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	JULY 2005 NEWS ARCHIVE Questions or comments, please call (307) 672-7421 or click here to email us. Email the news department directly by clicking here.

July 30, 2005

DAYTON DAYS CONTINUES TODAY – MAYOR BOB WOOD GIVES US THE LINE-UP - Dayton Days continues through tomorrow, and Mayor Bob Wood gives us the highlights of today’s activities: And after the pancake breakfast? But wait! There’s more … so much more!

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DAYTON DAYS WRAPS UP TOMORROW - Tomorrow you get one more chance to experience Dayton Days, and once again, here’s Mayor Bob Wood: Be sure to check out Sheridan Media Dot Com for lots of pictures and streaming video. We’ll have that for you mid-Monday morning.

We got the news late Friday: Sheridan’s local IRS Taxpayers Assistance Center will stay open after all. It was slated for closure, along with 67 other assistance centers across the country on the last day of September. All 68 centers will stay open thanks to Congress allocating the full 10 point 68 billion dollars requested. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young contacted local IRS supervisor Karl Hartse for his reaction: Karl Hartse has helped literally hundreds if not thousands of Sheridan-area residents with their income tax questions. Because of Friday’s decision, Karl will continue to offer his tax expertise to this community.

July 29, 2005

Club House - Click pics for larger views

IT’S OFFICIAL … DAYTON DAYS IS UNDERWAY. OUR COVERAGE BEGINS WITH LAST NIGHT’S COW PIE CLASSIC - Local Dayton residents say it doesn’t get any bigger for them than Dayton Days – which officially got underway last night. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young, in Dayton, has the details: . Ace informs us all 50 Cow Pie Classic participants met last night at the Cow Pie Class Club House. Video from the Cow Pie Classic

TODAY’S DAYTON DAYS ACTIVITIES? WE’VE GOT YOUR COMPLETE SCHEDULE - Last night’s Cow Pie Classic Golf Tournament was just the beginning of Dayton Days. Activities run through Sunday. Later today: two big events are on tap. Dayton Mayor Bob Wood fills us in: . Then, the Mayor says, it’s time for the bigger-than-big Annual Softball Classic against arch rival Ranchester: . And, of course, we’ll have complete coverage of each day of Dayton Days.

BUBBA’S MUSEUM DEADLINE LOOMS MONDAY - The deadline to come up with a million dollars to convert the former Bubba’s Barbecue into a new Sheridan County Museum is Monday. That’s not much time but Museum Director Dana Prater says they’re making progress: . That location Dana is talking about is the current Museum on Alger near the library in Sheridan. Meanwhile, the city’s business community appears to be solidly behind the Bubba’s conversion: . Again, the deadline for the million dollar fundraiser is Monday. We’ve got all the museum info for you by clicking here.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO PLAN YOUR FINAL DAYS – WHY DON’T YOU USE IT? - Terry Schiavo. It’s a name that saturated the headlines for weeks not too long ago, because she was an unwitting pawn in a family battle about whether or not she should die – she’d been in a vegetative state for years. The case fueled worldwide controversy and heated water cooler debates. The story did, however, bring to light a critical issue that every person must face – how do we plan for our final days? As of July 1, the Wyoming State Legislature put into place an Advanced Healthcare Directive to help people establish such plans. Chantal Moore is the Services Director at the Sheridan Senior Center: . Just what will this form allow you to do? . Decisions like whether or not to be hooked up to life support, or do you want to be an organ donor. Chantal stresses the importance of making these healthcare directives now, while you’re able: . The forms are available at the Sheridan Senior Center, where Chantal and her staff are happy to help you with any questions you might have, and they can even notarize the document too. And make no mistake – this isn’t just for senior citizens. If you’re eighteen and older, you are eligible to fill out this form.

Bruce Yates

HOW’S LAKE De SMET THESE DAYS? THE ANSWER: IT’S FILLED TO THE BRIM - It’s a great year for Lake DeSmet. We got that word last night: . That’s Bruce Yates … administrator of the Lake DeSmet Counties Coalition. That group met last night at the Sheridan County Courthouse where they discussed their administrative chores and shared the good news about their bountiful water supply: . That means the lake level should remain high late into the season. It comes as a mixed blessing though – those irrigators could be a source of income for both Sheridan & Johnson Counties but with water so plentiful, so far, they’ve had no need for Lake DeSmet’s generous reserves.

July 28, 2005

SHERIDAN POLICE CHOOSE INVESTIGATIVE FIRM - The much anticipated choice of an investigative firm to delve into the DUI stop of Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey has been made. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the late breaking news: .

SUICIDE ATTEMPTS ARE UP IN SHERIDAN – YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WAS ANOTHER ONE. THIS IS ACTUALLY A GOOD SIGN – WE’LL TELL YOU WHY- Yesterday we began a series about the increased numbers of suicide attempts, citing that just since May 1st, there have been 11 attempts, with 7 of those occurring in June. Yesterday afternoon, Sheridan Police were called to an incident at the bottom of KROE Lane for a reported suicide threat. A concerned family member had apparently called the VA hospital. When police were unable to contact the subject by phone, they then went to the home. The subject apparently had a holstered firearm in his possession, but complied with police commands and surrendered without any incident. The subject was then transported to the VA for further evaluation. The concerned family member did the right thing – Lanny Douglas is the Psychiatric Clinical Specialist at Memorial Hospital, and he told us that silence on our part could be deadly: . Lanny has a special word for adolescents: . He feels that our community gives a lot of attention to mental health, and perhaps because of that, more people are tending to reveal that they have had suicidal thoughts or had attempted suicide -- an interesting point here – when we asked Lanny if he was alarmed by the increase in suicide reports, he indicated that it is actually a GOOD thing: . Risk factors to be on the lookout for include someone who has attempted or who has a family history of an attempted or successful suicide; age and impulsiveness, especially in the elderly; and mismanagement of medications without a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Lanny strongly encourages independent practitioners to refer patients to mental health services for a thorough, diagnostic examination and the right medication management of psychiatric drugs. Bottom line – there is help available, and a trusted family member, friend, counselor or other medical professional is a good place to start.

COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR TRAIL END GUILD TOUR OF HISTORIC HOMES – TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE - This Sunday, Sheridan history buffs will get to take a tour of four historic homes, as the Trail End Guild hosts this annual fundraiser. . Trail End Historic Site Director Cynde Georgen tells us how a home is chosen for this Grand Tour: . And what is the oldest home on the tour this year? . Tickets are 10 dollars and can be picked up at the Trail End State Historic Site between 9 am and 6 pm. The tour begins at noon on Sunday, ending with a reception at Trail End.

NEW PROGRAMS FOR HOMELESS VETS - Good news for the Sheridan VA Medical Center and 13 potential new employees -- The Sheridan VA plans to expand clinical programs aimed at helping homeless veterans in the Rocky Mountain region. These will include services already provided for veterans enrolled in programs for serious mental illness, substance disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. An expanded program focusing on teaching work skills to veterans will also be provided. The Sheridan facility will hire 13 new employees to handle the expanded programs, which are scheduled to start in February and will help veterans in Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming.

SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INVITES BUSINESSES TO WELCOME SHERIDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS - Remember when you were getting ready to go to college and heading to a new town, possibly not knowing a soul and clueless as to what the town had to offer? Well, the good folks at the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce don’t want our Sheridan College students, especially those who aren’t from around these parts, to feel unwelcome, and they’re getting ready to do something about it – think of it as a “Welcome Wagon” of sorts, only in a bag: . Nearly 450 students and their parents will be converging upon the Sheridan College Campus for the August 20th orientation, and while that is still three weeks away, that’s a lot of bags to prepare, so if your business wants to contribute:. Melissa invites the business community to contact the Chamber office, and they’ll send someone over to pick up the contributions.

MUSHROOM FARM TRIES TO CAP ODOR - A couple months ago we highlighted the Wind River Mushroom Company, which employs inmates from the Wyoming State Honor Farm in Shoshone. They began production in December with production of 65-thousand pounds of mushrooms every week. Now, most of us know that mushrooms are a fungus and nothing fuels fungi better than some pretty smelly fertilizer, and that has neighbors complaining. Officials had billed the mushroom company as being odor-free before its construction, but residents’ noses are telling a different story. The good news -- Wind River Mushrooms General Manager Rick Wade says he believes he has pinpointed the problem at the plant's lagoon and has come up with a solution to eliminate it.

OIL AND GAS COMPANIES QUESTION NEW FEE - Wyoming oil and gas companies are concerned about a Bureau of Land Management proposal to charge a four thousand dollar fee, which the BLM wants to impose to cover costs associated with processing mineral-related permit applications. Yates Petroleum consultant Gene George says companies question the need for the fee because they already pay the federal government lease rentals and royalties, but Bruce Hinchey of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming says many companies would be happy to pay the fee if it meant they would be guaranteed quick processing of their application. The B-L-M is accepting comments until August 18th on the proposed fee.

SENATE BILL WOULD EXPAND WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK - The Senate has passed legislation that would authorize the National Park Service to expand the boundary of Wind Cave National Park in southwest South Dakota. But the family that owns most of the additional land is holding out for a better deal. Mill Iron Ranches, owned by the Casey family of Rapid City, is on the market for 14 million dollars. Managing partner Brendan Casey says the government has appraised the land at less than half that amount. Casey says there's lots of interest in the 55-hundred-acre property since it is so near the national park. He thinks it would be most lucrative to sell it to commercial developers. The bill also passed the Senate in 2003. It would authorize the sale but does not stipulate an amount of money. The House has not taken up the legislation. A spokesman says the Park Service is working with a third party to come up with extra money for the purchase. The land is used as a buffalo ranch.

July 27, 2005

ANOTHER SUICIDE ATTEMPT IN SHERIDAN MONDAY PROMPTS US TO LOOK INTO THIS GROWING PROBLEM - Another suicide attempt in Sheridan Monday night prompted us to explore this seeming epidemic. We begin a series, which looks at the process of handling a suicidal person and getting them help. Between April 1st and yesterday, Sheridan Police Incident reports reveal that within the Sheridan city limits, there were 2 successful suicides, 16 suicide attempts, and 9 suicide threats. During this same period last year, attempts numbered 6 and threats numbered 10 – attempts went up by ten compared to last year. Perhaps most startling -- just since May 1st of THIS year, Sheridan has seen eleven suicide attempts, and of those eleven, SEVEN occurred in June. Sheridan Police Detective Sergeant Tom Henry tells us that dealing with a suicidal person is a multi-layered process. He relays to us what happens when police are called out to such a case:. That psychological evaluation will then determine whether or not they’ll be released or kept for up to 72 hours, with the possibility of going before a judge to see if more institutional time is needed. For legal reasons, careful steps are taken: . And how do family members or friends feel about the police involvement in such cases? . Which will hopefully, in the long run, save their life. We’ll continue our look at this issue from the mental health professional’s viewpoint, when our series continues tomorrow.

NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT AT CORNER OF COFFEEN AND BURKITT WILL BE PUT UP TOMORROW – WYDOT TELLS US WHY - Some good news for those hoofing it in downtown Sheridan – there’s going to be a new pedestrian-friendly traffic light on South Main: . So says Rhonda Holwell, the new Public Involvement Specialist for WyDOT’s District 4. That’s Thursday as in … tomorrow. Rhonda tells us where and why they’ve decided to put in this light: . And this is somewhat significant for Sheridan: . Again, be prepared for a revised signal, which will require you to STOP at the red arrow if you are turning left onto Burkitt/Coffeen. That change takes place tomorrow.

A SHERIDAN FAST FOOD INSTITUTION IS NO MORE – HARDEES IS HISTORY - It’s official. Hardees on Main Street in Sheridan is no more. The big sign is still up and the building is still there but that’s about it. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

HARDEE’S MAKES MORE NEWS ON A NATIONAL LEVEL - A 54-year-old Wyoming man who threatened to publish negative stock reports about the parent company of the Hardee's fast-food chain was sentenced to prison Tuesday. C. Clive Munro, who was arrested last October at his Cheyenne home, was sentenced to a year and nine months in St. Louis where Hardee's is based. He pleaded guilty in Federal Court last February to one count of committing interstate threats. Prosecutors say Munro threatened to publish negative research reports about Hardee's parent company, California-based C-K-E Incorporated, unless he was hired for 300-thousand dollars for one year as a consultant. C-K-E officials contacted law authorities last year when they believed they were being extorted. They said they were glad justice was done. Munro's lawyer Richard Sindel said his client had expressed remorse for the difficulties and pain he had caused.

