energy industry continues to pick up in Converse County, so does heavy truck traffic, and the Douglas City Council is considering changes to regulate that traffic inside the city limits.
The Council tonight will consider changes to city ordinance that will adjust truck routes in the city.
Those changes would remove truck route designations on 4th Street from Cedar south to Richards, and on Center between 4th and the Brownfield Road/Yellowstone Highway intersection. It would also remove the truck route designation from LaBonte Road between Richards and the north end of Irvine Road.
The proposed changes would effectively push heavy truck traffic out of the downtown core and the residential parts of 4th Street south of downtown. Truck routes would be focused on Highway 59 and South Riverbend, Yellowstone to Brownfield, north and south on Brownfield, and east & west on Richards. Truck routes would also be designated on North 4th Street from the Highway 59 bypass to Cedar Street, and Cedar Street between 4th and East Antelope Road.
Council will consider the ordinance changes at tonight's Douglas City Council Meeting, 5:30pm at Douglas City Hall. Those meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve Cable Channel 61. 100818
The Council tonight will consider changes to city ordinance that will adjust truck routes in the city.
Those changes would remove truck route designations on 4th Street from Cedar south to Richards, and on Center between 4th and the Brownfield Road/Yellowstone Highway intersection. It would also remove the truck route designation from LaBonte Road between Richards and the north end of Irvine Road.
The proposed changes would effectively push heavy truck traffic out of the downtown core and the residential parts of 4th Street south of downtown. Truck routes would be focused on Highway 59 and South Riverbend, Yellowstone to Brownfield, north and south on Brownfield, and east & west on Richards. Truck routes would also be designated on North 4th Street from the Highway 59 bypass to Cedar Street, and Cedar Street between 4th and East Antelope Road.
Council will consider the ordinance changes at tonight's Douglas City Council Meeting, 5:30pm at Douglas City Hall. Those meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live on Vyve Cable Channel 61. 100818
The Douglas City Council meets tonight for their second meeting of September.
On the agenda, a request to re-plat several lots on the south end of Jefferson Street across from Bartling Park. Owner Andy Henson is asking the city to re-plat 11 lots into three lots. 10 of the lots currently have 25-foot frontages and are currently zone MH-1 for mobile homes. In his request, Henson says he wishes to replat his lots to allow for the construction of an accessory structure to the existing single-family residence on one lot and the creation of two additional lots of sufficient size for additional single-family residences.
Council will also consider a request for a 15-foot easement with Black Hillls Gas Distribution that would run along the railroad tracks from north of West Richards Street south to Robin Lane.
Council meets this evening at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Council meetings are open to the public, and are also broadcast live in Douglas on Vyve Cable channel 61. 092418
On the agenda, a request to re-plat several lots on the south end of Jefferson Street across from Bartling Park. Owner Andy Henson is asking the city to re-plat 11 lots into three lots. 10 of the lots currently have 25-foot frontages and are currently zone MH-1 for mobile homes. In his request, Henson says he wishes to replat his lots to allow for the construction of an accessory structure to the existing single-family residence on one lot and the creation of two additional lots of sufficient size for additional single-family residences.
Council will also consider a request for a 15-foot easement with Black Hillls Gas Distribution that would run along the railroad tracks from north of West Richards Street south to Robin Lane.
Council meets this evening at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Council meetings are open to the public, and are also broadcast live in Douglas on Vyve Cable channel 61. 092418
Genesis Energy is cashing in its Converse County assets.
The Houston-based company announced Tuesday that they'll sell their Powder River Basin midstream assets in Wyoming for about $300 million to an affiliate of Silver Creek Midstream, headquartered in Irving, Texas.
The assets include the Genesis Powder River Basin Pipeline in Converse County, with connections into southern Campbell County and the Lance Creek field in Niobrara County. Genesis also owned the Pronghorn Terminal rail facility 15 miles north of Douglas, and trucking and crude oil and supply operations here in Douglas.
Genesis plans to use proceeds from the sale to reduce the balance outstanding under its revolving credit facility. 090518
The Houston-based company announced Tuesday that they'll sell their Powder River Basin midstream assets in Wyoming for about $300 million to an affiliate of Silver Creek Midstream, headquartered in Irving, Texas.
The assets include the Genesis Powder River Basin Pipeline in Converse County, with connections into southern Campbell County and the Lance Creek field in Niobrara County. Genesis also owned the Pronghorn Terminal rail facility 15 miles north of Douglas, and trucking and crude oil and supply operations here in Douglas.
Genesis plans to use proceeds from the sale to reduce the balance outstanding under its revolving credit facility. 090518
A Douglas man has died from injuries received in a motorcycle accident.
35 year old David Wright was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in the 600 block of North Wind River in Douglas on Monday morning. The Douglas Police Department says Wright had severe injuries, was taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County, and transferred to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. DPD was notified of Wright's death on Tuesday morning.
The police department says Wright was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor to the crash.
The Douglas Police Department and the Wyoming Highway Patrol are investigating the incident. 090518
35 year old David Wright was involved in a single-vehicle motorcycle accident in the 600 block of North Wind River in Douglas on Monday morning. The Douglas Police Department says Wright had severe injuries, was taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County, and transferred to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper. DPD was notified of Wright's death on Tuesday morning.
The police department says Wright was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Alcohol is being investigated as a contributing factor to the crash.
The Douglas Police Department and the Wyoming Highway Patrol are investigating the incident. 090518
A Douglas woman has been named to the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Governor Matt Mead has appointed Kari Jo Gray to the state's highest Court.
A native of Lusk and long-time Douglas resident, Gray has served as Governor Mead’s Chief of Staff since the Governor first took office in January 2011.
Previously, in partnership with Frank D. Peasley, she was in private practice for twelve years in Douglas.
Under Governor Geringer, Gray served as Director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services from November 1999-November 2000.
She has a law degree from the University of Wyoming.
Gray replaces Justice E. James Burke who has served on the Court since 2005 and retires effective October 8, 2018. 090518
Governor Matt Mead has appointed Kari Jo Gray to the state's highest Court.
A native of Lusk and long-time Douglas resident, Gray has served as Governor Mead’s Chief of Staff since the Governor first took office in January 2011.
Previously, in partnership with Frank D. Peasley, she was in private practice for twelve years in Douglas.
Under Governor Geringer, Gray served as Director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services from November 1999-November 2000.
She has a law degree from the University of Wyoming.
Gray replaces Justice E. James Burke who has served on the Court since 2005 and retires effective October 8, 2018. 090518
Firefighters burned out areas in advance of the Britania Fire Sunday in Platte and Albany counties.
Most recent numbers, the fire has burned about 32,089 acres since it started a week ago Sunday. Containment now stands at 77 percent.
Firefighters on Sunday successfully completed the firing operations on the southwestern and western flanks of the fire. Crews used indirect firelines and existing barriers, like the Palmer Canyon Road, to secure the firing operation. The burnout operation removed fuels ahead of the fire as it advanced south.
On Monday, crews focused on holding and improving the established firelines. Crews continued mopping up the current fire perimeter on the west and southwest sides to improve containment lines.
