|
|
|||
|
|
Tuesday, September 30, 2008 ONE VEHICLE ROLLOVER CLAIMS THE LIFE OF A SHERIDAN MAN SUNDAY NIGHT - A one-vehicle rollover Sunday night near Cheyenne claimed the life of 23-year-old Cody Sisco of Sheridan. Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Scott Montgomery with the details of the crash. WYDOT PLANS TO LOWER I-80 SPEED LIMIT, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - Motorists driving I-80 across southern Wyoming this winter will have to hit the brakes. The Wyoming Department of Transportation says it plans to impose a speed limit of 65 mph on a 52-mile stretch of the interstate between Laramie and Rawlins. The reduction will go into effect October 15th and remain in effect for six months.In addition, WyDOT intends to install variable speed limit signs on the same stretch of highway so the limit can be set even lower when bad weather requires it. The section is between the Quealy Dome Interchange, 20 miles west of Laramie, and the Peterson Interchange, 22 miles east of Rawlins. SHERIDAN POLICE DEPARTMENT STRIVING TO INCREASE SAFETY AROUND SCHOOLS - As you’re driving by any area schools during the day, there is a very good chance that you’ll see a Sheridan Police officer. The department is working to increase safety and slow down traffic in school zones. Police Chief Mike Card says that drivers seem to have less trouble reading the 20 mile-per-hour signs with a police officer near them. SHERIDAN COUNTY FIRE RESTRICTIONS STILL IN EFFECT - Sheridan County officials want to remind residents that fire restrictions are still in effect for the county. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more.
NORTH MAIN INITIATIVE FEEDBACK INDICATES LIGHTING AND AESTHETICS PRIORITIES - The Sheridan North Main Initiative started in May. It brings neighborhoods around North Main Street together to make their suggestions for improvements to the area. One of the recurring concerns is street lighting. Some areas want more light and others find the lights intrusive. Architect Ed Armstrong is working on the look of the North Main Project. WYOMING HAS RAPID IMMIGRANT POPULATION GROWTH, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - The rate of growth in Wyoming's immigrant population was faster than in any other state between 2006 and 2007. New figures from the U.S. Census Bureau show that Wyoming's immigrant population jumped 17.5 percent over that period. An estimated 16,360 people in Wyoming are immigrants. Even so, that's only 3 percent of Wyoming's total population. Nationwide, immigrants are more than 12 percent of the population. Economists say Wyoming's strong economy is the reason for the influx. Wyoming's jobless rate is 3.3 percent, up a point from a year ago but still well below the national average. FALL FLU CLINICS TO START THIS WEEK - Sheridan County Community Health is gearing up for the flu season with their fall flu clinics that will take place at various locations over the next month or so. Community Health Public Health Nurse Katie Hiller. ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR SCHEDULED FOR THIS SATURDAY -
The 9th Annual Estate Planning seminar will take place this Saturday starting at 9 am in room 131 of the Watt Agricultural Center at Sheridan College. This year's seminar will have a variety of topics, and speaker Carmen Rideout tells us about a few focused on Sheridan's older residents. Monday, September 29, 2008 MINOR TRAIN DERAILMENT IN SHERIDAN CLOSED 5TH STREET TEMPORARILY - The railroad crossing at 5th Street in Sheridan was closed a good portion of the day on Sunday. A minor derailment caused damage to a section of track and the crossing signals, which were locked in the down position. Each railroad car has two trucks which house the axles and wheels. One of the trucks on two separate cars left the track Sunday morning. The cars were uncoupled and repaired. By noon the track work was done, and the crossing signals were fixed by early afternoon. The Burlington Northern-Santa Fe road master also says that there is a planned closing of the 5th Street crossing coming up near the end of October. Repair and maintenance work unrelated to this weekend's derailment will be completed on the crossing on Wednesday, the 22nd. 5th Street will be closed, that day, from 9:00 in the morning until late afternoon.
HOSPITAL IS GETTING A MUCH-NEEDED DIALYSIS EXPANSION -
How would you be able to function if you were tied to a machine the size of a phone booth three days a week? That's what dialysis patients must endure. Our kidneys act as a large filter for our blood supply, but when they fail, we must find another way to clean our blood. That process is dialysis. Sheridan Memorial Hospital has only four dialysis machines, and there is a waiting list among local patients for use of those slots. Memorial Hospital's Facilities Service Manager, Rob Forister, says patients visiting Sheridan cannot be accommodated.
SHERIDAN COLLEGE RODEO HOSTED ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND - The Sheridan College Rodeo Team held their annual Pat Hamilton Memorial Rodeo this weekend, and they had a pretty good turn-out. Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin was there and has this report.
CROP WALKERS ENJOY BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A GOOD CAUSE - Around 14 walkers showed up at the First Congregational Church Sunday for the Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty, or CROP, Hunger Walk. The walk is sponsored by Church World Service, and takes place every September here in Sheridan. Reverend Doug Goodwin is one of the event's organizers, and he explains why they make the walk each year. WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT U.S. ECONOMY BAIL-OUT -
The Bush administration has been setting out a plan to help bail the U.S. out of its bad debt, using $700 billion from the money markets. We want to know what you think of this plan. This week's Sheridan Media – Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question is: “What do you think of the U.S. Treasury's bail-out plan?” EXHIBIT OF HOLOCAUST LETTERS WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN BILLINGS, Chicago (AP) - More than 250 World War II postal documents, including historic cards, letters and stamps that document life during the Holocaust, will be on display in Montana later this year.The Florence and Laurence Spungen Family Foundation of Northbrook, IL, purchased the collection, valued at $1 million, from a private collector. The charitable foundation plans to display the items in an exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. The exhibit also includes a handwritten Bible scroll in Hebrew, along with documents sent to a Nazi doctor on trial for war crimes at Nuremberg. The exhibit, which can also be viewed online, will travel to Billings, MT in December, followed by Santa Barbara, CA later in the year. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS PLANNING A GROUNDBREAKING FOR NATIONAL HABITAT WEEK - Fourteen Sheridan families are residing in homes they may not have ever been able to afford if not for Habitat for Humanity. Next week is national Habitat for Humanity Week, and the group has planned a groundbreaking ceremony for their 15th project on Tuesday, October 7th. Tara King is the selection chairperson for Sheridan's Habitat group.
PICKING PUMPKINS IS A BIG HIT WITH AREA KIDS - The famous movie line is, “Build it and they will come.” That's exactly what Vicki Koltiska and her husband did, and large crowds are coming. The Koltiskas started raising pumpkins over a decade ago and after nearly eight years of harvesting them and transporting them to local grocery stores, they decided to create the Pumpkin Patch. Vicki Koltiska relates how they decided to make the gourds a cash crop.
Sunday, September 28, 2008 SHERIDAN COLLEGE RODEO BRINGS IN MANY FROM AROUND THE STATE - The Sheridan College Rodeo Team hosted the Pat Hamilton Memorial Rodeo on Friday and Saturday, and the event drew many teams from around the state and Colorado as well. If you didn't make the event, here's a preview of what you missed: OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH - Governor Dave Freudenthal has declared October as Family Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This year marks the 21st commemoration of National Family Violence Awareness Month (NDVAM), a time for law enforcement agencies and victim assistance organizations to work jointly in generating greater public awareness about family violence and prevention strategies. This year’s theme for NDVAM, “It Is Your Business,” serves as a reminder that communities must speak out in a unified voice to combat family violence, and to challenge all people in America to support the many programs that provide support and services to victims. Here in Wyoming, over 5,000 women and children are victimized by family violence each year. Domestic violence victims in Wyoming now have access to potentially life-saving information through VINE, a new statewide Victim Notification Network. VINE allows crime victims and other concerned citizens an opportunity to register, track the custody status of their offenders, and be notified of a change in status, such as a release, transfer, or escape, 24 hours a day. To learn more about how you can help, contact Wyoming Division of Victim Services: 307-777-7200 or the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: 307-755-5481. NATRONA COUNTY DFS TO SUBSIDIZE JUVENILE FACILITY, Casper, Wyo. (AP) - Natrona County plans to subsidize the company operating a juvenile detention facility with payments of up to $12,500 a month. The payments will be made over six months and will cover an unexpected decline in inmates at the Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Casper. The Wyoming Department of Family Services also has agreed to subsidize the company, Cornerstone Programs. The original contract required Natrona County to pay Cornerstone $125 a day for every inmate at the facility, with a minimum daily guarantee of 10 juveniles. Cornerstone officials say they planned to have more inmates than that but ended up having fewer, losing as much as $40,000 a month as a result. WYDOT TO REMOVE HOMEMADE ROADSIDE MEMORIALS, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming Department of Transportation plans to begin removing some 300 homemade memorials to crash victims around the state. In their place, the department is offering immediate relatives of crash victims the option of having state-approved memorials placed at the edge of the highway right of way. The state outlawed private roadside memorials in 2003 but WyDOT granted a five-year grace period for the existing markers. The grace period ends Friday. WyDOT officials say that safety is the main reason for not allowing private memorials. They say it can be dangerous for people to try to maintain a memorial in a highway right of way. GRAND TETON TO OPEN ELK HUNT, Grand Teton National Park, Wyo. (AP) - Grand Teton National Park expects to host about 1,000 elk hunters in coming weeks. Jackie Skaggs, spokeswoman for the park, says hunting will start on Oct. 11 and continue through Nov. 30. She says hunters generally have a success rate of about 30 percent. Since the 1950s, federal law has allowed hunting on the park to conserve the elk population. The elk herd in the area is currently above the optimal number of 11,000 animals. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department issues hunting licenses for the areas on the park. Public Information Specialist Mark Gocke says some licenses are still available at the department office in Jackson or through any license selling agent that offers electronic license sales. The park requires hunters to carry pepper spray as a non-lethal deterrent against grizzly bears. Saturday, September 27, 2008 HEARING DATABASE SUPPORTS YOUNG WYOMING CHILDREN - The Wyoming Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program, part of the Wyoming Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Division, has released a web-based database to strengthen hearing health care for Wyoming’s youngest kids. The new database holds newborn and late-onset hearing screening results, medical and audiological referrals, early intervention information related to hearing health for Wyoming children from birth to age five. The program is a cooperative effort between the Developmental Disabilities Division, Wyoming’s birthing hospitals and local child development centers. This program helps ensure all children in Wyoming are screened, and allows all appropriate providers to review those results for instant information. The database can also encourage more timely identification of potential hearing concerns. The database can generate recommended follow-up actions and letters to be sent to primary care physicians and parents based on hearing screening results entered for individual children. Outcomes from audiological and medical visits for children who fail the hearing screenings can also be tracked. This information can provide guidance about appropriate early intervention. If you would like more information about this program, contact Wyoming EHDI Program at nanpajak@aol.com or 307-721-6212. SENIOR CENTER, DFS HAVE APPLICATIONS FOR LEIAP PROGRAM -
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LEIAP, is accepting applications from low income families needing assistance to pay their energy bills this winter. Applications are available at the Sheridan Senior Center, and the Department of Family Services. Gwen Burgess with the Senior Center says they can help with the application, and explains how eligibility for the program is determined: SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTIRCT TWO TALKS ABOUT ASSESSMENTS, INFINITE CAMPUS - Sheridan County School District Two has been busy getting their school year underway, and they are concerned with giving their students the best education possible. One thing they would like to do to help with that is to eliminate the PAWS test, and use the MAP test to measure a student's progress. Superintendent Craig Dougherty says the MAP test takes much less time to take, and it gives teachers results right away instead of waiting for them: CHEYENNE MAN GETS PRISON IN SEX ASSAULT, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - A district judge in Cheyenne has sentenced a man to serve 15 to 30 years in prison on convictions of sexually molesting a teenage girl. Judge Michael Davis on Thursday sentenced 39-year-old Fane R. Sellers of Cheyenne to prison on three counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. The judge gave Sellers a week to turn himself in at the county jail. Sellers pleaded guilty in May and had faced a sentence of up to 20 to 60 years in prison. District Attorney Scott Homar had asked the judge to impose asentence of 24 to 30 years. Defense lawyer Robert W. Ingram had asked the judge to give Sellers probation. SUIT SEEKS TO REVIVE FEDERAL LOANS FOR COAL PLANTS, Billings, Mont. (AP) - A rural Texas utility has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's suspension of a major loan initiative for coal-fired power plants across the country. In March, the Rural Utilities Service announced it was suspending indefinitely new loans for coal plants. The agency cited rising construction costs and uncertainty over climate change. The decision affected $1.3 billion in loans sought for projects in Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas and Missouri. A Montana plant was denied a loan - also over cost concerns - a few weeks before the program was suspended. On Thursday, the East Texas Electric Cooperative filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Texas to force the government to process its $240 million loan application for two Arkansas coal plants. The suit claims the Sierra Club pressured the government into suspending the loan program. TRIBES WANT YELLOWSTONE BISON SPARED FROM SLAUGHTER, Billings, Mont. (AP) - Five American Indian groups from Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota are in the running to receive a small herd of bison that was spared from a capture and slaughter program at Yellowstone National Park. The herd of 40 bison has been kept under quarantine for three years to ensure the animals don't have the livestock disease brucellosis. Most bison attempting to migrate outside the park are slaughtered to prevent the disease's spread to cattle. The quarantined herd is part of an experimental program to restore bison across parts of the West where they once flourished. The five groups seeking the animals are Montana's Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Reservations, Sinte Gleska University on South Dakota's Rosebud Sioux Reservation, Wyoming's Northern Arapaho Tribe and a Blackfeet Tribe member in Montana. Friday, September 26, 2008
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES IN CAUSE OF HOUSE FIRE ON LOUCKS - Sheridan Fire-Rescue Investigator Larry Grooms sorted through the debris of Thursday's early morning fire at 566 West Loucks Street in Sheridan. Investigators remained on scene through yesterday afternoon in search of the origin and cause of the fire that resulted in severe damage throughout the 2-story home. Reverend Kevin and Chris Jones of Sheridan own the home. The only occupant at the time of the blaze, Chris Jones, was able to escape without physical injuries. Further information regarding the cause of this fire will be released as it becomes available. HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS OF RABIES VACCINE SHORTAGE - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming Department of Health urges residents to take precautions because of a shortage of post-exposure rabies vaccine. The department says that there's been a worsening national shortage of the vaccine since May. The shortage is the result of the June 2007 closure of a vaccine production facility in France that's not scheduled to start producing again until next year. Encounters with bats are the most common reason that people in Wyoming receive post-exposure vaccines. However, if the bat is caught and tests negative for rabies, shots are not necessary. Officials add that there is no shortage of rabies vaccines for animals, so it is important to get dogs and cats vaccinated. SHERIDAN MEMORIAL ADOPTS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR 2008-2009 - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees approved the hospital's Quality Improvement Plan for 2008-2009 at their meeting earlier this week. Hospital Quality Services Manager, LaJune Bacon, describes just what the Quality Improvement Plan entails. U.S. HOUSE CANDIDATES DISCUSS TAXES - U.S. House candidates Gary Trauner and Cynthia Lummis were on Tuesday's Public Pulse, and discussed some issues coming up in this year's election. Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin concludes her three-part series on their discussion.
CAMPBELL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER NAMED WYOMING’S “TEACHER OF THE YEAR” - A Campbell County High School teacher has been named the “Wyoming Teacher of the Year”. Superintendent of Public Instruction Jim McBride was in Gillette this week to present the award to Speech Teacher Alice King. The Teacher of the Year for each of the state’s 48 school districts received a $1000 award. From this pool, finalists were selected, with the winner selected by a panel of parents, teachers and legislators. As the statewide Teacher of the Year, King receives a $5000 award. She found out about her selection in a surprise assembly at the school. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN SHERIDAN CAN HELP SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND HAVE FUN AT THE SAME TIME - Many of us have heard of, or are members of groups such as Kiwanis, Jaycees, Lions Club, and Rotary International. A dozen young people between the ages of 18 and 30 are starting a new service club geared toward their generation. For the past several years, the Interact program has been in place at Sheridan High School. This organization encourages high school students to take an active leadership role in the community. The Sheridan Rotaract Club allows them to continue the service after high school. Sheridan College Student Body President Jason Kaufman was at Rotaract's organizational meeting last night.
TURKEY SEASON OPENS NEXT WEDNESDAY FOR REGIONAL HUNTERS - Next Wednesday area hunters will once again have numerous opportunities to provide their own Thanksgiving dinner. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter explains.
Thursday, September 25, 2008 FIRE CREWS BATTLE TWO-STORY BLAZE AT HOME ON WEST LOUCKS THIS MORNING - At about 2:30 this morning, Sheridan Fire-Rescue responded to a reported house fire located at 566 West Loucks Street. According to a statement issued this morning from Fire Marshall Brian Songer's office, on arrival, firefighters found the 2-story home with fire on the first and second floors. Interior crews attacked the blaze by entering the front door and extending hose lines into the structure. Crews were able to control the spread of the fire within the rooms, but were later driven out by heavy smoke and high heat conditions in the attic. The ladder truck was used to apply water within the attic after a portion of the roof collapsed. It took firefighters about 45 minutes to control the blaze. Reverend Kevin Jones and his wife Chris own the home. Only Mrs. Jones was home, as Reverend Jones was out of town and their two children were staying with friends. Thanks to a passerby, Steven Crabtree, noticing the fire and pounding on the Jones' door to alert them, Mrs. Jones was able to escape without physical injury. Fire investigators from Sheridan Fire-Rescue remained on-scene this morning looking into the cause of the fire. QUIET ZONE COULD BE IN PLACE ON ONE CITY CROSSING NEXT MONTH - Most Sheridan residents can remember at least one night when they've just gotten to sleep, only to be awakened when a train comes through town, blowing its whistle. There may be a generation of Sheridanites that will never have to get used to the sound. The City of Sheridan, along with WYDOT and Burlington-Northern-Santa-Fe Railroad, have been working on creating the quiet zone in Sheridan. The notice of intent was filed this summer, and the only comment was from the railroad. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey tells us what they said. HOSPITAL BOARD GETS UPDATE ON SURGERY CENTER AND MAKES A DECISION ON LAB ADDITION PROJECT - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees met for their monthly meeting Wednesday. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has more. HOSPITAL FOUNDATION PRESENTS CHECK TO HOSPITAL - At Wednesday's Sheridan Memorial Hospital board meeting, hospital Foundation board President Gene Davis presented CFO Ed Johlman with a check that will go a long way for the new dialysis unit at Sheridan Memorial. Foundation Executive Director Tom Ringley. U.S. HOUSE CANDIDATES DISCUSS ENERGY - U.S. House candidates Gary Trauner and Cynthia Lummis appeared on Tuesday's Public Pulse, and they discussed a few issues important to this year's election. Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin continues with the second of a three-part series on their discussion. GREEN HOUSE LIVING FOR SHERIDAN APPEALS TO ELDERS AND CARE PROVIDERS - The Green House Project has been the hot topic of discussion for the last two days in Sheridan. Dr. Bill Thomas, who invented the concept, has given several presentations on the subject, including a breakfast yesterday morning at the Sheridan Senior Center. Green House Living for Sheridan is attempting to raise funds to build an elder care facility here in Sheridan based on Thomas' concept. Green House Projects focus not only on patient care, but quality of life. The initial construction costs are higher than a traditional nursing home, but operational costs will be very similar. State Representative Jack Landon. SHERIDAN COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT TALKS ABOUT TREE PROGRAM, PROPOSED TAX - The Sheridan County Conservation District is gearing up for their annual “Conservation Tree Program,” and is preparing to put their proposal for a Conservation District Tax on this year's General Election ballot. The “Conservation Tree Program” provides conservation-grade trees to residents at a low cost. The trees can be used for windbreaks, snow fences, and noise or visual barriers. The trees can be ordered starting in November, and they will arrive in April or May. However, District Conservationist Jerry Forster says anyone planning to buy one of these trees should start planning for them now. SHERIDAN CIVIC THEATER GUILD OPENS 2008-2009 SEASON TOMORROW - The Sheridan Civic Theater Guild will begin their 2008-2009 season tomorrow at the Carriage House Theater with their play “Continental Divide.” Co-Director Leon Schatz explains what the play is all about.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 WYOMING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OFFICER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN - FORT RILEY, Kan. (AP) - A member of the military transition team from Fort Riley has been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The Army said Monday that 42-year-old Captain Bruce E. Hays of Cheyenne and three other soldiers died of wounds suffered September 17th when their vehicle was blown up by an improvised explosive device. Transition team training at Fort Riley prepares small teams of U.S. soldiers, airmen and sailors to advise, teach and mentor their Iraqi or Afghan counterparts. Captain Hays was a member of the Wyoming Army National Guard. He was a field artillery officer serving on a military transition team assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. To date, 156 Fort Riley service members have died while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. LOCAL HOMELESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AWARDED LARGE FEDERAL GRANT - The Federal Veterans Administration announced that it awarded over $36 million in grants nationwide this week. One Sheridan organization will receive nearly $2 million of that money to help with programs to assist homeless veterans in our region. Volunteers of America: Montana and Wyoming runs the Sheridan Community Shelter at the V. A. Medical Center. V-O-A Vice President Heath Steel reacts to hearing about the award. SEEDA GETS AN UPDATE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER - Earlier this month, the Wyoming Business Council approved a request by the Sheridan Education and Economic Development Authority for a $1.5 million grant. The grant now has to be approved by the State Loan and Investment Board, which will consider the issue at their meeting in October. This money would bring the total grant funds to $3 million. The grants will fund the construction of the Hand-in-Hand Early Childhood Education Center. The SEEDA board received an update from the architect and K-W-N Construction on the progress with the design of the building. Board Member Mark Englert. U.S. HOUSE CANDIDATES DISCUSS OUR ECONOMY - U.S. House candidates Gary Trauner and Cynthia Lummis appeared on Tuesday's Public Pulse, and they both discussed some important issues in this year's election. Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin summarizes one of their topics in the first of a three-part series. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVERSES DECISION ON DE-LISTING THE GREY WOLF - The grey wolf was hailed as a species recovery success story. Now it is headed back to the list of threatened and endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it will voluntarily toss out its own grey wolf de-listing rule and go back to the drawing board. Wolves were removed from the endangered species list in March and several conservation groups challenged the decision in court. Judge Donald Molloy reinstated federal protections for the Northern Rockies grey wolf in July. Senator John Barrasso opposes the reversal and says it is a significant breach of trust. Wyoming honored its commitments in managing the wolves and met the federal recovery goals. Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal says the decision is frustrating.
TASTE OF HOME PACKS 'EM IN ONCE AGAIN - Hundreds of people were on hand last night at the Sheridan Junior High School Early Auditorium for the annual Taste of Home Cooking School. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and has the details. COUNTY WANTS YOUR INPUT AT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OPEN HOUSE - After a year of compiling data and public input, Sheridan County is releasing its preliminary draft of their Comprehensive Plan at an open house next week. County Planner Mark Reid describes just what the Comprehensive plan is.
WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE - There has been a lot of buzz going around the country about various groups wanting to lower the legal drinking age to 18. There are strong opinions on both sides as to why it should or should not be lowered. In light of this issue, this week's Sheridan Media – Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question is: “Should the legal age to drink be lowered to 18?”
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 RESIDENTS IN SHERIDAN AWAKENED BY LOUD EXPLOSIONS IN THE NIGHT; POLICE INVESTIGATING - Sometime in the 1 o'clock hour this morning, residents from one end of town to the other and points in between heard what they initially thought were gunshots. A call to the Sheridan Police station later this morning indicates that police are investigating the incident, which has been determined to be high-end fireworks, like the kind fired off at fireworks shows. Coincidentally, around the same time as the fireworks blasts, workers with Bresnan Communications were doing some work which caused several residents' computers, televisions and lights to flicker or to go out. Understandably, after hearing loud blasts and seeing their home electronics stop working, many people were alarmed. But Sheridan Police Officer John King says the two are completely separate, that they just happened to occur around the same time, and that the P.D. is “100% certain” the blasts were fireworks. No injuries have been reported; if anyone has any information, please call the Sheridan Police Department. CON ARTISTS TAKE THOUSANDS FROM LOCAL RESIDENT - The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a new telephone solicitation scam hitting the area. At least two local residents received telephone calls from someone claiming to be a relative that had been arrested in Canada. An elderly Sheridan woman did not believe the story at first and had her son talk to the person when they called back. Sheridan County Sheriff Dave Hofmeier. ENZI COMMENTS ON PLAN TO FIX FINANCIAL CRISIS - Senator Mike Enzi recently commented on how the U.S. Government is handling the current financial problems around the country. Enzi agrees that the only thing worse than a massive rescue is doing nothing at all. However, the government must remember they are working with taxpayer money. YELLOWTONE AND GRAND TETON OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO PLAN ON WAYS TO MAKE OVERSNOW TRAVEL POSSIBLE THIS WINTER - Officials from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks continue to explore ways to stay open to motorized over-snow travel this winter, this after a recent court order prohibiting snowmobile travel in both parks. The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an opinion that rejected the latest Winter Use Plan, Record of Decision and the Associated Rule. Governor Dave Freudenthal says that the judge has made his feelings clear on snowmobiles in the parks STILL A FEW TICKETS LEFT FOR COOKING SCHOOL TONIGHT - The Early Building Auditorium at Sheridan Junior High School will fill with the aromas of Taste of Home cooking tonight. Hundreds of people will get to learn how to make 11 wonderful dishes with Culinary Specialist Danielle Edmonds at the Taste of Home Cooking School. Edmonds says she enjoys teaching people to cook. GREEN HOUSE LIVING TO HOLD PROGRAM IN SHERIDAN THIS WEEK - Major housing construction is underway in west Sheridan, and part of that land may house a new type of elder care facility. Green House Living for Sheridan is working with local groups like the Senior Center and the City of Sheridan to build the facility. Green House residents would be able to get the extra health care they require while still allowing for a more independent lifestyle. Doctor Bill Thomas created the Green House concept, and he'll be in town today and tomorrow. Senior Center Director Carmen Rideout. SHERIDAN COUNTY HISORICAL SOCIETY HAS A COUPLE OF INTERESTING EVENTS COMING UP - The Sheridan County Historical Society has some exciting events coming up soon. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more. Monday, September 22, 2008 GOVERNOR TO ENCOURAGE LEGISLATURE TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW - In 1996, Congress passed a law that makes it illegal for anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence to own a firearm. The Wyoming Legislature did not agree with that statute, and subsequently passed a law that allows for those convictions to be expunged only for the purpose of gun ownership. The Federal government says Wyoming can't do that, and if they are going to expunge the convictions, they will not be able to use them in future cases. Two federal judges have ruled against Wyoming in the case. Governor Dave Freudenthal says it's time to look at the issue again. WYOMING GUARD HELPS HURRICANE IKE RELIEF, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming National Guard is sending people and equipment to Texas to assist with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Seventeen members of the Wyoming National Guard's 84th Civil Support Team and the team's equipment are on their way to Beaumont, Texas. Members of the team are trained to identify hazardous materials and to give civilian incident commanders advice on how to react to them. Lt. Col. Peter Linde is commander of the 84th Civil Support Team. He says he warned members of the team about alligators and swarms of mosquitoes that have already forced the evacuation of some other relief workers.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA IS A HUGE SUCCESS - What do bears, crabs, and street performers in parkas all have in common? They all attended the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce Great Escape Gala fundraiser on Saturday. Chamber director Janelle Martinsen says that local support for the event continues to exceed her expectations.
LOCAL PEDIATRIC PRACTICE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN SHERIDAN -
A local pediatrician is celebrating his 30th anniversary in Sheridan. In 1977, Doctor Barry Wohl was looking for a place to practice in the western states and sent letters to several pediatricians in Montana and Wyoming. One of those letters went to Doctor John Knepper who was working here in Sheridan. Knepper just happens to be the father of Sheridan Pediatrician Doctor Suzanne Oss. Wohl relates how he came to work at Northeast Wyoming Pediatrics. DIESEL MECHANIC PROGRAM AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE GETS A NICE DONATION - The Sheridan College Diesel Mechanic program just received a donation of a four-cylinder, 190-horse power diesel engine courtesy of Freightliner, which is the parent company of Thomas Buses. Sheridan College President Kevin Drumm. RANCHESTER GETS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT - The Town of Ranchester has recently received a Safe Routes to School Grant that will aid in making sure kids have just that -- a safe route to get to school. Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger gives us the details: The grant is in the amount of $200,000. Clevenger said that $40,000 is for engineering and design review, with the additional $160,000 for construction of the project.
PET CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS AVAILABLE NOW AT DOG AND CAT SHELTER - The Dog and Cat Shelter of Sheridan is offering a unique Christmas gift for your pets this holiday season. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the details.
Sunday, September 21, 2008 UW TO HONOR MEMORY OF MATTHEW SHEPARD, Laramie, Wyo. (AP) - Judy Shepard and University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan are scheduled to participate in the dedication of a memorial bench honoring slain student Matthew Shepard. Judy Shepard of Casper is the mother of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in an anti-gay attack in Laramie in October 1998. The two men who killed him are serving life sentences in prison. Judy Shepard is executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which presented the bench to UW to honor her son's memory. The dedication will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the campus' Quealy Plaza. The Matthew Shepard Foundation's stated goal is to "replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance." The Shepard family started the foundation in the aftermath of their son's death 10 years ago. CODY MAN MAKES PLEA DEAL IN SHOOTING, Cody, Wyo. (AP) - The Park County Attorney's Office says a 63-year-old man who fired shots in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Cody has agreed to plead guilty to attempted voluntary manslaughter. Deputy County Attorney Sam Krone says Chester Fletcher had faced charges of attempted first degree murder and reckless endangerment for firing five shots in the parking lot in July 2007. Prosecutors say Fletcher was trying to shoot his former roommate over a dispute about finances and property. Krone says Fletcher would have faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted on the attempted first degree murder charge, whereas attempted voluntary manslaughter is punishable by a lesser sentence.
Saturday, September 20, 2008 DIESEL MECHANIC PROGRAM AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE GETS A NICE DONATION - The Sheridan College Diesel Mechanic program just received a donation of a four cylinder 190 horse power diesel engine courtesy of Freightliner, which is the parent company of Thomas Buses. Sheridan College President Kevin Drumm: RANCHESTER GETS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT - The Town of Ranchester has recently received a Safe Routes to School Grant that will aid in making sure kids have a safe route to get to school. Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger gives us the details: LUMMIS: EVERYTHING ON TABLE TO REDUCE FUEL COSTS (AP) - Republican U.S. House candidate Cynthia Lummis says the nation should develop all types of energy sources to bring down the cost of gasoline. Lummis chatted with drivers as they were pumping gas in Cheyenne on Friday. They were at a Sinclair station next to the Frontier Refinery and gas was going for $3.60 a gallon. That's better than the state and national averages of $3.71 and $3.81, but about $1 higher than the price a year ago. Lummis says she supports more offshore drilling and opening up the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge for drilling. She also said the government should develop more nuclear power and should offer tax incentives for people to buy fuel-efficient vehicles. Lummis is running against Democrat Gary Trauner. INVESTMENT OFFICER: WYOMING INVESTMENTS SAFE (AP) - Despite the recent turmoil on Wall Street, Wyoming's chief investment officer says the state's funds are well diversified and invested mainly in conservative bonds. Michael Walden-Newman says Wyoming's portfolio stood at $11.2 billion at the end of June, not including employee retirement funds. Walden-Newman says Wyoming has about $355 million invested in the large investment banks that have been making headlines in recent weeks. Of that $355 million, Walden-Newman says the state has about $80 million in bank stocks, $178 million in corporate bonds and about $95 million in mortgage-backed securities. He says he thinks very little of the amount invested in bonds could be at risk, and says the state is monitoring the bank stocks closely. WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN CHEYENNE WOMAN(AP) - A Laramie County woman has tested positive for West Nile virus. It's the first confirmed case in the county this year. The Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department said Friday that the woman's case brings the statewide total of confirmed human cases of West Nile to nine this year. Most people who contract West Nile don't develop symptoms. But people can become ill with fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes. In extreme cases, it can be fatal. The disease is spread by mosquitoes. Health officials urge people to take precautions including wearing insect repellent and draining standing water where the insects can breed. WYOMING WOMEN LESS LIKELY THAN MEN TO SEE DOCTOR (AP) - Wyoming women are less likely than men to see a doctor because of cost concerns, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Ashley Busaker of the Wyoming Department of Health's Maternal and Family Health Division says cost concerns drove 12 percent of the state's population away from the doctor within the last year. She says nearly 15 percent of all women bypassed care, compared to 9.8 percent of all men. Health care officials discussed the numbers this week during the Wyoming Public Health Association conference held in Casper. The number of Wyoming women who reported smoking dropped to 18.8 percent in 2006, the fist time the figure went below 20 percent.
Friday, September 19, 2008 U.S. SENATOR MIKE ENZI UNVEILS ENERGY SOLUTION STEPS - With Americans facing high gas prices now, and high heating costs coming up this winter, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming introduced a bill Thursday that would turn around the nation's energy policy for families and businesses feeling the crunch of energy costs. LUMMIS PHILOSOPHICALLY OPPOSES PRIVATE BAILOUTS - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Cynthia Lummis says the government was right to bail out government-sponsored Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because the government created the companies and theyr'e huge sources of home loan credit. She added, however, that the government should, in general, avoid rescuing private companies. And while Lummis feels differently about the government's rescue of private investment firm Bear Stearns and insurer AIG, she says she assumes that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson had information that prompted him to intervene to try to avoid a larger crisis. She says she gives Paulson the benefit of doubt. Lummis is a former Wyoming State Treasurer and state lawmaker, and is the Republican candidate for Wyoming's seat in the U.S. House. Lummis' Democratic opponent, Wilson entrepreneur Gary Trauner, says he doesn't believe Henry Paulson was privy to any special information. He says trusting that the treasury secretary knows something the rest of us don't is not good policy. NORTHERN WYOMING COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GETS REQUEST FOR NAME CHANGE AND LEASING AGREEMENT - The Northern Wyoming Community College District met for their monthly meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was in attendance and has this report. TONGUE RIVER COMMUNITY CENTER WILL HAVE SITE IN DAYTON IN JUST OVER A YEAR - The construction of the new Tongue River High School is approximately halfway done, with plans to be finished next spring. Some portions of the old high school will be saved from the wrecking ball. In a page taken from Sheridan's use of the old Highland Park Elementary School for community events, the Tongue River Valley Community Center has secured the gymnasium, library and cafeteria areas of Tongue River High for their programs. Community Center Board Member Sue Belish says the building could be ready to use by the early part of 2010. TOWN OF DAYTON RECEIVES THEIR NEW MOVIE PROJECTOR - It's so new that the boxes it arrived in haven't even been opened yet. We're talking about the new movie projector unit that the Town of Dayton purchased recently. Dayton Mayor Bob Wood points out the options they have with the new projector. YMCA INVITES COMMUNITY TO TRY OUT FACILITIES NEXT WEEK - The Sheridan YMCA will be 50 years old in 2009. The programs have come a long way since it started in a store front on Main Street. The “Y” moved into its current location on Jefferson Street 45 years ago, and it has been expanding ever since. YMCA Director Jay McGinnis says he proud of the work they're doing. DEADLINE FOR THE DOG AND CAT SHELTER PET CALENDER CONTEST IS FAST APPROACHING - The deadline to enter your pet in the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter Pet Calendar Contest is less than two weeks away. Shelter Director Cel Hope says the contest is becoming an annual tradition.
Thursday, September 18, 2008 BROOKS STREET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION OF THE ALGER STREET AREA - For most of the summer residents have had to find an alternate route when headed to a location on the north end of Brooks Street. Alley access and Main Street have been the only way to get to some businesses, and just getting to Smith Street is an adventure. There will be some more changes in the area coming this week. Project Manager Randy Bomar.
OLD MAVERIK STORE PROPERTY GETS FACELIFT - The Wyoming Department of Transportation purchased the Maverik store property on South Main Street and Burkitt when it widened Main Street several years ago. The City of Sheridan acquired the property in trade, by taking over the maintenance of part of Big Horn Avenue from WYDOT. The one stipulation was that the property could not contain a commercial business. The City and the Downtown Sheridan Association have landscaped the corner into a “Gateway Park,” and City Project Manager Tom O'Leary tells us why. DAYTON TOWN COUNCIL TALKS OUTDOOR FIRE PITS AND FISCAL YEAR CHANGES - Dayton's Town Council held a brief yet very efficient meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has the story. TOWN OF RANCHESTER WILL START TO CRACK DOWN ON THOSE NOT PAYING THEIR BILLS - Failure to pay your water or garbage bill in Ranchester will now result in that service possibly being halted until things are cleared up in court. Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger. BILL LETS STATES DECIDE ON OIL SHALE MORATORIUM - DENVER (AP) - The U.S. House has passed an energy bill that would allow Colorado, Utah and Wyoming to decide whether to open up oil shale fields in their states for development. The bill that passed Tuesday would allow a federal moratorium to expire on commercial oil shale development in three states. The states themselves would get the final decision on when or how to open shale fields to development. The bill also opens waters 50 miles off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts to drilling if the adjacent states agree. The bill now heads to the Senate, and Colorado Democratic Senator Ken Salazar says he likes the opt-in language, because it would allow the states themselves to decide. But he adds that he needs more time to review the bill before making a final decision.
SHERIDAN MAYOR MAKES A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AT THE HOSPITAL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON - Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey paid a surprise visit to the Surgical Services Department at Sheridan Memorial Hospital Wednesday. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there and explains just what the special occasion was. KENDRICK GOLF COURSE MAKES HISTORY ON WEDNESDAY - In golf, a hole-in-one is a very rare thing. A hole-in-one is even more rare on a par four. Around 12:30 Wednesday afternoon, Joe Mallo did just that. He made a hole-in-one on the 285 yard, par four, hole number five at the Kendrick Municipal Golf Course west of Sheridan. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime thing for Mallo, but it was also part of a first-time-ever event at the Kendrick Golf Course. Less than an hour and a half later, at around 1:30 golfer John Miller, also made a hole-in-one...on the par four, hole number five. The odds of two people hitting a hole-in-one on the same hole less than two hours apart are astronomical. Both Mallo and Miller have witnesses to their history-making shots. Kendrick Golf Pro Brian James says that has never happened before in the history of the course.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 BIG HORN SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION DUE TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH - Starting this fall you may see construction equipment on both ends of Sheridan County School District #1. Construction on the Tongue River High School project has been going on for some months now. District #1 Superintendent Sue Belish. SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 HOLDS FIRST BOARD MEETING FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR - Only three of the five Sheridan County School District #1 board members were able to attend their meeting last night. Dayton Mayor Bob Wood asked the Board to talk to the contractors working on the new Tongue River High School to help defray costs of paving on Beckton Road in Dayton. RANCHESTER COUNCIL ONCE AGAIN TAKES UP THE ISSUE OF ZONING - Losing business space to residential is something that has concerned Ranchester's Town Council for some time, and at last night's meeting council took action as they gave Mayor Cliff Clevenger the go ahead to draft an ordinance that will help solve the problem. Clevenger explains what the changes made to the B-1 zoning throughout the town will entail.
GAME AND FISH LOOKING FOR POACHING SUSPECT - The Wyoming Game and Fish needs your help in apprehending the person or persons responsible for the wanton destruction of a buck mule deer. The buck deer was found shot and abandoned on Monday in the Tepee Creek area on Red Grade Road. Game and Fish Information Specialist Warren Mischke. SCHOOL, HOTEL EVACUATED IN DOUGLAS - DOUGLAS, Wyo. (AP) - Students at a grade school in Douglas were safely evacuated Tuesday when a nearby natural gas line was damaged by contractors. Douglas Intermediate School is about a block away from where the line was damaged. The third, fourth and fifth graders were taken to a Douglas middle school, where they spent the day. A hotel next to the gas main break was also evacuated for several hours while crews worked to fix the line. There were no injuries. YELLOWSTONE RELEASES PLAN FOR CELL PHONE TOWERS - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Yellowstone National Park has released a draft plan for guiding the development of wireless communication within its 3,500 square miles, including a limited increase in cell phone coverage. The environmental assessment addresses cell phone service, wireless Internet service, park radio systems and resource monitoring stations. The proposal includes restricting cell phone towers from the backcountry, from park road corridors and from smaller developed areas. It calls for providing cell phone service and wireless Internet in developed areas with hotels. The National Parks Conservation Association says the plan is important because it's likely to set a precedent for other national parks. Yellowstone will hold public meetings early next month in Idaho and Montana to gather feedback on the plan. CVC TO HOST MONTHLY WEBINAR TOMORROW - The Center for a Vital Community at Sheridan College will be hosting their monthly webinar tomorrow. CVC Director Jenny Craft explains to whom the webinars are geared. SEPTEMBER WESTERNERS INTERNATIONAL TO HEAR OF FORMER TOWN NORTH OF SHERIDAN - Five miles north of Sheridan on the Decker Highway used to sit a little town known as Kuzaraville. Mike Kuzara has put together a program which he has shared at various towns in northeastern Wyoming about the town his “granddad” founded at the beginning of the last century. Tomorrow evening as part of the monthly Westerners International, Kuzara will give his presentation, to which the public is invited. He tells us a bit about the town bearing his family's name.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 UNFOUNDED RUMORS OF SERIAL RAPIST FUEL PANIC IN SHERIDAN -
Last week, an e-mail started to circulate around Sheridan that described incidents of sexual assault throughout the community. In fact the email started the rumor mill and now it has caused several concerned citizens to phone the Sheridan Police Department. Sheridan Detective Sergeant Tom Ringley says nearly every word of the e-mail he received is not true: CITY APPROVES APPLICATION FOR RESERVOIR PERMIT - The Sheridan City Council is planning on future growth in Sheridan and dry years to come. Sheridan Media News Director Kurt Layher has the story.