DILLON, MONTANA – HOW ARE THEY COPING AFTER THEIR 5 POINT 6 MAGNITUDE QUAKE? WE’LL FIND OUT FIRST HAND - At this time yesterday, we were telling you about a 5 point 6 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter not far from Dillon, Montana. John Barrows is the publisher of the Dillon Tribune. He says, while it was quite a jolt they felt, damage in Dillon was relatively minor: . That quake was felt as far north at Great Falls, as far east as Billings, as far west as Idaho … and as far south as Wyoming – with a handful of residents in Cody saying they felt the temblor.

DAYTON DAYS STARTS THURSDAY AND EVENTS RUN THROUGH SUNDAY - The annual Dayton Days begins tomorrow and won’t end until Sunday. Saturday is a big day for Dayton, and it starts early. At 6AM the Ranchester-Dayton Rotary Club hosts a pancake breakfast at the utility building across from the post office. Followed by Walkabout Dayton. . That’s Dayton Town Councilman Bob Alley. Of course the Dayton Days Parade is always a big draw after the walk. Parade entries will be finalized this Friday at 3pm at Dayton Town Hall. Other special events include: . And what would Dayton Days be without the annual volunteer fire department water fight on Sunday. The Dayton Town Council will also have a hamburger feed to round out the events on Sunday at town hall. You’ll be able to hear complete details about Dayton Days on Public Pulse later this morning.


A FIRE TUESDAY AT GILLETTE’S INTERMOUNTAIN CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS - A fire destroyed a control house at a Gillette asphalt company early Tuesday. The fire at Intermountain Construction and Materials is thought to have been an electrical fire. Plant manager Ken Starrett says Campbell County fire investigators are looking into the cause of the fire. No damage estimate was immediately available.

July 26, 2005

MAYOR DAVE KINSKEY’S DUI STOP JULY 9th – MORE AUDIO - A Sheridan City Council-requested investigation into the July 9th DUI stop of Mayor Dave Kinskey should shine more light on what took place in a crucial two hours that night. Meantime, actual audio recordings from police dispatch are giving us some illumination as well. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has an update: . We will let you know as soon as the Police Chief secures an investigator.

HIGH SPEED CHASE NABS A SHERIDAN 19 YEAR OLD - A Sheridan man is in jail this morning because of a high-speed chase this weekend. Witnesses say it was like a scene out of “Cops” – a high-speed chase Saturday afternoon began shortly after 4 on Highway 87 just south of Sheridan College: . Sheriff Dave Hofmeier says that pursuit reached speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour. The Wyoming Highway Patrol joined in the chase and was able to finally stop 19-year-old Aaron McCalla of Sheridan who faces multiple charges: . Aaron McCalla is in jail on those charges. The Sheriff reports McCalla was the driver in an auto accident two years ago that resulted in the death of his brother.

DOWN-TO-THE-WIRE EFFORT TO TURN BUBBA’S BARBECUE INTO THE SHERIDAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM - We got the news earlier this summer. The Sheridan County Historical Society needed one million dollars to turn the old Bubba’s Barbecue into the new Sheridan County Museum. The deadline? August first. The good news: they’ve raised a big chunk of the million dollars they needed. The bad news: they’ve got to raise the remainder by next Monday: . Dana Prater is the museum director and she thinks they can raise the remaining money in time. She’s calling on the community to come through in this time of need: . And we’ve got all that museum contact information nice & handy for you by clicking here

THE PETTING ZOO LEAVES SHERIDAN BUT NOT WITHOUT SOME GOODBYES - They came into Sheridan last Wednesday & set up shop at the K-Mart parking lot on Thursday. We’re talking about the Hendrick’s Educational Petting Zoo that, for 4 days, shared their menagerie with the community. They collapsed the tent, though, and have headed to the Montana State Fair but not before Ace Young had a chance to say his “goodbyes”: .

DAYTON DAYS CELEBRATES THE COMMUNITY FOR THE 29TH TIME - Thursday will be the first of four full days of celebrations as the 29th annual Dayton Days begins. The annual Cow-pie Classic Golf Tournament kicks things off at 5:00 PM that day. The tournament evens the odds between good and not so good golfers as it is played in a field rather than a traditional golf course. Dayton Town Councilman Bob Alley let’s us know some of the other events planned for Thursday and Friday: . On Friday, events start at 6 in the evening with the Pet Parade at Dayton Park and there will be a teen dance at the Art Badgett Pool parking lot. But the big event on Friday is the annual Dayton – Ranchester Softball Game. Who leads the series? . The festivities continue all weekend long in Dayton. This year’s theme is Dayton, Small Town America at it’s Best. Most if the events are free to the public and you can find out more about the celebration by calling 655-2217.

TREMOR SHAKES WESTERN, SOUTHWESTERN MONTANA; SURROUNDING STATES - An earthquake measuring a magnitude 5-point-6 struck southwestern Montana last night, rattling windows, nerves and buildings. There have been no reports of any serious damage or injuries. The U-S Geological Survey says the earthquake was centered about 13 miles northwest of Dillon, but residents across a wide swath of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington reported feeling the temblor at about 10:10 p-m. In Montana, reports came in from as far away as Great Falls, more than 200 miles to the north, and Billings, 250 miles to the east. Some residents reported two distinct tremors, several seconds apart, lasting about eight to ten seconds in all. In Dillon, Beaverhead County Commissioner Mike McGinley said there were scattered reports of broken glass and other minor damage around town, but nothing significant. However, he says fire and ambulance personnel were standing by just in case. The U-S-G-S categorized the earthquake as moderate. Initial reports said it occurred about 25 miles underground, but the U-S-G-S later said the quake was at a much more shallow depth - only about three miles below the surface.