494 firefighters are now on the line, and a few firefighters have been released to go work other fires in the West. 090418
Most recent numbers, the fire has burned about 32,089 acres since it started a week ago Sunday. Containment now stands at 77 percent.
Firefighters on Sunday successfully completed the firing operations on the southwestern and western flanks of the fire. Crews used indirect firelines and existing barriers, like the Palmer Canyon Road, to secure the firing operation. The burnout operation removed fuels ahead of the fire as it advanced south.
On Monday, crews focused on holding and improving the established firelines. Crews continued mopping up the current fire perimeter on the west and southwest sides to improve containment lines.
494 firefighters are now on the line, and a few firefighters have been released to go work other fires in the West. 090418
The Britania Fire may affect hunters this fall... that's the word from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Wheatland Wildlife Biologist Martin Hicks said the fire is burning in a popular area for hunters, including elk hunt area 7, deer hunt area 64 and antelope hunt area 103.
Hicks said quite a few people hunt in this area and they want to give these hunters a heads-up so that they have time to find other areas to scout and hunt for their game.
Hicks said wildlife are usually quick to escape the flames, but the fire will displace some animals. He said larger big game species that are more transient will move through the burned area and not stop until forage has returned in future years and other species like birds and small game will return in time too. 090418
Wheatland Wildlife Biologist Martin Hicks said the fire is burning in a popular area for hunters, including elk hunt area 7, deer hunt area 64 and antelope hunt area 103.
Hicks said quite a few people hunt in this area and they want to give these hunters a heads-up so that they have time to find other areas to scout and hunt for their game.
Hicks said wildlife are usually quick to escape the flames, but the fire will displace some animals. He said larger big game species that are more transient will move through the burned area and not stop until forage has returned in future years and other species like birds and small game will return in time too. 090418
Primary Election 2018, with all 19 Converse County Precincts tallied, here's the unofficial results...
Non-partisan town and city races...
For Mayor of the City of Douglas, Rene Kemper received 691 votes, Phil Romero got 368, and former councilman Doug Olson got 308... Kemper and Romero will advance to the generqal election.
Douglas City Council, Kim Pexton received 922 votes, and incumbent John Bartling got 878... two seats open this fall, and both will advance to the general.
Mayor of the Town of Glenrock, current councilman Bruce Roumell got 368 votes, Linda Care-Smith got 171, and write-ins received 110 votes. Roumell and Care-Smith will move on to the general election.
Glenrock Town Council, Anna Belle "Boots" Faunce was the top vote getter with 436, Roy Kincade got 276, Tiffany Larramendy got 252, Russ Dalgarn got 160, and Dennis Flynn received 86. Two seats are open, so Faunce, Kincade, Larramendy and Dalgarn will advance to the general election.
The proposed 2-mill tax levy to fund a Converse County Senior Citizens district passed by a majority of voters, 1779 to 1609.
Converse County races, for county commissioner, Tony Lehner received 2195 votes, Robert Short got 2056, Jim Willox received 1860, and Darek Joppru got 1301... Lehner, Short and Willox will advance to the general election in November.
County coroner, Ross Gorman got 2482, Russ Dalgarn got 772, Gorman advances to the general.
In the race for Converse County Clerk, Lucile Taylor gets 2212, challenger Michelle Maines 1026. Taylor will appear on the General Election ballot.
State races, 30 percent of Converse County voters supported Harriet Hageman for governor... 49 percent gave the nod to Kristi Racines for state auditor, 49 percent went with Curt Meier for state treasurer, and one Senate District is in play, that's SD 23, covering parts of Converse and Campbell Counties. In Converse County, 346 votes were cast for incumbent Jeff Wasserburger, and 227 for Jeff Raney. Both are from Campbell County, and Campbell County's numbers will decide that election.
At the Federal level, 67 percent of Converse County's Republicans supported Senator John Barrasso, and 67 percent went with Liz Cheney to keep her seat in the House of Representatives.
3723 votes were cast in Converse County in Tuesday's Primary election, out of 6757 registered voters... a 55 percent turnout.
The county canvassing board meets Thursday morning to certify the election results and forward them to the Secretary of State.
Complete Converse County primary election results are here - https://www.conversecounty.org/428/2018-Election-Results 082118
Non-partisan town and city races...
For Mayor of the City of Douglas, Rene Kemper received 691 votes, Phil Romero got 368, and former councilman Doug Olson got 308... Kemper and Romero will advance to the generqal election.
Douglas City Council, Kim Pexton received 922 votes, and incumbent John Bartling got 878... two seats open this fall, and both will advance to the general.
Mayor of the Town of Glenrock, current councilman Bruce Roumell got 368 votes, Linda Care-Smith got 171, and write-ins received 110 votes. Roumell and Care-Smith will move on to the general election.
Glenrock Town Council, Anna Belle "Boots" Faunce was the top vote getter with 436, Roy Kincade got 276, Tiffany Larramendy got 252, Russ Dalgarn got 160, and Dennis Flynn received 86. Two seats are open, so Faunce, Kincade, Larramendy and Dalgarn will advance to the general election.
The proposed 2-mill tax levy to fund a Converse County Senior Citizens district passed by a majority of voters, 1779 to 1609.
Converse County races, for county commissioner, Tony Lehner received 2195 votes, Robert Short got 2056, Jim Willox received 1860, and Darek Joppru got 1301... Lehner, Short and Willox will advance to the general election in November.
County coroner, Ross Gorman got 2482, Russ Dalgarn got 772, Gorman advances to the general.
In the race for Converse County Clerk, Lucile Taylor gets 2212, challenger Michelle Maines 1026. Taylor will appear on the General Election ballot.
State races, 30 percent of Converse County voters supported Harriet Hageman for governor... 49 percent gave the nod to Kristi Racines for state auditor, 49 percent went with Curt Meier for state treasurer, and one Senate District is in play, that's SD 23, covering parts of Converse and Campbell Counties. In Converse County, 346 votes were cast for incumbent Jeff Wasserburger, and 227 for Jeff Raney. Both are from Campbell County, and Campbell County's numbers will decide that election.
At the Federal level, 67 percent of Converse County's Republicans supported Senator John Barrasso, and 67 percent went with Liz Cheney to keep her seat in the House of Representatives.
3723 votes were cast in Converse County in Tuesday's Primary election, out of 6757 registered voters... a 55 percent turnout.
The county canvassing board meets Thursday morning to certify the election results and forward them to the Secretary of State.
Complete Converse County primary election results are here - https://www.conversecounty.org/428/2018-Election-Results 082118
The Wyoming Board of Agriculture meet during the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas next week.
On the agenda, the Board will hear an update on the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, an update on the Wyoming Livestock Board, review and approve new public records rules, address Conservation District appointments/resignations, and hear updates on the Rangeland Health Assessment Program. The Board will also hear water quality program reports and extension requests, discuss water quality applications, hear industry partner reports, hear Wyoming Department of Agriculture intern presentations, and any other business as needed.
There will be a chance for public comment at the end of the meeting and the public is welcome to attend.
The Wyoming Board of Agriculture will meet on Friday, August 17th, from 9 am til 1 pm, in the McKibben Cafeteria on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. 081018
On the agenda, the Board will hear an update on the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, an update on the Wyoming Livestock Board, review and approve new public records rules, address Conservation District appointments/resignations, and hear updates on the Rangeland Health Assessment Program. The Board will also hear water quality program reports and extension requests, discuss water quality applications, hear industry partner reports, hear Wyoming Department of Agriculture intern presentations, and any other business as needed.
