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	OCTOBER 2008 NEWS ARCHIVE VISIT THE NEWS ARCHIVE HERE Questions or comments, please call (307) 672-7421 or click here to email us. Email the news department directly by clicking here.

Friday, October 31, 2008

SHERIDAN MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON AFTER MULTIPLE BURGLARIES - A two-year-old burglary case has finally come to a close in the 4th Judicial District Court.  Judge John Fenn gave 20-year-old Sheridan resident David Houston a sentence of 2 to 5 years in the Wyoming State Penitentiary on two counts of burglary.  Houston plead guilty as part of a plea agreement with the State after a string of burglaries in the Big Horn Mountains in June, 2006.  Houston and an accomplice broke in to the Big Goose Ranger Station and several private campers.  Items missing from the separate burglaries were discovered in Houston's campsite at the Ranger Creek Campground.  Houston has been serving time in the Sheridan County Jail, and was disruptive enough to serve most of his time in isolation.  As a result, Judge Fenn said Houston is “not a candidate for probation.”  The sentence on both counts will run concurrently, but will not start until Houston finishes serving his time on the misdemeanor charges.  In addition to the nearly $500 in fines, Houston was also ordered to pay restitution of more than $2,600 to the victims of the two-year-old mountain crime spree.

SHERIDAN MAYORAL CANDIDATES DISCUSS AFFORDABLE HOUSING - We are now just days from Tuesday's General Election and there is no doubt many important decisions facing voters come Tuesday. One of those tough decisions will be which candidate will be Mayor of Sheridan. Thursday both candidates appeared on KROE'S Public Pulse program to once again debate many issues about the community.  A caller to the show asked candidate Glen Wright and incumbent Dave Kinskey to define affordable housing as opposed to adequate housing. First, candidate Glen Wright. Mayor Kinskey responded by saying that affordable housing isn't just about home ownership. Both candidates agreed that defining affordable housing isn't an easy task, as what's affordable to one person may be completely out of range to another.

County Election Director Brenda Miech attempts to organize incoming absentee ballots.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS POURING IN AS THE GENERAL ELECTION DRAWS NEAR - The General Election is next Tuesday, and the Sheridan County Election Office is extremely busy.  100 to 150 absentee ballots have been returned each day this week, and the daily numbers are increasing.  That includes those ballots returned by mail and those people taking the option of voting in the election office itself.   Elections Director Brenda Miech says time is running out for those voting absentee. Voter turnout in Sheridan County has been traditionally higher in Presidential election years. And this year, the election office has had requests for over 3100 absentee ballots. If you are going to be gone November 4th and have not registered to vote, you can register at the election office through 5 pm on Monday.  If you choose to register before Tuesday, you must also vote absentee in the election office, once you have registered.

GAME AND FISH WANTS YOUR INPUT ON REVISED WOLF PLAN - The recently released draft revision of Wyoming's Wolf Management Plan is an attempt to address the issues that were brought up which prompted several court decisions regarding the delisting of the wolf. Wyoming Game and Fish Public Information Officer, Eric Keszler, explains what some of those issues are. Keszler says that since there isn't much time for the public comment period, the Game and Fish urges people to waste no time in submitting their comments before the November 10 deadline. You can submit your comments on the draft revised wolf management plan either by mail or fax to the Game and Fish Department no later than 5 pm November 10th. You can also comment at either one of two public meetings that are set for November 5th in Cody and November 6th in Lander. Send your comments to:  Wolf Plan Comments, Attn: Bea Pepper, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, 5400 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82006 or via Fax: 307-777-4650.

KENDRICK MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE LOOKS BACK ON THE 2008 SEASON - Over the past few years, there have been several major changes at Kendrick Municipal Golf Course.  This season new restrooms were completed.  Other recent improvements include a new irrigation system, clubhouse remodel, and shorter roughs.  Future plans include a nursery to grow sod and small trees for the course.  General Manager Brian James says that this season was slightly down from pre-season expectations. Every year ends with surveys distributed to both Kendrick Golf Association members and non-members.  Some of those survey results are starting to return. This year Kendrick Golf Course was recognized by “Golf Digest” magazine as one of the “Best Places to Play” out of more than 20,000 golf courses in the country.

326 Wyoming Avenue transforms into the "Halloween House" each October.

HALLOWEEN HOUSE READY FOR TRICK OR TREATERS OF ALL AGES - Ghouls and goblins will abound today and tonight as it is of course Halloween once again. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter stopped by a certain house last night in Sheridan that has become known over the years as simply ... The Halloween House.

HAUNTED THEATER – A GHOST STORY FOR HALLOWEEN - It's a story that has been passed down for decades in Casper.  Back in the 1940's, apparently a young girl fell off the stage to her death in the Natrona County High School auditorium.  Supposedly, her ghost has been haunting the theater ever since.  Casper City Councilman Guy Padgett says when he and his friends were teenagers; they decided to check out the validity of the spooky tale.  They snuck into the auditorium at night and watched from the balcony. There's been talk recently of building a new school, and rumors of the old school being torn down because it needs major renovations.  Padgett says ghost stories aside, the building's Gothic architecture is part of the identity of Casper, and that study is needed to see if the school can be renovated for students, or for something else. Former Casper resident and our nation's Second Lady, Lynne Cheney, even wrote in her recent book that Natrona County High School is the most beautiful building in Casper.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE TO HOST HALLOWEEN DANCE FOR STUDENTS TONIGHT - The Sheridan College Activities Board will be putting on a Halloween dance for students tonight at the Bruce Hoffman Golden Dome immediately following the Sheridan College volleyball game. Student Activities Board President Heather Core tells us about the entertainment that's planned. Core said that the Halloween dance is a fun and safe way for college students to spend the evening, and the event is free of charge.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

A FATAL ACCIDENT AT A MINE NEAR GILLETTE OCCURRED TUESDAY NIGHT - 48-year-old William Kempf of Gillette was killed Tuesday night at the Clovis Point Coal Mine north of Gillette. The accident occurred shortly after 5 pm when two haul trucks were working in the pits removing topsoil, and one of the trucks backed into the other. The cab of one of the trucks collapsed, pinning Kempf's legs and crushing his hips. Kempf was not inside either of the trucks when the crash took place, but rather behind the cab of one of the trucks.  Kempf was taken to Campbell County Memorial Hospital where he died before he could be airlifted to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper.  There were no other injuries reported and the mine remains closed while the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration investigates the accident.  Wyodak Resources Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, owns the Clovis Point Mine. This is the first mine fatality in the state of Wyoming since 2005.

HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSES FINANCIAL PLANS AND GAINSHARING - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees met for their October meeting Wednesday. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was on hand and has more.

HOSPITAL BOARD APPROVES LAND ACQUISITION - The Sheridan Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees approved to purchase land located just east of the hospital on 5th Street and Highland. Hospital CEO Mike McCafferty gives us the details on the land acquisition.  McCafferty said that there are no immediate plans for the land, but that it will be part of the hospital's Master Plan. The land was purchased from Trio Investments LLC in the amount of $1.25 million.

New citizens received their oath of citizenship in District Court Wednesday.

SHERIDAN COUNTY HAS SIX NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS - There were no arguments, no lawyers, no defendants in District Court early yesterday afternoon. 4th Judicial District Court Judge John Fenn signed an order proclaiming six new United States citizens during the naturalization ceremony at the courthouse. Zoila Perry came to Sheridan from Mexico. Former Canadian, Nikolai Gardner, said it has taken him nearly four years to get this citizenship. Students from Martin Luther Grammar School were on hand to sing a couple of songs, including the Star Spangled Banner.  Several local service organizations provided congratulatory gifts to the new citizens. The ceremony took place just in time as they will have their first chance to vote in Tuesday's General Election.

One of the last public meetings with local candidates, in Tuesday's election, took place at the Senior Center Wednesday night.

MANY CANDIDATES COME TO QUESTION-AND-ANSWER FORUM ON PROPERTY TAXES - A Candidate Question-and-Answer Forum was hosted by the Equality State Taxpayers Association and Taxpayer Advocates for Sheridan County at the Sheridan Senior Center last night.  While not many residents showed up for the forum, many local and county candidates came to hear from Association Board Member Bill Doenz about property taxes around Wyoming.  Doenz tells us what the association is all about. Doenz says they are trying to get people to sign a petition, which they will give to local legislators to show them that Wyoming residents want to change how property taxes are done.  Lee Leslie came to the forum with his wife, and he thought the forum was a great motivation to help out the cause. Some of the candidates that showed up included Mayoral candidates Glen Wright and Dave Kinskey; City Council candidates George Carter, John Bigelow, Kathy Kennedy, and Ryan Mullholland; and County Commission candidates Tom Ringley and Vicki Taylor.

CITY COUNCIL WARD TWO CANDIDATES DISCUSS ECONOMY AND  SAWS - The two candidates for Sheridan City Council Ward 2 were on Public Pulse on Tuesday, and they talked about a couple of issues that haven't been widely discussed.  One of those is putting money aside for infrastructure depreciation in the future.  Democratic candidate George Carter says the nation is facing an economic uncertainty, and Sheridan will see that one day as well. Incumbent candidate John Bigelow explains the City would be doing that now, but they would first have to cut their spending somewhere, and that could hurt a current or future project.  Another issue that came up was the SAWS Board and how they have overspent themselves.  Carter thinks the board doesn't have enough users in their system to support things like the pipeline, but Bigelow feels SAWS is merely looking into the future. Both candidates agree that improving downtown Sheridan is important, and making sure seniors are being taken care of is also important in the community.

CITY COUNCIL WARD 1 CANDIDATES TALK ABOUT HOUSING, MEETINGS - The two Sheridan City Council Ward 1 candidates were on Public Pulse yesterday, and they discussed a couple big topics.  One of those is the City's involvement in housing around Sheridan.  Candidate Ryan Mulholland says the City Council should have been more proactive with the housing boom, while Incumbent Kathy Kennedy feels the City has done a lot to help with housing. When it came to City Council meetings, each candidate had a different view on how they should be run.  Kennedy says that while much of the discussion of agenda items happens in work sessions prior to the meetings, they are open for the public to attend and hear the discussions.  Mullholland thinks more needs to happen in the actual meetings. Both candidates do agree that if the city residents want a City Administrator, they should get to participate in a round of conversations with the Council about that issue.

CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VOTE ON TUESDAY - Voting for the General Election is coming up next Tuesday, and the Secretary of State is urging voters to get out and participate in this election.  Max Maxfield says this is a big year for voters, and everyone's vote can make a difference. If you are not yet registered to vote, but you are over the age of 18 and are a resident of Wyoming, registration will be open at the polls.  Voting will take place from 7 am to 7 pm.  If you can't make it to the polls, Maxfield encourages those voters to submit an absentee ballot.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Sheridan Police Sergeant Tom Ringley prepares to debrief Special Response Team after incident on North Sheridan Avenue.

SUICIDAL MAN HAS SHORT STAND OFF WITH SHERIDAN POLICE - A 54-year-old Sheridan man was involved in a brief stand-off with police yesterday.  Police received a call around 11:45 in the morning from the Veterans Administration Medical Center.  Operators were talking to a man threatening suicide.  Patrol units were dispatched to 946 North Sheridan Avenue.  It was unclear whether the subject was armed or not, and they called in the Special Response Team. Sergeant Tom Ringley tells us what happened next. The entire incident lasted less that two hours.  It was the first time since 2007 that the SRT was activated in Sheridan.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER EXPECTED TO FIT IN BUDGET - Work should begin relatively soon on a new early childhood education center in Sheridan.  Sheridan Media News Director Kurt Layher has more.

Governor Freudenthal will travel to Sheridan next week for "Best Places" presentation. (Photo from orignal announcement)

GOVERNOR FREUDENTHAL TO VISIT SHERIDAN NEXT WEEK - Earlier this month, the City of Sheridan found out that Sheridan will receive an award for being one of the “Best Places” in the country. The actual presentation will take place next Monday, November 3rd, and it will draw visitors from at least as far away as Cheyenne. Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey. The “Best Neighborhood” award is only part of the reason for the Governor’s visit. The presentation by the American Planning Association will take place at 9 o’clock Monday morning at Sheridan City Hall.

GAME AND FISH ADDS TO CAMPING LOCATION IN KERNS MANAGEMENT AREA - Yesterday in Part 1 of our Game and Fish series, we told you about the numerous bird hunting opportunities this year for hunters in Northeast Wyoming. Today Sheridan Media's Ron Richter takes a look at some additional camping that hunters will be able to use this year north of Dayton.

HOUSE DISTRICT 29 CANDIDATES FOCUS ON EDUCATION - The two candidates for Wyoming House District 29 were on Public Pulse yesterday, and they mainly talked about education.  Concerning the drop-out rate in Wyoming, Libertarian candidate Elmer Kuball thinks if we tried to give kids more personal attention in the classroom it may improve the drop-out rate; Republican candidate John Patton thinks giving kids more opportunities to improve will help. When it comes to standardized tests, Patton says it's hard to eliminate them when many universities use tests like the SAT to admit students into classes.  Kuball explains we should still try to eliminate some of the tests that aren't used for those purposes. Both candidates say we should find a way to keep kids in school throughout high school, since many kids will need at least a high school diploma to get a good job.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS - Kids will be out trick-or-treating this Friday, and there are some things you can do to make sure they stay safe.  Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin with more. To read more Halloween safety tips, click here: http://lafd.org/hween.htm

SCIENCE MUSEUM LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES TONIGHT - The Science Museum at Sheridan College will have their 3rd presentation in their Lecture Series tonight, and this month's speaker will be talking about a lesser known aspect of fossil study.  Paleontologist Sean Smith explains that while dinosaurs make the news more, they aren't the biggest part of paleontology. His lecture will consist of a Power point presentation, and he will try to bring some examples of fossils to show attendees.  Anybody is welcome to attend the lecture, and Smith says he hopes people will get more out of his lecture than just what paleontologists look at. This lecture will take place tonight at 7 pm in the Mohn's Center at Sheridan College, and will last about an hour.

THERE'LL BE A SPECIAL MUSICAL PERFORMANCE THURSDAY AT THE SHERIDAN SENIOR CENTER - The community is invited to come out to the Sheridan Senior Center tomorrow night to hear the sounds of classical guitar. Senior Center Activites Director Jane Perkins. Jack Sanders' guitar performance will be tomorrow night at 7 o'clock at the Sheridan Senior Center. The show is free and the public is invited to stay after the show to meet the artist.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

New Sheridan Police Officers Cody Heizer and  David Hein, join Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey and Police Chief Mike  Card at the swearing in ceremony yesterday.

SHERIDAN POLICE MAKE ARREST IN ASSAULT CASE AND STILL INVESTIGATING WEEKEND VANDALISM - Sheridan Police arrested a suspect in an aggravated assault case in which a bartender at the Beaver Creek Saloon was cut with a knife.  23-year-old David Dupont allegedly got into an argument with another patron of the bar on October 18th.  The bartender was injured when she attempted to calm the disturbance.  Dupont admitted to authorities that the knife was his, but denied getting into any arguments.  During Dupont's initial appearance in Sheridan County Circuit Court, Judge John Sampson set a cash-only bond of $7,500.  The aggravated assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. In another case, police have no leads in a weekend vandalism incident that left several State of Wyoming vehicles immobile.  22 tires on 6 vehicles were slashed.  The cars were parked in the State Employee parking lot on the corner of Scott and Works Streets.  Employees of the Wyoming Department of Family Services use the vehicles.  The department has offices across the street in the same location as Wyoming Workforce Services.  On a more positive note – the Sheridan Police Department has two new officers.  Yesterday, David Hein and Cody Heizer were sworn in at Sheridan City Hall.  This makes four new officers in the last several months who have been added to Sheridan's police force.

SHERIDAN MAN ACCUSED OF BURGLARIZING DAYTON BAR, MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE IN COURT - Last week, the Crazy Woman Saloon in Dayton was burglarized.  Intruders tried to pry their way into the bar in several locations before finally breaking a window to gain entry.  The thieves took over $3,000 from money boxes hidden in the bar.  Deputies with the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office arrested 38-year-old Stanley Budder on Sunday.  Budder’s girlfriend was a former employee at the bar and he had helped her close the business before.  This allegedly allowed Budder to locate the hidden money boxes in the bar.  A friend of Budder’s returned over $1,000 of the stolen money and led authorities to Budder.  Budder told authorities that his friend and girlfriend were also involved in the burglary.  He made his initial appearance in Circuit Court yesterday.  If convicted, Budder could spend 10 years in prison and be assessed a $10,000 fine.  Judge John Samson set a cash-only bond of $5,000.  Budder is currently awaiting his preliminary hearing in the Sheridan County Jail.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL GETS MORE INFORMATION ON HIGH-TECH ECONOMICS - The City of Sheridan is spearheading a campaign to help bring high-tech, data center-type businesses to the community.  Sheridan’s attempt to mitigate the “boom and bust” cycle of an energy dependent economy has led us toward diversification.  Range Telephone’s Tim Green says that Sheridan has several advantages for high tech industries. The fact that Sheridan is not near a large population center, and because our energy costs are relatively low are also attractive features to high-tech centers.  A small data center could employ between 5 to 20 people and pay better-than-average wages for Sheridan. North Main Street, West 5th Street near Mydland Road, and East 5th Street near Eastridge Road are the best locations for a new data center business, as they have access to redundant fiber optic communication lines in the immediate area.The City, Forward Sheridan, and the Wyoming Business Council are all working together to find the best way to market Sheridan to these businesses nationally..

OPENING OF PHEASANT SEASON IN NORTHEAST WYOMING IS JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY - While many big game hunting seasons are winding down in Northeast Wyoming, it's now time to focus on the many bird hunting opportunities throughout the region. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter with the report.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES DISCUSS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, HOUSING AROUND THE COUNTY - The three candidates for the two new Sheridan County Commission seats were on Public Pulse yesterday, and they addressed some issues they felt were important in this election.  One of those was the progress of the County Comprehensive Plan.  Republican candidates Tom Ringley and Mike Nickel, and Democratic candidate Vicki Taylor, all agree with the general layout of the plan, though they would change a couple things.  Ringley has heard skepticism about the concept of a Green Arrow trail, and Taylor says she would look at the zoning in the Plan. Another thing that came up was which boards the candidates served on, and whether it would affect their position on the Commission.  Taylor explains she understands why someone would be concerned about board memberships, but Ringley thinks that isn't the case. When it came to SAWS, each candidate had their own view on how to improve it.  Ringley feels if the City and County made their own decisions on the water in their area, and worked together on regional water, it would be smoother.  Taylor thinks polling the residents on their thoughts and rehiring an administrator would help.  Nickel says he's not sure how to approach that situation. All three candidates also say they would approve of helping a private industry with roads or utilities if they were putting up a development helping out Sheridan County's workforce.

SENIOR CENTER TO HOST SPECIAL COMEDY ACT TOMORROW - The Sheridan Senior Center will play host to a special comedy act performance tomorrow. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS AROUND SHERIDAN THIS FRIDAY - Halloween will be here this Friday, and if you haven't planned what your family will be doing, there are a few events from which to choose.  Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin has the story.

Monday, October 27, 2008

CITY OF SHERIDAN PLANNING LEAF COLLECTION FOR THIS FALL - While most of Sheridan is still pretty green, leaves are starting to turn and fall from the trees. The City is gearing up for its fall leaf pick-up on a weekly schedule throughout the month of November.  City Solid Waste Manager, Charles Martineau, tells us what residents must do to participate in the curbside pick up.     The old days of raking leaves into the street are over.  Streets Supervisor, Pete Husman, says street sweepers can’t cope with piles of leaves in the gutter.   The City has been divided into four zones, and bagged leaves will be picked up once a week in each zone. For a map showing the zones with the pick-up schedule, visit here.

GUN SHOW BRINGS IN LOCAL AND OUTSIDE VENDORS - The Wasatch Gun Show took place over the weekend, and many local and out-of-state vendors came to display their items, which included guns and some artwork.  Bill Heitler was one of the patrons to the show, and he says he saw a lot of great items. C.T. Bailey from Ranchester was one of the local vendors, and he thinks he did pretty well at the show, especially since he doesn't sell guns you normally see today. Other vendors at the show had mixed feelings about the turnout, as some vendors didn't see much business at all.  Greeley, Colorado vendor Tom Thauler explains his view on the future of gun shows like this. Wasatch holds gun shows all around Wyoming and Colorado throughout the year, and this was their one stop in Sheridan.

WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT GENERAL ELECTION - The General Election is coming up next week, and a lot of people are still considering who to vote for.  With how close the race is running right now, this week's Sheridan Media – Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question is:  “Will the possibility of Barack Obama being elected president influence your vote in the Wyoming Congressional race?”Let us know what you think. Visit Sheridan Media dot com, click on the upper right hand box, answer the question, and feel free to leave your comments in the on-line forum. Then, listen for the final results on the Public Pulse “Jackson Electric Open Line” this Friday morning at 9:10 on News-Talk 930 KROE.

"Dog Gone Double Wedding" was one of three winners in the annual Pet-O-Ween costume contest.

ANNUAL PET-O-WEEN HUGE SUCCESS IN KENDRICK PARK - The crowds gathered in Kendrick Park on Saturday for the annual Pet-O-Ween competition.  Contestants were not limited to just dogs and cats.  Even rabbits and a turtle showed off their Halloween costumes.  Ireland Maechtle tells us how she came up with one of the winning costumes for her dog Teaka. Dozens of contestants entered their pets for $5 each, and all the proceeds went to the Sheridan Dog and Cat Shelter.  Quynn Kennedy hadn’t prepared for winning the funniest category with her dogs dressed as a “Dog Gone Double Wedding” party: Local businesses donated all of the contest prizes, as well as the raffle prizes, to raise money for the shelter. 

Blue Sky Saddle Club horseback Halloween party.

HALLOWEEN PARTIES KICKED OFF EARLY THIS WEEKEND - Halloween parties for kids and adults started on Saturday, and one of those celebrations included the Blue Sky Saddle Club's Halloween Party.  The Saddle Club holds this party every year, and President Evelyn Lemley says this was more than just a costume party. The party was held at Hanna Creek Acres outside of Big Horn, instead of the Club's arena located just off of Fort Road.  They had many riding games, including one where riders had to keep a water balloon in their mouth while riding from one side of the arena to the other.  All of the games played Saturday come from the National Saddle Clubs of America.  8-year-old Julianna Zullit was one of the participants, and she explains one of the events she really liked. Riders also participated in a costume contest divided up by age, and enjoyed some food in between their rides.  Winners of each event got a ribbon to take home, and a raffle was held for all the riders at the end of the party.

Nursing students use "live subjects" to perform midtern examinations at Sheridan College.

NURSING STUDENTS AT SHERIDAN COLLEGE TAKE A PRACTICAL MIDTERM - Last week was Midterm Week at Sheridan College, and one group of students took a different kind of midterm.  Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin volunteered to help out and has this story.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE WILL BRING SOME UNIQUE MUSIC TO DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN THIS WEEK - Students from the Sheridan College Activities Board have arranged to have a special musical performance take stage at the Wyo Theater this week. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter has more.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

HALLOWEEN EVENTS KICKED OFF THIS WEEKEND - Celebrations for Halloween started yesterday, and one of those was the Blue Sky Saddle Club's Halloween Party.  The Saddle Club has this party every year, and President of the Saddle Club Evelyn Lemley says this was more than just a costume party: The party was held at Hanna Creek Acres outside of Big Horn, instead of their arena located just off of Fort Road.  They had many riding games, including one where riders had to keep a water balloon in their mouth while riding from one side of the arena to the other.  8 year-old Julianna Zullit was one of the participants, and she explains one of the events she really liked: Riders also had a costume contest, and enjoyed some food in between rides.  Winners of each event got a ribbon, and a raffle was held for all the riders at the end of the party.

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ALBANY COUNTY MURDER CHARGE, Laramie, Wyo. (AP) - A man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the shooting death of another man in Albany County this February. Luis Valles-Estrada pleaded guilty Friday in Albany County District Court. He testified that he shot and killed Carlos Guzman-Luna after he refused to sell him cocaine. Prosecutor Richard Bohling says the state will consider dropping other charges including first-degree murder against Valles-Estrada at sentencing. The charge of second-degree murder carries a penalty of 20 years to life in prison.

YELLOWSTONE'S WOLF NUMBERS HAVE LIKELY DECREASED, Billings, Mont. (AP) - Yellowstone National Park's lead wolf biologist says the number of wolves in the park has probably decreased since a survey was conducted last winter. Yellowstone's 11 packs comprised of 171 wolves according to last winter's survey. But biologist Doug Smith is predicting the number will be down when a survey is conducted again this winter. He says three of the wolf packs have no pups and several others have few in what could be another outbreak of distemper.     During a distemper outbreak in 1999, 40 percent of the pups survived. In 2005, the pup survival rate dropped to 19 percent.     Smith says he's concerned that if distemper is detected this winter, it will prove that the occurrence of the disease is becoming more frequent and widespread.

WYOMING AND MONTANA BOTH REPORT BELOW NORMAL FIRE SEASONS, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - The wildfire seasons in Wyoming and Montana this past summer weren't very wild. Fire officials in both states report that while the number of fire starts was about normal, the fires were generally smaller than in recent years and quickly put out. Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser says there was notably less dry lightning, or summer thunderstorms where no rain falls. Montana State Forester Bob Harrington says even with the below normal fire season, there were still challenging wildfires such as the one that threatened Red Lodge, Montana. Crapser and Harrington say this year's fire season has no bearing on what might happen next year.     Crapser says it all depends on what Mother Nature does.

GAME DEPARTMENT WANTS DEER UNDERPASS NEAR BAGGS,Rawlins, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says it wants to build an underpass on the state highway north of Baggs in Carbon County to reduce the number of deer being killed there in collisions with vehicles. Tim Woolley is wildlife biologist with the game department. He says the rate of deer dying at the spot on state highway 789 amounts to nearly one a day. This is because a deer migratory corridor crosses the highway there. The Wyoming Department of Transportation estimates it would cost $1.3 million to build an underpass at the spot and install tall fencing in the area to keep deer off the road.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

SHERIDAN REC DISTRICT TO HOST HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL TODAY - Later today the kids will have a chance to take part in the Sheridan Recreation District's annual Halloween Carnival at the Old Highland Park Rec. District Facility. Sheridan Recreation Director Richard Wright gives us the details:   Wright says that it isn't just the little ones that get into the action either: The Rec District's Halloween Carnival will be this afternoon from 2 to 4pm at the the Old Highland Park school Rec. District Facility. The carnival is for kid's ages nine and under and is free of charge.

UW RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP WITH ENGINEERING PROGRAM - The University of Wyoming and three other institutions have received a 500-thousand dollar National Science Foundation grant to study ways to attract and retain women engineering students. Electrical Engineering Professor Dave Whitman says the study will examine how undergraduate women engineering students are affected by cooperative education experiences:Whitman says the percentage of undergraduate women majoring in engineering at UW has declined from 20 percent to about 14 percent during the last decade. Nationally, women comprise less than 19 percent of those receiving bachelor's degrees in engineering.

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT ANNOUNCES INTERNET REGISTRATION - New employers will now find it easier to register for Wyoming's unemployment insurance and workers compensation programs. An electronic joint registration form is now available, allowing new employers to easily register for unemployment insurance and workers compensation accounts on the Internet instead of using a five-page paper form. E-Registration guides the employer through the registration process and securely gathers the information needed for unemployment insurance and workers compensation employer liability determinations. E-Registration was a joint unemployment insurance/workers  compensation project, specifically designed to save time for employers while streamlining staff processes. Department of Employment Director Gary Child said that theE-Registration provides detailed employer information that saves staff time, reduces data errors and shortens turn-around time for
establishing accounts and that employers and staff both benefit from the use of this program.

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE REOPENS WOLF DELISTING, (AP) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a wolf management plan that could end federal protections for the animals in Montana and Idaho while leaving them in place in Wyoming. The federal agency's push comes after a federal judge in Montana earlier this month signed an order reinstating federal protections for the wolves in all three states. The judge criticized Wyoming's wolf management plan, which calls for classifying the animals as predators that could be shot on sight in most of the state. Environmental groups are accusing the Fish and Wildlife Service of rushing to resolve the wolf issue before the end of the Bush administration. But the agency says it's dedicated to making a decision based on the best science.

WORKING TO CLEAR THE AIR IN SOUTHWEST WYOMING, (AP) - State regulators say oil and gas companies are working hard to avoid violating federal air pollution standards in southwest Wyoming this coming winter. Last winter, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality issued its first ever ozone alerts because of pollution in the Pinedale area. Officials say emissions from two nearby natural gas fields combined with unique meteorological conditions to create ozone. DEQ Air Quality Division Administrator David Finley says companies in the area have been taking steps to reduce pollution, especially from drilling rigs. Linda Baker of the Upper Green River Valley Coalition says the DEQ has done a good job of coming up with a plan to address the ozone problem. But she says it remains to be seen whether the efforts will work.

BIGHORN CANYON SUPTERINTENDENT WANTS TO DRAW MORE VISITORS, (AP) - The new superintendent at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area says he'd like to improve the park's trail system and interpretive programs. The recreation area straddles the Montana-Wyoming line. Most people visit to boat and fish on Bighorn Lake, a long and narrow reservoir within Bighorn Canyon. Jerry Case was chief of regulations and special park uses for the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., before becoming superintendent at Bighorn Canyon earlier this year. Case says he would like to attract more visitors by improving trails and the visitors' center in Lovell. He also wants to offer interpretive programs at an amphitheater at Horseshoe Bend. Case said keeping the lake full will be a challenge given competing demands for water. He says he believes he can work with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to keep water levels adequate.

Friday. October 24, 2008

Wyoming Sawmills will be closing its doors by the end of the year. They've been doing business in Sheridan for 44 years.

WYOMING SAWMILLS TO CLOSE, MAYBE FOR GOOD - The national housing market is still slumping, and people are concerned about the slowing economy and credit crunch.  The latest Sheridan victim of the recession is Wyoming Sawmills, Inc.  Employees of the sawmill were informed yesterday that they would not have jobs by the end of the year, if a buyer for the business is not found.   Wyoming Sawmills President Ernie Schmidt says they have weathered many downturns in the lumber market. Late last year, Wyoming Sawmills cut back production to almost nothing, and a majority of their workforce was laid off.  In June, demand for lumber started to increase and the sawmill opened at half capacity.  They were able to bring back or hire around 40 of the nearly 100 full-time staff needed for 100% production output.    Without a buyer and one who's willing to invest in more than property and assets, Schmidt expects the sawmill to cease production by December and the remaining wood products and raw lumber to be sold off.  Schmidt says if Wyoming Sawmills closes its doors, it will be permanent.

BARRASSO WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT FOR SHERIDAN VETERANS - The Sheridan Veterans Services Officer position was due to be phased out upon the retirement of the officer over a year ago.  The VA in Denver was not going to replace the position and veterans who needed help with their benefits would have had to do it on the phone or drive to Denver. Senator John Barrasso held several meetings with the V-A and convinced them to hire a new veterans service officer. With the departure of Nikki Reid, who was the most recent service officer, rumors are again flying about the future of the position.  And some speculation includes the possibility of video teleconferencing with clients in Sheridan from offices in Denver. In regard to the position and the departure of Reid, the local VA Hospital said all information would only be available from the public relations office in Denver.  The only comment available from the Denver office was that a temporary benefits officer is currently serving veterans' needs in Sheridan.

Ribbon cutting for the completion of phase one of the Brooks/Smith Street Construction Project.

RIBBON CUTTING FOR BROOKS/SMITH STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT WAS HELD YESTERDAY - A Summer of hard work that had everything from tombstones to underground bridges came to a head yesterday with the ribbon cutting for the Brooks/Smith Street Reconstruction Project. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was on hand for the event and has more.

BURLINGTON NORTHERN SEES 4th QUARTER MOSTLY ABOVE VIEWS - NEW YORK (AP) - Burlington Northern Santa Fe has issued a fourth-quarter profit forecast range mostly above what Wall Street expects.  The railroad says it anticipates reporting earnings of $1.70 to $1.80 per share. Thomson Reuters polled analysts who, on average, expect $1.71 per share. This gave the guidance in an conference call with investors and analysts.  The nation's second largest freight railroad also expects freight revenue growth between 8% and 10%, despite "slightly lower volumes."  Fort Worth, Texas-based Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. also says its third-quarter earnings leapt 31% on better yields and higher fuel surcharges.  BNSF is a major hauler of Wyoming coal.

WHITNEY ICE RINK TO OPEN FOR THE SEASON SOON - The winter storm that brought snow to Sheridan two weeks ago and this week's colder temperatures have served as a warning that winter is on its way.  With the cold comes ice ... and ice skating.  Sheridan Ice, LLC plans to open the Whitney Ice Rink in just two weeks.  Spokesperson Janet Austin says they are trying to make the rink available to everyone. Not only is there free admission to the open skates, but those who don't have their own skates can rent them at no charge.  Community donations have also allowed this year's expanded curling program to be available with no fees.  Sign-ups for the 2008 season programs are next Wednesday through Friday, October 29th, 30th, and 31st.  Sign-ups can be done in person at the ice rink from 3 to 6 each afternoon.

LATE NIGHT SHOW RETURNS TO SHERIDAN SENIOR CENTER - The Late Night show will return to the Sheridan Senior Center next Tuesday evening. The show is a chance for the Senior Center staff to display their talents, whatever they may be. Senior Center Activities Director Jane Perkins. The late night show at the Senior Center will be Tuesday October 28th at 7 pm, with another performance set for November 18th. Perkins said that starting in January, students from the Sheridan High School Honor Society will take over the show, and have a chance to showcase their talents at the Senior Center as well.  Also, there will be some good music for the ear tonight as the Senior Center Jam and Dance will take place this evening from 6:30 to 8:30.

CODY GETS GRANT TO BUY BOMB ROBOT - CODY, Wyo. (AP) - The Cody Police Department has received a state Homeland Security grant in the amount of $176,000 to buy a bomb robot.  Such robots can be used to move or even dismantle a bomb without putting anyone in harm's way.  Cody Police Chief Perry Rockvam says bomb units can't be accredited unless they have a bomb robot. Rockvam says Cody's bomb team became accredited in February and already has responded to seven calls in the region. Currently, the department loans a bomb robot through the state.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

LEGISLATORS TOUR CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER AND CONSIDER FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAMS STATEWIDE - Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal has spearheaded early childhood development programs throughout the state in the last several years.  Yet, the initial draft of the budget in the last legislative session had no funding for any of the 14 regions of Child Development Centers in Wyoming. Yesterday, local legislators toured the Child Development Center Region 2 facilities in Sheridan. State Representative Rosie Berger. Recent legislatures set up a formula for funding the early childhood programs that is similar to that used for Wyoming school districts.  But why spend public dollars on these programs when schools are already funded? While past state budgets have appropriated funds to enhance early childhood teacher salaries, one of the biggest hurdles for the programs statewide is staff retention.  Qualified teachers can usually make substantially higher salaries working in school districts.  The next obstacle is local facilities.  With centers in all 14 regions run by private non-profit boards, public funding for building projects is limited.  The Child Development Center in Sheridan uses facilities at their location on Linden Avenue, in addition to several classrooms in the old Highland Park School.

Community housing tour visits York Place development at Montana and Sumner Streets.

TROLLEY TOUR AROUND SHERIDAN SHOWCASES NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS - A few residents of Sheridan went on a Community Housing Tour on the trolley last night to tour the newest housing developments in Sheridan.  Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin rode along and has this story.

NEIGHBORHOOD GROUP IS WORKING TO PROVIDE RECOMMENATIONS BY DEADLINE - The Wyoming Department of Transportation has given the City of Sheridan until December 1st to submit their recommendations for the North Main Street project.  Robin DeBolt is on the “Look and Feel” committee for the North Main Revitalization Initiative, and she says they only have about six weeks left. The steering committee met with representatives from WYDOT last night.  WYDOT has limited funds for enhancements in the project area from Dow Street to Fort Road.  Any additional funds would have to be supplied by the City. Once WYDOT has the final specifications, they will conduct a series of public meetings, leading to the 2010 construction.

SHERIDAN REC. BOARD HEARS REPORT ON KENDRICK PARK ICE CREAM STAND AND USAGE NUMBERS AT HIGHLAND PARK FACILITY - The Sheridan Recreation District Board of Trustees discussed a wide range of topics at their monthly meeting last night. Sheridan Media's Ron Richter was there.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE TO HOST LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE - Sheridan College will host a three-day Leadership Conference starting today that will bring together some of the great young minds from around the Cowboy State. That's Sheridan College Activities Board President and Student Senate Vice President Heather Core, who explains that she'll have something new to introduce at the conference. Core says that they'll have a special speaker who will focus on a very timely subject. Heather said that they will also have a comedian for entertainment, and that they have some nice dinner meetings set up for the students as well. The Leadership Conference at Sheridan College will wrap up on Friday.

VISION BEYOND BORDERS DISCUSSES TRIP TO CHINA - Vision Beyond Borders was recently on Public Pulse, and the main topic was their trip to China that made national news.  Executive Director Patrick Klein and two other men were trying to deliver 315 Bibles to pastors in Southern China during the Olympics, but were stopped at customs and the Bibles were all taken away.  Klein says the custom agents tore through all their belongings, and wouldn't show them in English the law they were violating.  He says he was not expecting that kind of reaction. Klein says if they were to apply for a permit, they would never be able to get one.  He explains the Chinese government doesn't allow the importation of Bibles because they make their own. Klein doesn't think he'll be able to go to China for awhile, but he says their group has been helping out in Burma by providing clothes, medicine, and rice seedlings.  He adds that the group would like to help out more by building orphanages for the 60- to 80,000 orphans in the country, which has been hurting since a cyclone hit Burma earlier this year.

“WEALTHY MIND” SEMINAR COMING TO SHERIDAN IN NOVEMBER - If you want to make more money, there's a seminar coming to town in which you you may be interested.  “The Wealthy Mind” will be at the Watt Agricultural Center at Sheridan College from November 7th through the 9th.  Lynn Gordon is the local sponsor of the seminar, and she tells us what it's all about. The seminar starts by attendees pairing up and finding out why they say they're having trouble managing their money.  Speaker Christy Carter explains what will happen after that. Some common reasons Carter says people come is because they don't think they deserve to make more money, or they don't think they'll make enough money no matter what they do.  If you would like more information about “The Wealthy Mind” seminar, or would like to sign up, call Judy: 683-3157; Lynn: 672-6252, or Christy: 801-380-1545.

Lane dividers are installed and BNSF was completing work on the crossing Thursday morning.

FIFTH STREET RAILROAD CROSSING STILL CLOSED - Road closed signs are still up on the 5th Street railroad crossing. WYDOT District Traffic Engineer Don Phillips says the crossing was closed all night. Once the street is open again, drivers will note several changes to the crossing. B-N-S-F replaced not only the roadway portion of the crossing, but rails and ties as well. The City of Sheridan has completed most of its work with temporary barriers and curbs to comply with the quiet zone safety standards.  Now that the items are in place, the City will submit a Quiet Zone Declaration and in 21 days, the trains will no longer be required to sound their horns at 5th Street.  The temporary enhancements will be replaced by the permanent medians in the next year.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO PARTICIPATE IN B-L-M NATURAL RESOURCE PLANNING - The Buffalo Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management is going to update its natural resources plan for the Powder River Basin.  The B-L-M asked Sheridan County to be a part of that process, since a large amount of the study area is in the eastern portion of the County.  Commissioner Bob Rolston says we have as much to gain as the B-L-M from the study. Work on the plan will begin in the coming months, and a final plan could be three or four years away.  The last time the plan was updated was in the early 1980's. Commissioners also accepted nearly $150,000 in grants from the office of Homeland Security.  Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Coleman explains what the funds are for. The Commission signed a notice of intent that tells the public that changes are proposed for the County Subdivision Resolution.  The amendments pertain mostly to environmental quality reviews in small-lot subdivisions, and would bring the resolution in compliance with current state law.  There will be a 45-day comment period before any amendments will be approved.  The Sheridan County Commission is scheduled to meet next on Election Day, November 4th.

SHERIDAN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE VARIANCE FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT 1 - The Sheridan County Commissioners approved a variance that will allow the Big Horn School construction project to continue.  The campus design that the Wyoming School Facilities Commission recommended did not have enough parking spaces to meet County regulations.  Several Big Horn residents expressed concerns yesterday morning.  One recurring theme was that the current site is not large enough to support the new school campus.  District 1 Superintendent Sue Belish says the District's hands are tied. The variance will allow the school to have only 193 parking spaces.  That is still 68 more than are currently available at the school.  Now that the variance has been approved, the District will get the building permit process started and could break ground as early as February.  Work on the waste water treatment facility for the campus has already begun.

DSA President Dick Weber, City Councilor John Bigelow, and Sean Stevens from the Wyoming Business Councilwould like to bring high-tech industry to Sheridan.

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL TALKS ABOUT ENTICING HIGH-TECH JOBS TO THE AREA - Elutian Technologies' arrival in Sheridan has prompted the community to look at attracting more high-tech industries.  Here’s Sheridan Media News Director Kurt Layher.

Ranchester town council members debate zoning changes.

RANCHESTER TOWN COUNCIL LOOKING AT CHANGING ZONING ORDINANCES - Last night the Ranchester Town Council approved amendments to their zoning ordinances on second reading.  Several commercial buildings in Ranchester have been converted into residential use.  The loss of commercial space worries some that Ranchester could lose businesses all together. Ranchester Mayor Cliff Clevenger. The current B-1 zoning district in the town allows for residential uses with no restrictions.  Tonight, Ranchester residents will have a chance to meet with the consultants that the Council has retained to create a business plan for the community.  The plan would help guide business development in the town and recommend actions to help entice business.  They expect to have a final draft of the plan by the end of the year.  The Council also adopted a new drug-free workplace policy for the Town.  The updated policy will comply with standards required for some grant awards for which the Town has applied.  Finally, the Council noted that Ranchester's new street sweeper went into service last weekend, just in time to perform fall clean-up before winter arrives.

RAILROAD CROSSING TO BE CLOSED ALL DAY WEDNESDAY - If your daily route takes you over the 5th Street railroad crossing, you'll need to take a different way to work or to run errands today.  WYDOT District Four Public Involvement Specialist Ronda Holwell explains why. Burlington Northern will be rebuilding the railroad crossing on both sets of tracks throughout the day.  5th Street will be closed from Broadway to Crook Streets until at least 6 this evening. The City of Sheridan will also use today to start creating a train whistle “quiet zone.”  City crews will work to erect the traffic controls at the crossing, and most of the work should be able to be completed today.  The 1st Street crossing quiet zone will not be able to go into effect until a new warning system is installed.  B-N-S-F will install the system, which will be purchased with funds the Sheridan City Council has already appropriated.

WOMEN SHOULD GO IN FOR THEIR YEARLY BREAST EXAMS - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors are encouraging women who are still not getting their annual mammograms to schedule an exam.  Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin tells us why these exams are important.

WEST NILE VIRUS NUMBERS LOW THIS YEAR - The Wyoming Department of Health has released their final count of West Nile cases reported in Wyoming this year.  Public Information Officer Kim Deti tells us what those numbers are. There were no deaths reported this year, and only two cases required hospitalization.   The season for West Nile usually begins in May and ends in September.  Deti says even though the numbers are low this year, the disease will still be around. If you would like more information on West Nile, visit www.badskeeter.org

WYOMING NATIONAL GUARD MEETS OR EXCEEDS RECRUITMENT GOALS - CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The Wyoming National Guard has been meeting or exceeding its recruitment and retention goals.  Colonel Brian Harmsen, Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel for the Wyoming Army National Guard, says it's no longer a question of if, but when, Guard members will be deployed.  But Harmsen says that's one of the reasons why some people are signing up for Guard duty.  Harmsen says the Wyoming Army Guard has reached better than 98 % of its recruitment goal, despite being told to hold off further recruitment.  Harmsen says the Army Guard could have exceeded its goal otherwise.  The Wyoming Air National Guard has more than doubled its recruitment expectations, recruiting 164 airmen over fiscal year 2008.  Senior Master Sergeant Tim Fisher of the Air Guard says a national advertising campaign is one reason for the recruitment success.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

SHERIDAN CITY COUNCIL HOLDS LAST MEETING FOR OCTOBER - The Sheridan City Council met last night and Sheridan Media News Director Kurt Layher was there. .

NORTH MAIN INITIATIVE MAKES PRESENTATION TO CITY COUNCIL - The Wyoming Department of Transportation will reconstruct North Main Street in 2010.  The North Main Revitalization Initiative was created by the City of Sheridan in May to find out what businesses and residents in the neighborhood would like to see in the project.   The Clark Group has helped to facilitate the project, and partner Brian Kuehl talks about some of the recommendations. The recommendations from the initiative steering committee include immediate concerns and those that can be solved in the future.  Increasing business and creating more recreational opportunities were also ideas for short term projects. City Councilor John Bigelow says this entire process is unique. Very little planning has been done by WYDOT, other than what is necessary to fulfill their responsibility on the project.  They have been very cooperative during discussions with the N-M-R-I facilitators. In fact, WYDOT has set aside nearly half a million dollars just for enhancements to the project. Plans for any additions to the streetscape must be delivered to WYDOT by early December.

CITY LANDFILL DUMP SITE ALMOST READY FOR RESIDENTS TO USE - The City Landfill has been busy building a site into which patrons of the landfill can dump their garbage without having to go through the whole facility.  That dump site is almost ready for residents to start using.  Solid Waste Superintendent Charles Martineau tells us what is left to do.   Martineau hopes to get the signs and fence up sometime this week, and the dump site will be opened for public use after that work is completed.

SHERIDAN STATE BANK OFFICIALLY BECAME WELLS FARGO YESTERDAY - Sheridan State Bank staff worked most of the weekend to prepare to open yesterday as the newest Wells Fargo Bank Branch.  President Anthony Spiegelberg unveiled the new signs Monday morning. The bank will continue all its local programs in addition to the new Wells Fargo services. In addition to showing off the new signs, Wells Fargo is making a sizable donation to Wyoming non-profit organizations. In Sheridan, over $20,000 will be distributed.  The Bank will announce on November 6th which organizations will receive donations and at what amounts.

WESTERN WYOMING FORUMS FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT ISSUES - Sheridan isn't the only city in Wyoming that has hosted forums for candidates to answer questions voters pose.  The Wyoming Conservation Voters Education Fund and the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored a forum in Pinedale yesterday.  Spokesman Matt David is with the CVEF, and says they wanted voters to realize how much local elected leaders impact the everyday quality of life in the Cowboy State. Also yesterday, over in Rawlins, Jacqueline Bowlus organized a forum co-sponsored with Carbon County Higher Education.  Bowlus said all topics were game for the county commissioner candidates who were willing to sit on the hot seat. Touting the message, “McCain and Obama:  it's not all about you in Wyoming”, the organizers said the presidential race has been stealing to much attention from voters in Wyoming and the issues directly affecting residents in the state.