REFRESHING RAIN GIVES RESPITE FROM HEAT – HELPS FIREFIGHTERS - Cooler temperatures are aiding crews as they try to contain Montana and Wyoming wildfires. The biggest has been the 58-hundred-acre Big Horn Mountain blaze on the Crow Indian Reservation. Officials say the Big Horn fire is considered 95 percent contained and responsibility will be turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Crow Tribe today. Firefighters certainly must have welcomed the rain, right? . Dan Borsum is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Billings. So how much rain have we received since yesterday afternoon? . Even though this morning felt more like mid-October than mid-July, will summer return soon? . Dan tells us that typically the end of July – beginning of August reports come in of record highs…so enjoy these cools days while you can, and give your air conditioner a break. It’s going to need one.

July 25th 2005

Asst. Public Works Director John Nowak views the latest paving on Broadway near Grinnell.

SUGGESTED ROUTES GIVEN AS LOUCKS IS ABOUT TO CLOSE FOR THE SCOTT BROADWAY PROJECT - Progress continues on the Scott – Broadway project, and one of the city’s major streets is about to be effected. Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak gives us some traffic advice: . Nowak reports that the massive downtown project continues to be on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule with completion expected in late September or early October.

SHERIDAN DOWNTOWN RETAILERS GEAR UP FOR CRAZY DAZE THIS WEEK - A thousand clams and that item is yours! Crazy Daze kicks off this Thursday in downtown Sheridan, and participating businesses will hang a Mylar balloon on their shingle to let you know to come on in … crazy deals are inside! Chamber of Commerce Director Melissa Butcher says folks will want to build up their clam bucks. Uh, what are clam bucks, Melissa? . Can anyone get these clams? . And believe us when we tell you … you definitely want to buy: . Not a clambake, but a clam-buck auction, which will be held at Grinnell Plaza Saturday afternoon beginning at noon. Crazy Daze promises some crazy savings, and fun for all ages in downtown Sheridan this week.

WYOMING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES INITIATIVE WORKING TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF WYOMING LIFE - The family. It’s the backbone of society, and nothing is more positive than when a family is strong. Unfortunately not all families are strong, and the Wyoming Children and Families Initiative is trying to change that. Marilyn Patton is the Deputy Administrator for this Initiative, through the Department of Family Services. She was in town on Friday to meet with Sheridan folks about the Wyoming Family Photo. It arose in the State Legislature two years ago, out of House Bill 33. So what kind of issues does the Wyoming Family Photo address? . And how does Sheridan stack up against the rest of the state? . Representative Rosie Berger knows all about the legislature’s role in this Initiative. She says that the legislature spends a lot of money to improve the services in the state: . The single most significant statement at Friday’s presentation was that one adult can make a positive, life-changing impact on the life of a child, and the Wyoming Children and Family Initiative will continue to work toward it’s goal to do just that…change lives for the better.

MORE REVELATIONS CONCERNING THE JULY 9TH DUI STOP OF MAYOR KINSKEY - Mayor Kinskey’s DUI stop on July 9th. Was it a legitimate REDDI report called in by an off duty cop witnessing a mayor stumbling in the parking lot? … or was it a not-so-carefully orchestrated set-up and selective enforcement? Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young continues to cover the controversy: .

LIGHTENING CAUSES SEVERAL FIRES IN BLACK HILLS – HOMES EVACUATED - Residents of eleven homes in northeast Wyoming have been evacuated as the result of five lightning-caused fires in the Black Hills, with a shelter set up at Sundance High School for the evacuees. Residents of about 20 other homes have been told to prepare to evacuate within 30 minutes, if any such order is issued. The complex in the Black Hills National Forest east of Sundance is just five percent contained. Temperatures in the 90s and strong southwest winds are hindering firefighters. The fires have blackened one-and-a-half square miles of mainly ponderosa pine. Fire information officer Brenda Bowen says the wind shifted Sunday, and is causing problems for firefighters in steep canyons. About 220 firefighters are on scene, with more on the way. Two have been treated for heat-related illness.

YOU KNOW THE MOVIE SHOT AT DEVIL’S TOWER? WELL, NOW YOU CAN WATCH IT THERE –Texas company Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is giving movie fans a chance to watch several films at their original shooting locations. One of those showings will be of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," a science fiction flick starring Richard Dreyfuss. Much of the movie --- which is about an alien encounter -- was filmed at Devils Tower. The film will be shown on a 50-foot screen at the K-O-A Campground at Devils Tower National Monument on Saturday, September 3rd. For more information, log on to www.originalalamo.com.

SHERIDAN’S POLICE CHIEF EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE AN OUTSIDE INVESTIGATOR LATER TODAY - As we told you late Friday, Police Chief Mike Card is expected to announce an out-of-state investigator to assist him with an official inquiry into the July 9th DUI of Mayor Dave Kinskey. We’ll hear more from the audio transcripts later on in this newscast.

 

July 22, 2005

NEW REVELATIONS ON THE KINSKEY DUI STOP AND THE IMPENDING INVESTIGATION. SHERIDAN MEDIA HAS THE EXCLUSIVE DETAILS - July 9th, a Saturday night. 450 Harley Owners Group members were in Sheridan for a 4-day rally. It was also the evening Mayor Dave Kinskey got pulled over for a possible DUI Stop. That stop and a pending investigation as to why it took place to begin with has been literally the “talk of the town” in the ensuing couple of weeks. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has an update: .

DAYTON COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT IS JUST A FEW WEEKS FROM COMPLETION - Last week a team from the Wyoming Business Council was in Dayton to help them conduct their community assessment. Dayton Assistant Town Clerk, Linda Lofgren tells us what the business council team was asking community residents. . Nearly 100 people responded to the call for comments and the Dayton Fire – Rescue Service and town leadership topped the list of major strengths of Dayton. Some goals included, pool upgrades, a community center, and an update of the 2001 shared vision plan for the town. What’s the next step? . Plus the Wyoming Business Council will provide ongoing support for the assessment. . The final draft of the assessment is expected by October and can be updated every two years to help keep the community on track with their goals.