DUMPING AT THE LANDFILL WILL CHANGE SLIGHTLY FOR SHERIDAN RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS - Sheridan residential landfill users may notice a difference in how they use the City's landfill in the near future. When bringing loads of trash to the landfill, users will no longer have to drive all the way to the active cell to dump their trash. A new facility has been constructed near the entrance that will allow residential users to dump their trash and return immediately to the scales. The City Council appropriated $150,000 for a new landfill vehicle that would be used to haul the trash from the dump site to the active cell. Solid Waste Manager Charles Martineau tells us why they are changing.
NEW CONCEPT REDEFINES LIFE STAGES - Generally speaking, most people throughout time have defined stages of life as youth, young adult, adult, mid-life and old. There is a new idea regarding life stages starting to circulate throughout our culture, called The Second Half of Life. Sheridan resident Lynn Gordon is a counselor and teacher who explains age structure change.
FEDERAL JUDGE RULES ON YELLOWSTONE SNOWMOBILE USE - WASHINGTON (AP) - Wyoming Republican U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso slammed a Washington D.C. federal judge's ruling that scrapped a plan allowing snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park. Enzi says judges and lawyers seem to forget or discount thatnational parks are for the benefit and enjoyment of the people. Barrasso says the ruling is another example of interventionist Washington judges legislating from the bench. U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan in Washington, D.C. said Monday that Yellowstone's winter-use plan would increase air pollution, disturb wildlife and allow too much noise. The plan would have allowed 540 snowmobiles a day to go through Yellowstone, plus nearby Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Conservationists sued to stop that plan, saying it allowed toomany snowmobiles. CHEYENNE JUDGE HEARS SEPARATE YELLOWSTONE SNOWMOBILE CASE, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - Even though a federal judge in Washingtonthrew out plans to allow snowmobiling in Yellowstone National Park, another federal judge in Cheyenne heard arguments on a separatelawsuit involving the same winter use plan. The state of Wyoming and Park County are seeking a court order to allow more snowmobiles than the Park Service plan allows. The state wants the Park Service to allow at least 720 snowmobiles a day.Judge Clarence Brimmer heard arguments in the case Monday. In light of the new Washington D.C. ruling, Brimmer asked lawyers in the Wyoming case to present options for his court to give to the Park Service for the coming winter. Brimmer says winter users of the park and the Park Service should have some kind of direction by November 1st.
HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS SHOULD CLEAR THEIR CALENDARS FOR THIS EVENING - Parents of Sheridan High School Students will want to have dinner early this evening, so they can attend the first parent advisory meeting of the year at the high school. The two main topics of discussion will be the new Early-Out Program on Fridays and introduction to the new grading program called Infinite Campus. SHS Principal Dirlene Wheeler talks about the altered schedule for Fridays.
Monday, September 15, 2008 CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW - The Sheridan City Council will meet again tonight and Sheridan Media News Director Kurt Layher gives us a preview.
CAMPBELL COUNTY NEEDS MORE PROSECUTORS, Gillette, Wyo. (AP) - Campbell County Attorney Jeani Stone says her office is suffering under a heavy workload. Stone said the lawyer shortage in her office has caused cases to pile up, so much so that some defendants are having to wait several months between court appearances, while some prosecutors routinely log 60 to 80 hours a week. The Campbell County Commission in late June approved Stone's request to hire another attorney, but no one has been hired to fill the job yet. Adding to the dilemma -- the County Attorney's office took another hit last week when a prosecutor resigned. Stone says she's hired a recent law school graduate for one of the vacant jobs, but says he can only work as a paralegal at this point because he hasn't yet passed the Wyoming State Bar Exam. Campbell County currently has nine lawyers in the office and two vacancies. WYOMING FIRES - FIRE-KILLED TREES REMAIN A THREAT, Cody, Wyo. (AP) - Officials say that hunters will have to use caution when crossing recently opened areas burned by the Gunbarrel Fire west of Cody. The fire was started in late July by a lightning strike and has burned more than 67,000 acres - more than 100 square miles. It's now classified at about 85% contained. Terry Root is district ranger on the Shoshone National Forest. He says most of the burned area is in the North Absaroka Wilderness Area, where beetles killed many trees. He says hunters must watch for falling trees and snags. Root adds that elk are eating new plants that already have sprouted in the area.
SEARCH AND RESCUE CONDUCTED TRAININGS ON STEEP TERRAIN RESCUES THIS WEEKEND - Sheridan Area Search and Rescue is a totally volunteer organization here in Sheridan County. Getting everyone together in the same place when there is not an emergency is difficult, but happens at least once a month for training. Ropes were strung through the trees of Kendrick Park on Saturday; training officer Ron Condos explains.
OVER 200 RED HAT LADIES TOOK UP RESIDENCE AT THE HOLIDAY INN OVER THE WEEKEND - If you happened to be at the Sheridan Holiday Inn over the weekend you would have seen a lot of red and purple. The Wyoming Red Hat Society held their annual convention in Sheridan, and attendees came from as far away as Florida. The Red Hat Society is a social group of women, usually over fifty years of age. As their name implies, they attend all of their functions in bright red hats. Traditionally the hats are accompanied by purple clothing. Judy Cummings from Gillette tells us what exactly one does at a Red Hat Convention.
CANCER SURVIVORS GATHERED FOR PICNIC AT THE HOSPITAL -
Survivors from all over Sheridan came to the Welch Cancer Center on Friday afternoon for the annual Survivors Picnic. Several dozen people came for the picnic lunch and to help support each other in their battles with cancer. Helen Harbel received treatment at the Welch Center for a small tumor on her nose. She talks about Friday's gathering.
|
