WALKING TO BAGHDAD – SUPPORT OUR TROOPS WITH YOUR FEET - Did you know that if you were to travel in a straight line from Sheridan, Wyoming to Baghdad, Iraq by foot, it would take 13 and a half million steps to get there?  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us to, “start walkin’”: . For more information contact Jessica at  jessigla@hotmail.com  or call 752-4517, or contact Shelly at  araas@bresnan.net  or call 752-9818.

LOOKING FOR WORK?  CHANCES ARE LOW IF YOU ARE IN WYOMING - They’re in high demand here in Wyoming – we’re talking about workers.  Local unemployment statistics have just been released. Dan Paustian, Employment and Training Specialist of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, gives us the stats: . And why are those rates as low as they are?  Paustain thinks he knows the reason: . And for those who might not be employed, Paustain tells us about job fields that are hiring: . Dan encourages those seeking work to check out job listings at the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services in Sheridan.

THE SHERIDAN POLICE CIVIL SERVICE BOARD RULES THAT DETECTIVE COOK IS FIRED - The DUI Stop of Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey was last July 9th. Detective Chris Cook has been on paid administrative leave almost that long, but that pay check could end as soon as later today.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the late breaking details: . Click here to read the Cook Civil Document.
 
AN INDIANA-BASED DEVELOPER HAS BIG PLANS FOR THE WRENCH RANCH - If an Indiana-based developer’s vision is fulfilled, the Wrench Ranch will be home to a 7-thousand acre master community.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the exclusive story: .

SHERIDAN V-A MEDICAL CENTER CUTS RIBBON ON NEW TREATEMENT FACILITY - The Sheridan V.A. Medical Center has officially launched a new program. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more: . Video from the Ribbon Cutting

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING COLLEGE OF BUSINESS HAS BEEN AWARDED 2.6 MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANT MONEY  - If you’ve been following the Enron trial going on in Houston Texas recently you may have come to the conclusion that business ethics is an oxy-moron. Don’t tell that to students and professors in the University of Wyoming’s College of Business program – they’ve just found out that the Daniels Fund has awarded the University a 2.6 million dollar business ethics grant.  Dean of the U-W College of Business, Brent Hathaway, tells us how the grant money will be used: . The commitment expands on a 2005 grant of nine hundred thousand that was awarded to the program. The two grants combined, of three and a half million, are among the largest private foundation contributions for an academic program ever received at the U-W.

WYOMING LIVESTOCK BOARD HAS ANNOUNCED NEW STRICTER RULES REGARDING RABIES VACCINATIONS - The Wyoming Livestock Board has announced new state rabies rules that are designed to help protect humans bitten by unvaccinated animals. State Veterinarian with the Department of Health, Dr. Jamie Snow, explains the new rules: . If an animal that is unvaccinated and may have been exposed to rabies bites a person, Snow says it can be quite costly: . And what about the horror stories many of us have become accustomed to hearing in regards to rabies shots: . Snow says the goal of these new rules is simply to motivate pet owners in Wyoming to get their animals vaccinated against the disease.

HOSPITAL BOARD TAKES ANOTHER STEP IN THEIR C-E-O SELECTION PROCESS AND HEARS SOME GOOD FINANCIAL NEWS - The C-E-O Search Committee made their recommendation for a search firm to the Board of Trustees of Sheridan Memorial Hospital at their meeting last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the story:
 
PINEDALE POACHER CONVICTED AND SENTENCED UP TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON - Game Wardens in Pinedale spent much of last Thanksgiving weekend investigating a poaching case that claimed four mule deer bucks. That investigation has led to the arrest and conviction of Michael Acuna. Game and Fish Spokesman Jeff Obrecht says Acuna wasn’t the average poacher:
. Obrecht says alcohol and anger played a part in the incident: .  Jeff points out that this unusual story has ties to Sheridan: . Obrecht says that game wardens easily discarded Acuna’s story of being in Sheridan by confronting him with several receipts that placed him in Pinedale during the crime.    

SCRABBLE LOVERS – HAVE WE GOT AN EVENT FOR YOU! - Half-inch square tiles with letters on them will be flying this Saturday as Scrabble lovers and their dictionaries spell for a good cause.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us more: .

UPDATE - FENCES ARE MENDED … MONA HANSEN IS BACK.  - That much anticipated Sheridan City Council meeting took place … and Mona Hansen is back.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: Click on the video to see what Mona Hansen had to say once the council made their decision

YOU’VE HEARD OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE?  WELL SHERIDAN HAS IT’S OWN UNIQUE VERSION - What do bicycles and a deck of cards have in common?  They’re both part of the upcoming “Tour De Sheridan”, and Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us more: . For more information contact Brandon at 751-9353 and Levi at 461-0365.

WILL THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL VOTE TO KEEP MONA HANSEN ON BOARD? – SPECIAL TEAM COVERAGE COMING UP BEFORE A SPECIALLY-CALLED NOONTIME MEETING TODAY  - At noon today the Sheridan City Council will meet in special session to consider the resignation of Mona Hansen.  We have team coverage beginning with Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young: .

AND WHAT EXACTLY WILL SHERIDAN’S CITY COUNCIL BE VOTING ON AT TODAY’S SPECIAL MEETING?  - And what exactly will the city council be voting on at today’s special meeting?  Our team coverage continues with Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson: . Click here for a copy of Resolution 35-06 that City Council will be voting on today.

SHERIDAN COUNTY’S  JAIL ADMINISTRATOR HAS CONCERNS ABOUT JAIL, INMATE & PUBLIC SECURITY - Can a newly installed video system calm some concerns about security at the Sheridan County Jail & Courthouse?  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has more on the subject of security in this final segment of a 3-part series: .
 
CHRISTMAS IN APRIL IS SLATED FOR THIS SATURDAY - This Saturday will be a special day for some residents in Sheridan County. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter explains: .

JAILBIRDS ON TV – IT’S TIME HAS COME TO SHERIDAN COUNTY … BUT WHAT DO THE JUDGES THINK ON JUSTICE VIA A TELEVISION MONITOR?  - Inmates at the Sheridan County Detention Center can now appear at their court appearances on TV without ever leaving jail. Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has part 2 of this special series: .

SHERIDAN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION GIVES THE GO AHEAD FOR POPLAR GROVE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT - The Poplar Grove Planned Unit Development was brought before Sheridan’s Planning Commission last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details:  .

MONA HANSEN ANNOUNCES SHE WON’T BE RESIGNING FROM THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL - Last Thursday, Sheridan City Council person Mona Hansen announced she would be resigning from city council effective immediately.  Monday on KROE’s Public Pulse, she announced she would be staying on.  And now, other members of the city council have weighed in on the matter.  Here helping to decipher the situation is Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young: .

SHERIDAN DELEGATION MAKES JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT  - There’s power in numbers, and the Sheridan County Legislative Delegation has joined forces to make an official announcement.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the story: .

TESTS SHOW 44 PERCENT OF SLAUGHTERED BISON HAD BRUCELLOSIS - Blood samples taken from 889 bison slaughtered after being captured in Yellowstone National Park show that 44 percent had brucellosis.  The test results were provided yesterday by Montana state veterinarian Tom Linfield. They show that 392 bison from which usable samples were obtained tested positive. Nearly 55 percent -- or 488 bison – tested negative for the disease. Tests for one percent were inconclusive. Linfield says the figures are in keeping with a prevalence rate of between 40 percent and 50 percent in the Yellowstone bison herd.  He says the results are based on analyses of blood samples drawn from bison at slaughter houses in the region. Bison can be hazed, captured or sent to slaughter under a State-Federal management plan aimed at reducing the spread of brucellosis from bison to Montana cattle.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE HONOR SOCIETY GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE “FEED A BODY – FEED A MIND” EVENT  - The slogan is a catchy one – Feed A Body, Feed A Mind – and it is used to describe a special donation-gathering event sponsored by the Sheridan College Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  Known as P-T-K, the group’s president, Hannah Soukoup, tells us about the origins of this unique drive: . The “Ford” to which Hannah refers is the Ford Motor Company.  The Feed A Body involves donating food items and the Feed A Mind involves donating books.  Hannah says that in the past, Sheridan College’s chapter has kept the project on campus, but this year, they’re moving it into the community: . You can take non-perishable food items and new or gently-used books to the drop-off locations at both First Interstate Bank locations, Cornerstone Church, the Sheridan County Senior Center, Sagebrush and Highland Park Elementary Schools, and to the lounge area of the Whitney Building on the Sheridan College Campus.  P-T-K hopes to keep the boxes at these locations through the end of this month.

NEW! - MONA HANSEN ANNOUNCES SHE WON’T BE RESIGNING FROM THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL - Last Thursday, Sheridan City Council person Mona Hansen announced she would be resigning from city council effective immediately.  Today, we get a different story.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the late breaking news: .

* And one more wrinkle in the would-be resignation of Councilperson Hansen:  the Sheridan City Council voted in a special work session this afternoon to hold a special council meeting on Wednesday.  The agenda item?  Whether to accept the earlier resignation of Hansen.   In the words of councilperson Duane Farley, the council is obliged to hold a special session in this case: . And, of course, we’ll have special coverage of Wednesday’s special council meeting which is slated to get underway at Noon.

A NEW VIDEO SYSTEM GETS HIGH MARKS FROM ONE JUDGE AND A POOR RATING FROM ANOTHER - It’s rare that we get judges locally to speak out on controversial issues – let alone disagree with one another.  We have it though:  2 judges disagreeing on a new video system operating between the Sheridan County Detention Facility & the Court House.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

KENDRICK MANSION AT THE TRAIL END STATE HISTORIC SITE GETS VANDALIZED A SECOND YEAR IN A ROW  - Last week we told you about vandals damaging trees along Grinnell Plaza, now we’ve got word that a state historic site has been vandalized. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details: .

LITTLE MISS WYOMING WAS HELD OVER THE WEEKEND AT THE SHERIDAN BEST WESTERN - Wyoming’s youngest beauties lined up to “strut their stuff” on the catwalk at the Best Western Sheridan Center for the “Little Miss Wyoming” competition over the weekend.  Girls between 0 and 12 competed at this event, which was the 1st annual Fundraiser for the Miss Wyoming Scholarship Foundation. Kristie Swanson, who is the 2006 Miss Sheridan and announcer for the Little Miss Wyoming competition, tells us a little about this event: . And these girls are not merely “wall-flowers.”  Their other hobbies include: singing, dressing-up, watching “Sponge Bob,” and coloring.  Kristie also tells us about the more serious concerns these girls have: . Little Miss South Dakota also made an appearance at this event.  In fact, Dakota Crocker, as she is know outside the pageant world, sang several numbers for this event, including the “Star-Spangled Banner.”  Dakota tells us a bit about what she thinks about performing: . Some of these girls will eventually go on to compete in the “Miss Wyoming Pageant” and if they are lucky, perhaps even become “Miss America.”  This year’s Miss Wyoming will be held at the WYO Theater in Sheridan. Some video from the pageant

LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS TEAM UP TO REHEARSE LAST CALL - Sheridan Fire-Rescue teamed up with the Big Horn, Ranchester, and Dayton fire departments Saturday to rehearse a mock vehicle accident drill called the “Last Call”. Firefighter George Neeson explains: . Neeson tells us about some of the different things that they do during the extrication: . Over the next two weeks the Last Call drill will be conducted for students from Big Horn, Tongue River, and Sheridan High Schools.

FUNDRAISER FOR THE SHERIDAN COUNTY MUSEUM HELD THIS WEEKEND - Nearly 150 people dined and danced to the sound of the Denver area Big Band, “Bobby Marquette and the Celebration Orchestra.”  The weekend gathering, held at the Holiday Inn, was a fundraiser to support the reopening of the Sheridan County Museum. Museum Director, Dana Prater, explains: . Once again, Sheridan County Museum is slated to reopen at their new 5th Street location on July 1st.  

WORRIED ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT?  A FREE SEMINAR TONIGHT COULD ALLAY SOME FEARS - Law enforcement officials tell us that “identity theft” has reached epidemic proportions – and it’s not about to go away.  This evening, SIFE … the Sheridan College Students in Free Enterprise will host an identity theft seminar.  They’ll tell us where the problem comes from and how to prevent it. SIFE spokesperson Aurora Swift tells us ID theft has gotten as big as it has because of one particular transmission method: . And while the internet is the preferred method of scam artists these days, Swift says it’s not the only way? . And much more on identity theft at tonight’s SIFE seminar.  It’s free and from 7 to 8 this evening in Sheridan College’s CTEL Presentation Hall.

April 21, 2006

BREAKING NEWS: WYSTAR ANNOUNCES SOME CHANGES - There are some just announced changes at WYSTAR.  Rod Robinson … the Executive Director of the Sheridan-based substance abuse treatment & recovery program has resigned.  Pamela Peldo has been named interim Executive Director. We get comment on the changes from Charlie Whiton, President of the WYSTAR Board of Directors: . In the 3 years that Robinson directed WYSTAR, the program doubled in sized, opened new offices and expanded both drug & alcohol recovery services.  Robinson says he has resigned the Sheridan position to pursue substance abuse consulting opportunities in California & Arizona.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL PERSON MONA HANSEN DROPED A BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT YESTERDAY - It caught a lot of people by surprise – an unexpected announcement from Sheridan City Councilperson Mona Hansen.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

DOWNTOWN RETAILERS BEGIN SUMMER CAMPAIGN; SPRUCE UP FOR SHOPPERS - Each year it seems that summer begins earlier and earlier, as various groups and organizations host community and recreational events.  Some of those include the upcoming Snickers Soccer Cup; the Hoop Jam, which will take place again this year on a closed-off section of Main Street; Celebrate the Arts 2006, car shows, the rodeo, Crazy Daze – you get the picture. The Downtown Retailers have been putting their heads together for the past couple months to come up with a plan to bring visitors into their shops, while at the same time encouraging locals to come down to Main Street: . So says Linda Fauth, head of the Downtown Retailers Association.  The concept is simple, but should be very effective: .   Participating retailers will have the picture of the brightly-colored boot hanging in their store windows – customers will know that great deals will be found inside. And of course, in keeping with our newly deemed status of The Number One Western Town in America, the retailers will be doing a bit of spring-cleaning: . A summer season that gets underway at the end of this month.

YELLOWSTONE GEARS UP FOR SPING VISITORS AS PARK OPENS ROADS TO AUTOMOBILES - Yellowstone National Park is getting ready for another busy tourism season by opening several entrances and roads to automobiles. Park Spokesperson Stacy Vallie with the announcement: . Over the next few weeks visitors can expect even more accessibility says Vallie: . Even with the latest round of openings, those heading to Yellowstone should keep in mind that: . Services may be limited right now in the park but Vallie states that there are some unique things that people can take in such as baby bison being born and an abundance of young wildlife.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD ACKNOWLEDGES AG STUDENTS FOR TAKING FIRST PLACE IN NATIONAL COMPETITION AND APPROVES PRELIMINARY BUDGET  - Sheridan College Board of Trustees last night recognized the accomplishment of their ag students for taking first place at a national agricultural convention. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

GOVERNOR FREUDENTHAL CALLS FOR CONTINUED FEDERAL HIV/AIDS FUNDING - Gov. Dave Freudenthal has expressed support for the reauthorization of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Energy, or CARE, Act intended to help address the health care needs of patients with H-I-V-AIDS.  In a letter to Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi, who is leading the effort to reauthorize the act, Freudenthal echoed that support but encouraged the federal government not to discriminate against rural states. Freudenthal told Enzi that the H-I-V-AIDS epidemic continues to make inroads into rural America at the same time Wyoming is seeing increased drug abuse, which will likely bring more disease diagnoses.

STATE, COUNTIES GET $56 MILLION IN SETTLEMENT WITH BP-AMERICA - The state of Wyoming has reached a settlement agreement with B-P America Production Company that calls for the state and two of its counties to share about 56 (M) million dollars to settle disputes over taxes on natural gas production. The agreement settles 16 proceedings pending before the state Board of Equalization, the Third Judicial District Court, the Ninth Judicial District Court and the Wyoming Supreme Court involving litigation between B-P America and the Wyoming Department of Revenue. Under the agreement, 29-point-6 million dollars will go to Uinta County, 23-point-6 million to the state and 3-point-5 million to Fremont County.  The disputes centered on natural gas production from the Whitney Canyon and Painter/East Painter fields in Uinta County and Beaver Creek field in Fremont County.

MORE ON A STORY YOU HEARD FIRST ON SHERIDAN MEDIA – THE CITY OF SHERIDAN ISSUING AN INVITE TO ANOTHER UTILITY TO COMPETE AGAINST M.D.U. - It’s a story you heard first here at Sheridan Media:  the City of Sheridan inviting a utility other than M.D.U. to provide service to customers.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has a follow up: .

DAYTON TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES BUDGET - The Dayton Town Council had the 3rd and final reading of the 2006-2007 Budget before them at their meeting last night. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES GROWTH – INCLUDING GROWTH FIVE MILES FROM THE CITY LIMITS - The City of Sheridan is flexing its muscles via an up until now unused state statute.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

MUMPS OUTBREAK IN NEBRASKA DRAWS CONCERNS FROM SHERIDAN HEALTH OFFICIALS - The numbers are startling – an outbreak of mumps continues to spread throughout the Midwest, and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta says that the normal yearly national average of 250 cases has, as of yesterday, exceeded 11-hundred. First reported in Iowa back in December, the virus has spread to seven other states, with over one hundred cases reported in Nebraska.  The virus is the first of it’s kind in twenty years and has health officials scratching their heads. It brings up a question for us -- is there a reason for concern in Sheridan? Judy Stallman with Sheridan County Community Health says that we’re in pretty good shape: . And what about parents that aren’t quite sure if their child has been immunized? . Since mumps can affect anyone, including adults, Stallman explains it’s best to know if you’ve had the proper shots: . A disturbing fact on the 109 reported cases of mumps in Nebraska is that a large number of those patients HAD been immunized. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and swelling of the glands close to the jaw. It can cause serious complications, including meningitis and deafness. Stallman says if you have any questions or concerns you should contact your local health care provider.

SPRING STORM CLOSES HIGHWAYS IN NORTHEASTERN WYOMING - Rotary plows from the Big Horn mountains west of town were part of an army of 31 plows sent to clear a long stretch of I-90 east of Gillette last evening -- a major snowstorm hammered the Black Hills, causing drifting snow up to 4 feet deep across the interstate near Sundance. WyDOT officially closed the interstate early yesterday morning after 25-mile-an-hour plus winds continued to blow snow across the roadway.  WyDOT hopes to open the interstate this morning.

RIGHT TO DECIDE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED AT A SPECIAL PANEL DISCUSSION AT THE SHERIDAN COUNTY SENIOR CENTER THIS AFTERNOON - An uncomfortable but very necessary topic will be addressed today at the Sheridan County Senior Center, and Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson has the details: .

SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL PARTICIPATES IN VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK - Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s meeting rooms will be transformed into an Hawaiian island Friday afternoon, and with the past two days of wintry weather, the idea of a tropical environment is a welcome one.  Why the grass skirts and feast?  Memorial Hospital Volunteer Coordinator Stella Montano tells us it’s their way of thanking the over 100 volunteers who help in many ways: . Just how many hours are we talking about here? . How does one become a volunteer at Memorial? . To volunteer call Stella Montano at 672-1198.  Again, the Volunteer Appreciation lunch at Memorial Hospital will be Friday afternoon at 12:30 in the hospital meeting rooms.  Stella says that grass skirts and coconut tops are optional.

COULD LOWER UTILITY RATES BE ON THEIR WAY TO SHERIDAN & ENVIRONS? - It’s a story you heard first here at Sheridan Media – efforts are underway that could lower area utility rates.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the details: .

