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	DECEMBER 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.

December 30, 2005

SHERIDAN COUNTY WORKING ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - Emergency preparedness has been in the news a lot, lately, especially because of a year filled with global natural disasters. Sheridan County is hard at work to prepare for any emergency that could very easily occur right here at home, and for more on the story, here’s Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson:   .

ARVADA RAISES MONEY TO SAVE SCHOOL - With only 65 residents, Arvada doesn’t often make the news … but these days, Arvada citizens are concerned.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

HONG KONG TO ALLOW U.S. BEEF - It’s more good news for the Wyoming & U.S. beef industry.  After the recent decision by Japan to open its borders to American beef, another Asian market has followed suit.  Hong Kong, previously the 5th largest importer of U.S. beef, has reopened its border as well. Among those praising the Hong Kong move, Wyoming U.S. Senator Craig Thomas: . Thomas calls it a “snowball effect” taking effect in Asia which bodes well for Wyoming cattle producers. And with Japan & Hong Kong now importing U.S. beef, can we expect other countries elsewhere to open up their markets? . Senator Thomas has estimated that since the first border closure in 2003, the U.S. beef industry has lost some 6 billion dollars in income.

IT WAS ANTICIPATED AND IT’S HAPPENED.  THE FLU BUG HAS ARRIVED IN SHERIDAN COUNTY - It was early this week that we told you that the flu bug was spreading rapidly and earlier than usual in several western states – including neighboring Utah.  Now, influenza has appeared much closer to home.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

WYOMING RANCHERS GET CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH - Good news for Wyoming ranchers. Federal investigators say the last case of the viral disease vesicular stomatitis  has been eliminated from the state. Federal investigators have been in Riverton this week to check out the last farm where the disease had been found. That check showed all of the animals on the farm to be healthy.
    
LOVELL TURNS ONE HUNDRED - A New Year's Eve party in Lovell will be the start of something big. The town will spend 2006 celebrating its centennial, with events scheduled every month. Lovell is named for cattle baron Henry Clay Lovell, who brought his first herd to the area in 1880.  The town was incorporated more than two decades later, in 1906. Mayor Bruce Morrision says the New year’s Eve party will feature music, dancing and enough food for 750 people, and all of that will be followed by a fireworks show that’s being described as “thunderous.”

December 29, 2005

THE I.C.U. WARD AT SHERIDAN’S MEMORIAL HOSPITAL UNDERGOES A DISASTER DRILL – “Code Yellow – this is a drill!”  Those words echoed through the halls of Sheridan’s Memorial Hospital as they practiced a disaster drill this week.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the story: .Video from the drill

THE SHERIDAN POLICE CALL THE TAMMY McKINLEY CASE CLOSED … FINALLY - The Tammy McKinley case.  Police veterans say it’s a case like no other in recent years.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the exclusive report: .

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE BOZEMAN TRAIL INN BURGLARY - Sheridan County authorities are investigating a burglary at the Bozeman Trail Inn in Big Horn. Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Mark Conrad tells us: . The Bozeman Trail Inn break-in was reported to the Sheriff’s Office Tuesday.  As we said, the investigation continues this morning.

IT’S “CASUAL FRIDAY” ON A DAILY BASIS FOR MONTANA GOVERNOR SCHWEITZER - And it seems that Montana voters are perfectly fine with the fact that their governor wears jeans to work and brings his border collie to the office. A Lee Newspapers poll reveals that 68% of registered voters surveyed said it was appropriate for Governor Schweitzer to wear blue jeans to work … and bring his dog Jag to work.  22% considered both behaviors inappropriate.  10% were undecided. The governor, meanwhile, defends his dress … and his dog.  Scweitzer typically wears jeans, a dress shirt, cowboy boots and a bolo tie to work.  And his dog is now a mainstay at the Capitol – often seen trotting behind the governor or plopping near Schweitzer’s feet during meetings.

HEY … IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR ONCE AGAIN – FIREWORKS. - It’s that time of the year.  With New Year’s Eve this weekend, fireworks are, once again, for sale.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

HOSPITAL BOARD APPROVES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A SELECTIVE RATE INCREASE - Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Board of Trustees met for the last time this year. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was on hand and files this report: .

