February 28, 2006

New Sheridan Police Officer Jarod Livingston is sworn in while his mother Karen Livingston and Girlfriend Angela McIver stand by his side

SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ADDS ONE MORE OFFICER - A swearing-in ceremony Monday at the Sheridan City Hall.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL TAKES A TRIP TO THE 50’S - The music and drama students at Sheridan High School have been hard at work preparing this year’s spring musical offering, “Bye-Bye, Birdie” since the first part of January, and all those long hours of rehearsals and set construction will pay off as the curtain opens this Thursday for the four-day run.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has more:

SHERIDAN CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING MEETING THIS AFTERNOON - Affordable housing and streamlining building codes are to be discussed this afternoon at a special meeting at Sheridan City Hall.  Public Works Director Jackie Flowers tells us: .  This afternoon’s meeting gets underway at 4 … in the council chambers.  That’s on the 3rd floor of City Hall.

RESEARCHERS HOPE LIBIDO INJECTIONS CAN HELP THE WYOMING TOAD BACK TO PROMINENT NUMBERS - Over the past few decades the Wyoming Toad’s numbers have diminished so swiftly that they are now considered one of the most endangered amphibians in the world. One of the biggest problems is the toad has a low libido. Fisheries Biologist with the Saratoga National Fish Hatchery Dave Paddock says they oft times offer the toad a little help: . Paddock points out why it is so important to breed the toad’s once a year: . The Wyoming Toad was near extinction just twelve years ago, but with help from people like Paddock, hopefully the amphibian’s numbers will soon reach some sense of normalcy. Pictures as well as a little background information on the toad can be found by visiting http://saratoga.fws.gov/toad.htm

OPEN CONTAINER BILL PASSES HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, STILL NEEDS TO PASS IN THE HOUSE AND BE SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR - It looks as though a bill that would ban all open containers of alcohol in vehicles may become reality. The bill has made it’s way through the Senate and the House Judiciary Committee but still has to be passed by the House of Representatives and be signed by the Governor to become law. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details: .

A SHERIDAN & JOHNSON COUNTY PHONE BOOK WITH A COWBOY’S REAR ON THE FRONT?  WE’VE GOT PART TWO ON THE PHONE BOOK COVER CONTROVERSY - It’s a phone book unlike most and, as we reported yesterday, it’s causing some consternation.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the follow up: .

February 27, 2006

JUST IN: SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ADDS ONE MORE OFFICER - A swearing-in ceremony this morning at the Sheridan City Hall.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story:

HONOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A BROWN BAG LUNCH AT THE SHERIDAN VA - The Sheridan VA Hospital will be hosting a special event tomorrow.  Spokesperson Lisa Alsaker gives us the particulars: . And just who are the “buffalo soldiers”? . Again, a brown bag lunch presentation Tuesday at noon in the VA Auditorium.  Brown bag lunches are always fun; this one will also be educational.

THE YO-YO EFFECT IS IN THE WEATHER, AS WE HEAD INTO ABOVE NORMAL TEMPS - What a difference a week has made in our weather.  We checked with our trusty friends at the National Weather Service in Billings, and meteorologist Jim Maczko tells us just how different: . And how about the end of the week? . As we head into March, it looks like Spring is truly just around the corner.

CURLING INVADES SHERIDAN - The big rocks with handles.  The two people with tiny brooms.  The graceful rock glider with tough knees.  The sport is curling, and it came to the Sheridan Ice Rink over the weekend.  Here’s Sheridan Media’s Trevor Thompson with the story: .

 
GOVERNOR FREUDENTHAL REQUESTS TEN MILLION TO RAISE STATE EMPLOYEE PAY AND WANTS THE SALES TAX REDUCED BY A HALF PERCENT - This year’s budgetary session down in Cheyenne has reached the halfway point. Most recently lawmakers shot down bills that would have repealed the sales tax on food and utilities along with raising the tax on cigarettes by 40 cents a pack. Over the next two weeks Governor Freudenthal has requested that lawmakers lower the state sales tax by half a percent along with budgeting ten million dollars to raise state employee’s pay. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details on the Governor’s latest requests: .

