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	AUGUST 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.

August 31, 2005

TWENTY-PLUS YEARS OF TEACHING MUSIC AT SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL, SUZIE SCHATZ-BENSON PREPARES FOR HER FINAL YEAR BY HAVING SPECTRUM REUNION NEXT SUMMER - The start of school 1980, Suzie Schatz-Benson began her first of many successful years teaching choral music at Sheridan High School. She just began her final year of teaching, and is set to throw a special reunion next summer, during rodeo weekend. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the story: . To find out more about the Spectrum reunion call Suzie Schatz –Benson at 307-672-2495 ext. 1114 or email schatzs@scsd2.co

THE WINDS WERE GUSTING MOST OF TUESDAY IN THE SHERIDAN AREA. HOW WINDY WAS IT? - Extreme weather continues to make news in Northeast Wyoming. 98 degrees on Monday. Yesterday it only got up to 75 at 1:01 pm at Sheridan Airport. Tuesday was also a notable day because of the wind. How windy was it? Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the stats: .

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT ADOPTS A NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOL - The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Department has a new tool when it comes to law enforcement. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: . Video from the taser training class

RANCHESTER MAN ONE OF THREE KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT NEAR WRIGHT ON MONDAY - Three Northeast Wyoming men were killed in a two-car accident late Monday on Highway 387, 23 miles southwest of Wright in Campbell County, bringing the death toll on the state’s highways to 119. Last year at this time, highway fatalities numbered 108. Dead are 21 year old Anthony Vance of Ranchester, 21 year old Jeffrey Burt of Gillette and 22 year old Dustin Piscotti of Newcastle. The Wyoming Highway Patrol reports that the Vance vehicle was northbound on 387 when, for unknown reasons, it swerved into the southbound lane hitting a truck driven by 34-year-old Matthew Todd of Mills, Wyoming. Todd, who was wearing a seatbelt, was Mediflighted to the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper where he’s being treated for severe injuries. None of the occupants of the Vance vehicle were wearing seat belts.

THE ANNUAL DON KING DAYS GETS UNDERWAY THIS SUNDAY AT THE BIG HORN EQUESTRIAN CENTER - It’s an annual tradition in Sheridan County, and this year is no exception. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter gives us the details: .

Gas Prices as of Wednesday Morning

KATRINA AFFECTING MORE THAN JUST THE GULF COAST STATES - Hurricane Katrina has caused significant loss of life and property in the Gulf Coast states… But what about it’s effect on Wyoming? Sheridan Media’s Kurt Layher tells us how the storm will hit closer to home. .

DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OFFICE FIRE IN POWELL – ARSON SUSPECTED - Arson is the suspected cause of a fire that damaged a Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation office in Powell. The fire broke out early Saturday on the roof of the building that housed the office. Flames were kept mainly to the roof and attic and the fire was put out around 9 a.m. Powell Police Chief Tim Feathers says investigators are suspicious that the fire may have been linked to a recent methamphetamine bust that resulted in seven arrests. D-C-I Director Kurt Dobbs says if the arsonists hoped to destroy evidence, they succeeded only in drawing attention to themselves.

August 30, 2005

SHERIDAN WOMAN ENJOYS SUMMER INTERNSHIP IN WASHINGTON - Katie Ebzery, Sheridan High School graduate and current University of Arizona senior, got to spend her summer vacation as an intern in Washington DC, assisting Senator Mike Enzi. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson connected with her between classes at the Tucson campus: .

THERE ARE EXTENDED HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES IN SHERIDAN REGION THIS YEAR - The Wyoming Game and Fish has some extra opportunities for hunting in the Sheridan region this fall. Deer hunters will have an extra month to fill their doe-fawn tags. The season doesn’t normally open until October but Warren Mischke, with the Wyoming Game and Fish tells us there’s good reason for the early start this Thursday. . One thousand licenses are being issued for whitetail does and fawns, and hunters can harvest up to FOUR does or fawns this year in hunt area 24. That’s double the number allowed in the past. Deer aren’t the only animals with rising numbers. . Mischke says there’s one drawback… hunting will take a little more planning this year. . The Wyoming Game & Fish keeps a list of landowners who have allowed hunting in the past and you can get a copy of that list at the Sheridan Regional Office.

A LASER INCIDENT RESULTS IN MISDEMEANOR CHARGES AGAINST 3 JUVENILES … BUT THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE - Sheridan Police tell us the incident this past weekend began innocently enough: . Detective Tom Henry says it may sound innocent enough … but consider the potential consequences. Lasers can cause permanent damage to the cornea of the eye. Then there’s another laser issue directly affecting law enforcement: . Laser pointers are NOT toys. Three juveniles should now be well aware of the Sheridan City Ordinance against their use on other people. All three face misdemeanor charges in this particular case.

A STORY BED AND BREAKFAST STIRS CONTROVERSY AMONG ITS NEIGHBORS - A Bed & Breakfast in Story in continues to stir up controversy among its neighbors. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

NEAR RECORD HEAT MONDAY WITH A BIG COOL OFF TUESDAY… BUT IS THAT THE END OF OUR HOT WEATHER? - Weather makes news. Monday’s high in Sheridan was 98 degrees. We fell one degree short of 99 – the record high for the day – set back in 1995. Our high yesterday topped the state’s temps, however. Today, meanwhile, the big cool off with temperatures not expected to get out of the low 70’s. And that brings up a question we pose to National Weather Service Meteorologist Todd Chambers: was yesterday the last of our hot weather for the year? . So … don’t put the short sleeve shirts & the shorts away just yet. Todd Chambers says there’s a good chance we’ll be revisiting the 90’s at least another time or two.

SHERIDAN COUNTY OFFICE HOURS SLATED FOR THIS THURSDAY - This Thursday Sheridan County residents will have a chance to meet with representatives of Senators Mike Enzi and Craig Thomas as well as Congresswoman Barbara Cubin: . Robin Bailey, who will be there on behalf of Senator Enzi points out that the “office hours” meeting is more personal than an open meeting: . Again, those office hours meeting will be this Thursday from 1:30 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. at the Sheridan Y-M-C-A in the Whitney room.

August 29, 2005

ANGLERS REJOICE: WYOMING GAME & FISH SAY WE SHOULD HAVE A BANNER YEAR FOR WALLEYE & NORTHERN PIKE - Anglers in northeast Wyoming have reason to celebrate. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

Steve Kline and his tractor

STORY DAY A GREAT DAY OVER THE WEEKEND - Summer’s Last Festival took place over the weekend in Story, Wyoming. Sheridan Media’s News Director Ace Young has the… Story: .

ANADARKO GIVES MONEY FOR WRIGHT RELIEF - Anadarko Petroleum Corporation has donated 20-thousnad dollars to a disaster relief fund for Wright. The money will be used to assist the Wright area residents impacted by the tornado that struck the northeast Wyoming community earlier this month. Michael Von Flatern, of Red Cross of Wyoming, says his organization is grateful for the donation. Anadarko is one of the largest oil and gas operators in Wyoming.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE GILLETTE CAMPUS GAINS STUDENTS - Sheridan College's campus at Gillette has gained six-point-five percent enrollment from last year with almost 800 students enrolled. Dean Paul Young says he believes that is a record, with the highest growth rate in the areas of nursing, industrial electric and diesel technology programs. Classes started this past week at the branch campus.