There will be a chance for public comment at the end of the meeting and the public is welcome to attend.
The Wyoming Board of Agriculture will meet on Friday, August 17th, from 9 am til 1 pm, in the McKibben Cafeteria on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds. 081018
More information's been released on a high speed chase last Friday night that began north of Casper and ended in Converse County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol say that the chase began at about 11:00 pm, Friday night, after troopers observed a vehicle traveling southbound on I-25, near mile post 197, doing about 105 mph in an 80 mph zone.
Natrona County deputies followed and attempted to stop the car as it sped through Casper on the interstate.
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers took up the pursuit again east of Casper and performed a tactical vehicle intervention just west of the Natural Bridge exit near milepost 153, which caused the vehicle to spin out and come to a stop.
20-year-old Michael Hernandez was arrested and faces multiple charges, including Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Larceny, Grand Larceny, Controlled Substance Possession, and Driving While Under the Influence.
WHP officials say that two stolen firearms were recovered. The car had been reported stolen out of the state of Montana. 080718
The Wyoming Highway Patrol say that the chase began at about 11:00 pm, Friday night, after troopers observed a vehicle traveling southbound on I-25, near mile post 197, doing about 105 mph in an 80 mph zone.
Natrona County deputies followed and attempted to stop the car as it sped through Casper on the interstate.
Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers took up the pursuit again east of Casper and performed a tactical vehicle intervention just west of the Natural Bridge exit near milepost 153, which caused the vehicle to spin out and come to a stop.
20-year-old Michael Hernandez was arrested and faces multiple charges, including Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Larceny, Grand Larceny, Controlled Substance Possession, and Driving While Under the Influence.
WHP officials say that two stolen firearms were recovered. The car had been reported stolen out of the state of Montana. 080718
Pony Express riders and Conestoga wagons once traveled the trails through eastern Wyoming... solar-powered cars had their day Monday as the American Solar Challenge 2018 journeyed from Gering to Casper.
21 teams are travelling the Oregon Trail from Omaha, Nebraska, to Bend, Oregon in single- and multi-occupant vehicles that are powered only by the sun.
You may have seen these odd-looking vehicles on Monday... they left Gering, Nebraska, traveled to Torrington, Lingle, up to Lusk, across to Orin Junction, and into Douglas on Richards to Riverbend, and out Highway 93 past Ft Fetterman. On to Top of the World, then in Highway 95 to Rolling Hills and Glenrock, then into Casper on the old Glenrock Highway.
The solar rally cars will travel to Lander on Tuesday, then on across Idaho and Oregon, arriving in Bend, Oregon on Sunday, July 22nd.
More information at americansolarchallenge.org. 071618
21 teams are travelling the Oregon Trail from Omaha, Nebraska, to Bend, Oregon in single- and multi-occupant vehicles that are powered only by the sun.
You may have seen these odd-looking vehicles on Monday... they left Gering, Nebraska, traveled to Torrington, Lingle, up to Lusk, across to Orin Junction, and into Douglas on Richards to Riverbend, and out Highway 93 past Ft Fetterman. On to Top of the World, then in Highway 95 to Rolling Hills and Glenrock, then into Casper on the old Glenrock Highway.
The solar rally cars will travel to Lander on Tuesday, then on across Idaho and Oregon, arriving in Bend, Oregon on Sunday, July 22nd.
More information at americansolarchallenge.org. 071618
The Converse County School District #1 Board of Trustees approved a nearly $30 million dollar general fund budget at their regular meeting this week.
This year's budget for Douglas schools is nearly $700,000 less that last year's.
To cover the difference, the board approved using reserves for a little over $450,000 of the shortfall. Other adjustments and reductions to line items across the schools and departments covered the additional loss in revenue.
There were no staffing reductions made this year as a result of reduced funding because the district, in anticipation of these cuts, was proactive in making cuts last year. The reductions in funding are due to declining student enrollment and cuts to K-12 education by the state legislature. 071618
This year's budget for Douglas schools is nearly $700,000 less that last year's.
To cover the difference, the board approved using reserves for a little over $450,000 of the shortfall. Other adjustments and reductions to line items across the schools and departments covered the additional loss in revenue.
There were no staffing reductions made this year as a result of reduced funding because the district, in anticipation of these cuts, was proactive in making cuts last year. The reductions in funding are due to declining student enrollment and cuts to K-12 education by the state legislature. 071618
Basin Electric Power Cooperative has laid off about 30 employees in two states.
Twenty-five people were let go at Dakota Gasification Co. and the Antelope Valley Station plant in North Dakota, along with a handful of workers at two locations in Wyoming.
Spokesman Curt Pearson says the company also is offering a two-week window for voluntary buyouts for employees at all locations, after which management will reassess the staffing situation. He says the moves are being made for financial considerations.
Basin Electric employs about 2,300 people, and operates the Dry Fork Station power plant north of Gillette, and the Laramie River Station power plant east of Wheatland. 071618
Twenty-five people were let go at Dakota Gasification Co. and the Antelope Valley Station plant in North Dakota, along with a handful of workers at two locations in Wyoming.
Spokesman Curt Pearson says the company also is offering a two-week window for voluntary buyouts for employees at all locations, after which management will reassess the staffing situation. He says the moves are being made for financial considerations.
Basin Electric employs about 2,300 people, and operates the Dry Fork Station power plant north of Gillette, and the Laramie River Station power plant east of Wheatland. 071618
A local victims' advocacy group has named a new Executive Director.
Lisa Thalken will assume the reins at Converse Hope Center.
Thalken is a Wyoming Native and a graduate of Casper College. She has been in Douglas for 5 years and has been working in victim services for almost 4 years.
As CHC Executive Director, Thalken will be responsible for the supervision of staff and day-to-day operations of the organization. Lisa has several years experience as both a Victim Advocate and Victim Witness Coordinator.
Thalken replaces former executive director Maria Walker, who resigned earlier this year.
Converse Hope Center has offices in Douglas and Glenrock. 071218
Lisa Thalken will assume the reins at Converse Hope Center.
Thalken is a Wyoming Native and a graduate of Casper College. She has been in Douglas for 5 years and has been working in victim services for almost 4 years.
As CHC Executive Director, Thalken will be responsible for the supervision of staff and day-to-day operations of the organization. Lisa has several years experience as both a Victim Advocate and Victim Witness Coordinator.
Thalken replaces former executive director Maria Walker, who resigned earlier this year.
Converse Hope Center has offices in Douglas and Glenrock. 071218
A Converse County rancher will serve on a state board.
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead recently appointed JW Rankin of Shawnee, and reappointed Lynn George of Cody, to the Wyoming Beef Council. Rankin replaces Tom Wright of Newcastle. George is serving a second three-year term.
The Wyoming Beef Council is a five-member board of beef producers appointed by the governor to increase demand for beef through promotion, education, and research.
WBC programs are funded by the $1-per-head Beef Checkoff collected on all Wyoming cattle.