A NEW PHONE DIRECTORY FOR SHERIDAN AND JOHNSON COUNTIES IS CAUSING SOME CONSTERNATION - A new phone directory has been delivered to businesses and residences in both Sheridan & Johnson Counties.  It can be easily identified by its cover – its controversial cover.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

February 25, 2006

SHERIDAN HERITAGE CENTER CELEBRATES BUFFALO BILL’S 160TH BIRTHDAY THIS EVENING - A celebration tonight at the historic Sheridan Inn takes on double importance.  It’s the annual fundraiser for the Inn but it’s also a birthday celebration for the Inn’s most famous occupant … and owner:  Buffalo Bill.  Yes, today is his birthday. The New Sheridan Cornet Band will assist with the festivities … as will such luminaries as Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickock and Miss Kate. And while financial supporters of the Sheridan Inn celebrate this evening, structural engineer John Feinberg reports his people are busy on their end: A completely-restored Sheridan Inn, complete with 22 hotel rooms, is expected to be completed by April of 2007

RAPID CITY CURLING DEMO AT SHERIDAN ICE - We’ve seen it at the Winter Olympics a couple of years ago in Salt Lake.  We’ve seen it the past several days at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. We’re talking about “curling”.  And, interestingly enough, a curling class is being presented both today and tomorrow at Sheridan Ice.  Spokesperson David Lawson issues us a personal invitation: That’s 2 to 8:30 today.  Then another presentation Sunday at Sheridan Ice from 10 to 4. 

THE CLOUD PEAK SYMPHONY PRESENTS A FREE CONCERT TOMORROW NIGHT AT SHERIDAN JUNIOR HIGH - Marking its first anniversary since its organization meeting a year ago, the Cloud Peak Symphony will present a free concert tomorrow night in the Early Auditorium at Sheridan Junior High. CPS founder & president David Anderson provides us with the featured music: Sunday night’s concert begins at 7.  Again, it’s free … in the Early Auditorium at Sheridan Junior High.

YES, SHERIDAN STREETS ARE BEING PLOWED TODAY - Sheridan and the surrounding area got hit with 4 or 5 inches of wet snow Friday.  This morning, Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak says that his crews are in the clean-up mode:

February 24, 2006

WITH THE SHERIDAN COUNTY AIRPORT 75TH ANNIVERSARY APPROACHING, WE PRESENT ONE MORE UNBELIEVABLE AVIATION STORY FROM YESTERYEAR - Celebration plans are already underway for the 75th anniversary of the Sheridan County Airport.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the latest: .

SHERIDAN COUNTY KINDERGARTENERS LEARN ABOUT DENTAL HYGIENE - You remember back when you were a kid and the dental hygienist came to school to show you how to properly brush your teeth?  And remember chewing those awful red tablets to show how improperly you actually WERE brushing them?  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us more: . Video from Kindergarten Day at Sheridan College
 
SHERIFF HOFFMEIER WARNS OF ANOTHER PHONE SCAM THAT HAS OCCURRED IN SHERIDAN COUNTY - The phone scammers are at it again in Sheridan County. They take advantage of residents who are just a bit too eager to lend a helping hand. Sheriff Dave Hofmeier tells us about the latest incident: . Hoffmeier says that the individual thankfully got things turned around in time but points out things could have gotten messy: . Unwanted phone solicitations are usually bogus, not to mention bothersome, but as the Sheriff explains, even the legitimate ones can be kind of sketchy: . If you’re not sure whether the person on the other end of the line is trying to scam you or not, Hoffmeier offers this advice: . So beware, the phone scammers may be dialing your digits next; just be sure to follow the Sheriff’s advice and use good common sense and you’ll be sure to send them down the line.

A GROUP OF WOLVE’S IN YELLOWSTONE PARK ARE RAISING SOME CONCERNS AMONG PARK OFFICIALS - A pack of five wolves in the Hayden Valley area of Yellowstone Park reportedly have been approaching snowmobiles, snow coaches as well as vehicles. The activity is drawing some concern from Park officials. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: .

HOUSE SHOOTS DOWN TOBACCO TAX INCREASE - A proposal to raise taxes on cigarettes by 40 cents a pack has gone up in smoke. The Wyoming House shot down the bill 33-to-26. Green River Representative John Hastert spoke in favor of the bill, saying it could help save lives. Hastert says lung cancer now kills more women than breast cancer, and that tobacco use among teenage girls is on the rise. But the bill had several opponents, including our own Representative Jack Landon, who says the state shouldn't use taxes as a form of social engineering. Representative Keith Gingery of Jackson also opposed the bill. He says the state shouldn't raise taxes when it's got such a big surplus.

