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	AUGUST 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.

Friday, August 31, 2007

John Bigelow fills the Ward II seat

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL ELECTS REPLACEMENT FOR TOM O'LEARY'S WARD II SEAT - In a specially-called meeting Thursday, Sheridan's City Council met with the candidates who put their name in to fill the Ward II seat made vacant a few weeks ago by Tom O'Leary, who stepped down when he took a Public Works job with the City.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has news of their choice: .  

COMMUNITY COLLEGES SEEK BUILDING DOLLARS - The Wyoming Community College Commission is asking the Legislature for about $63 million to help fund a variety of construction projects.  The requested money would pay for much-needed student housing on three campuses, and would also allow construction of several new facilities for work force training and energy development technical programs.Earlier this week we reported that at the combined Sheridan County School District 2 / Sheridan College Board dinner, college president Kevin Drumm said that they have hopes to build a 150-bed residence hall.  The proposed projects discussed at the Community College Commission meeting in Rock Springs included the hall Dr. Drumm mentioned, as well as residence halls for Gillette College and Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs.Other projects they would like to propose to the Legislature are new work force training facilities at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Casper College and at Central Wyoming College in Riverton.If the money is approved by lawmakers, the colleges will be required to match the state's capital construction appropriation.

PARENTS BE WARNED – A CANDY-LIKE SUBSTANCE IS ANYTHING BUT  - Parents beware, and teachers, too, there's a new illegal drug on the streets, and it's targeted at children. A new form of Crystallized Methamphetamine has been discovered in other parts of the United States in the past 8 months. The street name, “Strawberry Quick” is the latest in a new form of illegal meth, with a very tempting appearance. Detective Sergeant Tom Ringley of the Sheridan Police Department tells more about this dangerous substance: . Meth makers have been known to add flavoring and colors to the substance to make it appeal to minors. The most popular is Strawberry, although flavors and colors could include coca-cola, cherry, orange, and chocolate. The appearance of the latest street drug is a substance that looks similar to that of a Pop Rocks, a children's confection which fizzles in the mouth. Detective Ringley gives parents advice on what to do if they suspect “Strawberry Meth”: . The “Strawberry Quick” form of Methamphetamine has also been known to be passed off as a powdered form of energy drink. Again, while “Strawberry Meth” or “Strawberry Quick” has not made a known appearance in Sheridan, parents and teachers are urged to remind children and their peers not to accept candy from strangers or friends, thinking that a substance is just candy.

HAVE YOU STARTED A GOOD SAVINGS PLAN FOR YOUR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENT? - With K through 12 classes having begun, and Sheridan College about to go into session next week, were you aware that September is National College Savings Month?  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with more: .    For more information, visit http://www.360financialliteracy.org/Life+Stages/College/

WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ON WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WITH A LOOK AT SOME MONEY THAT'S AVAILABLE TO A LARGE NUMBER OF WYOMING RESIDENTS - One would think that this time of year there's not much going on with the Internal Revenue Service, but that's not the case, as we continue our series taking a look at what the IRS is up to these days. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more: . For more information, visit www.irs.gov .

ENROLLMENT NUMBERS ARE UP FROM A YEAR AGO AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING - Preliminary figures show that enrollment numbers at the University of Wyoming are up 2.8 percent from a year ago at this same time. UW Spokesman Jim Kearns gives us the rundown: . Kearns said that the enrollment on the first day of classes Monday was 11,787 students, which was an increase of 376 students when compared with last year's first day enrollment totals. The formal enrollment total for the fall semester will be announced after the 15th day of the semester.

WYO THEATER ANNOUNCES ITS 2007-2008 SEASON  - It's time once again to announce the new season at the WYO Theater, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has some of the highlights: .  For more information, visit www.wyotheater.com or call the WYO Box Office:  (307)672-9084.

SHERIDAN COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM TO TAKE PART IN STATE-WIDE “BIG READ” -  It's time for this year's Wyoming Big Read, and it's coming to the Sheridan Fulmer Public Library after Labor Day.  Anita Weisheit, Program Coordinator at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, explains what the “Big Read” is all about: . Author Willa Cather's 1918 novel, “My Antonia” commemorates the spirit and courage of early western pioneers. Cather also authored a Pulitzer Prize-winning play called “One of Ours”. Weisheit explains how you can get a free copy of this year's “Big Read” novel more: . Other Fulmer branch “Big Read” activities include a book reception on October 2nd, and a book discussion to be held on October 30th. There will also be a Living History Portrayal of Willa Cather performed by Cheyenne resident Lynne Swanson, set for mid-October.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

FREE UW FOOTBALL TICKETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE- The Wyoming Veterans Commission is pleased to announce that more than 1,070 free University of Wyoming football tickets were distributed.  The Commission offices, Department of Wyoming Workforce Services, and the University of Wyoming continue to receive calls for these free tickets, unfortunately, no more free tickets are available.  Thank you to the University of Wyoming Athletic Department for supporting Wyoming Veterans.

CITY COUNCIL HOSTS WORK SESSION THAT FOCUSED ON A REVISED WATER POLICY FOR PROVIDING WATER AND SEWER SERVICE OUTSIDE OF CITY LIMITS - Sheridan City Hall Council Chambers was the site last night of a work session that involved local developers, county commissioners, members of SAWS and of course Sheridan's City Council. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: . 

BLACK HILLS CORPORATION REP. BRINGS INFORMATION TO COUNTY COMMISSION - Sheridan County Commissioners met with a Black Hills Corporation siting  coordinator on Wednesday to discuss the local impact of a third power plant that is to be built at the Neil Simpson Energy Complex in Campbell County. Rick Kaysen of the Black Hills Corporation talks about the need for yet another coal-fired power plant on the site: . Black Hills Corporation plans to construct a third coal-fired power plant, known as WY-GEN III next to the other two existing WY-GEN power plants about 5 miles east of Gillette. The new plant will be an air-cooled plant featuring the latest technology, with the lowest possible emissions. Kaysen elaborates on the project: . Advantages of the existing site were presented at the informational meeting, chief among them being that much of the existing infrastructure is to be used for the the WY-GEN III project.  This means that existing roads, power control centers, and the coal source are all nearby, a system known as “mine mouth” within the power industry. Sheridan County commissioners discussed concerns that the 250 peak-time construction workers may possibly use the Sheridan area for lodging during construction, as well as for recreation purposes, possibly creating a strain on local resources. If approved, WY-GEN III is set to come on-line in December 2010.

MEET KATE FETTERLY - On August 22nd, Sheridan Media welcomed a new reporter, Kate Fetterly to the news department.  Sheridan Media News Director Mary Jo Johnson introduces her to you: .

IRS WANTS THE PUBLIC TO KNOW OF AN E-MAIL SCAM THAT IS IN CIRCULATION - The majority of people in our society work long and hard hours to make a living, but then there's the small yet ever-growing percentage that make their living by scamming people, sometimes out of their life savings. The IRS has issued a consumer alert regarding an e-mail scam that is cleverly disguised as an actual notification from the IRS. Media Relations Specialist with the IRS, Jean Carl, gives the details on the latest scam: . Carl points out that the scamsters are quite persistent and don't always leave you alone right away: . Jean says that there have been many scams over the years that use the IRS logo and that the scamsters are starting to be more ingenious: . Carl said that if you have or do receive a questionable e-mail that appears to come from the IRS, you should not open any attachments or click on any links contained in the e-mail; instead the e-mail should be immediately forwarded to a special e-mail address that the IRS has set up to try and track those behind the scam. For more information, email phishing@irs.gov  . .

DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN ASSOCIATION DECLARES FIRST-EVER POLO FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS - A couple weeks ago, the Downtown Sheridan Association hosted a fundraiser at the Flying H polo club – High Goal polo to raise money for the Goose Creek project.DSA director, Roger Bent, tells us how it went: . The DSA is pursuing a long-term stream enhancement through Kendrick Park as one of its goals, and Roger says that of the over 15K they took in, 14 thousand was raised in a very unique way: . Over a thousand people attended, with 270 cars paying 10 bucks a carload, helping to defray the expenses of putting the event together. The fundraising for the Goose Creek project doesn't stop on the polo field, though.  Would you like to sponsor a rock? . Roger says that they are hoping to start the revitalization of Goose Creek – boulders and all – by the fall of next year, if all goes well in securing all the necessary permits and funding. The Large boulder sponsorship - $100; small boulder - $50. Make checks payable to: Downtown Sheridan Association, Stream Project / Boulders for Sale, PO Box 13 / 39 North Scott Street, Sheridan, WY  82801. Contact  Roger Bent – (307) 672-8881 or (307) 751-0708

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE ADVISES CAUTION FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY FOLLOWING RECENT WILDFIRES  - Just as the smoke has settled following the Little Goose Creek Fire, we find ourselves upon the third largest grilling holiday and one of the more prominent fireworks holidays of the year -- Labor Day weekend.  According to Eric Comstock, an Engine Foreman from the Burgess Junction Forest Ranger Station, there is still a risk of fire danger:   . With that in mind, the United States Forest Service reminds about what we can and cannot do on our upcoming holiday adventures:   . Comstock added that the Forest Service appreciates all the patience and cooperation from the community over the last couple of weeks  while forest fires have burned and continue to do so. The fire danger forecast through the weekend remains high to very high.   Although there are no fire restrictions, the United States Forest Service urges caution for this Labor Day weekend holiday.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

CITY OF SHERIDAN IS OFFICIALLY TAKING INITIAL STEPS IN FORMING A CITY ADMINISTRATION POSITION - The word came down this afternoon when Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey paid an impromptu visit to to Sheridan Media with an announcement that is sure to alter the city's governmental procedure for years to come: . The Mayor explains just how the process will work once the city has an administrator: . Don't expect the City Administrator position to be filled overnight, Council will first have to approve the ordinance creating the position on three readings: . Kinskey said that in addition to the three readings on the ordinance that will take place at the regular City Council meetings, there'll be at least two work sessions on the matter upcoming in September. Click here for City Administrator FAQ PDF file
Click here for Administrator Ordinance PDF file.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR THE 2007 “TASTE OF HOME” COOKING SCHOOL - The “Taste of Home” Cooking School is coming to Sheridan in less than a month. Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited. The culinary display will be held in a new location, this year at the Sheridan Junior High School Early Auditorium. Sheridan Media's Margo Heck gives some background about the “Taste of Home” Cooking School: . “Taste of Home” is one of the top 25 most-subscribed-to magazines in the United States. The magazine has a reputation for it's quick,  easy and nutritious recipes, with ideas that are more substantial than  “out of the box” meals.  Show attendants will receive a goodie bag, have the opportunity to purchase items from local merchants, and a chance to win door prizes plus one large grand prize. Heck reminds us that it's not just any cooking show: . “Taste of Home” Cooking School is to be held on Thursday, September 27th; doors open at 5 pm., with local merchant displays until show time at 7 pm. Tickets cost ten dollars, and will sell out fast. You can get your tickets from the Sheridan Commercial Company, Warehouse Market in Sheridan, or by calling us at Sheridan Media - 672-7421.  Click here for more information.

WYOMING FARM, RANCH AND AGRIBUSINESS DIRECTORIES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL - The fourth edition of the Wyoming Farm, Ranch and Agribusiness Directory is available through the Wyoming Business Council.  Available in both print and online formats, the directory lists over 450 Wyoming farms, ranches, producers and other resources.   Wyoming Business Council Agribusiness Division Director, Cindy Garretson-Weibel (why-bull), says the book is used extensively:   This is the fourth edition of the book, with nearly 10-thousand copies of the third edition having been distributed in Wyoming, as well as out-of-state during trade shows and conferences.  It's broken down into nine categories, including forage/pasture, livestock and agribusiness services, and there is a detailed search function available to make the online site more user-friendly. Wyoming producers or agribusiness companies can be listed any time in the online version by registering at:  www.wyomingbusiness.org/ag/ag_directory.aspx  . Or call Terri Barr at (307) 777-2807 or email terri.barr@wybusiness.org .

SAWS WORKSHOP – LOOKING AT REVENUE TOPICS - The Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board, or SAWS, held a board workshop on  Tuesday evening to discuss revenue issues and rule changes. Adminstrator Jay Stender summarized concerns raised at the workshop, beginning with water taps that the Board may be losing revenue on: . Stender emphasized that SAWS Board workshops are not decision-making meetings, but merely a means for board members to get a progress report from the administrator about issues within the SAWS area. The Joint Powers Board will hold their next meeting on September 17th  at which time they will entertain questions in regard to a possible rate increase for SAWS customers. There are currently about fifteen hundred people linked up to the rural water system in rural Sheridan County.

BONE CREEK FIRE REMAINS STEADY AT ACREAGE CONSUMED – NOW AT 60 PERCENT CONTAINMENT - Holding at 4-thousand acres for the past week or so, the Bone Creek Fire continues to burn northwest of Shell Canyon.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has an update: .  
   
BIO-TERRORISM COURSE TO BE HELD AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE - Sheridan Community College Biology Professor, Amy Erickson, is teaching a Bio-Terrorism Education course in September. The course will cover how to be better prepared in case of a Bio-Terrorism attack. Dr. Erickson explains who she would like to see attend the course:   . Employers of first responders are encouraged to send their employees  to teach them how to be better prepared for a potential attack, although the class is open to the public. Dr. Erickson tells us what sort of things will be covered in the course:   . The four-week Bio-Terrorism Course begins Friday, September 14th and runs through October 6th. It will be held on Fridays from 3 to 6 pm and continues on Saturdays from 8:30 to 4. Students taking the course are eligible to receive 3 elective credit hours at Sheridan College upon completion.  Fifteen scholarships for the program are available on a first come, first served basis. They are offered through a grant from Wyoming's Office of Homeland Security. You can contact the Sheridan College registrar's office for more information on how to sign up for Dr. Erickson's Course on Bio-Terrorism Preparedness at (307) 674-6446 or visit www.sheridan.edu .
                              
ANONYMOUS DONATION TO VENTURE WEST WILL ALLOW ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AROUND WYOMING - Venture West is an organization that specializes in the development of entrepreneurship throughout Wyoming, by providing networking and educational opportunities that make it easier for business-minded dreamers to thrive. An anonymous twenty-thousand dollar gift will be used for a program that will be aimed at high school students. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: .

LABARGE CREEK STOCKED WITH CUTTHROAT TROUT - As part of an eight year effort to return the species to its native range, Wyoming Game and Fish officials have stocked over nine thousand Colorado River Cutthroat Trout in the LaBarge Creek area in the southwest part of the state. The fish had been more or less eradicated in LaBarge Creek over the years by brook trout and other trout species. The project is part of a number of efforts the Game and Fish is doing to try and boost Cutthroat numbers in the area, but as Game and Fish Pinedale Fisheries Supervisor Hilda Sexhauer explains, the project has another goal as well: . The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ruled in June that the Cutthroat did not warrant being listed as endangered or threatened, thus making it possible for the Game and Fish to once again start stocking them around the state.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

SHERIDAN COLLEGE AND DISTRICT 2 BOARDS MEET FOR ANNUAL “NEW SCHOOL YEAR” DINNER - As has been their custom for several years now, trustees from Sheridan County School District 2 and the Northern Wyoming Community College board met last night for their “state of the two entities” dinner going into the new school year.Held this time in the District 2 administration board room, and enjoying a Killy's Smokehouse meal of ribs and all the fixings, representatives from each discussed many topics, including the concurrent and dual enrollment update.  Mark Englert is the Dean of Students with Sheridan College, and he says the numbers have been increasing:. Englert explains the difference between Concurrent and Dual enrollment:. Among other items discussed – an update on the Joint Powers Board between the City of Sheridan, District 2 and Sheridan College on developing the Community Childcare Center – membership is full, with officers in place; housing needs at Sheridan College, with President Kevin Drumm saying they hope to build a new 150-bed facility, the timing of which depends upon financing from the state; and the Hathaway Scholarship – the number of Sheridan County high school students attending Sheridan College from year one to year two of the Hathaway availability increased from 19 to 40, with a total of 118-thousand dollars in scholarship money handed out.

I-COW MAKES A BIG SHOW IN A BIG TENT AT THE BIG FAIR - They are a group of people who started up about six months ago, with a goal to keep independent cattle ranchers and farmers of Wyoming and their industries around for future generations.Called I-COW, or Independent Cattlemen of Wyoming, spokesperson Judy McCullough, a Moorcroft rancher, talks about one of the issues the group is battling with the federal government:. Even though the cattle industry has been tackling these topics, as well country of origin labeling, she discusses what is still good about the industry: . Recently, I-COW joined R-CALF to host a big tent at the Wyoming State Fair, and Judy says that was a great success, thanks to a roster of speakers that spanned several days, including Senator Enzi's assistant: . McCollough says that I-COW is non-partisan on the political front, and are not represented by the meat packers in the country. To learn more about I-COW, call Judy McCullough, 307-756-3249, or John Vanvig, 307-672-5809

SHERIDAN SEES AN INCREASE IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY THROUGH THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM OFFICE.  - The city of Sheridan continues to receive a lot of attention through national and international publications via local and state Travel and Tourism Offices. Numerous articles in magazines internationally, and two excerpts in books within the United States, have recently been published with the help of Penny Becker, Executive Director at the Sheridan Travel and Tourism office. Three writers from an Italian magazine, which has a 160-thousand readership base, visited Sheridan this past weekend. That publication is planning a 10- to 12-page article that features Wyoming and South Dakota. Becker tells about her hopes for the article: . Two representatives from “German Speaking Investors, Residents and  Tourists in Europe” are to visit Sheridan early next month. The magazine has a nearly 1-million readership base.  The reps plan to visit for two days, and will follow Becker's itinerary. Becker tells us about the experience that international visitors have in Sheridan: . And if that weren't enough, Sheridan was one of only three Wyoming towns to receive recognition in a new book called  The 101 Best Outdoor Towns, along with Saratoga and Cody. Nicknamed “The West at it's Best,” by Sheridan's Travel and Tourism Office, Sheridan was also featured in the book The 1,000 Best Places To Retire. Next Spring, Becker plans to host more dignitaries following an international tourism conference to be held in either Wyoming or one of three neighboring states.

STUDENTS EXPERIENCE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - A bright sunny day greeted the kids Monday as they headed back to school.  After school, the parking lot at Sheridan Jr. High School was filled with parents obediently parking in the appropriate places – you may remember that the parent drop-off and bus loop were changed mid-year last year.Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson ran into siblings Maddy and Tommy Clift at the Jr. High lobby.  Maddy is in 7th grade, and Tom is a 3rd grader at Meadowlark, there to pick up big sister after school.  Were they ready to go back to school? . Something new for the end of school day schedule – because buses didn't have enough time between picking up elementary kids and the Jr. High students, ten minutes has been added on to the Jr. High schedule, with the last bell ringing at 3:30.  It can't be all bad, though – the extra ten minutes were tacked on, five minutes each to the two lunch periods.

LOW INSURANCE PAYOUTS BECOMING AN UNNATURAL DISASTER FOR WYOMINGITES - More and more state residents struck by disasters are being forced to pick the lesser of two evils; take a low payment from the insurance company, or drag the process out through a lengthy and costly court battle. Matt Weed, a carpenter from Cody, was the victim of a house fire caused by lightning and he says his insurance company is offering only sixty percent of what his policy covers.  He plans to sue: . The state has a law in place that prevents insurance tactics like this, but only if a lawyer can prove the same company has done it numerous times. State Senator Hank Coe from Cody proposed a bill that would have made it illegal for an insurance company to do it just once.  The bill failed: . Coe said that over the past ten years, insurance companies nationwide are paying out less, yet their profits continue to skyrocket.  He added that something needs to be done about it.

An antiquated version of the UW football helmet rests in the grass. The bucking horse and rider symbol wasn't added to the helmets until the mid-1960s, although the school has used the symbol for decades.

THE BUCKING HORSE AND RIDER IS SYNONOMOUS WITH WYOMING BUT HOW DID IT FIND IT'S WAY TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING? - The official launch of the Wyoming Quarter fearing the bucking horse and rider is a little over two weeks away, and today we find out how the famous symbol ended up on the helmet of our university's football team. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: . 

Monday, August 27, 2007

SERVICES HELD THIS MORNING FOR PATTY LARSON, THE SECOND SHERIDAN VICTIM OF LAST WEEK'S CIVIL AIR PATROL PLANE CRASH - Patty Larson, one of three killed in the Civil Air Patrol plane that went down August 20th, was memorialized at a service at Trinity Lutheran Church earlier today.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more: .

SERVICES HELD THIS MORNING FOR PATTY LARSON, THE SECOND SHERIDAN VICTIM OF LAST WEEK'S CIVIL AIR PATROL PLANE CRASH - Memorial services for Patricia Ann Larson, 52, of Sheridan will be 11 this morning at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Phillip Wold officiating. Inurnment of cremains will be in Wisconsin.   Mrs. Larson died Aug. 20, 2007, in a plane crash in the Big Horn Mountains, while on a search and rescue mission with the Civil Air Patrol.Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT THE RELEASE OF VICTIM'S NAMES TO THE PUBLIC - In the aftermath of the plane crash that happened during the search of a missing 16-year-old boy in the Big Horns, we think about the loss of the three Civil Air Patrol aircrew members. Their names were not published by Sheridan Media until CAP Public Affairs Officer Jeanne Stone-Hunter released them on Tuesday night. However, this is not always the case. Occasions have occurred when family members of the victims find out about a loved one's death through their local news source.  This brings up the question:  Should the media divulge information about deaths before the deaths have been absolutely confirmed by officials, and before the families have been notified? . Let us know what you think.  Answer the poll question, and feel free to leave comments in our forum.  Then be sure to listen for the results on Open Line Friday, in the 9 o'clock hour on News-Talk 930 KROE.

VOA PIONEERS BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION PROGRAM WITH SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 - About to begin its second school year assisting Sheridan County School District 2, the Volunteers of America will be holding their alternative to school suspension called Accountability Change Education.Formerly, housed in the Milestone Youth Home, which wasn't the ideal setting, this year - they've moved into three rooms in the old Highland Park School, says Craig Fisgus, Director of Youth Services for the VOA: .Fisgus says they now have room for up to sixteen Jr. and Sr. High kids, and up to eight elementary kids.  The latter will be kept separate from the former, and Jr. and Sr. high will be together.Coordinator for the program, Tania Harper, walks us through the process of how a student would come to be there: . Elementary students will be bused by the school district.Fisgus says that numbers throughout the last school year were pretty steady, with an average of seven students per day, with the exception of those times when they were having to take PAWS tests.While it may be startling knowing there are elementary students involved in suspension programs, it really is for the benefit of their future welfare: . The Accountability Change Education program will allow those that need it to improve their behavior, and the other students in the district to concentrate on their learning.

"GIRL- POWER” PRESENT AT ELKS YOUTH RODEO OVER THE WEEKEND IN SHERIDAN - Fun, excitement, and a lot of hard work combined this past weekend to make this year's Elks Youth Rodeo an enjoyable time at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. While many talented boys took home belt buckles, it was “Girl Power” for the high – end prizes. This year, 16-year-old Kaycee Nelson achieved a personal goal after many years of trying. She explains her success: .Nelson's horse, “Tough Enough To Smoke It”, or “Tough” for short,  helped her win 5 events this weekend. Her prize? A brand new Ford Truck, and a trailer for “Tough”. Other evidence of “Girl Power” was found among the Segelke  sisters. 13-year-old Paxton was the Intermediate Runner Up Reserve All Around, she took home a 15-hundred-dollar scholarship and has high hopes for her future in the rodeo arena: . To follow in her sisters' footsteps, Quincy Segelke won Best All Around in the Junior Category. She left the Rodeo loaded with a belt buckle, a brand new saddle, and a $1,000 Scholarship. What's the secret to her success? .From the top on down, literally, 6-year-old Sydney Fuerst of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, walked away with four trophies to commemorate her Pee-Wee All Around status at Sunday's prize hand-out. She tells about her experience: .Thanks to the sponsors of the Elks Youth Rodeo; Sydney and the other winners will have the opportunity to continue to participate in the rodeo arena, as well as seek higher education with the aid of scholarships. Click here for Elks Youth Rodeo Winners PDF file.

YELLOWSTONE PROPOSALS ELIGIBLE FOR CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE MATCHING FUNDS - Several key projects at Yellowstone National Park are now eligible for matching funds in 2008 under the proposed National Park Service Centennial Challenge. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: .      

TODAY IS BACK TO SCHOOL FOR SHERIDAN COUNTY STUDENTS - The binders and book bags have been flying off the shelves at local stores, and new clothes will be adorning Sheridan County kids today, as the first bell rings for the 2007-2008 school year.Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly came across some kids at Story Days on Saturday and asked this question: . The summer has flown by; yet, one week from today, the kids will have their first holiday when they get Labor Day off.

SHS MUSIC TEACHER TO HOLD SPECIAL CHORAL PROGRAM AUDITIONS - It's the first day of school in Sheridan County, and Sheridan High School's choir teacher, Ashley Lecholat, will hold auditions this afternoon and tomorrow morning for new inbound SHS students. Lecholat  talks about the audition process: . Auditions are to be held today in the choir room after school gets out at 3:45, and then again tomorrow morning at 7:30 for students who are unable to attend today's tryouts. Lecholat gave a preview of the upcoming choral programs for the fall through Christmas: . The music department is also warming up for winter and spring shows, including a state-wide event: . Other choir events to follow include the musical in March, and a Pops Concert in May to pay tribute to High School Seniors. Lecholat, a 1993 SHS graduate, has taught for 7 years; this is her second year teaching at her alma mater.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

CHAPLAIN DISCUSSES DEALING WITH TRAGEDY AND LOSS- It's been a traumatic two weeks for Sheridan County residents, with one stressful and tragic event following another.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson discusses a chaplain's role during such times: . Starting with the fires in the Big Horns, and culminating with the Civil Air Patrol plane crash that took the lives of three dedicated crew last Monday, our community has been hit hard.  The same day the plane crashed in the Big Horns, 14 American troops were killed when their helicopter went down in Iraq. Randy Sawyer, who is a chaplain with the Wyoming National Guard 2-300th Field Artillery, and who pastors a church in Sheridan, stepped in to handle the difficult task of casualty notifications after the local crash, because the Civil Air Patrol chaplain was on vacation.  I asked Sawyer that whether it's a civilian crash or the loss of the troops, what his role is as chaplain: . The “Patty” to whom he refers is Patty Larson, one of the three killed in the crash, and whose memorial service will be held tomorrow. With the heavy burdens pastors like Randy Sawyer carry when helping people through painful times, they, too, need uplifting.  To whom does Randy turn?: . Yet in that isolation, we manage to find one another, to bear one another's burdens, and to reach out so that we, as a community, can heal.

BLM “SEEDS OF SUCCESS” PROGRAM AIMED AT IMPROVING HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF PUBLIC LANDS- This story couldn't be more timely in our area, as those whose houses are now within feet of the Little Goose fire line mourn the loss of the green, tree-filled mountainside.  In its ongoing efforts to improve lands, including those recently affected by wildfire, the Bureau of Land Management has initiated a native seed collection effort that is part of an inter-agency “Seeds of Success”, or S-O-S, program.  Numbering thirty-five teams nationwide, the BLM and many partners carry out the SOS initiative, which is the core of a National Native Plant Materials Development Program.  SOS provides seeds from many species of plants to growers, researchers, and administrators of seeds in the United States. Collecting partners include the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Center for Plant Conservation, along with others.  In the midst of an intense wildfire season in the west, this partnership enhances the BLM's ability to protect and rehabilitate the public lands under its management, and field offices will have greater capability to re-establish native species when restoring the land, like the hillsides along Red Grade Road. “Seeds of Success” gathers between 400 and 600 wildland seed collections annually for both long-term conservation and immediate restoration needs. More information about “Seeds for Success”  is available at http://www.nps.gov/plants/sos.

COLD SNAP MAY SEND DOVES SOUTH, BUT NOT H.I.P. PERMIT- While cool, moist weather typically pushes many Wyoming doves south early in the season, it doesn't send a dove hunter's responsibility to get the Harvest Information Permit, or HIP, with it. Game and Fish officers report that the HIP, a permanent federal requirement for all licensed migratory bird hunters since 1998 – including lifetime and Pioneer license holders – is often overlooked by dove hunters.  Although the permit is federal, one is needed for each state in which a hunter is licensed to hunt migratory birds. In our state, the permit is free at the agency's website, or it costs 50-cents at license agents and Game and Fish offices.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses the information from the HIP application to better target respondents for their harvest surveys.  Officials say that statistics suggest many Wyoming lifetime game bird license holders believe their lifetime license includes a lifetime HIP, but they would be incorrect.  The HIP permit is required annually for each licensed migratory bird hunter, no matter what type of license is held. Wyoming's Mourning Dove season funs September 1st through October 30th, with a daily limit of fifteen and thirty in possession. For more information, visit http://gf.state.wy.us.

7TH IN A SERIES – HISTORIANS, EXPERTS TOO PART IN CHOOSING QUARTER DESIGN- When the Wyoming Quarter arrives in just a few short days, it will bear a simple, elegant design with our most recognizable symbol – the bucking horse and rider.  In 2004, Governor Dave Freudenthal appointed 13 Wyoming historians and other experts to the Wyoming Coinage Advisory Committee, which met for the first time in January 2005. For the next three months, the group accepted narrative design submissions from the Wyoming public, gathering some 3,200 responses: . That's Milward Simpson, Director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. He says the U.S. Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the designs, as did the U.S. Mint.  The Secretary of the Treasury approved several designs, and the governor got to make the final choice. Four of the final five designs included variations of the bucking bronc and rider, some with backgrounds that included mountain ranges and fences.  The fifth design depicted Old Faithful. Governor Freudenthal chose a clean design of the bronc and rider because when shrunk to fit on the quarter, small details can become difficult to distinguish. Between 500 million and 550 million Wyoming quarter sill be produced at the U.S. Mints in Denver and Philadelphia.  They will be launched in an official ceremony at 10 am on September 14th at the Cheyenne Civic Center.

LOCAL VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD- The Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, post #1560, and the Ladies Auxiliary of Sheridan were selected by the VFW State Headquarters in Cheyenne to receive the VFW National Outstanding Community Service Post Award at the organization's National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri on August 20th, during a reception sponsored by Wal-Mart stores, Inc. Criteria to receive the award are set at the state level for, and this year, 71 VFW posts received the national award, with at least one Post being recognized from each state.  Sheridan will also receive a reflective street sign to display. The Veterans of Foreign Wars assists veterans and their families to obtain veterans' entitlements and other services.  In addition, the organization works for the well-being of those serving on active duty, in the National Guard and the Reserves.  The VFW was founded in 1899.  There are 2.4 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries, with nearly 8,500 Posts worldwide.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL STORY DAYS THIS YEAR- Another successful celebration for the 2007 Story Days this year, with smiling faces, entertaining contests, and a great time for the kids. This year's events included the traditional Main Street parade, hot air balloon rides, mutton busting competition, and a duck race. Dorothie Wenckus, Story Parade's Grand Marshall, told us about what she enjoyed as the parade began: . Other parade participants included two pageant contest winners, the first,  pre-teen Miss Story, Shana Nicole Griffin, who told us her favorite part of the whole event was seeing people smile and having fun. The other Pageant Winner introduced herself to us and said told us what she was looking forward to as the celebration continued: . In keeping with traditional animal contests, the 2007 Story Days Committee introduced the first annual chicken flying contest. In the pursuit of prize money, players sat atop a ladder, while a rooster was placed in the mailbox which was attached to the utility pole next to them, then, in an effort to make a chicken “fly”, the contest used a toilet plunger to extract the chicken and make it fly. 9 year old Sierra Suits was this year's winner and she took home 80 bucks. She answers a few questions and describes her extraction technique: . No chickens were harmed in the extraction from the mailbox Video of Mutton Busting and Chicken Flying at Story Days 08/26/07. Mutton Busting courtesy of Bill Wagner
Video of Story Days Parade

Saturday, August 25, 2007

JIM MEYERS REMEMBERED AT MOVING SERVICE AT SHERIDAN'S AIRPORT - A great sense of humor.  A generous heart.  An adventurous spirit.  These were just some of the phrases used to describe Jim Meyer, one of three Civil Air Patrol crew who died when their plane crashed Monday afternoon on a Search and Rescue mission in the Big Horns, and who was memorialized in a service this morning. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with the story: .     

BUFFALO MAN KILLED IN VEHICLE CRASH - 21-year-old Brandon Morris of Buffalo died Thursday at the junction of Cook and Tipperary Roads in Johnson County. A report from the Wyoming Highway Patrol office in Cheyenne states that Morris was southbound on Cook Road when his 1977 GMC pickup drifted off the right side of the road.  He then over-corrected his steering to the left, which brought his truck back up onto the roadway.  The vehicle then went into a broadside slide, and went off the roadway's right side, hitting an embankment. After impact with the hill, the truck became airborne and then rolled one complete time after touching down.  During the rollover, Morris, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. Speed, alcohol and drug use are being investigated as contributing factors to this crash.

WE FOUND THEM!  A MAN AND HIS MULE...- Thanks to the call-in tips from some Sheridan Media listeners, we found the “Guy on a Mule.”  Sheridan Media's new reporter, Kate Fetterly, tracked him down Friday night on U.S. Highway 14, two miles west of Ucross: .

STORY DAYS CONTINUES WITH A FULL ROSTER OF ACTIVITIES TODAY - There are plenty of events going on this morning for day two of Story Days, including the fireman's breakfast, two foot races, a flea market, silent auction and free hot air balloon rides. At ten there will be a parade, followed by live music and food ,plus lots for the kids with Fun On the Go and the Smarty Bus. Vice President of the Story Days Committee, Carina Wenckus, tells us about a new event that has been added this year ... The Chicken Flying Contest that will begin at 2 this afternoon: . And for those who have never experienced Story Days, Wenckus says it's something that everyone should take in even if for a little while: . Activities are planned throughout the afternoon and there is sure to be lot going on well into the night with live music and food drink.  You'll certainly be “Knee Deep in History” at this year's Story Days.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK HAS LIFTED FIRE RESTRICTIONS - Yellowstone National Park officials made a big announcement last night at 6 pm that is sure to be good news for park visitors. Park Spokesman Al Nash: . Nash points out that visitors still need to follow rules and regulations in regards to open fires, but that the lifting of the fire restrictions restores a sense of normalcy back to Yellowstone: . Nash did say that fire restrictions could once again be put into effect if the weather heats up, thus increasing fire danger.

2006 HARVEST REPORT AVAILABLE ONLINE AND FOR PURCHASE - Hunters still contemplating where to use their general elk or deer license, or who may be curious about last year's success in their limited quota area for any big game species, are encouraged to consult the 2006 Annual Report of Big and Trophy Game Harvest now available on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website. In addition to harvest success, the report lists the total harvest and the average number of days to harvest an animal.  The statistics can be found under “Harvest Reports” under the “Hunting” page. The 2006 harvest report book can also be purchased from the department for $18 through the website.  The survey was conducted under contract by PA Consulting, and is a statistically accurate report, thanks to assistance of hunters across the country.  The number of hunters responding by Internet is increasing every year, and was up to 30 percent for the survey. Harvest surveys will be mailed in November; Wyoming typically leads the Rocky Mountain region in elk and antelope harvest success. http://gf.state.wy.us or (800) LIV-WILD /(800)548-9453

Friday, August 24, 2007

JIM MEYERS REMEMBERED AT MOVING SERVICE AT SHERIDAN'S AIRPORT - A great sense of humor.  A generous heart.  An adventurous spirit.  These were just some of the phrases used to describe Jim Meyer, one of three Civil Air Patrol crew who died when their plane crashed Monday afternoon on a Search and Rescue mission in the Big Horns, and who was memorialized in a service this morning.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with the story: .         

CITY OF SHERIDAN INTERNATIONAL CODE BOARD OF APPEALS REPORT - The City of Sheridan International Code Board of Appeals met Thursday evening to hear a fire code appeal from Sheridan resident Marcus Schoenfelder.  Fire Marshall Brian Songer explains to us what the board does: . Schoenfelder proposed to build a private drive to his residence located west of I-90, off Fifth Street near the old blue water tower within the city limits. Schoenfelder appealed to the board based on International Building and Fire Codes under a city statute, which allows a maximum 8 percent grade in the city limits. The code was established for safe operation of emergency vehicles and other city equipment. The Board of Appeals reinforced the code restriction during Thursday's meeting.    According to Fire Chief Reitz, who served as the Board's secretary, the City of Sheridan code enforcement staff work very hard to make sure that most building and fire code issues are not brought to appeal:   .According to Fire Marshall Songer, Mr. Schoenfelder has the option to appeal to the State Fire Board in Cheyenne. Mr. Schoenfelder has continued work under permit on the 300 foot gravel driveway to satisfy the 8% grade code. 

FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS REMEMBER PLANE CRASH VICTIMS - The days pass slowly for those mourning the loss of the three Civil Air Patrol members killed Monday afternoon when their plane went down in the Big Horn Mountains .To the staff at the Sheridan V.A. Medical Center, Patty Larson's death is a loss to the entire facility, says the V.A.'s Director, Debra L. Hirschman: . Equally painful is the loss shared with V.A. employee Teri Meyers, whose husband, Jim, was the other Sheridan resident killed on the plane: . A memorial service for James Meyers will be held this morning at the Big Horn Airways hangar at the Sheridan County Airport beginning at 11 am.  The V.A. has tentative plans to hold a memorial service sometime next week for Patty Larson.The third crash victim and pilot of the plant, Lt. Col. James Henderson, was from Cowley, Wyoming.

SHERIDAN COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND A CEREMONY HONORING ITS NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS - All over Wyoming this week, members of the Wyoming National Guard's 2-300th Field Artillery have been honored at “Defender of Freedom” ceremonies and awarded for their call to duty and service in Iraq.  Sheridan's ceremony will be held at the Armory adjacent to the Sheridan College Campus tomorrow morning at 10, and Chaplain Randy Sawyer says: . Sawyer says he's already attended four events so far this week in Cody, Worland, Lander and Casper, and the community support has been tremendous.Each Soldier will receive an encased American flag, a commemorative coin, a certificate of appreciation, and a lapel insignia. The Soldier's spouse will receive a lapel insignia, and the Soldier's children will be recognized and presented with a Future Soldier Footlocker Kit.The Soldiers were mobilized with the Wyoming Army National Guard's 2-300th Field Artillery from December 2005 to April 2007.  Of the 160 soldiers in the 2-300th, about 25 or so are from Sheridan.Again, the “Defender of Freedom” ceremony for Sheridan's Guardsmen and women will be tomorrow at 10 at the Sheridan Armory.

RAIN CONTINUES TO HELP FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS ON BONE CREEK - Heavy rains that fell in the area yesterday knocked down the Bone Creek Fire, but did not put it out.  A Remote Area Weather Station, or RAWS, close to the fire recorded almost an inch of rain yesterday.  This level of precipitation, coupled with higher humidity, prevented the crews from entering the fire to implement planned burn-outs.Rocky Mountain Team Bravo turned the fire over to a Type III organization at 6 this morning; the new, smaller team will continue suppression activities as soon as conditions permit.  The short-term weather forecast is calling for a slight drying trend through the weekend for the area.The same road and trail closures remain in effect, and in the unlikely event that evacuations are needed, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office would be handling that responsibility.The Bone Creek Fire remains at 40% containment, having burned 4,027 acres.

WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONFIRMS THAT WEST NILE CASES ARE ON THE RISE - The number of West Nile virus cases reported to the Wyoming Department of Health this year continue to rise past last years totals. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: . For more information, visit  www.badskeeter.org  or call 1-877-WYO-BITE.

SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES NEW SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER - Sheridan County School District 2 has a second School Resource Officer, or SRO.  His name is Officer Doug Slack, who has been on the Sheridan Police force for several years.  He applied for the two-year position and will be mainly covering Sheridan High School.  Slack describes what his job will entail: . With school starting next Monday, Officer Slack has these friendly reminders for the public: . While they won't be implementing a zero-tolerance rule – they figure it will take a week or so for people to get used to kids being back in the school areas – that's not “permission” for you to speed. A significant aspect of an SRO's life at a school is the connection they make with the students, says Detective Tom Ringley: . Even though SRO's will be present mostly at the High School and Jr. High, they will also be checking on the elementary schools as well.  And officers and District 2 personnel have also re-evaluated and made changes to the safety policy after last May's bomb threat. Officer Dan White will remain as the SRO for the Sheridan Jr. High.

LOCAL INITIATIVE ISSUES DRUG-TESTING CHALLENGE TO SHERIDAN COUNTY BUSINESSES - Several organizations in town are combining forces to develop a “Partnership for a Drug-Free Workplace.”  The groups include the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, Chamber member employers, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, the Sheridan County Prevention Coalition, Northern Wyoming Mental Health, Cloud Peak Initiatives, and Volunteers of America/WySTAR.  Spokesperson Pam Peldo explains: .  Peldo acknowledges that business owners may be hesitant to implement a drug-free policy, and describes some of the mind-set out there: . Peldo says that many employers have contacted her at WyStar and other Volunteers of America-run groups who work with clients overcoming drug and alcohol addictions, knowing that if they employ those clients, there is an accountability factor in place that helps those potential employees to remain drug-free. If you are an employer who has been considering becoming drug-free, and would want to become a part of this partnership, Peldo says: .   And employers will have an opportunity to learn more, as the Partnership will be holding an informational presentation on Tuesday, September 18th, from 8 am to noon at the Sheridan College C-Tel auditorium.  The program will include a presentation by Casper businessman Tim Force, who implemented a strong drug-testing program in his Burger King franchise.  To learn more, call the Chamber of Commerce:  672-2485 or visit www.sheridanwyomingchamber.org .

“KNEE-DEEP IN HISTORY” IS THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL STORY DAYS, AND IT ALL GETS UNDERWAY TODAY -  “Knee Deep in History” is the theme behind this year's Story Days, which will boast a wide variety of events throughout today and tomorrow in the closely knit community nestled in the base of the Big Horns. From 9 to 5 today, the Pine Wood Cottage Quilt store is having classes and demonstrations, and at 12:30 pm the dutch oven cook-off begins. Vice President of the Story Days Committee, Carina Wenckus, gives us some insight on this most unique cook-off: . This afternoon from 2 to 6 there'll be a silent auction at the Story Women's Club: . Live music by “Down From the Mountain” will start this afternoon at four, and there will be a walking historical tour that will start off at the Women's Club at six thirty. Besides the lineup of events we've told you about there are plenty of other activities that will be going on throughout the day and evening, and we won't even mention what's on tap for Saturday as you'll have to tune in tomorrow for a full rundown of the events.

V.A. HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND STAFF TREATED TO NOSTALGIC TRIP TO OLD HOLLYWOOD - After enduring two weeks of heavy news, with the never-ending fires and then the airplane crash, an hour of silver lining came to Sheridan Thursday morning.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more: . Video of V.A. Show

Thursday, August 23, 2007

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO THE CAUSE OF CIVIL AIR PATROL PLANE THAT CRASHED IN THE BIG HORNS MONDAY - As officials with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration begin their work to determine the cause of the crash that killed three Wyoming Civil Air Patrol personnel who were out flying a rescue mission over the Big Horns Monday afternoon, we are starting to hear about those people on board. Jeanne Stone-Hunter, Public Affairs Officer with the Wyoming Wings division of CAP in Cheyenne, first tells us about the pilot: . Henderson was living in Cowley at the time of his service with CAP, but was originally from Alabama.Patty Larson made helping people her job. She was an equipment technician at the VA hospital in Sheridan, with dedicated service to the Patrol: . Originally from Wisconsin, Larson was looking forward to getting her pilot's license and taking a trip to Europe.And retired from the Army, but not from serving his fellow citizens, was James Meyers: . More than 50 members of Sheridan County Search and Rescue, members of the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office and searchers from Washakie, Johnson and Big Horn counties helped find the downed plane.  Additional details concerning the accident will be released as soon as they become available.

MONDAY'S PLANE CRASH A RARE OCCURANCE IN CIVIL AIR PATROL HISTORY - We've been reporting on the Civil Air Patrol crash and the three victims; in this story, we look at the patrol itself. This tragedy has hit the Wyoming Wing and CAP on a national level hard, given that the organization's safety record is usually an impressive one.  Wyoming Wing spokesperson, Jeanne Stone-Hunter, with some statistics: .Jeanne says these include any incident involving aircraft, including accidents as well as crashes. And unlike commercial planes, and even other small private planes, the territory over which they fly is quite challenging: . Of Monday's crash, Wyoming Wing Commander Col. Stanley Skrabut expressed in a written statement his deep sympathy for the crash victims' families, saying: “The entire Wyoming Wing has been devastated by the loss of three of our own. The wing and I send our condolences to the families of the victims and everyone whose lives have been touched by this horrible tragedy.”  Skrabut continues: “The crew flew this mission with no hesitation because they wanted to help. In spite of what has happened, the members of the Wyoming Wing will continue to serve this nation by carrying out search and rescue missions whenever called upon because that’s what we do.”

RAIN PROVES TO BE MIXED BLESSING ON BONE CREEK FIRE - It's grown since our report yesterday – the Bone Creek Fire has now burned 4,027 acres, and containment has reached 40% of the fire perimeter.  A steady rain started on the fire shortly after the noon hour, and continued until late afternoon.  This effectively stopped the burn out operations on all parts of the fire.  One would think the rain would be a blessing, however, says Public Information Officer, Vince Urbina: . Yesterday's rain forced crews to leave the fire to avoid getting crew transports stuck in the mud.  Equipment on the east end of the fire recorded that three-quarters of an inch of precipitation had fallen on and near the fire in the afternoon.Since Urbina was with the Incident Command on the Little Goose Fire prior to shifting over to Bone Creek, he talks about the similarities and differences between the two: . Crews and engines are starting to be released from the Bone Creek Fire, allowing them to be reassigned to other fires currently burning in the west. There are now 264 people, five helicopters and eleven engines working the Bone Creek Fire.

SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD VOICES THEIR SUPPORT ON IMPLEMENTING TOBACCO FREE POLICY - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting Wednesday. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: .    

DISTRICT ONE SINGS PRAISES OF MAINTENANCE STAFF - At Tuesday night's School District 1 meeting, Business Manager Jeremy Smith was quick to mention during his report that the maintenance crews they've had this summer have done an outstanding job preparing the facilities in the district for the new school year: . Along with that type of general work, not uncommon among any school district, there were some special projects underway as well: . He says it will be interesting to see if the improvement of in-house climate and lighting will have a significant positive effect on academic performance and attitudes.Also in his report, Jeremy was pleased to note that the relations between District 1 and the State School Facilities Commission has made a 180-degree-turn-around for the better in the past few years: . The September District 1 board meeting will be held on Monday the 17th, rather than Tuesday the 18th because Superintendent Belish has a presentation out of town that day.  September's gathering will be on the Big Horn side, at 6 pm in the music room.

WYOMING UNEMPLOYMENT INCREASES TO 3.7 % IN JULY - Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.7% in July, its highest level since November 2005, but remaining well below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.6%.  The state's labor force, which is the sum of employed and unemployed individuals, grew by 2.4 % from July 2006 to the same time this year.  Job growth also continues at a good pace.Seasonal job gains in Construction and Leisure and Hospitality were more than offset by seasonal job losses in Government, which typically falls in July as public schools are closed for the summer.Across Wyoming's 23 counties, Platte County posted the highest unemployment rate, followed by Fremont, Big Horn, and Goshen respectively.  The lowest unemployment rates were found in Teton and Sublette counties.

WYO. CONSIDERS PRINTING MORE QUARTER CARDS - State officials are considering printing more state quarter commemorative cards.  Milward Simpson, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, says depending on the price of a second print run, up to 10,000 additional cards could be ordered to meet demand.The state originally ordered 50,000 of the souvenir cards. Thecards feature images of the Teton Mountains, Devils Tower and Old Faithful, and each contains an uncalculated state quarter. They sell for $2 apiece. The state Department of Education is planning to use the new quarter as a teaching tool in public schools, and wants to distribute a commemorative card and coin to every Wyoming fourth-grader.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

NEW SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE PROMOTED TO REGIONAL JOB WITH STATE – BUT SHE'LL STAY IN SHERIDAN - Judy Stallman has a new adventure ahead of her.  She's been a faithful Sheridan County employee, working for over thirty years with Sheridan County Community Health.  Recently, she was offered a promotion or sorts: . Stallman says a lot of her work will be conducted via phone, with occasional on-site visits and trips to Cheyenne.  This allows Stallman to be able to remain living in Sheridan while performing her supervisor duties.  She describes what those duties will be: . Judy says she's excited and nervous at the same time, after being with Sheridan County Community Health for the past 32 years: . Stallman's last day at Community Health is September 28th, and she'll begin her new supervisory position October 1st.

MORE DETAILS HAVE COME IN REGARDING THE CRASH OF A CIVIL AIR PATROL PLANE - A Wyoming Civil Air Patrol plane crashed Monday afternoon, killing all three aircrew members.  The plane and the victims were not located until Tuesday afternoon, says CAP Public Affairs Officer Jeanne Stone-Hunter, of the Wyoming Wings command in Cheyenne: . While Sheridan Media had information of the victims' deaths yesterday, not all of the family members had been notified, so we chose to wait until today to report their identities.  As of last night, Jeanne was cleared to release the victims' names: . The three were involved in a search for a missing 16-year-old fisherman, who was located Monday afternoon.  The crew departed the Sheridan Airport at about 1:30 Monday afternoon for a two-hour mission.  When they failed to return on time, the Wyoming Wing incident commander notified officials and an overdue aircraft search was immediately initiated.  Of their deaths, Jeanne says: . Stone-Hunter says that an official from CAP in Alabama is expected to arrive today, as well as: .  The Wyoming Civil Air Patrol Wing falls underneath the Wyoming Military Department.  The Civil Air Patrol is best known for its members' work in search and rescue and disaster relief missions.Once again, the victims of the plane crash are Sheridan residents Senior member James Meyer and Captain Patricia Larson, and Cowley resident Lt. Col. James Henderson.

LITTLE GOOSE FIRE CONTAINED – RED GRADE ROAD OPENS - The Little Goose Fire has reached 100 % containment.  At the end of the day Tuesday, the fire was returned to the local federal and county units, and all future decisions and planned activities will be determined by local officials in charge.Sheridan County Emergency Management Coordinator, Dave Coleman, has news many have been awaiting: . A lot of different entities worked together with the Incident Management Team to reach the containment goal, including the Bighorn Fire Department, County Fire Warden Bill Biastoch, the Sheridan County Sheriff's office, Sheridan County Emergency Management, Sheridan Fire-Rescue and the Bighorn National Forest.Over at the Bone Creek Fire, thanks to better mapping data, the acreage burned is now a lower figure than previously reported, coming in at 3,759.  Containment is at 25 % on the Bone Creek Fire.Plans for today will have crews using aerial ignition to burn out fuels ahead of the fire.  They'd hoped to do this yesterday, but weather did not cooperate, so the aerial burn was canceled.  Hand crews did manage to secure some fire line along the south slopes of Cedar and Wiley Creeks where the aerial ignition was to take place, and crews also worked along the west flank.  Engine crews assessed structure protection needs along Highway 14.Personnel and equipment on the Bone Creek Fire includes 365 people, five helicopters and fourteen engines. Video of Red Grade Road after the fire 08/22/07

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSION CLIPPED THROUGH A FULL AGENDA IN NINETY MINUTES YESTERDAY - The Sheridan County Commission met for the final regular meeting of the month yesterday.  Commissioner Terry Cram tells us that they approved some Well Monitoring Access Agreements with three Story residents – Gillian Switzer, Bessie Eychaner and Jeff & Judy Turner.  Cram explains: . Cram says that all of the wells are irrigation wells, not wells used for drinking water, so officials will be able to dip in to the water and not worry about contamination. Other Commission business – they agreed to a lease agreement with Sheridan County Weed and Pest to lease an Airport Business Park location: . And what could have been a contentious issue, but turned out with a positive end – the Commission agreed to allow a variance on property accessed off of Misty Moon Lane northeast of Sheridan, and owned by the Swinyers: . That rule is spelled out in a 1985 zoning resolution that is zoned Agriculture.  The way that property was subdivided years ago is causing present-day non-conforming lots.  Cram says that while they try to be conservative on handing out variances, in the Swinyer case, they made an exception and granted one so they could build their home. Other commission business – they amended Bill Huppert's appointment term on the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board to be served through 2012, as opposed to 2009, and have entered into a joint City/County Contract Agreement with Vista West Engineering for the soon-to-start Brundage Lane reconstruction project: . The project will include rebuilding the horseshoe of Brundage Lane and Big Horn Avenue in Sheridan, curving up around the airport and back down to Big Horn Avenue.

EDUCATION COUNCIL TO LINK K-12, UNIVERSITY, COLLEGES - Reducing Wyoming's dropout rate and better preparing high school students are two goals of a new panel that will link K-12 education in Wyoming with the state's university and community colleges.The Wyoming P-16 Education Council was announced yesterday by Governor Freudenthal, State Superintendent Jim McBride, University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan and Jim Rose, executive director of the Wyoming Community Commission.The 15-member council will be made up of representatives fromthe Legislature, executive branch, businesses and educationcommunity. Its task will be to look at every level of education inWyoming and how they can better work together.Freudenthal says Wyoming's energy boom has provided plenty offunding for education over the past several years -- now it's timefor the next step.  He says it's important for educators at each school level in Wyoming to understand what their obligations are to students.

SHERIDAN AREA JOINT POWERS BOARD HOLDS WORKSHOP TO DISCUSS ANNEXATION - The Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board held a workshop Tuesday afternoon to discuss the potential issues associated with the annexation of areas served by SAWS.Administrator Jay Stender talks about a couple topics they covered: . Stender says the other thing they recognized at the workshop was that as annexation occurs, the SAWS Board, the County Commission and the Sheridan City Council will have to address those individual issues.The public will have another workshop they can attend, Jay tells us: . Because it is a workshop, no decisions or policy will be determined.  The Water Revenue Policy meeting will run from 3 to 4 next Tuesday, August 28th in the 2nd floor public meeting room at the Sheridan County Courthouse and is open to the public.And one final SAWS note – you heard us report last night that crews are doing the final tie-in of piping to airport with the 20” pipeline.  They've determined that the water level in the Little Goose Valley tank is very low, and are requesting that residents living south of the Girl's School to Highways 337, 335 and 87 in Big Horn curtail general water use  this morning; they will be filling that tank in a few hours.

LEGISLATIVE PANEL APPROVED RULES FOR RAILROAD EMINENT DOMAIN - A South Dakota legislative panel has given its approval to new rules that likely will be used to determine whether the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad can use eminent domain to acquire land for its expansion project.The South Dakota Legislature's Rules Review Committee approvedrules passed last week by the state Transportation Commission.  The commission has been asked to grant the DM&E the right of eminent domain to acquire land in western South Dakota so it can extend its east-west line into Wyoming's coal fields.The Transportation Commission had planned to hold a hearing onthe railroad's application on July 10th. But a judge halted the hearing and said the commission first had to pass new rules for handling such applications.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

FIRE ON HIGHWAY 14E IN SHERIDAN COUNTY BURNS SEVERAL HUNDRED TONS OF HAY AND BARN -- Another fire to report, this time on Highway 14E, about three miles from I-90 and Brundage Lane in Sheridan.  Sheridan Fire-Rescue Division Chief, Terry Lenhart, describes what happened to a 60-foot by about 100-foot hay barn full of round bales belonging to John Rueb: .Firefighters began working on the fire sometime before noon Monday, and were still spreading out the hay and dousing it with thousands of gallons of water well into yesterday evening.  Lenhart explains what they had to do to put out the flames: .Along with the round bales were smaller squares of high-end horse hay.  Lenhart gives us a lesson on the phenomenon of spontaneous combustion: .Lenhart says that spontaneous combustion can occur in a pile of grass clippings as easily as a barn full of hay, as long as there is any moisture within the pile to allow the decay process to begin. Editors Note:  We inadvertently neglected to mention in our earlier reports that Sheridan Fire-Rescue was assisted by firefighters and equipment from Story, Big Horn, and Clearmont, as well as water tankers from the City of Sheridan.  Also, Steve Ruby of Ruby Construction responded to the scene with a track hoe and removed the metal that had collapsed onto the fire, allowing firefighters to extinguish the hay. Ruby also removed and dispersed a large amount of the hay, allowing firefighters to apply water to the smoldering hay.

FORD FIRE NOW ESTIMATED AT 800 ACRES, 10 PERCENT CONTAINED -FORD FIRE NOW ESTIMATED AT 800 ACRES, 10 PERCENT CONTAINED - Fire officials in Billings say a wildfire that prompted evacuation orders east of Billings is now ten percent contained.  Fire Information Officer with the Montana State office of the Bureau of Land Management, Jack Connor tells us the latest: . The Ford Fire, named for the road where ignition occurred, broke out Sunday, and has burned just over 800 acres.  Two homes and several outbuildings have burned in the blaze. No injuries have been reported.Connor says there is quite a group of people who've been working on this fire: . Officials say they'll bring in heavy air tankers if the fire flares up again.  While preliminary thought is that lightning ignited the fire, an investigation will be underway to confirm that theory. 

TRAGEDY COMES TO THE BIG HORN MOUNTAINS MONDAY - Yesterday we told you about a sixteen year-old boy who went missing while in the Big Horns fishing with his father.  While there is good news regarding him, there is ultimately a tragic end to this story.Preliminary reports are that a Civil Air Patrol plane that joined in the search efforts yesterday is missing.  Public Affairs Officer for the patrol's Wyoming Wing, Jeanne Stone-Hunter, says: . Stone-Hunter says that it will most likely be about four more hours before they can identify the downed plane, because it is in a remote area on the mountain. This missing plane is one of five the Patrol owns.  If the crash reveals that it is the one they are looking for, Stone-Hunter tells us what the next step will be: . As for the young boy who was lost, Sheriff Dave Hofmeier has better news to report: .As soon as we hear any updates on the missing Civil Air Patrol plane, we will bring that news to you.

ROAD FROM BURGESS JUNCTION TO BLACK TOOTH NOW OPEN - Word just in this morning from Sheridan County Commissioner Bob Rolston – the road from Burgess Junction to the Black Tooth Subdivision has now been opened.Red Grade Road remains closed, and we will let you know throughout the day as updates come in.

UPDATE ON LITTLE GOOSE FIRE - The Little Goose Fire is quickly approaching 100 percent containment.  Monday, crews concentrated on completing fire line around the entire perimeter of the fire and mopping up hot spots inside the line.  Other hand crews are constructing water bars on the fire line to mitigate erosion.  Hazardous trees were cut down next to the Red Grade Road to avoid future problems with trees falling on the road.  A small bulldozer applied the same mitigation techniques to fire line constructed by heavy machinery during the fire. For the first time since the firefighting effort began, there were some injuries Monday, to two firefighters.  A log that was being cut into smaller sections unexpectedly moved from a secure spot, hitting the firefighters working next to it.  One firefighter was treated and released, while the second has a broken leg and was held overnight for observation.  Both are expected to make a full recovery. Because crews are dropping trees close to the Red Grade Road, public access to the area between the upper snowmobile parking lots and the Bighorn National Forest boundary remains closed.  We will inform you when that road closure has been lifted.

UPDATE ON BONE CREEK FIRE - As we reported yesterday, the Rocky Mountain Area Incident Management Team has moved their base of operations to the Wyoming Department of Transportation shop at Burgess Junction to better serve the fire suppression efforts on the Bone Creek Fire.The Bone Creek Fire is now 4,083 acres.  It is burning in dead and insect-infested spruce/fir and lodge pole pine.  Structures are not immediately threatened, so crews have been able to use indirect control tactics like retardant applications, helicopter water drops, burnouts and natural barriers, along with hand line crews.There are 412 people, four helicopters and eighteen engines assigned to both the Little Goose and Bone Creek Fires.The same road closures are in effect.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL ANNEXES LAND FOR THE WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL SITE SOUTH OF TOWN - Sheridan's City Council, minus Mayor Dave Kinskey and Councilwoman Mona Hansen, held a relatively short meeting last night.  Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: . 

Click here for Lonestar photos

LONESTAR IN CONCERT – REALLY! - It finally happened – Lonestar, originally set to perform on 7/7/07 to kick off Rodeo Week 2007, were forced to cancel because of the heavens bursting forth with a deluge, lightning, thunder, and high winds.  Sunday night, another storm briefly came through, but last night, other than smoky air, no rain, and Lonestar took to the stage.  Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with more: .      

PART SIX IN STATE QUARTER SERIES – A FEDERALLY-PROTECTED LOGO - Wyoming's official logo of a bucking horse and rider is more than just a symbol – it's a federally-registered trademark that the State vigorously defends. Deputy Secretary of State, Pat Arp, says Wyoming is the only state that owns and actively protects a trademark: . In order to use Wyoming's bucking horse and rider in signage, companies need to sign a Business Use Agreement.  If a person or company plans to make money from the use of the mark, they need a product license and must collect royalties for the state.  In 2006, the State grossed more than 80-thousand dollars in royalties from use of the symbol. In 1994, Wyoming faced a challenge to its trademark rights, when a major jeans manufacturer tried to register the logo.  But the State and the University of Wyoming joined forces to fight the challenge, and ultimately prevailed. Today, there are more than 550 Business Use Agreements and 174 in-state licenses for the bucking horse and rider, a symbol which will be showcased on the new Wyoming Quarter, to be launched in a ceremony on September 14th at the Cheyenne Civic Center.

WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL NAMES NEW BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DIVISION DIRECTOR - The Wyoming Business Council Monday announced that Ben Avery has been named the director of the Business and Industry Division.  He will begin his new position on September 1st, taking over for Mark Willis, who was promoted to the Council's Chief Operating Officer on July 20th.The Business and Industry Division oversees business recruitment, as well as some marketing programs, business permitting consultation and the loan portfolio program.  Of his new post, Avery first looks back at who helped him reach this leadership role: . As Business and Industry Director, Avery will work with council staff, local economic development directors and other partners in efforts to diversify and strengthen the economies of communities throughout the state.  Avery describes the division: . Prior to joining the Business Council, Avery worked in the banking industry in Wyoming and Colorado for over 22 years.  Born in Lander, he is a fourth-generation Wyoming native.  He has a BS degree in Economics from the University of Wyoming and graduated from the Colorado School of Banking in 1983.  In 2003, Avery was recognized by the Small Business Administration as Wyoming and Region VIII Small Business Advocate of the year.

Monday, August 20, 2007

MONTANA BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT REPORTS ON FORD FIRE BURNING IN BILLINGS - The call came in to the Lockwood Fire Department in Billings at about 4:30 Sunday afternoon – a fire had ignited and was spreading fast.  Fire Information Officer with the Montana State office of the Bureau of Land Management, Jack Connor, gives us the history of what is now known as the Ford Fire:. Connor says that the evacuation was “impressively quick,” despite the fact that there was only one way out of the subdivision – fire was blocking the other access.  Residents were alerted via Lockwood Fire, local county officials and local media.  Evacuees are staying at a Red Cross center set up at the Lockwood School, as well as with friends and family living in the Billings area.Connor verifies known losses at this point:. A “Red Flag” warning will remain in effect through 9 pm today, because the winds are just not letting up.  20 to 30 mile-an-hour sustained winds, with 40 mile-an-hour gusts are expected throughout the day, and Connor tells us how they're fighting it:. A Type 3 Region Incident Command is being put in place, and Connor indicates that spot fires are a big concern because of those high winds.  He also adds that while there are certain roads closed in the subdivision, I-90 remains open.The Ford Fire is at zero containment as of 11 am this morning.

SHERIDAN FIRE RESCUE RESPONDS TO FIRE ON HIGHWAY 14E - Sheridan Fire-Rescue has been called out to fight a fire at 291 Highway 14E.  It is unknown at this time what is burning, but it could be a barn.  Big Horn and Clearmont fire tenders have been called in to assist the firefighting effort.  We'll have more on this fire later today.

BOY GOES MISSING WHILE FISHING IN THE BIG HORNS – SEARCH AND RESCUE CALLED - Word in from the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office – a 16-year-old boy went missing late Sunday afternoon while fishing in the Big Horns.  Sergeant Mark Conrad with the Sheriff's office has the details: . The general area where the boy went missing is in the Lick Creek region, off Burgess Road northwest of Burgess Junction.  To Sgt. Conrad's knowledge, it is not near any of the fires burning in the Big Horns.  Conrad gives us the status as of this morning; . Sgt. Conrad says the area in which the boy was fishing is vast, trail-less terrain, and very steep.  Conrad says it's possible he may be following the creek down the mountain, but obviously can't know that for certain.The boy is six feet tall, with blond hair and blue eyes.  He is carrying a fishing pole and a canvas creel.

Lockwood residents watch as smoke and flames billow from Emerald Hills as the Ford fire races through the subdivision Sunday. Photo courtesy of the Billings Gazette

A POSSIBLE LIGHTNING-CAUSED FIRE CAUSES FIRE IN BILLINGS – EVACUATIONS AND A BURNED HOUSE THE RESULT THIS MORNING - Smoke like we've not experienced even with the Little Goose and Bone Creek Fires burning in our area – Northeastern Wyoming residents are on the receiving end of a fire that started yesterday in Billings. Kurt Hooley is a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Billings, and he tells us: . Heading on I-90 from Sheridan, the Emerald Hills Subdivision is the area of homes on either side of the interstate as you travel up Sherman Hill and make the curve down toward the oil refinery. Kurt commented that the Sheridan Airport visibility reading was only 2 miles this morning, and he explains why all the smoke is settling here: .  As for the fire in Billings, it is called the Ford fire, and had already burned an estimated 600 acres as of last evening.  About 300 homes were evacuated, with approximately 15-hundred people asked to leave the area.  At least one home, several outbuildings and some vehicles have been destroyed.  Witnesses reported seeing 30 foot flames at times, and wind gusts of 49 miles an hour were recorded at the Billings airport around 5:30 yesterday evening, propelling the fire through dense grass and Ponderosa pine.

LITTLE GOOSE FIRE AND BONE CREEK FIRE UPDATE - Westerly winds overnight blew in heavy smoke and ash from the fires that have been burning all week in the Big Horns.  Ash settled on the command center on the Little Goose Fire, effecting their Internet access.  However, says Vince Urbina, Public Information Officer on the fire: . Vince indicates that evacuation orders still stand for TeePee.  Sheridan County Fire Warden Bill Biastoch has the final call on when that order will be lifted. Even though the Region 2 Incident Command is leaving the Little Goose Fire, we'll still be able to check in on the status of the Bone Creek Fire, their next destination.  They've been releasing crews and equipment to that fire as they've gained containment on the Little Goose, and Vince has the current status on Bone: . The Bone Creek Fire has burned just over 28-hundred acres so far. Although structures in the area are not immediately threatened, residents and property owners have been given pre-notification phone calls to prepare for evacuation if the situation arises.  Campers and people recreating in the area should also remain on alert. Entry remains prohibited into the Cedar Creek, Grouse Creek and Brindle Creek areas.  Hunt Mountain Road is closed between the junction of Forest Road 209 and 216.  All of Forest Roads 216, 205, and 220, as well as Trail 055, are closed.  For more information, visit http://www.inciweb.org .

SHERIDAN'S V.A. MEDICAL CENTER TO HOST A USO-TYPE SHOW THIS WEEK - A special show is coming to the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center this Thursday, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the details: .      

STOP POACHING CAMPAIGN GETS CATCHY PHONE NUMBER - Wildlife violators beware:  the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has a new Stop Poaching tip line designed to help crack down on illegal hunting and fishing activities in the state.  The new number will handle wildlife violation tips in a more efficient manner.Wildlife Law Enforcement Supervisor for the department, Mike Choma, says they wanted a news number that was easy to remember so hunters and anglers out in the field could report violations immediately.The number – 877-WGFD-TIP has been active for several weeks, but the old number will remain active for awhile as well, to ensure no violator goes unreported.How important is the tip line?  In 2006, 563 tips were reported through the line, and based on those calls, the Game and Fish issued citations to 68 defendants and closed 65 cases, resulting in just over 73-thousand dollars in fines paid by violators.  More than 38-hundred do