Rankin's term runs from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 with the possibility of reappointment for an additional three-year term. 071218
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead recently appointed JW Rankin of Shawnee, and reappointed Lynn George of Cody, to the Wyoming Beef Council. Rankin replaces Tom Wright of Newcastle. George is serving a second three-year term.
The Wyoming Beef Council is a five-member board of beef producers appointed by the governor to increase demand for beef through promotion, education, and research.
WBC programs are funded by the $1-per-head Beef Checkoff collected on all Wyoming cattle.
Rankin's term runs from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021 with the possibility of reappointment for an additional three-year term. 071218
Concert information has been announced for this summer's Wyoming State Fair.
Texas music sensation www.caseydonahew.com, presented by Anadarko, will perform live in the Ford Grandstands with Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band on Thursday, August 16th at 6:30 pm during the 106th Wyoming State Fair.
Casey Donahew has risen from being a favorite on the local Texas music scene to a nationally popular touring act. His most recent studio album, All Night Party, reached No. 3 on the Billobard Top Country Albums Chart.
Sharing the stage with Casey Donahew will be a band with a lot of Douglas fans, Wyoming’s own Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, the newly crowned Rocky Mountain CMA Entertainers of the Year.
Tickets cost $20.00 and are available now at https://wsf.fairwire.com/ or by calling the Wyoming State Fair office at 358-2398. 071118
Texas music sensation www.caseydonahew.com, presented by Anadarko, will perform live in the Ford Grandstands with Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band on Thursday, August 16th at 6:30 pm during the 106th Wyoming State Fair.
Casey Donahew has risen from being a favorite on the local Texas music scene to a nationally popular touring act. His most recent studio album, All Night Party, reached No. 3 on the Billobard Top Country Albums Chart.
Sharing the stage with Casey Donahew will be a band with a lot of Douglas fans, Wyoming’s own Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band, the newly crowned Rocky Mountain CMA Entertainers of the Year.
Tickets cost $20.00 and are available now at https://wsf.fairwire.com/ or by calling the Wyoming State Fair office at 358-2398. 071118
It's finally moving day... for the Douglas Police Department.
The Police Department's employees, including command staff, office staff and the patrol division have officially moved into the new Converse County Joint Justice Center, located off West Richards at 1201 Mesa Drive.
Douglas Police Chief Ron Casalenda says they're still moving computers and office equipment...
The Police Department's employees, including command staff, office staff and the patrol division have officially moved into the new Converse County Joint Justice Center, located off West Richards at 1201 Mesa Drive.
Douglas Police Chief Ron Casalenda says they're still moving computers and office equipment...
Chief Casalenda says the phone number remains the same...
Casalenda says if you need to speak to an officer in person, you'll do that at the new facility. There will no longer be 24 hour employees available at City Hall, and the building will only be open between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. However, the Justice Center has walk-in accessibility to dispatch 24/7. 062618
The town of Glenrock will begin the search for a new police chief.
Current chief Tim Hurd handed in his resignation at Monday night's Glenrock Town Council meeting...
Current chief Tim Hurd handed in his resignation at Monday night's Glenrock Town Council meeting...
Hurd has accepted the job of Police Chief in Torrington. The Torrington City Council voted unanimously to hire Hurd during their regular monthly meeting earlier this month. He will be sworn in to his new position July 3. 061318
The 2018 session of Wyoming Boys State wraps up today on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
US Senator John Barrasso told KKTY News yesterday that it's always an honor to take part in Boys State...
US Senator John Barrasso told KKTY News yesterday that it's always an honor to take part in Boys State...
American Legion Boys State brings incoming senior boys in from around Wyoming and teaches them about democracy and our system of government.
Boys Staters were in Cheyenne yesterday. Graduation ceremonies are this morning at 9AM. 060818
Boys Staters were in Cheyenne yesterday. Graduation ceremonies are this morning at 9AM. 060818
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has closed the boat ramp at the Dave Johnston Public Access Area along the North Platte River east of Glenrock.
Rainfall from severe storms this spring caused significant damage to the boat ramp, and it's no longer usable.
The Public Access Area was the last take-out point for people floating the North Platte River before the Dave Johnston Powerplant. Floaters should plan accordingly and take out at Rabbit Hill Public Access Area.
Repairs to the ramp will be completed later this summer. 060818
Rainfall from severe storms this spring caused significant damage to the boat ramp, and it's no longer usable.
The Public Access Area was the last take-out point for people floating the North Platte River before the Dave Johnston Powerplant. Floaters should plan accordingly and take out at Rabbit Hill Public Access Area.
Repairs to the ramp will be completed later this summer. 060818
The Douglas City Council will hold a rare Tuesday meeting this evening, delayed by yesterday's Memorial Day holiday.
Among items on tonight's agenda, the Council will hear a final report on the closure of the Douglas Landfill, consider a request to rezone the historic Camp Douglas Officers Club on Riverbend from MH-2 to B-2, and a request to replat the Bartling Park area south of East Richards and Jefferson.
Council will consider a request to name Jamie Sullivan to the Converse County Tourism Promotion Board, will consider a request to lower the speed limit on Jefferson Street near Bartling Park and the Chad Garls Memorial Skate Park from 30 to 20 miles an hour, and will consider a lease with Outdoor Enthusiasts of Converse County to develop eleven acres of land on the south side of Bartling Park as an outdoor archery range.
Council meets Tuesday evening at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Council meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live in Douglas on Vyve cable channel 61. 052918
Among items on tonight's agenda, the Council will hear a final report on the closure of the Douglas Landfill, consider a request to rezone the historic Camp Douglas Officers Club on Riverbend from MH-2 to B-2, and a request to replat the Bartling Park area south of East Richards and Jefferson.
Council will consider a request to name Jamie Sullivan to the Converse County Tourism Promotion Board, will consider a request to lower the speed limit on Jefferson Street near Bartling Park and the Chad Garls Memorial Skate Park from 30 to 20 miles an hour, and will consider a lease with Outdoor Enthusiasts of Converse County to develop eleven acres of land on the south side of Bartling Park as an outdoor archery range.
Council meets Tuesday evening at 5:30 at Douglas City Hall. Council meetings are open to the public, and are broadcast live in Douglas on Vyve cable channel 61. 052918
A Campbell County rancher who currently represents part of Converse County in Cheyenne has announced that he's running for re-election this fall.
Eric Barlow is now serving his 6th year as representative of Wyoming House District 6, which covers most of the southern half of Campbell County, and roughly the northeastern third of Converse County. In the Douglas area, HD6 is north of East Antelope Road and east of highway 59.
Barlow currently serves as chairman of the House Labor, Health and Social Services committee. 052118
Eric Barlow is now serving his 6th year as representative of Wyoming House District 6, which covers most of the southern half of Campbell County, and roughly the northeastern third of Converse County. In the Douglas area, HD6 is north of East Antelope Road and east of highway 59.
Barlow currently serves as chairman of the House Labor, Health and Social Services committee. 052118
Several items on the agenda tonight for the Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission.
P&Z will consider a request to rezone property at 115 South Riverbend Drive. The old Camp Douglas Officers' Club is currently zoned MH-2, a mobile home park zoning. Wyoming State Parks is asking for a change to B-2 General Business. Many years ago, the Oddfellows Lodge changed the zoning to MH-2 to allow for a small mobile home park on part of the property. State Parks wishes to change it to B-2 to allow for better signage and further development of the historic property.
P&Z will also consider a request from the City of Douglas to vacate and replat Bartling Park. The replat would officially designate the park as Green Space zoning.
P&Z will consider a request for a conditional use permit to keep ducks at 422 North 5th Street, and a conditional use permit to keep chickens at 208 Russell Avenue.
Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight at 5:30 pm at Douglas City Hall. The meeting is open to the public. 052118
P&Z will consider a request to rezone property at 115 South Riverbend Drive. The old Camp Douglas Officers' Club is currently zoned MH-2, a mobile home park zoning. Wyoming State Parks is asking for a change to B-2 General Business. Many years ago, the Oddfellows Lodge changed the zoning to MH-2 to allow for a small mobile home park on part of the property. State Parks wishes to change it to B-2 to allow for better signage and further development of the historic property.
P&Z will also consider a request from the City of Douglas to vacate and replat Bartling Park. The replat would officially designate the park as Green Space zoning.
P&Z will consider a request for a conditional use permit to keep ducks at 422 North 5th Street, and a conditional use permit to keep chickens at 208 Russell Avenue.
Douglas Planning and Zoning Commission meets tonight at 5:30 pm at Douglas City Hall. The meeting is open to the public. 052118
U.S. officials on Wednesday approved two high-voltage transmission line routes in southwestern Idaho aimed at modernizing and improving reliability of the Pacific Northwest's energy grid.
The U.S. Department of the Interior's approval is for the two final segments of the 1,000-mile Gateway West project proposed a decade ago by the Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power utilities.
Approval of the Idaho segments was delayed by landowners who did not want transmission lines on their property and environmentalists who did not want lines running south of Boise in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, which is protected by federal environmental restrictions.
Officials describe the 500-kilovolt transmission lines as a freeway for energy that can travel in both directions and exit along the way to feed customer demand. The eastern end of the Gateway West Project will be at the Windstar substation at Glenrock, giving opportunity to take electricity generated in Converse County to markets across the West. 041818
The U.S. Department of the Interior's approval is for the two final segments of the 1,000-mile Gateway West project proposed a decade ago by the Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power utilities.
Approval of the Idaho segments was delayed by landowners who did not want transmission lines on their property and environmentalists who did not want lines running south of Boise in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, which is protected by federal environmental restrictions.
Officials describe the 500-kilovolt transmission lines as a freeway for energy that can travel in both directions and exit along the way to feed customer demand. The eastern end of the Gateway West Project will be at the Windstar substation at Glenrock, giving opportunity to take electricity generated in Converse County to markets across the West. 041818
The Bureau of Land Management will get a new Field Manager in its Casper office this week.
Lonny Bagley will be sworn in on Thursday, April 19th at 10 a.m.
Bagely comes to Casper from the Buffalo field office. He'll oversee 1.4 million acres of BLM-administered public lands in Natrona, Converse, Platte and Goshen counties.
Among other Wyoming issues, the federal government's Bureau of Land Management is involved in oil and gas permitting and leasing, sage grouse management, methane emissions, wilderness areas and wild horse management. A deep backlog of oil and gas permits awaiting approval has been a particular struggle for the BLM office in Casper.
Bagley's swearing-in ceremony will take place Thursday at 10 at the Casper Field Office, 2987 Prospector Drive. Members of the public are welcome to attend. 041818
Lonny Bagley will be sworn in on Thursday, April 19th at 10 a.m.
Bagely comes to Casper from the Buffalo field office. He'll oversee 1.4 million acres of BLM-administered public lands in Natrona, Converse, Platte and Goshen counties.
Among other Wyoming issues, the federal government's Bureau of Land Management is involved in oil and gas permitting and leasing, sage grouse management, methane emissions, wilderness areas and wild horse management. A deep backlog of oil and gas permits awaiting approval has been a particular struggle for the BLM office in Casper.
Bagley's swearing-in ceremony will take place Thursday at 10 at the Casper Field Office, 2987 Prospector Drive. Members of the public are welcome to attend. 041818
Douglas has a new manager.
After working their way through resumes and interviews, the Douglas City Council has chosen 47 year old Jonathan Teichert to fill the position of Douglas City Administrator.
Teichert is a native of Cokeville, Wyoming, whose resume includes three years as City Administrator for the Town of Afton, and before that, more than 10 years as an administrator and planner for Lincoln County. Teichert has strong experience working with both the oil and wind energy industries, and he holds a graduate degree in public administration from the University of Wyoming.
The Douglas City Administrator position has been open since October, since Tony Tolstedt resigned to accept the administrator's job at Riverton.
Jonathan Teichert will begin his duties in Douglas by the and of May. 041218
After working their way through resumes and interviews, the Douglas City Council has chosen 47 year old Jonathan Teichert to fill the position of Douglas City Administrator.
Teichert is a native of Cokeville, Wyoming, whose resume includes three years as City Administrator for the Town of Afton, and before that, more than 10 years as an administrator and planner for Lincoln County. Teichert has strong experience working with both the oil and wind energy industries, and he holds a graduate degree in public administration from the University of Wyoming.
The Douglas City Administrator position has been open since October, since Tony Tolstedt resigned to accept the administrator's job at Riverton.
Jonathan Teichert will begin his duties in Douglas by the and of May. 041218
UW President Dr. Laurie Nichols
More than 300 Douglas area residents gathered Saturday night on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds to Commit To Kids.
The 6th Annual Commit To Kids Fundraiser to benefit the Douglas Boys and Girls Club offered guests a prime rib dinner, raffles and live and silent auctions.
Keynote speaker, University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols said UW is proud to partner with Boys and Girls Clubs around the state...
The 6th Annual Commit To Kids Fundraiser to benefit the Douglas Boys and Girls Club offered guests a prime rib dinner, raffles and live and silent auctions.
Keynote speaker, University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols said UW is proud to partner with Boys and Girls Clubs around the state...
Nichols noted that traditionally, the University had offered one scholarship to the Boys and Girls Club's Youth of the Year. She said last year, they offered three, and next year she wants to offer six to eight four-year scholarships to UW in the years to come. 040718
City staff and administration got a chance last night to meet and greet the two finalists for the job of Douglas City Administrator.
Jonathan Teichert is a Wyoming native who currently serves as city administrator for the Town of Afton. We asked Teichert what he saw as challenges ahead for the City of Douglas...
Jonathan Teichert is a Wyoming native who currently serves as city administrator for the Town of Afton. We asked Teichert what he saw as challenges ahead for the City of Douglas...
Craig Lindholm is a western Nebraska native who's currently city administrator in Winnsboro, Texas. Lindholm said that part of a city administrator's job is to help the community look to the future...
The Douglas City Council will continue personal interviews with both candidates today, and hope to offer the job in the next few days. 040618
The Wyoming State Fair Advisory Board will meet in Cheyenne next week.
It'll be a busy agenda... the Advisory Board will approve minutes from previous meetings, hear a report on the legislative session, hear a report on the FY 19-20 biennial budget, discuss responsibilities/assignments of current Advisory Board members through the remainder of terms, hear an update on the 2018 Wyoming State Fair schedule, discuss the Rodeo Working Committee, Volunteer Working Committee, and the Judge Committee.