February 23, 2006

SHERIDAN POLICE RESPOND TO ALARM – INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF BURGLARS -Last night’s snowfall aided the Sheridan police responding to an alarm at the Sinclair Gas Station up by the Sheridan High School. Detective Sergeant Tom Henry describes the event: . Upon chatting with two males, 18-year-old Robert Jones and a 17-year-old minor companion, Henry says: . Police recovered the stolen items – several packs of cigarettes – and Jones and his accomplice were arrested. So what happens now? .

McTEACHER’S NIGHT WILL FIND TEACHER’S OUT OF THEIR ELEMENT WORKING AT McDONALDS – AND THEY NEED YOUR HELP - The teachers at Tongue River Elementary School will become McDonald’s employees tonight and they need your help.  McDonald’s manager Larry Storo Junior explains: . Larry has invited the whole community, including the mayors of Dayton and Ranchester, the Sheriff’s and police departments, as well as firefighters.  The school’s teachers, aides, Superintendent Sue Belish, and Tongue River Elementary principal Bob Heimbaugh will don fry-cook hats for the evening to raise money for the school’s Literacy program.  Do the McTeachers Night events always go to assist in literacy? . Larry tells us that his restaurant tries to hold a McTeachers Night at least once a year to help out a different school.  So like the Olympics, have the teachers had to be in training to flip the fry canister just right, and place the patties correctly on the sesame seed buns? . The McTeachers will be on staff at the North Main McDonalds between 5 and 8 this evening, and your participation will mean money well spent for the literacy program at Tongue River Elementary School.

SPECIAL CITY WORKSHOP TO BE HELD NEXT TUESDAY – WE’LL GET AN EXPLANATION FROM SHERIDAN MAYOR DAVE KINSKEY - Residents of Sheridan may want to mark their calendars for February 28th – that’s next Tuesday.  Mayor Dave Kinskey explains: . Again that public hearing will begin next Tuesday, February 28th at 4 pm in the 3rd floor council chambers at the Sheridan City Hall.

SENATOR ENZI TALKS TO SHERIDAN STUDENTS, SENIORS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE - United States Senator Mike Enzi leaves Washington D.C. to return to Wyoming for a few days.  Is it a chance for some rest & relaxation?  Hardly.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

HOSPITAL BOARD APPROVES TWO CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND SEES A TEN PERCENT INCREASE IN PATIENT VOLUME FOR JANUARY - Two aging pumps that are in dire need of replacement were the only two capital expenditure requests brought before Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees at their meeting last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

MAGPIES AND SIZE EIGHTEEN BOOTS LEAD TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF A POACHER NEAR CHEYENNE - It’s not everyday you hear about an unusually large shoe size and a collection of magpies aiding in an arrest and conviction. However, as Wyoming Game and Fish information officer Jeff Obrecht explains, that’s exactly what happened near the small town of Horse Creek northwest of Cheyenne: . That’s when Game and Fish officials put their heads together and came to the conclusion that the size eighteen boot print would lead them to their perp: . Mark Brumley, a sergeant at F.E. Warren Air Force Base was ordered to pay four thousand dollars in restitution, fined one thousand, and was given a 180-day suspended jail sentence along with being placed on probation for a year. Brumley’s hunting privileges are suspended for four full years and that doesn’t pertain to just Wyoming: . Obrecht says that the penalty could have been a lot worse if not for Brumley’s cooperation in the investigation.

February 22, 2006

A DAY LATE AND A PACKED CHAMBER – THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL ADDRESSED A FULL AGENDA - Credit President’s Day for the Sheridan City Council meeting on Tuesday night instead of Monday.  Credit keen interest in golf, affordable housing, a new Home Depot and an old Sheridan Inn to pack the chambers last night.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance and files this report: . Click here the Kendrick Golf Course Fee Proposal 2006-2007

SHERIDAN HERITAGE CENTER HOSTS ANNUAL DINNER THEATRE FUNDRAISER THIS SATURDAY – GET YOUR TICKETS SOON!   - If you like to dress in western costume, laugh yourself silly watching western theatre while enjoying a western beef brisket dinner, then have we got an evening for you. Here’s Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson to tell us the details: .