PASSING LANES ON WYOMING 59 – WE’LL START SEEING THEM NEXT MONTH - Next month, workers will start adding passing lanes to nine separate locations on Wyoming 59 between Gillette and Wright. Ronda Holwell of the Wyoming Department of Transportation says the two lanes that will start the project are located about ten miles south of Gillette between mile markers 96 and 100. They are expected to be finished October 31st. For travelers and business folks who drive down to that area often, you can anticipate delays up to 15 minutes. The other seven spots for passing lanes are scheduled for completion June 30th.

WRITER EXCITED TO SEE MOVIE PREMIERE IN HOME TOWN - The latest Robert Redford movie premiered in Cody over the weekend. Sheridan Media’s Kurt Layher was there. . Video from "An Unfinished Life" Movie Premiere

August 27, 2005

IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE IN STORY TODAY - It’s a great day to be in Story. It’s … Story Day. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has … the STORY!

DEB HOFMEIER SELECTED AS 2006 SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT # 1 TEACHER OF THE YEAR - Boundless Energy. An exceptional educator. Willing to tackle any challenge that comes her way. Those are but a few of the superlatives regarding the 2006 Sheridan County School District # 1 Teacher of the Year, Deb Hofmeier, a third grade teacher at Tongue River Elementary School since 1985. We caught up with Deb as she was heading to Laramie yesterday. She shared how she found out: Deb was selected from four applicants. Besides being lauded for her teaching, Deb has been a leader in the district, serving on district and school curriculum committees, training other teachers, and participating in the school improvement process.

NORTHEASTERN WYOMING ONLY ONE AREA THAT IS SEARCHING FOR DRILLING RIGS - Rising energy prices are helping fill Wyoming’s coffers but creating problems for some energy producers. Sheridan Media’s Kurt Layher has the story:

August 26, 2005

WRIGHT TWO WEEKS LATER – HOW ARE THEY DOING? - Two weeks ago today. A tornado measuring F-2 hit the tiny town of Wright, and cleanup efforts are making progress. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson files this report: .

CODY IS THE SITE FOR HOLLYWOOD MOVIE PREMIERE - Red carpets and movie stars are a common sight in Hollywood but not in Northern Wyoming. Sheridan Media’s Kurt Layher tells us about how a little of the glitz and glamour will make its way to the Cowboy State this weekend. .

NATURAL GAS RATES MAY BE ON THE RISE - Natural-gas rates might soon be on the rise for Kinder Morgan customers in Casper, Gillette and Torrington. If approved by the Wyoming Public Service Commission, the proposed increases would go into effect September first. The increases stem from heat waves in the Midwest and Northeast this summer. Utilities typically use natural gas to produce more electricity when demand is high. Only the utility's pass-on rate customers would be affected by the increases. Fixed-rate customers who locked in gas rates earlier this year will NOT be affected.

WILL A NEW MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REVIEW PANEL KEEP DOCTORS IN WYOMING? THE GOVERNOR HOPES SO - Governor Freudenthal says he's hopeful that a new medical malpractice review panel will help keep doctors in Wyoming. But Freudenthal says it's NOT just high insurance premiums that are keeping doctors from moving to or staying in Wyoming – he feels that several other factors that make it hard to recruit and retain doctors are beyond the state's control. He says doctors look for communities where they will be comfortable, and not everyone wants to live in Wyoming's small towns and cities. He also says doctors want to work in state-of-the-art facilities which not all communities can afford. The Legislature created the review board this year in an attempt to reduce the number of frivolous malpractice suits in the state.

THE SHERIDAN POLICE INVESTIGATION – WHERE IS IT NOW? - It was a week ago today that the Ryan Report revealed the questionable activities of the 3 officers involved in Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey’s DUI stop on July 9. What’s happened since then? Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the update: .

August 25, 2005

STORY DAY TAKES PLACE THIS SATURDAY – PROMISES A FULL ROSTER OF FUN, FOOD, FRIENDS - Just in case you haven’t gotten your fill of community festivities, the town of Story gives you another opportunity to celebrate this area in which we live by throwing a great party this Saturday…a day known as, what else? Story Day! Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson gives us the skinny: .

UNEMPLOYMENT IS UP SLIGHTLY IN SHERIDAN COUNTY … AND UNCHANGED IN CAMPBELL & JOHNSON COUNTIES - Unemployment figures are out for the year and for the month of July – and they paint a mixed picture here in Wyoming. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL WINS A COURT DECISION IN CASPER - A United States District Court in Casper has ruled in favor of Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The court decision stems from a lawsuit filed by a group of Sheridan radiologists who originally quit the hospital to set up their own practice … then sued when the hospital wouldn’t let them practice at their facility anymore. The win for Sheridan Memorial comes as good news to hospital CEO Ken Huey: . Sheridan Memorial CEO Ken Huey.

IT LOOKED LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WESTERN ROUND-UP … BUT THE FOLKS AT WY-DOT WERE AFTER A LLAMA - Wy-Dot had quite a critter on its hands – a llama hanging out near the interstate. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

HOSPITAL BOARD APPROVES THE FORMATION OF THE SHERIDAN MEDICAL COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION AND SHERIDAN RADIOLOGY LLC - Memorial Hospital C-E-O Ken Huey made two recommendations that the Hospital Board approved at yesterday’s meeting. The first was to establish the Sheridan Medical Cooperative Association: . The second was to form Sheridan Radiology L-L-C: . The board also authorized the purchase of a new x-ray unit valued at 300-thousand dollars. It will replace the current unit, severely damaged by a recent voltage drop. The cause of the costly mishap is still under investigation. The meeting in its entirety can be viewed this Friday morning at 10 A.M. on channel 14-community access.

MORE AID COMES TO WRIGHT - Mental health counselors, a coal company and several bands have offered to help victims of the tornado in Wright. The August 12th tornado killed two people and destroyed 60 homes. Two representatives of the National Organization for Victims Assistance plan to visit Wright to offer mental health services. Public sessions are scheduled for victims as well as counselors, social workers, teachers and clergy. Kennecott Energy is planning to donate 110 backpacks full of school supplies in time for the first day of school. Meanwhile, several bands are planning a benefit concert before and after a Casper Rockies baseball game on September third. The bands will play under a tent near the Rockies dugout and a table will be set up to take donations for the Wright Disaster Relief Fund.

August 24, 2005

Dogs Swim with their owners at Kendrick Park Pool

Kids go fishing for gold fish at Kendrick Pool

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AT KENDRICK POOL - It’s an annual tradition at Kendrick Pool, dogs flailing about with their owners in the water for one final swim of the summer. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there for the occasion: . Dogs enjoy a swim with their owners at Kendrick Park Pool on Tuesday 8/23/05

NEW CONCERNS EXPRESSED ABOUT THE 3 SHERIDAN COPS SINGLED OUT IN THE RYAN REPORT - Those 3 Sheridan Police Officers singled out in the Ryan Report’s release last Friday have something else to worry about. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has been given extraordinary access to police, attorneys and their records. He files this report: . Sheridan Police video of the DUI stop of Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey 07/09/05

MORE PARENTS THAN USUAL BRING KIDS TO THE NEW JR. HIGH THIS MORNING – EVERYTHING GOES OFF WITHOUT A HITCH - The line of buses, cars and SUV’s extended both directions up and down Lewis Street this morning, as more parents than usual dropped their Jr. High students off at the new school. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson:

KIDS’ SAFETY COMES FIRST IN SCHOOL ZONES - School starts today and students aren’t the only ones affected by the onset of the new school year. Sheridan Media’s Kurt Layher tells us more. .

