March 31, 2006

WE HAVE PART THREE OF OUR SERIES ON HIGH RISK BEHAVIOR IN OUR YOUTH – A LOOK FOR SOLUTION - For the past two days we’ve been telling you about the concerns for Sheridan County’s youth and their participation in risky behaviors.  Today, we discuss where we should look for solutions.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the report: .

MORE PROGRESS REPORTED ON THE YET-TO-BE-OPENED SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM - It looks about the same on the outside … but on the inside, there are huge changes at the site of the old Bubba’s Barbecue.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the latest:

SHERIDAN POLICE WARNS ABOUT ANOTHER SCAM INVOLVING LOTTERY WINNINGS - Seems as though every other week they’re at it again; we’re talking about scamsters and they have struck once more in Sheridan. Sheridan Police Detective Tom Ringley with the latest: . As Ringley tells us, this is where the scamming begins: . Thankfully the person sensed something fishy and ended up not cashing the check, but they did notify the Police Department. Ringley advises residents to be cautious: . The case has been forwarded to the U.S. Postal Service Inspector. Ringley said that this is the first case involving International Lottery Incorporated and that if you suspect that you have been a target of mail fraud to contact authorities immediately. 

A GRANT AWARDED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SHERIDAN - Affordable housing in Sheridan has received a kick-start via a just announced grant. Mayor Dave Kinskey announces the good news: . Kinskey says he hopes infrastructure construction can begin in the Parker Street neighborhood as soon as this summer.

ANOTHER SIGN OF THE SEASON TODAY – IT’S TIME TO PLAY GOLF AT KENDRICK - Another sure sign of the season begins today.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

SPECIAL HOSPITAL BOARD MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS THE C-E-O SELECTION PROCESS - Yesterday Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees held a special meeting to determine where they want to go in regards to selecting a C-E-O. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the story: .

KENT PROFFIT ENTERS PLEAS OF NOT GUILTY - We have an update on the case involving 42-year old Kent Alan Proffit.  He pleaded NOT guilty to charges of murder and conspiracy in connection with the deaths of 16-year old Bryce Chavers and 19-year old Jeremy Forquer. Campbell County District Court Judge John Perry has given prosecutors 45 days to decide whether to pursue the death penalty against Proffit. Chavers was found shot to death in his home in November. He had been scheduled to testify against Proffit in a sexual assault trial. Proffit is also accused of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the death last year of 19-year-old Jeremy Forquer. Authorities found Forquer's body along an interstate highway in December.

WORLD-RENOWNED ECONOMIC THEORIST DR. RICHARD FLORIDA HOLDS A CREATIVE TELECONFERENCE AT C-TEL - Did you know that 40 million people today work in a creative segment of the economy?  Did you know that the aesthetic character and welcoming atmosphere of a town are high among the factors in bringing in economy-boosting blood? The over 1 hundred people who attended the “Building and Sustaining Creative Communities” symposium at C-Tel learned all those things, via the technologically creative medium of videoconferencing, as they listened to and dialogued with world-renowned economic theorist and author, Richard Florida.  Sheridan College’s president, Dr. Kevin Drumm, tells us how the forum came to be:   . Florida talked about three elements of a creative economy – technology, talent and tolerance.  Tolerance prompted much discussion -- Dr. Drumm uses Santa Fe again as an example: . A panel discussion was later moderated by local author Sam Western, Sheridan College Humanities Chair and instructor Norleen Healy, Sheridan Media’s Kim Love, and Wyoming Arts Council Manager Milward Simpson.  Western commented when it comes to combating the “squelchers” of forward-thinking, you can create new ideas, but you also have to be able to absorb them: . The group left the forum energized, full of the possibilities that creative minds and the creative arts could add to the economic vitality of Sheridan County.

MORE PLANS ARE ANNOUNCED FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHERIDAN COUNTY AIRPORT - It’s a story we first told you about several weeks ago … but now major plans are being finalized.  We’re talking about the 75th anniversary of aviation at the Sheridan County Airport.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the latest: .

SHERIDAN’S ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR HAS RESIGNED  - In about a month’s time, the city of Sheridan has seen Solid Waster Manager Alan Cummings and Human Resources Director Ted Gardner tender their resignations. You can now add Assistant Public Works Director Mike Cole’s name to that list: . Cole says that he plans to enter the C-B-M industry in an engineering capacity and that he is anxious for what lies ahead: . Cole’s resignation will take effect next Friday, April 7th.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE HALF TON FREE MEAT GIVEAWAY? - We passed the story along to you yesterday at this time.  Today we have the specifics … on what amounts to a half ton free meat giveaway.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .
 