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS … MINUS ONE … TALK ABOUT THE JAIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN CHEYENNE - There were only 2 Sheridan County Commissioners making the decisions this time around.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

RANCHESTER COUNCIL APPROPRIATES TWENTY GRAND FOR INSIDE WORK ON TOWN HALL EXPANSION - The status of the Town Hall Expansion Project, along with opening bids for the Town Tepee were two things that were addressed by Ranchester’s Town Council last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

FORMER SHERIDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 SUPERINTENDENT ROD SVEE WILL NO LONGER RUN BILLINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER JUNE - Rod Svee, who has served as superintendent of Billings schools since 2003, will not have his contract renewed at the end of June.   He said Tuesday night’s school board 8-1 vote came as a ‘‘total surprise’’ after what he considered a generally positive board evaluation last week.  Many trustees said during the evaluation they believed Svee was not ‘‘on board’’ with the new budgeting process launched this year, and wasn’t active enough in the community advocating on the district’s behalf. Trustees also questioned Svee’s proposed three-year contract that would have included a 3 percent raise in the first year and raises equal to the percentage teachers receive in the second and third years. The raise would have increased Svee’s salary to $127,000 a year. Svee is the district’s seventh superintendent in 20 years. Before coming to Billings, he ran Sheridan County School District No. 1 in Ranchester, Wyo., for five years.

February 21, 2006

JUST IN: SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS … MINUS ONE … TALK ABOUT THE JAIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN CHEYENNE - There were only 2 Sheridan County Commissioners making the decisions this time around.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

WYOMING STATE LEGISLATURE ADDRESSES RAISING TOBACCO TAX - Known as House Bill 54, and sponsored by the Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee, Wyoming’s legislators will consider raising tax on tobacco products. Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has more: .  For more information visit http://legisweb.state.wy.us/ and click on “Status of Bills”

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL PREPARES TO TALK ABOUT THE KENDRICK MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE … AND ANOTHER CONTRACT WITH FIREFIGHTERS – A rare Tuesday night Sheridan City Council meeting takes on the issues of the Kendrick Municipal Golf Course … and another round of contract talks with firefighters.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the story: .

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FEATURES SOME GLIMPSES INTO OUR PAST - It’s called the Sheridan County Memory Book Project – and it offers, we’re told, glimpses into our past.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: . Dinner reservations for Thursday night’s Museum program at the Holiday Inn may be made by calling 674.4436.  Dinner begins at 6; the program at 6:45.

HUNTER EDUCATION CLASSES WILL START SOON IN THE SHERIDAN AREA - Starting March 20th and running through September the Wyoming Game and Fish will be offering Hunter Education classes in the Sheridan area. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more: .

UNDERAGE MALE LEADS SHERIDAN POLICE ON A CROSS-TOWN CHASE EARLY THIS MORNING - Just before one o’clock this morning, a Sheridan Police officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driving without headlights on.  Newly promoted Sergeant Travis Koltiska tells us more: . And the inevitable question – was alcohol a factor here? . And tack on underage drinking, as our male driver is twenty years old.

SPORTSCASTER CURT GOWDY REMEMBERED TODAY - Close friends and family of Curt Gowdy in Wyoming remember the longtime sports announcer as a "great ambassador" for his native state.  Gowdy was born Green River in 1919 and was raised in Cheyenne. He graduated from U-W in 1942 after earning three varsity letters in basketball and tennis. He began his broadcasting career a year later at K-F-B-C in Cheyenne and was also a sports writer for the Wyoming Eagle.  Friends say Gowdy always made a point to get back to his home state regularly -- especially to fish. Gowdy was inducted into the Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and was a member of the 2004 inaugural class of the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame. In 1972, Wyoming named an eleven-thousand-acre park between Cheyenne and Laramie after Gowdy. The state Legislature is considering a bill this session that would expand the size of that park. Funeral services for Gowdy will be held Saturday at the Trinity Church in Boston.

February 20, 2006

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY FEATURES SOME GLIMPSES INTO OUR PAST - It’s called the Sheridan County Memory Book Project – and it offers, we’re told, glimpses into our past.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details:

WYOMING LEGISLATURE WILL DISCUSS COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUNDING DURING THIS BUDGET SESSION – WE’LL HEAR FROM SHERIDAN COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. DRUMM - We’re one week into the 2006 Legislative Budget session, and one of the issues that will be addressed in a few days is funding for the state’s community colleges. Sheridan College president, Dr. Kevin Drumm, tells us that the seven community colleges have put in a request for between 23 and 24-million dollars total more than last year, which would cover the next two fiscal years, beginning July 1st. He talks about what that money would fund: . So how does this request line out for Sheridan College specifically? . In a written statement from Representative Rosie Berger, she states that there was not funding for new facility or remodel projects because a study needs to be done on how the state can fund those particular projects.  She indicated that starting the week of February 27th, funding for the community colleges will be discussed.