WYOMING GAME & FISH SAYS IT’S BIRD HUNTING SEASON – AND THAT INCLUDES “SNIPE HUNTING”. SNIPE HUNTING! WHO’S KIDDING WHO? - As we learned yesterday, bird hunting season gets off to a big start here in Wyoming on September first. Dove and grouse go up for grabs at that time. Meanwhile, Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young fills us in on another Wyoming bird species – the snipe! .

August 23, 2005

SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVER-CLOSER TO SECURING MONEY FOR BUBBA’S - September 15th. It’s a date that will hopefully live in infamy – infamy of the best kind – as the Sheridan County Historical Society works to secure the remainder of the monies needed to purchase the old Bubba’s BBQ building for their new museum. Mary Ellen McWilliams is unwavering in her confidence: Mary Ellen assures skeptics who question the sustainability of the museum that there is a plan in place to make sure operations can continue once Bubba’s is purchased:. September 15th is the day that the earnest money needs to be paid, so if you’d like to make a contribution, you can fill out a donation form by visiting the current Historical Society Museum on the corner of Alger and Dow, next to the library, or CLICK HERE

FEDERAL AID FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES NOT COMING AS EASILY AS SOME THINK IT SHOULD - It was good news for the people in Wright yesterday. But not all small towns are so lucky. Across the country, small towns and less-populated states worry that they get left out of federal disaster declarations. As Ace reported, it happened in 2002 in Kaycee, and it happened earlier this year in Montana, when a winter storm knocked out a rural electric cooperative, leaving some 15-hundred customers without power for up to a week. Neither was declared a federal disaster area. In Wisconsin, where tornadoes last week caused an estimated 21 million dollars damage, officials are still waiting to see if they'll get a disaster declaration. Wyoming congresswoman Barbara Cubin has introduced a bill that would create a rural-state advocate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

IT’S A FLURRY OF ACTIVITY AS FOLKS GET READY TO OPEN THE BRAND NEW JR. HIGH SCHOOL - Like ants on an anthill, people are scurrying all over the grounds and all three floors of the brand new Sheridan Junior High School, preparing for the first day of school tomorrow. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson, who is also the parent of an incoming sixth-grader, brings us this first of a two part series: .

WYO THEATRE GALA WILL BE POPULAR MUSICAL “CHICAGO” – AUDITIONS THIS WEEK - If you find yourself tap dancing at the kitchen sink or singing your best Ethel Merman in the shower, participating in a local musical theatre production of “Chicago” might just be up your alley. And the WYO Theatre will provide you two opportunities to show off your closet Broadway potential. Here’s WYO Theatre Executive Director Nick Johnson: . “Chicago” will open as the annual WYO Gala Fundraiser on Saturday night, October 22nd, with four encore performances October 27th through the 30th. Any final thoughts from Nick? . Again, those auditions are this Thursday and Friday evenings at 6 at the WYO.

THE PRESIDENT APPROVES FEDERAL DISASTER STATUS FOR WRIGHT - Some good news came to the residents of Wright late in the day Monday. President Bush has given the town a “major disaster declaration.” Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

WYOMING BIRD HUNTERS ARE PREPARING FOR THE BIG DAY – SEPTEMBER FIRST - Bird hunters in Wyoming should be marking September first on their calendar. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

August 22, 2005

Click here for pics from Z-Fest 2005

THIS WEEKEND’S Z-FEST 2005 BIDS ADIEU TO SUMMER WITH MUSIC AND MORE - The calendar says we’ve got a month left … but this weekend’s Z-Fest 2005 was, in fact, summer’s final fling for a lot of us. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

SHERIDAN COLLEGE SCHOOL YEAR OFFICIALLY UNDER WAY MONDAY - “Back to School”. It’s a phrase met with mixed feelings – exaltation by parents and dread by kids, unless you’re a college student who is CHOOSING to hit the books. Sheridan College began classes Monday, and President Kevin Drumm told us that enrollment is up from the 29-hundred students last year: . New this year are four programs never-before offered: Culinary Arts, Construction, Medical Transcription, and Para-education, as well as students having the ability to register on-line for their classes. And Dr. Drumm shares that they’ve gotten building upgrades in the last several months: . Jason Faurot, Student Body President, and others helped with new student orientation last Friday and the troops were on hand Saturday to help them move into their dorms: . New students … New programs …and Improved facilities … as another school year begins at Sheridan College.

TOWN OF WRIGHT CELEBRATES THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY - There was a fishing derby for children, a golf tournament for adults, and barbecue for everyone. It's barely been a week since a tornado killed two people and destroyed dozens of homes in Wright. Cleanup work continues, but people got a bit of a break this weekend as the town celebrated it's 20th anniversary at the annual Wright Days. Balloons were released in memory of the two people who died. But citizens also noted all of the good things that have happened in the last week - the way the town has come together to help those in need, and the overwhelming support from people across Wyoming and around the country. Former mayor Kelly Hand said he almost broke down in tears when he saw some one-hundred children and their parents working to clean up the playground at Cottonwood Elementary School the morning after the tornado. Becky Tennant lives on a ranch north of Wright. She says the celebration was just what the community needed.

IT WAS BILLED AS THE ‘BIG HORN CLASSIC’ – WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT POLO … OR PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL … WE’RE TALKING ABOUT A CATTLE AUCTION BROADCAST LIVE FROM SHERIDAN - Unless you’re in the cattle business, you might not have known that Sheridan, Wyoming hosted a live network TV show last week. It did; Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance and files this report. For Video from the Auction click here

THE TOWN OF WRIGHT PUTS OUT A PLEA FOR VOLUNTEERS - The tornado that hit the community of Wright was 10 days ago and the clean up continues. As a matter of fact, the town is asking for volunteers for two specific clean-up days this week. Wright town councilman Robert Nolte gives up the details: . On either of those days, volunteers are asked to sign up at the Wright Town Hall for assignment is areas of the community hardest hit. Nolte has a couple of requests: . Again, those days are this Wednesday and Saturday and, on both of those days, volunteers will be provided with a free lunch.

SCOTT-BROADWAY IS ANOTHER WEEK CLOSER TO COMPLETION - Sheridan’s Scott-Broadway Project continues to make some serious progress. Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak tells us: . And is the end in sight? . The Scott-Broadway project remains on target for completion in late September or early October.

August 20, 2005

Think of it as a free concert gone wild. It’s called Z-Fest; it starts at 12 noon today and includes a full day’s worth of music in Sheridan’s Kendrick Park. Sheridan Media’s Ace Young has the story:

SCOTT-BROADWAY IS ANOTHER WEEK CLOSER TO COMPLETION - Sheridan’s Scott-Broadway Project continues to make some serious progress. Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak say completion is in sight: Loucks will remain open this coming week. Nowak says that’s a good choice for traveling across town. And, once again, the good news – the Scott-Broadway project remains on target for completion in late September or early October.