GILLETTE MURDER SUSPECTS BOUND OVER TO DISTRICT COURT - Kent Proffitt Senior, Christopher Hicks, Jacob Martinez and Michael Seiser, all charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy, were bound over to District Court yesterday in Gillette. Preliminary hearings were set within a week for three of the accused. The fourth waived his right to a speedy hearing. All are accused in the shooting death of 16-year-old Bryce Chavers. The three adults also are charged with murder and conspiracy in the death of 19-year-old Jeremy Forquer, but Seiser is not charged in that crime. Chavers, who was to be a witness in a child-sex assault trial against Proffitt, was shot in the head. Forquer was strangled. Seiser is not subject to the death penalty because of his age, but the other three defendants could be sentenced to death.

FLU OUTBREAK IN OTHER WESTERN STATES – HOW IS WYOMING FARING? - It’s a flu virus strain dubbed “A/California/07-2004”, so-called because of a virus strain first isolated in that state’s Santa Clara County last year.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us more: .

THAT CHRISTMAS TREE MAY LOOK NICE … BUT, NOT CARED FOR, IS A DISASTER IN THE MAKING - Christmas may be over … but the decorations are still up … and, in some homes, so is the Christmas tree – and that raises some concerns.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .Sheridan Fire Department demonstrates how fast a dry Christmas Tree can burn

SHERIDAN POLICE INVESTIGATE A JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL BURGLARY - Sheridan Police are investigating a burglary at the new Sheridan Junior High School.  News Director Ace Young has the details: .

SOME CHANGES ON THE WAY FOR STATE ANGLERS AS THE GAME AND FISH MAKES SEVERAL REGULATION CHANGES - With the new year nearing, Wyoming Game and Fish want anglers to know about a few changes that are on the horizon. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details: .

SHERIDAN NATIONAL GUARD UNIT DEPLOYS FOR FT. LEWIS, WASHINGTON AND THEN IRAQ - The Natrona County Fairgrounds in Casper held an emotional ceremony this week as family and friends bid farewell to the Wyoming Army National Guard’s 2-300th Armored Field Artillery. Governor Dave Freudenthal handed the flag to the unit commander – in time of war, a state’s governor must officially release the troops into duty – and encouraged the soldiers to ignore criticism of the war and polls that show waning domestic support for U.S. operations in Iraq.  The governor stressed that Wyoming cares about them and they are to be “incredibly proud” of the job they will be doing, as Wyoming is proud of them. The Sheridan-based unit has 152 soldiers from 16 of Wyoming’s counties; they will spend several weeks stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington before heading to Tikrit, Iraq.

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING - Now that Christmas is behind us, it leaves us with the question of what to do with our Christmas trees. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details: .

WE TAKE A PRELIMINARY TOUR OF BUBBA’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A MUSEUM - Sheridan County’s new historical museum is starting to take shape.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

A LONG STANDING TRADITION CONTINUES … AND THIS YEAR WAS NO EXCEPTION:  CHRISTMAS DINNER AT THE SENIOR CENTER -  The refrigerators are filled with leftovers this morning but that wasn’t the case on Sunday.  Families & friends feasted on a full course Christmas dinner everywhere – and that included the Sheridan Senior Center where cook Dave Moss tells us what they dined on: .  We’re glad Dave mentioned Kim’s name because, year after year, Kim’s been low key about the Sheridan Media donation that makes the Christmas Senior Dinner possible. And while we’re at it … a Merry Christmas to all those who participated in this year’s senior dinner:

KENT PROFFIT CHARGED IN SECOND MURDER IN GILLETTE THAT OCCURRED BACK IN OCTOBER - This story goes from very bad to worse -- Gillette resident Kent Proffit, Senior, charged with arranging the murder of a teenager who was scheduled to testify at his sex crimes trial, is now charged in the death of another man.  Campbell County prosecutors say the new charges relate to the October slaying of 19-year-old Jeremy Forquer in Gillette, whose body was found Christmas Eve day. Police arrested Proffit on Wednesday in Sheridan and charged him with conspiracy to commit murder in last month's slaying of 16-year-old Bryce Chavers. Two 19-year-olds -- Jacob Martinez and Christopher Hicks -- were also charged this week with murdering Chavers in his bedroom. After his arrest, Martinez told investigators he had information on a previous murder, and led authorities to Forquer's body along Interstate 90 in Johnson County. Martinez told investigators that he and Hicks strangled Forquer at Proffit's residence. Martinez and Hicks also face first-degree murder charges in Forquer's death