TODAY IS DAY ONE OF THREE FOR THE UNITED BLOOD SERVICES DRIVE AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - Did you know that medical centers typically use over 100 pints of blood per day to meet the needs of patients?  To keep up with this demand, United Blood Services strives to collect that amount per day, shooting for a total of 30-thousand pints per year. You can help them meet those goals, as they will begin another blood drive – this time for three days – at Sheridan’s Memorial Hospital. UBS Director Brett Miller, of Billings, tells us: . Blood donors must be at least 17, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.  Brett gives us the lowdown on when and where you are to go: . And a reminder – you need to eat a good meal and drink lots of fluids before and after your donation. 

EMERGENCY TRAINING SESSIONS BEGIN THIS WEEK AT SHERIDAN’S VA HOSPITAL - Disaster Preparedness Classes are not new to Sheridan County.  In less than 3 years, more than 50 local residents have received specialty disaster training … and another class starts on Tuesday.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: . For more information on CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) contact Dodie Bomar: office: 672.6126; home: 672.0959 or Tammy Tarver: 750.2231 or 672.958

FOREST SERVICE LOOKING FOR SUMMER HELP IN BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST - It’s tough to think of Summer with the recent weather conditions we’ve been having but the Forest Service is doing just that as they are taking online applications for Summer help: . That was Bernie Bornong the Planning and Resources Officer with the Bighorn National Forest. Bernie says that this is a perfect opportunity for anyone thinking of making a career out of Forest Service work: . If working in the Bighorn National Forest this summer appeals to you, you’d better not delay because the deadline for applications is just around the corner: . The link to that website can be found. Keep in mind applications must be submitted before March 1st. For more information visit www.avuedigitalservice.com/usfs/applicant.html

DESPITE THE FRIGID TEMPS THE 1ST EVER COYOTE SINGLES MINGLE WAS A BIG SUCCESS - The temperature may have been well below zero Friday night but things were heating up inside the Best Western Sheridan Center as the 1st annual Coyote Singles Mingle sponsored by 93.7 K-Y-T-I drew in thirty participants. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the story: .

WE HEAR FEEDBACK FROM THOSE IN ATTENDANCE AT VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY’S LEGISLATIVE VISIT FRIDAY - Entering to a thunderous cheer Friday morning, Vice President Dick Cheney gave a heartfelt speech to the Wyoming Legislative body. Members of the Senate wore white carnations and those in the House wore red ones to distinguish one group from the other. Senator Bruce Burns provides this observation about the Vice President’s words: . Regarding the Vice President’s shooting accident, Senator Burns made national news, as he was quoted in the Friday morning edition of USA Today: . Burns felt the editorial was trying to score cheap political shots.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO BUS CRASH ON I-80 - Wyoming Troopers are still investigating the crash of a Greyhound bus that occurred early Sunday morning 23 miles east of Rawlins on Interstate 80 with 43 people aboard.  Troopers continue to gather statements from witnesses and passengers in hopes of determining how the crash happened. At this time at least 9 victims remain hospitalized at the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County in Rawlins.  Two additional passengers were airlifted to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper with life threatening injuries and a third was transported via ground ambulance to Wyoming Medical Center. Additional Troopers were called out to respond to assist with traffic control and rescue and investigation procedures.  Fire departments from as far away as Hanna, Rawlins and Saratoga provided assistance, along with deputies from the Carbon County Sheriff's Department and Officers from the Rawlins Police Department.  Many good Samaritans assisted the troopers’ efforts, providing food, beverages and vehicles for the victims of the crash to sit in and stay warm from the extreme cold and snowy conditions until medical transportation arrived. The bus is known to have originated in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was destined for Denver, Colorado.  The investigating Trooper cited the Greyhound bus driver, 51 year-old David Soraiz from Sandy, Utah, for speed too fast for existing conditions.