THE TOWN OF WRIGHT PUTS OUT A PLEA FOR VOLUNTEERS - The tornado that hit the community of Wright was 8 days ago but the clean-up continues. As a matter of fact, the town is asking for volunteers for two specific clean-up days this coming week. Wright town councilman Robert Nolte gives up the details: Either of those days, volunteers are asked to sign up at the Wright Town Hall for assignment is areas of the community hardest hit. Nolte has a couple of other requests: Again, those days are next Wednesday & next Saturday and, on both of those days, volunteers will be provided with a free lunch.

August 19, 2005

SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATIVE REPORT RELEASED THIS MORNING - This is a special report from Sheridan Media News. This morning at 8, the Sheridan City Council called a special session to release the Investigative Report on the Sheridan Police Department involvement in the July 9th DUI stop of Mayor Dave Kinskey. Council President Kathy Kennedy read a brief re-cap of what happened the night of July 9th, and then stated: Mayor Dave Kinskey then made a statement, saying that he would like nothing but good to come out of this situation: Councilperson Kennedy adjourned the meeting, the whole session lasting just under ten minutes. Copies of the report were distributed to the council, members of the media, with 25 extra copies made available to the public.

Click Here to Read the Investigation Report into the Mayor's DUI Stop
(This is a very large file and may take some time to load)( Adobe is required)

POLICE CHIEF CARD HAS MORE COMMENTS ON DUI INVESTIGATION -After the special session of the City Council this morning, Police Chief Mike Card spoke with Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young about how the situation of the DUI stop investigation has affected the Sheridan Police Force: .And his thoughts on the coming days? . We will bring you updates as we hear the results of the Civil Service review.

DOWNTOWN RETAILERS LOOK BACK ON SUCCESSFUL SUMMER – AHEAD TO HOLIDAY SEASON - The Downtown Retailers re-capped a busy summer at yesterday’s meeting. Downtown Sheridan Association president Roger Bent says tourism is up and visitors liked what they saw: . What does Roger feel to be the high point of the summer? . And even though the businesses along Scott-Broadway have had the challenge of the summer-long construction project, Roger indicates that lessons were learned from two summers ago: . By all reports, that project should be done in about 45 days, Roger estimates, allowing enough time for retailers to take a breath before gearing up for the annual Stroll at the end of November.

IT’S CALLED Z-FEST – OH – FIVE. 9 HOURS OF FREE MUSIC AND IT’S SATURDAY - Think of it as a free concert gone wild. It’s called Z-Fest; it’s tomorrow and it includes a full day’s worth of music in Sheridan’s Kendrick Park. Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson has the story: .

SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES GEAR UP FOR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - Sheridan College Trustees met last night and discussed, among other things, that school starts on Monday. Ace Young attended and files this report: .

August 18, 2005

Dayton Councilman Norm Anderson, Mayor Bob Wood and Councilwoman Lisa Hanson hold up the National Day of the Cowboy Flag

DAYTON COUNCIL PRESENTED WITH NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY FLAG - Last night the Dayton Town Council received a special presentation. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and gives us the details: . For more information on the National Day of the Cowboy visit there website by clicking here www.nationaldayofthecowboy.com

NO REPORTS YET OF NETWORK COMPUTER VIRUS HITTING SHERIDAN, BUT WE HAVE SOME ADVICE FOR YOU JUST IN CASE - “Worm Terms” it’s known as “Zotob”, and it’s the latest virus to hit computers nationwide. Jeff Smith is a Technical Support Specialist with Fiberpipe Internet Solutions here in Sheridan, and he told us more about the worm with the space-age name: . And you know what that means. You’ve experienced it … working along on a document, so engrossed in the project that hitting the ‘ol “Save” button doesn’t necessarily enter your mind, and the computer will re-boot, wiping out everything you’ve typed since the last time you did save it. Jeff indicates that this worm seems to be particularly nasty: . Not even a clue to NOT “open” something, like you might have if you’re paying attention to e-mail attachment endings. So what’s the best defense in combating “Zotob?” . A reminder -- that’s the F-10 button on your keyboard, by the way.

RELIEF EFFORTS CONTINUE IN WRIGHT AS THE HOMELESS NUMBER SWELLS PAST THE 400 MARK - The tornado damage assessment in Wright continues … as the number of victims left without homes continues to climb. Peter Macias is with the American Red Cross in Wright. We asked him what that homeless number is up to: . One part of the Wright disaster story that has not been covered much is the one involved the animals and how they’re faring. Desiree is with the Wright Animal Shelter: . That dog that still needs a home is an Australian Shepherd. Locally, monetary & canned food donations can continue to be dropped off at Cowboy State Bank in Sheridan & Ranchester. And the Salvation Army warehouse at 956 Coffeen in Sheridan continues to take clothing and household item donations.

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONER LARRY DURANTE SWITCHES PARTIES - Sheridan County Commissioner Larry Durante says he’s tired of business as usual … and he’s willing to stir up the pot: . And when Durante does campaign next year, he says one of his first priorities will be making sure that more than 3 commissioners represent Sheridan County: . Those revelations from Sheridan County Commissioner Larry Durante on Wednesdays Public Pulse on KROE.

THAT LONG AWAITED SHERIDAN POLICE REPORT WILL BE RELEASED FRIDAY … WE’VE GOT THE DETAILS - The City Council-ordered inquiry into Sheridan Police Department tactics has been completed for days … and Friday we’ll get the results. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

DAYTON MAYOR ASKS RESIDENTS FOR HELP IN WRIGHT RELIEF - The small community of Dayton knows all too well about unforeseen tragedy. In November of 2003 a fire that caused an extensive amount of damage ravaged the town. That’s why, when the news of last week’s tragedy in Wright hit, it was just a matter of time till the folks of Dayton offered a helping hand. At last night’s Council meeting Mayor Bob Wood announced where donations will be accepted: . Wood mentioned that residents would be receiving a newsletter shortly, explaining what specific items are most needed

August 17, 2005

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONER LARRY DURANTE SWITCHES PARTIES - Sheridan County Commissioner Larry Durante says he’s tired of business as usual … and he’s willing to stir up the pot: . And when Durante does campaign next year, he says one of his first priorities will be making sure that more than 3 commissioners represent Sheridan County: . Those revelations from Sheridan County Commissioner Larry Durante on today’s Public Pulse on KROE.

THE SHERIDAN POLICE INVESTIGATION REPORT RELEASE DATE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED - That long anticipated inquiry into Sheridan Police tactics in the DUI stop of Mayor Kinskey is about to be released. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

WRIGHT’S EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM PREVENTED MORE INJURIES AND DEATHS – WHAT DOES SHERIDAN HAVE IN PLACE? - Friday’s tornado in Wright resulted in two fatalities, but given the amount of damage the town sustained, more lives were actually saved because the Town of Wright has in place an emergency siren system. While Sheridan does have a reverse 9-1-1 system, we don’t have sirens, so we asked our soon-to-be new Emergency Services Director, Patrick Reitz, his thoughts about establishing a similar system here in Sheridan: . How complicated would it be to put such a system in place? . And what are Mayor Kinskey’s thoughts about Reitz developing this system? . Reitz will begin his position as Emergency Service Director on August 29th.

