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	MARCH 2007 NEWS ARCHIVE VISIT THE NEWS ARCHIVE HERE Questions or comments, please call (307) 672-7421 or click here to email us. Email the news department directly by clicking here.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

GOT CABIN FEVER?  WHY NOT SALSA? -Probably more than a few locals have a pretty good case of cabin fever right now...and more than a few will be shakin' that fever off with some salsa dancing tonight. The “Project Schoolhouse Salsa Spectacular” you've been hearing about is still on ... there will be a few live bands playing salsa, swing and more. The reason behind all the fun is to help build schools in rural communities around Latin America. Tab Barker, who is the project's creator, has already helped build one school in Costa Rica.  And he and several other locals have just returned from a rural village in Nicaragua working on a second school. Tab has plans to build more schools in rural Latin American Villages through the nonprofit he started.  Why his affinity for rural community schools in another country?. The proceeds from tonight's Salsa Spectacular will go towards funding these schools.  You can still get tickets in downtown Sheridan at The Book Shop, Over the Moon, Meritage, Lucinda's or online at the WYO Theater.  Tickets will also be sold at the door.  Project Schoolhouse Salsa Spectacular is tonight, beginning at 7 at the Elks in Sheridan.

GARBAGE PICKUP SHOULD RESUME NEXT WEEK - For those of you who may not have heard about garbage pick-up plans, Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey has the information: . And obviously, there will be no extra charge for those extra bags.

STRANDED LOCALS FIND SAFE HAVEN WITH FRIENDLY FOLKS -The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office has responded to numerous calls the last few days.  Deputy Ryan Mulholland: . Luckily for those stranded, they found more than a few friendly faces: . And, he adds:. The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office also received numerous calls from locals willing to donate time, resources and expertise to help out with the rescue missions.

Friday, March 30, 2007

CREWS FROM POWDER RIVER ENERGY CORPORATION ARE MAKING HEADWAY IN THE BUFFALO AREA - Powder River Energy Corporation has announced that all of their members in Johnson County should have power restored at this time. If you do not have power you should contact Powder River Energy at 1-888-391-6220.  Vice President of Communications and External Relations for Powder River Energy Doreen Schaar says that much of the problem getting members power back on has been accessibility: .  Doreen said that there have been reports of several poles and wires that are downed and that this is something people really need to be careful of: . Crews will use a helicopter to make assessments once the airport re-opens on areas that are unaccessible on ground.

WY-DOT IS LOSING ITS PATIENCE WITH PEOPLE ON THE ROADS - The hard working plow drivers at Wy-Dot are hot, and we're not meaning temperature-wise.  District 4 Information Specialist, Ronda Holwell with the latest: . It truly does take all of us working together to deal with the problem.  We end yet another story with the plea, “do not drive on the county roads.”

SHERIDAN COUNTY ROAD CREWS CONTINUE TO PLEAD FOR COOPERATION FROM RESIDENTS - It's not just Wy-DOT crews who are beginning to feel like a broken record.  Sheridan County Public Works Director and Engineer, Bruce Yates, made this call to Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson: .

GARBAGE PICKUP SHOULD RESUME NEXT WEEK -We reported earlier that crews in Sheridan would try to resume garbage pickup today. However, with the apparently never-ending amount of snow, crews will not be able to resume pickup till next week.  Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey: . And obviously, there will be no extra charge for those extra bags.

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 WILL BE CLOSED TODAY - It's safe to say that Sheridan County School District's 1 and 3 won't have school today, as they have only a four day week, but what about District 2? Superintendent of District 2 Craig Daugherty with the announcement: . As much as most students don't want to hear it, Daugherty explains how the snow days will be made up: . As far as other school closures for today; Holy Name Catholic School will not be having classes, Martin Luther Grammar School and St. Labray in Ashland, Montana, as well as Ashland, Montana public schools, and Wyola school, Sheridan County Even Start and Tongue River Child's Place will be closed today as well. Sheridan College and all the activities that were scheduled on campus today have been canceled including the Kick Butts Basketball game that was scheduled for tonight at the Hoffman Dome.

CLEARING ALL THIS SNOW IS NOT AN EASY JOB -The snow continues to pile up, but magically, many of the main roads in Sheridan are relatively clear.  Actually, we are lucky that many of the primary roads are as drivable as they are, because crews continue to put in grueling hours.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love spoke with one of those front-line personnel, Jason Bowman Sheridan's Street Superintendent: . Again, it cannot be stressed enough to keep your cars off the road as much as possible to help out the crews trying to clear the streets. 

CALLING ALL GOOD SAMARITANS - Just about everyone is struggling with the massive amounts of snow we're seeing, but there are a few local folks who could use some volunteers at their doorstep.  Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey: . The number for Sheridan's Public Works Service Center is 674-4112.

PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF WHERE YOU PUT THE SNOW - With local snow levels that probably make the North Pole jealous, it might be tempting to put the snow where ever it fits.  But Fire Chief Patrick Reitz asks that people please watch for the red: .   

SHERIDAN COLLEGE NO-FRILLS THEATRE PRODUCTION OF “THE DWARF PINE TREE” WILL BE PRESENTED THIS WEEKEND AT THE WYO -In the true show business spirit of “the show must go on”, the Sheridan College No-Frills Theatre production of “The Dwarf Pine Tree”, a one-act children's theatre piece, will be presented tonight and tomorrow at the WYO Theatre. Originally scheduled to open last night, with county-wide school matinees planned for yesterday and today, production staff of the play has come up with an alternate plan. This evening, the show is open to the public, with all elementary through junior high students let in for free.  Senior citizen tickets are 5 dollars; adult tickets are 7 dollars. Tomorrow afternoon at 2, there will be a public matinee, again with all elementary through junior high students let in for free, and ticket prices for seniors and adults at 5 and 7 respectively. A final public performance will be held tomorrow night at 7:30, and there will be an admission fee for all ages, with children charged the 5 dollar fee with the seniors. Tickets are available at the WYO box office.

“UNTIL SOMEONE WAKES UP” WILL BE PERFOMED MONDAY NIGHT - April is “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”  and in the spirit of this, there is a three day conference in Sheridan starting next week about sexual and dating violence. Charlotte Jenkins, Director of the Advocacy and Resource Center: . This performance, she says, is open to the public and with the first showing Monday night at Sheridan College: . The play, she says, typically has eight performers: . And there is more: . You can get more information by calling the Advocacy and Resource Center in Sheridan. 

THE POWDER RIVER COWBOYS WILL BE LANDING IN IN WYOMING SATURDAY! - It's news they've been waiting for since St. Patrick's Day – the 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery of the Wyoming National Guard, better known as the Powder River Cowboys, are coming home tomorrow.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with more: .

WYOMING GAME AND FISH LAUNCH MULE DEER INITIATIVE - The Wyoming Game and Fish is launching an initiative to stabilize mule deer populations throughout the state. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more: .

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Video of the Snow Storm from the Sheridan Medai Office

AN UPDATE FROM SHERIFF HOFMEIER AND COMMISSIONER CRAM -Sheriff Hofmeier wants the stranded motorists on U.S. Highway 14 East to know that Search and Rescue, Highway Patrol and Sheriff's Office personnel are heading out on snowmobiles with food provided by the Salvation Army.  Any motorists wishing to have a ride back to town on the snowmobile are welcome to do so; however, the sheriff says that law enforcement and Search and Rescue are NOT going to be able to bring more fuel for vehicles.  Cars will have to be abandoned and retrieved in a few days. Meantime, Johnson County is sending plows to start digging out U.S. 14 East from the Ucross side, even though that is part of Sheridan County. Sheriff Hofmeier cannot stress enough, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOME OR CURRENT SHELTER.  And just as important, if you have loved ones who are unaccounted for, call emergency personnel immediately. In other County news, Commissioner Terry Cram tells us about what's is going on with the County roads: . 

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE -MDU reports that they have isolated outages, with a couple customers in Story and a few in the Pompeii Creek area, but over all, MDU customers have been back up and running. Powder River Energy as of last night had about 900 customers out, due to downed power lines and poles.  They had resumed efforts as of 6 this morning.  Continued blizzard conditions are not allowing crews to make damage assessments in Buffalo, Ucross, Clearmont and some surrounding areas. Members in those areas most heavily affected by the storm should expect multiple day outages. However, when the storm begins to subside we will have more accurate restoration times. Please tune to local media outlets for storm updates as they become available. Members with medical conditions, who are elderly or who have small children are strongly urged to seek emergency shelter until power is restored. We haven't received any updates from Big Horn County Electric Cooperative.

WE HAVE AN UPDATE ON ROAD CONDITIONS AND CITY SERVICES FOR SHERIDAN -Sheridan City road crews as well as emergency service crews met this morning with City officials.  Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey has an update for us:. And City of Sheridan Public Works Director Rod Liesinger gives us some more post-storm details:. Again, be sure to stay tuned to Sheridan Media as we will bring you details about when garbage pick-up and other City services are expected to resume later this afternoon. And again, if you can, stay off the roads today as this will help the road crews who are working around the clock, competing with massive amounts of snow to keep the roads clear. 

IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T PICKED UP ON THIS ALREADY—DON'T DRIVE UNLESS YOU HAVE TO -If you haven't picked up on this already, things are looking pretty bad outside.  Sheridan Police Chief Mike Card gives us some sound, common-sense advice:.

STAY CALM FOLKS—AND WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, PROBABLY STAY HOME AS WELL -Despite a major accident yesterday involving over 30 cars, and predictions the roads and weather would continue to deteriorate, School Districts 1 and 2 waited 'til the last minute to announce their closing.  However, Police Chief Mike Card says for the rest of us it is probably best to stay home anyway:. You can be sure emergency and snow crews will be having a “snow day” as well, though it means something a little different for them:. Those crews have been on the job since the ground began to turn white yesterday morning.

BE CAREFUL OF DRIVING, TREES AND HEAT -As sure as the sun rises and snow is white, this is no ordinary snow storm, Fire Chief Patrick Reitz tells us:. Another concern, Reitz says, is the types of alternate heat sources you might use:. Power outages have occurred in various segments of northeastern Wyoming region off and on since the first snowflake began to fall.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE UPDATE AS OF THURSDAY MORNING -More of the same, and then some, is what our friends at the National Weather Service in Billings are telling us.  We checked in with meteorologist Dan Borsum: . Dan says that the strong winds, staying fairly steady at an average of 35 miles per hour with stronger gusts, is particularly strong in the Buffalo area and will continue throughout the day.  As for Friday, he says: . Just how much?  6 more inches today, another 6 inches tonight, with a total snow accumlation between 2 and 3 feet.  Of course with the high winds, some areas will have less accumulation because it's blowing into drifts elsewhere. So is there any warmth in sight? . And even though it doesn't feel like it, Dan indicates that this is actually a blessing: . Translation – the LAST thing we need to concernt ourselves with next is flooding.

SCHOOLS CLOSED IN SHERIDAN -It didn't take long for officials in District 3, Arvada-Clearmont, nor at Sheridan College to decide by midday Wednesday to cancel school today.  District 1 Superintendent Sue Belish made the decision at 7 last night: . By 8 last night, School District 2 Superintendent, Craig Dougherty,  made the call:. And as we reported yesterday, from Sue Belish's jurisdiction, a bus of Tongue River High School students headed for Cheyenne were involved in the multiple-car pile-up on I-90 that left them stranded on the Buffalo side of the eventual road closure.  Belish updates us on their status:. Wy-DOT crews were out until 9 last night clearing the cars off I-90 at Piney Creek.  There were four injuries.

MAYOR DAVE KINSKEY HAS A WORD FROM CITY HALL -Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey called in this morning with this announcement:. And this point can't be stressed enough: .

SHERIDAN COUNTY AIRPORT CLOSED OVERNITE - Roads and schools weren't the only closures by yesterday's end.  The Sheridan County Airport shut down operations, at least the flying kind, as Airport Manager John Stopka informed us last night: . And when John said all night, he wasn't kidding: . John promises to let us know when it's safe to resume flights into and out of Sheridan again.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

WYDOT INFORMATION UPDATE -  Wy-DOT reports that there are still 30 to 40 disabled vehicles on Piney Creek off of I-90.  There are approximately 48-hundred gallons of fuel spilled in the median. Ronda Holwell, the Region 4 Information Specialist with WyDOT has informed us that crews are now in “rescue and shutdown” mode until about 9 o'clock tonight, after which crews will stop for the night. Holwell said that visibility is so poor, and the winds are blowing the snow to the point where crews cannot keep up with plowing efforts and they will be bringing the plows in.

POWER OUTAGE UPDATE FOR NORTHERN WYOMING / SOUTHERN MONTANA - Officials with Big Horn County Electric Cooperative of Hardin, Montana say that their customers in the Dayton area may be dealing with power outages on and off throughout the night. Crews are currently working on outages in the Dayton area, and Big Horn County Electric Cooperative asks customers to call if they see any downed power lines at (406) 665-2830. Meantime, Montana-Dakota Utilites say that power has now been restored to Banner, Story and Ranchester, but Big Horn at Cruz Creek is still out, as are the MDU customers in Dayton. B.H. County Electric Cooperative – (406) 665-2830

A MESSAGE FROM SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - The hospital has implemented its Emergency Preparedness protocols.  While a weather emergency has not been called for the hospital at this point, the hospital is continually assessing all circumstances that accompany a weather emergency.  Administration will be monitoring the situation on an on-going basis over the course of the storm.  Please rest assured that the hospital is prepared and ready to provide care during the storm.

PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL ON COUNTY ROADS WyDOT and Sheridan County Road and Bridge personnel are begging travelers not to drive on county roads, as they cannot keep up with the plowing efforts.  Again, please no unnecessary travel on Sheridan  or Johnson County roads.

ANOTHER POWER OUTAGE - Montana-Dakota Utilities says that it was VANDALISM, not the weather, that cause the power outage in Dayton and Ranchester this morning.  Power was restored first in Ranchester, and came back on just after 11 in Dayton. However, now power is out in south Sheridan County, including Big Horn and Story.  M-D-U says this outage IS storm related, and crews are currently working on the problem.

TONGUE RIVER HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT ON I-90 - A bus transporting a group of Tongue River High School students to Cheyenne was involved in the accident that has I-90 closed between Sheridan and Buffalo. District 1 Superintendent Sue Belish gives us this update: . School District 1 is closed as of noon today.

WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS - We checked in with Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Tom Frieders, with the National Weather Service in Billings on how things stand as of mid-morning: .  Frieders has also modified the expected accumulation: . Added to that, Tom says: . And then all that snow will be melting soon:

. Be sure to tune in to any of our Sheridan Media stations regarding any weather-related announcements and the latest conditions.

CITY OF SHERIDAN ISSUES SNOW REMOVAL INFORMATION - Sheridan mayor Dave Kinskey is issuing the following information regarding the impending severe winter storm:City crews have already begun snow removal operations. Sanding & salting began this morning. All available snow removal equipment, graders & plows, will run  all day and throughout the night.  Operations will continue 24/7 until the snow subsides.  The first priority is to keep emergency & main thoroughfares open.  Side streets and residential streets will be plowed as conditions and resources permit.  Citizens are asked to voluntarily, as much as possible, park off the streets tonight to facilitate snow removal on all streets.The city is issuing a “voluntary” emergency snow route alert effective at 6:00 pm today.  They ask that all vehicles be removed from these routes to facilitate the efficient and safe removal of snow.  If you have questions regarding which routes are emergency routes, please refer to the map on the city’s web-site, at  www.city-sheridan-wy.com

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