MONTANA WILDFIRE BURNING ON CROW RESERVATION - The largest of several wildfires in Montana is the Big Horn Fire. At last report, it has burned some five thousand acres on the Crow Indian Reservation. About 200 firefighters have been assigned to the fire. The good news: firefighters are getting the upper hand on that blaze. Fire information officer Pat McKelvey says the fire is 50 percent contained, and full containment is expected Saturday. Meanwhile, firefighters are watching the skies across the West for dry lightning that they fear could trigger wildfires in vegetation dried out by temperatures that reached 100 degrees in many areas.

ROUND TWO OF AERIAL MOSQUITO SPRAYING IS SLATED TO BEGIN TODAY - The 2nd of 3 aerial applications of larvicide in Sheridan County gets underway today and extend through the weekend. Bob Benjamin is with Sheridan County Weed & Pest:. The larvicide itself, we’re told, is a naturally-occurring biological agent that only targets mosquito & black fly larvae with an excellent track record and with no undesired effects on humans and the environment.

ACCIDENT AT NORTH MAIN EXIT YESTERDAY MORNING ENDS UP IN ARREST LAST NIGHT - Highway Patrol Trooper Kelly Broad responded yesterday morning at around 7 to an accident at Exit 20 at the North Main on-ramp onto I-90. An adult male suspect had been attempting to enter onto the interstate and slammed into a guardrail. When Trooper Broad arrived on scene, the driver, who was wanted on a warrant, had left the scene. Sheridan Police Officer Cody Lamb used his K-9 unit to track the suspect, losing the scent in the vicinity of Common Cents parking lot. The suspect had phoned a friend to come get him. Last night, an off-duty dispatcher saw the suspect at Wal-Mart. She called Sheridan Police and officers arrested him. Thanks to her quick thinking and PD response, he is in jail. The case is under investigation.

ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR JOHN NOWAK HAS AN UPDATE ON SCOTT-BROADWAY PROJECT - Things are “rolling” right along as the Scott – Broadway project continues. Yesterday and today, paving is taking place in the area around Grinnell. Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak tells us: . Curb and gutter will take a day to complete, and today and next week the utility week will continue, progressing south through Brundage and then on through Loucks: . When will Brundage be re-opened?. John will continue to give us updates as the project progresses … and thankfully, the end of the road is in sight.

June 21, 2005

Sculptor Jerold Smiley with the John D. Loucks Statue

SHERIDAN’S FOUNDER AND FIRST MAYOR, JOHN D. LOUCKS, NOW A PERMANENT PART OF GRINNELL PLAZA - On a lovely sunny morning, the veil was removed from the commissioned statue of Sheridan’s Founder, John D. Loucks. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us all about it:
Video from this mornings dedication

DAYTON TOWN COUNCIL TABLES MOST OF THEIR AGENDA - The Dayton Town Council met last night but tabled all but one item on their agenda, and then failed to make a motion on the one issue that met with some discussion – whether or not to allow liquor to be served outside at the Crazy Woman Saloon during Dayton Days. Dayton Days, the event that -- for that little town -- is the equivalent to our rodeo weekend, relatively speaking, is set for next weekend, July 28th through the 31st. Count on us to bring you all the information leading up to and during the celebration.

SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 APPROVES BUDGET FOR 2005-2006 - Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was on hand for the District One meeting; here is his report: .

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 BOARD OF TRUSTEES PASSES 2005-2006 HANDBOOKS - The 2005-2006 budget wasn’t the only agenda item at the School District 2 board meeting. Tabled from last month, changes had to be made to the drafts of each school’s student handbook. After considerable discussion, the board approved, by majority vote, to accept the handbooks for the upcoming school year. Board Chairman Dave DeBolt explains why there need to be consistencies from school to school: . Chairman DeBolt says there are fluctuations within those boundaries: . Demographics that also incorporate the personality and vision of each school’s staff and their young charges. Can there still be improvements made for next year? . Some of those changes also include having the same covers, the same letterhead and logos, the same discipline across the board. DeBolt says that they’re headed in the right direction.

Wyoming Stretch Limo

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 ADOPTS THEIR BUDGET - With news from the District 2 Board Meeting, here’s Mary Jo Johnson: .

SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVE THEIR FISCAL YEAR 2005 BUDGET - You know that TV commercial that says, “It’s Termite Season?” Well, here in Sheridan County, this week could be labeled “Budget Season”, with the County and it’s schools adopting budgets. Let’s begin with our community college. Officially they are known as the Board of Trustees for the Northern Wyoming Community College District. Most of us know them as the Trustees for Sheridan College. Last night, they approved their budget for fiscal year 2005. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was there and files this report: .

Weinermobile:

THE WEINER MOBILE MAKES A QUICK VISIT TO SHERIDAN - Sheridan County residents who saw a 27-foot long hot dog heading south of eye-25 late yesterday were not hallucinating. What they saw was the real deal – the Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile. Count on Ace Young to have the details: .

veiled Loucks statue

SHERIDAN’S FOUNDER AND FIRST MAYOR, JOHN D. LOUCKS, IMMORTALIZED IN SCULPTURE ON GRINNELL PLAZA – UNVEILING THIS MORNING AT 10 - Downtown Sheridan will be under the watchful gaze of its founder and first mayor, John D. Loucks – this morning at 10, his descendants will unveil a sculpture they purchased and had crafted by local artist Jerold S. Smiley at a special dedication on Grinnell Plaza. Smiley spent several months researching Loucks’ life and looks – after 400 hundred hours developing a mock-up, the actual sculpting began. What was the most difficult part of the project? . And the final touch? . And what a beard it was! Come down to meet our founding father, listen to the story of how we came to be, and enjoy some refreshments too. That’s Grinnell Plaza, this morning at 10. As soon as the ceremony is over please check back to see a picture of the newets piece of art on Grinnell Plaza

IT’S OFFICIAL … AFTER MONTHS OF SEARCHING, THE SAWS BOARD HAS A NEW ADMINISTRATOR - SAWS – the Sheridan Area Water Supply – has a new administrator. County Commissioner Ky Dixon says a months long search has finally paid off: . Jay Stender replaces Bruce Yates who recently stepped down from the SAWS board to concentrate on his county engineering duties.

July 20, 2005

RANCHESTER MOVES FORWARD ON PAVING PROJECT - It was a light agenda for Ranchester’s Town Council last night. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was at the meeting and filed this report: .

BIG HORN FIRE CONTINUES TO BURN IN CROW INDIAN RESERVATION – REMOTE AREA MAKES IT HARD TO FIGHT - The nearly five-thousand acre Big Horn fire burning on the Crow Indian Reservation is burning in such a remote area, that the logistics are giving managers as much trouble as the blaze itself. Pat McKelvey is the fire information officer. He says the base camp is about a two-hour drive from the fire, and fire crews are staying at a "spike" camp that's a couple miles from the fire. He says it's tough to haul the water and port-a-potties over the steep, rocky roads. One 20-member Hot Shot crew is on the fire, along with three hand crews. Two more Hot Shot crews are expected today. We will have updates as they become available.

A SURE SIGN OF SUMMER – SHERIDAN COUNTY IS DAYS AWAY FROM A BURN BAN - A Sheridan County burn ban is right around the corner. County Commissioners made that official Tuesday. It seems there’s a problem with that ban though. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY – SHERIDAN’S FOUNDER AND FIRST MAYOR, JOHN D. LOUCKS, IMMORTALIZED IN SCULPTURE ON GRINNELL PLAZA - Grinnell Plaza has become quite a gallery for sculpture displays, some permanent, some on loan from the artists. Tomorrow morning at 10, downtown Sheridan will be under the watchful gaze of its founder and first mayor, John D. Loucks, thanks to the skilled hands of sculptor Jerold S. Smiley. Smiley was commissioned by Loucks’ great-granddaughter, Marsha Powers, to immortalize Loucks for posterity. Smiley spent several months researching Loucks’ life and looks – after 400 hundred hours developing a mock-up, the actual sculpting began. What was the most difficult part of the project? . And the final touch? . Come down to meet our founding father, listen to his story of how we came to be, and enjoy some refreshments too. That’s Grinnell Plaza, tomorrow morning at 10.

Pettin Zoo Owner Marcy Campbell Kisses Ellen the "Kissin Camel"

IT’S CALLED THE HENDRICK’S EDUCATIONAL PETTING ZOO … AND IT’S HERE IN SHERIDAN THROUGH SUNDAY - Anyone driving by Sheridan’s K-Mart in the last day or so may have noticed some critters in their parking lot. They caught Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young’s attention. Ace? .

SHERIDAN COUNTY ATTORNEY REDLE SAYS THE STEPHEN HYATT MURDER TRIAL IS ON TRACK FOR AN OCTOBER START - There was another pretrial hearing in the first-degree murder case of Stephen Hyatt Tuesday. Hyatt is charged with last year’s shotgun killing of 18-year old Kaleigh Ford. Sheridan County Attorney Matt Redle described this latest hearing: . And there were no problems. Redle, abiding by the discovery process, handed the defense attorney a CD-rom of discovery material. Both attorneys said they were on track on keeping up with the various trial motions. Redle went on to called Tuesday’s hearing “routine”: . That trial venue is still set for the Sheridan County Courthouse. Hyatt, meanwhile, has been, and will continue to be, held in the Johnson County Jail in Buffalo.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE PLEASED WITH THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 - It’s official. The Sheridan County Commission has adopted the 2005-2006 Budget. In the words of Commissioner Larry Durante: . One thing Larry Durante was not pleased with was the failure of his colleagues to pass an ordinance allowing the commissioners to veto line item budget transfers by department heads. Commissioners Ky Dixon & Terry Cram felt that might be too controversial. So what they passed instead was a voluntary ordinance asking for the department heads’ voluntary compliance.

WYO RODEO BOARD HAS PRELIMINARY NUMBERS FOR 2005 ATTENDANCE - We weren’t kidding when we told you that the numbers were high for all the rodeo events – people filled the parade route, the grandstands, the carnival grounds, and the street dances. WYO Rodeo Board Vice President Zane Garstad gives us the WYO Rodeo 75th Anniversary preliminary numbers: . Garstad says the final attendance totals will come out in a couple weeks. And while the attendance figures are impressive, the rodeo “payouts” were way up as well: More money added to the purse, bringing more competitors to the arena: . Garstad is quick to emphasize that this growing success is thanks to the entire community. Sheridan’s on a roll, Garstad says, hopefully for 75 more years.

July 19, 2005

Ted Gardner -- Sheridan's Human Resources Manager

CITY COUNCIL IS EMBARKING ON A NEW PROGRAM TO BRING AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO SHERIDAN - Sheridan City Council last night discussed salaries, affordable housing and curfews. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

MAYOR KINSKEY PAYS TRIBUTE TO TOM BARKER – FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE FINALIZED - At last night’s City Council meeting, Mayor Dave Kinskey, along with most in attendance, paid tribute to Tom Barker, a respected businessman – he owned and operated CER Professional Consultants – who, as we reported on Friday, was electrocuted and died in a tragic accident on his property last Thursday night. . Visitation for Mr. Barker will be this afternoon from 3 until 6 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. His funeral is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10 and will be held at the First Congregational Church. The Barker family will hold a private burial service at a later date, but following the funeral service, they will have a reception in the Holiday Inn atrium. Tom Barker was 62 years old.

SPLIT ESTATE WORKSHOP TO BE HELD IN GILLETTE THIS THURSDAY - It’s called the “split estate” and here in Wyoming it’s a big deal: . And in the land here in Wyoming we have minerals, oil & methane. This is all timely too because state officials will be discussing “split estate” today in Cheyenne: . Giving us all this information is Michelle Cook – she’s the manager of the Campbell County Conservation District. Cook admits “split estate” is confusing and, as of today, still waiting for further delineation. In the meantime, she’s offering some “split estate” assistance: . The Split Estate Workshop is Thursday, July 21st at the Campbell County Extension Office in Gillette. The workshop begins with registration at 8:15am and speakers representing state government, the mineral industry, natural resources and private landowners will make presentations until 12:15pm when a question & answer session will begin. Registration is $10. The deadline is July 20 (Wednesday). Contact Michelle Cook at 307.682.1824 or (cell) 307.660.5628

CONGRESSWOMAN CUBIN SPONSORS FEMA REFORM LEGISLATION IN WASHINGTON - Wyoming Representative Barbara Cubin says she’s worried … worried about rural communities getting their share of FEMA federal disaster funds: . Rural Wyoming needs disaster money too, Cuban argues, and as proof, she cites a major disaster here in Wyoming 3 years ago: Kaycee lost 80% of its businesses & one-third of its residences in that 2002 flood. Putting it in perspective, a comparable disaster in Washington D.C. would have destroyed nearly 100-thousand homes and almost 16-thousand businesses. That’s why Cubin says she’s introduced HR 23-38: . 23-38 has just won crucial committee approval and could be approved by the full House in a matter of weeks, Cubin reports – before something like Kaycee happens again: . Congresswoman Cubin introduced similar legislation 2 years ago. It failed to get out of committee then. It’s already cleared that hurdle this time around and our Wyoming representative is confident she’ll get an even more positive response on the House floor.

COUNTY COMMISSION MEETS THIS MORNING FOR THEIR REGULAR MEETING –WITH A SMALL BUT MIGHTY AGENDA PLANNED - This morning is the regular County Commission meeting, the last one for this month. Commissioner Larry Durante says the agenda is short, but some important issues will be covered, first and foremost, the adoption of the 2005-2006 Budget. The Commission is also going to consider putting the Burn Ban back into effect starting next Monday. Even with all the rain we’ve gotten? . Just what would go into a Burn Ban? . Durante stresses that a ban is only in the consideration stage at this time, but the commission will vote on it at the meeting this morning. We will certainly advise you if it becomes official.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ARE PLEASED WITH THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 - Sheridan County Commissioners met last night to discuss the proposed budget. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and filed this report: .

July 18, 2005

Indian Relay Races

THE BUCKIN’ BRONCOS WERE GREAT; SO WAS THE STEER WRESTLIN’ … BUT THE CROWD FAVORITE AT THIS YEAR’S WYO RODEO? THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP INDIAN RELAYS - A capacity crowd at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds this weekend enjoyed what they saw: . To the uninitiated it sounded more like a horse race – but that’s only half right. What thousands saw were the World Championship Indian Relays. There’s a reason why they’re called the World Championship Indian Relays. It’s because they are! Indians riding their horses bareback in a relay. The crowd loved it as we hear the stretch run winners Friday night: . The finals were Saturday night … and the big winner? The Kirkaldie Indian Team from Hays, Montana. They are the 2005 Indian Relay Race World Champions.

Video highlights from Friday and Saturday night performances
Indian Relay Races
Bareback Riding
Steer Roping
Saddle Bronc Riding
Calf Roping
Bull Riding

Budweiser Clydesdales

AFTER AN ABSENCE OF 12 YEARS, THE CLYDESDALES WERE BACK IN SHERIDAN - After an absence of a dozen years, they were back for the 75th anniversary of the WYO Rodeo. They were a crowd favorite at the parade and again at the fairgrounds. We’re talking about the Clydesdale Horses. The team we saw locally is actually one of six teams that travel the country for Anheuser-Busch. Were you worried that they might have been hurtin’ in the 90 degree plus temperatures? . So says Doug Bousselot, head handler for the Clydesdales. And regarding the rumors that one of these horses will drink 40 gallons of water a day? . The horses spent most of their time at the fairgrounds. Their pens were kept pristine. Misters were constantly blowing. You won’t seem ‘em in Sheridan any more this year, though. The Clydesdales are, seemingly, always on the go: . The Clydesdale Horses – as we said: a real crowd-pleaser at this year’s WYO Rodeo.

WAS IT HOT LAST WEEK? YEP! RECORD HEAT A COUPLE OF DAYS. WILL IT BE AS HOT THIS WEEK? - Sunday’s official high temperature in Sheridan was 77 degrees. Quite a cool down from Saturday & the middle of last week: . So says Brian Tesar, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Billings. And what can we expect when it comes to hot weather this week? . And we remind you that even though Brian and the National Weather Service are in Billings, that forecast and those temperatures are for Sheridan.

Photographer Arthur Frank at King's Saddlery Museum

A NEW YORK ATTORNEY TELLS US WHY HE LOVES THE SHERIDAN RODEO - Arthur Frank is a New York attorney AND a world class photographer. The two can go hand in hand as Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young discovered: .

 

DID IT SEEM LIKE THIS YEAR’S WYO RODEO WAS WELL-ATTENDED? RODEO PARADE ORGANIZER JUDY TAYLOR SAYS “YES!!!” - Everyone who saw the parade Friday also saw the crowds – 5 deep in spots – and shoulder-to-shoulder along the entire parade route. And what about the crowds for the rodeo at the fairgrounds? WYO Rodeo Days Board Member and Parade Organizer Judy Taylor says they were huge: . As to why this year’s crowds were so large, Judy Taylor gives one reason: . Some 150 Indians, most from the Crow Nation, participated in this year’s WYO Rodeo & Parade.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HOLD SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING TONIGHT - It’s back to business as usual – kind of – for the Board of County Commissioners. They will be holding a Special Session this evening at 5:30 to receive the proposed fiscal year 2005-2006 Sheridan County Budget, and they will allow time for public discussion and comment on the contents. Several resolutions will be considered pertaining to the transfer of certain funds between last fiscal year and this. The new numbers shall then be adopted in a public hearing at a regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow morning, beginning at 9. No telling yet if County Commissioner Ky Dixon will wear her new WYO Rodeo jacket to these meetings. She won it Friday night during an action-packed competition.

SHERIDAN POLICE WORK LONG HOURS TO KEEP UP WITH THE RODEO-RELATED CALLS - Lieutenant Steve Matheson was just one of the Sheridan Police force who put in twelve hour days each day of Rodeo Weekend, working the stretch from 6 am to 6 pm. . 83 total cases, but 124 calls to the police department, and 191 total calls to all service agencies. Lt. Matheson also told us that the mounted patrol that came up from Cheyenne was a welcome presence for all the downtown activities. In all, Sheridan PD had help from Gillette, Crook County, and the Sheridan County Sheriff’s office.

WYOMING NATIONAL GUARDSMEN RECEIVE ORDERS TO MOBILIZE - Captain Jim Cudney of Sheridan-based 2nd Battalion 300th Field Artillery Regiment may have to return to Iraq, as the Wyoming Army National Guard has received orders to mobilize 152 more soldiers to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cudney has said if asked to return, he would go willingly, saying that he believes strongly that there’s a sacrifice required for being free. Lt. Colonel Richard Knowlton, Unit Commander says that some soldiers who were previously deployed may be asked to go. Whomever is called will report to Fort Lewis, Washington in December for training, and then head overseas to support detention work for about a year and a half.

July 15, 2005

Click for more picture from the Pancake Breakfast, Bed Races and the Parade

75TH ANNIVERSARY WYO RODEO PARADE WAS THE BIGGEST & BEST EVER - This year’s WYO Rodeo Parade is officially history. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the wrap-up: For parade winners click here. Some highlights from Friday mornings events

SHERIDAN BUSINESSMAN IS ACCIDENTALLY ELECTROCUTED -Well known businessman Thomas Barker was accidentally electrocuted on his Owl Creek Road ranch last night. 62 year old Barker was the owner & operation of CER – Centennial Engineering & Research. The Sheridan County Sheriff & County Coroner are both confirming that Barker was moving some large irrigation pipe when it came in contact with a live overhead power line. Funeral arrangements for Thomas Barker are pending.

THIS YEAR’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WYO RODEO INCLUDES A WELCOME CONTINGENT OF INDIANS – THE MOST NATIVE AMERICANS IN ALMOST 4 DECADES - As we have been discussing, this year’s 75th annual WYO Rodeo includes a large contingent of visitors similar to years past: . Crow Indian dancing, a pow-wow and more begin immediately after this morning’s parade on Grinnell Plaza. Then tonight, of course, it’s the show of shows at the fairgrounds: . That photo, Judy says, is also a throwback to years past: . Just some of what’s going on later today & tonight. And, of course, the carnival.

BODY OF SEATTLE MAN RECOVERED FROM LAKE IN YELLOWSTONE - The body of a Seattle man apparently has been recovered from a lake in the southern part of Yellowstone National Park. Fifty-nine-year-old Joseph Miller was last seen canoeing on Lewis Lake on Saturday, July 2nd. Miller was by himself and not wearing a life jacket. A dive team recovered a body matching his description this morning. Dental records will be used in an attempt to make a positive identification. The body was found in 31 feet of water -- about 800 feet from shore. Meanwhile, searches for two Montana residents missing in the Yellowstone River have been scaled back. The National Park Service is continuing limited, periodic searches for 13-year-old Luke Sanburg of Helena and 19-year-old Candace May Kellie of Belgrade. Luke was with his Boy Scout troop when he fell into the rapids near Knowles Falls on June 24th. Kellie's Ford Explorer went into the river June 29th.

THE SEASON’S FIRST WILDFIRE IS BURNING IN THE BIG HORN BASIN - It’s called the “Devil’s Slide Fire” and it’s burning in the Big Horn Basin: . BLM spokesperson Janine Terry says they’ve now been able to determine the fire has burned some 12 hundred acres on private, state & BLM lands. 57 firefighters & 10 engines are on the scene. The fire, we’re told, started late Wednesday when a campfire apparently got away from some campers. The good news: the firefighters list the blaze as 80% contained with full containment expected this evening. Terry says they’ve got a couple of things working in their favor. For one, the terrain is mostly low hills & small draws: . and the 2nd bit of good news has been the weather conditions for the firefighters: . Again, it’s been dubbed the “Devil’s Slide Fire”, it’s 80% contained but has burned some 1200 acres east of the Big Horns in the Big Horn Basin some 26 miles south of Ten Sleep.

July 14, 2005

SHERIDAN MAN HAS COMPETED IN 44 SHERIDAN-WYO-RODEOS - This year’s Sheridan WYO Rodeo is bittersweet for one Sheridan area resident. This year is one of only 8 since 1953 that has not included Ben Reynolds. Not as a spectator but as a contestant. We had a chance to talk with Ben and he told us about his first Sheridan WYO Rodeo. . In fact, Reynolds almost missed a very important event in his daughter’s life while roping in the WYO Rodeo. . Reynolds not only taught the sport has even roped against many of his students over his years in the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. When he was older, he roped professionally, and nearly qualified for the National Finals Rodeo on several occasions. He has not competed since 2002 but he says he’s certainly not done with the WYO. . Look for Ben at the 2006 Sheridan WYO Rodeo. This year’s performances start tonight at 7 at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.

HORSE PATROL TO HELP SHERIDAN POLICE DURING RODEO WEEKEND - Sheridan police are gearing up for this year’s rodeo events. Coming to help them will be four members of the Cheyenne Horse Patrol. Detective Brian Smith from the Cheyenne Police Department heads the mounted unit and he tells us why mounted patrols are better for crowd control. . Recently, Smith and other mounted officers received advanced training right here in Sheridan. . The mounted patrol will arrive in Sheridan this afternoon and that will give the steeds some time to acclimate themselves before being put into use this weekend. Smith says you can expect to see the mounted officers at the fairgrounds and downtown Friday and Saturday.

THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL HAS ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MAYOR’S WEEKEND TRAFFIC STOP - It’s official. There WILL be an investigation into the DUI stop of Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey Saturday night during the Harley Owners Group, or HOG, rally. Initial reports indicated the stop was in response to an anonymous call, but according to the actual incident report, officers talking over personal cell phones initiated the stop. . That’s Police Chief Card, who was in attendance yesterday at a Special Session of the City Council asking the chief for that inquiry. Council President Kathy Kennedy requested that meeting: . Councilman Duane Farley also brought up his concerns over possible civil rights violations and of “selective enforcement:” . The council approved on a 6 – zero vote a letter to the police chief requesting the probe. Not present at the meeting yesterday was Mayor Kinskey. He continues to express his continuing support of the Sheridan Police Department and of the new Chief’s handling of the probe. A copy of the letter requesting the police investigation can be found by clicking here.

NO, WYOMING DIDN’T DRIFT TO THE EQUATOR, BUT IT SURE FELT LIKE IT - Record temps yesterday, as Sheridan officially hit 107 yesterday afternoon, beating a record of 105 previously set back in 2002. Can we expect more