ANOTHER PACKED CROWD FOR THE SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TUESDAY - Another standing-room-only crowd at the Sheridan County Commissioners meeting Tuesday. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young tells us why: .

The soon to be paved Coffeen Street in Ranchester

WET SUMMER HAMPERS PAVING IN RANCHESTER - Ranchester’s Town Council met last night for their secondary meeting. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and filed this report. .

THE SHERIDAN AREA CONTINUES TO ASSIST THE VICTIMS OF THE WRIGHT TORNADO - The Sheridan County community continues to offer assistance to the Wright tornado victims. Captain Michael Bates is the Commanding Officer for the Sheridan Salvation Army: . Those items should be dropped off at the Salvation Army warehouse at 956 Coffeen in Sheridan. The Salvation Army has made arrangements for those badly needed supplies to be trucked to Wright. Bates also says his organization is looking for volunteers who can assist in the clean up in Wright. If you’re interested in offering your labor, you should contact the local Salvation Army. And Cowboy State Bank continues to be a drop off location for both monetary donations and canned goods. Bank President Allen Tormohlen tells us: . The Red Cross estimates it will take 104-thousand dollars to meet the relief needs in Wright. The town is adjacent to Gillette, and the Gillette City Council voted unanimously to give 25-thousand dollars to relief efforts.

WYOMING MAY SPEND SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS REPLACING TEACHERS - A Washington-based think tank known as The Alliance for Excellent Education says Wyoming school districts will spend more than nine (M) million dollars this year replacing teachers who have left their jobs, some just a couple years after starting. The policy, research and advocacy group headed, up by former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise, released a report Monday – in it, the alliance estimated that one-thousand Wyoming teachers leave their jobs each year. Some retire or get promotions, but an estimated 400 leave the profession entirely. How significant is this finding? Continuity in the classroom is affected, and school districts are left with the expense of hiring and training new teachers.

August 16, 2005

THE CITY OF SHERIDAN HAS A NEW FIRE CHIEF - It is official -- Sheridan has a new Fire Chief. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story. . Patrick Reitz replaces acting Fire Chief Terry Lenhart, whom Mayor Kinskey praised last night for providing top notch leadership during his interim service.

TORNADOES CAN HAPPEN ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE INCLUDING ALL PARTS OF WYOMING - Last Friday the residents in Wright experienced weather that is rare yet far from unheard of in North East Wyoming. Susan Sanders is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Rapid City. She tells us how tornadoes are formed. . The Wright tornado, on Friday, has been classified as an F-2 with winds around 130 miles an hour. Since tornadoes are impossible to predict there is no way to actually measure the wind speed during the storm. Sanders tells us how they get their results. . The scale goes from an F-1 with winds around 75 miles an hour to F-5 with over 300 mile an hour winds. The last F-2 tornado in Wyoming hit near Kirby in Hot Springs County in July 2001. The last one in North East Wyoming goes all the way back to May, 1988 when Campbell County residents suffered over 2 and a half million dollars in damage. Last Friday’s storm was even more rare in the fact that “Tornado Season” usually ends in Mid-July.

LIFE GOES FORWARD FOR WRIGHT RESIDENTS – AID POURS IN - Even though its still cleaning up after a devastating tornado, residents of the coal-mining community of Wright are proceeding with plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary as an incorporated town. Events planned for the celebration set to start Friday and continue into Sunday include a basketball tournament, street dances, pancake feed, bed race, barbecue, wagon rides, kids games and a fishing derby. Mayor Ralph Kingan says he believes the celebration will help the town's morale. Saying “Wyoming truly is one city with extremely long streets,” Senator Mike Enzi praised the enormous response from city, county, and state officials, area mines, churches, and citizens around the state. And about the residents of Wright? . Wright was struck by a tornado Friday afternoon, destroying 91 homes in around the town. Most of the destroyed homes were located in a mobile home park on the northwest side of Wright. The Red Cross said the tornado damaged a total of 120 houses, with damage ranging from broken windows to total destruction. Aid continues to pour into the town, and officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are still assessing damage.

FATAL ACCIDENT CLAIMS ONE LIFE IN SHERIDAN - Sheridan Police have released more details regarding a one-vehicle fatal accident Sunday night in the alley west of South Brooks Street. The driver, 77-year-old Maureen Starbuck, was pronounced dead at the scene. Lieutenant Scott Chandler says preliminary reports point to a medical problem. . Starbuck’s 1985 Mercury was traveling north on Bighorn Avenue. Starbuck failed to turn when she reached College Street. Several trees and fences were damaged when the vehicle continued down the alley. The only occupants of the vehicle, other than the driver, were two dogs. Sheridan police and Coroner Mark Ferries are still investigating and there is no estimate of property damage at this time.

WYOMING SOLDIERS DECORATED FOR SERVICE IN IRAQ - The Defenders of Freedom ceremony will be held in Sheridan and Gillette later this month. Members of the two-300th Field Artillery unit will each receive the Freedom Salute Award, along with their families and select community members. Sergeant John Zorbas works at the headquarters for the two-300th right here in Sheridan. . There are around four hundred members of the unit from cities all over Wyoming. Each soldier will receive an encased American flag, a commemorative coin, a certificate of appreciation, and lapel insignia. The full mobilization of the unit for Operation Iraqi Freedom was the largest one for over fifty years. . The public is invited to all of the awards ceremonies taking place throughout the state. In Sheridan, the ceremony will be Friday, August 26th at 5:30PM in the C-TEL hall at Sheridan College. The next presentation will be Sunday the 28th at 8AM in the Gillette National Guard Armory.

IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL NEXT WEEK. BACK TO SCHOOL MUSTS INCLUDE PENCILS, PAPER AND … VACCINATIONS - With barely a week left before school starts, Sheridan County parents are urged to make sure their kids are prepared. That includes more than just school supplies. It includes vaccinations: . That’s Sheridan County Community Health’s Norma Maendl who says kindergarteners have specific shot requirements … and so do those in Junior High: . There’s only a 30 day grace period, too. Plus there’s an economic incentive to make sure your child gets the required shots now: . Still have questions? Sheridan County Community Health should have the answers for you.