Retiring Sheriff Deputy Terry Ashlock

A SHERIDAN COUNTY DEPUTY SAYS GOODBYE TO THE FORCE AFTER A QUARTER CENTURY OF SERVICE - The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office won’t be the same for quite a while – this after a deputy says “goodbye to the force” after a quarter century of service.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

December 24, 2005

JINGLE BELLS ORIGINAL AMERICAN CHRISTMAS CAROL - It’s just not the Christmas season with hearing or singing Christmas carols.  Carols have been around for centuries, and here in America, one of the oldest that our country can claim as our own is “Jingle Bells”. Anthologist (ann-thall-o-gist) Brian Clancey has compiled a book on the history of carols, and gives us the background on this well-loved song: So how did the carol go from it’s original title to the one we know and love? By whatever title, it’s a carol that will endure:

WYOMING HIGHWAYS SAFER WITH EXTRA PATROL – SOME HOLIDAY TIPS FROM WYOMING HIGHWAY PATROL - You’ve heard us reporting on the Highway Patrol’s stepped-up monitoring of the State’s highways this holiday season, beginning with Operation CARE over the Thanksgiving Weekend.  We asked Sgt. Steve Townsend of the Wyoming Highway Patrol how many fatalities occurred that weekend: Even though Operation CARE has concluded, Sgt. Townsend tells us: We want people to be around to see 2006, and Sgt. Townsend offers this advice: Good advice from the Wyoming Highway Patrol, putting in extra hours to keep us safe.

SHERIDAN POLICE BECOME SECRET SANTAS - Police are here to “protect & serve” and, Friday afternoon, were doing a good deal of “serving.” Lieutenant Steve Matheson was in his patrol car delivering gifts.  What’s that all about? Matheson and fellow officers delivered those stockings to more than a score of families in the community. And Matheson’s comment about the special holiday duty? Sheridan Police putting smiles on kids this Christmas.

December 23, 2005

WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON ARTWORK COMES HOME - Once upon a time in the West, a portrait painter named William Wilcox committed the crime of burglary, and butcher Edward Seeley stole some cattle – each crime landing the gentlemen in the Wyoming Territorial Prison back in the late 1800’s.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us their story: . For more information visit  wyoprisonpark.org

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY MUSEUM ISSUES A GRANT CHALLENGE - Starting a museum is never easy … nor is moving one.  The Sheridan County Historical Society has had to deal with both.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

WYOMING’S POPULATION INCREASES - New Census Bureau figures reveal that the Cowboy State’s population increased by 7 – 10’s of a percent from 2004 to 2005.  The nationwide increase was 9 – 10’s of a percent. Wyoming now has a little over 509 – thousand people and it’s still the least populated state in the country.  Montana, in the last year, grew by 9 – 10’s of a percent – on keel with the national average.  Montana now has an estimated 936 – thousand people. Incidentally, the fastest growing states were:  Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Florida & Utah. Rhode Island, New York & Massachusetts all lost population.

SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL SURVEY REVEALS STUDENT WISHES AND WANTS - Public opinion polls are nothing new – but few deal with local issues. One exception is the Sheridan Media Dot Com poll.  And there’s another just released local poll – this one conducted at Sheridan High School. Student Blake Halseide tells us about the S-H-S survey: . And the results of those 3 survey questions?  Let’s take ‘em one at a time.  First: on the subject of the optional one-cent sales tax -- how would students like to see that money spent? .  And on the subject of a new skate park in Sheridan? . And finally, the third question: . Halseide says he looks forward to other campus surveys.  It’s good for the students and good too, he says, for the community to know how students feel on key issues.

HE’S A DAY OR TWO EARLY … BUT ST. NICK MAKES A PRE-CHRISTMAS VISIT TO SHERIDAN MEDIA - Christmas Eve typically is the time that Santa Claus is supposed to make his appointed rounds but “the rotund one” made an early visit to Sheridan Media.  News Director Ace Young has the story: .Video of Santa Claus reading the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer at Sheridan Media

STRONG WINDS GREET US THIS MORNING - Early risers this morning needn’t have worried about doing their hair – strong winds greeted us at about 5 am.  We checked with our trusty friends up at the National Weather Service in Billings to learn more, and meteorologist Joe Lester explained: . It’s nice to report that even though we’ll still have some winds today, Joe promises a warm Christmas weekend: . Not quite the record high set back in 1947 – Christmas Day that year reached 61 degrees.  And how about the last week of 2005? . So not parka weather for a few days, and for today, maybe just a head scarf or hat to keep your hair from blowing off your head.

December 22, 2005

IT’S POSTAL PANIC TIME IF YOU STILL NEED TO MAIL YOUR HOLIDAY PARCELS - It’s Thursday, and there are still some people just getting their packages to the post office to ship out.  We checked with Sheridan Postmaster Scott Maxwell, who tells us one way to ship will still work … maybe: . Realistically, those packages will make it next Monday or Tuesday.  And Express Mail? . Fortunately for the procrastinators out there, the Post Office is staying open until 6 pm these days.

THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS ARE OUT – AND, ONCE AGAIN, THEY’RE ENCOURAGING - The unemployment statistics are out – and, once again, Wyoming fares well.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has been going over the numbers and has the details: .

THE WYOMING STATE QUARTER WON’T BE MINTED UNTIL THE SUMMER OF 2007 … BUT WE’VE GOT A PREVIEW - It won’t be minted until the summer of 2007 but details are already being worked out on the Wyoming state quarter.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

“BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN” CONTINUES TO PULL STRONG BOX OFFICE NUMBERS IN THE SELECTED CITIES WHERE IT’S PLAYING … BUT WILL IT COME TO SHERIDAN?  -  “Brokeback Mountain.”  It’s been nominated for several Golden Globes; Hollywood critics say there’s plenty of Oscar-buzz as well.  But what about Wyoming?  Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson has the story:
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B-L-M SUMMER JOBS ARE AVAILABLE - It may be the beginning of winter but now is the time to apply for summer jobs with the Bureau of Land Management. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter explains: . For fire jobs visit https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/doiff.exe  and for non-fire jobs visit http://www.usajobs.opm.gov or https://jobs.quickhire.com/scripts/blm.exe

THE STATE OF WYOMING GENERAL FUND LOOKS GOOD - Wyoming's General Fund revenues have come in higher than predicted so far in the fiscal year that started in July. Through November, the state deposited 318-point-6 million dollars in its General Fund from all sources. That exceeds projected deposits by 55 million dollars and puts the state six-point-five percent ahead of projections. Economists with the state's Economic Analysis Division give two thumbs up for Wyoming's financial picture, indicating that mineral activity in Wyoming is going strong; the division anticipates positive reports about holiday spending as well. There was a brief period, however, when Wyoming’s revenue picture was not looking quite so rosy; natural gas prices plunged from 11 dollars per thousand cubic feet down to 7 dollars last month.  Thankfully, though, the prices have now climbed back up and should remain above 11 dollars for the next several months.

OUR SIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS LOOKS GOOD FOR HOLIDAY TRAVEL - Travelers heading out on the roads before Christmas should see good conditions east of the continental divide, but in western Wyoming, snow will make driving more challenging. The National Weather Service says the snowfall will be heaviest in the valleys of the west.  Ironically, only that side of the state will have a white Christmas because as the snow piles up in the west, it’ll be melting over in our neck of the woods – whodda thunk THAT three days ago?

December 21, 2005

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISCUSS EMPLOYEE COMP TIME … THE SEPTICS IN STORY … AND MORE - The Sheridan County Commissioners had a varied agenda at Tuesday’s meeting.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance and has the details: .

SHERIDAN JR. HIGH SCHOOL 7TH GRADERS TAKE A STEP BACK IN TIME  - Today is the first day of Christmas vacation for Sheridan County students.  Up at the Jr. High School, the last day of school found the 7th graders stepping back into time.  Here’s Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson with more: . Video from activities -

STILL LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT?  THINK “ICE” AS IN “SHERIDAN ICE” –Still looking for that special gift for that special person?  The people at Sheridan Ice say: think about a season pass to the Sheridan Ice Rink: . Sheridan Ice’s Linda Mullinax says the now-discounted season pass is a great idea … and so is the “punch card”: . Punch card or season pass … or just about anything else.  If you’ve got questions, they’ve got answers.  It’s all available on-line: . That address again: www.sheridanice.org

WHY IS THIS DAY DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER?  - Why is this day different than any other?  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the answer: .

FIRE INVESTIGATION LEADS TO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE THAT DESTROYED THE DeTAVARNIER HOME  - The investigation into the fire that destroyed the DeTavernier residence on December 8th has been completed. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: .

December 20, 2005

VARIED AGENDA ITEMS COVERED AT LAST NIGHT’S SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING  - Roosters, a water slide, CBM money, childcare, ambulance charges and firefighters -- those were the issues discussed at last night’s Sheridan City Council meeting. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance and files this report: .

SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR BOARD PONDERS FAIRGROUNDS FUTURE - The Sheridan County Fair Board Monday talked about new seats … and a possible new location Monday.  Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson has the details: .

WHEN CHALLENGED TO A FOOD DRIVE COMPETITION, SHERIDAN’S JR. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RISE TO THE OCCASION - The Christmas Season brings out some of the very best in people – bell ringers on street corners and various campaigns, like our Christmas Wish 2005.  It’s not just adults that take part, evidenced by the friendly but competitive contest at the Sheridan Jr. High School.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson with more: .Sheridan Junior High Students Collect 5,993 cans of food

THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS WISH CAMPAIGN COMES TO THE AID OF DOZENS  - It’s the final stretch of this year’s Christmas Wish campaign.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the update:

December 19, 2005

TONIGHT’S SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF A POSSIBLE 17 MILLION DOLLAR CBM WINDFALL - Tonight’s Sheridan City Council meeting takes up the big bucks issue of State Coalbed Methane Impact Funds.  Mayor Dave Kinskey explains: .  And is Kinskey expecting an approval of that CBM resolution? . And is the mayor concerned about those “other” government entities vying for that same 17 million dollars?  . One more money issue to be discussed this evening: the possible approval of higher City of Sheridan Ambulance rates. Tonight’s City Council meeting begins at 7 in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of City Hall.  It’s open to the public and will also be broadcast live on our sister station … AM 14-10, KWYO.

WHAT’S HOT & WHAT’S NOT IN THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN CHEYENNE?  - The upcoming legislative session in Cheyenne is less than 2 months away.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has a preview: .
 
UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVE AT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - The holidays are the best time for giving. Give the gift that someone will truly appreciate, give blood. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter tells how you can help: .

IT WAS A TUBA CHRISTMAS THIS WEEKEND  - The 6th annual Tuba Christmas Concert took place this weekend at Sheridan’s Holiday Inn.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance and files this report: .

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR BOARD CONSIDERS SOME CHANGES - The Sheridan County Fair Board meets at noon today to discuss some changes.  Sheridan Media’s Dave Wooten has the details: .

December 17, 2005

IT’S TUBA CHRISTMAS TIME THIS AFTERNOON AT THE SHERIDAN HOLIDAY INN - If you love brass music, especially at Christmas time, then the Sheridan Holiday Inn is the place for you to be this afternoon.  The 6th Annual “Tuba Christmas” is taking place, and event coordinator Ariel Downing gives us the rundown for the one-time rehearsal this morning: Prizes will be awarded for best-decorated instrument, as well as awards going to the participant who traveled the farthest –many college students will be home for the event – and the oldest and youngest players get a prize as well.  Again, the first notes tooted will sound at 1:30 this afternoon at the Holiday Inn Atrium.

OPERATION CARE WILL MAKE THINGS SAFER FOR TRAVELERS DURING THE HOLIDAYS - Every year during the holidays we see an influx of travelers taking to the highways. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter tells us about what’s being done to lessen the likelihood of accidents over the next few weeks:

THIS MONDAY’S SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF A POSSIBLE 17 MILLION DOLLAR CBM WINDFALL - This Monday’s Sheridan City Council meeting takes up the big bucks issue of State Coalbed Methane Impact Funds.  Mayor Dave Kinskey explains: And is Kinskey concerned about those other government entities vying for that same 17 million dollars? One more money issue to be discussed Monday night, the possible approval of higher City of Sheridan Ambulance rates.

December 16, 2005

HOW PREPARED IS SHERIDAN & SHERIDAN COUNTY IF A DISASTER WERE TO TAKE PLACE?  WE CONTINUE WITH PART TWO OF A SPECIAL SERIES - If a disaster were to strike, how prepared are we?  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has part 2 of an exclusive series:

OOM-PAH-PAH AND FA-LA-LA-LA-LA  -- GET READY FOR TUBA CHRISTMAS THIS WEEKEND - A group in Los Angeles has numbered as many as 300; Denver has enjoyed the sounds of 200.  But brass players and those who love to listen to them don’t have to travel hundreds of miles to hear deep brass instruments perform Christmas Carols -- area residents need only travel as far as the Sheridan Holiday Inn tomorrow afternoon.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us more about it:

THE FUTURE OF FORT PHIL KEARNY MAY HAVE BEEN PRESERVED FOREVER.  WE’VE GOT THE DETAILS - It’s a story that wasn’t covered by the wire services but it should have a major impact on Northeast Wyoming.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details:   

OPERATION CARE IS UNDERWAY - Every year during the holidays we see an influx of travelers taking to the highways. Which in turn makes that much more dangerous. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter tells us about what’s being done to lessen the likelihood of accidents over the next few weeks:

NEW STATE POSITION AWARDED TO FORMER SHERIDAN RESIDENT MILWARD SIMPSON - Milward Simpson, manager of the Wyoming Arts Council for the past two years, has accepted a new position within state government. He's just been named administrator of the Wyoming Division of Cultural Resources.  Cultural Resources covers quite an expansive area, and his new responsibilities will be to oversee and provide direction to the division’s five agencies, including the Arts Council, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, the Wyoming State Archives and State Museum. Milward’s take on the new position? As division administrator, Simpson will also serve on the board of the newly appointed Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.

December 15, 2005

HOW PREPARED IS SHERIDAN, WYOMING IN THE EVENT OF A MAJOR DISASTER? - It’s a worst-case scenario:  a major disaster hits Sheridan, Wyoming.  How prepared in this community?  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story:

LOCAL ART GALLERY IN CAHOOTS WITH NEW YORK CITY PROJECT - In these last days counting down to Christmas, how are you coming along getting your Christmas cards out to the masses?  Are any of them ten feet high?  Well, at least four ten foot holiday greetings are headed to New York City, thanks to Bella Graphics of Sheridan.  And very soon, the entire world will be able to see the cards, with hundreds of people ready to sign them.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson with more: Card1 Card2 Card3

STILL DON’T HAVE A FLU SHOT YET?  YOU’VE GOT ONE LAST CHANCE THIS MORNING - Sheridan County Community Health says it’s the end of the line.  Their last flu clinic is this morning?   Community Health’s Norma Maendl reminds us that this morning’s clinic is a “walk-in” – no appointment is required.  The cost is 20 dollars & they’ll bill Medicare if necessary.  Again, the last flu clinic of the season: this morning from 7 to 10 at Sheridan County Community Health – that’s on Main Street in the big white building across from the Court House.

KING KONG GETS TWO THUMBS UP LOCALLY - Yesterday the years last big blockbuster movie made its debut on the big screen. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details: 

December 14, 2005

STILL LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THAT SPECIAL PERSON?         WYOMING GAME & FISH MAY HAVE THE ANSWER - Still looking for that special Christmas gift for that special person or persons in your life?  Something that typifies Wyoming perhaps?  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young may have a hot tip or two:   The Wyoming Game and Fish website is http://gf.state.wy.us

SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LOOKING FOR APPLICANTS FOR LEADERSHIP SHERIDAN 2006 - Future community leaders have another opportunity to take part in a Sheridan program, this time sponsored by the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has more:  The Chamber phone number is 672-2485, or e-mail Melissa Butcher at melissabutcher@sheridanwyomingchamber.org.