Along with this, they will discuss open shows for the 2018 fair, hear updates on non-fair events in 2018, updates on major maintenance requests for facilities, and cover any other business as needed.
The Wyoming State Fair Advisory Board meeting is scheduled to start at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in the Wyoming Department of Agriculture main office at 2219 Carey Avenue in Cheyenne.
There will be a chance for public comment, and the public is welcome to attend. 040418
It'll be a busy agenda... the Advisory Board will approve minutes from previous meetings, hear a report on the legislative session, hear a report on the FY 19-20 biennial budget, discuss responsibilities/assignments of current Advisory Board members through the remainder of terms, hear an update on the 2018 Wyoming State Fair schedule, discuss the Rodeo Working Committee, Volunteer Working Committee, and the Judge Committee.
Along with this, they will discuss open shows for the 2018 fair, hear updates on non-fair events in 2018, updates on major maintenance requests for facilities, and cover any other business as needed.
The Wyoming State Fair Advisory Board meeting is scheduled to start at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in the Wyoming Department of Agriculture main office at 2219 Carey Avenue in Cheyenne.
There will be a chance for public comment, and the public is welcome to attend. 040418
Economists say Wyoming experienced its largest population drop since 1989 during the second half of the recent fossil fuel downturn.
U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday say that by mid-2017, about 8,300 more people had moved out of Wyoming than moved in compared to the previous fiscal year.
Counties in and around the Powder River Basin lost the largest number of people.
About 2,500 people moved out of Campbell County. Natrona County lost about 1300 residents.
Converse County lost a little over 300 people from mid 2016 to mid-2017 leaving our population estimate at 13,809
Wyoming did, however, gain some workers outside of energy hubs. Some county populations increased in tourist regions. 032618
U.S. Census Bureau figures released Thursday say that by mid-2017, about 8,300 more people had moved out of Wyoming than moved in compared to the previous fiscal year.
Counties in and around the Powder River Basin lost the largest number of people.
About 2,500 people moved out of Campbell County. Natrona County lost about 1300 residents.
Converse County lost a little over 300 people from mid 2016 to mid-2017 leaving our population estimate at 13,809
Wyoming did, however, gain some workers outside of energy hubs. Some county populations increased in tourist regions. 032618
A Casper woman died in a one-vehicle accident on I-25 near Glenrock Saturday morning.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 39-year-old Casper, Wyoming resident Heather Wells was driving a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup southbound on Interstate 25 about a mile west of Glenrock, pulling a U-Haul trailer when the vehicle crossed over an icy curved bridge deck. Wells lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times.
During the crash, the passenger, 55-year-old Linda Hurley of Casper, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries.
The driver, Wells, was restrained within the vehicle, but did suffer injuries and was taken to Wyoming Medical Center by ambulance. 032618
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 39-year-old Casper, Wyoming resident Heather Wells was driving a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup southbound on Interstate 25 about a mile west of Glenrock, pulling a U-Haul trailer when the vehicle crossed over an icy curved bridge deck. Wells lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times.
During the crash, the passenger, 55-year-old Linda Hurley of Casper, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries.
The driver, Wells, was restrained within the vehicle, but did suffer injuries and was taken to Wyoming Medical Center by ambulance. 032618
Glenrock students had to spend a little extra time in their classrooms.
The Glenrock Police Department put Grant Elementary and Glenrock High School under lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The GPD was involved with a disturbance near the schools at a home at 146 Fort Laramie Street in Oregon Trail Estates.
As a security precaution, and to ensure student safety, the GPD placed all Glenrock schools on lockdown as of 2:10pm. Converse County School District #2 emphasized that there was no threat to any students within the schools.
Glenrock Intermediate/Middle School has been released from the lockdown as of 3:40.
Glenrock Police Department gave the all clear, and the grade school and high school were released from their lockdown as of 4:40pm. 032318
The Glenrock Police Department put Grant Elementary and Glenrock High School under lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The GPD was involved with a disturbance near the schools at a home at 146 Fort Laramie Street in Oregon Trail Estates.
As a security precaution, and to ensure student safety, the GPD placed all Glenrock schools on lockdown as of 2:10pm. Converse County School District #2 emphasized that there was no threat to any students within the schools.
Glenrock Intermediate/Middle School has been released from the lockdown as of 3:40.
Glenrock Police Department gave the all clear, and the grade school and high school were released from their lockdown as of 4:40pm. 032318
All the fun in half the time.
The Wyoming State Fair is condensing the schedule for this summer's 106th fair from the eight day schedule of past years to an action packed and active four day schedule.
Fair director James Goodrich says the shorter number of days will save the Fair a significant amount of money...
The Wyoming State Fair is condensing the schedule for this summer's 106th fair from the eight day schedule of past years to an action packed and active four day schedule.
Fair director James Goodrich says the shorter number of days will save the Fair a significant amount of money...
The four-day fair will also mean four busy days of activities...
Goodrich says most of the fair's activities will be rescheduled into the Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday schedule...
This year's Wyoming State Fair in Douglas will be held on Wednesday, August 15th through Saturday, August 18th. 032118
A Wheatland man died on icy roads south of Douglas Monday morning.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol was called out to to Orin Junction at about 1:50am March 19th for a one-vehicle rollover.
A 2007 Dodge Ram Pickup was traveling southbound on Interstate 25 when the driver lost control, entered into the median and overturned and came to rest in the northbound passing lane. A 2013 Freightliner semi truck and trailer was traveling northbound and hit the pickup. The driver of the Dodge died from his injuries while being transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. The driver, 31-year-old Jason Havard of Wheatland, was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was not ejected.
The driver of the Freightliner, 55-year-old Wellington, Colorado resident Keith Cunningham, was not injured during the crash. 032018
The Wyoming Highway Patrol was called out to to Orin Junction at about 1:50am March 19th for a one-vehicle rollover.
A 2007 Dodge Ram Pickup was traveling southbound on Interstate 25 when the driver lost control, entered into the median and overturned and came to rest in the northbound passing lane. A 2013 Freightliner semi truck and trailer was traveling northbound and hit the pickup. The driver of the Dodge died from his injuries while being transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. The driver, 31-year-old Jason Havard of Wheatland, was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash and was not ejected.
The driver of the Freightliner, 55-year-old Wellington, Colorado resident Keith Cunningham, was not injured during the crash. 032018
Law enforcement officials recovered two stolen vehicles from the Douglas area over the weekend.
The Douglas Police Department says that on Saturday March 17th, they got a report that a 1996 Chevy Silverado pickup had been stolen from the parking lot at the Douglas Super 8 Motel.
Converse County Sheriff's Deputies pulled over and arrested the driver of the stolen pickup near Orin Junction.
During the course of that investigation, a second vehicle, a 2006 Pontiac G6, was discovered stolen from the parking lot of the Douglas Inn and Convention Center. The driver of that vehicle was taken into custody by the Wyoming Highway Patrol near Cheyenne.
The Douglas Police Department is attempting to confirm the identities of the individuals involved while the cases remain under investigation. 031918
The Douglas Police Department says that on Saturday March 17th, they got a report that a 1996 Chevy Silverado pickup had been stolen from the parking lot at the Douglas Super 8 Motel.
Converse County Sheriff's Deputies pulled over and arrested the driver of the stolen pickup near Orin Junction.
During the course of that investigation, a second vehicle, a 2006 Pontiac G6, was discovered stolen from the parking lot of the Douglas Inn and Convention Center. The driver of that vehicle was taken into custody by the Wyoming Highway Patrol near Cheyenne.
The Douglas Police Department is attempting to confirm the identities of the individuals involved while the cases remain under investigation. 031918
Converse County School District #1 Superintendent Dr. Paige Fenton-Hughes talks to KKTY News about this week's student walk-outs at Douglas High School and Douglas Middle School... 031617
Wyoming's US Senator John Barrasso has put pressure on the Department of the Interior to take care of some details in the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Converse County Oil and Gas Project.
In hearings in Washington this morning, Senator Barrasso told Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke that he has concerns that the draft EIS needs to be revised to maximize the success of the project...
In hearings in Washington this morning, Senator Barrasso told Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke that he has concerns that the draft EIS needs to be revised to maximize the success of the project...
The BLM estimates that this project is going to bring 8,000 jobs and as much as $28 billion in economic activity to the state. 031318
Low uranium prices are bringing more changes to a Wyoming mining company.
Cameco Resources has announced that they are closing their administrative offices in Casper by April 1st. The seven employees will most likely moved to the Smith Ranch-Highland mine site northwest of Douglas, where 78 people currently are working on surface and sub-surface reclamation projects.
The price of uranium soared from about $10.75 per pound in early 2003, to almost $100 per pound in 2007. The current price of uranium was just under $22 a pound as of Feb. 19.
Cameco made the decision to curtail production and defer all wellfield development at their US operations in the second quarter of 2016. 030118
Cameco Resources has announced that they are closing their administrative offices in Casper by April 1st. The seven employees will most likely moved to the Smith Ranch-Highland mine site northwest of Douglas, where 78 people currently are working on surface and sub-surface reclamation projects.
The price of uranium soared from about $10.75 per pound in early 2003, to almost $100 per pound in 2007. The current price of uranium was just under $22 a pound as of Feb. 19.
Cameco made the decision to curtail production and defer all wellfield development at their US operations in the second quarter of 2016. 030118
A former nurse at a Douglas hospital was sentenced to eight months in prison after authorities say he stole medication intended for patients.
Ryan Joseph Harris was sentenced in federal court Wednesday after he pleaded guilty in November to tampering with a consumer product and acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, deception or subterfuge.
Authorities say Harris stole the opioid hydromorphone while working at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas.
Hospital officials say pharmacy staff found that more than 400 patients may not have received the medication as prescribed.
Officials say Harris stole the narcotic to feed his addiction.
A federal judge also sentenced Harris to three years of supervised release, and he must participate in treatment programs. 022218
Ryan Joseph Harris was sentenced in federal court Wednesday after he pleaded guilty in November to tampering with a consumer product and acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, deception or subterfuge.
Authorities say Harris stole the opioid hydromorphone while working at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas.
Hospital officials say pharmacy staff found that more than 400 patients may not have received the medication as prescribed.
Officials say Harris stole the narcotic to feed his addiction.
A federal judge also sentenced Harris to three years of supervised release, and he must participate in treatment programs. 022218
The death of a Douglas man is being investigated as a homicide.
In a Wednesday morning press release, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation said 24 year old Dustin Bruegger was found dead Feb. 3 in Douglas after officers and medical personnel were sent to the 200 block of North Second Street for a reported shooting.
In the statement, the DCI said there is no continuing threat to the community of Douglas, and the incident appears to be an isolated event.
The State DCI opened their investigation at the request of the Douglas Police Department.
Anyone with information about the investigation is encouraged to call the DCI in Cheyenne at 307-261-2194. 022218
In a Wednesday morning press release, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation said 24 year old Dustin Bruegger was found dead Feb. 3 in Douglas after officers and medical personnel were sent to the 200 block of North Second Street for a reported shooting.
In the statement, the DCI said there is no continuing threat to the community of Douglas, and the incident appears to be an isolated event.
The State DCI opened their investigation at the request of the Douglas Police Department.
Anyone with information about the investigation is encouraged to call the DCI in Cheyenne at 307-261-2194. 022218
A new wind farm north of Douglas will effectively double Converse County's wind generation capacity.
Rocky Mountain Power announced Tuesday that they've selected four new wind projects, including one in Converse County, to significantly expand the amount of wind energy they produce by 2020.
A 400 MW wind project in Converse County will be built by NextEra Energy Resources, with half of the project owned by PacifiCorp, and half of the project owned and delivered by NextEra under a Power Purchase Agreement. The wind farm will have more than 150 turbines, and will be located north of I-25 and west of the Energy Highway, Highway 59.
Also green-lighted, a 161 MW wind project in Uinta County... a 500 MW wind project in Carbon and Albany Counties, and another 250 MW wind project in Carbon County.
The project also includes a 140-mile segment of the Gateway West high-voltage transmission line in Wyoming to connect the new wind energy to Rocky Mountain Power’s grid.
The four projects will expand Rocky Mountain Power’s owned and contracted wind power by more than 60 percent and add enough new wind energy to power approximately 450,000 average homes.
The four projects are also expected to create between 1,100 and 1,600 construction jobs in Wyoming and more than 200 full-time positions; add approximately $120 million in tax revenue from construction; and bring post-construction annual tax revenues starting at approximately $11 million in 2021 and growing to $14 million annually by 2024.
Pending approval from state commissions, acquisition of rights of way, and receipt of permits, construction of the new wind and transmission projects is expected to begin in 2019. 022018
Rocky Mountain Power announced Tuesday that they've selected four new wind projects, including one in Converse County, to significantly expand the amount of wind energy they produce by 2020.
A 400 MW wind project in Converse County will be built by NextEra Energy Resources, with half of the project owned by PacifiCorp, and half of the project owned and delivered by NextEra under a Power Purchase Agreement. The wind farm will have more than 150 turbines, and will be located north of I-25 and west of the Energy Highway, Highway 59.
Also green-lighted, a 161 MW wind project in Uinta County... a 500 MW wind project in Carbon and Albany Counties, and another 250 MW wind project in Carbon County.
The project also includes a 140-mile segment of the Gateway West high-voltage transmission line in Wyoming to connect the new wind energy to Rocky Mountain Power’s grid.
The four projects will expand Rocky Mountain Power’s owned and contracted wind power by more than 60 percent and add enough new wind energy to power approximately 450,000 average homes.
The four projects are also expected to create between 1,100 and 1,600 construction jobs in Wyoming and more than 200 full-time positions; add approximately $120 million in tax revenue from construction; and bring post-construction annual tax revenues starting at approximately $11 million in 2021 and growing to $14 million annually by 2024.
Pending approval from state commissions, acquisition of rights of way, and receipt of permits, construction of the new wind and transmission projects is expected to begin in 2019. 022018
The BLM will hold public meetings this week on the Converse County Oil and Gas Project. The meetings are being held to accept public comments on the draft environmental impact statement for the project.