LATEST COUNCIL WORK SESSION FOCUSES ON PRIORITIZING FOR THE UPCOMING BUDGET - The latest Sheridan City Council work session was held Wednesday at the C-Tel at Sheridan College. Council worked on prioritizing for the upcoming budget. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: .

THE HIGH RISK SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN FOR SHERIDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 –Every other year, the State of Wyoming issues a school survey for administrators to collect data on the high risk behaviors of students.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the story: .

March 29, 2006

ONE MORE CHAPTER IN THE DISCIPLINE OF DETECTIVE CHRIS COOK.  COULD THIS ONE BE THE LAST? - There’s a new chapter in the discipline of Sheridan Police Detective Chris Cook.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the update: .

TOWN HALL MEETING TO BE HELD LOOKING AT FIRST LADY’S INITIATIVE ON UNDERAGE DRINKING -  “It’s not happening to my kids.  It’s not a problem in our town.”  These, and other statements of denial seem to color parental and other adult attitudes about the behavior of Sheridan County’s youth, and Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the story: .

RECORD HIGHS YESTERDAY AND A HIGH LOW LAST NIGHT - Weather reports earlier this week told us that our expected high temp for Tuesday would be about 65.  We exceeded that estimate by five degrees, topping out at 70, and achieving the status of 18 degrees above normal for this time of year. When the sun went down, it may have felt like a cold front had moved in as the temps dropped, but there was no front – we also exceeded the overnite low with a temperature of 40 degrees.  In short – it felt downright warm this morning before daylight started to creep over the Eastern Hills.

UPDATE ON SHERIDAN’S SNOW AND MOISTURE LEVELS FOR MARCH - Moisture levels or rainfall totals are pretty much right where they should be for March. However, Sheridan has received only six inches of snow throughout the month, much lower than the average. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: .

THE SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL HOST RANCHING FOR PROFIT SEMINAR IN EARLY APRIL - The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce on April 6th will host a Ranching for Profit seminar at the Sheridan Holiday Inn presented by Dave Pratt with Ranch Management Consultants. The seminar will focus on topics of interest to area ranchers. John Chase, who is a member of the Chamber Agricultural and Natural Resources Committee, says that the seminar will not just benefit ranchers: . Usually when one thinks of the Chamber of Commerce it has to do with local businesses but as Chase points out that’s exactly what ranching is: .  More information on the Ranching for Profit seminar email
disakson@sheridanwyomingchamber.org or call 672-2485

March 28, 2006

SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT HIRES A NEW SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER - His name is Officer Dan White, and he joins Officer Howie Fitzpatrick as a School Resource Officer. Officer White is a three-year veteran of the force and tested well for the position in early March.  His jurisdiction will be the Sheridan Junior High School while Officer Fitzpatrick will be at Sheridan High School.  They will share responsibility for the District 2 elementary schools. As part of the PD’s Criminal Investigation Division, SRO’s are chosen based on their duty performance, ability to work without close supervision, interest in helping children, knowledge of community policing and knowledge of the policies and procedures of the PD and School District 2.

SHERIDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO JOINS DISTRICTS AROUND THE STATE TO WORK OUT THE ONLINE TESTING BUGS WITH PAWS - For the past several years, as a means to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, students around the country have had to take tests to determine academic levels.  WyCAS was used for several years, and now students are gearing up to take an online test known as PAWS. Bill Gatley is the Student Information Systems director with Sheridan School District 2.  He’s in charge of making sure that all student data and test results are gathered correctly.  He explains some of the history in preparing the PAWS test: . The week prior to Spring Break, Wyoming kids did a “test” of the testing process, so statewide officials could find out where there might be any problems.  Gatley says that one area of concern was the limited band width around the state forced a shutdown of testing the second day into the trial run, as more and more districts logged on. Why wouldn’t the districts stagger when they take the tests so they’re not all on at the same time? . PAWS covers grades 3 through 8 and Juniors in high school.  The kids will be taking the online tests for three full weeks beginning Monday, April 3, and district officials encourage parents to make sure the students get a good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast before heading to school.

SHERIDAN MAYOR KINSKEY GIVES HIS “STATE OF THE CITY” ADDRESS - The President has his “State of the Union” address, the governor his “State of the State” address and the Mayor of Sheridan has his “State of the City” address.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: . Ace Young Speaks to Mayor Dave Kinskey after his "State of the City" Address Click Here to listen to the "State of the City" Address

TED GARDNER RESIGNS AS THE CITY OF SHERIDAN’S HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR - The City of Sheridan will be looking for a new Human Resources Director.  The current HR Director Ted Gardner announced that he is moving on to, as he puts it, “accept new challenges”: . Gardner says he has mixed emotions about leaving city employment.  In his words: .Ted Gardner’s resignation is effective as of April 12th.

K-MART HAS A WEE-HOUR VISITOR – VIA FORCED ENTRY AND BURGLARY - Local authorities continue to scratch their heads regarding a case that would seem fitting for an episode of Cops.  It all began with a call to Sheridan Police Dispatch early Sunday morning. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: .

March 27, 2006

NEW SHERIDAN MAYOR KINSKEY GIVES HIS “STATE OF THE CITY” ADDRESS - The President has his “State of the Union” address, the governor his “State of the State” address and the Mayor of Sheridan has his “State of the City” address.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: . Ace Young Speaks to Mayor Dave Kinskey after his "State of the City" Address Click Here to listen to the "State of the City" Address

BREAKING NEWS: TED GARDNER RESIGNS AS THE CITY OF SHERIDAN’S HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR - The City of Sheridan will be looking for a new Human Resources Director.  This morning, the current HR Director Ted Gardner announced that he was moving on to, as he puts it, “accept new challenges”: . Gardner says he has mixed emotions about leaving city employment.  In his words: .Ted Gardner’s resignation is effective as of April 12th.

JUST IN: K-MART HAS A WEE-HOUR VISITOR – VIA FORCED ENTRY AND BURGLARY - Just before 3 am Monday morning Sheridan Police officers Mulholland, Walker and King, along with Sheridan County Sheriff’s deputies Moline and Gates, responded to an emergency call from a night-shift employee at K-Mart – someone was trying to break into the building. Sheridan Police officer Tom Ringley tells us: Ringley says that the young man admitted that he’d gone to the store with the intent to break in to steal some jerky for a snack, but denied attempting to steal anything else. Perhaps the most unfortunate detail of this story? . And the charges for the minor? . The suspect is in the custody of Frontier Corrections until he goes to court.

I-80 CLOSED AS ACCIDENTS IN BLIZZARD CONDITIONS KILL AT LEAST SIX PEOPLE - Blizzard conditions over the weekend in southern Wyoming caused multiple crashes, the worst of which having at least 20 vehicles ranging from commercial tractor trailer combinations to passenger cars and pickups.  At least six people are confirmed dead, with an unknown number of injuries. The crash occurred 9 miles east of Elk Mountain, in Carbon County, and Highway Patrol reports that WyDOT provided heavy equipment with front-end loaders to untangle crushed vehicles in the first group.   Assistance came from multiple jurisdictions – for the non-injured, the Albany County Sheriff’s Department sent a transport van to take them to Laramie; ground ambulances took several injured victims to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie and to Carbon County Memorial Hospital in Rawlins. And while the southern part of the state got blasted with snow, the Sheridan area received a nice spring rain.  Todd Chambers of the National Weather Service in Billings tells us just how much fell: . And how do the next couple days look? . Todd says that the rain will move out in time for a sunny weekend, as March hopefully goes out like a lamb.

WY-DOT REMINDS REALTORS TO KEEP SIGNS OFF OF RIGHT-OF-WAYS - You’re driving along and you see them scattered throughout the county – “For Sale” signs hawking the availability of homes and property. It’s not a bad way to advertise, except those signs can be a nuisance to the people trying to maintain roadside right-of-ways. Clifford Gorzalka is the Area Maintenance Supervisor for WyDOT in Sheridan, and he describes the problem: Are there any particular areas where the signs seem to be taking over? The restriction is dictated by Wyoming Statute 24-10-104, which states that outdoor advertising must meet certain conditions for placement.  And bottom line, Clifford says, is that if the signs are in the right-of-way, maintenance workers are authorized to remove them and take them away.  That’s only temporary, though: And with the ensuing campaign season about to gear up, political candidates need to remember not to put their signs in the right-of-ways either.

BUFFALO-AREA BUSINESSES SHOW THEIR WARES AND EXPLAIN THEIR SERVICES - This weekend’s Johnson County Small Business Expo is history.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was one of several hundred who attended Friday & Saturday’s event and files this report:

GAME AND FISH WILL HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE MONDAY AT SHERIDAN REGIONAL OFFICE TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS FOR THE 2006 FALL HUNGTING SEASON - Game and Fish officials will be taking feedback on the proposed hunting regulations for next fall Monday. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details: Once again, the open house will be this afternoon from 4 to 7 at the Sheridan Regional office.

WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL APPROVES TWO GRANTS FOR SHERIDAN - The city of Sheridan was approved two planning only grants from the Wyoming Business Council. Economic Program Manager with the Business Council Julie Kozlowski explains what the grants will be for: Both of the planning only grants are for twenty five thousand dollars.

March 25, 2006

NATIONALLY RENOWNED RECORDING ARTIST JALAN CROSSLAND TO PERFORM AT WYO THEATRE TONIGHT - Tonight’s the big night to head to the WYO Theatre for the Jalan Crossland concert benefiting the Miss Wyoming Scholarship Foundation. Jalan indicates an excitement in taking part in the event: He’s also looking forward to performing in the theatre, a venue he’s never played in before.  Jalan’s banjo band starts plucking the tunes at 7:30, and tickets are available at the WYO Theatre box office.

JOHNSON COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS EXPO CONTINUES TODAY - It opened on Friday & continues today.  We’re talking about the Johnson County Small Business Expo at the fairgrounds in Buffalo.Visitors can check out more than 40 vendors – vendors like Craig Anderson who does guided tours of Buffalo-area favorites: Anderson says he was pleased with the turnout Friday and expects another good crowd today: The Small Business Expo runs from 9 to through 2pm this afternoon.  Again, the location is the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Buffalo.

MAYOR DAVE KINSKEY SWEARS IN YET ANOTHER NEW OFFICER TO THE SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT -  It’s official.  There’s a new police officer of the Sheridan force.  Mayor Dave Kinskey did the swearing in ceremony at City Hall Friday: The new officer, Randy Pitchford, formerly of Riverside County, California, took the oath in front of his wife and son, as well as most of the Sheridan PD officers on shift. Sheridan Police Chief Mike Card gives us Randy’s background: Programs such as resolving community issues and community policing. So how does a former California boy like Sheridan? New Sheridan Police Officer, Randy Pitchford.

March 24, 2006

SHERIDAN TRAVEL & TOURISM IS GOING GREAT GUNS, AND WE’RE ONLY THREE MONTHS INTO THE YEAR - Our designation as the #1 Western Town in America.  Ensuing articles in the upcoming May/June true West and Big Sky Airline’s Latitude magazine.  Filming this spring as promotion with the U.S. Navy’s “My Hometown” television series.  These are but a few of the honors coming Sheridan’s way lately, and Sheridan Travel and Tourism couldn’t be more pleased.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has more: . To see the logo, and to find out more about Sheridan Travel and Tourism visit www.sheridanwyoming.org.

WE CONCLUDE OUR WEEKLONG SERIES ON THE UPCOMING WYO RODEO WITH BEST WISHES … AND A WARNING - With less than 4 months before Sheridan’s biggest and oldest tradition, we conclude our weeklong series on this year’s 76th annual WYO Rodeo.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the report: .

MAYOR KINSKEY PROCLAIMS MARCH DISIABILITY AWARENESS MONTH IN SHERIDAN  - Thursday on the steps of City Hall Mayor Dave Kinskey proclaimed March “Disability Awareness Month” for the City of Sheridan. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the story: . Be sure also to check out the video of the proclamation

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING LIBRARY WILL HAVE ACCESS TO OVER THIRTY TOP UNIVERSITIES LIBRARIES THANKS TO LEGISLATORS - The 2006 State Budget Bill contained appropriations of 4.3 million dollars that will pave the way for the University of Wyoming to pursue memberships in two significant consortiums of university libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance and the Association of Research Libraries. These memberships will allow those on campus as well as around the state to access the resources of more than 30 top university libraries across the country.  UW Director of Libraries Maggie Farrell says the capabilities will be unlimited: . How does this affect us locally? Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library Director Cathy Butler explains: . The nearly four and a half million dollar funding for the University of Wyoming is part of a larger 10 million dollar appropriation that also will benefit the state’s community college libraries, along with all county libraries.

MAYOR DAVE KINSKEY SWEARS IN YET ANOTHER NEW OFFICER TO THE SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT - Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey swore into service a new police officer at City Hall.  In an abbreviated form is part of the ceremony: . The new officer, Randy Pitchford, formerly of Riverside County, California, took the oath in front of his wife and son, as well as most of the Sheridan PD officers on shift. Sheridan Police Chief Mike Card gives us Randy’s background: . Programs such as resolving community issues and community policing. So how does a former California boy like Sheridan? . New Sheridan Police Officer, Randy Pitchford.

GOVERNOR DAVE FREUDENTHAL PLANS AN EARLY APRIL RE-ELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT - Governor Dave Freudenthal says he plans an April 3rd announcement whether he will seek re-election. Freudenthal's daughter, Hillary Freudenthal, says the governor plans to make appearances in Thermopolis, Casper and Cheyenne on that day. Freudenthal has said previously that he expects to seek a second term, but would wait until after this year's legislative session to make a formal announcement.

WE HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE EXPLOSIVE DEVICE FOUND IN A THERMOPOLIS RESIDENT’S TRUCK - The investigation continues into an incident in Thermopolis.  A Highway Patrol trooper allegedly found an explosive device during a traffic stop south of the town earlier this week. The trooper found the explosives item, along with six grams of methamphetamine, in a pickup truck driven by a Thermopolis man, 45-year-old Harold Willenbrecht. So far there are NO details as to what sort of explosive it may have been, but Sergeant Stephen Townsend, a spokesman for the patrol, says Willenbrecht will likely face federal explosives charges.  He has been charged with driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance. Townsend says a bomb squad was called in from Casper to take the device elsewhere and disable it.

March 23, 2006

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL PONDERS A GLOOMY FINANCIAL FUTURE - The Sheridan City Council’s latest work session took up the “bigger than life” issue of the 2006 – 2007 fiscal year budget and beyond.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

WHAT’S UP AT THIS YEAR’S WYO RODEO?  WE HAVE SOME ANSWERS IN PART 4 OF OUR WEEKLONG SERIES - July 13, 14 & 15 are the dates for this year’s WYO Rodeo.  As we’ve heard all week, that includes a myriad of downtown activities … but it also includes the big event “uptown”.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .
 
GAME AND FISH FALL HUNTING REGULATION MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK - The Game and Fish will hold several meetings next week to discuss proposals for the 2006 fall hunting season. Information Specialist Warren Mischke explains what goes into making hunting regulations: . There’ll be an open house Monday at the Sheridan regional office to outline the proposals and take feedback on next year’s regulations: . Mischke says that the mild winter we’ve had as well as a couple of wetter than usual spring times will benefit hunters around the Sheridan region: . Along with the open house in Sheridan, Game and Fish will have meetings Monday night at seven at the Campbell County Library and Tuesday night at seven at the Johnson County Library.

HOSPITAL BOARD DEBATES C-E-O SELECTION PROCESS AND EXTENDS CURRENT C-E-O KEN HUEY’S CONTRACT THROUGH OCTOBER - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees met yesterday for the first time since C-E-O Ken Huey announced his retirement. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has this report: .
 
JAZZ MUSICIAN AND PHILANTHROPIST TAB BARKER TO PERFORM FOR “PROJECT SCHOOLHOUSE” - Sheridan resident Tab Barker has a heart for Central America.  Several years ago, he played his saxophone and gave a jazz concert with the help of local friends to raise money for Project Schoolhouse.  The money raised from that went to help a Costa Rican school. How did Tab get started working on school buildings? . On Saturday, April 1st – no fooling – Tab will again be presenting an evening of jazz, to raise money for a second school, which is in Nicaragua.  Why did Tab choose this country? . Barker says that Central America in general is a poor region because of bad government and environmental challenges such as hurricanes.  He’s also donated supplies to a school in Honduras. Ellen Dudley is the Chairperson of the Project Schoolhouse fundraising event on April 1st, and she lines out what patrons can expect at Meritage that evening: . There will be many other auction items as well.  Tickets are 35 dollars per person, or 60 dollars per couple, and are available at the WYO Box office or at Meritage.  The Project Schoolhouse fundraiser begins at 7, and again, that’s Saturday evening, April 1st.

March 22, 2006

WHITNEY BENEFITS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR INTEREST-FREE STUDENT LOANS - High school graduation is a mere two months away, and Sheridan and Johnson County seniors will be interested to know that they can apply for an interest-free student loan, all the way up to mid-October. Whitney Benefits Executive Director Patrick Henderson gives us the details: . How about the grade point average? . Are the loans available for specified schools? . Patrick says that the deadline to apply for these interest-free loans is October 15th for the fall 2006 semester.  Once you receive your degree, you have from six months after graduation until 8 and a half years later to pay off the loan.  For more information, check out www.whitneybenefits.org or e-mails can be sent to studentloans@whitneybenefits

SHERIDAN AUTHOR CRAIG JOHNSON SIGNS THE SECOND OF HIS FOUR-BOOK LONGMIRE MYSTERY SERIES THIS FRIDAY - Local author Craig Johnson has released the second of his four-part Walt Longmire mystery series, “Death Without Company” and will kick off a multi-state tour with a book signing at Sheridan Stationery this Friday.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has more: .  for more information visit www.craigallenjohnson.com

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TALK ABOUT HAZARDOUS WASTE … DEBT COLLECTION … AND THE EVER INCREASING PRICE OF THE JAIL - The Sheridan County Commissioners today discussed hazardous waste, debt collection and the cost of the jail.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was there … and has the details: .

THE OWNER OF THE MINT BAR SPEAKS UP ON HIS PLACE BEING GROUND ZERO DOWNTOWN DURING THE WYO RODEO - The 76th annual WYO Rodeo – less than 2 months and counting.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young continues with our special weeklong series: .

SHERIDAN POLICE DETECTIVE TOM HENRY IS OUT OF JAIL BUT STILL FACES A FELONY CHARGE IN COURT - Sheridan Police Detective Tom Henry is out of jail but still faces a felony charge in court.  Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson has the details: .

RANCHESTER COUNCIL TABLES WYOMING LOG HOME ESTATES SUBDIVSION WATER SERVICE AGREEMENT AND FINAL PLAT APPROVAL - Ranchester’s Council had to make a decision on the water service agreement and final plat approval on the Wyoming Log Home Estates Subdivision at their meeting last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the story: .

SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO HOLD DINNER AND PROGRAM THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE HOLIDAY INN - The Sheridan County Historical Society will have their March dinner and program Thursday night, with a special presentation by Dr. Sy Thickman, whose theme will be “A Cornucopia of Change”. Dr. Thickman says many things have progressed since his arrival in Sheridan In 1954: . Dr. Thickman explains how modern technology has changed even the most archaic of methods: . The Historical Society dinner will start Thursday night at 6 o’clock at the Sheridan Holiday Inn.  For those who just want to catch Dr. Thickman’s program, it is scheduled to begin shortly before seven.

SHERIDAN’S POLICE CHIEF … ON THE JOB FOR LESS THAN A YEAR … TACKLES A 76-YEAR OLD TRADITION … THE WYO RODEO - It doesn’t start until mid-July … but the planning for this year’s WYO Rodeo is well underway.  Continuing with his weeklong series on the 76th annual Rodeo is Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young: .

MORE CHANGES AT SHERIDAN CITY HALL  - There’s a new person in charge at Sheridan City Hall when it comes to road maintenance and more.  Mayor Dave Kinskey reveals the city’s new Operations Manager: . Indeed, Pete Husman does have many years of experience: . And now he’s the city’s Operations Manager: .

SHERIDAN POLICE DETECTIVE TOM HENRY GETS HIS DAY IN COURT - Sheridan Media has learned that Sheridan Police Detective Tom Henry is expected to surrender and be arrested on a single Felony Child Abuse charge later today. The charge stems from a domestic incident on or about November 3rd of last year.  The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office did the initial investigation and then, with the advice of County Attorney Matt Redle, sent the case to Campbell County Attorney Bob Edelman who will be prosecuting the detective. Henry is to have his initial court appearance before Judge John Sampson in Circuit Court in the Sheridan County Courthouse at 2 this afternoon. The felony charge of child abuse carries a penalty in Wyoming of not more than 5 years in prison and/or a 10 thousand dollar fine.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL LOOKS AT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS AND SIGNS - Two housing developments and the much-discussed sign ordinance took up the lion’s share of last night’s Sheridan City Council Session.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was in attendance and files this report: .

MISS WYOMING SCHOLARSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HOSTING A FUNDRAISING CONCERT THIS SATURDAY - He packed the Best Western Sheridan Center last fall, and when Miss Wyoming Scholarship Foundation President Ron Kensey saw Jalan Crossland bring in that kind of turnout, he saw a benefit opportunity waiting to happen.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has more: .

COUNTY COMMISSIONER PETITIONS TO GET CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC ON NOVEMBER BALLOT - It’s an issue that could very well be decided by Sheridan County residents in this year’s election. Were talking about expanding the number of County Commissioners from three to five. Commissioner Larry Durante has been hard at work on a petition that would give residents a chance to vote on the issue in November’s elections. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more: .

SHERIDAN’S NEW PORT OF ENTRY THE SITE OF A FUGITIVE ARREST - An alert Port of Entry Specialist inspecting a truck-tractor trailer combination at Sheridan’s Port of Entry over the weekend found that the rig’s driver was a wanted man. The unlucky driver, Ronald L. Taylor, was randomly selected by the specialist for a C-V-S-A Level 1 inspection, the kind of check-up that is routinely performed on commercial vehicles to check the safety of the vehicle, the driver’s paperwork, and required equipment in the rig. Taylor was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant from the Pettis County Sheriff’s Department in Sedalia, Missouri, a town about 75 miles east of Kansas City, for larceny and stealing. Since Port of Entry Specialists are only allowed to write citations and not make arrests, troopers were called in, and Taylor is being held at the Sheridan County Detention Center until extradition proceedings are complete and he can be taken back to Missouri.

March 20, 2006

WE HAVE A SNEAK PEAK AT TONIGHT’S SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING - The Sheridan City Council will take a look tonight at plans for a subdivision up near the airport.  City Planner Robert Briggs informs us: . So what will the Council address? . Might this project be a part of the ongoing efforts to bring more affordable housing to the area? . The Sheridan City Council meeting begins at 7 in the 3rd floor council chambers of City Hall.  And with March Madness over, there will be no sportscasts pre-empting our coverage of the meeting, which will air on AM 1410 K-W-Y-O.

THE WYO RODEO IS STILL 4 MONTHS AWAY … BUT THE PLANNING IS ALREADY IN HIGH GEAR - Last year’s 75th annual WYO Rodeo was big but this year’s could even be bigger.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

PRESCRIBED BURNS WILL OCCUR NEAR STORY OVER THE NEXT 3O DAYS - As of this past Friday The Bighorn National Forest, Tongue Ranger District has thirty days to conduct prescribed burns in the Story Fuels Project area. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more: .

BIG HORN HOMEBUILDERS HOME IDEA SHOW WELCOMED NEW AND UNIQUE VENDORS THIS YEAR - The 29th Annual Big Horn Home Builders Home Idea Show was another success, and the weather didn’t deter attendees or vendors from taking part in the event. Home Builders spokeswoman Melody Thompson helped set up the show, held at the Sheridan Holiday Inn, and says that in her sixteen-plus years as a member of the organization, this year brought some new things: . Kami Kennedy is one of those unique new vendors.  She and her husband own Unity Estate and Online Sales.  She stood before a booth that housed some interesting antiques, and describes how an estate sale business would fit in at the show: . And Kennedy says you don’t have to be dealing with the estate of someone who’s passed away to use their services. So can anyone be a member of the Homebuilders?  Melody Thompson says they will take applications and screen potential members – then once your company is in, it’s not just the Home Idea Show in which the group takes part: .  With the success of the 29th annual, the Homebuilders are already gearing up for number 30. (Click Here for Pictures and video from the Show)

WE GOT WHAT WAS FORECAST – HOW DOES THE WEEK LOOK FOR WEATHER - Winter ended looking like, well, winter, and Spring begins looking like, well, winter. Forecasters predicted our weekend storm, and Brian Tesar of the National Weather Service in Billings tells us what we got in the way of accumulation: . Brian gives a look at the week ahead: . Is the snow typical for this time of year? . Something that, winter or spring, we desperately need.

29TH ANNUAL HOME SHOW CONCLUDES TODAY - The 29th Annual Big Horn Homebuilders Home Idea Show concludes today, and all weekend long the Sheridan Holiday Inn has been teeming with vendors and homeowners. Lots of drawings will occur later this afternoon: