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	APRIL 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.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Sheridan Community Snapshot

Branding Day Dale Cahoy and his daughter Kylie prepare to rope calves east of Sheridan. Sunday April 29, 2007.

FAMILIES AND FRIENDS GET SET TO GIVE THE POWDER RIVER COWBOYS A PROPER WELCOME HOME - They returned home from Iraq just after the big snowstorm at the end of March, and while Sheridan has been decorated with banners and yellow ribbons and “Thank You, Troop” signs in windows and on marquees, there has been no official gathering to hold a collective “Welcome Home” for the Powder River Cowboys – until now, that is. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the story: .  

Photo courtesy of Ryan Ragan, SCC Marketing Dept.”

SHERIDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS EXCEL AGAIN - Several students to highlight from Sheridan College.  Beginning at 4 this afternoon, the Sheridan College Fine Arts Wing Gallery will be the place for an Artists' Reception. Two Associate of Fine Arts students, Lindsay Nighswonger and Allison Reinemer will both graduate with an A.F.A. Degree this year.The students are displaying paintings, pottery and drawings, all of which they did in classes at Sheridan College. The reception is free to the public and refreshments will be served between 4 and 6 this afternoon.  The artwork will be on display through Friday, May 11th. And word from Sheridan College technology students – as we'd reported last week, members of the Welding, Construction Technology and Machine Tool Technical programs participated in the State Wyoming Skills USA competition in Casper, where two students claimed the top spot and finished second, respectively. Machine Tool Technology student, Kyle Spragg, nabbed the first place spot in the Precision machining competition, while machine Tool student, Derek Kellch, finished second.  Carpentry student, Asa Hodgson, took first in the Carpentry contest, and he also placed fourth in Related Technical Math. Spragg and Hodgson will be competing at the National Skills USA competition in Kansas City in June. Photo courtesy of Ryan Ragan, SCC Marketing Dept.”

SHERIDAN COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE BEGINS TODAY AT MEMORIAL HOSPTIAL - It's time once again to roll up those sleeves and let the phlebotomist do the work.  We're of course talking about donating blood, and Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the scoop on the latest Sheridan Community blood drive: .  Appointments for Sheridan Blood Drive- 1-800-365-4450 or www.bloodhero.com ; Gillette Blood Drive- Chris Burnett-307-751-3490

IS SHERIDAN'S MAYOR TURNING INTO A HIPPIE? -  We brought you the “what” last week about the new green waste and cardboard recycling bins around Sheridan.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love now brings you the “why”: . The intent of this new program is to make it easier for residents to recycle, by assuring that no resident has to travel more than Y2 mile from home to get to a "green waste" bin. Present sites for the Green Waste recycling bins include:
- Oats Memorial Park on the Seventh Street side, between Sheridan and Saberton .
- The Skate Park parking area off 11 th Street adjacent to Thome-Rider Park.
-The Elk Pasture parking lot.
-The south side of Kendrick Park. between Belleview & Swan Streets
- Marshall Park, on Big Horn Avenue at Edwards Drive.
.-Washington Park, off Coffeen Avenue.
.-The parking area at Mavrakis Pond.
The city is looking at additional drop-off sites for bin placement. The city will continue to accept "green waste" at the city landfill. The city will then recycle the yard waste by turning it into pallet chips, evergreen chips - useful as mulch around shrubs to reduce growth of grass or weeds in those areas - dyed chips, other mulch and landscaping materials and compost, which will be made available to Sheridan residents. Click Here for Recycling PDF File.

DECKS, ROOFS AND MORE WERE GOING UP AROUND SHERIDAN THIS WEEKEND - Known by many as “Christmas in April” but what is now called “Rebuilding Together” the annual project to help mostly elderly people fix up their house was this weekend.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love worked on one of the three local houses and has this report: .  Video of Volunteers build a deck for Christmas in April

JUROR APPRECIATION DAY TO BE HELD AT THE SHERIDAN COUNTY COURTHOUSE TOMORROW - Tomorrow it's those of you who have served or who are currently serving on jury duty who get a day to be honored, as the folks over at the Sheridan County Courthouse will conduct a Juror Appreciation Day.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with the details: .

OUR WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS YOUR OPINION ABOUT FIREFIGHTER SALARIES - As the City of Sheridan firefighters continue their negotiations for a new union contract, we took to the streets to ask this week's poll question.  Should the City pay firefighters more than other City of Sheridan employees? . Let us know what you think by logging on to Sheridan Media dot com, then be sure to tune in Friday morning at 9 to Open Line Friday on News Talk 930 KROE to hear the results.  And new to Sheridan Media dot com, our public forum, where you can read others' comments and post your own.

FORECLOSURE RATE IN WYOMING AMONG LOWEST IN THE NATION - Property foreclosures remain rare in Wyoming even while the numbers are up sharply in other states. According to the Bargain Network, a firm that provides information on foreclosures, Wyoming had 21 foreclosures last month, less than one foreclosure for every 10,600 households. Only Vermont had fewer foreclosures, with just under one per every 25-thousand households. Meanwhile, our neighbor to the south, Colorado, had about 11-thousand filings last month, amounting to about one foreclosure for every 161 households. And the reason might not be what you'd think – some experts say that foreclosures most often are the result of local economic conditions, and not the result of loans being made to sub-prime borrowers.

GILLETTE FAMILY DOUBLES IN SIZE WITH BIRTH OF QUADRUPLETS - A Gillette family has just doubled in size. Twenty-eight-year-old Maureen Arnold gave birth to quadruplets at a Denver hospital last Tuesday. Doctors at Saint Luke's Medical Center in Denver say the three baby girls and one boy are all healthy, and should be ready to return to Gillette by the middle of next week. Maureen and her husband, Matt Arnold, already have two daughters, one three-year-old and one six-year-old.  With four new babies, Matt Arnold says family life is going to be a three-ring circus in the years ahead.  Talk about an understatement. Matt says he's relieved that one of the babies is a boy. But he says it's going to be tough for the lad to grow up with five sisters, and he's already planning lots of hunting and sports for the boy.

WYOMING'S WENDLING DRAFTED BY BUFFALO BILLS  - University of Wyoming standout John Wendling has been drafted by the Buffalo Bills.  The Bills picked Wendling in the sixth round of the NFL draft Sunday at number 184. Wendling is a 6 foot 1, 222-pound safety who co-captained the Cowboys. He was a standout on special teams, and led the Cowboys with 78 tackles, of which 38 were solo. In a posting on the Bills' Web site, Bills scout Brad Forsyth says Wendling is an excellent physical specimen. He says Wendling's defensive numbers would probably be higher at UW if the team hadn't thrown so many different roles at him in special teams. Wendling says football is the game he loves and says he loves having the opportunity to bring his talents to the NFL.

Saturday, April 28, 2007

TODAY IS “WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY” - Today is “Worker's Memorial Day,” which started in 1989 and is now observed in nearly 100 countries across the world.  But this day has special significance in Wyoming because we score the highest nationally, per capita for work-related deaths.   However, there are some who say those statistics paint a misleading picture.  Cindy Pomeroy Director of the Department of Employment: . So how much is “a bit”? . Cindy adds that work-related injuries have stayed static over the years while the overall number of workers have increased. However, it should also be noted that she is speaking about jobs that fall under OSHA jurisdiction.  Along with interstate transport; mining, railroad and small ag businesses are not among those OSHA oversees.   For more information on work-place safety, call for Free OSHA consultive services: 307-777-7786

WYOMING IS #1 ... UNFORTUNATELY - Wyoming is unfortunately #1 again for the third year in a row.  We're talking about on-the-job death rates.  There were about 17 deaths per 1,000 workers this year.  Kim Floyd, with the Wyoming AFL-CIO, says not enough workplace safety inspectors is part of the problem: . Floyd adds that legislative proposals to amp up inspections are regularly rejected.  Some industry officials contend that some workers die while driving, so poor driving skills, not workplace environment, should be blamed.

SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE PART IN CHILD SAFETY DAY TODAY - Tomorrow is Child Safety Day in Sheridan, and law enforcement personnel from the Sheridan Police Department are taking part in an activity at Wal-Mart.  Officer Jim Arzy explains: . Arzy says the kids will go away with a pile of fun things, like coloring books, crayons, story books that talk about safety, and even mood pencils that change colors when you touch them. On a very serious note, however, the main focus of their involvement with Child Safety Day is for parents to pick up child identification kits: . Officer Arzy says that the DNA samples last a long time, and are certainly less messy to collect than finger print samples. A critical piece of the child's ID kit? . Arzy recommends that parents replace the picture in the ID kit with each new school picture that's taken.  And, he adds, it's not a bad idea to put a kit together for newborns on up to young adults. ours for the Child Safety Day by the greeting card section of Wal-Mart are 11:30 to approximately 1:30 today.

Friday, April 27, 2007

YOU STILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER ITEMS TO DONATE TO THE ANNUAL DIABETES EDUCATION GARAGE SALE – The good people over at the Sheridan Community Diabetes Education Committee have come up with some unique fund raising methods, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson tells us about one of them: .  

IT'S TANDEM TIME!  AUDITIONS FOR THE SUMMER CHILDRENS THEATRE PRODUCTION TO BE HELD TOMORROW - It's Tandem Time again!  Sheridan's Tandem Productions children's theatre is holding auditions tomorrow morning for their annual summer musical, and they're reviving Guys & Dolls, Jr. Producer Tami Davis tells us: . The story line of Guys & Dolls is an old favorite: . Davis says they've cast up to 50 children in the past, and because she knows there are a lot of, well, guys around this year, they've chosen this Broadway Classic. There is one rule Tandem strictly follows, Tami says: . Guys & Dolls, Jr. is for children ages 8 to 15, in other words, kids having just completed 2nd grade through 9th grade.  Again auditions will be held at the WYO Theatre tomorrow morning at 10.

COMMUNITY LEADERS GATHERED TOGETHER TO...COMMUNICATE - Members from Forward Sheridan, Sheridan County Fair Board, the County and City Planning Commissions, and local teachers, among others, gathered at Sheridan College last night to discuss strategic planning.  “Strategic Planning” is a popular topic currently, and this meeting focused on communication.  Organizer John Patton: . There are more meetings like this coming up where more widespread community input will be sought ... so be sure to stay tuned.

A LOCAL BUSINESS IS SAYING “NO” TO DRUGS - A local business has just announced they are going to “just say no.” Ron Spence is the General Manager of the Best Western Sheridan Center: . Along with the V.O.A., Sheridan's Chamber of Commerce and Workman's Comp are assisting the Best Western Sheridan Center.  They are the first in the hospitality industry to initiate a Drug Free Workplace.

DEVELOPMENT OF COAL MINE NORTH OF SHERIDAN IS ANNOUNCED - Affiliates of CONSOL Energy Inc. and the Pittsburgh and Midway Coal Mining company have entered into a joint venture agreement to develop the proposed Youngs Creek Mine just north of Sheridan. Public Relations Coordinator for CONSOL Energy, Lynn Manning, has the details of the agreement: . Both CONSOL Energy and P&M Coal Mining are based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Manning explains what brings them to our neck of the woods: . As far as when we can expect the mine to be up and running? . Lynn said that based on initial feasibility studies, the mine has the potential to reach fifteen million tons of coal a year when at full production. Manning did not have a number on how many jobs would be made available, but did say that once the mine is working, Youngs Creek Mining Company would be hiring its own employees. Aqua-Terra Consultants of Sheridan is working on the engineering, environmental and permitting work, and Manning said that application for permits will be submitted in late 2008.

Dr. Auckerman (left) & Dr. Curnow (right)

RECEPTION HELD TO INTRODUCE NEW DOCTOR AT WYOMING RADIOLOGY AND MRI - A special reception was held last night at the Sheridan Surgical Center to introduce the services of a new orthopedic surgeon at Wyoming Radiology and MRI. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: . 

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCILOR DUANE FARLEY SAYS HIS FAREWELLS - Sheridan City Council said some sad goodbyes yesterday afternoon at a Special City Council Meeting.  Council member Duane Farley gave a farewell address to the Council before they voted to accept his resignation, which he gave late last week: . And his words of wisdom for future Councilors? .Duane gave his resignation last week after accepting a job offer in Cody.   A position is now open for Farley's spot on the Council — contact Sheridan City Hall for details. Click here for Resignation PDF File.

WHAT ARE THE GAPS IN SHERIDAN'S RETAIL MARKET? - Could Sheridan support a couple more thousand square feet of pet supplies?  Are retailers under-supplying high-end clothing or food?  These are some of the questions that will be answered in a detailed study, if grant funds are approved for the “Retail Market Analysis and Work Plan for Sheridan County” by the Wyoming Business Council. In a special meeting yesterday afternoon,  Sheridan City Council approved sponsoring a 25-thousand-dollar grant application.  Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Butcher: . But, she adds, ultimately the study will benefit a wide scope of economic development: . The 25-thousand-dollar grant, if approved, would be matched 25 percent; with Forward Sheridan, Sheridan's Chamber and the Downtown Sheridan Association each contributing 25-hundred dollars. 

SPRINGTIME COUNTY ROAD WORK NECESSITATES CAREFUL DRIVING - The Sheridan County Road and Bridge Department is alerting county residents to take caution when driving on the following roads:  Cat Creek, Wild Cat, Soldier Creek, Beatty Gulch, Beatty Spur and Wakely. Crews have applied the Calcium-Chloride dust suppressant to these roads, which initially changes the surface appearance to look white, and it may cause the roads to be very slippery, especially in the early morning. They say that after a few days of dry weather, the roads will harden, and department officials assure that the material is not harmful to people or animals.  Vehicles are another matter, however, and folks driving on these roads are encouraged to wash your vehicles as soon as possible.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

ALERT The County Commissioners would like to advise the Sheridan County residents that our Road and Bridge Department has applied the dust suppressant calcium-chloride to the following roads: Cat Creek, Wild Cat and Soldier Creek.  This suppressant, when first applied, will change the road appearance to white and may cause the roads to be very slippery.  A few days of dry weather will harden the road. Drivers should use caution especially in the early morning hours. This material is not harmful to people or animals, however, washing your vehicles is strongly recommended.

CLARIFICATION SHERIDAN COUNTY SAWS RESIDENTS WEST OF NORMATIVE SERVICES ON BIG GOOSE ROAD AND EAST OF BECKTON HALL ROAD WILL BE WITHOUT WATER UNTIL APPROXIMATELY 5 PM TODAY - Word from the City of Sheridan Public Works Department on the water service outage today. For the purpose of worker safety on the 20” water line project, pressure in the existing 16” main that serves all of SAWS and part of the City of Sheridan residents will be reduced. Prior reports indicated it would effect all of Sheridan County; however, we now know the specific area to be west of Normative Services on Big Goose Road and east of Beckton Hall Road.  Water service SHOULD be back to normal by the end of business hours today. Public Works asks those affected that when water is turned back on, to please run their taps for a few minutes to clear out any silt.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE AND CHILDCARE CENTER INTERTWINED - We've been reporting for a few weeks now about the proposed Childcare Center for which the City of Sheridan, Sheridan School District 2 and Sheridan College have developed a Joint Powers Board. Head of the Early Childhood Education program at Sheridan College, Dr. Lissanna Follari, discusses how the college branch of the JPB will come in to play with the Childcare Center Initiative: . Acknowledging providers' concerns, Dr. Follari says that next Wednesday, May 2nd, childcare providers will have an opportunity to voice them in a meeting at the Whitney Vocational Center: : . A program about which Dr. Follari is quite excited.  It's the new college board-approved Early Education Certification: . Follari says that the certification can then fold into the two-year Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.  She stresses the importance of Sheridan College's role in developing and enhancing their course offerings as a means of supporting the existing, and the future, childcare provider needs in the community. And for more information about the May 2nd meeting, Dr. Lissanna Follari or Center for a Vital Community can be reached through the college's main number:  674-6446

SHERIDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS IN FREE ENTERPRISE HOST BUSINESS ETHICS PRESENTATION TONIGHT - As part of their “Last Hurrah” of the school year, the award-winning Sheridan College Students in Free Enterprise, or S.I.F.E. participants, are bringing a guest to town for a presentation this evening at the C-Tel.  Business professor and S.I.F.E. Sponsor, Tracy Dearinger: . The event is quite timely, Dearinger says, as she gives various examples of where business ethics come into play: . Dr. John Fraedrich's Business Ethics presentation begins at 7 this evening in the C-Tel Presentation Hall at Sheridan College, is free and open to the public.  Dearinger also says that business owners are encouraged to attend, and the S.I.F.E. students will also hand out a questionnaire for feedback on the event.

A THEATRICAL BOOM IS HAPPENING IN SHERIDAN THIS WEEK - Not one, not two, but THREE different plays are running in Sheridan, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has information on all of them: .Video of 3 Plays in Sheridan

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD GETS THE FINANCIALS FOR MARCH - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees met for their monthly meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: .

WILDLIFE HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WYOMING TO HOST STATE SUMMIT IN EARLY MAY - The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming hopes to improve communication and relationships with conservation organizations, industry and other entities involved with wildlife habitat in Wyoming. Heritage Foundation Executive Director, Marlene Brown, says the summit will be a good time to develop answers to some of the issues facing wildlife and wildlife habitat in the state right now: . The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming summit will be held May 11th and 12th in Casper at the Parkway Plaza.

WESTERN WILDERNESS IS GETTING ANOTHER LEGISLATIVE LOOK - Will Wyoming and its neighbors get a little wilder?  That partly depends on legislation recently introduced in Congress.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love has the report: .

HOW SAFE IS OUR COMMUNITY? -  Just a reminder that anyone interested in keeping our local communities safe will want to attend a discussion out at Sheridan College tonight.  Jessica Flahive with the Center for a Vital Community: . Getting a wide range of input in these discussions is important, so the event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend.  Want to go but not sure what to do with the “little ones?”  No problem—child care will be provided.  Just be sure to show up by 5:30 at the Watt Ag Center at Sheridan College. 

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

STORY FIRE DISTRICT LOOKING TO HELP RESIDENTS WITH EXCESS SLASH - Last month's winter storm made quite a mess in Story, as downed trees and branches are a common site throughout the community. However, the Story Fire District, through a cost sharing program, wants to help residents clean it up. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: .  For more information, call John Lunbeck 751-2977 or visit www.storywyoming.org . Video of Slash Chipping in Story

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL, THE DOWNTOWN RETAILERS AND FORWARD SHERIDAN MAY PURSUE A GRANT - Tomorrow at noon, the Sheridan City Council will be holding a special hearing aiming at a proposed 25-thousand dollar grant application for a Community Development Block Grant to develop a Retail and Market Analysis Study for Sheridan's downtown.  Outgoing Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Director, Melissa Butcher, tells us: . Melissa says if Council approves going after this grant, a collaboration will come in to play with the funding: . Also at the special meeting, Council will acknowledge Duane Farley as he vacates his council seat – you'll remember we reported last week that Farley has resigned, and will be relocating to Cody with his job.  Tomorrow's special Council meeting begins at noon in the 3rd floor City Hall Council Chambers, and is open to the public.

WE'LL HIGHLIGHT WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD BY HEARING FROM THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN SHERIDAN - This is National Week of the Young Child, and to highlight it we thought we'd take a look at what the Child Development Center in Sheridan is all about. They provide screenings for all children, from six months through age five. Mandy (doo-bee) Dube with the Child Development Center explains that they cover all of the aspects of development: .  Linda Garretson, also with the Child Development Center, points out why the first three years are so vital in a child's development: . Linda recommends that children be screened at least once between six months and two years old and have another screening done when the child is age three to five. It should also be pointed out that screenings at the Child Development Center in Sheridan are free with no cost to the parents.

COMMUNITY PROVIDER TRAINING THIS EVENING AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE AS PART OF WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD - Amidst all the Week of the Young Child activities and events going on, a special class will be held this evening at Sheridan College.  Dr. Lissanna (lee-SAH-nuh) Follari is the head of the Early Childhood Education program: . Dr. Follari says that the class will be exploring our own culture and the variety that is right here in our community. An added bonus for childcare providers, Dr. Follari tells us: . The Community Provider Training Class starts at 5:30 this evening in Whitney Room 175 on the Sheridan College campus.

TRANSPORTATION FORUM TONIGHT AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE C-TEL - How do you feel about the transportation system – or lack thereof – in Sheridan County?  If you have ideas of how the transportation issue can be addressed, you have an opportunity to lend your voice and ideas at a public meeting tonight at the Sheridan College C-Tel Presentation Hall.Barb Daugherty is with the Sheridan Senior Center's transportation department that runs the Mini Bus and the Sheridan Trolley.  She describes why your input is needed: . Barb says that a fair amount of pre-meeting research was conducted: . And even though we do have the mini bus – which is truly for the entire public to use, covering most of Sheridan County and even medical trips to Billings – there are still gaps in our public transportation system.  That's where your input comes in, to identify those gaps and to participate in long-term strategic planning.The Public Transportation meeting gets underway at 5 this evening, at the C-Tel at Sheridan College.  It is co-sponsored by the Sheridan Senior Center and the Center for a Vital Community.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE DIESEL MECHANIC STUDENT IS TOPS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION - Trevor Lutterman is a winner.  He was recently given the Cummins Rocky Mountain Region Outstanding Student Award for his academic and hands-on skills as a Diesel Mechanic student through the program at Sheridan College.  Cummins is one of the biggest engine companies in the country. A humble young man who hails from Buffalo, Trevor indicates pride not so much for himself, but for the school's program: . This is Trevor's second degree, his first being an Applied Science degree in Machine Tooling.  A focused student, Trevor will be receiving the Diesel Mechanic degree in only one year – normally it takes two years to complete. Quite a feather in the Diesel Program cap, teacher John Sikkenga says: . Sikkenga says that the Rocky Mountain Region for Cummins encompasses eight full states and several partial states, making this Outstanding Student award for Trevor even more significant. Trevor's opportunities are unlimited, with a possible career path that could take him to several states.  Hopefully, his ultimate choice will be to stay right here in Wyoming.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Sheridan Community Snapshot

Cathy Butler, Library Director and Joyce Reed, Friends President, showing check presentation from the Friends of the Library to the Library at the Annual Author Reception held on Thursday, April 19th..

LAND TRUST PUBLIC FORUM OPEN TO ALL TONIGHT AT C-TEL - The public is invited to attend a free presentation at the C-Tel Hall at Sheridan College tonight.  Event organizer, Roger Wilson, reminds us about the particulars: . The Land Trust Public Forum runs from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the C-Tel Presentation Hall at Sheridan College.  Again, it is free, and refreshments will be provided.

SHERIDAN PEDIATRICIANS AND OTHERS TO HOST AUTISM SCREENINGS TOMORROW - Autism.  The World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association classify autism as a developmental disability that results from a disorder of a person's central nervous system.  A special day-long Autism Screening is taking place tomorrow, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the details: .  Goose Creek Pediatrics, 1701 West 5th Street, Sheridan.  Appts. - 672-7700

SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES SURPRISE LOCKDOWN DRILL MONDAY MORNING - Little did the students, faculty or staff at Sheridan High School know Monday morning, but they had a surprise visit.  Principal Dirleen Wheeler explains: .Sheridan Police Sgt. Tom Ringley describes how the lock-down worked: . Assisting the police department was the Sheridan Fire Department and Rocky Mountain Ambulance – in all, about 15 to 20 law enforcement and emergency personnel were at the school. Contrary to other reports, these lock-downs happen twice a year in the school district, and have been conducted for several years.  The lock-downs are one of a two-part safety protocol, with the other being, says Principal Wheeler: . Principal Wheeler says that as a result of the lock-downs, they've determined some areas where security needs to be improved.  She says that in the future there will be modifications to the visitor entrance, as well as a security gate between the Freshmen wing and the rest of the high school. As for the lock-downs themselves, she says: . There will be more lock-downs in District 2 before the end of the school year.

SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE INVITED TO SPECIAL LUNCH AT SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL TOMORROW - Tomorrow at noon, Sheridan High School Principal Dirleen Wheeler is issuing you an invitation: . Principal Wheeler describes some of those updated District goals: . The free Parent/Community lunch forum at SHS begins at noon in the conference rooms.  Wheeler says just come in to the main office, and they'll escort you to the room.  And, she adds, it's important for them to get a head count so they know how many lunches to order, so a quick call to the school with an R.S.V.P. is much appreciated. For lunch reservations, please call 672-2495, ext. 2002

THE WAGE GAP ISN'T LOOKING GOOD THROUGHOUT THE U.S.--BUT HOW ABOUT WYOMING? - People are often shocked to hear women only make 77 cents for every dollar men earn in the United States.  But even more striking are Wyoming's stats — women average only 57-cents for every dollar their male counterparts earn.  That is partly why The Wyoming Council for Women's Issues (WCWI) will celebrate Equal Pay Day today, a national observance that recognizes the wage gap between working women and working men.  Diane Moser, with the Council tells us: . She adds that women should explore opportunities in “non-traditional” fields like construction, engineering and science, because many employers in these non-traditional fields are offering family-friendly work environments to attract and retain highly qualified, dedicated workers. The link to their website is: www.pay-equity.org/day.html .

COULD A VIRGINIA-TECH TRAGEDY HAPPEN HERE? - Attention, community members interested in keeping our local towns safe — there is a discussion you'll want to attend this week.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love has the details: . The Center For A Vital Community phone number is 674-6446 X 4201

SHERIDAN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION TOOK A LOOK AT SECONDARY ACCESS REGULATIONS - Sheridan's City Planning Commission approved the 8th filing for the Cloud Peak Ranch residential subdivision at their meeting last night.  Sheridan City Planner Robert Briggs: . The Commission now only has to review the final plat for this subdivision before it heads to Sheridan City Council. They also approved the request to annex about 10 acres by Carrington Street, East College Avenue and Park Street. Finally, the Commission reviewed a presentation on updating secondary access regulations. 

SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY DINNER TO FEATURE LOCAL AUTHOR - The monthly Sheridan County Historical Society dinner Thursday night will feature local author Helen Graham and her new book “Pass Creek Country: 'The Story of Early Settlers'”. Historical Society Vice President , Mary Ellen McWilliams, explains some of the families that are highlighted in the book: . Graham did much of the research for the book in the Wyoming Room at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, where she served as director for thirty two years.  In 2000, Helen received the Wyoming State Historical Society's highest honor, the Cumulative Contribution Award for Lifetime Achievement in Western American History. Along with the author speaking about her latest work, Mary Ellen explains something else special about Thursday night's dinner: . The Sheridan County Historical Society dinner starts at 6 pm at the Sheridan Holiday Inn, with meal reservations requested by noon today.  If you plan on just attending the free program, that will get underway at approximately 6:45 pm. Call Linda or Karen for reservations at 674-4436. Price of the dinner including tax and tip is $13.

SHERIDAN SENIOR CENTER IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD VOLUNTEERS - As April begins to wind down, so does National Volunteer Appreciation Month. One local organization that depends heavily on its volunteers is the Sheridan Senior Center. Volunteer Coordinator with the Senior Center, Nancy McKenzie, explains the program where they need the most help: . Nancy says that it usually takes up to twenty-five volunteers a day to deliver all of the meals around Sheridan County, and that they are always looking for additional help: . So is there any type of training one would have to go through before becoming a volunteer at the Senior Center? .  McKenzie also stated that their annual volunteer appreciation breakfast will be this Thursday at 7am at the Sheridan Senior Center. If you are interested in volunteering at the senior center, call the Sheridan Senior Center (307) 672-2240.

Momday, April 23, 2007

THERE'S A NEW WELLNESS COUNCIL CHIEF IN TOWN - It's been awhile since Sheridan's Memorial Hospital has had a Wellness Council Coordinator, but the seat has been filled.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with more: .

SHERIDAN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION HOLDS THEIR FINAL MEETING OF THE MONTH TONIGHT - The fourth Monday of the month means it's Sheridan City Planning Commission time.  On tonight's agenda, the Commission will consider Cottonwood Point and a request to annex just over 10 acres, zoned R-2 in the area east of South Carrington, north of East College and south of Park Street. The 8th filing of Cloud Peak Ranch subdivision will be reviewed – you'll remember that developers have requested approval to create 61 residential lots and 8 out-lots on just over 29 acres in the area west of the intersection of the new Highland Park Elementary School. Lastly, the Commission will consider amending a Sheridan City Code to subdivision regulations pertaining to secondary access. The Sheridan City Planning Commission meets tonight at 7 in the City Council Chambers at Sheridan's City Hall.  It is open to the public.

A NOT-SO-NEW TECHNOLOGY IS HITTING THE ROADS — VERY QUIETLY - Here's a quiz for you to start out your work week: what is bigger than a cow but quieter than a bug?  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love has the answer for you in this story: .  .

THE EVENTS LAST WEEK IN BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA PROMPTED THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION - The news out of Blacksburg, Virginia rocked the nation last week, as a Virginia Tech student with known mental problems gunned down thirty-two people on the school's campus before taking his own life. The incident prompted this week's poll question:  Should people with psychiatric problems be allowed to purchase firearms in the United States? . Let us know what you think by logging on to Sheridan Media dot com.  Then be sure to tune in Friday morning at 9 during the Jackson Electric Open Line on Newstalk 930 KROE to hear the results.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

THE STATE WELDING COMPETITION GETS UNDERWAY IN CASPER THIS WEEK AND EIGHT SHERIDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS WILL BE A PART OF IT - The two-day state welding competition gets underway tomorrow in Casper, and eight students from Sheridan College will be there to compete. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: .

JUST A QUICK REMINDER TO PUT ON YOUR WALKING SHOES TODAY - We've been telling you a lot about the local events and celebrations these last weeks, which have been going on as a precursor to today, Earth Day. You'll want to grab your walking shoes, because people are meeting at Sheridan's Kendrick Park at 2 for a “Walk for the Earth,” which is going to start at the bandshell.  And there are going to be some games, including a “Nature's Hunt.”  Folks from the Sheridan Senior Center have already said they are going, and if today is anything like the events these past weeks, it should be a success. One of the organizers, Liz Howell, gives us a recap:. So will there be some post-Earth Day ways to get involved?. To become involved locally you can email Ainslie Kincross: akincross.msn.com. Become part of the “Cool Community's Campaign”: Environmental Tips

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN RETAILERS COMMITTEE CHOOSES THEIR SUMMERTIME SHOPPERS THEME - The Historic Downtown Retail Committee, which is a collaboration of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Sheridan Association, has decided on their annual summertime theme.  Outgoing Chamber Director, Melissa Butcher, with the announcement: . Contrary to the pesky buzzing we tend to hear each summer in the city parks, the “Catch The Buzz” bees that will adorn participating shops will promote “bee-ing Downtown.” And as has become the custom over the past few summers, you'll have many reasons to head downtown, Melissa tells us: . Again, Celebrate the Arts will be in June.  Other summer downtown activities for us to look forward to include the 7th Annual Hoop Jam, and of course the Sheridan WYO Rodeo.  Don't forget to look for the welcoming “Catch The Buzz” bees in retailers' shops.

YOU WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO CLEAN UP A LOCAL REC SPOT FOR EARTH DAY. - Today is Earth Day and you will have a chance to clean up a local recreation spot.  Phyllis Simon with the Public Land Users Committee gives us directions: . The Beatty Gulch area is one of the few remaining public lands in Sheridan County on which people have been able to dirt bike and ride ATV's.  However, because the abuse of a few irresponsible users in tearing up the land and littering has gotten worse, the area is in danger of being closed off to everyone, including those who respect the area in question. Phyllis says that their group is working hard to preserve the use of Beatty Gulch, with some help: . The Public Land Users Committee wants to share in the task of taking care of the land; hence today's clean-up efforts.  Again, they'll gather out at Beatty Gulch at 3 this afternoon.  For more information you can call Phyllis at 673-4460.  And if you can't make it today, but are interested in learning more about the Public Land Users Committee call Phyllis Simon:  673-4460.

EPA WANTS AIR CLEARED ON WYOMING GAS DEVELOPMENT - The Environmental Protection Agency, along with Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality are recommending that the BLM slow down its natural gas development in the Pinedale Anticline. Recent studies have shown that the speed of the proposed drilling would severely impact air and water quality, as well as wildlife habitat in the area. Linda Baker with the Upper Green River Valley Coalition says that's exactly the point her group has been stating all along: . Baker points out that current BLM plans don't include specific details on how pollution will be averted: . Officials with the BLM have said that they plan on providing adequate alternatives for dealing with the pollution from accelerated drilling. However, the D-E-Q and E-P-A have both expressed disappointment with the BLM for failing to outline just what those specific alternatives are.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

COME OUT AND ENJOY WYOMING SPRINGTIME FOR AN EARTH DAY EVENT - They're continuing with the celebrations this weekend.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love has the story:.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE RODEO WOES - At Thursday night's Northern Wyoming College Board meeting, representatives from the Sheridan College rodeo team brought forth concerns about the conditions under which they've had to practice and compete.  Sheridan College president, Dr. Kevin Drumm, tells us that chief among the concerns is the lack of an indoor arena: 04-21-05. Drumm says that the rodeo team now finds itself in coach transition, too: . The Sheridan College rodeo team's season concludes next month.

THE 2007 MISS WYOMING SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT IS COMING SOON – CONTESTANTS ARE IN TOWN FOR WORKSHOPS - In just a couple of months, the 2007 Miss Wyoming Scholarship pageant will take place.  A two-day pre-pageant workshop culminates today, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more: .

THERE ARE A FEW TICKETS LEFT FOR THE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BENEFIT CONCERT TONIGHT AT THE WYO THEATRE -The long wait is nearly over.  Tonight at the WYO Theatre, blues sensation, Spencer Bohren and vocalist extraordinaire, Karen Clift, will enchant the audience with their collaboration of two very different musical worlds, all for the benefit of the annual Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation benefit. Pals on stage and off, Karen tells us what the experience of putting this unique program together has been like: . Only balcony seats remain for tonight's show, which begins at 7:30.  If you'd like to attend a pre-concert reception at King's Ropes just down the alley from the theatre, that begins at 6:00.  Tickets for both the reception and concert are 50 dollars, and show-only tickets are 25 dollars, and are available at the WYO box office starting at noon today, or you can log on to www.wyotheater.com. All proceeds this year benefit Hospice of the Big Horns.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK WRAPS UP TODAY AND SHERIDAN COUNTY FULMER PUBLINC LIBRARY WILL HAVE A SPECIAL EVENT FOR TEENS IN THE AFTERNOON - Today is the final day for National Library Week, and the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library has had numerous events all week long to celebrate the occasion. Fulmer Library Program Coordinator Anita Weisheit explains what they'll be doing today to culminate the week: . Anita says that there'll also be raffles and games to go along with the teen poetry this afternoon at the Fulmer Library.

THE MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT ARRIVES IN CONGRESS - Matthew Shepard's story is circulating through our nation's capital as legislation designed to protect people from hate crimes based on sexual orientation has been introduced in Congress, titled the “Matthew Shepard Act”. Clergy from around the state, along with retired chaplain and member of Wyoming Equality, Bob Spencer, were recently in D.C. for the introduction of the legislation and Spencer likes how it will help local law enforcement: . The bill would allow the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute certain bias-motivated crimes based on the victim's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or a divisibility. Spencer says there's also pending legislation that would update federal laws on workplace discrimination: . Spencer, along with his group Wyoming Equality, have been pushing for tougher federal laws against those that commit hate crimes.

Friday, April 20, 2007

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 CRAIG DOUGHERTY ISN'T PLEASED WITH HOW PAWS TESTING IS BEING ADMINISTERED  - Recently students around the state finished up their second year of PAWS testing, and by all accounts it was another year of problems and headaches for students and faculty alike. Sheridan County School District Two Superintendent, Craig Dougherty, gives us his opinion on what's wrong with PAWS:  . Dougherty also said that Harcourt, the company that administers the test, should be held accountable for doing such an incompetent job. Craig says that after two years of problems, it's now in the Wyoming Department of Education's hands: . Dougherty, along with other school officials around the state, remains cautiously optimistic that the Department of Education will use their recommendations to get the PAWS frustrations cleared up for next year.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCILOR DUANE FARLEY ANNOUNCED HIS RESIGNATION - Sheridan City Council will soon have an empty chair where Councilor Duane Farley currently sits. Councilor Farley has now given his formal resignation to the City because of a recent opportunity, he tells us: . Though, the decision to relocate to Cody was not easy, he says: . Councilor Farley has served the Sheridan community for nearly three years on the City Council, representing Ward 1.  

THE “DONUT FIRE DISTRICT” PREPARES FOR NEGOTIATIONS - The newly-formed “donut fire district” had a board meeting last night.  The new Board now holds the responsibility for negotiating with the City of Sheridan over fire protection.  Treasurer Chuck Simon says he thinks it will be easier now to hash out a deal with the City: . Plus, he adds: . The Board will have a work session this coming week and meet with the City soon after.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS AT LAST NIGHT'S APRIL MEETING - The Powder Horn clubhouse was the setting for last night's regular Northern Wyoming Community College District Board of Trustees meeting, with a full agenda to cover. Trustees approved recommendations for two full-time positions; the first, at Sheridan College, is Mark Johnson as Communications Instructor.  At Gillette College, they aproved Norman Walters as an instructor in Criminal Justice / Political Science. Unanimous approvals regarding numerous policies dealing with faculty and staff wage, salary and employment; board guidelines; and governance guidelines using the first AQIP Action Project.  Sheridan College president, Dr. Kevin Drumm, explains: . The Northern Wyoming district is the first in the state to be granted AQIP status, Gillette College president, Dr. Paul Young, will be presenting that achievement at a Chicago conference coming up in the near future. In other college news, two Associate of Applied Science degrees were approved, one for the Culinary Arts program, and the other for the Construction Technology program.  And, the board approved an Early Childhood Education certificate. Lastly, Dr. Drumm comments on the tragedy at Virginia Tech: . A committee has been established to review the safety procedures for the Northern Wyoming College District.

LOCAL LEADERS ARE PREPARING FOR A PANDEMIC - Over 40 local community leaders gathered at Sheridan's Holiday Inn yesterday.  Sheridan Media's Betsy Love was there and has the story: .

SHERIDAN'S MEMORIAL HOSPITAL TO HOST VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCH NEXT WEEK - Next week is National Healthcare Volunteer Appreciation Week, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson brings news from Sheridan Memorial Hospital: . For more information, call Cecile Pattison:  672-1017 or cecilepattison@sheridanhospital.org

SHERIDAN COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY TO HOLD LINCOLN DAY FUNDRAISING DINNER TOMORROW NIGHT - The Sheridan Holiday Inn will be the site of tomorrow night's Sheridan County Republican Lincoln Day fund raising dinner. There will be various auctions and raffles throughout the evening but the highlight of the night is all about a certain individual who'll be in attendance, says event Chairman Mike Watkins: . Watkins says that at 5:30 people will be able to do a sort of “meet and greet” with Luthi for about forty-five minutes. Furthermore Mike adds: . So is this event open to anyone from the public? . Tickets for the Lincoln Day fund raising dinner can be purchased in advance or at the door for fifty dollars. If you'd like to get your tickets in advance, call  Mike Watkins 751-7509 or Rosemary Schunk 674-6013.

CORRECTION POLO GEAR NOT OUT OF THE PICTURE JUST YET IN RANCHESTER - We've got some clarification to bring to you regarding a story we ran on Wednesday. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: .

GOVERNOR FREUDENTHAL ASKS WYOMING CITIZENS TO RECOGNIZE THIS MORNING THOSE TOUCHED BY THE TRAGEDY AT VIRGINIA TECH - In remembrance of the victims of the recent shootings at Virginia Tech University, Virginia Governor  Timothy Kaine has requested that other states join his state in ringing bells at noon eastern time. While no official ceremony is planned in the Cowboy State, Governor Freudenthal's Press Secretary, Cara Eastwood, says the governor does have a special request for this morning: . Also to honor the victims of the shootings in Virginia, flags around the nation shall remain at half staff until Sunday at sunset.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES ITS NEW DIRECTOR - Her name is Janelle Martinsen, she hails from southern California, and she's been named the new Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.  But before you think, “oh, no – not another California transplant,” Janelle is actually coming home. Although a California native, Martinsen lived in Sheridan between 1983 and 1988, and she'd worked at the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce when she was in high school. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Chapman University in Orange, California, and over fifteen years experience in the escrow industry.  Martinsen has just completed four years as escrow operations manager for nine escrow branches in that state. Martinsen replaces outgoing director, Melissa Butcher, who describes how the passing of the baton will go: . Martinsen will officially be a Sheridan resident on May 2nd.  Again, her Chamber Director duties begin Monday, May 7th.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS WEDNESDAY IN THE CASE OF LAPP VS. HOT IRON CONSTRUCTION / McCLELLEN & MacQUEEN - Eight days and twenty witnesses later, the jury heard closing arguments in the civil case of Lapp vs. Hot Iron Construction / McClellen & MacQueen Wednesday in Sheridan's District Court.  Little sleep the night before, as the three lead attorneys prepared their summations, whittling years of depositions and documents down to the critical arguments that each hoped would win the jury over on their clients' behalf. For the plaintiffs, Shelli Lapp and her daughter Kelsee, was Kent Spence, who began by saying that Kelsee herself would not be present for the closing because some statements would be too painful for her to hear.  Spence asked the jury, “How do you tell a true case?  The evidence all lines up.”  He said the defense for both Hot Iron and M & M had used a “shotgun approach, with no true theory, hoping to 'hit something.'” Spence spoke for his alloted time, closing with an outline of the expenses the Lapps have already incurred, and saying that three million dollars was a reasonable amount to ask for, for a future that included more pain and suffering, and therefore, more treatment and medication. It was then Rex Arney's turn, as lead for Hot Iron.  He told the jury this was a case about a construction area, in which the Lapps lived and knew about for months prior to September 24, 2003 when Kelsee fell in the inlet box, having received weekly informational and safety updates, all of which asked that residents keep their children out of the construction zone.   And attorney for the counter-defendant, McClellen & MacQueen, Kathleen Chaney, began her closing with the statement, “It's amazing any of us survived childhood with all the cuts, bruises and accidents we endured, and we never sued anyone.  This case has not had enough responsibility and too much blame.”

A FIVE AND A HALF HOUR DELIBERATION, AND A VERDICT BY END OF BUSINESS DAY WEDNESDAY IN THE CASE OF LAPP VS. HOT IRON CONSTRUCTION / McCLELLEN & MacQUEEN - Closing arguments in Sheridan's District Court ended in the Lapp vs. Hot Iron / McClellen & MacQueen civil case, and then power was handed over to the jury.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with more: .       

SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES ITS NEW DIRECTOR - Her name is Janelle Martinsen, and she hails from southern California.  But before you think, “oh, no – not another California transplant,” Janelle is actually coming home. Although a California native, Martinsen lived in Sheridan between 1983 and 1988, and she'd worked at the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce when she was in high school. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Chapman University in Orange, California, and over fifteen years experience in the escrow industry.  Martinsen has just completed four years as escrow operations manager for nine escrow branches in that state. Martinsen will assume her new duties with Sheridan's Chamber on May 7th, but she will be working with outgoing Chamber Director, Melissa Butcher, and other Chamber members during the interim to ensure a smooth transition. 

DRASTIC RATE INCREASES FOR SAWS WATER WOULD BE NECESSARY TO COVER THE ACTUAL COSTS—BUT WILL THE BOARD GO THAT FAR? -  The Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board held the first of what is looking to be several informational meetings to get public input about rate increases last night at Sheridan College's CTEL. Preliminary figures about potential increases in user fees, usage rates and new tap fees were presented.  However, these increases, while significant, would still not come close to covering the actual cost increases.  SAWS Administrator, Jay Stender: .Stay tuned because there will be more public informational meetings on SAWS rate increases soon.

JEFFREY BARKER, WHO WAS RECENTLY ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF “CONSPIRACY TO DELIVER COCAINE” WILL NOW BE FACING “FORGERY” AND “BURGLARY” CHARGES AS WELL - Jeffrey Barker and Daniel Rojo were arrested this week; both are facing charges of forgery, and Barker is facing an additional burglary charge.  This is also not Barker's only current legal snaggle.  In January, he was arrested on charges of “conspiracy to deliver,” and his current legal troubles might be related to the old ones. Barker and Rojo allegedly worked together to steal a checkbook from Cox fencing.  They then, allegedly, cashed a forged check for just over 16-hundred dollars.  According to Court documents, Barker kept 14-hundred of that money replacing money from his parent's account which he used for a trip to the state of Washington. Barker allegedly previously traveled to Washington to pick up cocaine to bring back to Sheridan. 

HOW ECONOMICAL IS RECYCLING? -  The City of Sheridan is currently looking at expanding local recycling programs. Sheridan Media's Betsy Love has the story: .

A POST-TRIAL HOME-SCHOOL TOUR OF THE COURTHOUSE AWES STUDENTS - Thirty-five home-schooled children from around the county visited the Sheridan District Courtroom, Wednesday, just after lawyers wrapped up their closing arguments in the Lapp vs. Hot Iron and McClellen & MacQueen civil suit.  The jury went into deliberation, and the kids came in.Treating the scene as if it were an actual beginning of session, Court Reporter Bob Neill gave the “all rise” announcement, after first hinting to the kids that the judge would be coming in wearing a big black dress.Judge John Fenn warmly greeted the students and their mothers, indicating that he knew several by name.  He then went on to describe the importance of the court and the judicial system, a point echoed by attorney Kent Spence when he got up to speak to the kids: . Judge Fenn also asked the other attorneys to speak – Spence's colleague, Mary Alice McClarty on the plaintiff's side, and defense attorneys Rex Arney, Misty Godwin, John Fairless, and Kathleen Chaney.And the judge highlighted Bob Neill's court reporting duties, saying that he has the “coolest” job in the court, using a really “cool code machine” that only he can read.  The kids then asked questions, and the judge and attorneys took them on a tour of the old courthouse, including the dome and the old jail.

MAJOR CHANGE TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FUND IS HEADING FOR TESTING - The Workforce Development Training Fund is a program through the Wyoming Department of Workforce services that provides grant money to state businesses to train their employees. Starting July 2nd, the department will be testing a major change to it's application procedures. Currently, the application must be postmarked no less than forty-five calender days prior to the start of training. The four-month test period, the minimum application time will be decreased to thirty days. Program Manager of the Workforce Development Training Fund Mark Hawkins explains why the change: . Joan Evans is the Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services and she says that she's anxious to see how things pan out : . Between July 1st of 2006 and April 1st 2007, the Training Fund helped pay for training for over two thousand Wyoming workers in two hundred and forty three state businesses.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK WITH A SPECIAL EVENT AT THE FULMER PUBLIC LIBRARY TONIGHT - National Library Week continues at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library with the annual Friends of the Library Author Reception tonight. Fulmer Library Program Coordinator Anita Weisheit gives us the details on who'll be the main attraction: . Anita has a few more details about tonight's author reception: . If you haven't gotten your advance tickets, don't worry; you'll be able to purchase them at the door. Once again the Friends of the Library Author Reception is tonight at 7:30 at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library.

DAYTON TOWN COUNCIL HAS 3RD AND FINAL READING ON THEIR BUDGET - Many town's and cities around the state haven't begun to work on their budget, while last night at their meeting Dayton's Council already had their 3rd and final reading for the 2007-2008 budget. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: .    

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

IT WAS THE DEFENSE SIDES' TURN TO CALL WITNESSES IN SHERIDAN'S DISTRICT COURT TUESDAY - Two witnesses.  That's all defendant Hot Iron Construction and counter defendant McClellen and MacQueen chose to question in the civil case brought about by Shelli Lapp and her daughter, Kelsee in Sheridan's District Court. We've been reporting on the trial daily since last week, highlighting testimony for the plaintiffs that Kelsee Lapp, who fell in what they claim to be an uncovered inlet box on Gladstone on the evening of September 24, 2003, has been suffering pain from R.S.D., a nerve condition the plaintiffs' medical experts say Kelsee developed as a result of the fall. The defendants brought in Dr. Tashof (tash-off) Bernton, an M.D. From outside Denver, who testified that Kelsee's symptoms are more closely related to a condition called Muralgia Parasthetica (pair-ih-stet-ih-cuh).  She experiences numbness and has been able to endure physical therapy treatments that a person with R.S.D. would not be able to tolerate.  In Dr. Bernton's opinion, the Muralgia Parasthetica is not a condition that would require a lifetime of therapy and medication; rather, that it is a “manageable nuisance”. The plaintiffs spent their cross examination time focusing on the doctor's credibility, saying he's been paid nearly as much for this testimony than their four medical experts combined, and that his diagnostic tool of a Q-SART test isn't accurate for determining R.S.D.  Plaintiffs also pointed out the Dr. Bernton had been disqualified from testifying in four Colorado trials last year. The second witness for the defense was Stacy Sweeney, a physical therapist formerly with Sheridan Physical Therapy,who worked with Kelsee from December, 2004 to the spring of 2005 during two separate treatment sessions.  Sweeney testified that Kelsee had been making progress with her re-conditioning exercises, and that after a time, she started canceling appointments, and never used a free pass to a fitness center.  From what Stacy learned in researching treatment , a patient with R.S.D. would have hypersensitivity to pain.  Yet, Sweem observed, Kelsee never winced, squirmed or moved during deep massage treatments, and said she felt better the more she would exercise. Plaintiffs pointed out that Sweem was not qualified to assess R.S.D. The defense rested by 2 pm yesterday afternoon.  Both sides presented closing arguments this morning; and the jury is in deliberations at this time.

FORMER FIGHERFIGHTER MARC HARTMAN HAD HIS INITIAL APPEARANCE IN CIRCUIT COURT - Marc Hartman, the former Sheridan Firefighter accused of stealing pain medications from local residents, appeared in Sheridan Circuit Court yesterday afternoon. Hartman allegedly stole Hydrocodone and Oxycodone from at least three Sheridan residents after entering their homes under the guise of checking their fire extinguishers and alarms. Hartman later confessed to these crimes during an investigation.  He was never formally arrested and appeared in court yesterday by summons. The three charges against Hartman are “Attempting to acquire a controlled substance by misrepresentation of fraud.”  These are felony charges and carry a potential punishment of imprisonment for 5 years and a fine of 10,000 dollars.  During Hartman's Court appearance yesterday, Judge Samson placed a 35-hundred unsecured bond on him.  A date has not yet been set for Hartman's next court appearance. 

CORRECTION Sheridan Media inadvertently reported on Tuesday that former Sheridan firefighter Marc Hartman had been arrested prior to his appearance in Sheridan Circuit Court.  He had cooperated with the investigation, and had appeared in court per summons. We regret our error.

PRESCRIBED BURN IN BIG GOOSE CANYON – RESIDENTS TOLD NOT TO WORRY - Residents west of Sheridan may have seen smoke earlier today, but they need not be alarmed. A prescribed burn was scheduled for the Big Goose Canyon area near the city's water intake facility for the purpose of improving habitat improvement for elk and deer. The burn was anticipated to be complete around 1 this afternoon.

FREE CONCERT TOUR WILL MAKE A STOP IN SHERIDAN TOMORROW NIGHT - Aspecial free concert will be held at the Sheridan Junior High School tomorrow night as part of a ten-concert tour around Wyoming. It is made possible in part by the Muriel and Dr. Sy Thickman Family Charitable Foundation of Sheridan. Dr. Thickman tells us just who will be performing: .The Piatigorsky Foundation strives to bring classical music to places where it is not normally available. Cellist Evan Drachman: . Once again the free concert will be tomorrow night at the Sheridan Junior High School at 7 pm.

THE NEW OFFER FROM THE CITY OF SHERIDAN TO THE FIREFIGHTERS' UNION COULD CARRY A HEFTY PRICE TAG - Sheridan City Council voted “yes” on a sweetened deal for the local firefighters Union at this week's Sheridan City Council meeting. The new offer would make the 4.5% pay increases retroactive to the first of the year.  The new offer would make contributions to the firefighters' Health Savings Accounts retroactive, as well. The Union has not indicated whether they will accept this offer at this point.  However, any offer they do accept will likely create inequity among City employees in terms of pay and benefits.  Sheridan City Councilor Marc Ketchum stated at the City Council meeting that if the Union accepts this new offer, he would push for all City employees to get the higher raises the firefighters would receive.  That would cost the city an additional 700-thousand dollars in pay raises, combined with the firefighters' raises. Click here for PDF file of the Negotiations.

THE NEW FIRE DISTRICT WAS DROPPED FROM THE NEST - The newly-formed fire district in Sheridan County was officially dropped from the nest this week.  The County will continue providing funds until the district has accumulated enough money to provide viable fire protection on their own.  However, at this week's Sheridan County Commission meeting, the three commissioners voted to  shift the responsibility of negotiating with the City of Sheridan over interim fire protection contracts to the new Fire District Board.  Chairman Randy Rowland: . The Commissioners will contribute 500-thousand dollars to the new fire district to negotiate with the City for these services.  However, the City has said in recent months the amount previously paid by the County did not even come close to the amount it costs them to provide these services.   Several analyses done by the City show the cost is hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the County pays.  While the County has disagreed with the numbers provided, the City has indicated the cost for providing these services to the County will go up.  So the question is: will 500-thousand be enough?  County Commissioner Terry Cram: .  In other commission news, they also voted to contribute 27-thousand to the City of Sheridan Transportation Study because the study area includes sections of the County.   And they announced that Evelyn Ebzery will leave the Hospital Board in July; applications for the position are now being accepted. It has come to our attention that we inadvertently reported that the County would pay the City 500-thousand dollars to the new fire district.  The actual amount is 300- thousand dollars.  Sheridan Media regrets this error.

ARE SOME ROADS IN SHERIDAN COUNTY DESTINED TO BECOME A “NO-MAN'S LAND”?  - Sheridan City Council voted not to annex three roads the County tried to pass on to them at this week's Council meeting.  In addition, the City drafted a resolution for procedures for accepting contiguous county roads; however, they narrowly decided to table the resolution, allowing the County to throw in their own 2 cents. Commissioner Terry Cram says they received the resolution at the last minute and there are definitely some specifics he'd like to discuss with the City.  In addition he says: . Cram says he is willing to work with the City on finding a compromise for these issues and would be willing, for instance, to share the cost with the City for surveying the roads.  However, he adds: . The “Matt” Commissioner Cram referred to was Sheridan County Attorney Matt Redle. So will it be that some Sheridan County roads become a no-mans-land?  We will find out in coming weeks.

CITY OF SHERIDAN'S BUILDING DEPARTMENT WILL BE SOON BE SPORTIN' THEIR “NEW DIGS” -  The City of Sheridan Building Department will be sportin' it's “new digs” by the end of the week.  Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey: . They've decided in the process to keep the old jail cell intact ... so the pressing question is: who gets the key to the cell? .  Of course, we will all be waiting in anticipation to see who gets the keys. Also important to note – the City Building Department will be closed for business this Thursday and have limited services on Friday to facilitate the move. Video of Sheridan City Hall Gets "New Digs"

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MAKES A “PRO SPRING-CLEANER” VOTE - “Pro-Spring Cleaner” is the message sent during a special Sheridan City Council meeting held late yesterday.  Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey: . Really?  Free? . And residents are also encouraged to help clean up the City, as well: . The Sheridan County Landfill is open to take household refuse at no charge over the next four Saturdays beginning this weekend – that's April 21st, and 28th and May 5th and 12th. Just remember to bring your City utility bill, as that will be necessary for you to drop off your trash at no charge. 

RANCHESTER TOWN COUNCIL GETS WORD THAT POLO GEAR MAY NOT BE RELOCATING TO RANCHESTER AFTER ALL - Ranchester's Town Council met last night and got some bad news regarding Polo Gear and their relocation to Ranchester. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details .    

A BREEZE COULDN'T KEEP THE FLAMES FROM BURNING AT THE ANNUAL CASA CANDLELIGHT VIGIL LAST NIGHT - A small crowd gathered outside CASA's headquarters Tuesday evening for their annual Candlelight Vigil honoring the vicims of child abuse and neglect. New CASA volunteers were sworn in by Judge John Fenn, who arrived after spending the day in District Court.  He took a moment to discuss the CASA volunteers program, talking about their role: . In his opinion, Judge Fenn likens a good CASA volunteer to a good teacher, saying: . Has the judge had much experience working with them? . If you would be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, call 672-0311.

GAME AND FISH OFFICIALS  WERE CALLED IN TO EUTHANIZE A MOUNTAIN LION MONDAY IN BUFFALO - Wyoming Game and Fish officials made a trip to Buffalo Monday to take care of a problem that could have escalated into a serious situation. Game and Fish Information Specialist Warren Mischke describes what happened: . Warren says that officials tried to avoid putting the animal down, but in the end it was the only choice: . Mischke explains what should be done if you happen to come across a mountain lion: . Also, people should contact the Game and Fish department immediately if you spot a lion in a developed area.  One final word of caution – never try handling the situation by yourself.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

FORMER SHERIDAN FIREFIGHTER MARK HARTMAN IN SHERIDAN'S CIRCUIT COURT TODAY Former Sheridan Firefighter Mark Hartman, who was arrested and charged with stealing prescription medicine from the homes of residents while he was still employed by the City, will be in Sheridan's Circuit Court today for his initial appearance.  The proceedings begin at 2.

IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL DAY ON THE WITNESS STAND MONDAY IN THE SHERIDAN DISTRICT COURT CIVIL CASE OF LAPP VS. HOT IRON / McCLELLEN & MacQUEEN - The second week of testimony in Lapp vs. Hot Iron Construction and counter defendants, McClellen & MacQueen found mother Shelli Lapp, daughter Kelsee Lapp, Kelsee's best friend, and Hot Iron owner Gary Garland take the witness stand. Shelli, who had begun her testimony late Friday afternoon, spent all morning on the stand yesterday.  Her attorneys spent time having her recount the scene on the evening of September 24, 2003, when her daughter Kelsee left to cross Gladstone, then under construction, and fell into what the plaintiffs are claiming was an uncovered inlet box.  Shelli also discussed the pain and suffering Kelsee has been enduring from a diagnosis of R.S.D., which affects deep tissue and nerves in Kelsee's right leg. The defense established that Hot Iron had weekly hand-delivered safety warnings and resident updates about the project.  The defense also questioned how Shelli could have allowed her daughter to go out on a dark, torn-up street without a flashlight. After the lunch break, Kelsee's best friend took the stand.  She had been on the phone with Kelsee as Kelsee made her way to the neighbor's.  When asked to recount the night of the fall in the hole, the friend broke down, saying that she was “very scared” because of the silence and then hearing Kelsee screaming for her mother.  She told the plaintiffs' attorneys that since the fall, she's “lost her best friend” because Kelsee became withdrawn and couldn't do any of the activities they'd enjoyed before. The defense noted that the friend, who is now sixteen, had not been so emotional during her deposition two weeks before, answering the same questions.  The friend said that the courtroom made her nervous. Kelsee herself then took the stand and was very composed while recounting the night of her fall and the pain she's been experiencing since then.  She broke down after defense attorney Kathleen Chaney questioned how Kelsee could have sustained injuries to the inside of her arms if the hole had been empty, implying that perhaps she'd broken through something – witnesses had testified earlier in the proceedings that two pieces of plywood were at the bottom of the hole.  Kelsee could not recollect anything other than one minute she was walking and the next she was in a pit of some kind. Hot Iron owner Gary Garland finished the day's testimony.  While acknowledging that his company ultimately had responsibility for the safe environment of the site, he does not feel responsible for the plaintiffs' claims of the R.S.D. or P.T.S.D.  Court ran until just before 6 last night, with the Plaintiffs resting.  Defense called their first witness today.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSED CHILDCARE, RECYCLING AND ROADS AT LAST NIGHT'S MEETING - The hot topic on the agenda at last night's Sheridan City Council meeting was the proposal to create a joint powers board for a child