The release of the draft environmental impact statement triggered a 45-day public comment period that closes on March 12, 2018.
Public comments are a part of the process, assisting the BLM in developing a well-informed analysis of the project.
Public meetings will be held on
· Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in Douglas, Wyoming at the Eastern Wyoming College, located at 800 S. Wind River Drive.
· Wednesday, February 21, 2018 in Casper, Wyoming at the Ramkota Hotel, located at 800 N. Poplar Street.
· Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Glenrock, Wyoming at the Glenrock Meeting Hall, located at 518 S. 4th Street.
All meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and are open to the public. 021918
The release of the draft environmental impact statement triggered a 45-day public comment period that closes on March 12, 2018.
Public comments are a part of the process, assisting the BLM in developing a well-informed analysis of the project.
Public meetings will be held on
· Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in Douglas, Wyoming at the Eastern Wyoming College, located at 800 S. Wind River Drive.
· Wednesday, February 21, 2018 in Casper, Wyoming at the Ramkota Hotel, located at 800 N. Poplar Street.
· Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Glenrock, Wyoming at the Glenrock Meeting Hall, located at 518 S. 4th Street.
All meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and are open to the public. 021918
Governor Matt Mead is asking the Wyoming State Legislature to restore funding to the Wyoming State Fair...
The Wyoming State Fair is held every summer here in Douglas.
The Governor made his comments in his State if the State address on Monday, at the opening of the 64th Wyoming State Legislature. 021418
The Governor made his comments in his State if the State address on Monday, at the opening of the 64th Wyoming State Legislature. 021418
The 64th Wyoming State Legislature convenes in Cheyenne on Monday, Feb 12th.
If you want to keep track of a bill, or simply want to eavesdrop on the work of the Legislature, there are several links available on the State Legislature's website.
There's a link to stream the Governor's State of the State address, 2018 Bill Tracking information, and links to listen to live and archived Floor Debates.
The website address is www.wyoleg.gov. 021118
If you want to keep track of a bill, or simply want to eavesdrop on the work of the Legislature, there are several links available on the State Legislature's website.
There's a link to stream the Governor's State of the State address, 2018 Bill Tracking information, and links to listen to live and archived Floor Debates.
The website address is www.wyoleg.gov. 021118
A proposed tax could affect business in Converse County.
Legislation has been proposed to increase Wyoming's tax on wind production and impose a new tax on utility-scale solar facilities.
House Bill 118 is sponsored by Republican Rep. Thomas Crank, of Kemmerer. It proposes levying a $2 per megawatt hour tax on renewable energy produced in Wyoming. Currently, the state levies a $1 per megawatt hour tax on just wind power.
The measure provides that if a company manufactures and installs its wind or solar facilities in Wyoming, the cost of equipment may be subtracted from the tax bill.
Crank said he hoped the bill would entice manufacturers to Wyoming.
Taxing wind development has drawn opposition from the growing industry.
An attempt to increase the wind tax to $5 per megawatt hour failed last year.
A big new wind farm and expansion of current operations in Converse County are currently in the planning stages. 020918
Legislation has been proposed to increase Wyoming's tax on wind production and impose a new tax on utility-scale solar facilities.
House Bill 118 is sponsored by Republican Rep. Thomas Crank, of Kemmerer. It proposes levying a $2 per megawatt hour tax on renewable energy produced in Wyoming. Currently, the state levies a $1 per megawatt hour tax on just wind power.
The measure provides that if a company manufactures and installs its wind or solar facilities in Wyoming, the cost of equipment may be subtracted from the tax bill.
Crank said he hoped the bill would entice manufacturers to Wyoming.
Taxing wind development has drawn opposition from the growing industry.
An attempt to increase the wind tax to $5 per megawatt hour failed last year.
A big new wind farm and expansion of current operations in Converse County are currently in the planning stages. 020918
Converse County's oil business quietly took a jump forward on Friday.
The Bureau of Land Management released the draft environmental impact statement for the Converse County oil and gas project.
Four years ago, in early 2014, five energy companies submitted a proposal to the BLM to drill about 5,000 oil and natural gas wells on 1.5 million acres over a 10 year period. The project has the potential to produce about 94 million barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Over 8,000 jobs could be created with approximately $18-$28 billion in revenues and economic activity.
Since the initial proposal, the price of oil has busted and begun its ascent again... and the project has been on hold pending the BLM's environmental impact statement.
The release of the draft environmental impact statement begins a 45-day public comment period that closes on March 12, 2018.
Three public meetings are scheduled during this comment period... Tuesday, February 20th in Douglas, Wednesday, February 21st in Casper, and Thursday, February 22nd in Glenrock. 012918
The Bureau of Land Management released the draft environmental impact statement for the Converse County oil and gas project.
Four years ago, in early 2014, five energy companies submitted a proposal to the BLM to drill about 5,000 oil and natural gas wells on 1.5 million acres over a 10 year period. The project has the potential to produce about 94 million barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Over 8,000 jobs could be created with approximately $18-$28 billion in revenues and economic activity.
Since the initial proposal, the price of oil has busted and begun its ascent again... and the project has been on hold pending the BLM's environmental impact statement.
The release of the draft environmental impact statement begins a 45-day public comment period that closes on March 12, 2018.
Three public meetings are scheduled during this comment period... Tuesday, February 20th in Douglas, Wednesday, February 21st in Casper, and Thursday, February 22nd in Glenrock. 012918
The business of processing natural gas in Converse County will continue to grow.
Converse County Commissioners last week heard from two companies that will build new gas plants here in the coming year.
Evolution Midstream will build the Jewel Gas Processing facility in northern Converse County that will be owned by Rowdy Pipeline.
The plant will be just west of the Energy Highway, Highway 59, and just south of the Converse-Campbell County line.
Construction is to begin in May, and the plant should be operational in the 4th quarter of 2018.
And Meritage Midstream's Thunder Creek Gas Services will build the Steamboat Gas Processing plant about six miles west of Douglas and north of I-25 off Cherokee Trail. Construction is expected to begin in August 2018 and the plant should be in operation in the Spring of 2019.
Both gas plants will be $100 million dollar projects, and will have similar production capabilities as the Bucking Horse plant west of town on Cold Springs Road.
An estimated 80 to 100 people will be employed during construction of each project, and 10-15 will be employed long term to run each plant. 012418
Converse County Commissioners last week heard from two companies that will build new gas plants here in the coming year.
Evolution Midstream will build the Jewel Gas Processing facility in northern Converse County that will be owned by Rowdy Pipeline.
The plant will be just west of the Energy Highway, Highway 59, and just south of the Converse-Campbell County line.
Construction is to begin in May, and the plant should be operational in the 4th quarter of 2018.
And Meritage Midstream's Thunder Creek Gas Services will build the Steamboat Gas Processing plant about six miles west of Douglas and north of I-25 off Cherokee Trail. Construction is expected to begin in August 2018 and the plant should be in operation in the Spring of 2019.
Both gas plants will be $100 million dollar projects, and will have similar production capabilities as the Bucking Horse plant west of town on Cold Springs Road.
An estimated 80 to 100 people will be employed during construction of each project, and 10-15 will be employed long term to run each plant. 012418
