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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008 SHERIDAN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT SEES DEFENDANTS IN SEVERAL FELONY THEFT CASES - 30-year-old Craig Fox of Sheridan has made his initial appearance in Sheridan County Circuit Court. Fox is accused of embezzling nearly $9,000 over a period of four months, and was released on a $4,000 unsecured bond set by Circuit Court Magistrate Carol Doughty. He will have his preliminary hearing before he can enter a plea in District Court. Fox was a cash office employee in the Sheridan Wal-Mart store.In other cases, 42-year-old David Augustino is facing two counts of felony burglary and two counts of misdemeanor larceny. Augustino is accused of breaking into a neighbor's shed and taking tools; there was also a separate incident where a neighbor woke to find a man fitting Augustino's description carrying her dining room set out of the house. Augustino remains in jail on a $5,000 cash bond.And 27-year-old Banner resident Jarele Cothren is waiting for his preliminary hearing on three counts of forgery. Earlier this month, Cothren allegedly used fake identification to withdraw $6,000 from his brother's bank account. All three defendants could face up to ten years in prison or a $10,000 fine or both for each of the felony charges. BURGLARY AT DOWNTOWN BUSINESS UNDER INVESTIGATION - At 10:45 Monday morning the Sheridan Police Department received a report of a burglary at 37 North Scott St. Someone had entered an office in that building and removed two laptop computers, several software disks, assorted computer accessories, and a credit card.Police suspect that the theft happened over the weekend. The burglary is still under investigation and no other information is available at this time. SHERIDAN CITY COUNCILPERSON ANNOUNCES BID FOR RE-ELECTION - With this being an election year and the deadline to file not too far away, you can expect a slew of candidacy announcements in the coming weeks. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the latest regarding a current Sheridan City Councilperson:
SENATOR BARRASSO OUTLINES PLAN TO CUT BACK GAS PRICES - U.S. Senator John Barrasso has outlined a plan to temporarily relieve the pressure of gas prices around the country. The proposed bill, co-sponsored by Senator Kit Bond of Missouri, instructs the federal government to stop putting oil into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, when the average price of gas exceeds $2.50 a gallon, and the price of diesel exceeds $2.75 a gallon. Will this bill really affect consumers? Senator Barrasso:
SIGN UPS ARE GOING ON RIGHT NOW FOR MANY PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE SHERIDAN RECREATION DISTRICT - The Sheridan Recreation District is taking sign-ups for a number of their spring and summer programs. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
POKER FOR DAVE” IS COMING UP THIS WEEKEND - Students in the Criminal Justice program at Sheridan College are honoring their mentor this weekend. Earlier this semester the students had to adjust to a new instructor when department head Dave Marquith took a leave of absence. Marquith has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Meg Michelena is one of Marquith's students:
LAST TALK OF THE SCIENCE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES IS TONIGHT - Sheridan College Science Museum's volunteer curator, Mike Flynn, will be giving the final lecture in the Science Museum Lecture Series tonight at 7 pm in the Mohn's Center at Sheridan College. Flynn is a retired paleontologist, and taught geology at Sheridan College for twenty-seven years. His lecture will last about forty-five minutes, with fifteen minutes at the end reserved for audience questions. The title of Flynn's discussion is “Dinosaurs and their Environment,” and he will cover many topics, including why Wyoming has so many dinosaur fossils, and what may have led to their extinction. Flynn will focus on the environment in Wyoming around 145 million years ago; he says the lecture is appropriate for eighth graders and above, and his talk will not be too scientific. BURLINGTON NORTHERN CONTINUES TO SHOW ITS SUPPORT OF THE ANNUAL BUFFALO BILL DAYS EVENT - The Sheridan Heritage Center has announced that they've received a donation that will go towards helping an annual summertime event. Sheridan Heritage Center Executive Director Edre Maier:
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2008 COUNTY PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS ARE OUT, AND QUESTIONS ARE ALREADY COMING IN - The Sheridan County Property Assessments were mailed out on April 21st, and county residents are calling in to the County Assessor's office with questions. Sheridan County Assessor Paul Fall first clarifies that their appraisals are not done individually:
DOWNTOWN PARKING STUDY COMMITTEE MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY HALL - The Downtown Sheridan Association, along with HKM Engineering, presented results of a downtown parking study to the Sheridan City Council yesterday. With a limited number of spaces and an increase in downtown businesses, the question of where to park is becoming a bigger problem. DSA board member, Chuck Hutton, tells us one of the solutions:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE BOARD MEETING BROUGHT SOME SURPRISING NEWS - The Sheridan College Board of Trustees met last Thursday, and one of the main topics was the 2008 budget. Kevin Drumm, President of Sheridan College, says their budget is more limited than usual because their state allocation has not increased, but the limited budget will not affect the students' tuition. Tuition is up two dollars a credit hour because of state increase, but the college will not make any further increases.Another topic was the rise in student enrollment at Sheridan College. The enrollment from last September made them the third fastest growing college last year, but that number gets even better when they look at a longer time period:
ANNUAL TEACHERS' ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSES SCEA SURVEY - Sheridan County School District 2's Board of Trustees hosted their annual Teachers' Roundtable meeting last night to talk about their year, as well as the Sheridan Central Education Association's staff survey results. 40 % of the teaching staff in District 2 took the survey, and the results were very positive in comparison to last year's results. There was an increase in satisfied answers compared to dissatisfied answers in all areas, and some suggestions were made to improve these numbers even further. The responses included improving communication between the school board and the teachers, and to keep the salaries of teachers competitive. Some teachers also recommended that the audio minutes from the board meetings be archived on their website. There was also a suggestion to have a roundtable meeting in the fall as well, so that the meeting would be simpler, and there would be more to talk about. BASIN ELECTRIC SIGNS INNOVATIVE AGREEMENT WITH CAMPBELL COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL REGARDING THE DRY FORK POWER STATION - Construction for the Basin Electric Dry Fork Power Station near Gillette got underway last October, and more recently Basin Electric entered into a four-year agreement with Campbell County Memorial Hospital:
SHS ROBOTICS TEAM SHOWS OFF WALLY!! AT CELEBRATION DINNER - The Sheridan High School Robotics team recently took part in a regional competition in Denver, and last night to honor them, there was an appreciation celebration dinner. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO LAWSUIT FILED CHALLENGING WOLF DELISTING - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department issued a statement Monday following the filing of a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Missoula, Montana that challenges the recent removal of the gray wolf from the endangered species list. The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of environmental and animal-rights groups. The response statement issued by the Game and Fish said that the “lawsuit is unnecessary and unproductive as wolf recovery in Wyoming has been a tremendous conservation success”. It went on to say that “the department is fully committed to maintaining a population of wolves in Northwest Wyoming, ensuring that they will never again need to be placed on the Endangered Species List”.
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2008 SHERIDAN-JOHNSON COUNTY AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TO OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION CONFERENCE - An organization which was formed to develop charitable legacies for both Sheridan and Johnson counties will be hosting a valuable conference next week. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
TONIGHT IS A BIG NIGHT AT THE HISTORIC SHERIDAN INN - The Sheridan Inn first opened it's doors in 1893 and it's fitting that over 100 years later that date has significant meaning as the new restaurant “1893 Grill and Spirits” is set to start serving up authentic western flare inside the Inn tonight. Sheridan Heritage Center Vice President Bob Prill:
THIS WEEK IS NATIONAL HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK - All throughout the country this week volunteers are being honored in the Healthcare industry. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter explains:
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS ON ITS WAY TO SHERIDAN - Many people have been looking for affordable housing in the Sheridan area, and one contractor in Sheridan is working to make that possible. Fernando Pages of Brighton Construction says the housing market around the country is currently benefiting the buyer, and he explains why:
6TH ANNUAL ILLUSTRATOR SHOW OPENS TODAY AT THE BRADFORD BRINTON MUSEUM - The Bradford Brinton Museum has brought back illustrator Gerald Holmes, the creator of “Hank the Cowdog,” by popular demand. The 6th Annual Illustrator Show opens today. There are watercolors of Hank displayed around the Museum, and Holmes will have his tablet set up to show how he draws Hank. This series of books started around 27 years ago, with his friend John Erickson, who was struggling to become an author:
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GIVES SEVERAL HOME OWNERS “CHRISTMAS IN APRIL.” - Several Sheridan home owners were able to share in the holiday spirit this weekend with Christmas in April. Habitat for Humanity works with several local service organizations to find less fortunate families that need home repairs. Evan Woolston is co-captain of one of the project homes at Sumner and Burrows streets.
CITY TO WORK ON PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES - The Sheridan City Council is looking at improving the parking situation in downtown Sheridan. Mayor Dave Kinskey says that some new business owners are having a problem with city ordinances.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2008 SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL’S PRINCIPAL WINS AWARD - Recently, Sheridan High School principal, Dirleen Wheeler, was chosen as Wyoming's Principal of the Year. Sheridan Media's Sarah Turner has the story: SEN.ENZI ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Sen. Mike Enzi announced his re-election campaign at Gillette City Hall on Saturday. Enzi became Wyoming's senior senator upon the death of Sen. Craig Thomas from leukemia last year and John Barrasso was appointed to replace Thomas. Barrasso has not yet formally announced his campaign, but Barrasso has said that he does intend to run for the seat.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2008 EARLIER THIS WEEK GOVERNOR FREUDENTHAL MADE HIS FEELINGS KNOWN ABOUT THE FOREST SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH OIL AND GAS COMPANIES LOOKING TO DRILL IN THE WYOMING RANGE - The announcement of a formal agreement earlier this week between the U.S. Forest Service and a company looking to seek oil and gas leases in the Wyoming Range is extremely suspect according to Governor Dave Freudenthal. The Governor feels the agreement allows the company an inappropriate amount of influence: ARE WYOMING PARENTS IN THE DARK ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THEIR CHILD'S MEDICATION - Wyoming parents and most others around the country are somewhat in the dark when it comes to knowing whether or not medicines prescribed for their children are FDA approved. In fact, a recent national poll on Children's Health shows that every parent surveyed in Wyoming is under the assumption that all of their child's medications are indeed FDA approved. Dr. Matthew Davis directed the poll, and he explains why parents may have that impression: STORY MAN DIES WHEN PICKUP ROLLS OVER HIM - A 54 year old Story man is dead after the pickup he was driving rolled over him. Sheridan County Sheriff's Officers were called to the accident on Highway 14 west of Ranchester just before noon Thursday. The Sheriff's Office investigation concluded that John Edward Cross had apparently stopped and got out of his vehicle. He opened the hood and the truck ran him over. EMS personnel transported Cross to Sheridan Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Sheridan County Coroner's report states that death was caused by blunt force trauma consistent with being run over. There was no evidence that it was anything other than a tragic accident.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2008 FEMA, ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND SHERIDAN COUNTY ALL LOOKING AT FLOOD PLAINS. - The Sheridan County Comprehensive Plan will be available for review this summer. While that process is taking place the Army Corps of Engineers is working to update another part of Sheridan County. Flood control projects are being inspected. One such project was the concrete channels for Little Goose Creek in downtown Sheridan. The Corps is also taking a look at all the bridges in Sheridan County to do risk assessments for the different drainages. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is trying to use the Corps' work to help update the flood plain maps for Sheridan County. FEMA representative Bonnie Heddin tells us what that means for us.
SHERIDAN COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY FULLY OPERATIONAL BUT NEEDS OFFICERS. - The Sheridan County Detention Center has gone through a major change over the last several years. One of the main concerns, when the project was started 6 years ago, was the number of inmates that could be served in the jail. Now the facility can house more than double the inmates that it used to. Sheriff Dave Hofmeier says that's not the only improvement.
LOCAL PHONE COMPANY HELPING KEEP IN TOUCH WITH SOLDIERS IN IRAQ. - Telephones are one item that most people use every day. However, there are times when we'd all much rather have a face-to-face conversation. Range Telephone and Advanced Communication Technologies are teaming with the Freedom Calls Foundation and VisionNet to make face-to-face conversations with soldiers in Iraq possible. Range Telephone Marketing Director Aaron Sopko...
SHERIDAN HIGH SCHOOL’S PRINCIPAL WINS AWARD - Recently, Sheridan High School principal, Dirleen Wheeler, was chosen as Wyoming's Principal of the Year. Sheridan Media's Sarah Turner has the story:
ACCIDENT REPORT COMPLETE ON POLICE OFFICER WHO CAUSED POWER OUTAGE - On April 5th, Sheridan residents on the north end of town woke up with no power for a short time. A Sheridan Police officer was returning to the station, traveling north through the alley behind Domino's Pizza and struck a power pole. The impact knocked the pole over and caused the power outage. The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office investigated the accident as it involved a police officer. According to the accident report there were no citations issued. The officer told the investigating deputy that he had fallen asleep after turning into the alley from 11th Street and had no memory of the accident. The report states that the power pole may have been damaged prior to the accident and the collision may have caused it to fail completely. Once the pole was removed from the car, it was able to be driven and damage estimates were over $1,000. SHS PARENTS GIVE THEIR COMMENTS ON A SUGGESTED CHANGE IN THE ATTENDANCE POLICY - Sheridan High School held its final Parent Advisory Meeting last night, and parents were invited to come and voice their opinions on a future change in the attendance policy. Currently, students are allowed 20 absences per year, excluding school activities. The school is looking to change the number to ten, in order to improve student's academic performance. Dirlene Wheeler, Principal at the High School, says there will be a way to make up any days missed:
THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION PLAN - Last week was the last meeting for the Sheridan Transportation Plan, and there were quite a few residents who did not approve of the way the plan was laid out. Because of this, the Mayor decided to put the plan on hold until the City – County Comprehensive Plan is done. Here is one resident's response to this week's Sheridan Media – Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question, asking if you support the 2008 Sheridan Transportation Plan:
WE'LL HAVE THE FINAL INSTALLMENT IN OUR CITY OF SHERIDAN MAINTENANCE SERIES - Today we conclude our City of Sheridan Maintenance series with an annual event that the city does to make sure our drinking water is as clear and clean as it can be. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details: . THE COWBOY STATE HOLDS A RECORD THAT ISN'T KNOWN BY MANY, WE'LL LET YOU KNOW JUST EXACTLY WHAT THE RECORD IS - Wyoming has held a record that dates all the way back to the 1930's as it was the last state to accept financial assistance from the government through President Roosevelt's “New Deal” program to help end the depression. Dr. Dudley Gardner is the Associate Professor of History and Political Science at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs and he weighs in on a possible reason for Wyoming's stubbornness to receive the assistance:
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008 FEDERAL APPEALS COURT OVERTURNS DISCRIMINATION VERDICT - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A federal appeals court in Denver has overturned a discrimination verdict that two lesbian former school administrators had won against a Sheridan County school district in 2006. A panel of the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals says that Kathleen Milligan-Hitt and Kathryn Roberts weren't entitled to $160,000 that a Wyoming jury had awarded them as damages. The appeals court ruling states that discriminating against homosexuals wasn't clearly against the law in 2003. That's when both women were passed over for employment as administrators in Sheridan County School District No. 2. The plaintiffs' lawyer, Greg Hacker calls the court ruling unfortunate and unjust. A lawyer for the school district and Superintendent Craig Dougherty says Tuesday's court ruling affirms the district's position that there wasn't any discrimination against the two women. CITY AND COUNTY WORK TOGETHER ON COMPREHENSIVE COUNTY PLAN - Clarion Associates met with the planning commissions for both the City of Sheridan and Sheridan County last night. SheridanMedia.com's Kurt Layher has the story.
PART TWO OF OUR CITY OF SHERIDAN MAINTENANCE SERIES WILL FOCUS ON STREET CLEANING - We continue with part two of our three part series on City of Sheridan maintenance with a look at street cleaning. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
FIRE DEPARTMENT TALKS ABOUT WAYS TO PREVENT WILDLAND FIRES - Temperatures are rising, however slowly, here in Sheridan and with spring comes drier weather and the beginning of wildland fire season. Last week one of the first grass fires of the season was reported to authorities. Many landowners are preparing to conduct controlled burns this time of year. Recent addition to Sheridan Fire-Rescue, Zach McLain, talks about burn requirements:
SHERIDAN COUNTY MUSEUM WILL OPEN ITS DOORS WITH NEW EXHIBITS IN MAY - The Sheridan County Museum will be opening again on May 1st, and there are some new exhibits with great local flare. Dana Prater, Director of the Museum, talks about the first exhibit:
COMMUNITY OF STORY LAUNCHES ITS OWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY - The mountain town of Story is hosting a fundraiser this Saturday to benefit an exciting new venture. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
PRESENTATION AT THE LIBRARY THIS SUNDAY - There will be a program at the Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library in the Inner Circle this Sunday from 2 to 4 pm, as part of the “American Indian Tribal Histories Project.” Anita Weisheit, Program Coordinator for the Library, elaborates:
REGIONAL COMPETITIONS ARE UNDER WAY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES; SHERIDAN WILL HAVE THEIRS NEXT WEEK - With the Special Olympics Wyoming State games less than a month away, the area games get underway this weekend in Casper. The Area Four games, which are for Sheridan, will soon follow as they are scheduled to take place next Thursday and Friday. Area Four Coordinator, Anita Badgett, explains the events for day one:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008 DeBOLT FOLLOWING IN FAMILY'S POLITICAL FOOTSTEPS - Sheridan Resident Dave DeBolt announced yesterday that he will seek the Wyoming legislative seat currently held by Representative Jerry Iekel. DeBolt tells us why he is running:
SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 2'S BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEET TO DISCUSS REQUESTS - The Sheridan County School District 2 Board of Trustees held a special meeting at the noon hour yesterday to approve three requests by Julie Carroll, the facilities director for the district. Sheridan Media's Crystal Hoffman was there and has the details:
SEEDA LOOKING AT NEW PLAN FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER - The Sheridan Economic and Education Development Authority may have to switch gears in planning the new Early Childhood Education Center. SEEDA Board Chairman Tom Sachse:
FORWARD SHERIDAN'S TASK FORCE MET TO DISCUSS IMPROVING AIRLINE SERVICE FROM SHERIDAN - Forward Sheridan's Airline Task Force met recently to discuss improving Sheridan's airline service. Great Lakes Airlines will change the type of aircraft flying out of Sheridan soon.
SHERIDAN MAYOR DAVE KINSKEY RECEIVES MAINENANCE UPDATE FROM OPERATIONS MANAGER - Tuesday afternoon Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey received a maintenance update from City Operations Manager Pete Husman on some of the many things city crews are up to these days. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the first of a three part series on a few of the City's maintenance projects:
CLOUD PEAK SYMPHONY TO PERFORM WORLD PREMIERE COMMISSIONED PIECE - Sheridan's Cloud Peak Symphony will be concluding their third season this weekend with two significant concerts. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2008 SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL ADDRESSES MAYOR'S SALARY - With the anticipation of hiring a city administrator and the salary that comes with the position, Sheridan City Council previously lowered the Mayor's salary to $24,000 a year. Since the city administrator ordinance was voted down in the special election in February, there has been concerns from the public as well as those on the council that the pay doesn't equal the position.At their meeting last night, Council voted no to an ordinance proposed by Councilwoman Kathy Kennedy that would have increased the Mayor's salary to $65,000. Kennedy explains why the increase in salary is needed:
CAUSE OF SUNDAY NIGHT HOUSE FIRE NEAR BIG HORN HAS BEEN DETERMINED - Sheridan Fire-Rescue Investigators have concluded the investigation at 238 Hwy 335. Based on interviews and the evidence found, Sheridan Fire Rescue Investigators have determined that the fire at the home near Big Horn Sunday night was accidentally caused. The owners, Tracy and Liz Swanson had started a fire in the free burning fireplace on the morning of the fire. The triple wall stove pipe in the attic area heated surrounding combustibles to a point of ignition. The combustibles were most likely blown in insulation. There was no evidence found to suggest any type of insulation stop around the stovepipe. Further investigation determined the fire to have smoldered for several hours in the attic before manifesting itself. Sheridan Fire- Rescue would like to remind property owners to check their stovepipes to ensure that there is no contact with nearby combustibles. SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL HEARS REQUESTS FOR TWO OF THE THREE BAR AND GRILL LICENSES - Sheridan City Council once again took up the issue of bar and grill licenses at their meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the story:
SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL DEBATES CONSENSUS FUNDS LAST NIGHT - Sheridan City Council approved a resolution last night agreeing to 56.3 % of the $9.7 million in consensus funds that will be divided up between Sheridan County, the City of Sheridan, and the Towns of Ranchester, Dayton and Clearmont. In May of 2006, the City made an agreement with the County to take less of the CBM impact funds at that time, and would take a larger percentage next time such funding came around. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey explains why the Council decided to take the smaller percentage, instead of arguing for the 64% that was agreed upon in '06:
FINAL SUSPECT IN WANTON DESTRUCTION CASE IN JOHNSON COUNTY SENTENCED - The final suspect in a disturbing case involving wanton destruction of wildlife was recently sentenced in Johnson County Circuit Court. On November 23rd, 2007 three juveniles from Buffalo, all age 15, killed at least eight animals while driving a loop from Buffalo to Ucross, then towards Clearmont before heading back to Buffalo, killing and likely wounding deer and antelope along the way. Fines for all of the cases totaled over $29,000 dollars, although most were suspended. The three juveniles were also ordered to serve community service and were put on supervised probation for three years. One of the suspects was also ordered to serve twenty days in a juvenile detention facility and lost his hunting and fishing privileges for twelve years. Game and Fish officials point out that this case could not have been solved without the cooperation of a local rancher, and added that the public's involvement is vital to apprehending those who commit wildlife violations. Call the Stop Poaching Hotline if indeed you do happen to witness any wildlife violation: Stop Poaching Hotline- 1-877-WGFD-TIP (943-3847). APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH - In recognition of April being Alcohol Awareness Month, yesterday's Public Pulse featured the Wyoming Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Center, or WYSTAR. WYSTAR has an outpatient treatment program, as well as gender-specific residential programs. Pam Peldo, Executive Director of WYSTAR, explains why they now separate men and women:
THREE LOCAL TEACHERS RECEIVE “GOLDEN APPLE” CERTIFICATES FROM THE ARCH COAL FOUNDATION - The Arch Coal Foundation is in their 8th year of awarding teachers for their accomplishments in the classroom, and three local teachers are the recipients of the Golden Apple certificate, the runner-up to the Teacher Achievement Award. Teri Rowland, a 9th grade science teacher at Sheridan High School, is excited that she received a nomination for the award:
SHERIDAN HOLIDAY INN GENERAL MANAGER WINS INDUSTRY AWARD - Mark Demple, General Manager of Sheridan's Holiday Inn, was awarded a State Leadership Award by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, during the organization's Legislative Action Summit held in Washington D.C. last week. Demple received the award for his work on behalf of the Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association, and he says that it was a surprise:
TODAY IS EARTH DAY; THE CENTER FOR A VITAL COMMUNITY HAS A SPECIAL EVENT PLANNED THIS AFTERNOON - Today is Earth Day and the Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College has had no shortage of events leading up to this day; there is, however, one final event set for this afternoon. CVC Project Coordinator Denise Canfield gives us the details:
Monday, AprilL 21, 2008
FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO STRUCTURE FIRE IN BIG HORN - Sheridan Fire-Rescue personnel and firefighters from the Big Horn Fire Department responded to a structure fire near Big Horn. The fire was burning in the attic. The flames and black smoke could be seen coming from the roof as fire fighters arrived yesterday evening. It took crews 15 to 20 minutes to the blaze under control. Crews took the next couple of hours to salvage what they could and make sure that everything was completely out. There was heavy fire damage to the attic and roof and moderate smoke damage to the interior of the house. The property is owned by Tracy and Liz Swanson. All occupants were able to exit the home with out any injuries. Fire investigators began searching for the cause of the fire as soon as the fire crews were through. There is no word on the cause of the fire yet, but Sheridan Fire Marshall Brian Songer said he should have the investigation report this week. VETERANS OF THE WARS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ INVITED TO JOIN SUMMER SOFTBALL TEAM - With spring comes the beginning of baseball season, followed not too long after with community summer softball season. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson tells us about a special team recruitment taking place: WE'LL HAVE A PREVIEW OF TONIGHT'S SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING - Sheridan City Council will have their final meeting of April tonight and Sheridan Media's Ron Richter gives us a preview of what's on the agenda: SHS STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ON PAWS TESTING - Recently the Junior class of Sheridan High School completed their PAWS testing. The PAWS test is used to determine whether a school has made adequate yearly progress according to federal law and No Child Left Behind. The scores from the test are designed to tell just how well the students are learning the curriculum that is being taught to them. But how do the students feel about PAWS? Junior Jordan Coffey shares his opinion with us:
ROCK CREEK WILD! CONCERT HAS GREAT TURN-OUT - This is what you would have heard if you had attended the Rock Creek Wild! Concert and Art Show for the Earth on Saturday night. The band you just heard was the Jalan Crossland Band, who headlined the event. Other local musicians like Kyle Williams, Karl Maddox, Julie Szewc , and Doug Andrews sang to the concert goers, who in turn bid on art donated by local artists, to benefit the Wyoming Wilderness Association, or WWA. Doug Andrews gave more than just his music to this event:
SHERIDAN SENIOR CENTER TO HOST CAREGIVER CONFERENCE - Today and tomorrow, the Sheridan Senior Center will be hosting a conference targeted specifically toward caregivers. Do you know, or are you, yourself, a caregiver of a family member or friend? Have you sometimes felt stretched to the max, fatigued at the non-stop care, and the strain that caregiving can be on you mentally, emotionally and physically? Then you may wish to attend the Caregiver Conference the Sheridan Senior Center is sponsoring. Head of Caregiver Services for the Center, Stella Montano, describes the event: IT'S MONDAY – TIME FOR OUR SHERIDAN INN RENOVATION UPDATE - The renovation process continues at the Historic Sheridan Inn, and Sheridan Heritage Center Vice President Bob Prill gets us caught up on the latest activity:
SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2008 WYOMING FAMILIES APPEAL TO POPE FOR COMPASSION – Looking for compassion from the pope. A group of Wyoming families is appealing to Pope Benedict the 16th for understanding, because they have relatives who are gay or lesbian. The families feel that statements the Pope has made validate violence towards gay and lesbian people. The Pope has said homosexually-oriented people are “objectively disordered.” Lifelong Catholic, Drew Conneen, with Fortunate Families has a gay son, and he says statements like that are misleading for families:
SHS STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ON PAWS TESTING - Recently the Junior class of Sheridan High School completed their PAWS testing. The PAWS test is used to determine whether a school has made adequate yearly progress according to federal law and No Child Left Behind. The scores from the test are designed to tell just how well the students are learning the curriculum that is being taught to them. But how do the students feel about PAWS? Junior Jordan Coffey shares his opinion with us:
SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2008 SHERIDAN SENIOR CENTER TO HOST CAREGIVER CONFERENCE - This coming Monday and Tuesday, April 21st and 22nd, the Sheridan Senior Center will be hosting a conference targeted specifically toward caregivers. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more: SPORTSMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS MAKING ROUNDS IN WYOMING - Wyoming sportsmen are adding their names to a new “Sportsmen's Bill of Rights” that has been circulating in Wyoming this week. The document says Wyomingites have the right to access public land for hunting and fishing, and the right to have a say in how energy development takes place on public land. Chris Hunt with Trout Unlimited says while they applaud Senator John Barrasso's proposed Wyoming Range Legacy Act that would restore some of those rights, he says it's wrong to have to legislate common sense: PARKMAN WOMEN RECEIVES FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR AWARD FOR RESEARCH OF HER PRODUCT - Over the past three years Parkman resident Mariann Foster has been sending western style hats around the world made from alpaca fiber grown here in the Cowboy State. Foster's company Big Horn Alpacas, just received a five thousand dollar phase zero award as part of the Wyoming Business Council's Small Business Research and Technology Transfer Initiative. Foster says the award will allow her to find a better process for preparing the fiber as well as new uses for it: TOUR OF TABLES IS COMING UP LATER TODAY - Later today the annual Tour of Tables fund raiser for the Tongue River Child's Place will be held at the Tongue River Middle School. Karen Scott is one of the Board of Directors for the Child's Place and she describes just what the Tour of Tables is:
FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008 ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT LAST WEEKEND SERIOUSLY INJURES PASSENGERS - A one vehicle accident on US Highway 87 south of Sheridan has led two people to be flown to a Billings hospital for treatment. 27-year-old Ryan Smith of Sheridan was driving an Audi A-6 when he missed a turn and went off the road around 1 o'clock last Sunday morning. Trying to get the vehicle back on the road, he over-corrected and crossed into the oncoming lane. The vehicle struck a guard rail and bounced back across to the other side of the road. Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Burridge from the Buffalo office responded to the accident. He said that alcohol may have been involved but they won't know for sure until the tests come back in a couple of weeks. Smith remains in stable condition in a Billings hospital. Three passengers were in the vehicle. 19-year-old Hillary Herbert is listed in critical condition in the ICU and was flown to Billings due to her injuries. 21-year-old Brittany Jenkins and 18-year-old Trevor Schutte were both treated and released from Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Criminal charges may be filed pending the results of blood tests. PRESIDENT SELECTS FORMER SHERIDAN RESIDENT AND SHS GRADUATE AS NOMINEE FOR U.S. ATTORNEY POSITION - President Bush has selected 40-year-old Kelly Rankin, Wyoming’s current Assistant U.S. Attorney from Casper, as his nominee for the state’s open U.S. Attorney position, according to Wyoming’s senior U.S. Senator Mike Enzi. Enzi said that Rankin is an excellent nominee for Wyoming’s U.S. Attorney because he has gained invaluable experience as Assistant U.S. Attorney and that has prepared him to step up and take on this new role.Enzi, as the state’s senior senator, submitted Rankin’s name to the White House as a potential nominee last June. The senator will now make his official recommendation of Rankin to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which must approve the President’s nomination. Once voted out of committee, Rankin’s nomination moves to the full Senate for confirmation.Kelly Rankin is a Sheridan High School graduate, and also was an on-air personality with Sheridan Media while in high school. SHERIDAN COUNTY DISTRICT COURT CLOSES SEVERAL DRUG CASES - Four Sheridan residents were sentenced in separate drug cases in Sheridan County District Court yesterday. 22-year-old Brandon Bougie pled guilty to three counts of delivering a controlled substance. Bougie had delivered several pounds of marijuana over several instances last year. Judge John Fenn honored his plea agreement and sentenced Bougie to 2 to 4 years in prison for each count. The court suspended the sentence and Bougie will have to spend 6 months in jail and 4 years probation. 30-year-old Tabitha Bougie was sentenced to 4 to 6 years suspended and a year on house arrest with 6 years probation on a related marijuana charge.43-year-old Jean Troutt will spend 2 to 4 years in prison for delivering methamphetamine. And 39-year-old Mike Benson pled guilty in February on two counts of conspiracy to deliver meth. Two years ago, Benson and a friend had driven all the way to Arizona to get over a half a pound of meth to sell in Sheridan. A plea agreement with the State recommended only 1 to 4 years in prison. Judge Fenn rejected Benson's plea agreement due to his criminal history, which included forty prior convictions. With this in mind, Benson was sentenced to 4 to 8 years in prison, but the sentence will not begin until he finishes serving time for another drug conviction in Carbon County. There is still a case pending against Benson's sister, who allegedly supplied Benson and his friend with the drugs. CONSENSUS GROUP MEETS TO DETERMINE WHERE STATE FUNDS WILL GO - Representatives from Sheridan County, the City of Sheridan, Ranchester, Dayton, and Clearmont met yesterday to discuss distributing state funds. This year the Wyoming Legislature approved nearly $10 million dollars in surplus “consensus” funds that will be coming back to Sheridan County. All entities provide project lists and the county will submit one combined list to the State Loan and Investment Board, which will release the funds. Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger tells us about one immediate need in his town.
MITCH CRAFT NAMED NEW PRINCIPAL AT SHERIDAN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL - Mitch Craft wears many hats in his life – talented singer/songwriter and guitarist; drama director; former teacher; assistant principal; and now, as of the Monday night School District 2 board meeting, the next head principal at the Sheridan Junior High School.For several years, Craft taught English and Drama at Big Horn High School, but frustrated as a teacher with the course that education was taking in the state, Craft says that he decided to make the shift into administration with the hopes to be part of a solution to improve the situation. At the beginning of the '07-'08 school year, he made the transition to Sheridan Jr. High:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE HOPES TO TURN CAREER EXPO INTO A YEARLY EVENT - Sheridan College was host to the first Career Expo in Sheridan, and many people turned out to look at the various job opportunities available. Sue Tarter, Career and Testing Coordinator at Sheridan College, says students came from as far away as Harden and Lame Deer, Montana to the Expo, and some other folks as well:
WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL TO RELEASE MINERAL AND ENERGY - Even with a drop in natural gas valuation, the minerals industry is still by far the largest single contributor to Wyoming's economy. That is just one of several findings in the 2007 Minerals and Energy Yearbook, which has been released by the Wyoming Business Council's State Energy Office. The report outlines the distribution and status of the mineral industry in Wyoming during 2007. State Energy Program Manager Dale Hoffman:
STREET CLOSURE DUE MONDAY AS PART OF THE LINDEN STREET RECONSTRUCTION - Residents living near the Linden Street Reconstruction Project should take note that beginning Monday the 21st the alley between Burkitt Street and Whitney just off Jefferson Street to the west will be closed through Thursday the 24th. Hot Iron Inc. has announced that the closure is due to sewer construction as part of the Linden Street Reconstruction Project.If you have any questions regarding the closure or seek additional information on the matter, call Bryan Garland 307-689-1794.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008 SHERIDAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN NOT POPULAR WITH EVERYONE - Over 100 people filled the Snow Goose room at the Best Western Sheridan Center last night to hear the presentation of the final meeting for the Sheridan Transportation Plan. Many of the people there had issues with the draft of the plan:
DAYTON TOWN COUNCIL ADDRESSES LEAKS ... AGAIN - The Town of Dayton held their second April meeting last night, and the issue of leaks sprung up again. Dayton Public Works Director, Johann Nield, had been investigating a strange noise in the pipes when he found the problem:
CRAM CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER - Yesterday, County Commissioner Terry Cram announced that he will be running for re-election this year. Cram tells us why he wants to run again.
WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FORMS NEW DIVISION - The Wyoming Department of Health has announced the formation of a new division that will focus on state rural health care issues. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the story:
COUNTY PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS RELEASED TOMORROW - The assessment schedules for property owners in Sheridan County will be mailed tomorrow. Sheridan County Assessor Paul Fall:
GOURMETCEUTICALS PROJECT IS WELL ON ITS WAY - The project Sheridan College has been working on, in conjunction with Gourmetceuticals, is close to being finished. Sheridan Media's Crystal Hoffman has the update:
SHERIDAN COLLEGE SIFE TEAM TO OFFER RESUME WORKSHOP AT CAREER EXPO TODAY - The Students in Free Enterprise at Sheridan College will be holding a special workshop today as part of the Career Expo at the Golden Dome. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
WYOMING BUSINESS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE SITE FOR THIS YEAR'S OUTDOOR PRODUCT DAYS - The Wyoming Business Council announced Wednesday that Cody will be the site for this year's Wyoming Outdoor Products Days. The event will bring together Wyoming's outdoor product manufacturers along with state and national outdoor media in an environment which allows on-site demonstrations of Wyoming products. This summer, demonstrations of Wyoming firearms will be held at the Cody Shooting Complex, while fishing equipment firms from around the Cowboy State will have an opportunity to put their equipment in the hands of the national media at streams and rivers near Yellowstone National Park. Claudia Wade of the Park County Tourism Council explains why Cody is such an ideal site for the event:
WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT FILTHY PREMISE ORDINANCE - This week's Sheridan Media – Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question: Is the City doing a satisfactory job of enforcing its Filthy Premise Ordinance?
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
ROLLOVER ACCIDENT ON FIFTH STREET LAST NIGHT - Last night an accident on West Fifth Street in Sheridan caused police to detour traffic for over an hour. The rollover accident took place around 8 o'clock. Sheridan Police Sergeant Travis Koltiska tells us what happened.
RANCHESTER COUNCIL TABLES CONTROVERSIAL ITEM ONCE AGAIN - Ranchester's Town Council once again took up the issue of zoning at their meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details:
ARE OIL AND GAS COMPANIES PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES IN THE STATE? ... WE'LL TELL YOU WHAT ONE GROUP THINKS - A tax day report released Tuesday by the Center for Community Development shows that oil, gas and mining industries are enjoying low so-called severance taxes in Wyoming when compared to other states. Bob LaResche with the Powder River Basin Resource Council feels that working families are making up the difference through higher property and sales taxes:
SHERIDAN FFA TEAM RETURNS WITH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE - The John B. Kendrick FFA Chapter of Sheridan returned from the State FFA Convention in Cheyenne this past weekend with a State Champion Team. The Agricultural Issues Forum Team was named the State Champions with their issue entitled “Eminent Domain, is it Justifiable?”. We recently interviewed Colton Malli and Cassie Nesbitt on KROE's Public Pulse program, where Malli explained what their award-winning presentation entailed: 04-02-24. Other FFA team members are Katelynn Mentock, Shandra Wood, Matt Burtis, and Chali Townsend. FFA Advisor Nick Siddle coached the team, which will now represent Wyoming in Indianapolis at the National FFA Competition in October. WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD CONTINUES - This week is the Week of the Young Child, and in celebration, Sheridan College, the Center for a Vital Community, and the Scott Foundation have set up events throughout the week to which parents can take their kids. Dr. Lissanna Follari of Sheridan College tells us what this week is all about:
SCIENCE MUSEUM HOLDING ANOTHER LECTURE TONIGHT - The Sheridan College Science Museum Lecture Series is continuing tonight with a talk on “Biological Weapons: Past, Present, and Future,” by Dr. Ami Erickson, starting at 7 pm in the Mohn's Center. Erickson says she will cover a couple of topics in her lecture:
LANDMARK CABINS IN SHERIDAN HAVE COME DOWN - The City of Sheridan has been working with land owners throughout the city to clean up some areas of town in accordance with the so-called “filthy premises” ordinance. One property under recent scrutiny was the site of one of Sheridan's original “motels.” The property is on the corner of Val Vista and 10th streets. This week demolition began on what was left of the log cabin structures. Property owner Debbie Rice says the place has many memories.
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008 SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING - Representatives from the Sheridan County Conservation District asked County Commissioners to put a new tax initiative on the general election ballot this fall. Conservation District Manager Carrie Rogaczewski talks about the proposed tax.
93.7 THE COYOTE GOES “PINK” TO RAISE MONEY FOR RELAY FOR LIFE - Listeners to Sheridan Media's country station, 93.7 KYTI, were in on a special skirt-raising event of sorts this morning. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson brings the rest of our listeners up to speed:
UNCLE SAM WANTS HIS MONEY BY MIDNIGHT -- OR ELSE - Today is the deadline to file a 2007 tax return, and if you owe the IRS, it is the deadline for payment. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter explains that the IRS doesn't mess around when it comes to paying Uncle Sam:
SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 2 HAS THEIR APRIL BOARD MEETING - Contractors are nearly ready to begin construction work on the new Woodland Park School. The Sheridan County School District 2 Board of Trustees met last night and received an update. Superintendent Craig Dougherty says the District has been working with the Wyoming School Facilities Commission to secure a quarter of a million dollars to put in turning lanes on Coffeen Avenue near the new school:
SHERIDAN ECONOMIC AND EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HIRES A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK - The Early Childhood Education Center is one step closer to becoming a reality here in Sheridan. The Sheridan Economic and Education Development Authority, or SEEDA board chose KWN Construction to be the construction-manager-at-risk after conducting interviews last week. Now KWN can move on to the design phase, which will hopefully be completed in June. SEEDA board chairman Tom Sachse:
FINAL SHERIDAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING MEETING ON DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN HELD LAST NIGHT - The last Sheridan Transportation Planning meeting on Focus Area 1, which is Downtown Sheridan, took place last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details:
SHERIDAN POLICE UNVEIL NEW PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE DESIGNATED DRIVERS - Last week we reported the number of DUI cases in Sheridan County is increasing at a staggering rate. The Sheridan Police Department is implementing some proactive steps to help reduce those numbers. Sheridanmedia.com's Kurt Layher has the story:
LAKE DeSMET COUNTIES COALITION GETTING CLOSER TO REPAIRING DAM - One of the most damaging storms to hit the Sheridan area in years happened last July. The south dam at Lake DeSmet was damaged during the storm, and the Lake DeSmet Counties Coalition is getting closer to getting that damage repaired. Estimates for the repairs have come in anywhere from $800,000 to $1 million. Joint Powers Board Member Bob Rolston:
SHERIDAN CIVIC THEATRE GUILD ENDS 2007-2008 SEASON WITH THOUGHT-PROVOKING PLAY - The Sheridan Civic Theatre Guild will present a relatively new play making its Rocky Mountain debut at the Carriage House Theatre beginning this weekend. Sheridan Media's Mary Jo Johnson has more:
GAME AND FISH HAPPY WITH THE LOW NUMBER OF HUNTING FIREARM ACCIDENTS IN 2007 - For the second year in a row, Wyoming hunters have recorded an outstanding safety record with only two firearm-related hunting accidents in 2007. Even with the good record, Hunter Education Coordinator Jim Dawson said that both of the incidents could have been prevented if safe firearm handling practices would have been followed. With the tens of thousands of state hunters that take to the outdoors every year, the low number of reported accidents is a sure sign that hunters take safety very seriously in Wyoming. This is particularly pleasing to Dawson, as he says the goal of the Hunter Education Program is to |