August 15, 2005

Tornado Damage in Wright - Click Here for Pictures

If you would like to help the residents of Wright a relief fund has been set up at Cowboy State Bank in Sheridan and Ranchester. You can drop off your donations at either bank or send them to: Wright Relief c/o Cowboy State Bank P.O. Box 6026 Sheridan, Wy 82801

HELP IS REACHING THE TORNADO VICTIMS IN WRIGHT - Help is reaching the residents of tornado-ravaged Wright. The National Guard is sending in 600-gallon water tanks to supply water to the mobile home park that was hit hard by the storm. The rest of Wright does have running water. A state helicopter used primarily in forest fires was used Sunday afternoon to help officials map the damage from the air. A team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has arrived to assess the damage and discuss federal aid with community leaders. Sheridan resident Melissa Sturdevant has relatives in Wright and she spent the weekend there … helping where she could. Her comments on what she saw? . The 2 people, both men, who died have been identified. They are 97 year old Connie Allen and 53 year old Etienne Iriberry. About a dozen residents were injured – only one remains at Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette. She remains in fair condition. 40 to 50 mobile homes were destroyed or badly damaged. A nearby elementary school was damaged as well. As far as relief efforts, Melissa Sturdevant says it didn’t take long for assistance to arrive: . The National Weather Service has officially labeled the twister in the “F-TWO” category, a quarter mile wide and with winds estimated at 113 to 130 miles an hour. Melissa Sturdevant says no label can describe the damage she’s seen: . As we reported, the National Guard, FEMA, the American Red Cross and state officials have responded to the crisis. And the Sheridan community is responding as well. Sheridan Media has been running this public service announcement since early Saturday:

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETS MONDAY NIGHT WITH, AMONG OTHER ITEMS, THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW FIRE CHIEF ON THE AGENDA - The City of Sheridan has been without a permanent fire chief since early this year. Mayor Dave Kinskey says that’s about to change at this evening’s city council meeting: . A report on the investigation of police department tactics may or may not be available at tonight’s council meeting. That report, prepared by an Indiana firm, concerns allegations of selective enforcement in a DUI stop of the mayor on July 9th following a Harley Davidson Owners Rally.

ALSO AT MONDAYS CITY COUNCIL MEETING: A REPORT ON CUTTING RED TAPE - The announcement of a new fire chief could well be the big news from tonight’s Sheridan City Council meeting … but not necessarily the only news. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young tells us there’s another agenda item that he personally is worried about: .

TRAVELING AROUND SHERIDAN TODAY? YOU DON’T NEED A ROADMAP … BUT YOU MAY WANT TO HEAR THE LATEST ON THE SC0TT-BROADWAY PROJECT - Those of us who navigate the streets of downtown Sheridan realize the Scott-Broadway Project has made getting from Point A to Point B tricky at times. That’s why Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak is here to give us the very latest: . Meanwhile, we’ve got a couple of days to prepare ourselves for another big change – a positive one: . And more good news, Nowak says we’re still on schedule for the Scott-Broadway Project to be completed by late September or early October.

HAMSTER RACES TAKE OVER LOCAL BUSINESS THIS LAST WEEKEND - . That was the sound resonating throughout Sheridan’s Boardwalk Shopping Center Saturday morning, when the third annual Hamster Races took place. The day was filled with memorable finishes, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat. The owners of Pets N’ Stuff, Matt and Angel Villhower, discuss the origin of the race and the contestants in this year’s competition. . Sheridan College sophomore, Brady Westburg, gives us an insight into his techniques for securing victory. . Plans are already in the works for the fourth annual Hamster Race, slated for next year. By the way… this year’s winner was a hamster named Spinner, raced by Amber.

HARRY POTTER FANS SHOULD MARK THURSDAY ON THEIR CALENDARS - In the world of Children’s Literature, nothing has been bigger in decades than the Harry Potter books. No wonder that Sheridan County Library spokesperson Kyan Rios is pleased when she found out who would be coming to town on Thursday: . A signed copy!?!? That’s Thursday at 2pm at the Sheridan County Fulmer Library in Sheridan to be precise. Kyan says this event needs to be shared with Harry Potter fans everywhere: . So, once again: the delivery of an author-signed copy of the latest Harry Potter book to take place Thursday at 2pm at the main Fulmer library in Sheridan. At that time, Rios will explain exactly how their library was able to get the only such J K Rowling-autographed book in the entire state of Wyoming.

WYOMING IS HELPING THE MEXICAN PRONGHORN RECOVER - The Wyoming Game and Fish along with Warren Air Force base in Cheyenne have been working with the Mexican government to help restore their population of peninsular pronghorn in Baja, California. We asked Michelle Zitek with the Wyoming game & fish if our pronghorns are the same species as the ones in Mexico. . 47 American pronghorn fawns have been delivered to Mexico. Once they mature the embryos from the peninsular pronghorns will be implanted in the American pronghorns taken from Warren Air Force Base. How long will it take for us to know if it worked? . In the early 1900’s the American pronghorn were in trouble and now there are more than 500,000 in Wyoming. The Game and Fish hopes that the peninsular pronghorn will rebound as well, they are the only pronghorn that live within sight of the ocean.

August 14, 2005

(provided by yahoo news.com)

Wright Tornado Update:

A storm survey team from the National Weather Service has rated Friday evening’s Wright, Wy tornado as an F-2. Meteorologists estimated that the winds in the tornado were between 113 – 130 mph and up to ¼ mile wide as it moved through town. The tornado left 2 dead, dozens injured and one person hospitalized, listed in fair condition. According to reports Friday night’s Wright tornado is considered one of Wyoming’s deadliest tornados. On June 25, 1942 a tornado hit a ranch near Wheatland killing 2 people. While the strongest tornado recorded in Wyoming was a F-4 in 1979 that hit near the airport in Cheyenne killing 1 and injuring 40 others.

 

August 13, 2005

SHERIDAN CIVIC THEATRE GUILD KICKS OFF 50TH SEASON – SHERIDAN MEDIA’S MARY JO JOHNSON DIRECTING FIRST PLAY -The Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild will kick off its 50th season with a revival of “The Rainmaker”, by N. Richard Nash. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson is directing the play, and invites actors between the ages of 20 and 60 to auditions, held this-coming Wednesday and Thursday at 6 pm at the Carriage House Theatre. Mary Jo will talk more about the project on Tuesday’s Public Pulse program on Newstalk 930 K-R-O-E.

THE CITY OF SHERIDAN IS DAYS AWAY FROM A NEW PERMANENT FIRE CHIEF - It should become official at Monday night’s Sheridan City Council meeting … but we get word this weekend: Sheridan is about to have a new fire chief. Mayor Dave Kinskey says he’s ready to announce his selection: The City of Sheridan has been without a permanent fire chief since the early this year.

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY CLOSES IN ON THEIR ONE MILLION DOLLAR BUBBA’S BARBECUE FUNDRAISER - Proponents of a Sheridan County Museum at the site of the former Bubba’s Barbecue are the recipients of some excellent news: So reports museum fundraiser Mary Ellen Mc Williams. The Sheridan County Historical Society has also learned that the deadline for the one million dollars has been extended to September 15th. Mc Williams says this is all the best of news: The easiest ways to pledge or donate? Mc Williams says go to the current museum location on Alger Street near the library. They’re open from 1 to 4 every day except Monday.
And perhaps an even easier way to help with the new museum: go to Sheridan Media dot com where interested persons can get all the details and even print out a pledge form.

August 12, 2005

Vance and Janice Peterson with their two children

COUNTRY SINGER MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY SINGING TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL FAMILY’S CANCER PATIENT - Encampment, Wyoming, a tiny town south of Saratoga in southern Wyoming will be the scene for a special benefit concert this Sunday featuring beloved cowboy singer Michael Martin Murphey. So what does that have to do with Sheridan? Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the story: .
If you cannot go to Encampment, you can still donate to the Vance Peterson Medical Fund.
Send donations to:
Sheridan State Bank
C/O John Muecke
29 North Gould or P.O. Box 6268
Sheridan Wyoming 82801.