RECYCLING PAYS … JUST ASK THE PRINCIPAL AT SHERIDAN JUNIOR HIGH - To passerbys, the remains of the old Sheridan Middle School looked like so much rubble.  Apparently though, there’s money in those remains.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details:

NEED THE SPELLING OF A WORD?  JUST ASK YOUR LOCAL THIRD GRADER - It’s another one of those great stories involving a local service club doing a good deed over the holiday season.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details:

FIRST LADY ASKS FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT THE GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE - Wyoming First Lady Nancy Freudenthal is calling for improvements to the Governor's Residence in Cheyenne. The improvements are outlined in Governor Freudenthal's proposed budget.  They include new furniture and artwork for the residence, as well as a 50-thousand-dollar bronze sculpture to make the front entrance of the home more visible.  The Wyoming Arts Council would have a role in selecting the artist for the sculpture.  Mrs. Freudenthal says much of the furniture would go to the home's guest quarters.  Upgrades to the guest quarters could also include communications improvements.  Currently those rooms lack connections to the internet and cable T-V.

CITY-COUNTY DINNER ALLOWS OFFICIALS TO KEEP EVERYONE IN THE LOOP ON KEY ISSUES - Several times a year officials from the County meet with officials from Sheridan, Dayton, Clearmont, and Ranchester to informally discuss upcoming key issues. Last night they did just that and Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and filed this report:

HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS – IT’S GOING TO BE WINDY ALL DAY - If you’ve already been driving on area roads this morning and it seems like you’ve gotten to your destination a lot more quickly, you most likely had a good tail wind assisting your travels.  If you haven’t been out in this yet … hold on to your hats. Dan Borsheim of the National Weather Service in Billings tells us just how windy it’s been this morning: Can he be more specific? And you remember those nasty days of sub-zero temps we experienced last week?  Well guess what … You know, normally we like those guys at the Weather Service … wish they’d stop using the words ‘Arctic cold front,’ though.

STILL DON’T HAVE A FLU SHOT YET?  YOU’VE GOT ONE LAST CHANCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) - Sheridan County Community Health says it’s the end of the line.  Their last flu clinic is tomorrow?  Community Health’s Norma Maendl reminds us that tomorrow’s clinic is a “walk-in” – no appointment is required.  The cost is 20 dollars & they’ll bill Medicare if necessary.  Again, the last flu clinic of the season: tomorrow morning from 7 to 10 at Sheridan County Community Health – that’s on Main Street in the big white building across from the Court House.

December 13, 2005

BEEF INDUSTRY APPLAUDS JAPAN’S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT IT WILL, ONCE AGAIN, ALLOW THE IMPORT OF U.S. BEEF - Wyoming beef ranchers say it’s about time.  That’s their reaction to Japan lifting its 2 year ban on U.S. beef in their country. Bill Bullard is the CEO of the Cattlemen Action Legal Fund: The discovery of mad cow disease prompted the Japanese ban.  Before the ban, Japan was the largest market for American beef – a commodity that Bullard says is completely safe: Officials say American beef should begin arriving in Japan within the next week or ten days. Bullard’s Cattlemen Action Legal Fund has 18-thousand members nationwide … including about a thousand ranchers here in Wyoming.

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES THEIR YEARLY AWARDS - The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce have announced their annual awards.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance Monday and has the story:

LAKE DeSMET STATUS REPORT:  IT’S FULL & FREEZING OVER - It’s a recreational favorite here in Northeast Wyoming.  It provides us with boating, fishing and water.  We’re talking about Lake DeSmet.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has a Lake DeSmet status report:

THE CITY OF SHERIDAN & THE FIREFIGHTERS UNION HAVE RESOLVED THEIR CONTRACT DISPUTE - It is official.  The collective bargaining process between the City of Sheridan and the fire fighters union that went into binding arbitration in September has been settled.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details:           

1st ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE LOOKS TO BE THE FIRST OF MANY - Sheridan College had their first of what hopes to be many Tree lighting ceremonies last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there for the festivities and fills us in:  

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 OFFICIALS DISCUSS 2006-07 CALENDAR, BOARD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS - The Sheridan High School library was the scene for the Sheridan School District 2 December board meeting. The hot topic at the meeting was discussion over the 2006-2007 school year calendar.  Two sample options were sent out to District 2 parents at the beginning of this school year with a request for feedback.  Option A has kids starting a full week before Labor Day, beginning Christmas Break on a Thursd