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Monday, December 31, 2007
CITY OF SHERIDAN REPAIRS WATER MAIN LEAK - The City of Sheridan responded to a water main leak this morning at the intersection of Absaraka St and Martin Avenue this morning. Reporter Kate Fetterly was on the scene and talked with Water Distribution supervisor Ken Hirschman about what happened: SHERIDAN POLICE RESPOND TO ACTIONS TAKEN ON DEC 20TH, THE DATE OF JUROR'S ARRESTS FOR FAILURE TO APPEAR IN MUNICIPAL COURT - Earlier this month, four Sheridan Residents were arrested for failing to respond to their call for Jury duty at Sheridan Municipal Court, located adjacent to the Sheridan Police Department. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details of the events that day:
SHERIDAN'S MAYOR RESPONDS TO ACTIONS TAKEN BY SHERIDAN PD IN JUROR'S ARRESTS - Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey took a moment to reflect on the events of December 20th. That date, four Sheridan residents were handcuffed and arrested in front of family, friends and children for failure to appear for Jury Duty in Sheridan Municipal Court. The Jurors were given citations to appear before Judge Stu Healy two weeks prior to the December 20th Jury Trial date. Some of the Jurors claimed that they forgot to return phone calls, and the next thing they knew, they were arrested. Mayor Kinskey:
ADVICE FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE THIS NEW YEAR'S IS TO HAVE FUN BUT BE SAFE AND SMART WHILE DOING SO - We know that the Sheridan Police Department plans on having extra patrol for this evening to try and deter people from partying too hard for New Year's, but what does the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office have planned for tonight?
SALSA FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT PROJECT SCHOOLHOUSE - Coming up on March 31st of 2008 at 7 pm, there will be a Salsa Fundraiser held at the Elk's Ballroom in Sheridan to benefit Project Schoolhouse, a non-profit organization that is currently building schoolhouses in Nicaragua. Tab Barker, the founder of Project Schoolhouse, explains why he thinks the event and the project are unique:
SHERIDAN ICE TO SKATE INTO THE NEW YEAR TONIGHT - Tonight at Sheridan Ice you'll be able to ring in the New Year on skates as there is plenty of safe and fun things planned. Joyce Inchauspe with Sheridan Ice explains exactly what's going on:
THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT WHICH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE YOU SUPPORT - We are slowly coming up on the 2008 Presidential Election, and the Sheridan County Republican Conventions are being held this Saturday. As we get closer, more people are figuring out which presidential hopeful they will cast their votes for. In light of the Republican County Conventions, we decided to see which candidates were getting support. So we asked a few people this weeks' Sheridan Media and Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question - “Who do you support for President?”:
POLAR BEAR CLUB TO JUMP AGAIN - The annual Polar Bear club will once again be jumping into the freezing water of Lake De Smet. The some fifty members of the club, take the plunge every New Year’s day. Member Rob Forister, gives some insight into the jump:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW ENDS WITH DECEMBER - It doesn't seem possible, but we're already at the last day of 2007, which means it's the final day of our year-end review. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with December's highlights:
Sunday, December 30, 2007 SHERIDAN COUNTY FULMER LIBRARY NEW YEAR'S SCHEDULE - While the City of Sheridan garbage collection schedule won't change this week from the New Year's holiday, there will be some minor changes to the Sheridan County Fulmer public library and it's branches. Library Director Cathy Butler explains:
STORY BIRD COUNT IS A SMALL CONTRIBUTION TO THE NATIONWIDE COUNT - Yesterday, bird enthusiasts throughout Big Horn and Story traveled up and down county roads and kept a close eye on their bird feeders to contribute to the annual bid count. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details: BRATTLEBORO, VERMONT CITIZENS CONSIDER BANNING BUSH - President Bush and Vice President Cheney may soon have a new reason to avoid left-leaning Vermont: In the town of the town of Brattleboro, activists there want arrested the officials for war crimes. A group in that community is petitioning to put an item on the Town Meeting agenda in March that would make Bush and Cheney subject to arrest and indictment if they visit the southeastern Vermont town. Bush has been to every state except Vermont as president. A retired machinist leading the Petition effort says the petition is as radical as the Declaration of Independence and draws on that tradition. It's unclear whether the group can get the one thousand signatures necessary to get the measure on the Town Meeting Day agenda. State Attorney General William Sorrell says that even if passed, the measure would be of dubious legal value. PARK VOLUNTEERS REPORT POSSIBLE WOLF SIGHTING IN COLORADO - Rocky Mountain National Park officials say that a recent report of a possible wolf sighting is credible, but they say it's difficult to be confirm without more evidence. Ranger Jack Dinsmoor said Friday that two experienced park volunteers reported seeing what looked like a wolf in early December. The volunteers didn't take a picture, but large paw prints were found in the area. Dinsmoor says that park officials are unsure if the animal was a wolf, a wolf hybrid or some other kind of mix. Wolves were wiped out in Colorado by the 1930s, but it has been thought that they could migrate from Wyoming. In 2004, a dead wolf found along Interstate 70 was traced to Yellowstone National Park. SHOOTING CHARGES: MAN PLEADS GUILTY - A 26 year old Casper man has pleaded guilty to shooting at a car carrying his estranged wife and her two children in July. Eric Funk pleaded guilty on Thursday to attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault. He also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of reckless endangerment. Funk faces a sentence of up to 46 years in prison according to Casper District Attorney Mike Blonigen. Judge Thomas Sullins ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared on the man. Sentencing will occur in about two months. Meghan Funk, 24, had filed papers seeking a divorce from Eric Funk the day of the shooting. Police say Eric Funk opened fire on her car and one of the bullets severed the finger of her seven-year-old son. The finger was reattached. Eric Funk barricaded himself in his wife's home after the shooting. Police say that when he came out, he had cut his wrists and stabbed himself in the chest. Blonigen says it's miraculous that Meghan Funk is still alive. GAME AND FISH TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS ON REGULATION CHANGES IN JANUARY - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be accepting public comment during public information gathering meetings in January to discuss changes to Wyoming Game and Fish Commission regulations Chapter 21, Gray Wolves Designated as Trophy Game Animals and Chapter 28, Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird Damage Claims. Chapter 21, Gray Wolves Designated as Trophy Game Animals is a new regulation being proposed under 2007 Wyoming State House Bill 0213. This rule will provide definitions of terms used in the statute, and addresses gray wolf population monitoring and lethal control of gray wolves. Chapter 28, Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird Damage Claims will address damage claims from wolves as trophy game animals. Of the eight meetings being held around the state, one of them will be at the Sheridan Regional Office on January 23rd at 7pm. Written comments will be accepted through Feb. 14, 2008. Comments will also be accepted online at the Game and Fish Web site through Feb. 14.
Saturday, December 29, 2007 CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROCESS - Yesterday, we informed you of a new Conversation Easement put into place at the IXL Ranch outside of Dayton. Today, we'll give you some background on how that process works. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details: HAS THE SHERIDAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SEEN A SPIKE IN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OVER THE HOLIDAYS? - There's nothing wrong with a little Holiday cheer but sometimes people can get carried away in their celebrations with the end result usually involving law enforcement. We checked with Sheridan County Sheriff Dave Hoffmeier to find out if things have been busier than usual down at the Sheriff's Office: FEDERAL PROSECUTOR WANTS NEVADA MAN TO PAY FOR HIS OWN LAWYER - (AP) - A federal prosecutor has asked a judge to review whether the owner of a Nevada brothel who's charged with possessing and transporting child pornography meets the financial requirements to be represented by a federal public defender. David Burgess, 55, is charged with possession and interstate transportation of child pornography. Burgess has pleaded NOT guilty to the charges and is scheduled to stand trial in February. Burgess owns a brothel called the Old Bridge Ranch, east of Reno, Nevada. The Wyoming Highway Patrol arrested Burgess in July following a traffic stop of a motor home near Evanston. Federal prosecutor Jim Anderson said in court last month that a laptop computer found in the motor home contained child pornography. Anderson this week asked U.S. Judge Alan Johnson of Cheyenne to hold a hearing into whether Burgess is qualified to receive free legal representation from the federal public defender's office. Anderson pointed out that Burgess owns a business, a residence and other property. An attempt to reach Burgess' lawyer for comment on Friday was unsuccessful. POLICE IDENTIFY MAN ALLEGEDLY STABBED IN ARGUMENT OVER REMOTE - (AP) - Police in Gillette have identified a man they say was stabbed on Christmas during an argument with another man over a television remote control. Authorities said 49-year-old Gary Coca was treated at Campbell County Memorial Hospital for wounds to his chest, neck, back and side. Police arrested 43-year-old Leo Gene Bloomfield in connection with the attack. Marcus said the two men were roommates and had been arguing over a TV remote. DAYTON ANNOUNCES IT'S 07 CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS - Dayton has announced the winners for their Town Christmas Decorating contest. The top prize of 50 Dayton dollars went to Mike Price of 506 Main Street, second place was awarded to Bill and Carol Badgelely of 910 Steamboat Drive, they took 25 Dayton Dollars for their efforts. And the fifteen dollar winners for third place were homeowners Don and LaDonna Foley of 606 Bridge street. Honorable mention and 10 Dayton dollars belongs to Rob and Melanie Hium of 165 East Fourth street. The Town of Dayton would also like to recognize it's employees for their great decorating job throughout the town. SOME MILITARY FAMILIES KEEPING THEIR CHRISTMAS TREES UP UNTIL THEIR SOLDIER COMES HOME - While many of us have already taken down the Christmas tree and put away the decorations, some families of soldiers overseas are keeping up their tree until their soldier returns from duty. The song that has inspired this effort is a song written by Christa Wells, a GMA Songwriter of the Year winner, called “Before the Tree Comes Down.” Wells gives a brief summary of what the song is about:
Friday, December 28, 2007 IXL RANCH CONSERVED BY WYOMING STOCK GROWERS' CONSERVATION EASEMENT - The IXL Ranch has been deemed a conservation easement by the Wyoming Stock Growers' Agricultural Land Trust, or WSGALT. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details:
WYOMING RANKS 11TH IN PROTECTING KIDS FROM TOBACCO ACCORDING TO A RECENT REPORT - Wyoming ranks 11th in the nation in funding programs that aid in protecting kids from tobacco; this according to a national report released by a coalition of public health organizations. Wyoming currently spends 5.9 million a year on tobacco prevention programs, which is 80% of the minimum amount recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Several of the report's key findings include the fact that tobacco companies spend 27-million dollars a year on marketing in Wyoming, five times what the state spends on prevention. It also showed that the state this year will collect nearly 50-million dollars from the tobacco settlement and taxes, but will spend only twelve and a half percent of that money on tobacco prevention. Executive Director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, William Corr, said that Wyoming has made a solid commitment in protecting kids, but the ultimate success depends on whether the state continues to properly fund and implement its tobacco prevention programs. The report indicated that most states fail to fund prevention programs at minimum levels recommended by the CDC. Only three states, Maine, Delaware, and Colorado currently fund tobacco prevention programs at CDC minimum levels. DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR LEADERSHIP SHERIDAN COUNTY 2008 IS FAST APPROACHING - The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce wants to remind everybody that registration for Leadership Sheridan County 2008 will end soon. Chamber of Commerce Board President Jim Schellinger gives us the details:
EARLY NUMBERS ARE LOOKING GOOD FOR VISITORS IN YELLOWSTONE - Yellowstone National Park has been open for winter use for a little over a week now, and we checked in to see how things are going. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more:
RENEW GIVES BACK TO SHERIDAN BY ADOPTING A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS - Yesterday, we told you about how RENEW celebrated Christmas for its clients. In this story, reporter Kate Fetterly details how RENEW has helped to give back to Sheridan for Christmas:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW REMEMBERS NOVEMBER - We're nearly to the end of our 2007 Re-Cap, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson recalls November:
Thursday, December 27, 2007 THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION ASKS YOUR OPINION: SHOULD SHERIDAN HIGH STUDENTS BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND SATURDAY SCHOOL? - This weeks' Sheridan Media and Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question is “Do you support the new High School policy of making students who don't do their homework come back to school on Saturdays?” The Question stems from a policy recently implemented at Sheridan High School requiring that students have no more than 3 missing assignments from all of a student's classes. We heard from a few Sheridan High School Students and here's what they had to say about the policy:
SHERIDAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES SECOND CHANCE WINNER - This morning, the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce announced it's Second Chance Winner for the 1 thousand dollar cash drawing for the Stroll Button winners who claimed their prizes at participating businesses. This year's one thousand dollar prize winner was button number 2738 and who was the lucky winner?:
POLICE: MAN STABBED IN ARGUMENT OVER REMOTE CONTROL - GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) - Police in Gillette say a man stabbed another man in the chest and neck during an argument over a television remote control. Authorities said 43-year-old Leo Gene Bloomfield faces a possible charge of attempted second-degree murder following the stabbing just after midnight on Christmas. Police Cpt. Jason Marcus said Bloomfield called from the Circle L Motel. Marcus said police arrived and found Bloomfield walking around a room while another man lay between the two beds. Marcus said the two men had been arguing over a TV remote. The identity of the wounded man wasn't released. MOUNTAIN MEADOW WOOL IN BUFFALO RECIEVES FIVE-THOUSAND DOLLAR AWARD - Mountain Meadow Wool of Buffalo recently received a five-thousand dollar Phase 0 Award through the Wyoming Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer and Initiative and the Wyoming Business Council. The SBIR Phase 0 program is designed to help state companies develop competitive proposals for the federal SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Mountain Meadow will use the 5K to submit a proposal to the Department of Defense to study the feasibility of utilizing wool in a shelter designed to protect military working dogs from chemical and biological attack. Valerie Spanos from Mountain Meadow Wool on receiving the money:
WYOMING GAME AND FISH TO RAISE LICENSE FEES FOR 2008 - Last week we told you about the Wyoming Game and Fish Department raising their hunting and fishing license fees for 2008. Today we'll tell you why those fees are being raised. Game and Fish Deputy Director, John Emmerich, explains it's all about keeping up with the times:
TONGUE RIVER COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE IS THIS AFTERNOON - The Tongue River Valley Community Center in Ranchester will be busy this afternoon beginning at 1 o'clock, and it has nothing to do returning those Christmas sweaters that were two sizes too small. Event Sponsor Riki Davidson explains what's going on:
HOW RENEW CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS - With the cheer of Christmas still fresh in our minds, we have a look at how a local organization helps it's clients celebrate Christmas. Reporter Kate Fetterly took an exclusive look inside RENEW, and has this report:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW CONTEMPLATES OCTOBER - The first month of Autumn 2007 brought the usual vibrant colors to our northeastern Wyoming landscape. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson looks back on October:
Wednesday, December 26, 2007 GILLETTE SOLDIER RETURNS FROM AFGHANISTAN, KILLED IN CRASH - A family in Gillette is marking the holiday season without 23-year-old Brandon Foster, who was killed in a car crash last month.Foster was in the Army's 10th Mountain Division and wasstationed in Afghanistan. It's a bitter irony that Foster hadn't even been back in the United States three months when he was killed when the car he was riding in struck a deer.Friends and family remember Foster as a man who lived life tothe limit. He also was known as a skilled mechanic and a guy wholoved pickup trucks. FREUDENTHAL WELCOMES NATIONAL GUARD CHANGE - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Governor Freudenthal says he welcomes federal legislation repealing the president's newly acquired powerto call up the National Guard without consulting governors. Last year's defense authorization bill included a provisionenabling the president to call up Guard members for domesticemergencies without consulting the governor of their state. Thisyear's defense authorization bill would repeal that change.The bill cleared the House on Dec. 12 and Senate on Dec. 14. Freudenthal says he expects that President Bush will sign themeasure.The National Governors Association and governors from bothparties said state authorities are better positioned than federal authorities to control Guard troops. 10TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WISH BRINGS SMILES FOR THOSE LESS FORTUNATE - Sheridan Media, along with Sheridan Motors, teamed up once again for the 2007 Christmas Wish Campaign that helps provide gifts for those less fortunate this time of year. Thirty-four wishes were granted this year, helping twenty-eight local families and over ninety-three children to have a Merry Christmas. The Christmas Wish Campaign would not be a success without the donations from the community, which totaled fifty-five between businesses and private donors. In all, over thirteen-thousand dollars were raised this year to help make Christmas special for everyone. To read about some of the wishes that were fulfilled, click here. NOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS BEHIND US, WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE CHRISTMAS TREES - Christmas 2007 is now a thing of the past and most of us have already begun gearing up for New Year's Eve. But what about that little slice of nature that has been taking up residence in your living room as of late? The City of Sheridan has some advice on just what to do with those Christmas trees. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more:
MAKE A RESOLUTION TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION - If you're looking for something for yourself or your kids to do next year, the Sheridan County Fair Association has an event for you! On Saturday, January 5, 2008 from 10 am to 4 pm, there will be a Resolution Solution event at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds in the Exhibit Hall. Sharon Nadeau, the Director of Facilities at the Fairgrounds, describes what the event is and what groups will be there:
WYOMING ROADS LESS TRAVELED GET MILLIONS FROM FEDERAL BUDGET - Thirty-nine million dollars for the roads “less traveled.” That's how much Congress has approved for cleaning up, shutting down, and/or erasing old and unused roads in National Forests, and a big chunk of that money will come to Wyoming. Wilderness Society. Economist, Joe Kirkvliet says the funding helps in several ways:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW RECOUNTS SEPTEMBER - After the horrendous month August turned out to be for so many, September arrived with relative calm. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson winds down the summer portion of her 2007 Re-Cap:
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR BRAVO! ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS - Nominations are being accepted for the 5th annual Bravo! Entrepreneur awards, which honors entrepreneurs throughout Wyoming. The event is being sponsored by the Wyoming Business Report and First Interstate Bank. Criteria for the awards include demonstrating the best traits of entrepreneurship, including vision, drive, perseverance and willingness to take risks. One Bravo! Award will be given to an entrepreneur in each of the six regions of the state. Phil Noble, publisher of the Wyoming Business Report, says there are also a few bigger awards:
2ND ANNUAL BALES AND BOVINES CONFERENCE BEING HELD JAN. 7 - The Bales and Bovines Conference, the first of four conferences in the Winter Ag Expo, will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas on January 7th. All Wyoming producers are encouraged to enter the hay show at the conference, which features three classes: alfalfa, grass hay and mixed hay. Contestants are limited to one entry, and are allowed to enter either one small, square bale; a flake from a 3-by-3 bale; or a sample of a bale brought in a plastic tote. The samples are due by 1 pm on the 7th and will be sent to the Ward Labs of Kearney, Nebraska. The results will be announced at 4 pm on the 8th, with top scoring bales receiving prizes.Entering into the show is free, and the general public is welcome to attend also. Scott Keith, Livestock and Forage Program Manager at the Wyoming Business Council, says spectators can also get involved in the action:
Monday, December 24, 2007 REPUBLICAN COUNTY CONVENTIONS HEAR A REPLY FROM CITIZENS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTIONS - Sheridan County Republicans can be sure to look forward to an exciting County Convention that's less than two weeks away.Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details:
GARBAGE PICKUP IN SHERIDAN IS GOING TO BE A BIT DIFFERENT THIS WEEK - The schedule for the City of Sheridan garbage pickup will have a few changes to it this week due to the Christmas holiday. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW RECOLLECTS AUGUST - Just as the weather generally has patterns, it would appear that the 2007 history of Sheridan County will go down as having one weather-related big story after another, and no month was more so than August. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson reports:
UW TO ESTABLISH WIND ENERGY RESEARCH CENTER - LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - The University of Wyoming is establishing a wind energy research center with help from $4 million in donations from BP America plus matching state funds. The center will be based in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Houston-based BP America is donating $2 million directly for the center plus $2 million for the university's new School of Energy Resources. UW officials say the university plans to use all $4 million for the wind energy research center. With matching funds from a state program, the project will get a total of $8 million. Currently less than 1 percent of the nation's electricity comes from wind. The American Wind Energy Association estimates that wind could supply up to 20 percent of that power.
Sunday, December 23, 2007 SHERIDAN COUNTY FULMER LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY - With Xmas just a couple of days away, you can bet there'll be a lot of closures throughout Sheridan County for the holiday. Sheridan County Public Library System Director Cathy Butler clues us in on the library's holiday schedule: GREAT LAKES IS POISED TO OVERTAKE SERVICE FROM BIG SKY AIRLINES - Great Lakes Aviation is set to take over flights to seven Montana towns being dropped by Big Sky Airlines, says Great Lakes spokeswoman Monica Taylor. Taylor said that representatives for Great Lakes were in Billings on Friday, noting that they intend to offer jobs to Big Sky employees. You may recall that Big Sky announced late last week that they're ending East Coast operations January 7th due to unusually bad weather, disappointing revenue and record-high fuel prices. An order from the Washington, D.C. DOT Office will allow Great Lakes to take over Big Sky's federally subsidized Essential Air Service, or EAS, flights in Montana within about 60 days. E-A-S is a program that offers air carriers federal subsidies to fly to small cities and towns that may be unprofitable to serve. Federal regulations require Big Sky to cut all of its E-A-S flights systemwide because it was cutting its E-A-S flights in the East. SHERIDAN POLICE WERE BUSY YESTERDAY - The Sheridan PD was busy yesterday with a lot of calls to attend to, according to Lieutenant Chris Dahmke: TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE BRINGS JOY TO LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN - Nearly 1000 Sheridan area children received toys from the Marine Corps' Toys for Tot's drive yesterday. There were more than an abundance of toys as facility provider Roy Pack explains: TWO SPECIAL NUMBER ONES FOR SHERIDAN'S RODEO AND WYOMING'S TRAIL SYSTEMS - Wyoming and Sheridan have been honored with two number ones in the past week, as reported by Sheridan Media. The first, the Continental Divide snowmobile trail was voted as the number one trail in the west for 2007 by SnoWest magazine readers. Wind River Visitors Council Marketing Director Paula McCormick elaborates on the number one ranking: CHRISTMAS GIFT STABBING - Rock Springs Police say a woman stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife following an argument that started when she accused him of opening a Christmas present early. 34 year-old Misty Johnson has been charged with aggravated assault and battery, a felony, and misdemeanor domestic battery, following the incident with her husband, 34-year-old Shawn Johnson. Police say Shawn Johnson was treated and released at a local hospital for a minor wound to the chest. On Thursday, a judge on set bail for Misty Johnson at $7,500. According to the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, Johnson was released from the county jail on Friday. Rock Springs Police say Shawn Johnson reported the stabbing in a 911 call just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Shawn Johnson told police that his wife started arguing immediately after she returned home shortly before the stabbing incident. Police are unsure of the presents' contents, or whether or not it was intended for Shawn Johnson.
Saterday, December 22, 2007 CITY ADMINISTRATOR CHARTER ORDINANCE ONE TO BE VOTED ON - Sheridan City Clerk - Treasurer Art Elkins announced Friday that there will be a referendum election on Charter Ordinance one, establishing a City Administrator. This, following the verification of a petition filed, asking for the election. Elkins gives the breakdown in the total amount of signatures collected for the vote: TOYS FOR TOTS DISTRIBUTION SET FOR TODAY - The Marine Cores' Annual Toys for tots drive has a presence in Sheridan and it's going on today. Organizer Jim Craig gives the details: THERE'S A LOT GOING ON AT SHERIDAN ICE! - The Sheridan Ice Rink is packed full of events this pre- holiday weekend, and Sheridan Ice organizer Joyce gives us the details: FIRE ADVISORY BOARD RESULTS - The City of Sheridan Fire Civil Service Commission met yesterday to release the names of Fire Rescue employee candidates on the Fire Civil Service List.The release allows Sheridan Fire Rescue Chief Patrick Reitz to go forth with the selection process in selecting four more candidates for the Fire Department. He requested that the board release all 15 names on the list, versus the former 5 at a time rule, due to dwindling Fire Civil Service Commission membership. Fire Chief Reitz stated that he'll operate the list as he has in the past, using the rule of fives. That calls for the Chief to interview and eliminate candidates as deemed necessary in hiring entry level firefighters, up to the paramedic level. The Fire Civil service commission, a three member board, also gave the chief permission to conduct the proper testing in the event that he does exhaust the list of qualified Civil service candidates. The new jobs are expected to be filled by the first of February. WEEKEND WEATHER OUTLOOK AND PERHAPS A WHITE XMAS ON THE WAY FOR OUR AREA - The front that moved through our area late Thursday night brought with it snow and wind and an inevitable drop in temperatures. Senior Forecaster Dan Borsum with the National Weather Service in Billings says although it may feel bitterly cold, the temps are pretty much right on average: WYOMING'S RIB AND CHOP HOUSE TO RELOCATE - The Wyoming Rib and Chop house currently located in the Historic Sheridan Inn is going to be closing in Mid January. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details: WYOMING'S CONTINENTAL DIVIDE SNOWMOBILE TRAIL GETS NUMBER ONE RANKING - Wyoming's Continental Divide snowmobile trail has been voted as the number one trail in the west for 2007 by SnoWest magazine readers. Wind River Visitors Council Marketing Director Paula McCormick elaborates on the number one ranking: LAKE DE SMET COUNTIES COALITION MEETING - The Lake De Smet Counties Coalition Joint Powers Board met earlier this week for their regular December meeting. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details:
Friday, December 21, 2007 WYOMING'S RIB AND CHOP HOUSE TO RELOCATE - The Wyoming Rib and Chop house currently located in the Historic Sheridan Inn is going to be closing in Mid January. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details:
BIG SKY AIRLINES TO STOP SERVICE TO SHERIDAN - Under a contract deal reached on Tuesday, it was made official that Big Sky Airlines will terminate it's Sheridan airline service between Sheridan and Denver, as well as flights to Billings, as of January 7th. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
CITY OF SHERIDAN TO HOLD CONFERENCE FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION - We have learned that the City of Sheridan will hold a conference this afternoon to announce the total amount of verified signatures of Sheridan Residents who are interested in seeing the City Administrator ordinance go before the public for a ballot referendum vote. According to City of Sheridan Assistant City Clerk, Kristen Bunning, they'll determine this afternoon if they'll hold a special election. The petitions were first turned in to the City Clerk's office on Wednesday, November 28th. If it is deemed necessary today, the special election must be called within thirty days of when the petitions were turned in, and if an election is called, it must be within 90 days of that same date. You can expect to hear our report this evening about the results from the meeting. SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - The Sheridan College Board of Trustees held their final meeting of the year last night. As is usual, all community colleges in the state have a keen interest in each legislative session, and the Northwest Community College District is no exception. President Kevin Drumm tells us what they'll be looking to the legislature for in the 2008 Budget Session:
SALVATION ARMY AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGREE ON PARKING ALLOWANCE - Earlier this week, the Sheridan County Commissioners came to an agreement with the Sheridan Chapter of the Salvation Army to allow them to use the county's parking lot for Sunday services parking. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details:
OPERATION C.A.R.E. KICKED OFF LIFE SAVER WEEKEND TODAY - The holidays are now upon us, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol wants everyone to be safe throughout this holiday season. As of today, The Wyoming Highway Patrol and other State Police agencies have kicked off the national Combined Accident Reduction Efforts, or C.A.R.E. - Life Saver Weekend. Sergeant Stephen Townsend of the Wyoming Highway Patrol explains three specific things they are looking for this weekend:
THE NEW YEAR WILL BRING NEW FISHING REGULATIONS IN WYOMING - Of the many new things that come with the New Year are revised fishing regulations that will affect many anglers in our area. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW REMEMBERS JULY - Six down, and six more to go – Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson continues her look back at 2007 with the month of July:
TUBA CHRISTMAS -- IT'S BECOMING A FAVORITE TRADITION - The eighth annual Tuba Christmas will be happening tomorrow at the Sheridan Holiday Inn Atrium. The event will feature tuba, baritone, and euphonium (you-phone-ee-um) players of all ages performing Christmas favorites, and is open to the public. Tuba Christmas organizer -- as well as player -- Dale Hoffman, encourages people to come:
Thursday, December 20, 2007 PASSAGE OF RURAL HEALTH PROVISIONS HELPS WYOMING DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS – The U.S. Senate passed the “Medicare, Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Program Extension Act” on Tuesday night, and in that bill were extensions of rural health provisions that benefit Wyoming health care. U.S. Senator John Barrasso explains exactly how this bill helps Wyoming's seniors, doctors, and hospitals:
SUPERVALU SET TO ACQUIRE 8 ALBERTSONS' STORES IN WYOMING - We have just learned that Supervalu, an Eden Prairie, Minnesota- based company, is set to acquire eight Wyoming Albertsons locations. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
SHERIDAN WYO RODEO VOTED COWBOY'S CHOICE - The Sheridan WYO Rodeo recently received the “Rodeo of the Year Award” when it was voted as the “Cowboys Choice” at the Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo in Denver Colorado. Sheridan WYO Rodeo Board member Tom Ringley says it's an honor to be recognized by the cowboys and cowgirls as being the best:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW RECALLS THE MONTH OF JUNE - Thoughts of summertime are welcome about this time of year, and Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson takes us back to what happened during the month of June 2007:
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO TAKE A FORT FETTERMAN BATTLEFIELD TOUR THIS WEEK - Don't let the chilly December weather deter you from taking part in a historic tour of the Fort Fetterman Battlefield. It's the 141st Anniversary Tour and it's going on tomorrow. Site Superintendent Robert Wilson has the particulars of the event that took place December 21st, 1866:
THE BUFFALO CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT - This past weekend, the Buffalo community held it's 22nd annual Christmas Bird Count. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the story:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE MAIN STREET CAMPUS TO HOST FINAL HOLIDAY SEASON HIATUS TONIGHT - The final installment of the Sheridan College Main Street Campus “Holiday Season Hiatus” is tonight and to tell us what's going on is I-TEC Assistant Denise Canfield:
WYOMING GAME AND FISH NOW OFFERS HUNTER EDUCATION CLASS ENROLLMENT ONLINE - Getting a hunter education certification card is now as easy as going on line, and with January marking the beginning of the hunter education class season, a new tool is being offered by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department that will allow people to enroll in the class on line. Game and Fish Hunter Education Coordinator, Jim Dawson, says it's all about convenience:
Wednesday, December 19, 2007 COUNTY COMMISSION - PATHWAYS AND AIRPORT LEASES - The Sheridan County Commissioners met for their final meeting of 2007. There's a lot going on at the Sheridan County Airport! Reporter Kate Fetterly has the story:
PHONES AT COUNTY COURTHOUSE – WHY DIDN'T THEY BID PROJECT OUT LOCALLY? - Last week we reported that the Sheridan County Courthouse was fitted with a new phone system, installed by Collins Communication out of Gillette. Earlier this week, we heard from local phone contractors who told us the County never put the job out for bid to give Sheridan companies an opportunity to secure the contract. Sheridan County Administrative Director, Renee Obermueller, explains the reason why:
LET'S MEET THE NEW POLICE OFFICERS! - In our story yesterday, we told you about the addition of three more Police officers to the Sheridan PD. Today, we present you with an introduction to the three men. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details:
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SHERIDAN RECREATION DISTRICT BOARD HELD LAST NIGHT - The Sheridan Recreation District Board held a special meeting last night to determine the future of youth baseball in Sheridan. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETS WITH LEGISLATORS, GETS READY FOR GROUND BREAKING - It was a lengthy meeting last night, as the Sheridan County School District 1 board went into an hour-long Executive Session in the middle to address a confidential issue with parents. But Superintendent Sue Belish tells us about some of the highlights of the public portion:
SEEDA BOARD STARTS PROCESS OF GATHERING PROPOSALS ON NEW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER - The Sheridan Economic & Educational Development Authority Joint Powers Board, or SEEDA, met last night. Chairman Tom Sachse tells us one agenda item they covered:
DRILLING NEAR FLAMING GORGE HAS TAKEN MANY LOCALS BY SURPRISE - The BLM has announced that it is clearing the way for gas drilling near Flaming Gorge ... an area many assumed was off limits to development due to the fact that it's a nationally recognized hunting and recreation zone. Rock Springs resident Karl Kronfuss feels that the whole project was done under the table, citing that the public comment period was open just nine days and no information about the impact to wildlife habitat was made public:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW REFLECTS UPON MAY - The weather turns warmer and Sheridan County kids gear up for the end of another school year. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with other highlights of May '07:
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK IS OPEN FOR WINTER USE TODAY - The interior of Yellowstone National Park is now open for the winter season this morning, which means visitors will be able to take commercially guided snowmobile and snowcoach trips over snow covered, groomed roads to popular destinations including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The final long term winter use plan for Yellowstone calls for operations to continue this winter like they have the past three winters, with changes to begin next winter. Up to 720 commercially guided Best Available Technology or BAT snowmobiles a day will be allowed to enter the park this winter. All snowmobiles and snowcoaches will continue to be 100% commercially guided and Sylvan Pass will remain open to motorized over-snow travel.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MET FOR THEIR FINAL MEETING OF THE YEAR LAST NIGHT - Sheridan City Council wrapped up 2007 with their last regularly scheduled meeting of the year last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
CITY OF SHERIDAN OPTS TO REDUCE FEES IMPOSED ON DEVELOPER - Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey announced Monday evening that the City has reached a resolution with Stonebridge Builders regarding the investigation fee they were assessed on an affordable housing project. That 21-thousand dollar fee has been reduced down to 21-hundred dollars. During a speech, the Mayor refreshes our memory about the circumstances surrounding the investigation fees:
THREE MORE POLICE OFFICERS ADDED TO SHERIDAN FORCE - Sheridan added an additional three officers to the police force yesterday morning. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey, along with officers from the Sheridan police department, welcomed 3 new faces to the force. The three new officers are Adam Belthazor of East Bethel, Minnesota; Paul Pluger of Muskegon , Michigan; and a Sheridan resident for the past 9 years, Sam Damon. Sergeant Travis Koltiska discusses the long road to becoming a Sheridan police officer:
GAME AND FISH TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT AT SHERIDAN REGIONAL OFFICE - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be holding a public meeting tonight at the Sheridan Regional Office to present proposals for the 2008 black bear season and to discuss the objective for the Jackson bison herd. Game and Fish Information Specialist Warren Mischke:
SHERIDAN RECREATION DISTRICT BOARD TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING TONIGHT - At their December meeting last week the Sheridan Recreation District Board agreed to hold a special meeting tonight to hammer out some pressing issues. Sheridan Recreation District Executive Director Richard Wright explains the reason for the special meeting:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS APRIL - With March '07 going out like a lion, how did April come in? Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson lets us know in her 2007 Year In Review:
Monday, December 17, 2007 THE POWER WAS OUT – WHAT HAPPENED? The cause is still not known about what happened on Saturday as the lights went out over a significant portion of the city of Sheridan. Reporter Kate Fetterly with more: THREE MORE POLICE OFFICERS ADDED TO SHERIDAN FORCE - Sheridan has added an additional three officers to the police force this morning. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey, along with Officers from the Sheridan PD welcomed 3 new faces to the force. The three new PD are Adam Belthazor of East Bethel, Minnesota; Paul Pluger of Muskegon, Michigan; and a Sheridan resident for the past 9 years, Sam Damon. Sheridan PD Sergeant Travis Koltiska discusses the long road to becoming a Sheridan Poilce Officer:
PROUD FATHER REFLECTS ON HIS SON'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVERSEAS - Too often the national media paints a grim picture of things, in particular what's going on in Iraq. Today we take a look at one local soldier's accomplishments, and hear from his father. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
SHERIDAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS ANOTHER CHECK SCAM - Sheridan County Sheriff Dave Hofmeier wants to alert the public of another check scam that's out there:
"ICE" CAN HELP EMERGENCY WORKERS WHO FIND YOUR CELL PHONE – AND WE'RE NOT TALKING DIAMONDS - In case of an emergency, you might want to put the letters "I-C-E" in front of your loved ones' names on your cell phone.The acronym stands for "In Case of Emergency," and the idea is to assist emergency workers in knowing who they can call in case you or a loved one are in an accident and can't communicate.ICE is not a formally adapted program just yet, as not every emergency worker has heard of it, but more people are catching on to the idea.Terry Dimon, director of trauma at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, has spent as much as 12 hours trying to track down family members. Dimon said a lot of times emergency workers go through contacts on a victim's cell phone, and the ICE cue would give those workers a place to start. CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT SET FOR TOMORROW NIGHT AT SHS - Sheridan High School will be hosting their annual Christmas Choir Concert tomorrow afternoon at 1:30, and then again tomorrow evening at 7:00. All the choir students will be performing a medley of Christmas songs. Sheridan High School Choir teacher, Ashley Lecholat explains why she would like to see more people attend the afternoon concert:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW RE-CAPS THE MONTH OF MARCH - Throughout this work week, we're continuing our 2007 Year in Review with a look back at March through July. Today, Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson remembers March, and a whole 'lotta snow:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETS FOR THE FINAL TIME OF 2007 TONIGHT - Sheridan City Council will have their last regularly scheduled meeting of the year tonight, and while the agenda isn't a very big one, there are some pressing issues that council will need to address. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey says that development will be a big issue:
Sunday, December 16, 2007
COUNTY CONVENTIONS INFORMATIONAL MEETING HELD YESTERDAY - About 40 Sheridan County Republicans attended a meeting yesterday to take the first step in selecting delegates to attend the Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota next September. Sheridan County Republican Chairman Jim Craig explains all about what they did yesterday: SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETS FOR THE FINAL TIME OF 2007 TOMORROW NIGHT - Sheridan City Council will have their last regularly scheduled meeting of the year tomorrow night and while the agenda isn't a very big one, there are some pressing issues that council will need to address. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey says that development will be a big issue:
RANCHESTER- DAYTON CELEBRATIONS A WONDERFUL TIME FOR ALL - The towns of Dayton and Ranchester came alive for their respective community Holiday celebrations this weekend. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details. WINTER SHOOTOUT BRINGS MANY TO DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN SHOPS - The Sheridan Travel and Tourism, Sheridan Recreation District and the Holiday Inn co-sponsored the 2007 Winter shootout that's taking place this weekend. Downtown merchants saw a good share of the some 2,000 people visit their stores, with X mas lists in hand. Downtown Sheridan Merchant, Linda Fauth of Crazy Woman Trading Co., gives this comment about the turnout: FLIGHT NUMBERS OUT OF YELLOWSTONE DOWN SLIGHTLY COMPARED TO LAST YEAR - The Yellowstone Regional Airport saw a decrease in the numbers of passengers compared to last year. November boardings were down 3 percent over the same month in 2006. United Airlines flights decreased by 18 percent, but Delta Airlines saw a 9 percent increase in passengers. Hank Coe, a member of the Cody/Yellowstone Air Service Organization, said he that he has compared flight prices at Cody and Billings, Montana. Coe said that the Cody flights Cody are significantly more expensive. He added that airfares at Yellowstone Regional need to come down or people are going to choose to drive to Billings to catch flights. WYOMING MAN CHARGED FOLLOWING EXPLOSIVES THREAT - A Wyoming man has been indicted on a federal charge of threatening to destroy aircraft with an explosive, following a bomb threat aboard an Alaska Airlines flight in late November. Kirk Frederick Forest was arrested at Ted Stevens International Airport in Seattle, Washington, after he threatened to blow up the November 28th flight from Seattle to Anchorage, Alaska. Passengers say that the 38-year-old man paced up and down the aisles of the airplane, clutched a Bible and mumbled religious phrases before he made the bomb threat. A subsequent search by the FBI did not find any explosive materials. The plane was carrying 150 passengers.
Saturday, December 15, 2007 RANCHESTER CELEBRATION SET FOR LATER TODAY - “Deck the Halls” 2007 is Ranchester's Town Celebration for the 2007 holiday season. It's all happening at the all new Town Hall, adjacent to their municipal building in Ranchester. The Town Clerk, Terry Laya, tells what will be going on at the carnival and open house: ROTARIANS DELIVER DICTIONARIES TO AREA 3RD GRADERS - The Sheridan Rotary Club handed out brand new dictionaries to all third grade students this past week. Rotary member Carmen Rideout explains what they did this week: HOW TO HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION - The holiday season is a time to celebrate with friends, family and coworkers. While having alcohol at parties can enhance the holiday experience, it also can place you and others at risk if drinking gets out of hand, says Lena Edmunds, University of Wyoming AWARE Program coordinator:
Friday, December 14, 2007 REPUBLICAN COUNTY CAUCUS TO BE HELD TOMORROW IN SHERIDAN - Information from Jim Craig, Chairman of Sheridan County Republicans County Causcus
COLLEGE ACCEPTS A GIFT, AND GIVES A GIFT - In a special ceremony this morning, the Sheridan College Board of Trustees accepted a huge gift from the Whitney Benefits Foundation. Board member Walter Wragge explains:
CITY OF SHERIDAN PRESENTS 2008 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS - First in a series - The City of Sheridan Public Works, Engineers, and Utilities departments presented the 2008 Capital Construction Projects in a special session yesterday. Reporter Kate Fetterly details the information:
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS APPROVES TWO VARIANCES - The City of Sheridan Board of Adjustments held their last meeting of the year last night, and approved two variation requests. The first involved the Child Development Center about their location in the old Highland Park School, and Executive Director Sandy O'Dell explains their situation:
WYOMING GIRLS SCHOOL BAZAAR - A ONCE A YEAR OPPORTUNITY - Yesterday, in a very special once-a-year event, the Sheridan Kiwanis Club joined the Buffalo and Gillette Kiwanis clubs at the Wyoming Girls School for their annual Bazaar, presentation, and luncheon. Girls School Superintendant Clark Fairbanks took a moment to speak with Reporter Kate Fetterly:
DSA RECIEVES GRANT FOR STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT - The Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource and Trust has granted seventy-five-thousand dollars to the Downtown Sheridan Association for future enhancement of stream restoration in Sheridan. DSA Executive Director Roger Bent on how the money will be applied:
SHERIDAN COUNTY FAIRBOARD MOVES FORWARD ON A NUMBER OF FACILITY PROJECTS - The Sheridan County Fair Association Board of Trustees met last night and covered everything from a new shop heater to the status of H-K-M's survey of the Fairgrounds. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
OUR SHERIDAN MEDIA YEAR-IN-REVIEW REFLECTS UPON FEBRUARY - Each business day leading up to the new year, we'll reflect upon 2007. Today, Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson reviews February:
HOLIDAY CONCERT AT SHS ON SUNDAY - The Sheridan College Department of Music is presenting a free public winter concert this Sunday starting at 7 pm in the Sue Henry Auditorium at Sheridan High School. The College Jazz Band and the Community Symphonic Band will each play a variety of music under the direction of Dr. David Knutson (pronounced k-newt-sun), Director of the Sheridan College Jazz Band. Knutson gives a preview of what the Jazz Band will play:
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