February 19, 2006

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES OF BILLINGS WILL BE AT SHERIDAN’S MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR THREE DAYS THIS WEEK - Beginning tomorrow, United Blood Services of Billings will have people at Sheridan Memorial Hospital to take blood.  UBS Director Brett Miller tells us: Brett says that they are in a critical need for all types, but an emergency need for O-Negative. So when and where can you give blood this time around? Brett reminds you to eat a good meal and drink lots of fluids before and after your donation.

FOREST SERVICE LOOKING FOR SUMMER HELP IN BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST - It’s tough to think of Summer with the recent weather conditions we’ve been having but the Forest Service is doing just that as they are taking online applications for Summer help: That was Bernie Bornong the Planning and Resources Officer with the Bighorn National Forest. Bernie says that this is a perfect opportunity for anyone thinking of making a career out of Forest Service work: If working in the Bighorn National Forest this summer appeals to you, you’d better not delay because the deadline for applications is just around the corner: Keep in mind applications must be submitted before March 1st. www.avuedigitalservice.com/usfs/applicant.html

DESPITE THE FRIGID TEMPS THE 1ST EVER COYOTE SINGLES MINGLE WAS A BIG SUCCESS - The temperature may have been well below zero Friday night but things were heating up inside the Best Western Sheridan Center as the 1st annual Coyote Singles Mingle sponsored by our sister station 93.7 K-Y-T-I drew in thirty participants. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the story:

February 18, 2006

UNITED BLOOD SERVICES BACK IN SHERIDAN NEXT WEEK – DESPERATE FOR O-NEGATIVE BLOOD - It’s almost time once again for a blood drive in Sheridan, and United Blood Services in Billings will be at Memorial Hospital this coming Monday through Wednesday. Brett Miller is with UBS, and tells us of a specific need: If you can come to their aid, you can pre-register by signing up online at www.bloodhero.com.

A SHAKEUP AT THE SHERIDAN CITY HALL - Tim Cummings was Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey’s administrative assistant for almost a year – up until now anyway: And we get this reaction from Mayor Kinskey: Tim Cummings was hired in late February of 2005.  No word on his replacement at City Hall.

DESPITE THE FRIGID TEMPS THE 1ST ANNUAL COYOTE SINGLES MINGLE WAS A BIG SUCCESS - The temperature may have been well below zero last night but things were heating up inside the Best Western Sheridan Center as the 1st annual Coyote Singles Mingle sponsored by our sister station 93.7 K-Y-T-I drew in thirty participants. Singles met for five minutes then it was on to the next table until everyone had a chance to get acquainted. Despite the less than favorable conditions outside, Dave Wooten, who hosted the event, says the night went well: It may not have been love at first sight for all, but the singles who mingled, seemed to be enjoying themselves throughout the evening.

February 17, 2006

DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN RETAILERS ADDRESS ATTRACTING MORE SHOPPERS, ESPECIALLY DURING HIGH-CROWD ACTIVITIES LIKE THE ANNUAL HOOP JAM - The Sheridan Downtown Retailers Association held their monthly meeting, starting off the hour by electing a new Chairperson – Linda Fauth, owner of Crazy Woman Trading Co.  What does Linda see as the group’s goals for the year? . Assisting in that endeavor is the Chamber of Commerce, which is working to re-vamp their website to better serve Sheridan County businesses.  Chamber Director Melissa Butcher explains: . Taking up the majority of the meeting time was discussion about the annual Hoop Jam, this year held the first weekend in June.  Those in attendance voiced concerns about pedestrian congestion on the sidewalks, and the irony of having slow retail sales even with over three thousand people milling around Main Street for the event.  Of chief concern for most retailers – that local patrons tend to stay away from downtown during Hoop Jam.  A possible solution?  Melissa says: . Chairperson Linda Fauth adds that several of the business owners are contemplating staying open extended hours to accommodate visitors and locals alike. For more information call the Chamber at 672-2485.

A LITTLE MORE SNOW AND A LOT COLDER TEMPERATURES.  WE’VE GOT THE LATEST ON BOTH WEATHER AND ROADS - On mornings like this, you’re reminded this is Wyoming and it’s February.  More snow overnight, amounting to about an inch more of accumulation, with some bitterly cold temperatures – currently we’re at minus 14. The weather service in Billings says that the wind chill advisory is still in effect until about noon today, when what until that time feels like minus 33 will hit around minus three in the afternoon. Todd Foisy is with the National Weather Service in Billings, and talks about tonight and tomorrow: . Meanwhile, road crews continue to do their best in these conditions.  Sheridan Assistant Public Works Director John Nowak updates us with what his crews have been up to: . The good news?  Temps should start climbing back up by Sunday, with an expected high of 17 above.