WE HEARD YESTERDAY THAT WITH GASOLINE PRICES AT AN ALL TIME HIGH, DOMINO’S IS NOW CHARGING FOR PIZZA DELIVERIES. THAT’S NATIONALLY. HOW ABOUT PIZZA PLACES IN SHERIDAN? - Domino’s Pizza has announced that they’re now charging for pizza deliveries because of the high cost of gasoline. That’s nationally. What about pizza places locally? Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young did his own survey and has the results: .

2005 SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR ATTENDANCE WAS DOWN - Because the Sheridan County Fair is free, it’s impossible, we’re told, to come up with exact attendance figures. Nevertheless, fair officials have come up with a “guesstimate” for the just concluded event. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

SHERIDAN HEALTH FAIR DOESN’T BEGIN UNTIL NEXT WEEK – WE GET A SNEAK PEAK NOW - The Sheridan Health Fair Blood Screening begins on Monday. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has a sneak peak for us now: .Click here to see video from this morning's public pulse Kim Gets his blood drawn. If you would like ot make an appointment for the Health Fair please call 672-1196

August 11, 2005

WYOMING’S OUTSTANDING TEEN, COURTNEY GIFFORD, HEADS TO NATIONAL PAGEANT IN ORLANDO - We’re back to that argument Beauty Pageant versus Scholarship Program again, and this time, we’re talking about the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Program. Here’s Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson: .

HAM ‘n JAM – IT’S ANOTHER PHONE SCAM HAS HIT SHERIDAN –They’re at it again. Scamsters calling local residents on behalf of the Sheridan Police Department. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

BUFFALO BILL RESERVOIR IS UP - As a five-year drought eases across the region, Buffalo Bill Reservoir has topped the 90-percent-full mark. The Reservoir outside Cody is now more full than average for this time of year. John Lawson is with the Bureau of Reclamation in Wyoming. He says if precipitation is just average over the next year, the reservoir should fill up completely.

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SNAKES ACROSS SOUTHERN WYOMING - A company has received initial approval to build a 550-million dollar natural gas pipeline linking eastern and western Colorado. The 327-mile pipeline will cross much of southern Wyoming on its way from the Meeker, Colorado, area to the Cheyenne hub just south of Cheyenne. With Tuesday's nod from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Entegra Gas Pipeline has 60 days to file a plan for the project. That plan must also be approved by FERC.

The guy who started Ham ‘n Jam 17 years ago Captain Ron

WYOMING’S ANSWER TO THIS WEEK’S RALLY IN STURGIS - We all know that this week’s Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis is bigger than big. Meanwhile, there’s an alternative to that rally … here in Wyoming … that continues to grow. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

WET AND COOL WEATHER EXPECTED FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK - We’ve had some real house shaking thunderstorms lately—last night the Sheridan County Airport reported winds gusting to 53 miles per hour, with rainfall measuring about a fifth of an inch. Last week we told you that monsoonal weather down in the Gulf of Mexico was the culprit. And this week? . That’s Todd Foisy from the National Weather Service up in Billings. We’ve been experiencing six to seven years of drought – does Todd feel this seasonal moisture puts us in a good place? . And even though we’re still in early August, Todd tells us we’re in for some particularly Autumnal weather this weekend: . Gardeners need not worry, though – Todd assures us that even though the daytime temps will be cooler, there shouldn’t be any nighttime frost on the flowers, cucumbers and tomatoes ready to harvest.

August 10, 2005

WYOMING TRAVEL AND TOURISM LAUNCHES A BRAND NEW WEBSITE – YOU CAN SPEND HOURS LOOKING AT WHAT OUR STATE HAS TO OFFER - The folks down at State Travel & Tourism are pretty excited – a brand new look and literally thousands of options are part of a new and improved Wyoming website. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us all about it: . You can visit that site by clicking here

A CESSNA 182 4-SEATER AIRCRAFT IS MAKING SHERIDAN A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE. SHERIDAN MEDIA NEWS DIRECTOR ACE YOUNG WILL TELL US WHY - A Cessna 182, 4-seater aircraft is making Sheridan a safer place to live. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young tells us why: .

WYOMING’S TAX OF FOOD MAY BE HISTORY BY NEXT YEAR - Fully 2/3rd’s of this country’s 50 states prohibit taxes on food. Wyoming is not one of them. That may change though. State Representative Jack Landon says there are 2 efforts underway to repeal sales tax on food. One of those 2 is a petition initiative: . That initiative is already underway, we’re told. Meanwhile, there’s also support for legislation in Cheyenne that would repeal what Landon calls a “regressive tax at its’ worst”: . The next session of the state legislature convenes in February. As to how long the process would take after that? . Sales tax on food? We pay it right now … but perhaps for not too much longer. We’ll keep you posted.

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM RECEIVES SOME MAJOR COLLECTIONS BUT STILL NEEDS A PLACE FOR THEIR DISPLAY - It’s the busiest year ever for the Sheridan County Historical Society. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: . As Ace reports, the Sheridan Historical Society continues to close in on their million dollar fundraising goal. For more information, we invite you to click here.

REC. DISTRICT BOARD TURNS DOWN LEISURE VISION’S NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY PROPOSAL - The Sheridan Rec District Board is looking to have a needs assessment survey done. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more: .

August 9, 2005

Click for more pictures from the Rally

STURGIS RALLY OFFICIALLY BEGAN TODAY – BUT ACTION HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL DAYS - You’d have to be blind not to notice the motorcycles peppering the roads, gas stations, motel parking lots, and curbside in front of downtown merchants. You’d also have to have been living under a rock not to know WHY you’re seeing so many Harleys and other bikes…and of course, LOTS of black leather. Here’s Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson with more: .

WARM TEMPERATURES MEAN A HIGH FIRE DANGER. WE’VE GOT 3 SIMPLE TIPS THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE … OR SAVE A FOREST - Weeks of temperatures in the upper 80’s to low 100’s has dried out the countryside. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story AND some important tips. .

FAMILIAR ICON NOW UP IN THE SKIES OVER STURGIS - A 93-thousand dollar hot-air bear known as Smokey flew over Sturgis in the early dawn hours yesterday and over Custer, South Dakota this morning as part of a Forest Service Campaign on fire prevention. Here’s Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson with the details: . Click here for a picture http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/

DAYTON COUNCIL AWARDS YARD OF THE MONTH AND APPROVES AN ADDITIONAL DEPOSITORY FOR TOWN FUNDS - Dayton’s Town Council met last night, and Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was on hand, filing this report: .

Leadership Sheridan

MEMBERS OF THE 2005 CLASS OF “LEADERSHIP SHERIDAN” HAVE RECEIVED THEIR DIPLOMAS - Graduation time is traditionally in May or early June but 15 members of Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce’s “Leadership Sheridan” received their diplomas Monday. One of those who received his diploma was attorney Clint Langer: . Chamber Executive Director Melissa Butcher says she went through a similar workshop in Casper. The goal is simple enough, she says: to turn “concerned citizens” into “involved citizens.” Leadership Sheridan has been doing it for a dozen years. The next class applications will be in October. Interested persons are invited to contact the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce.

 

Alfalfa with Ashley Stimpson of Lodge Grass Montana

LAST NIGHT WAS THE 4-H & FFA LIVESTOCK AUCTION. SHERIDAN MEDIA NEWS DIRECTOR ACE YOUNG WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND HAS A SPECIAL REPORT - It was standing room only at last night’s final event of the Sheridan County Fair -- the 4-H & Future Farmers of America Livestock Auction. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance & files this special report: .

August 8, 2005

Marion Luquet

A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT FROM FRANCE SAYS GOODBYE TO SHERIDAN. HER THOUGHTS ON HER YEAR IN THE COWBOY STATE ARE UPCOMING - Marion Luquet is heading home to Bordeaux, France after a year in Sheridan. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young spent some time with the French foreign exchange student this weekend and files this report: .

GEORGE WINSTON RETURNS TO SHERIDAN FOR BENEFIT PERFORMANCE MONDAY EVENING AT THE WYO THEATER - World-renowned pianist George Winston is in town this evening, and Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us why: .

WITH LESS THAN 2 MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK REMAINING, SHERIDAN’S SCOTT-BROADWAY PROJECT IS WINDING DOWN- After months of construction, road closures & cross-town commuter delays, Sheridan’s Scott-Broadway project is now making some serious headway: . Sheridan Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak reports the slowest part of the project has been something we typically don’t see – the underground utilities: . Once the last of those utilities are in place, Nowak says, the paving should proceed without major delays. We’re still on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule, we’re told, with a completion date of late September of early October.

Bob Tannenbaum with his "Palm Wizard"

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR WRAPS UP IT’S 4 DAY RUN … BUT NOT WITHOUT SOME FINAL THOUGHTS - This year’s Sheridan County Fair is a wrap. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has some final thoughts: .

BULLFIGHTING SCHOOL HELD IN CODY - Ever wanted to be a bullfighter? A handful of people gathered for bullfighting school at the Cody Nite Rodeo grounds recently. Among them was Rick Hoeninghousen, marketing director for Xanterra Parks and Resorts, which runs concessions in Yellowstone National Park. Hoeninghousen says he signed up for bullfighting school over the objections of his wife and two daughters. On the first day, a bull came after him while he was taking photos for his friends and family. He stepped out of the way, but on the second day he dodged a bull only to have it hook him behind the thigh. Later on, a bull threw Hoeninghausen in the air and ran him over, but he got up. Hoeninghausen says he sees bullfighting as a metaphor for life -- every day you have to face a charging bull in one way or another.

August 5, 2005

CHAMBER HOSTS MONTHLY LUNCHEON NEXT MONDAY – HONORS 2004-2005 LEADERSHIP SHERIDAN CLASS- It’s monthly Chamber Lunch time, and this-coming Monday, members of the 2004-2005 Leadership Sheridan class will be honored. What is Leadership Sheridan? Chamber Director Melissa Butcher: . And how significant is the class to the Chamber? . Melissa says that if you think you have it in you to hone your leadership skills, contact her at the Chamber office and she’ll have some informational materials for you for next year’s class. If you want to enjoy Monday’s Chamber lunch, come to the Best Western Sheridan Center at 11:30. The event is open to the public at a per-plate cost of $7.75.

SHERIDAN’S LONGTIME CITY ATTORNEY IS LEAVING … AND THE MAYOR SAYS IT MAY NOT BE REPLACED - Sheridan City Attorney Steve Gregersen is leaving the employ of the city. Why is Gregersen leaving? . Gregersen has been Sheridan’s City Attorney for eight years. Mayor Dave Kinskey says he will be missed: . And does that mean the City of Sheridan may not have a city attorney in the future: .

SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD SELECTS NEW TRUSTEE - The Sheridan College Board met last night and the main order of business? Selecting a new college trustee. The honor goes to Walt Wragge, a 41-year Sheridan resident, who retired in 2001 as principle for both Meadowlark and Beckton schools. When asked why he decided to apply for this position, Wragge told us that he’s always had Sheridan College on his radar screen, saying, quote – “I am a community college grad myself and I believe in the system.” Nine candidates put in for the job, and by unanimous vote, the Board of Trustees chose Wragge, who will be in the seat until November 2006. He replaces former trustee Ryan Wright, who left to pursue a law degree at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Thursday nite's BBQ at the fairgrounds

IT’S KIDS DAY AND MORE, FRIDAY AT THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR. WE HAVE ALL THE DETAILS - The Sheridan County Fair kicked off last night with thousands turning out for a free barbecue sponsored by Sheridan Media’ print media partner … the Country Bounty. Dishing out the Sloppy Joes, was a familiar voice to residents of Northeast Wyoming: . Great grub last night. Today, meanwhile, it’s a whole new day of fair activities. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has an update: .

Pie Judges: fair regs prevent their identification

THERE’S LOTS GOING ON AT THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR THIS YEAR – INCLUDING A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT THE PIE JUDGES. - Well, as we said earlier, there’s lots going on today and every day at the Sheridan County Fair – including a behind-the-scenes peek at the pie judging. We warned you. News Director Ace Young is back with the details: .

STATE SENATOR WANTS TO INTRODUCE HOSPITAL ENDOWMENT BILL - His committee said, "No,' but state Senator Ray Peterson says that's NOT going to stop him from introducing a bill to create endowments for Wyoming hospitals. The Cowley Republican says he'll introduce the bill during the 2006 legislative budget session. Peterson's plan is patterned after the endowments created last year for Wyoming community colleges. Hospitals would be responsible for private fund raising, with the state matching those dollars. The hospital could then spend the investment proceeds each year. Representative Elaine Harvey, of Lovell, says she supports Peterson's plan, even though the joint health committee tabled it last month. But it won't be easy. Harvey says many good ideas struggle to gain acceptance their first year in the Legislature.

August 4, 2005

SHERIDAN CITY BAND CONTINUES TO TUNE UP FOR CONCERTS IN THE PARK - The Concerts in the Park series continues each Tuesday through the end of August, and the Sheridan City Band have more rehearsals scheduled so they’ll be pitch-perfect for their remaining two performances. Director Ariel Downing tells us that nearly 40 musicians have taken part in the band, but they do have a need: . Ariel shares her thoughts about the band: . Rehearsals will be the next three Mondays, August 8, 15 & 22 at 7 pm in the Sheridan High School band room. And then? . Yeah, you heard her correctly – summer nearing an end means that the daylight hours are beginning to wane, signaling the beginning of fall…and school…and a quiet band shell…until next summer.

HORSE SHOOTING STILL A MYSTERY – REWARD OVER 2 THOUSAND DOLLARS - terrible story first aired here a couple months ago – a beautiful Blue Roan horse was shot and left to die on the Ray Frady place just east of Clearmont. Jeff Pelesky’s father-in-law owned the horse, named Dusty, and Jeff indicates that the case is still very much open: . After we first reported it, and News Director Ace Young said he’d kick in a hundred bucks toward a reward for information, the community responded. Jeff is amazed at the outpouring: . The reward money is now at 23-hundred dollars, and you can contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office or Ace Young here at Sheridan Media if you’d like to contribute. Jeff and his family are most grateful: .

TUESDAY NIGHT’S POLICE ACTION ON SHERIDAN’S NORTH CUSTER STREET TURNS OUT TO BE A METH BUST THAT FOLLOWED A YEAR LONG INVESTIGATION. - Wednesday, we told you about word of a search warrant served Tuesday night on a home in the 500 block of North Custer in Sheridan.