25 YEARS AGO TODAY … A TRAGEDY IN COLORADO THAT SHERIDAN, WYOMING WILL NEVER FORGET - It was hard to miss the many special tributes to San Francisco in the past couple of days.  Tuesday, of course, was the 100th anniversary of the Great San Francisco Earthquake. Meanwhile, today is another ominous anniversary – with roots much closer to home.  Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson has the story: . For more information contact Fachon Wilson at 674.8027

 
DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN ASSOCIATION OFFERING REWARD FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN VANDALISM TO GRINNELL PLAZA - Earlier this week D-S-A Executive Director Roger Bent got the call to head over to Grinnell Plaza to survey the scene that was vandalized: . Both Wilcox Abstract Company and the Sheridan Public Arts Committee donated to the reward fund. Bent explains just how much of a reward D-S-A is offering: . The vandalized trees were planted as part of 2001’s streetscape project spearheaded by the city of Sheridan and D-S-A. Anyone with any information about the damaged trees should contact the Sheridan Police Department.

RANCHESTER TOWN COUNCIL RAISES PLANT INVESTMENT FEES - Raising plant investment fees and possibly amending the town’s subdivision ordinance were addressed last night at the Ranchester Town Council meeting. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

April 18, 2006

LAST WEEK, WE HAD THE GREAT ELK MEAT GIVEAWAY; THIS WEEK … THE GREAT ELK TASTE-OFF.  - Last week, Wyoming Game & Fish hosted the Great Elk Meat Giveaway.  This week, we present the Great Elk Taste Off.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the tasty details: . Video from the Great Elk Taste-Off

AS PREDICTED – LAST NIGHT’S SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING WAS A HOT ONE - Last night’s Sheridan City Council meeting lived up to its billing – contentious – with a proposed sign ordinance at stake, Sheridan Media’s News Director Ace Young was in attendance and files this report: .

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FLOAT A SALARY PROPOSAL - The Sheridan County Commissioners unveil a salary proposal – among other items at today’s commissioners meeting.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young was there and has the details: .

Proposed Salaries … these are proposals only and will have to be voted on by the County Commissioners at a future meeting.
Commissioners current = $23,500 $32,000 $33,500 $35,000 $36,500	Sheriff  current = $55,000 $58,000 $59,500 $61,000 $62,500	County Attorney current = $70,000 $75,000 $76,500 $78,000 $79,500	County Clerk, District Ct. Clerk, Treasurer, and Assessor current = $47,000 $55,000 $56,500 $58,000 $59,500

SHERIDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 LEARNS ABOUT CONSTRUCTION CLASSES AT SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL, RE-STRUCTURING OF THE COUNTY’S DISTRICT BOUNDARIES - Dan Miller heads the construction program at Sheridan High School, and at last night’s District 2 board meeting, he gave a power point presentation about an exciting project that his students have been working on this year. Habitat for Humanity asked Dan and his charges to build nine sheds, and by the end of this school year, four of them should be finished.  Miller says that not only do they learn the basic principles of construction by accomplishing different tasks such as framing, wiring, plumbing, drywall, roofing, etc. it’s a great way for the construction students can give back to the community: . Miller was very pleased to report to the board that more girls are enrolling in his construction classes, and overall enrollment numbers for next year have increased: . His goals for all those new students next year?  He has hopes to have concurrent enrollment with the recently-established construction program at Sheridan College, where students will earn two free credit hours, and receive Level 1 training.  How significant is the collaboration with Sheridan College? . And Dan has every confidence that the remaining five Habitat sheds will be completed next school year as well.

TOWN VS. COUNTY – THE BEST PREVENTIONS FOR COMBATING MOSQUITOES - With the annual Trees for Trash just around the corner, we remind you again about getting an early start to combat mosquito season.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson sat down with Sheridan County Community Health’s Judy Stallman for more tips: .

NATIONAL MAGAZINE ERRORS IN GIVING CREDIT TO MONTANA FOR BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN THE WEST - This month’s edition of Sunset magazine details some of the best campgrounds in the west with the majority of them being in Yellowstone National Park. Problem is the magazine gave credit to Montana for being home to those sites. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter explains: .

RANCHESTER TOWN COUNCIL TO ADDRESS PLANT INVESTMENT FEES ON THIRD AND FINAL READING TONIGHT - It’s been twenty-nine years since Ranchester has raised their plant investment fees. That most likely will change tonight after Council will look to approve a raise at their meeting. Mayor Cliff Clevenger explains the hike: . Council will also address the likelihood of the Mayor appointing a standby judge to fill in when Stu Healy is unavailable. The Ranchester Town Council meeting will be tonight at 7:30 at the town hall. I-90 north from Ranchester to the Montana border is currently closed while highway personnel work to move a semi that was drifted into a lane overnite.  Travelers can get into the town of Ranchester, but north of that point is closed.

April 17, 2006

THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL WILL ONCE AGAIN ‘TALK SIGNS’ THIS EVENING – WE HAVE A PREVIEW - The Sheridan City Council meets this evening.  Mayor Dave Kinskey says things could become contentious: . Tonight’s meeting gets underway at 7pm in the third floor council chambers of the Sheridan City Hall.  It will also be broadcast live on AM 14-10, KWYO.

SHERIDAN POLICE WARN US ABOUT A DISTEMPER OUTBREAK - Sheridan is experiencing an outbreak of canine distemper.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has an update on this important story: .

AND WITH JUST HOURS REMAINING TO FILE YOUR INCOME TAX RETURN, WE DO HAVE SOME VERY LAST MINUTE TAX TIPS - It’s one of those years that procrastinators love – Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young tells us why: .

OUR MILD WINTER WILL MAKE FOR A PROMISING SUMMER FOR ANGLERS AROUND THE REGION - The mild winter that we’ve had bodes well for area anglers as they gear up for another season of trying to land the big one. Sheridan Fisheries Biologist Bud Stewart feels that anglers should be able to get a jump-start this year: . The outlook, Stewart says is a positive one: . A lot of opportunity to say the least: . Stewart says that below average snow pack coupled with countless locations in the area, local anglers should be anxious to break out the rod and reel for another promising fishing season.
 
April 16, 2006

THE SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL IS ONCE AGAIN POISED TO TALK ABOUT A SIGN ORDINANCE AT MONDAY NIGHT’S MEETING - The Sheridan City Council meets Monday night … and, once again, a familiar topic will be up for discussion.  Mayor Dave Kinskey explains: A revised sign ordinance has been in the works for the City of Sheridan for almost a year.  Monday night will be an attempt to pass it on its third reading.

Click the picture for more pictures and video from the Giant Easter Egg Hunt

3RD ANNUAL GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT AT SAGEBRUSH ONCE AGAIN DRAWS A LARGE GATHERING - Sagebrush Elementary School was the place to be Saturday morning as it was the site of the 3rd annual giant Easter egg hunt. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more:

April 15, 2006

IT’S EGG HUNT DAY AS SHERIDAN CHILDREN HAVE THREE OPPORTUNITIES TO FILL THEIR BASKETS - It just wouldn’t be Easter without coloring eggs, hiding them, and unleashing eager kids with baskets to go hunt for them.  Sheridan Media’s Mary Jo Johnson tells us about three egg hunting opportunities this morning:

LAST MINUTE TAX TIPS - Welcome to April 15th – Income Tax Day – at least most years. This year, though, things are a little different: So reports Jacob Weeder … Sheridan Post Master who also tells us about their hours on Monday: And if certification or a receipt is not that important, you can drop off your return at the drive thru drop off box up until midnight:

April 14, 2006

SHERIDAN POLICE WARN US ABOUT A DISTEMPER OUTBREAK - Sheridan Police alert us to an outbreak of distemper.  Sheridan Media News Director Ace Young has the latest breaking details on this important story: .

ANOTHER HIGH-RANKING CITY OF SHERIDAN EMPLOYEE ANNOUNCES HIS RESIGNATION - Another City of Sheridan Public Works employee has announced his resignation.  Sheridan Media’s Steve Sisson has the details: .

THE INCOME TAX DEADLINE LOOMS … AND WE HAVE SOME LAST MINUTE TAX TIPS - The calend