SHERIDAN COUNTY AIRPORT CELEBRATES ITS 75TH BIRTHDAY – WE SALUTE THE EVENT WITH PART TWO OF AN EXCLUSIVE SERIES - Commercial aviation was born in Sheridan County on April 12th, 1931.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young continues our 75th anniversary coverage with part 2 of an exclusive series: .

PUBLIC MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS COMMENTS AND CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROPOSED REVISIONS IN SHERIDAN’S SIGN ORDINANCE - Last night’s meeting at City Hall was held to discuss comments and concerns about the proposed revisions to Sheridan’s sign ordinance.  Leading the meeting was city planner Robert Briggs, who answered questions concerning the previous draft of the ordinance.  . Robert regulated debate over weather or not the incentives given for optional landscaping and sign styling presented an equal opportunity to businesses, which may not be able to afford additional aesthetics.  But a more heated discussion arose which may indicate a bumpy road ahead for coming to a final resolution: . Some were concerned about whether or not a new revision of the city ordinance is fair to the people who are not aware about how their business will effected. So if you would like to become involved, Robert explains how: .

COYOTE SINGLES MINGLE WILL LOOK TO PLAY CUPID TONIGHT AT THE BEST WESTERN SHERIDAN CENTER - Valentine’s Day of course is over but cupid may be drawing his bow one more time tonight as our sister station 93.7 K-Y-T-I, better known as The Coyote, will be putting on the first annual Coyote Singles Mingle at the Best Western Sheridan Center at seven o’clock. K-Y-T-I morning personality Dave Wooten will host the event and he explains how the speed-dating thing works: . And what happens after one meets all of these people: . Dave says the Coyote Singles Mingle will help people with taking the first step, but after that you’re on your own: Not quite the same as e-harmony dot com, the event should still be a lot of fun.  The 1st annual Coyote Singles Mingle tonight at 7 at the Best Western Sheridan Center.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE PRESIDENT ATTENDS A CONFERENCE IN FLORIDA THAT FOCUSED ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP - Sheridan College Board of Trustees met last night and discussed the possibility of the College taking part in entrepreneurial endeavors in the future. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

February 16, 2006

SECOND ANNUAL NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY SLATED FOR THIS SUMMER - After a year of celebrations for our country’s cowboys and cowgirls, U.S. Senator Craig Thomas has introduced a resolution to recognize the second “National Day of the American Cowboy.”  Few symbols are as uniquely American as the western cowboy, and U.S. Senator Craig Thomas wants to ensure that our nation never forgets this fact by establishing, for the second year, the National Day of the American Cowboy.  Why has the senator worked so hard to recognize this facet of American history? . Cowboy history, yes, but of course the cowboy’s present and future, too, Thomas says.  So have others taken up his call to create this special day? . Unfortunately, Thomas tells us, it won’t stay the national day until there’s more involvement to keep it going.  Yearly renewal of the designated day must continue until enough support deems it necessary to make it a permanently observed day. Senator Thomas indicated that the idea for making the fourth Saturday of July the National Day of the Cowboy got its roots right here in Sheridan: . Look for the second “National Day of the Cowboy” to be set for Saturday, July 22nd of this year. 

SHERIDAN COUNTY AIRPORT CELEBRATES ITS 75TH BIRTHDAY - Hard to believe but the Sheridan County Airport turns 75 years old in less than 2 months.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has airport birthday plans and more: . 

DAYTON TOWN COUNCIL MEETING GETS CONTERVERSIAL OVER TOWN’S OPEN FIRE ORDINANCE - A bit of controversy ensued last night during Dayton’s Town Council meeting. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: .

SAWS GETS CLOSER TO TAKING BIDS ON THE TWENTY INCH WATER LINE PROJECT - The Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board or Saws got some good news at their meeting Wednesday night. Dayton Alsaker from H-K-M engineering gave a presentation and pointed out that the twenty-inch water line project for Sheridan is only a few months from getting underway. The project has been in the works for two years and Saws Board Administrator Jay Stender is happy with the recent progress: . Stender fills us in on what happens next: