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SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2008 WYOMING TRAILS PROGRAM OFFERING ATV SAFETY COURSES - Due to the increased popularity of ATV's and a spike in the number of
youth injuries and deaths in recent years on the vehicles, the Wyoming Trails program is traveling to schools and events throughout the state to provide a rider safety message. Safety and Education Coordinator for the program Chris McNeil says the program is geared toward students six and older: YELLOSTONE LATE WINTER BISON POPULATION RELEASED - Yellowstone National Park has completed the 2007-2008 late winter bison population estimate. The late winter population is estimated to be 3,000 bison. The estimate is based on a late winter aerial survey. It takes into account the 2007 late summer population estimate of 4,700 bison, known brucellosis risk management and hunting removals, and scientific estimates of over-winter mortality rates. Under the Interagency Bison Management Plan, the park works with other agencies to conserve a viable, wild bison population while cooperating to protect Montana's brucellosis-free status. That means keeping bison separated from cattle present on land outside the park. This winter, 1,087 bison have been captured and shipped to slaughter from the Stephens Creek and Horse Butte capture facilities. State licensed and tribal hunters removed another 166 bison from the population this year. Seventy-four sero-negative bison calves have been provided for the ongoing quarantine feasibility study. Park wildlife biologists continue to closely monitor the Yellowstone bison population. If future risk management actions were to reduce the population to 2,300 bison, the option to consider more conservative management actions is triggered. The agencies involved would look at adaptive management strategies which could increase the implementation of non-lethal management measures.
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2008 NEW ANTI-HATE CAMPAIGN UNVEILED FOR MATTHEW SHEPARD ANNIVERSARY - A new anti-hate campaign is looking for one million allies. The project kicks off this weekend as part of a ten year observance since the death of Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming student fatally beaten in what has been described as a hate crime. Matthew's mother, Judy Shepard says the recent murder of a gay middle student in California highlights the need for serious discussion about how to deal with differences in lifestyle without violence: SPRING TURKEY SEASON TO OPEN TUESDAY IN NORTHEAST WYOMING - The spring turkey season for northeast Wyoming opens this upcoming Tuesday April 1st for hunt areas three, five and seven. Game and Fish Information Specialist Warren Mischke explains that a general license for the area goes along way:
FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2008 MORE INFORMATION REVEALED FROM THE POLICE REPORT OF ELECTIONEERING INVESTIGATION - Yesterday, we informed you of Sheridan County Attorney Matt Redle's determination in the case concerning the report of electioneering during the City Administrator special election. The attempt to influence voters occurred on February 28th at, and surrounding, the Sheridan Senior Center where voters cast their ballots. Today, we'll let you know about a few details that reach beyond yesterday's story. Sheridan Police Officer Don Nielson, who investigated the case, interviewed a total of nine people. Officer Nielson explained in his seven-page report, all of the details of the interviews with each person involved. In an interview with Banner resident Vicky Taylor, the report says that she engaged the services of a surveyor, whom she paid, to measure the distance between the polling place and her car's location. She said the result was 108 yards. Officer Nielson used his roll-o-meter during the investigation, and was informed by Sheridan County Elections Clerk, Brenda Miech, of the location where Vicky Taylor had parked her vehicle. Officer Nielson states that he attempted to maintain a straight line and be as correct as possible as he crossed swells, rises and curbing. His measure came to 286 feet, which would indicate a violation of the electioneering law. Joyce Erpelding, who made the signs which were displayed by Vicky Taylor and Juanita Tibbets, at one point used her GPS device to measure the distance to where Taylor's car had been parked, and this, she stated, was over 100 yards from the Senior Center. She also measured the distance to Tibbet's property, and said that was 152 yards. Joyce claimed to Officer Nielson that she had instructed Juanita Tibbets to maintain the 100 yard distance, but wasn't sure if Juanita understood her instructions, as she realized that Juanita was on medication and has health problems. Further details of the police investigation are available at the records office in the Sheridan Police station during normal business hours. “SATELLITE” ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING -- FOR THE THIRD TIME - Justin Derricote, also known as Satellite, was once again arrested on a report of trespassing on Wednesday, March 26th.In this incident, Derricote was arrested for trespassing at the Motel 6 on Sibley Circle. The Sheridan Law Enforcement Center took the call just after 11 o'clock Wednesday morning.You may recall that Derricote is the homeless man who occupies the westbound I-90 on-ramp at East Fifth Street with all of his belongings at a self-made camp. It is legal for him to occupy the space, as he is on public property. Further arrest details were unavailable, as Sheridan Police Sergeant Tom Ringley stated that Derricote must first go through Municipal Court procedures.According to Sheridan County Sheriff's logs, it did not appear that Derricote had posted bond since that time. Bonding out of jail on a trespassing charge costs $220. His municipal court date to appear for the third time before Judge Stu Healy is set for Monday, March 31st. Derricote has two previous charges of Trespassing, both for when he entered the Rock Stop property located at 1514 East Fifth Street on two separate occasions.
SEEDA LOOKS AT VISION STATEMENT; WORKS TO ESTABLISH DESIGN TEAM - Two local boards with a mission to create the Hand in Hand Early Childhood Education Center met for a joint meeting last night. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
MAYOR COMMENTS ON SHERIDAN STREET IMPROVEMENTS - While visiting the site of the new crosswalk at Sparrow Hawk Summit Wednesday, Mayor Dave Kinskey expressed concerns for other traffic areas around Sheridan. He begins by saying:
FOUR SHERIDAN MAYORS SHARE MEMORIES OF THEIR SERVICE - The Sheridan County Historical Society made Sheridan County history last night. Sheridan Media.com's Kurt Layher was there:
2008 GOVERNOR'S SUMMIT ON WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS KEYNOTE SPEAKER HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED - The fourth annual Governor's Summit on Workforce Solutions will be held May 28th and 29th at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Reporter Kate Fetterly has the details on the recently announced keynote speaker:
WILDLIFE HABITAT PROJECTS AVAILABLE FOR SIGN-UP UNTIL APRIL 25TH - The Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering a sign-up through April 25th for any agricultural producers interested in wildlife habitat projects. Some of these projects include wetland restoration and enhancement, riparian buffers, stream restoration, sagebrush and mountain shrub health, and removal of fish barriers. Signing up now gives the Conservation Service time to work with landowners to design the projects this summer. Applications may be submitted for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program or the Wetlands Reserve Program through the Conservation Service through April 25th, and all applications received after that date will be deferred and held for later consideration. Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers or at any local Conservation Service offices. For more information on these programs, visit www.wy.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/index.html .
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2008 ELECTIONEERING INVESTIGATION FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY MATT REDLE ARE IN - Sheridan County Attorney Matt Redle stated in a letter that the filing of criminal charges is not warranted in the case concerning electioneering at the City's special election held February 29th. Redle relayed his finding to Sheridan Police Chief Mike Card and Sheridan City Attorney Greg Von Krosigk following a review of the reports surrounding a recent investigation by the Sheridan Police Department after Sheridan City Clerk-Treasurer Art Elkins filed a complaint.Elkins reported that there were three separate incidents – two the day before and one the day of the election. The first was a statement made by Christie Lee to Elkins the night of the election ballot counting. She had indicated that she and her husband saw a woman, whom she could describe but could not name, apparently making harassing statements to the Lees, but who soon after drove away in her car. The woman, who had blond hair and who was wearing glasses and a purple sweater at the time, could not be positively identified, and the Lee's report became unusable.The second and third incidents occurred at or about the same time, including Banner resident, Vicky Taylor, who had reportedly parked her car just under 300 feet of the 100 yard boundary of the polling place at about 11 am the day before the election. Taylor was discovered to have a large “Vote No” sign on her car, which, when located within 300 feet of a polling station entrance, is illegal.The third incident, Redle states in his letter, is a clear violation of the electioneering statute. Juanita Tibbets had parked her vehicle around the same time Taylor had parked hers, in front of the Sheridan Senior Center with a large “Vote No” sign on it. Joyce Erpelding had created both the signs. Tibbet told Sheridan Police Officer Don Nielson, who had investigated the case, that she never intended to hurt anyone, and that she is taking a smoking cessation drug known as Chantrix, which has memory loss as a side effect.Redle told Sheridan Media in an exclusive interview Wednesday that he didn't feel that, in his opinion, the issues at hand were the type that the State Legislature would have envisioned when creating the bill.We will have more on the story tomorrow. STATE LEGISLATOR REFLECTS ON RECENT BUDGET SESSION - Wyoming state legislators recently completed the 2008 budget session in Cheyenne. Lawmakers set aside over three quarters of a billion dollars into various savings accounts. State Representative Mike Madden, whose district includes southern Sheridan County and Johnson county, rates the session. WYOMING VERIFIED PROGRAM ADDS ANOTHER CLAIM - The Wyoming Business Council’s Wyoming Verified Program has recently added another marketing claim, which certifies the status of BVD-PI in cows. Wyoming Business Council Meat Marketing Program Manager John Henn explains what BVD-PI is, and what this marketing claim means:
CROSSWALK GOES UP IN SPARROW HAWK SUBDIVISION, SPEED BUMPS ARE SOON TO FOLLOW - All the planning and around $30,000 later, the new crosswalk in Sheridan's Sparrow Hawk subdivision is now ready for use. Sheridan Media's Crystal Hoffman has more:
SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFERING THREE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS - Three Sheridan County students graduating in 2008 will be the recipients of a $1,000 scholarship. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson with more:
BYRD SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED - High School seniors around Wyoming are now eligible to submit their applications for a special scholarship. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details :
NORTHEAST WYOMING CAREER FAIR SET FOR EARLY NEXT WEEK - Next Tuesday Gillette will be the host for the 2008 Northeast Wyoming Career Fair. Public Information Officer with the Department of Workforce Services, Shelli Stewart, gives us the details:
BEAVER CREEK SLIDE RACE LOOKING FOR RUNNERS TO BENEFIT VOA HOMELESS SHELTER - The 5th Annual Beaver Creek Slide Race is scheduled for May 3rd, and sign-up for the event is open now. Bill Dahlan is the organizer of the race, and he describes where the idea of the race came from and how it has evolved:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008 F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE DEFENDS SHIPMENT PROCEDURES - A top official at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne says the base has strict procedures for shipments to a warehouse at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. Colonel Mike Morgan, who is commander of the 90th Space Wing at F.E. Warren, released a statement Tuesday after Air ForceSecretary Michael Wynne said the U.S. accidentally sent to Taiwan fuses for nose cone assemblies used for ballistic missiles. The fuses originated at F.E. Warren and were shipped to a warehouse at Hill Air Force Base before they were shipped to Taiwan. Colonel Morgan says the Wyoming base has "stringent accountability procedures in place" for shipments to the Utah base. Secretary Wynne indicated that the fuses were sent instead of the actual Taiwanese order of helicopter batteries. Officials in that country later notified the United States of the mistake. IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, WE RECOGNIZE ONE WOMAN WHO SERVES IN THE WYOMING NATIONAL GUARD - March is National Women's History Month, when we recognize the efforts of women in our country. In honor of this month, Sheridan Media's Crystal Hoffman spoke with a Sheridan native about her experience in the Wyoming National Guard:
CABINS ON MAIN STREET MAY BE TORN DOWN SOON - The cabins that sit in downtown Sheridan may be coming down sooner than expected, even though the estate is being contested. The estate belonged to the late Chris Slater, who passed away last year. His two daughters, who are the heirs of the estate, have stated that they would like the cabins torn down. Mayor Dave Kinskey explains the solution that he has discussed with the heirs:
SEEDA JOINT POWERS BOARD RECEIVES CMR BIDS FOR NEW CHILDCARE CENTER - The Sheridan Economic and Educational Development Authority met last night and determined three candidates for it's Construction Manager at Risk to construct the Hand in Hand Child Educational Development Center. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
SUPER SATURDAY AIMED TO HELP THOSE WHO DON'T USUALLY FILE A TAX RETURN TO RECEIVE THEIR STIMULUS CHECK - IRS offices across the country are opening their doors this Saturday for tax help and that includes the local office in Sheridan. IRS Media Relations Specialist, Jean Carl, explains why this is being done:
CITY OF SHERIDAN REVEALS NEW RECYCLING FRONTLOADER TRUCK - The City of Sheridan and the surrounding area goes through nearly 2 1/2 tons of cardboard a day. To help, the City has unveiled a new recycling truck to service the City's commercial accounts. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
LAST CHANCE TO VIEW NATIONALLY TELEVISED DOCUMENTARY ON WYOMING WILDLIFE - Earlier this month we told you about the documentary produced by the Wyoming Game and Fish department entitled Wyoming: Predators, Prey and People. The documentary has been airing all month on the national television network channel Versus. If you haven't had a chance to catch the documentary, this Sunday may be your last opportunity to do so, when it airs at noon on Versus. The documentary focuses on how wolves and grizzly bears have recovered, and how ever-increasing numbers of bears and wolves are affecting the people and the wildlife in the state. The Game and Fish department interviewed dozens of people for the show including ranchers, conservationists, business owners, agency personnel, and others. You may want to check your local listings as show times may vary depending on if you have cable or satellite television.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2008
I-90 TRUCK ROLLOVER CLEANUP IS EFFICIENT - A semi-truck accident on Interstate 90 north of Sheridan yesterday closed westbound lanes for nearly nine hours. Wyoming Department of Transportation Public Information Officer, Ronda Holwell, said this accident was unusual for our area.
WITH FRIDAY DELISTING, WOLVES TO BE FAIR GAME IN MOST OF WYOMING - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - After more than a decade of federal protection, gray wolves will be fair game for hunters and ranchers in most of Wyoming when the animals are removed from the endangered species list on Friday. Wyoming, Montana and Idaho will take over full management of the wolves as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ends its wolf recovery effort. Each state has indicated that it will implement hunting seasons in the fall, with dates and harvest quotas to be set in the coming months. Wyoming officials say the hunting season will apply to the northwest corner of the state. Wolves will be classified as predators in the rest of the state, allowing people to kill them at any time and for any reason. Environmentalists have criticized that measure, but wildlife officials say the small number of wolves that venture out of the trophy tend to rely on livestock for food. SHERIDAN REGIONAL GAME AND FISH OFFICE HEARS FROM CONCERNED BOW HUNTERS - The Sheridan Regional Game and Fish office hosted an informal public gathering meeting last night to go over proposed changes for the upcoming hunting season. District Wildlife Biologist Tim Thomas explains one particular proposal that has drawn plenty of interest:
LARAMIE DEMOCRAT WITH SHERIDAN CONNECTION ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR U.S. SENATE - Dr. Christopher Rothfuss, a chemical engineer from Laramie, has announced that he is seeking the Democratic candidacy for election to the United States Senate seat currently held by Senator Mike Enzi. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
SHERIDAN GETS HIGH RANKING FROM NATIONAL MAGAZINE - Most of us know about Sheridan's designation as #1 Western Town in America several years ago by True West magazine. Well, another national publication has just chosen Sheridan as one of the top places for outdoorsmen in the country. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
THERE'S OIL IN THEM THAR ROCKS... You've probably heard the phrase “you can't squeeze blood from a turnip”, but did you know you can squeeze and heat some types of rocks in our state and get oil? The process is being promoted as the next generation of oil development in Wyoming, with the Bureau of Land Management planning to put millions of acres of public lands up for lease for oil shale production. David Alberswerth with The Wildersness Society says while it may be an oil source in the future, it is untimely for the federal government to be selling leases now. He observes that oil companies admit that the technology to get oil out of rock safely and economically has not yet been developed:
HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS FORMER MAYORS THIS THURSDAY - The Sheridan County Historical Society is holding its next meeting this Thursday, and the program will be something to make history here in Sheridan; the guest speakers will be four people who have all served as mayor of the city of Sheridan. Former Sheridan Mayor Jim Wilson calls the program, “After the Gavel.” Wilson and the other mayors will recount some of their most memorable experiences in office.
TICKETS FOR THE SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION BENEFIT GO ON SALE APRIL 1ST! - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation will be holding their 7th Annual Benefit on April 26th, and tickets will be going on sale for the Benefit on April 1st. Tom Ringley, Executive Director of the Hospital Foundation, tells us who will be performing:
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2008
UPDATE!! 1:15pm - ROAD OPENED - WYDOT has reported that the westbound lanes of I-90 between Sheridan and the Port of Entry are now open. UPDATE!! – NOON SEMI TRUCK IS UPRIGHT – WHEELS NEED TO BE REPLACED - Hopes to have the westbound lanes of I-90 between Sheridan and the Port of Entry by noon have now been extended to mid-afternoon. Earlier we reported that wrecker crews were inflating air bags to lift the semi-trailer upright – that effort has proven successful, but some of the rear tires have been damaged. Officials have decided to replace those tires before towing the rig out of the area, and WY-DOT and the Highway Patrol felt that since all the traffic barricades were already in place, they would keep the detour around the accident site in place until everything has been cleared away.We will let you know as soon as that stretch of interstate has been reopened. UPDATE!! - 9 AM WRECKER NOW ON THE SCENE OF SEMI TRUCK ROLLOVER - WY-DOT Public Information Officer Ronda Holwell phoned in this most recent update from the scene of the semi rollover that occurred around 3:30 this morning:
I-90 WESTBOUND BETWEEN SHERIDAN AND PORT OF ENTRY CLOSED THIS MORNING - WY-DOT Public Information Specialist Ronda Holwell has further information on the I-90 closure westbound between Sheridan and the Port of Entry:
BOW HUNTERS INVITED TO GAME AND FISH MEETING TONIGHT - Concerned bow hunters may wish to attend a meeting being held at the Sheridan office of the Game and Fish. Resident Molly Flint, who bow hunts with her husband, has more information: WORKING AND SPORTING DOGS MISSING IN REGION - There have been troubling reports as of late about missing dogs around the region. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the story:
TESTING FIRM: WYOMING METH USE AMONG WORKERS DROPPING CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The nation's largest drug-testing company reports that fewer Wyoming workers posted positive results for the use of methamphetamine in 2007 than in the two previous years. Officials with the Office of National Drug Control Policy say that Quest Diagnostics Drug Testing Index provided information for the study, which was released by the White House. The study reports that 1% of Wyoming workers tested were positive for methamphetamine use in 2005. Last year, less than 3/10 of 1% of those tested in the state had the drug in their systems. That shows a 72% decrease in the percentage of workers who tested positive. The study found that workplace methamphetamine use nationally decreased 44% from 2005 to 2007. NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH: WHAT YOU SHOULD EAT TO STAY HEALTHY - This month is National Nutrition Month, and Sheridan Memorial Hospital nutritionists are giving you ways to keep healthy through your diet. One way to do this is to keep your immune system in balance, so that it is active but not too active. Georgia Boley, nutritionist for the Welsh Cancer Center in the hospital, details what happens if your immune system is too active:
FREE AUTISM SCREENING WILL BE HELD APRIL 3RD - April is National Autism Awareness Month, and any parent who thinks their child may have autism can get a free screening in Sheridan on April 3rd. The Developmental Pediatric Services of Casper will be providing the screenings, which will be held from 1 to 5 pm at Dr. Mary Bowers' office, located at 1701 West 5th Street. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children get an autism screening between twelve and eighteen months of age. Autism is a developmental disability that affects a child's communication, social interaction, and behavior in varying degrees, depending on the child. At the screening, parents will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire about their child's behavior, and the child will then be observed to determine if additional evaluation is needed. Parents do not need to bring medical or school records, but appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call the Child Development Center: 672-6610. BUFFALO BILL HISTORICAL CENTER RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FROM CHARITY EVALUATION GROUP - Recently, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center of Cody, Wyoming, was awarded four stars by Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator is the nation's largest independent evaluator of charities. Executive Director and C.E.O. of the museum, Bruce Eldredge tells more about the group:
THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION: SHOULD ELECTION LAW VIOLATORS BE PROSECUTED? During the recent special election regarding Charter Ordinance No. 1, entitled Enzi City Administrator Ordinance, there was electioneering happening at the Sheridan Senior Center, which was the polling place for the election. Electioneering is attempting to influence a voter's decision on a particular candidate or issue. This is a violation of state statute. In this case, there were vehicles parked within 300 feet of the polling place, on which were signs on several vehicles which said “Vote No” on the issue. With this information, we hit the streets of Sheridan to ask this week's Sheridan Media / Bank of Sheridan Poll Question:Should the people who violated the election laws during the City Administrator election be prosecuted?Here is what Sheridan Media listeners told us:
SUNDAY, MARCH 23, 2008 FIRST EVER “PRESERVE WYOMING 2008” CONFERENCE IS SET FOR MAY - The Wyoming Main Street Program and the State Historic Preservation Office will sponsor Wyoming’s first statewide historic preservation conference, entitled “Preserve Wyoming 2008: Main Street and Beyond”. State Program Manager, Evan Medley, explains the purpose of the program: WYOMING RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL FITNESS CHALLENGE - Governor Dave Freudenthal, the Wyoming Department of Health, and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports are inviting Wyoming residents to take part in the “National President’s Challenge.” This health challenge lasts for six weeks on-line, and involves tracking your physical activity. States will be competing against each other based on participation rates, and individuals can earn awards. Freudenthal encourages every Wyoming resident to be a member of the state’s on-line group. There is no cost to participate in the challenge, which ends during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month on May 15. After registering, participants will receive an on-line activity log, where they can log in each day and track their activity. There are nearly 100 activities to choose from in the challenge. To learn more about the challenge, or to register, go to www.presidentschallenge.org When registering, the Wyoming group ID number is 68127, and the group member ID/name is State of Wyoming. OUTLAW TRAIL NEEDS MORE RIDERS! - The Outlaw Trail Ride, a seven day horseback ride which retraces the steps of Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, is looking for more riders to sign up to avoid cancellation of the event. The ride starts out by Hole-in-the-Wall, west of Kaycee, and ends near Thermopolis. The ride is approximately 120 miles, and riders will ride about 20 miles a day, with a day-long break from riding. Pat Duffy, a group leader of the Trail Ride, comments on the history of the first part of the ride: 6TH ANNUAL INVENTOR'S CONFERENCE COMING UP ON APRIL 12TH IN POWELL – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi will be hosting his 6th annual Inventor's Conference, called “From Your Garage to the Assembly Line,” on Saturday April 12th in Powell. The conference will be held in room 70 of the Fagerberg Building at Northwest Community College for any interested Wyoming residents, regardless of background or experience, and the conference is free to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality by giving them the tools to help put their ideas into action, produce new products and create new jobs in Wyoming. Enzi will be at the conference, as well as many other speakers and inventors. The keynote speaker is Wyoming native Jeff Abel, who invented the Measure Net, a fishing net with a measuring scale inside, that is now sold nationwide. Enzi will also be hosting a mini-inventors workshop for any students interested in inventing in FAB 70 at the college from 3 to 4 pm on April 11. No registration is necessary for the student mini-workshop. To register for the conference or get more information, contact Robin Bailey at 307-682-6268 or at robin_bailey@enzi.senate.gov. SHERIDAN REGIONAL GAME AND FISH OFFICE TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW TO GO OVER PROPOSAL CHANGES - The Sheridan Regional Game and Fish office will be holding an open house tomorrow to go over proposed 2008 hunting season changes for antelope, white tailed deer and elk in the Sheridan area. Some of the proposed include but are not limited to: Antelope hunters in the Sheridan Region should note the proposal to open the archery season for pronghorn antelope on August 15th in all hunt areas except are 17. The archery season for pronghorn antelope will still close on the day before the firearm season starts. Deer hunters should note the proposal to make the deer hunt area 24/27 and deer hunt area 23/26, type three licenses a second license option in 2008. These licenses are valid during November for any white tailed deer. If there are any of these licenses available after the license drawing process, hunters who already have general or limited quota deer license can also purchase a type three license. Furthermore, no person shall apply for and receive more than a total of two deer licenses valid for the taking of an antlered deer of which only one shall be valid for mule deer. The most notable change that elk hunters should recognize is for elk hunt are 37 west of Sheridan. The proposed changes for the 2008 hunting season includes 400 limited quota licenses for cow or calf elk valid in that portion of area 37 north of Wolf Creek Trail on national forest or north of Wolf Creek off national forest for September 1st through the 30th season. The public is invited to attend information gathering meetings on these proposed changes in either Sheridan, Buffalo or Gillette. The meeting in Sheridan will be from 4pm to 7pm tomorrow at the Sheridan Regional Game and Fish office. The meetings in Buffalo and Gillette will be the following day Tuesday March 25th
SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2008 UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING AG STUDENTS, PRESIDENT BUCHANAN, AND WHEATLAND RANCHER HONORED BY INTERNATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY - Outstanding students, a long-time rancher, and the president of the University of Wyoming have been honored by the UW chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, an international honor society of agriculture. The students were presented with awards for academic performance on March 1st, and Tom Buchanan received the Friend of Agriculture Award for his support of the College of Agriculture and Wyoming agriculture. Juan Reyes of Wheatland, whose family immigrated to the United States in 1962, was given the Outstanding Agriculturist Award for the operation of his ranch and service to the agricultural industry. Reyes is the owner of the MR Angus Ranch, which runs about 500 head of registered Angus cows, and sells about 250 each spring. Reyes serves on the board of the Wheatland Irrigation District, and is a member of the College Agriculture Dean's Advisory Board, along with several other groups. AG PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS NAMED - The Wyoming Business Council's Agricultural Division recently named the winners of the 2008 Photo Contest. The winners were named for the spring, summer, fall, and winter in the categories of scenic agriculture, livestock and farm animals, crops, and ag recreation. Cindy Gerretson-Weibel, Agribusiness Director for the Wyoming Business Council, explains why they started doing a photo contest:
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2008 SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD APPROVES TO ADD SCULPTURE - By the time the Big West Arts Festival rolls around, Sheridan residents will be wondering about the concrete pad to the left of the middle driveway in front of Sheridan College. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
COLLEGE BOARD APPROVALS - The Northern Wyoming Community College Board of trustees met last night, and they' approved to add a communications degree to their list of programs. The degree is designed as transferable degree. Sheridan College President Dr. Kevin Drumm explains what it offers for students: EVERGREEN CLOSING WYOMING CLEAN-COAL TEST PLANT - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Evergreen Energy says it's shutting an experimental coal refinery near Gillette. Officials with the Denver-based company says it's shifting focus to a new generation of clean-coal technology and locations with better access to transportation, customers and more types of coal.Spokesman Paul Jacobson says about fifty people at the Fort Union coal refinery are losing their jobs. The company plans to keep about three dozen employees to maintain the idle plant.Evergreen broke ground on the $109 million project in 2005 and began regular operations in 2006. The plant tested a process of reducing the moisture content in low-grade coal to boost its heat value and cut emissions.Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal says he's disappointed to hear about the loss of jobs, but is hopeful that Evergreen will eventually bring their next generation plant back to Wyoming.Jacobson says he doesn't know whether the refinery will be used again in any other capacity. JAYCEES TO HOLD ANNUAL HUNT AT SHERIDAN MANOR - For many years now, the Sheridan Jaycees have partnered with Sheridan Manor to provide a time-tested Easter tradition for area children. Liz Reynolds, who is Vice President of the Wyoming Jaycees, and a member of the Sheridan chapter, explains:
WYOMING SUNSHINE WEEK PEERS INTO GOVERNMENT RECORDS - Wyoming Citizens are being encouraged to participate in “Sunshine Week”, which is intended to offer Wyomingites a chance to open the curtains of secrecy that sometimes shade the local, state and federal government. The goal is to draw attention to the importance of openness in government, something the legislature addressed during the recent session. Bob Priddy with the Radio-Television News Directors Association says he doesn’t think most elected officials are out to mislead the public. But he says information the public needs to know can get lost in the shuffle:
YELLOWSTONE BEGINS TESTING AND HOLDING BISON - Under the Interagency Bison Management Plan, officials in Yellowstone National Park work with other agencies to conserve a viable, wild bison population while cooperating to protect Montana's brucellosis-free status. Park spokesman Al Nash explains the latest move by the park:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM TAKES HOME TOP HONORS - The five-member Sheridan College Speech Team took 3rd place at the 26th Annual Novice National Speech and Debate Tournament, held at the University of West Florida in Pensacola March 14th through the 16th. They also returned with other national awards, including one National Championship and 3rd place in Parliamentary Debate. The Sheridan College team competed with forty-six colleges and universities. Among the forty-six schools in attendance were BYU, Idaho, Florida State, Texas A&M, the University of Indianapolis, the University of Pennsylvania, Berry College of Atlanta, and Oberlin College.The team has worked hard all year, and their coach Lillian Sager was pleased to see all of their teamwork, and the friendships that have developed. The speech team will perform their final presentation of the year in a “Spring 2008 Showcase Extravaganza” on tonight in the C-TEL Presentation Hall from 7 to 9. Admission will be free, and refreshments will be served. The team will resume competition this September. David Demic won the national championship in Dramatic Interpretation,third place in Parliamentary Debate (with partner Ross Bunn, fourth place in Duo Interpretation (with partner Katie Buffington), and sixth place in Prose Interpretation. He also advanced to the semifinals in Impromptu Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking. He placed second in Individual Sweepstakes, scoring 70 of the team’s 176.5 sweepstake points. Ross Bunn placed third in Parliamentary Debate, fifth in Duo Interpretation (with partner Michele Folster), and seventh in Prose Interpretation. He also advanced to the semifinals in Impromptu Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking. Alexis Jones placed fourth in Program Oral Interpretation. Katie Buffington placed fifth in Program Oral Interpretation and sixth in Impromptu Sales. SCHOOL FACILITIES COMMISSION AWARDS $250,000 FOR TURN LANE - Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey announced Thursday that the Wyoming School Facilities Commission has agreed to fund up to $250,000 for a turn lane on Coffeen Avenue where the new Woodland Park School will be located. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008 SCHOOL FACILITIES COMMISSION AWARDS $250,000 FOR TURN LANE - Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey announced today that the Wyoming School Facilities Commission has agreed to fund up to 250 thousand dollars for a turn lane on Coffeen Avenue where the new Woodland Park School will be located. The turn lane is really important, as Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey explains: THE OBITUARY HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR 3 YEAR OLD JORDAN MILLER - Earlier this week, we told you about a toddler who passed away at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Emergency Room early Sunday morning; that boy's memorial service has been announced. According to the notice given by Champion Ferries Funeral Home, who are handling the arrangements, 3-year-old Jordon Kas Miller of Sheridan died on Sunday, March 16th, as the result of injuries caused by an accident at his home.Jordon was born September 2, 2004, in Sheridan to Jared & Ayla (Bolinger) Miller.Jordon attended Myers Roundup Daycare Center.Jordon is survived by his parents; sisters Natalie Traphagan of Sheridan and Shelby Grayce Denison of Grand Junction, CO; grandparents Matt & Debbie Miller and Sam & Susan Bolinger; great grandparents Carolyn Bakotich, William Roush and Georgia Andreason; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The memorial service for Jordan Miller will be held at 11:00 am tomorrow at Champion Ferries Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Keller officiating. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
JOINT PLANNING MEETING TO FEATURE COOPERATIVE MUNICIPALITIES TONIGHT - The City Of Sheridan and the Sheridan County Planning Departments are collaborating for a joint planning area meeting at the Watt Agricultural Center tonight. Sheridan citizens are invited to offer their thoughts on issues for the area in order to develop a future land use plan for the outlying areas which may be developed soon. County Planner Mark Reid discusses why this is an important meeting:
SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL GETS THE BLUES - Recently, employees of Sheridan Memorial Hospital decided to take a step towards “going green”, by acquiring the “blues”. Foundation Coordinator, Ada Kirven, explains:
A SPECIAL DAY IS PLANNED AT THE SHERIDAN SENIOR CENTER TOMORROW - Good eats and good deals will be the theme of a special event tomorrow at the Sheridan Senior Center. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter explains:
OVER $100 MILLION GIVEN OUT IN SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION'S PATRIOT EXPRESS LOAN INITIATIVE - The Small Business Association developed a new program to benefit certain small business owners, and it is growing fast. Dennis Byrne, SBA spokesman, gives the name of the program and its accomplishments so far:
SHERIDAN COUNTY STUDENTS' SCHEDULE FOR EASTER WEEKEND / SPRING BREAK - Sheridan County School District 2 would like to remind parents and guardians that there will be an early dismissal tomorrow in observance of Good Friday. The following times will be used:All district Kindergarten students will be released at 11:25 am; 1st through 5th graders will be released at 12:35 pm. Students at Sheridan Junior High School, Ft. MacKenzie High School and The Wright Place will be released at 1:07 pm, and Sheridan High School lets out at 1:17 pm.Districts 1 and 3 normally do not have school on Fridays.The following week, March 24th - 30th there will be no school for any Sheridan County students as they enjoy Spring Break. Classes will be back in session on Monday, March 31st. CAREER EXPO REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED! - If your business would like to participate in the Career Expo scheduled to take place April 17th but have not signed up yet, there is still time. The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce has extended the deadline to register to this Monday, March 24th. However, spaces are going fast, so it is suggested that you sign up soon: Chamber of Commerce: 672-2485.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2008 STUDENT PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS AT SCHOOL DIST. 1 - Big Horn High School was the location for the Sheridan County School District 1 March Board of Trustees meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has the highlights:
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE GRIFFITH QUARRY TO STAY OPEN YEAR ROUND - The Sheridan County Commissioners held their second meeting of March, and reporter Kate Fetterly details some information from the meeting:
THIS WEEK IS NATIONAL FLOOD SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK - This week is National Flood Awareness week and officials from the National Weather Service in Billings have some reminders to help stay safe when flooding occurs. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
THE ANATOMY OF A POTHOLE: BAD HOLE, BAD!! - On Monday, we reported the latest efforts by the City of Sheridan in keeping the city streets up to par. The City continues to work to maintain the integrity of Sheridan's streets, and Kate Fetterly explains about one annoying aspect of spring driving in the City:
BASIN ELECTRIC GOES BALD & RAISES THOUSANDS FOR FOUNDATION - Last Saturday, we reported to you about Basin Electric's participation in a Saint Baldrick’s Foundation event. Hundreds of Basin Electric employees joined together to shave their heads to help raise money to find a cure for childhood cancer. The cooperation of 109 employees resulted in Basin Electric raising nearly $90,000 for the Foundation. Some of the employees who cut off their hair served as a double donation by giving that hair to the Locks of Love, which make wigs for cancer patients. St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. Each year, thousands of volunteers shave their heads, while requesting donations of support from friends and family. If you are interested in learning more about the foundation, visit www.stbaldricks.org . sBUSINESS AFTER HOURS HOSTED BY SHAC TONIGHT - The Business After Hours party, sponsored by the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, will be hosted by the Sheridan Housing Action Committee tonight, starting at 5:30 at the Lewis St. Bridge on Marion Street. Business After Hours is a networking event for Chamber members to casually mingle with other business members and discuss how their businesses can work for each other. It is also the perfect time to build new relationships or strengthen established ones with other businesses. For more information on Business After Hours, visit www.sheridanwyomingchamber.org .
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2008 UPDATED @ 12 NOON, CLARIFICATION IN CASE OF 3-YEAR-OLD BOY'S SUSPICIOUS DEATH - There are still no new details from the Sheridan Police who continue to investigate the suspicious death of a 3 year old boy who who was declared deceased at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital on Sunday Morning. Reporter Kate Fetterly has outsider information about the case: UNDER INVESTIGATION: 3-YEAR-OLD BOY ARRIVES DEAD AT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ON SUNDAY - Reporter Kate Fetterly has this story which we broke late yesterday afternoon:
VISIONARY COMMUNICATIONS WARNS CUSTOMERS OF EMAIL SCAM PRETENDING TO COME FROM VCN - If your Internet provider is Visionary Communications you may have noticed an e-mail from them yesterday warning of an e-mail scam going around pretending to come from VCN. The email states that you have to submit your password in order to keep your account in good standing. VCN President Brian Worthen comments on the situation:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL DEALS WITH BAR AND GRILL LICENSES AND FIXING CITY STREETS - Sheridan's City Council held their final meeting of March last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details: CITY COUNCIL APPROVES AMMENDMENT TO FIREFIGHTERS CONTRACT - The current Civil Service Rules and Sheridan Firefighters contract states that firefighters must live within nine miles of the fire station. Sheridan City Council last night amended that rule to be within fifteen miles of the fire station. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey on why the amendment was needed:
PEACE VIGIL CONTINUES AS FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ “OCCUPATION” CONTINUES - The Sheridan Peacemakers Group will once again hold its weekly vigil this evening, making a local stand against war throughout the world. Reporter Kate Fetterly with the details:
GIRL SCOUTS GIVE NEWBORN BABY GIRL GIFTS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR 96TH BIRTHDAY - Every year, the Girl Scouts from the Sheridan, Ranchester, and Dayton areas pull together for a project in celebration of two events. Susan Hitchcock, an adult leader of the Girl Scouts, explains:
WESTERNER'S INTERNATIONAL MONTHLY MEETING TALKS ABOUT ONE ASPECT OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY CATTLE WAR - The Westerner's International will hold their monthly meeting this Thursday, and today is your deadline to make dinner reservations at the Best Western Sheridan Center. At this month's meeting, Tom and Virginia Brown will be presenting history about their family's involvement in the Johnson County Cattle Wars. Tom's great-grandfather, Jerome Brown, and Jerome's daughter, Edna, were caught in the middle of this war. Edna, a teenager at the time, wrote in her diary about her perspective. Virginia tells us why she wanted to present them at this meeting:
MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008 Jaycees Run Till You're Green 2008. Video courtesy of Randy Hyder:. UNDER INVESTIGATION: 3 YEAR OLD ARRIVES DEAD AT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ON SUNDAY - Sheridan Police are currently investigating the case of a 3 year old year old boy who arrived at the Sheridan Memorial Hospital on Sunday morning, apparently deceased upon arrival, according to an non-police source. SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETS TONIGHT - Sheridan City Council will meet tonight and Sheridan Media's Ron Richter previews what could be another long meeting:
THE CITY OF SHERIDAN CREWS ARE HARD AT WORK THIS SEASON - The City of Sheridan Public Works' Operations Department is hard at work following a busy winter. We'll overview a few things they're doing as reporter Kate Fetterly details the latest accomplishments:
INTERESTING PROPOSAL FROM CITY OF SHERIDAN'S IT DEPARTMENT - As the Sheridan City Council heard an update from the Sheridan Recreation District at their work session last week, one opportunity to educate the public about astronomy came up from the Technical Department in City Hall. IT Administrator Scott Mecca discussed the proposal:
NEW EPA OZONE RULES MAY ZAP SUBLETTE COUNTY DRILLING PLANS - Ozone trouble could send a ripple through the gas drilling industry in Wyoming in the coming years, as the EPA has issued new rules which lower the “safe levels” of ozone allowed. According to the DEQ, drilling induced higher ozone levels in the Upper Green River Valley are in violation of the current, higher standards. Several air advisory warnings have been issued this winter – including one last week. Air quality expert Bruce Pendery with the Wyoming Outdoor Council says something will have to change when thousands of new wells are added to Sublette County:
WYO'S NEXT BIG BOOM MIGHT BE URANIUM MINING - The push for “clean energy” brought Wyomingites, and people from four other states in the region together for a meeting held in Casper this past weekend. The groups took time to talk about the pros and cons of a uranium mining boom, as Uranium mining claims and plans are popping up in Wyoming and neighboring states. Organizations from Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska discussed private property rights, water quality and concerns for public lands. The potential uranium boom would fuel “clean energy” nuclear power plants. Event organizer with the Powder River Basin Resource Council, Shannon Anderson says contamination is a top concern, and so is water – because a huge amount is needed for mining.
PENNIES FOR PRESIDENT'S DAY COLLECTION TO BENEFIT “LUNCH TOGETHER” PROGRAM - During the month of February, the Sheridan Senior Center and the Heritage Towers Assisted living facility competed against each other in an effort to raise money for the Lunch Together Program. Sheridan Media's Sarah Turner has the details:
STUDENTS AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE WORKING TO DEVELOP SCIENCE YOU CAN EAT - Gourmetceuticals LLC has partnered with three different departments at Sheridan College to develop a new food item that will promote healthy eating. Sheridan Media's Crystal Hoffman has the details:
SUNDAY, MARCH 16, 2008 WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN A NATIONAL PANDEMIC FLU-RELATED DISTRIBUTION EXERCISE – This past week the Wyoming Department of Health took part in a national pandemic flu distribution exercise. “Operation Western Spindalis” involved deployment of 25 percent of the federally held influenza pandemic countermeasures such as antiviral medications and masks to selected areas. Health departments in Wyoming and Puerto Rico were invited by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to participate in the exercise in coordination with federal authorities. The exercise was designed to support the CDC’s top priority of preparing for an influenza pandemic. Bryon Hopper with the Wyoming Department of Health explains it's importance: UTAH SPRING TOURISM CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW - Utah's “Life Elevated” spring advertisement campaign is set to be launched by the Utah Office of Tourism tomorrow on cable television, a few local markets, the Internet, and in travel magazines. The “baggage claim” spot, created by an agency out of Salt Lake City, is set to air on nine cable channels for six weeks. Some of the channels include MSNBC, A&E, and the Discovery Channel. The ad will also run on local Denver, Phoenix, and Los Angeles stations through August. Five magazines including Sunset and Backpacker will feature the ad from April to August. The advertising is expected to generate 210 million impressions, according to the advertising agency. PROJECT SCHOOLHOUSE IS COMING UP SOON! - Coming up on April 5th at 7 pm, a Salsa Fundraiser is being held at the Elk's Ballroom in Sheridan to benefit Project Schoolhouse, a non-profit organization currently building a schoolhouse in Nicaragua. Tab Barker, the founder of Project Schoolhouse, explains why he thinks the event and the project are unique: BLACK HILLS' HORSETHIEF LAKE DAY USE AREA CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION - The day use area at Horsethief Lake in the Black Hills National Forest is now closed for construction. More parking spaces, accessibility, and safety features are being added to the site, and there will be associated truck traffic to the Big Pine Centennial Trailhead as part of the project. Lake users are asked to park in the lot adjacent to Highway 244 until the project's completion in mid-May. Officials would also like to remind users that the day use area and trial at Bismarck Lake are closed as work there progresses. A new boardwalk and picnic sites are part of that construction, which will be completed by May 30th. The public can still park at the top of the hill and access the lake by walking down the road. Both projects are funded through the National Scenic Byway Program
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2008 RUN 'TIL YOU'RE GREEN AT KENDRICK PARK TODAY - The Sheridan Jaycees are holding their annual Run 'til You're Green at Kendrick Park 10 am: Jaycees “Run ‘Til You’re Green!” event. Participate in a 1 mile, 5K, or 10K run, followed by a barbeque. Entry fee: $10/person JOHNSON COUNTY HEALTH FAIR SET FOR TODAY - The Johnson County Health Fair is today from 9am to noon at the old Clear Creek School gymnasium in Buffalo. Health Fair Director Karen Sullivan gives us the details of the event: BASIN ELECTRIC IS GOING BALDER THAN EXPECTED! - It all started when a couple employed at Basin Electric heard about the Saint Baldrick's Foundation over the radio one weekend. Emily McKay and Ted Cash decided they wanted to participate in one of their events. Mary Klecker-Green, the Communications Planning Coordinator for Basin Electric, explains what happened next: MOLLY'S REVENGE AT THE WYO THEATER TONIGHT - There will be a big St. Patty's Day celebration at the Wyo Theater this tonight. Nick Johnson, Executive Director of Wyo Theater, tells us about the celebration: |
