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Sunday, September 30, 2007 IS WYOMING'S CHANGING ECONOMY MOVING AWAY FROM OIL AND GAS? - Wyoming's business boom isn't only about oil and gas production these days this according to a new report that examined state and federal data on people and jobs and it shows oil and gas, as a portion of personal income, has been on the decline for the past thirty years. Meanwhile, tourism, professional industries and the service sector have been on the rise the study pointed out. Dr. Michelle Haefele with the Wilderness Society says that statistics point to protection of wide open spaces and land as the reason the economy has become diversified:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE RODEO – GOOD WEATHER, THEN RAIN. - 11 regional College Rodeo teams rode into the Sheridan County Fairgrounds for the Sheridan College Rodeo this past Friday and Saturday. The teams competed in great weather for both days until a Saturday afternoon cold snap that brought rain for Saturday night's feature event- the short goal. TJ Watts, a 20 year old from Northeastern Junior College in Norfolk, Nebraska, looked on as his women teammates performed in Saturday afternoon barrel racing. He talks about his experience surrounding the rodeo events this weekend: BLM CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY - In celebration of National Public Lands Day, Bureau of Land Management employees spent their Saturday replacing fences at the Dry Creek Interpretive site, about 15 Miles outside Buffalo. Kate Fetterly found her way out to the site and talks about what happened yesterday: WYOMING HISTORICAL SOCIETY OFFERS SCHOLARSHIP - Wyoming history authors are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from the Wyoming State Historical Society and the Wyoming Historical Foundation. The cooperative effort encourages authors to create scholarly, creative book- length publications relevant to Wyoming History. Authors will be selected after manuscript review from the Historical Society, and the winner will be treated as a book project sponsored by that group. Monies received can be used for editing, marketing, illustrations or other costs associated with book publishing. The Historical Society is accepting applications through December 1st. Applications: call Linda Fabian: 307-322-4237 or visit: www.wyshs.org SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW - Sheridan City Council will meet for their first regularly scheduled meeting in October tomorrow night and they'll have several important items up for 3rd and final reading including the number of vehicles that can be on a premises, an abatement defense of the city's grandfather status and an ordinance that would establish a city administrator position. Some noteworthy items under new business are to continue to expand on the city's recycling efforts and to amend part of the city code pertaining to joint approval subdivisions. Also, council will consider having three free weekends at the landfill this fall for city residents. Tomorrow night's meeting will be at 7 o'clock in Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of city hall and can also be hard on AM-1410 KWYO. WCWI & WWCC TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL NON TRADITIONAL CAREER DAY - The Wyoming Council for Women's Issues in cooperation with Western Wyoming Community College, are hosting the second annual non-traditional career day for Wyoming girls. The event was a huge draw last year, with 540 Wyoming girls from 9th through 12th grade. This year's key note speaker is Kim de Groh, a NASA Engineer. The career day focuses on offering well paying, non- traditional careers in the state of Wyoming, that are not generally associated with women. Over 40 workshops will feature speakers talking about their real world experiences. Exhibitors and varied organizations will be on hand, showcasing further opportunities for girls in 9th to 12th grade. The Non traditional Career day for Wyoming girls is October 12th at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs. Door prizes will be offered, and there is no entry fee, although pre-registration is required. For registration information go to http://www.wwcc.wy.edu/careerday/
Saturday, September 29, 2007 SENATOR BARASSO COMMENTS ON SEVERAL IMPORTANT ISSUES CONCERNING WYOMING CITIZENS - There is a lot of proposed development in the Wyoming range and many have voiced their disapproval including Governor Freudenthal. U.S. Senator John Barrasso recently weighed in with his feelings on future development: SHERIDAN V/A MULTI CULTURAL FESTIVAL - 65 people attended the Sheridan VA Hospital's 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival yesterday. Crowds tasted food from Mexico, Holland and Saudi Arabia. They heard music from the United Arab Emirates and viewed photos of a child from China who's now living in Sheridan. Reporter Kate Fetterly was on the scene and has this account of : DANAE BRANDJORD ON HOSPITAL MARKETING EFFORTS - Sheridan Memorial Hospital is stepping up their marketing campaign this fall with a new recruitment cd-rom, videos, and a website set to launch next year. Marketing Manager Danae Brandjord talks more about what they’re up to: U CROSS FOUNDATION GALLERY RECEPTION OFFERS WYOMING SIGHTS - A fun filled Friday evening was had by those who attended the artist reception at the U Cross Foundation’s latest exhibit: Wild Spaces, Working Places Two (II). Sally Morton, Program Director for the Nature Conservancy of North East Wyoming, talks about the artists and their work: UW DEDICATES NEW ANTHROPOLOGY FACILITY - The Smithsonian Institution's head archaeologist says the University of Wyoming's new anthropology facility is the best of its kind in the United States. Dennis Stanford was among the speakers during Thursday's dedication of the new Archaeological and Anthropological Resource Facility and he explains how this new addition will help attract students from all over the country: SHERIDAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORT - The Sheridan County Sheriff's Deputies investigated a report of animal abuse on Wednesday evening in the five hundred block of College Meadows Drive. The report of horse abuse of remains under investigation. Sheriff's Deputies also issued an illegal burning citation on Wednesday in the Story area. A reminder to us all that Sheridan County remains under a burning ban, which was installed on July 3rd. That burning ban can only be removed by a vote of county commissioners, and is expected to be removed sometime in late October.
Friday, September 28, 2007
WYOMING REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES EACH HAVING A BIG WEEKEND - This weekend in Wyoming is sure to be a busy one on the political front as both the Republican and Democratic parties have big things planned. First off is the Wyoming GOP Presidential Forum Saturday in Casper and Riverton. Executive Director of the state GOP Amy Larimer explains the party's excitement and just who'll be there:
SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL POLITICIANS IN THE MAKING - It's not only adults or registered voters who will be attending this weekend's Presidential candidate forums. Sheridan High School Government instructor, Tyson Emborg, is taking members of Students In Politics to catch the action. Group member in charge of their trip, Jordan Kaul, talks about the significance of this event:
IN A PUBLIC PULSE INTERVIEW WITH SHERIDAN MEDIA, GOVERNOR DISCUSSES SEVERAL KEY ISSUES - Governor Dave Freudenthal spent a few minutes speaking with Sheridan Media Thursday, and among the topics he discussed were land leases for gas pipeline companies. Freudenthal says that there are not that many state leases being issued these days, and the lease sales that are occurring are on properties that will not produce for a few years yet.As far as the natural gas prices, does the governor feel that those prices get “gamed” to the detriment of the consumers and tax payers?
A WOMAN REFLECTS ON HER RECOVERY AT THE GATHERING PLACE - As National Recovery Month comes to an end, Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson speaks with a young woman undergoing residential treatment at WyStar's “The Gathering Place”:
LAKE DESMIT DEDICATION TO TAKE PLACE EARLY OCTOBER - A monument is being put up at Lake DeSmit on October 4th at 3 p.m. to celebrate an agreement by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to keep Monument Point open permanently for public access. The funds for the project were provided by general fund dollars appropriated by the 2007 Wyoming Legislature, and was made possible by the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee and the Office of State Lands and Investments. Information Specialist Warren Mischke says that this is a big step toward keeping access open to the public:
BLM CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY TOMORROW - The Bureau of Land Management is inviting everyone to join in their annual National Public Lands Day, which gives people a chance to improve and enhance their public lands. This year, the BLM is cleaning up the Dry Creek Petrified Trees area seven miles east of Buffalo. The activities planned include fence maintenance and picking up trash in the area. The BLM is always looking for people to help out, and as Wildlife Biologist Larry Gerard explains, there is transportation available:
Thursday, September 27, 2007 GAS LEAK CAUSES EVACUATION WEDNESDAY EVENING - Just as the business day was nearing a close Wednesday evening, we received word of a gas leak on a road construction site in Sheridan. Terry Lenhart of Sheridan Fire Rescue explains:
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD – DRUG TESTING AND DIAYLYSIS UNITS - Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees met last night. They discussed work environment issues including added drug tests and plans to construct a Dialysis Unit on the first floor of the hospital building. The Hospital will be performing random drug testing of employees in addition to their pre-employment drug screening program. Quality Services Manager, Lajune Bacon, explains more:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING PREVIEW: A LOT TO DO! - The Sheridan City Council will meet Monday night for the first October City Council meeting. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly gives this report:
SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL CONTRACTS AN ALUMNI DIRECTORY - If you are a former student of Sheridan High School and have been contacted by a company called Harris Connect, don't be alarmed. The school has contracted with Harris to develop an alumni directory for the purpose of compiling contact information of all SHS alumni. Every year you see postings of reunion planners asking “Do you know the whereabouts of so-and-so”, and school officials feel a directory like this would be beneficial, as well as useful for recognizing the achievements of alumni after they've left school.In a statement from the high school, Principal Dirleen Wheeler indicates that all SHS alumni should be receiving a letter in the mail asking that you call a toll free number to verify your current address, phone number and any other information you wish to share. Wheeler stresses that alumni are under no obligation to call, provide information, or to purchase a directory. It is also not a money-making endeavor for the school, and as a contract stipulation, Harris Connect has agreed that any info you do give out will only be released to alumni and their families, but not to any third parties.If you have questions, call Dirleen Wheeler at SHS: (307) 674-2495, Ext. 3108.
VA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL IS FOR EVERYONE - The Sheridan Veteran's Administration will host it's third annual Multi- Cultural Festival tomorrow at the V.A. Hospital Auditorium. The Festival will provide the public with an opportunity to try food samples, and to view arts and crafts from various cultures. Roxanna Weaver, an Insurance Billing Technician and event coordinator at the V.A. talks about why it's a good idea to attend:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE HOSTS RODEO COMPETITION THIS WEEKEND - The Sheridan College Rodeo will host 11 teams on the Sheridan County Fairgrounds tomorrow and Saturday. They’ll go up against 11 regional teams from Nebraska, Colorado and throughout Wyoming. Sheridan College Rodeo Instructor, C. W. Tollefson, gives a run-down of events:
UCROSS GALLERY RECEPTION FEATURES WYOMING PLACES - The Ucross Foundation Art Gallery and the Nature Conservancy in Wyoming are teaming up once again to present the works of three Sheridan painters in the Wild Spaces, Working Places II display. Danna Hildebrand, Dani Reel and Dianne Wyatt have been traveling the state over the past two years painting many landscapes. Sharon Dynak is President of the Ucross Foundation, where the works will be displayed, and she talks about what you'll see:
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 SEEDA BOARD PROPOSES USE OF OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND LEARNING CENTER - The Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority Joint Powers Board, or SEEDA, met last night. The SEEDA Board is a cooperative effort of the City of Sheridan with Sheridan County School District 2 and Sheridan College. Chairman Tom Sachse, who is also the Assistant Superintendent at School District 2, discusses the first initiative of the non-profit venture:
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND YOUTH PREVENTION SUMMIT - Celebrate Life – Wyoming 2007 gets under way next week in Casper, and there is a new facet to the event this year, says Kim Conner, Deputy Director of UPLIFT, one of the organizations bringing it to our state:
WYDOT: ROAD REPORTING VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT - The Wyoming Department of Transportation needs you! A practice that has normally been done by WyDOT's snowplow drivers, the general public could provide important travel information this coming bad-weather season. Called the Enhanced Citizen-Assisted Reporting, or ECAR, Region 4 Information Specialist, Ronda Holwell, tells us about this pilot program:
WE'RE ONE DAY AWAY FROM THE 2007 “TASTE OF HOME” COOKING SCHOOL - Tickets remain for the 2007 Taste of Home Cooking School tomorrow. Head Chef on hand tomorrow night is Kristy Larson. She's a cooking school instructor from “A Taste of Home” magazine. She talks about why you should make plans to attend tomorrow night:
ANOTHER SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SERVICE WINS HIGH HONORS - The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation has awarded Program Certification to Sheridan Memorial Hospital for its Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. An added feather in the certification cap? This is the third time in as many opportunities for the designation, says program Coordinator Robin Horsley:
STEWARDSHIP AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING - Applications for the Environmental Stewardship Award and the Aldo Leopold Conservation Award are due this Saturday. The awards are intended for agricultural landowners who demonstrate exceptional natural resource stewardship. The Environmental Stewardship award is an annual state-wide award; it goes along with the Aldo Leopold Conservation Award, and a check for 10 thousand dollars. The Leopold Award recognizes outstanding achievement in volunteer conservation. The award is given in honor of Aldo Leopold, who authored “A Sand County Almanac” in 1949. Both awards are offered by a cooperation of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, and the Sand County Foundation. Application information is available by call the Wyoming Stock Growers Association at 307-638-3942. STUDY SHOWS WYOMING CONTINUES TO BE KING IN THE WEST IN OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION - A new report from the Wilderness Society shows that Wyoming will continue it's reign in the Western United States in oil and gas production as there are plans to drill fifty-eight thousand new wells on public lands. That's in addition to the thousands of wells that are already operating on public and private land. Cattle rancher J.J. Healy from Daniel says that the rapid development is causing certain things to be overlooked:
Tuesday, September 25, 2007 GM ON STRIKE – HOW DOES THAT AFFECT SHERIDAN? - It's news that most car dealerships around the country were hoping they wouldn't hear – out of Detroit Monday morning came word that the United Auto Workers went on strike, even though negotiators had been working since September 15th at the bargaining table. Hammer Chevrolet in Sheridan is the GM dealer locally, and owner Dick Hammer talks about what is at issue for the strikers:
SHERIDAN PLANNING COMMISSION HEARS FROM CITIZENS LAST NIGHT - The City of Sheridan Planning Commission met last night in Council chambers, in a full room of attentive and concerned residents. Those people came to hear council discussion and action on the Woodland Park annexation. Woodland Park is a 65 acre tract of land, located south of Sheridan, near the college. It's where the new Woodland Park Elementary School is proposed to be built. The Planning Commission ruled to recommend that Sheridan City Council approve the annexation, under the condition that portions of the property along Coffeen Avenue be zoned residential R-3. City Planner Robert Briggs talks about the stipulation:
CITY OF SHERIDAN WORK SESSION ADDRESSES CITY ADMINISTRATOR ORDINANCE - The Sheridan City Council discussed the language of the City Administrator ordinance in their second September work session yesterday. The council tied up some “loose end” comments and concerns to help culminate a less-cluttered edition of the law.City Clerk Art Elkins is preparing two amendments to the second reading of the law. They will cover the administrator's power to hire and fire department heads, but with limited powers, requiring mayor and city council concurrence.Councilman John Bigelow expresses his view on the power to hire and fire department heads:
SHERIDAN ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY JPB TO MEET TONIGHT - The newly-formed Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority Joint Powers Board, or SEEDA, is holding a meeting tonight, which is open to the public. One of the main topics will be about the collaboration with the non-profit Sheridan Quality Child Care Initiative Group, including the selection of their future site. Vice President of the Joint Powers Board, Mark Englert explains:
SHERIDAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ISSUES REMINDER OF OCTOBER 1ST DEADLINE - Registered sex offenders have five more business days to stop by the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office to either submit their information if registering for the first time in the county, or to re-register if they've been here for awhile. Jane Gale is the head of the program with the Sheriff's office, and she says there are sixteen offenders left to put through the processing:
VOA – DOING WHAT'S RIGHT FOR JUVENILES - The Volunteers of America have recently been awarded a grant to help Wyoming and its counties come into compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002. Wyoming is currently the only state that is not in compliance with this act. Compliance is judged by four core requirements, which includes the separation of youth from adults in jail; not putting juveniles charged with 'status' offenses in a secure facility; not keeping juveniles charged with non-status offenses in a jail for more than 6 hours; and not discriminating against youth based on their race or gender. Some counties are more in compliance than others, and according to Ric Paul, the Chair of the State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice, Sheridan County is doing well in reference to the core requirement:
CITY OF SHERIDAN AND SHERIDAN REC DISTRICT TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW NIGHT - If you are a resident near Washington and Sheltered Acres Parks, you might plan on attending a special meeting to be held tomorrow evening at 6 o'clock in the 3rd floor City Hall Council Chambers. As you heard us report earlier this month, the Recreation District is proposing putting in two Disc Golf courses at the aforementioned parks. Disc Golf is a game played much like traditional Golf, but instead of using a golf ball and clubs, players us a flying disc, or Frisbee. The discs are thrown from a tee area to elevated metal basket targets, which serve as the “holes.” One of the positive aspects of putting the courses in is that the game is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, regardless of economic status, and can be played year-round. The purpose of tomorrow night's meeting is for residents who own property near either Washington or Sheltered Acres Park to provide feedback during a public discussion. The City Planning Department also sent letters to property owners who live adjacent to the parks telling them of the meeting, as well as providing maps of the proposed Disc Golf Courses.
Monday, September 24, 2007 PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD IN SHERIDAN ON IMPACT STATEMENT OF THE PROPOSED DRY FORK PLANT AND TRANSMISSION LINE - The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development will hold two public meetings on the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Dry Fork Station and Hughes transmission line. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
TASTE OF HOME EVENT TICKETS STILL REMAIN - Last minute ticket buyers beware, seating is very limited for Thursday's Taste of Home Cooking School. This is an opportunity for anyone who is feeling the need to learn a few new tricks in the kitchen, or for those who would like to gain some confidence over the stove. There will be vendors on hand, selling nearly everything you'll need in for your kitchen. Cooks take note: you can never have too many gadgets, or too many recipes. Get your tickets to the 2007 Taste of Home Magazine's Cooking School, which will be held at Sheridan Junior High School's Early Auditorium, this Thursday, September 27th. Doors open at 5; the show is at 7. Stop by Warehouse Market, Sheridan Commercial Company, or call Sheridan Media today.
SHERIDAN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY DINNER TO BE HELD THIS WEEK - It's almost time for the monthly Sheridan County Historical Society dinner and program, coming up this Thursday at the Sheridan Holiday Inn. Bob Peterson, who is the manager for both the Tongue River Reservoir and the Rosebud Battlefield State Park, will be the featured speaker. Sue Dalbey is also with the Rosebud Battlefield State Park, and she says their priority lately has been public awareness of the park:
SAM MORTON PRESENTED BOOK TO BIG HORN CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY / MEETING - The Big Horn City Historical Society held an afternoon luncheon and business meeting yesterday at the Big Horn Women's Club. The group enjoyed a pot luck dinner and a presentation from Sam Morton about his new book, “Where The Rivers Run North”. Morton explains what he presented yesterday:
Sunday, September 23, 2007 WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MAILS PANDEMIC FLU BROCHURE - The Wyoming Department of Health mailed nearly 250-thousand brochures to state residents this week, containing information about preparing for pandemic influenza. According to the department, pandemic influenza is a global outbreak of influenza disease from a new virus strain which can spread easily from person to person, and sweep rapidly around the world. Health experts anticipate another influenza pandemic in the future, but cannot predict when. The federal government, Wyoming state government, and county officials are actively planning for the next outbreak. Officials have stated that there is much confusion surrounding the difference between seasonal flu, avian (bird) flu, and pandemic influenza. The DOH says that by planning and preparing well ahead of time, it can help families, businesses and communities, should an outbreak occur. www.wyomingpandemicflu.org SENATOR BARASSO ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING INTERNSHIPS - U.S. Senator John Barasso is now accepting applications for Spring 2008 interns, at his Washington D.C. Office. Interns will be able to attend legislative hearings, help respond to constituent requests, and give U.S. Capital Tours. They'll observe the Senator in his day to day duties, and have the opportunity to enjoy visiting Washington D.C. Barasso Washington office interns will be paid a monthly salary, although they'll need to cover their own travel and living expenses in D.C. Senator Barasso talks about past interns,and what lays ahead for new interns:
Applicant information: (The following is from a Media Release from the Senator's office:) CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA A FUN TIME FOR ALL - Last night, people from all walks of life had the opportunity to visit New York, in one way or another. The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce”Great Escape” Gala was a successful event in terms of attendance, food, and atmosphere. Over 250 people attended the “Great Escape Gala”at the Sheridan Holiday Inn. Some came dressed in their favorite New York City characters, from the high class, rich and famous, to the bag lady who pushed a shopping cart. There was plenty of New York in the air,with food themed from Little Italy and China Town, to Martini and Coffee bars in uptown Manhattan. Ticket holders were entertained with live Broadway singers and show tunes that celebrated the New York City spirit. Costumes included New York Rangers Hockey players, joggers in Central Park, and Stockbrokers from Wall Street. The grand prize trip for two to New York was given away by Jennifer McCafferty, otherwise known as Miss Wyoming, to a man who was not present to receive his prize. Top prizes awarded included a Cody, Wyoming getaway, won by Judy Taylor, a trip to Saratoga, Wyoming won by Liz Dearcorn, and a Las Vegas Getaway for 2 , won by David Knudson, all of Sheridan. The diamond necklace was won by Darrell Small. Small comments on the lucky win: FISH HATCHERY - Northeast Wyoming Anglers will be able to catch large Rainbow Trout this fall, thanks to the Story Fish Hatchery Their latest contribution to the Gillette Fishing Lake and Wright's Panther Pond includes over 450 Eagle Lake rainbow trout. The Story Fish Hatchery is currently undergoing renovations, and this type of stocking event probably won't be an annual occasion. That's because the hatchery had some problems in 2005 with whirling disease in a portion of their inventory, and will continue to adjust stocking strategies. Area Fishery Supervisor Paul Mavrakis reminds us that the daily limit is six fish, and only one of those can exceed 20 inches in length. The Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout fish have an average over 18 inches long. Mavrakis suggests to bring a tape measure, and also encourages young anglers to cast a line. YMCA AND SHERIDAN COUNTY RESIDENTS GOT MOVING YESTERDAY - More than 50 Sheridan County residents participated in the YMCA's 2nd annual “Activate America” health run-walk event yesterday morning. Runners and walkers took to Sheridan pathways and streets, to kick off the Y's “America on the Move Week”, with a combined total of 330 thousand steps. The winner of this year's 5 K Run, 23 year old Ryan Weller, was on hand to talk about his motivation for this year's race: VOA LAND TRUST CELEBRATION - 100 people in Sheridan County celebrated a monumental event yesterday. The Montana- Wyoming Volunteers of America, in cooperation with the Sheridan Community Land Trust, celebrated an easement next to WyStar's “The Gathering Place,” across from Sheridan College. The 9.4 acre easement is the first of it's kind in Sheridan County, made possible by the hard work of VOA members, Sheridan Land Trust, and government officials. The Easement is a private tract of land that will never be developed for any purposes, though it may someday be a portion of a proposed walking trail. On hand to help in the celebration, were Senators John Barasso and Mike Enzi, as well as County Commissioner Terry Cram and Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey, as well as Montana- Wyoming Volunteers of America President, Jeff Holsinger. Senator Enzi says:
Saturday, September 22, 2007 UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF SHERIDAN PUBLIC WORKS ON WATER QUALITY SITUATION - In a statement from City of Sheridan Utilities Manager Mike Cole, Sheridan operators continue to introduce powdered activated carbon in the treatment process to neutralize the foul taste/odor of the areas water. They have also sampled the drinking water quality throughout the distribution system, and all test results indicate the absence of total coliform bacteria and e-coli bacteria. More water has been released from Twin Lakes Reservoir in an attempt to “dilute” the water coming from Sawmill, Dome Lake and Park Reservoirs – they have been discharging water for irrigation purposes, and will cease that operation after October 1st. When that happens, Sheridan crews intend to flush isolated areas of the distribution system. YMCA 5K- 10K HEALTH RUN / 1MILE – 5KWALK EVENT IN SHERIDAN TODAY - Sheridan pathways will be filled with walkers and runners this morning for the Sheridan County YMCA Activate America program. Health and Fitness Director Patty Cox explains: SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD ANNUAL GALA TONIGHT - Broadway show tunes are in the air and people are putting on their best New York style dress clothes today. That's because tonight is the annual Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce ,fund raising Gala themed,: The Great Escape: New York, New York. Attendants who purchase a 1 hundred dollar ticket will have the opportunity to win a New York City Trip for two, including airfare, a stay at a Manhattan Hotel, and spending money. Other escapes include a rafting trip near Cody, and another “surprise” out of state trip. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janelle Martineson explains that everyone is welcome to attend tonight's fund raiser: WYOMING'S D.C. DELEGATION AND GOVERNOR UPSET OVER SYLVAN PASS RULING - Disbelief and outrage. Those are the feelings being expressed by Wyoming's congressional delegates and Governor Dave Freudenthal after Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis said Wednesday the Park Service will plan to ignore public input and close the East Entrance of Yellowstone for the winter. Barrasso declared: GEORGIA MAN WYOMING'S 103RD HIGHWAY FATALITY SOUTH OF GILLETTE - About eleven miles south of Gillette Thursday, a 34-year-old Wrightsville, Georgia man became Wyoming's 103rd highway fatality. Gary A. Lindsey was southbound on WYO 59 when his 1997 Ford Explorer crossed the center line and drifted off the left side of the roadway. When the vehicle reached that side of the road, Lindsay over-corrected the steering to the right, which caused the Explorer to go back across the center line and across the southbound lane of travel in a broadside slide, where it then left the roadway completely. The Explorer over turned ½ time, and while in motion, Lindsey, who was not wearing a seat belt, was totally ejected from the vehicle. One passenger was with Lindsey, 55-year-old David H. Palmer of Adrain, Georgia. He also was not wearing a seatbelt, but sustained only minor injuries. Palmer was treated and released from Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette. Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers continue their investigation to determine what factors may have contributed to the event that led to the crash. GOLDEN AGE “CLUB” DINNER WILL HOLD ANNUAL CELEBRATION SUNDAY - Sheridan county married couples who've been together for 50 years will get to celebrate tomorrow: COUNTY-WIDE TIRE ROUND-UP SCHEDULED FOR TODAY - If you need a place to get rid of your old tires, there will be a free, county-wide Tire Round-up today from 9 am until 1 pm. This was made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to help reduce the spread of West Nile Virus. Judy Stallman, Director of the Sheridan County Community Health Office, says that tires are a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes, and getting rid of your tires now will help you get ready for next year:
Friday, September 21, 2007 CITY OF SHERIDAN PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE ON WATER QUALITY SITUATION - Reservoir Release Update: As of yesterday (9/20) - 4 cfs being discharged from Sawmill Reservoir; 8 cfs being discharged from Dome Lake Reservoir; 16 cfs being discharged from Twin Lakes Reservoir (increased from 8 cfs on 9/20 to 16 cfs yesterday in an attempt to “dilute” other water sources); 20.5 cfs being discharged from Park Reservoir, For a total of 48.5 cfs of reservoir water being introduced into Big Goose Creek. There is approximately 60 cfs of natural stream flow within Big Goose Creek. When you consider the reservoir releases, there is approximately 108.5 cfs within Big Goose Creek. All reservoirs will cease discharge after October 1st. Treatment Update: Sheridan Operators continue to introduce powdered activated carbon in the treatment process to neutralize foul taste/odor. The powdered activated carbon is removed during the treatment process. Sheridan operators have sampled the drinking water quality throughout the distribution system. All test results indicate the absence of total coliform bacteria, and e-coli bacteria. We intend to flush isolated areas of our distribution system after October 1st, when discharge from the mountain reservoirs is discontinued. Attached is a link to USEPA Safe Drinking Water requirements. http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/index.html Q 104.7 IS IN FOR AN UPGRADE - The station Sheridan knows as Q 104.7 will now become Q 104.9, which is just a touch above it's current location. It will also increase its power from 2,000 watts to 100,000 watts. Operations Manager Steve Sisson clarifies what that means for Sheridan residents:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD RECEIVES HONORED GUEST AT MEETING LAST NIGHT - The Northern Wyoming Community College District Held their Board of Trustees Meeting last night at Sheridan College. Kate Fetterly reports:
DEADLINE IS LOOMING FOR SHERIDAN COUNTY MUSEUM CALENDAR PHOTO CONTEST - There are only eight days left to submit entries for the 2008 Sheridan County Calendar Contest, and Neil Hoversten from Photo Imaging Center is encouraging everyone who has a photo fitting the theme “Lifestyles of Sheridan County” to enter. Some people are concerned about what photos fit that theme, but Hoversten explains how almost any photo can be applied:
SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL R.O.C.K. GROUP HOSTS PRE-GAME TAILGATE PARTY TONIGHT - Sheridan High School students who are members of R.O.C.K., will have an opportunity to attend a wholesome party before tonight's Sheridan Bronc football game. R.O.C.K. stands for Raising Opportunities for Clean Kids, and Heather Gould, who is a sophomore at SHS, is the group's president. She outlines the plan for the pa rty:
TEENAGER SPEEDS & ROLLS TRUCK, ALL WITHOUT HIS LICENSE - A 15 year old male rolled his pickup truck after a near head-on collision beyond the paved edge of 5th street on Wednesday night. The young driver told Sheridan County Sheriff's deputies he had been spinning his wheels in the gravel nearby. He had returned to Fifth Street, but saw an oncoming vehicle and over corrected his steering. The truck then rolled over into the ditch, and luckily no one was injured. The young driver was issued a speeding ticket, and was cited for driving with a learner's permit. ROAD WORK AT THE SHERIDAN V.A. MEDICAL CENTER - Chip seal work on the roads at the Sheridan V.A. Medical Center began today in front of Building 28. The project will progress north and counter-clockwise around the station. Motorists are asked to watch for traffic control personnel.The work is scheduled to be completed by close of business next Monday, September 24th. Officials at the V.A. thank the public for their patience. COUNTY-WIDE TIRE ROUND-UP SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY - If you need a place to get rid of your old tires, there will be a free, county-wide Tire Round-up tomorrow from 9 am until 1 pm. This was made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture to help reduce the spread of West Nile Virus.Judy Stallman, Director of the Sheridan County Community Health Office, says that tires are a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes, and getting rid of your tires now will help you get ready for next year:
Thursday, September 20, 2007 WHITNEY BENEFITS BESTOWS MONEY TO AG PROGRAM AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE - In a ceremony at Sheridan College Thursday morning, members of the college Board of Trustees, the Whitney Board of Directors, college faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the latest Whitney gift to the college. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson was there and has the report: SHERIDAN FIRE-RESCUE TAKES PART IN FITNESS TRAINING - Sheridan Fire-Rescue personnel are participating in the required annual physical ability testing. All members of Sheridan Fire-Rescue are required to meet minimum physical fitness standards as a condition of their continued employment. Physical ability events include raising a 35 foot extension ladder; dragging a 165 pound rescue mannequin around a course; climbing the 75 foot aerial ladder; assembling hoses, fittings and nozzles; removing and replacing a 24 foot extension ladder from an fire-engine; performing a forcible entry drill with a 10 pound sledge hammer; dragging a charged hoseline from one side of a building to another; raising a hose pack and a self contained breathing apparatus to a second story; and carrying a 50 pound hose pack up and down 10 flights of stairs. Each of these events is designed to simulate actual physical duties encountered in fighting fires and providing emergency medical services. All Sheridan Fire-Rescue personnel participate in daily physical fitness training to insure that they are in top condition at all times. UPDATE ON THE WATER QUALITY TASTE/ODOR SITUATION - The foul taste and odor is
not going to be going away from our water system quite as quickly as originally hoped, but there is a more definitive answer as to the cause, says Public Utilities Manager, Mike Cole: SECOND CITY ADMINISTRATOR WORK SESSION – HEARING FROM FOUR MORE PANELISTS - The second of two Sheridan City Council work sessions to discuss the proposed ordinance establishing a City Administrator position was held Thursday in Council Chambers. This time, the four-person panel included former Sheridan Mayor Della Herbst, president of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities, George Parks, Douglas City Administrator Bobbi Fitzhugh, and UW grad student, getting her Masters in City Administration, Michelle Mecca Shea. Shea offered a unique perspective to the session, describing what areas of study a trained administrator receives: UW PRESIDENT TO SPEAK AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD TONIGHT - University of Wyoming President, Tom Buchanan, will speak to the Northern Wyoming Community College Board of Trustees this evening at Sheridan College in the Whitney Boardroom. Buchanan will discuss the long-time cooperation and collaboration between UW and Sheridan College, and UW initiatives to strengthen relationships with all of the community colleges in the state, with a goal of reaching all the needs of Wyoming's citizens through its higher education institutions. The board meeting begins at 7 this evening, and the public is welcome to attend. SPECIAL MEETING OF SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BOARD HELD WEDNESDAY - Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees held a special informational meeting Wednesday to discuss how this year's Leadership Conference in Asheville, North Carolina went. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: SHERIDAN HOSTING NURSES SUMMIT AND WNA CONVENTION - Nurses across Wyoming are gathering at the Best Western Sheridan Center for the next three days to attend the Wyoming Nursing Summit and the WNA Convention. Both of these conferences are held to discuss workforce issues, including avoiding a depletion of nurses and how to keep up with the changes affecting nursing. Also invited to attend are local and state legislators to help give them a look at where hospitals need assistance in supporting their nurses. WNA Vice President, Dee Gilson, explains the origin of the conferences: RANCHESTER MAN CHARGED WITH EXPLODING PROPERTY ON STATE LANDS - In Sheridan's Circuit Court Tuesday, Ranchester resident Daniel Johnson had his initial appearance before Judge John Sampson. The case is an August 29th incident allegedly involving Johnson and an unknown number of other perpetrators – Johnson has not divulged their identities – making “sparkler” bombs and exploding them on a newly placed wooden fence designated as the new parking are for the state land off of Wolf Creek Road. On August 30th, Game Warden Allen Osterland and Sheridan County Sheriff's Deputy, Mike Rogers, investigated the scene. Damage to the fence included a posted “Road Closed” sign hanging upside down by one nail, and the wooden post on which the sign had been hung was split in half, with a piece found about twenty feet away. Total cost of the damage is under one thousand dollars. While investigating the scene, a rancher from the area arrived to tell Deputy Rogers that he and a neighbor had been working on a vehicle down the road when they'd both heard two explosions. They came upon a pickup driving away from the area at a high rate of speed; they pursued it and were just able to make out the license plate before losing sight of it. The plates and registration belonged to Daniel Johnson, whose relatives indicated to authorities that he was known to have made sparkler bombs in the past. In court earlier this week, Johnson was put under a 5-thousand dollar unsecured bond, and the conditions state that he is not to possess or manufacture explosive devices; he's not to hunt or fish in Wyoming; he's not to go on state lands; and he is to acquire a lawyer within a week, prior to his preliminary hearing, scheduled to be held in about two weeks. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA: THE GREAT ESCAPE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!! - The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual fund raising Gala, entitled “The Great Escape” this Saturday night. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janelle Martinsen talks about the huge grand prize this year: BAUEN CAMP HOSTS CHAMBER'S “BUSINESS AFTER HOURS” - Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Members enjoyed their monthly Business after Hours at the Bauen Camp in Parkman last night. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly was on site and has this story: WITH HUNTING SEASON UPON US GAME AND FISH HAS SOME TIPS TO PREVENT WOUNDING LOSS - With hunting season underway once again in Wyoming, Game and Fish officials are encouraging hunters to make sure that their rifles are properly sighted in. A well-sighted gun can dramatically reduce wounding loss, which occurs when the animal is shot but never recovered by the hunter, usually resulting in death to the animal. Special Assistant to the Game and Fish Director's office, Walt Gasson, says there are three major factors that contribute to wounding loss:
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 UPDATE ON THE WATER QUALITY TASTE/ODOR SITUATION - The foul taste and odor is not going to be going away from our water system quite as quickly as originally hoped, but there is a more definitive answer as to the cause, says Public Utilities Manager, Mike Cole:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD THEIR LATEST WORK SESSION ON CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION TODAY - The charter ordinance that would establish a City Administrator position for Sheridan has already been approved on two readings by council, and they plan to have their latest work session on the matter today. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey explains who'll be at this latest work session:
DRUGFREE SEMINAR – SHERIDAN BUSINESS FINDS THEIR POLICY TO BE WORKING WELL - After a lot of promoting on the part of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce and the Volunteers of America, the first seminar on establishing a Drugfree Workplace was held Tuesday at the Sheridan College CTel .It's a topic that still brings wariness to employers, however, given the small showing. But event facilitator, Pam Peldo, is undeterred by the turnout:
RANCHESTER TOWN COUNCIL TABLES BID AWARD FOR NEW GARBAGE TRUCK - Ranchester's Town council met last night and Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS TO BE HELD AT BAUEN CAMP TONIGHT - The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce: business after hours meeting, will be held at the Bauen Camp tonight. The monthly event allows businesses to showcase what they offer to the public and fellow business sector associates. Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janelle Martineson talks about business after hours:
PARK SERVICE SEEKS INPUT ON PRESERVATION OF INTERNMENT CAMPS - Public comment is being sought regarding the preservation of internment camps, where more than 100-thousand Japanese-Americans were held after they were forced from their homes during World War II.The National Park Service has opened a six-week comment period which runs until November 2nd, on a planned 38-million dollar federal grant program for preserving the camps. Grant money could also be provided to build museums at the sites.There were more than fifty sites in seventeen states, including the Heart Mountain Relocation Center near Cody. Plans are underway to build a 5.5 million dollar interpretive center there.The comment period includes public meetings in cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 GOING DRUGFREE -- HOW ONE CASPER BUSINESSMAN TURNED HIS COMPANY AROUND - The Drugfree Workforce Seminar held at the Sheridan College C-Tel Tuesday had a small audience, but the information relayed was huge. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the report:
SHERIDAN COUNTY RESIDENTS COMPLAINING OF BAD WATER TASTE AND ODOR - The calls started coming in Saturday – the City of Sheridan has been responding to dozens of inquiries from the public regarding a foul taste and odor in the drinking water supply. Complaints have come in from SAWS customers, as well as City and Downer Addition customers. Mid-day Monday, Public Utilities Manager with the City of Sheridan, Mike Cole, called to tell us there are two theories as to the cause:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SEVERAL BIG ITEMS ON THIRD AND FINAL READING - Sheridan City Council met for their final regular meeting of the month last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
.TWO WEEKS LEFT IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH - September is Emergency Preparedness Month, and with two weeks left to go, local emergency programs are working to get the word out about what you can do to make your home and family as prepared as possible. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
“ON SACRED GROUND: FAITH AND THE ENVIRONMENT” CONFERENCE COMING TO LANDER - A first-of-it's-kind conference is in the works, set to begin at the end of next week. Called “On Sacred Ground: Faith and the Environment”, the event will include Wyoming people whose religious faith motivates them to support environmental stewardship, joining with conservation advocates from around the state. Diane Corsick is with the Wyoming Conservation Voters Education Fund, an organization in Lander that is co-sponsoring the conference with the Wyoming Association of Churches. She says that the idea for the gathering had its beginnings in the ideas of representatives of both groups, and a retreat was held in Ucross in April. Corsick says:
LACTATION COUNSELOR COURSE OFFERED - Sheridan Memorial Hospital is offering a Lactation Counselor Course for professional and volunteer health care workers who deal with new mothers. The course is backed by the National Center for Breastfeeding, a non- profit educational organization. Nancy Hooge, Clinical Nurse Educator at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, explains the purpose of the course:
SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE BOARD MEETING - The Sheridan County School District One board met last night at Big Horn High School. The Board ran quickly through their agenda, which included a hearing on an upcoming bond for the district. The proposed 2 million dollar bond will cost taxpayers in that district 3 percent and the state will pick up the other 97 percent. Superintendent Sue Belish explains the need for the additional funding:
Monday, September 17, 2007 SHERIDAN COUNTY RESIDENTS COMPLAINING OF BAD WATER TASTE AND ODOR - The calls started coming in Saturday – the City of Sheridan has been responding to numerous inquiries from the public regarding a foul taste and odor in the drinking water supply. Complaints have come in from SAWS customers, as well as City and Downer Addition customers. Public Utilities Manager with the City of Sheridan, Mike Cole, says there are two theories as to the cause: SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETS TONIGHT AND HAS A NUMBER OF KEY ISSUES ON THE THEIR AGENDA - Sheridan City Council will meet tonight and once again they'll have a long and varied agenda. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has a preview of what's on tap for tonight's meeting:
ITEC TRAILER BRINGS TRAINING TO INDUSTRY IN NE WYO - A new way to teach northeast Wyoming industrial workers has just rolled into town on 18 wheels. The Northern Wyoming Community College District, or NWCCD, has been working with Industrial Training and Education Center, or ITEC, to help bring about the mobile work force training tool. The ITEC mobile classroom is a brand new tractor trailer that is loaded with simulation devices for on-site training of industrial workers. The equipment inside can be used to train workers in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic programs. Ryan Ragan, Marketing and Public Information Specialist with NWCCD, gives an example of how the trailer could be used:
FOREST SERVICE MEETING INVITES PUBLIC AGENCY OFFICIALS & PUBLIC, TOO - The Big Horn National Forest is holding an Implementation and Monitoring Field Trip this Thursday. The trip invites the general public and public agency officials who have contributed to the recently revised Bighorn National Forest Plan. David Anderson is the Acting Planning Staff Officer with the Big Horn Forest Supervisor's Office. He talks about the overall point of the field trip:
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW IN BUFFALO BRINGS IN HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE - The Second Annual Crazy Woman Antiques Show in Buffalo was a huge draw for people from all over Northeastern Wyoming this weekend. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly was on hand and has this report:
SHERIDAN RESIDENT TALKS ABOUT HEALTH FAIR - The Sheridan County Wellness Center held it's health fair at Sheridan College over the weekend. It was an opportunity for people to gain knowledge of their health situation through a series of tests and screenings, and to discuss their concerns with health care professionals.Sheridan resident Mary MacDougal had a chance to talk with us following her hearing test, and tells us about her motivation for attending the fair:
Sunday, September 16, 2007 Bone Creek Fire Update - The Bone Creek Fire reached 95% containment yesterday, and management of the fire has been returned to the Big Horn National Forest. This past Friday, firefighters used Infra-red heat sensing technology to find and reduce hot spots in the fire. Officials reduced their estimate of the wild fire's size by 200 acres due to better mapping. Over 200 personnel remain assigned to the Bone Creek Fire. A Type three team will continue to manage the fire reduction efforts. Crews will continue to work on hot spots until the wild fire season ends. All forest roads have reopened for the public, including Hunt Mountain road. So far to date, the cost of the wildfire battle is estimated at 2 point 8 million dollars.
HARVEST CELEBRATION REPORT - The Powder River Basin Resource Council held their second annual end of season fund raiser at the Big Horn Women's Club yesterday. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly was there and has this report: HEALTH FAIR REPORT - The Sheridan County Wellness Council held their Health Fair on the Sheridan College Campus yesterday. The Fair offered a chance for people to take a good look at their overall health. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly was there and has this story: SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW - Sheridan City Council will meet tomorrow night and once again they will have a full and varied agenda with a number of important issues up for 3rd and final reading. But not all of key issues are up for 3rd reading as Mayor Dave Kinskey states: SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 AGENDA - Sheridan County School District One will hold their regular Board meeting tomorrow night at the Big Horn High School. On the agenda, the board will hold a hearing on bond issues, and hear reports from the student ambassador, the superintendent, as well as administrator and business manager's reports. The Board will hear a facility update, and in new business, they'll discuss an entrepreneurial fund and hear correspondence from the community. Sheridan County School District One board meets at 6 p.m. In the Big Horn High School Music Room.
Saturday, September 15, 2007 BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST PRESCRIBED BURN PLANNED - The Bighorn National Forest is planning to conduct prescribed burns this fall, with the earliest beginning tomorrow in the Brokenback Mountain area of the forest, which is approximately 3 miles northwest of Meadowlark Lake. The Zaybrook Prescribed Fire project consists of seven different units totaling 750 acres. Officials anticipate that if conditions are right, they may get 200 acres burned, in an area that consists of sagebrush, grass and some conifer trees that are encroaching into the sagebrush meadows. The burn will improve range conditions by killing old decadent sagebrush, which will allow for more grass production for wildlife and livestock grazing. The burn will also remove natural fuels build-up, which will help reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfire. SHERIDAN RECREATION DISTRICT EYEING A COUPLE OF PARKS FOR POSSIBLE DISC GOLF COURSES - The Sheridan Recreation District hopes to have two nine hole disc golf courses installed soon that would offer hours of enjoyment for young and old alike. Sheridan Rec. Director Richard Wright: HUNTERS AND HIKERS NEED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN ENTERING BACKCOUNTRY TERRAIN - It carries an odor that isn't the most pleasant, but it just may end up saving your life if you plan on doing some hunting or hiking in any of Wyoming's backcountry. We're talking about bear pepper spray, and Monica Fella with the Sierra Club Grizzly Bear project says it's been a proven commodity for many encountering bears: FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN WYOMING TO BE RETURNED TO HAWAII - He probably wishes he hadn't been speeding. A Wyoming State Trooper arrested a man wanted on multiple felony warrants, in addition to a grand jury warrant issued from the State of Hawaii, after a traffic stop on I-80 Thursday afternoon. The Trooper initiated the traffic stop on a 2006 Ford Expedition, approximately 13 miles west of Laramie shortly before 5, for a speeding violation of 84 in a 75-mph zone heading west. 37-year-old Anthony D. Kirksey, who listed his address as Mira Loma, California, was found to have outstanding felony warrants from the Honolulu, Hawaii Police Department for fraud, theft and larceny. He was arrested on the outstanding warrants, and is being held at the Albany County Detention Center in Laramie while officials await the arrival of Hawaiian authorities. A search of the Ford Expedition turned up three different drivers licenses, allegedly used by the fugitive. Kirksey is known to have used up to nine different aliases. In addition to the licenses, Troopers discovered electronics and computer equipment in the vehicle that were still in boxes that Kirksey had mailed to himself from Hawaii. Troopers are working with Honolulu detectives to determine if the items are part of their ongoing investigation into those he allegedly obtained fraudulently. Honolulu police detectives had been following Kirksey's movements through the states of Ohio, Nevada and California in an attempt to track him down. POWDER RIVER HARVEST CELEBRATION IS ALL LOCAL - The Powder River Basin Resource Council is holding their annual harvest celebration this afternoon in Big Horn. Carol Leresche is the treasurer for the council and tells us what's happening this afternoon: SHERIDAN COUNTY YOUTH GIVEN OPPORTUNITY TO ROCK OUT – PARENTS CAN BREATHE EASY - Tonight, junior high and high school students will have an opportunity to raise the roof at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall as four Christian rock bands provide ear-splitting metal music with a message, in what youth pastor Andy Menthe, of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, calls the “sweetest concert Sheridan has ever seen”:
I-TEC TRAILER ON HAND FOR WYO RURAL WATER EXPO - Over the past couple of days, you may have spotted a large tractor trailer rig outside the Sheridan Holiday Inn. The I-TEC trailer is an all new on-site tool which offers industry specific training. I-TEC stands for Industry Training and Education Center, it's a cooperative program offered through the Northern Wyoming Community College District. The I-TEC trailer was on hand for the Wyoming Rural Water's 2007 fall training expo. The expo invited water operators from small Wyoming communities to gain job and industry training in water and waste water treatment operations. Wyoming Rural Water Executive Director Mark Pepper explains more about the I Tec trailer:
BONE CREEK FIRE – CONTAINMENT INCREASES - Firefighters are up to 70% containment on the Bone Creek Fire, after they continued their ongoing fire line construction, suppression of hot spots, and mop up. Assisting in their efforts to find and focus on hot spots is the use of a fixed wing, infra-red plane that uses imaging to map the fire areas already burned and what is still burning. The operator sits airborne in a helicopter and flies over areas identified by either the fixed wing mapping flight or by field firefighters.On the ground, firefighters till use hand-held infra-red heat sensing devises to target specific spots. The hand-held infra-red can pick up heat buried below ground in stumps, logs and debris. SEPTEMBER IS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS MONTH, AND REPS WILL BE PRESENT AT SHERIDAN COUNTY HEALTH FAIR - As we reported earlier today, along with the booths set up on the inside of the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome tomorrow for the 2007 Sheridan County Health Fair, there will be people set up outside the building, including Sheridan Fire/Rescue's Child Safety Seat checkpoint, and the CERT / LEPC booth. LEPC stands for Local Emergency Planning Committee, and Chairman Steve Small explains their purpose of being at the Health Fair: SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIR BOARD CANCELS MEETING - The Sheridan County Fair Board was scheduled to meet last night, but after several minutes of waiting, and the realization that they had a lack of quorum, the called it, and the meeting was canceled.There are currently two vacancies on the board, left by Dr. Steve Martens and Kathleen Schaecterle. If you are interested in applying, contact the Sheridan County Commission office, or stop by – they are located on the second floor of the Sheridan County Courthouse. For more information, call Steve Maier: 307.675.2902. BUSINESS COUNCIL BOARD APPROVES GRANT THAT WILL ALLOW HIGH SCHOOL IN DAYTON TO BE RE-FURBISHED INTO COMMUNITY CENTER - The Wyoming Business Council Board of Trustees met yesterday and approved several grants, including one that will have a big effect on the town of Dayton and its residents. Dayton Mayor Bob Wood with the details:
ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR BRINGS HEALTH CONCERNS UNDER MICROSCOPE - The 2007 Sheridan County Health Fair will be held tomorrow at the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome on the Sheridan College campus. Sandy Fuller, who is the Wellness Coordinator for the Wellness Council of Sheridan County, gives us the background of the fair:
SHERIDAN COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION HAS INCREASED EMPLOYEE PARTNERSHIP - Sheridan's Memorial Hospital Foundation has reached a milestone of sorts, and the hospital's employees are the key players in making it happen. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the story:
WYOMING ARTS SUMMIT TO BE HELD THIS FALL IN CASPER - A first-of-its kind event will be held in Casper next month. Artists and community leaders will be gathering to discuss how the arts can enhance the economic health of the state, and First Lady Nancy Freudenthal is spearheading the event:
CLOUD PEAK SYMPHONY BEGINS THIRD SEASON - If their website is any indication, the folks with the Cloud Peak Symphony not only have a great third season lined up, you might just want to be a part of it. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
SENATOR BARRASSO ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW WEBSITE - U.S. Senator John Barrasso Thursday announced the launch of his new permanent website, saying that one of his biggest responsibilities as a U.S. senator is to inform and assist folks in Wyoming. He added that the website will provide links to help people get information on a variety of topics and issues. When Barrasso had been conducting his statewide town meetings, he encouraged Wyoming's citizens to contact him. He stated that he wants to hear from people, and that what they have to say will only serve to help him be a more effective senator. The website will provide many services, including applications for Congressional internships and military academy nominations, tips on filing grant proposals, and instructions for filing casework. For more information, visit http://barrasso.senate.gov/public . WYO POLITICIANS SLAM PARK SERVICE ON SYLVAN PASS STUDY - Wyoming's governor and congressional delegation have sent scathing letters to the National Park Service about Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance. Governor Freudenthal, Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Barbara Cubin wrote Park Service officials that they disagreed with the idea of closing Sylvan Pass during the winter. They questioned why the agency is saying the road should be closed because of cost concerns, when earlier it cited safety concerns. Officials say the Park Service has not changed whether safety or cost is the paramount issue in closing the entrance. A supplemental study examining Sylvan Pass is out for public comment through today. The Park Service will make a final determination on the fate of the East Entrance in its final environmental document, slated for release in early October. BNSF HAS CRANE ACCIDENT IN CAMPBELL COUNTY - A worker was injured when a Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway crane tipped over in Campbell County. A company official says Matthew Henry was flown to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper Tuesday afternoon, where he was treated and released after the accident. A BNSF official would not say where Henry was from or how old he is, citing company policy. The accident occurred on a north-south railroad track, just north of the Campbell-Converse county line. Service on the track was not affected. It is the second railroad crane accident in the area in as many months; on August 3rd, a crane doing bridge work in nearby Crook County tipped over, killing one worker.
Thursday, September 13, 2007 UPDATE! BONE CREEK FIRE – MORE CONTAINMENT, BUT SOME STRUCTURES THREATENED - Bone Creek fire lines held through the high wind event associated with yesterday's passing cold front. The good news was that the wind speeds did not reach the intense speeds that were forecast, and firefighters were able to achieve 60% containment. The bad news is that four structures are threatened at this time: the Shell Falls Visitor Center, and three outbuildings at the Horse Creek Cow Camp.Crews continue today to construct containment lines, suppress hot spots and mop up. There are 232 people assigned to this fire, which holds at 13,670 acres. SAWS ADDRESSES BILLING ISSUES AND LEARNS OF RURAL GROWTH STUDY - The Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board or SAWS Board met last night. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly was there and has this report:
SHERIDAN RECREATION DISTRICT BOARD GETS GOOD NEWS ABOUT WHEN THE SKATE PARK WILL BE RE-OPENING - The Sheridan Recreation District Board of Trustees met for their monthly meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED BY FAITHFUL VOLUNTEERS - There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities in Sheridan County, but one place you may not have thought about would be the Sheridan Police Department. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the story:
WE HAVE AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE SHERIDAN INN RESTORATION PROJECT - If you've driven by the Sheridan Inn lately you've probably noticed the big mess on the lawn on the east side of the inn. Mechanical Engineer of that project, Paul Seward explains just what's going on:
R.O.C.K. BOARD OPENS A NEW AFTER-SCHOOL ROOM FOR STUDENTS - Sheridan High School students have initiated a new drug-free, after-school alternative in their new ROCK program. ROCK stands for Raising Opportunities for Clean Kids. It's an incentive program run by students, for students, who pledge that they won't do drugs. ROCK board president, Heather Gould, talks about for whom the program is intended:
AND IN OTHER YOUTH-RELATED NEWS – THE SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS WILL BE ROCKING SATURDAY NIGHT - Every few months, a group of adults who are young at heart, and who have a heart for kids, brings in top name rock concerts with a positive message. Organizer Dave Tarver, who owns a construction company in town, tells us who is coming to the Sheridan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall this Saturday night:
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING ... NOT SO SPECIAL - Commissioners Terry Cram and Steve Maier – Bob Rolston was absent – had to tell those present that word had come in late Monday afternoon that the Viewers Report that was to be completed in time for the Sheridan County Commission special meeting Tuesday morning, weighing in with an appraisal amount on the Zowada – Mullinax access issue, was not going to be complete in time ... again:
BONE CREEK FIRE REACHES 45 % CONTAINMENT - The weather warmed significantly yesterday and helped firefighters identify hot spots and smoldering fire in heavy timber on the Bone Creek Fire. They made good progress in line construction – containment is at 45% -- but numerous hot spots in steep and rugged terrain continue to pose containment problems.Officials anticipate a cold front with up to 40-mile-an-hour winds to hit the fire area this afternoon and evening, with only minimal amounts of moisture coming with the front. As they wait for that to hit, crewswill continue to construct containment lines, suppress hot spots, and mop up and monitor the fire.Current information, along with maps and photographs, can be viewed on www.inciweb.org .Cost to date is now estimated to be 2.1 million dollars. WITH A NEW COLLEGE YEAR COMES ANOTHER SCIENCE CENTER LECTURE SERIES – THIS TIME, WE LOOK BACK TO THE SKY - At the beginning of the winter/spring semester at Sheridan College last school year, the Mohns Science Center was the venue for a series of science lectures. This evening, the series will resume, and Geology / Astronomy instructor, Tom Johannesmeyer, will be giving a presentation entitled “The Geology of the Galilean Moons of Jupiter”:
STREET DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR PROFESSIONALS - Back by popular demand! It's Street Drug Awareness: What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know. The Street Drug Awareness course is a one day program which aids health care providers in identifying symptoms of illicit drug use. Sheridan Memorial Hospital Clinical Nurse Educator, Nancy Hooge, describes the course:
SHERIDAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM BOARD HAS VACANCY - Sheridan's Travel and Tourism Board is seeking to fill a single commission vacancy. The 7-member board is made up of volunteers throughout Sheridan and the surrounding area. Board member Ron Spence vacated a term that ends in July 2009. Sheridan Travel and Tourism Executive Director Penny Becker explains who they're looking for:
WYOMING'S BIGHORN BASIN GETS SET FOR THE NEXT BIG OIL AND GAS DRILLING PROJECT - The thumper trucks have moved in, and one of the next big oil and gas drilling projects for Wyoming is scheduled to get underway soon with leases going on sale next month. Suzanne Lewis is with the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance, and says there are plenty of ways to make the drilling safe for the land, the people and the wildlife:
GAME AND FISH OFFICIALS PLEASED WITH DECISION TO ALLOW BISON HUNTING ON ELK REFUGE - A decision by the National Elk Refuge to expand hunting on the Jackson bison herd to include the refuge has Wyoming Game and Fish officials pleased. The decision will help improve habitat conditions for elk, reduce human conflict and provide additional opportunities for sportsmen. Jackson Game and Fish Biologist Doug Brimeyer:
SHERIDAN COUNTY YMCA GETS READY FOR “AMERICA ON THE MOVE” - The Sheridan County YMCA is hosting “America On the Move” this September 24 - 28th. They're teaming up with 1500 YMCA Clubs across America to help promote active living and healthy eating for people of all ages. Sheridan's Y will kick off the week with a 1 mile- 5k- walk and a 5k-10k Health Run, set for Saturday, September 22nd. Participants will receive a T-shirt with their registration and a continental breakfast. The week continues Monday the 24th through Friday the 28th, with the YMCA offering free entry to the Y to everyone in the community.Patty Cox, a Health and Fitness Director with the YMCA, tells us what's so important about the upcoming program:
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
2007 MEMORIALSERVICE AT FIRE STATION – A FELLOWSHIP REMEMBERS - The Sheridan Fire Department hosted its annual 9/11 memorial ceremony this morning. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson brings the report:
REMEMBERING 911: “WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING?” - Six years ago today, our world was forever changed when hijackers flew two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City and one plane into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane, United Flight 93, was destined for another symbolic target, when the brave passengers thwarted the attempt, sacrificing their lives to crash the plane into a Pennsylvania field. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson asked some of you, “Where were you that morning in 2001?”
CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSES KEY GOALS AT FIRST OF TWO SEPTEMBER NOON WORK SESSIONS - The Sheridan City Council is working to set and achieve S.M.A.R.T goals as a result of the noon Council Work Session yesterday. SMART, a goal setting acronym, is a way to set specific, measurable and realistic goals. Mayor Kinskey suggested that the City needs to set goals and measure progress on problem issues. Kinskey talks about the issues he hears about as Mayor:
SHERIDAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 BOARD HEARS PAWS RESULTS - Sheridan County School District Two Board of Trustees held their regular monthly meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the story:
SHERIDAN PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT - The Sheridan City Planning Commission met at City Hall Monday night. The Commission approved a re-zone and made two plats of subdivision recommendations to the City Council.Sheridan's law enforcement center had previously been zoned Residential R2, and was re-zoned to Business District B1 by the Commission on Monday.The Commission also heard from Developer Bill Pew in regard to the Ahimsa Planned Unit Development, which is proposed to be built northwest of Carlin and east of North Water street. A conditional recommendation was made to the city to approve the subdivision with two stipulations: one was a variance for a lot setback, and the other for alley right-of-way allowance. The second conditional approval for a subdivision was for the lot located at 1042 3rd Avenue East. The Commissionl gave approval under the condition that the owner construct a residential building on one lot within two years and remove a pump house on the other lot. Sheridan City Planning Commission also discussed the need for a second monthly work session. Planning Commission Vice–Chair, Mike Butcher, gave some comment on that:
TWO MAYORS DISCUSS CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION - In an effort to inform the public as clearly as possible about the benefits of establishing a City Administrator position with the City of Sheridan, we will be having current Mayor Dave Kinskey and other guests as part of our Monday Public Pulse programs.Yesterday, the mayor and his predecessor, Mayor Jim Wilson, discussed various positive aspects, chief among them being that an administrator would have the knowledge necessary to “running the business”:
WYOMING LAWMAKERS TO HOST ANNUAL COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS MEETING - The Wyoming Legislature will host lawmakers from thirteen states as the 60th Annual Council of State Governments West will take place in Jackson Hole next week. Representative Rosie Berger weighs in on the upcoming policy conference:
SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL EARNS TOP 100 IMPROVEMENT AWARD - Sheridan Memorial Hospital has been recognized by Thompson Health Care as one of the Top 100 Small Market Hospitals. Sheridan Memorial was awarded a Performance Improvement Award for its efforts. Sheridan Memorial Hospital C.E.O., Mike McCafferty, discusses the meaning of the award to Sheridan Memorial:
Monday, September 10, 2007 BONE CREEK FIRE – SNOW A MIXED BLESSING - It wasn't just rain that fell over the weekend – snow began to accumulate on the upper elevations of the Bone Creek Fire Sunday morning, leaving about four inches of snow on the fire.You'd think firefighters would be thrilled, but officials with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team stressed that the snow can be a mixed blessing, limiting access and in turn their ability to do things they need to do. And unfortunately, there is not enough moisture in the storm to completely put out the flames.Weather forecasters expect a warm and drying trend to begin about mid-week this week, which will once again cause an increase in fire behavior. Firefighters yesterday worked in the areas that were accessible, but air resources were grounded due to the storm.The Bone Creek Fire size is now down to 13,670 acres and is 30% contained. 46 residences, five commercial properties and 20 outbuildings are still threatened on land owned by the Big Horn National Forest. Cost of fighting the fire to date is 1.5 million dollars. SHERIDAN FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOLD 6TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE OF 911 - Tomorrow marks the 6th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson brings us word of a ceremony at the Sheridan Fire Department:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL TO RESUME BI-MONTHLY NOONTIME WORK SESSIONS TODAY - At their last meeting Sheridan City Council agreed to set a work session schedule for the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Each work session will take place from noon to 1 pm in Council Chambers at City Hall with the first of those to take place today. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey explains the logic behind having these bi-monthly work sessions:
CARTRIDGE WORLD IN SHERIDAN GOES GREEN - Environmentally friendly is a term that has become the norm for many business's these days and the latest to jump on board is Cartridge World of Sheridan. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
TRAIL END HISTORIC SITE RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS AT ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - Wyoming's Trail End State Historic Site is searching for people to join the “Trail End Guilds” at its membership meeting tomorrow night. Guilds can give tours of the Kendrick Mansion and Trail End Historic Site in Sheridan, with the chance to meet people from all over the world. Site curator, Sherry Mooney, talks about the other things Trail End Guilds do:
WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT CREATION OF A CITY ADMINISTRATOR - Since 1973, the City of Sheridan has had a form of government called the Mayor/Council or “strong mayor/council” in place in order to run Sheridan efficiently. Two weeks ago, Mayor Dave Kinskey announced that the Council would be proposing to establish an ordinance allowing them to hire a City Administrator. This form of government, called Mayor/Council with Administrator, would have the advantages of Sheridan's current form of government, as well as an administrator, who would typically have a Master's Degree in Public Administration, and who has the experience of running a city. Even with the benefits of having a city administrator, some people have their doubts on the impact it will have on Sheridan. So we're asking your opinion: Should the City of Sheridan hire a city administrator?
Sunday, September 09, 2007 COOLER WEATHER BRINGS RELIEF FOR FIREFIGHTING - Sheridan media learned last evening that cooler weather helped crews in fighting the Bone Creek Fire to obtain 25% containment. Karol Brauneis, Information Officer with the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team, had a chance to talk with us about what has helped tackle the blaze: SHERIDAN COUNTY 5 YEAR OLDS HAVE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH - Reporter Kate Fetterly has the scoop:
ANEMOMETER LOAN PROGRAM LOOKING FOR WIND MEASUREMENTS FROM LANDOWNERS - The Anemometer Loan Program sponsored by the Wyoming Business Council's State Energy Program, is looking for landowners interested in measuring the wind on their land. An anemometer measures wind speed and the Business Council's towers also track wind direction, duration of the wind, temperature of barometric pressure. Their measurements give landowners data to determine whether or not their land is suitable for wind power development. Business Council State Energy Program Manage Dale Hoffman explains how this program benefits Wyoming:
Saturday, September 08, 2007 SENATOR JOHN BARRASSO PREPARES TO MAKE HIS MAIDEN SPEECH ON THE SENATE FLOOR MONDAY - He's had the summer to learn the ropes around our Nation's capitol, and next Monday, Wyoming's Junior Senator, John Barrasso, takes the next step. On board an airplane leaving D.C. yesterday afternoon, he told us: A LOOK BACK AT FIGHTING THE LITTLE GOOSE FIRE - Despite a very slight flare-up earlier this week, the Little Goose Fire has been under a patrol status for the past two weeks. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson sat down with three local firefighters who battled the Little Goose Fire, and has this report:
GOVERNOR APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN TO WYOMING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL -Thursday became a significant day for Dave Scriven, as Governor Dave Freudenthal appointed him Chairman of the Wyoming Workforce Development Council. Scriven is President of Western States Mining Consultants, P.C., a mining engineering service firm specializing in mining, geotechnical and environmental engineering for the mining industry. He has over 32 years of mining engineering experience in the areas of production, supervision, blasting, mine planning, project evaluation, financing and management, and geotechnical engineering. Scriven indicates that he is on board with the Council at a good time: BUSINESS TO BUSINESS DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE - The Wyoming Business Council has announced that the Big Horn Business to Business Directory is now available for companies in the Big Horn basin. The directory will help companies in Park, Big Horn, Hot Springs and Washakie Counties. Wyoming Business Council Northwest Regional Director Leah Bruscino explains how they'll benefit from the directory: 09-08-20. The Business to Business Directory website is being sponsored by the Wyoming Business Council along economic groups from the four counties involved. TRAIL END MEMBERSHIP MEETING - Wyoming's Trail End State Historic Site is looking for members to join the “Trail End Guilds”. Guilds will be involved with guiding tours, meeting people from around the world, and will help out with the upcoming holiday season and beyond. You can help out at the Kendrick Mansion site by donating time or money. To find out more, show up to their Membership Meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m, and bring a friend. The Mansion is just south of the Junior High School. www.trailend.org NEW WYOMING QUARTER TO BE TOSSED AT US THIS AFTERNOON - The new Wyoming Quarter will be flying through the air when it first debuts at the University of Wyoming football game, as the Cowboys take on Utah State today, at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie. The special new coin that bears the same bucking horse and rider symbol as the uniforms of UW's sports teams will be tossed at center field, just before noon, to decide which team starts the game with the ball. Several dignitaries will be down on the field – Governor Dave Freudenthal, State Auditor Rita Meyer, State Treasurer Joe Meyer, State Superintendent Jim McBride and Oregon Trail Bank President Craig Kerrigan. This is, of course, just a precursor to the Quarter's big day, when it is officially launched into the economy at a ceremony set for next Friday, September 14th, at the Cheyenne Civic Center, where members of the public will be able to purchase rolls of the quarters. Governor Freudenthal will also present a proclamation that day, declaring it “Wyoming Quarter Day in the Classroom.”
Friday, September 07, 2007 U.S. HIGHWAY 14 EAST OF GREYBULL WILL OPEN BACK UP THIS MORNING - U.S. Highway 14 Northeast of Greybull re-opened at 8 this morning. U.S. 14 had been closed since mid-day Wednesday when the Bone Creek fire jumped to the south side of the highway posing a danger to motorists. WYDOT District 5 Public Involvement Specialist Cody Beers explains how the decision to re-open the road came to be: NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS TO HOLD AN OPEN HOUSE FOR THE PUBLIC TOMORROW - Today we conclude our series on the National Weather Service with a look at an open house tomorrow in Billings. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FIVE-YEAR-OLD BIRTHDAY PARTY - Sheridan Memorial Hospital is holding their annual 5-year-old birthday party tomorrow morning. All children in the community who were born in 2002 are welcome to attend, along with their siblings and parents. The Shrine Clowns will be there to give rides aboard their fire engine, and there will be free face painting and balloons. Children will also enjoy ice cream, cookies, and popcorn and can take home coloring books and crayons. All 5 year olds will receive prizes and there will be an exclusive grand prize awarded before the party is over. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children throughout the event. The Sheridan Memorial Hospital's 5-year-old birthday party takes place on the hospital's back patio and runs from 10 a.m to 11:30 a.m tomorrow. For more information, you can contact Sheridan Memorial Hospital, or call Cecile Pattison at 672-1017 or Ada Kirven at 673-2417. COWBOY FLY IN WELCOMES SPECTATORS - The Flying Cowboys are holding their 16th Annual Fly-In this weekend at their flying field just west of Sheridan. Organizer John Steir (steer) anticipates about 50 flyers from surrounding states to show up this afternoon and stay through Sunday morning. Steir talks about what's happening out there:
Thursday, September 06, 2007 SMALL TURN-OUT FOR THE FIRST WORK SESSION REGARDING PROPOSED CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION - Only a handful of people were in the Sheridan City Council Chambers today for the first work session the Sheridan City Council held to address the possibility of establishing a City Administrator position.A panel consisting of Gillette Mayor Duane Evenson and Gillette City Administrator Brett Jones, as well as former Sheridan Mayor Jim Wilson and City Clerk-Treasurer Art Elkins were there to provide information about the benefit such a position would bring.Called the “Enzi Ordinance”, named after now U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, who implemented this type of Mayor/Administrator process when he was mayor of Gillette, the position allows the business of running the City to someone trained in finance, Human Resources, and multiple department functions, says Councilperson Kathy Kennedy: TYPE II INCIDENT COMMAND TO ARRIVE TODAY TO WORK ON BONE CREEK FIRE - About 80 people attended Wednesday's afternoon meeting in the Shell Fire Hall to learn the latest on the Bone Creek Fire, which escalated to about 12-thousand acres after winds blew the blaze across U.S. Highway 14. Bernie Bornong, the Resources Staff Officer with the Big Horn National Forest Service, gives us some meeting highlights:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD A WORKSHOP TODAY ON CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION - Sheridan's City Council will hold a special two hour work session from 11 am to 1 pm today in Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Dave Kinskey explains what the work session is all about:
GREENHOUSE FOR SHERIDAN” RECEIVES LAND DONATION - Sheridan's Senior Center hosted a news conference yesterday to announce that the design phase has begun on “Greenhouse for Sheridan,” an alternative to conventional long-term Senior Care. “The Greenhouse for Sheridan,” a non-profit organization, received a two-and-a-half acre plot donation in the Cloud Peak Subdivision from developer Don Roberts for the future location of the first four Greenhouse homes. Roberts also set aside an identical plot adjacent to his donation, for future purchase by the organization. “Greenhouse for Sheridan” also announced that they received some funding for the project from the Wyoming State Legislature. Former Wyoming House Representative, Doug Osborn, who is chairman of the task force for “A Greenhouse for Sheridan,” gave some insight about what's going on with the project.
HIGHWAY PATROL CAR COLLISION INJURES THREE NEAR GILLETTE WEDNESDAY - Three people were injured early Wednesday morning south of Gillette, including a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper. 27-year-old Trooper Joshua Gebauer, and 19-year-old Darryl Bower, both from Wright, had minor injuries and were treated and released from Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette. 51-year-old John Harvey, from Gillette, remains hospitalized there with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. At approximately 4 o'clock yesterday morning, the State Trooper was northbound, and in the process of passing a semi-tractor trailer on WYO 59, about three miles south of Gillette, when he and Harvey's 1993 Mercury Tracer collided head-on. The trooper was transporting Bower from a crash in the Wright area to the Campbell County Detention Facility after he'd been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Bower had been placed in the rear passenger seat of the patrol car, and both he and the trooper were wearing their lap and shoulder harnesses. It is unknown at this time if Harvey was wearing his seat belt when the accident happened. Because the crash involved a Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicle, the Campbell County Sheriff's Department is handling the crash investigation. Troopers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol's Crash Investigation Team are assisting the sheriff in gathering evidence. Trooper Gebauer is stationed at Division “L” in Gillette, and has been employed with the Patrol since August of 2005. SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK BEGINS SUNDAY - Beginning this Sunday, September 9th and running through the 15th, the Wyoming Department of Health is asking the public to join in recognizing Suicide Prevention Week in the state. While there has been a significant drop in the state's overall suicide rate, the Department of Health says much work remains to be done in the area of public awareness and prevention. Keith Hotle is the department's suicide prevention team leader, and tells us:
follow up to see that the person is getting help. To learn more, call Keith Hotle: (307) 777-3318 or khotle@state.wy.us . NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BILLINGS TO HONOR VOLUNTEERS AT AN OPEN
Wednesday, September 05, 2007 UPDATE 5 pm - TYPE II INCIDENT COMMAND TO ARRIVE TODAY TO WORK ON BONE CREEK FIRE - About 80 people attended Wednesday's afternoon meeting in the Shell Fire Hall to learn the latest on the Bone Creek Fire, which escalated to about 12-thousand acres yesterday morning after winds blew the blaze across U.S. Highway 14.Bernie Bornong, the Resources Staff Officer with the Big Horn National Forest Service, gives us some meeting highlights:
COMMISSION CONSIDERS HOT BUTTON ISSUE WITH PACKED CHAMBERS - The first, and what will be the only, regular meeting of the month for the Sheridan County Commission was held yesterday, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the report:
OTHER COUNTY COMMISSION NEWS – AWARDING BIDS FOR DETENTION CENTER KITCHEN AND CONSIDERING DESMET WATER - Sheridan County Commissioners yesterday extended – hopefully for the last time – a September 11th deadline for the Viewers' Report in the Zowada matter to establish a private road. A specially-called Commission meeting will be held on that date at 11 am. This meeting will replace the September 18th regular meeting.The hearing between Zowada and Mullinax, with whom the recycling company has been in dispute for well over a year, has been set for October 3rd through the 5th.Generating a significant amount of discussion was the Commission's consideration of a SAWS request of 100 acre feet of Lake DeSmet water. Commissioner Bob Rolston explains: BONE CREEK FIRE INFORMATION MEETING TIME AND PLACE CHANGED - The Bone Creek fire jumped US Highway 14 in Shell Canyon early this morning. The Highway is closed between Burgess Junction and Shell. A strong cold front passed through the area Tuesday night, which resulted in a wind shift that pushed the fire across Shell Creek and Highway 14. The fire size as of 6 this morning is estimated to be about 12,000 acres. A small amount of precipitation fell on the fire, but not enough to slow its progress. The fire crossed US 14 between the Post Creek Picnic Ground and a point approximately one mile to the west of the Shell Falls Visitor Center. It ran through the timber to the top of the canyon on the south side. The fireline on the north and east perimeter of the Bone Creek fire, along Forest Road 10, the Hunt Mountain Road, held throughout the night. Bighorn National Forest personnel will be available to meet with the public and media at 1 today at the Shell Fire Hall, located east of the Old Shell Lodge off US Highway 14. This time and place is revised from the earlier announced meeting scheduled for 10 at the Shell Falls visitor center. A Type II incident management team has been ordered to help manage the fire, and additional firefighting resources have been ordered. Further fire information can be found at the Forest website: www.fs.fed.us/r2/bighorn or www.inciweb.org - look for Bone Creek under the Incident box in the upper right corner of the web page. If you have any questions, please call the Bighorn National Forest office at 307-674-2600. SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL EYES CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION - With a number of contentious items on the agenda it was no surprise that it took Sheridan's City Council nearly three and a half hours to conduct their first regularly scheduled meeting of the month last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SECOND READING ON ANNEXING LAND FOR SITE OF WOODLAND PARK SCHOOL - Sheridan City Council at their meeting last night approved on second reading annexing 97.6 acres of land just south of Sheridan College that will be the site for the new Woodland Park Elementary School. Rich Bridger, Sheridan County School District Two board member, read a letter from board Chair Bill Bradshaw and the rest of the trustees that supported the annexation.Mike Watkins addressed Council about his concerns that the annexation could jeopardize the future of SAWS, however; Mayor Dave Kinskey quelled Watkins' concerns by pointing out that water supplied to that area could indeed be provided by either SAWS or the city. Newly-appointed and just-sworn-in councilman John Bigelow says that he has confidence in the organization who's donating the land:
RANCHESTER TOWN COUNCIL REPORT - The Ranchester Town Council met Tuesday night for their regularly scheduled meeting. The Council discussed reduced garbage rates for Senior Citizens, the purchase of a new garbage truck, and snow removal solutions.Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger discusses the reason for a reduced rate for Senior Citizen garbage removal:
GREENHOUSE PROJECT PROGRESS -- NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY - The Sheridan Senior Center is holding an informational session this afternoon to talk about progress on the “Green House for Sheridan”, which offers a new way to provide long-term nursing home care for Seniors. Carmen Rideout, Executive Director at the Sheridan Senior Center, talks about what the project means for the community:
A JUDGE AND THREE LAWYERS MOONLIGHT AS MUSICIANS - He's a Wyoming Supreme Court Justice by day who leads another life off the bench. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with the story:
LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS, NOT CLOSED DOORS REGARDING SYLVAN PASS - U.S. Senator Mike Enzi feels strongly about Sylvan Pass, saying the Park Service should keep its eye on benefiting the public as it decides what to do with the issue. The National Park Service recently issued a risk assessment concerning avalanche risks in the Pass, and the Park Service's proposed closing of the East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park:
Tuesday, September 04, 2007 BONE CREEK FIRE UPDATE - The Bone Creek Fire continues to grow to the south and west, and is burning in Shell Canyon below Copman's Tomb. The fire is being fueled by warm, dry weather, steep canyon topography, and large amounts of dead timber.As of 8 this morning, an overhead supervisory group, two engines a 20-person handcrew and a helicopter have been assigned to the incident.The north and east perimeters of the fire have seen extensive suppression work, including helicopter bucket drops and line construction. The lines were strengthened by firefighters “burning out” the unburned fuels between the main fire and the Hunt Mountain road.The objective is to keep the fire from crossing the Hunt Mountain Road and 216, and as of this morning, Hunt Mountain Road is not threatened.On warm, dry days like today, people should anticipate seeing sometimes significant amounts of smoke and fire activity – this will continue until we have a significant snowfall in the area. And the forecast for tomorrow indicates much cooler temperatures, which should help the firefighting efforts somewhat.Entry remains prohibited into the Cedar Creek, Grouse Creek, Willey Creek, and Brindle Creek areas. Also, Forest Roads 205, 216, and 220, as well as Forest Trail 055 are closed. Click here for Bone Creek Update PDF file. SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL HAS A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT TOPICS ON THEIR PLATE FOR TONIGHT'S MEETING - Due to the Labor Day Holiday, Sheridan City Council will be holding their meeting tonight at 7, and there are a number of important items on the agenda. One of those is an ordinance establishing a City Administrator position. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey gives us some insight on how having an administrator would work:
CENTER FOR A VITAL COMMUNITY TO HOST ANOTHER WEBINAR - While a little more quiet with limited offerings in the summer, the Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College is ready to go full-bore into the 2007-2008 school year, beginning with another “webinar,” says director Jenny Craft:
LABOR DAY WEEKEND REVIEW - Labor Day Weekend 2007 proved to be a fun-filled time for everyone who stayed in or around Sheridan County. From International Sheep Herders to Don King Days steer ropers, there was an event for everyone to see. For those attending Don King Days at the Big Horn Events Center, it was a time of remembrance for one of Sheridan's most well-known and liked cowboys, Don King. The man was remembered with two days of bronc riding and steer roping competitions, as well as end-of-season polo matches. Some of the most fun for Don King Days was when a bronc rider brought his horse near the crowds. It kept people on their feet for the rest of that afternoon. National and international visitors came to Kaycee for the Sheep Industry Festival to watch Sheep Herding Border Collies demonstrate their talents under true range conditions. The Border Collies were given massages after their ten minute rounds. This year's winner took home a ten-thousand dollar purse. Participants enjoyed a lamb-cook off contest, a street dance and quilting demonstrations. Spectators saw a group of hang gliders jump from the Big Horns at Sand Turn Point. Bus loads of people stopped along Highway 14 to see hang- and para- gliders catch a breeze that took them to over 10-thousand foot elevations, and dozens of miles away from their beginning.Participants Chad Nield explains what it is about the sport that appeals to so many:
DID YOU KNOW YOU COULD GET TAX CREDIT FOR OWNING A CAR? - Today we conclude our series on the Internal Revenue Service by taking a look at a special tax credit that is being offered to owners of a certain kind of automobile. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS – WHICH UW UNIFORM COLORS DO YOU PREFER - When Philip Dubois was president of the University of Wyoming, he approved the change in school sports uniform colors to prairie gold and brown – for years prior to that, the colors were a bright marigold and brown.Now that Tom Buchanan has been in the president's seat, U-W is changing its colors back. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly was able to talk with people this weekend to ask what they think.
Sunday, September 02, 2007 DON KING DAYS PREVIEW - The 19th Annual Don King Days begin today at The Big Horn Events Center in Big Horn. The Big Horn Polo Club is holding their season- ending tournaments, as well as the Wyoming Steer Roping Association's Finals. Micah Olsen of the Don King Days Planning Board tells us what else is planned: FRESHMEN AND FAITH – A DISCONNECT IN COLLEGE - In a recent national survey by LifeWay Research, and unveiled in the August 7th edition of USA Today, a startling statistic among people who indicated having a church-attendance background was sited – 70% of church-attending Christian teens leave the church upon entering their freshman year at college. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with the story: SHERIDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS MOVE IN – GET READY FOR ORIENTATION / FIRST DAY OF CLASSES - Students at Sheridan College had an official move-in day Saturday, and are planning for orientation and the first day of classes, set for Tuesday. Move in day gave students their first chance to explore the campus, go to the book store, and to meet roommates. Sheridan Media's Kate Fetterly caught up with a crowd of students, and they talked about moving in: IT'S NOT TOO EARLY TO ORDER YOUR “WYOMING WOMEN” CALENDAR - Even though New Year's Day is four months from yesterday, it's not too early to be thinking about purchasing a 2008 calendar. Locally, there are several that will be put together – two that come to mind are the Sheridan Media- and Photo Finish-sponsored calendar benefiting the Sheridan County Museum, and the Dog and Cat Shelter's calendar, both of which will have photos taken by local folks. There is also a state calendar that the Wyoming Historical Society and the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming are teaming up to produce, and this year's topic is “Women in Wyoming.” Rick Ewig, director of the American Heritage Center, says the calendar reflects the role of women in our state's history: SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL WILL TACKLE A LARGE AGENDA TUESDAY NIGHT - Sheridan City Council will not be meeting tomorrow night due to the Labor Day holiday, but they will be meeting Tuesday evening and it will be business as usual. Of course there are many important topics on the agenda, such as the 2nd reading on a Water Policy and Capacity Countdown Statement and establishing a City Administrator position. Another item of interest is the Joint Resolution between the City and the County on WYDOT stipulations for the West Brundage Lane/Airport Road Reconstruction Project. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey weighs in on the matter:
SHERIDAN'S GAME AND FISH OFFICE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON ELK HUN AREA 129 - Elk Hunt Area 129 is a very large hunt area in northeast Wyoming that does not have elk in many places; in fact, most of the elk found in the area are on private lands. Area 129 is not part of an established elk “herd unit,” and it does not have a “population objective” or specific number of elk to be managed. Yet, the area is open for hunting, as of yesterday, and running through November 30th. The long season is designed to provide the opportunity to harvest elk when they are on property a hunter has permission or access to hunt. That permission allows the hunter and sportsman the flexibility to hunt when the elk are actually present. In a kind of a “Catch 22” way, the Sheridan Regional Office of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department dos not maintain a list of landwoners that allow elk hunting in Area 129. They do, however, show a map of the area, and the general locations where some elk have been observed in the past.
HANG GLIDERS FLY -IN A BI-ANNUAL EVENT AT SAND-POINT TURN OUT - An informal group of Hang-Gliders are at Sand-Turn Point outside of Dayton today and tomorrow. About 15 gliders are there for a bi-annual event: Hang- gliding off the mountain in hopes of catching a geo-thermal ride to lift them through the air. Gliders, both Para- and Hang-, plan to glide down to Big Horn, Buffalo, and even Casper, Wyoming. The event's organizer, Johann Nield of Dayton, was able to catch a geo-thermal lift, or, upward air-current, that brought him from Sand Turn to Big Horn; all the way up to a ten-thousand foot elevation, in less than two hours, an average of 30 miles an hour. Chad Nield tells why the Hang- Gliders meet up:
Saturday, September 01, 2007 NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD UPDATES US ON DOWNED CIVIL AIR PATROL PLANE - It's been nearly two weeks since the Civil Air Patrol plane carrying a pilot and two crew members crashed in the Big Horns while out on a Search and Rescue mission. Jennifer Kaiser is an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board in Denver, and she says they were successful in conducting the on-scene investigation: 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:
WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL OFFERS SEEDSTOCK PRODUCERS A PRESENCE AT N.I.L.E. - It's called the Northern International Livestock Expo, or NILE, for short, and it will be held in Billings, Montana mid-October. The Wyoming Business Council's Agribusiness Division is offering Wyoming seedstock producers the opportunity to have a presence at the Expo as part of its first-ever booth there. Scott Keith is the council's Livestock and Forage Program Manager, who will be manning the booth at NILE:
SHERIDAN FIREFIGHTERS TAKING PART IN ANNUAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION “FILL THE BOOT” CAMPAIGN - This holiday weekend, Sheridan firefighters are volunteering to assist with the annual campaign to “Fill the Boot” for Wyoming's Muscular Dystrophy Association, or M-D-A. Over 200 Wyoming families are affected by 43 different neuro– muscular diseases, some which can be fatal. Anthony Boyle, an EMT and firefighter with Sheridan Fire and Rescue explains what your local donations can do for children and families:
OPERATION CARE FOR THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND – FUGITIVE APPREHENDED BY STATE HIGHWAY PATROL - Wyoming Highway Patrol will be out in full force this weekend in cooperation with other state law enforcement agencies to enforce a zero tolerance policy for drunk drivers. They are taking part in two nationwide campaigns; Sargent Stephen Townsend of the Wyoming Highway Patrol explains more:
BONE CREEK FIRE STILL BURNING - The U.S. Forest Service reports that the Bone Creek Fire has grown about 100 acres in the past week. The fire size now stands at about 41- hundred acres. Progress has been made, though, because it is about 60 percent contained. There are still 20 firefighter personnel on the ground at Bone Creek, as well as an overhead and supervisory group. Equipment helping to tame the blaze includes two fire engines as well as helicopters. If you've noticed a lot of smoke in the Sheridan area, it is coming down from Idaho and Montana, where there are over fifty wildfires burning in excess of 500 acres each. IF YOU RECALL OUR REPORT ABOUT “STRAWBERRY QUICK” AND WANT TO KNOW MORE... LISTEN UP (STREET DRUG AWARENESS) Yesterday, Sheridan Media News told you about “Strawberry Quick,” a relatively new form of Methamphetamine targeted at minors. Today we'd like for you to know that Awareness Training for Street Drugs is available to parents, teachers and health care providers in Sheridan. Retired Law Enforcement officer Steve Walton is returning to Sheridan in mid- September to give a workshop which will identify behaviors, and identify drug use in our community. The comprehensive course is a one day workshop to be held at Sheridan College on September 19th. Admission is $65. This event is sponsored by Sheridan College, the Sheridan VA Hospital, and Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Contact: Nancy Hooge to register, call (307) 672-1022. or nancyhooge@sheridanhospital.org Sheridan
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