NEW INCOME GUILDLINES FOR LIEAP GIVE MORE FAMILIES A CHANCE TO QUALIFY FOR HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE - The Economic Stimulus Act was recently passed in Congress, and some of the changes it's making will help out Wyoming residents.  One of those changes is that the income guildlines for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIEAP, have been widened.  Wyoming Department of Family Services Public Information Officer, Juliette Rule, tells us what the new income qualification for LIEAP is. In case you don't know if you would qualify for assistance, Rule gives us some examples. Anyone who has already submitted their application to LIEAP will receive a letter in the mail soon for how much assistance they now qualify.  Rule adds that if you're not sure if your income qualifies you for the program, you should still apply for the assistance.  Application information is at http://dfsweb.state.wy.us/lieap/lieap.html or call 1-800-246-4221

FRIENDS OF THE NRA HOLDING BANQUET THIS THURSDAY - The Friends of the NRA are holding their 3rd Annual Banquet this Thursday at the Holiday Inn at 6 pm for anyone in the community to attend.  In case you've never heard of Friends of the NRA, Wyoming State Representative Dave Manzer explains how they are associated with the National Rifle Association. 10-21-95 Tickets for the banquet will cost $45 each, $80 for couples, and $300 for a table.  Dinner will start at 7 pm, and there will be door prizes, games, and a live and silent auction throughout the night.  Local Representative Tim Green says the event is for all ages. There is also a pre-event raffle for a Bushmaster 223 varmint rifle.  Tickets for that and the banquet are available at Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, or by calling one of the ticket holders.  Green explains the money raised from the event goes to great places. If you would like to purchase a ticket for the raffle or the banquet,  call Bobby Beard: 672-5961 or Tim Green: 752-0912.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY HAVING THEIR MONTHLY DINNER PROGRAM THURSDAY - The Sheridan County Historical Society will be hosting their Monthly Dinner and Program this Thursday at the Holiday Inn starting at 6 pm.  This month's program features a return speaker, and Historical Society Secretary Mary Ellen McWilliams tells us about the program. Dinner costs $16, including tax and tip, and reservations for the dinner are due by noon today.  If you would only like to attend the free program, the program will start at 6:30 pm. The Sheridan County Museum is already thinking of what they're going to do for exhibits next year, and Curator Dana Prater says they will be revisiting some older exhibits with new additions. Prater says the Museum is also looking to order nine audio and video players for each of the exhibits, which will cost around $3,300.  To make reservations, call Linda or Karen at Prill Brothers: 674-4436.

Monday, October 20, 2008

CITY COUNCIL MEETS TONIGHT AND WILL DISCUSS NORTH MAIN PROJECT - The City of Sheridan has been working with the neighborhoods in the North Main Street area for months trying to listen to what they would like to see for the future of that part of town.  Tonight, the City Council will get a report on the fruits of all that labor.  Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey The Council will also consider several items, including the first reading on a new city ordinance that will allow the City to conduct health and safety inspections on behalf of the Wyoming D-E-Q.  If the State approves bringing those reviews in-house, it could save 60 days or more in the permitting process in the City.  Tonight's meeting starts at 7 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. You can also hear the meeting live on AM 1410, KWYO.

March Against Family Violence on Main Street Saturday.

MARCH AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE HAS LARGE TURNOUT - The Advocacy and Resource Center held a successful 2nd Annual “March Against Family Violence” on Saturday.  Sheridan Media's Crystal Martin was there and brings us the details. If you would like to volunteer at the Advocacy and Resource Center, call the Advocacy and Resource Center at 672-7471.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF WOLVES IN WYOMING - Earlier this year, a U.S. district judge in Montana ordered the federal government to resume management of wolves as an endangered species in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Environmental groups had objected to a Wyoming plan that would have allowed shooting of wolves on sight, in most of the state, if Wyoming had management control. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reversed their decision to de-list the wolves based on the court ruling, and a legislative committee met last week to discuss Wyoming's options.  State Senator Bruce Burns. Six years' worth of negotiations with the Federal Government were rendered moot by the court ruling. Concerns voiced at the meetings will affect us right here in Sheridan.  With Federal protections in place, there is nothing to stop the wolves from spreading to the nearby locations including the Big Horn mountains.  As food supply dwindles for the growing wolf population, we could see the effects here in the near future. The matter is further complicated by the coming change in Washington D.C. with next month's elections. It is unknown what stand either McCain's or Obama's administration will take on the wolf issue.  One course of action discussed at the meetings was to file a lawsuit on behalf of Wyoming and take the matter back to the courts.

Hundreds attended the WYO Theater Gala event Saturday night.

WYO THEATER HOLDS GALA EVENT - Over two hundred people attended the WYO Theater's annual gala celebration on Saturday.  Many were dressed in western duds or 1930's fashions to keep in the theme of the evening.  WYO Theater Director Nick Johnson The first performance of “Crazy for You” was the highlight of the evening.  Ticket sales generated nearly $20,000 for the theater.  Other fundraising efforts included a silent and live auction with dozens of items donated by area businesses and individuals. Sally Tibbs-Lapis  says it's great to see the support for the WYO Encore performances will continue this weekend.  Tickets are available at the WYO Theater box office or online at www.wyotheater.com.  Show times are 7 pm Thursday through Saturday and there is a Sunday afternoon matinée at 2.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE MASSAGE THERAPY STUDENTS GIVING MASSAGES ALL THIS WEEK - If you're looking for a good massage, the Sheridan College Massage Therapy students may be able to provide one for you.  They will be giving out massages for donations all this week as a fundraising effort.  Organizer Courtney Green says the donations go to help the Kelly Schreibeis Massage Therapy Scholarship: The students will be in a few different places around the Sheridan area this week, and Green tells us where and when: Green says any donation would be greatly appreciated.  The goal of the students is to raise $2,000, and the State of Wyoming will match all monies raised.

RAILROAD CROSSING TO BE CLOSED ALL DAY WEDNESDAY - Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad will rebuild the railroad crossing on both sets of tracks on 5th Street this Wednesday.  As a result, 5th Street will be closed from Broadway to Crook Streets from 9 in the morning until at least 6 in the evening. The City of Sheridan will use the time to help kill two birds with one stone.  Much of the material needed to create a train whistle “quiet zone” has already been delivered, and city crews will use the closure to erect the traffic controls at the crossing.  The lane dividers and markings come in kits call “quick curb,” and most of the work should be able to be completed on Wednesday.  The 1st Street crossing quiet zone will not be able to go into effect until a new warning system is installed.  B-N-S-F will install the system, which will be purchased with funds already appropriated by the Sheridan City Council.

WEEKLY POLL QUESTION ASKS ABOUT AMENDMENT “B”  - There are two State Constitutional amendments on the ballot for this year's General Election.  Amendment B would change the number of petition signatures needed for an initiative or referendum if it is passed.  It would change from at least 15% of qualified voters in at least 2/3 of the counties, to at least 15% of qualified voters in at least 2/3 of the Senate districts.  This week's Sheridan Media – Bank of Sheridan Weekly Poll Question is:  “Do you support this Ballot Amendment?”  Let us know what you think. Visit Sheridan Media dot com, click on the upper right hand box, answer the question, and feel free to leave your comments in the on-line forum. Then, listen for the final results on the Public Pulse “Jackson Electric Open Line” this Friday morning at 9:10 on News-Talk 930 KROE.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

WOMEN SHOULD REMEMBER MAMMOGRAMS - With October observed as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wyoming Department of Health representatives are reminding Wyoming women to make needed mammogram appointments. The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older receive an annual mammogram and clinical breast examination, as well as perform monthly breast self-examinations. It is also recommended that women age 20 to 39 receive a clinical breast examination every three years and perform monthly breast self-examinations. As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. Other risk factors include younger age at onset of menstrual periods, older age at onset of menopause, never having given birth,  family history of breast cancer, being overweight, genetic predisposition, and physical inactivity.   According to a recent survey in 2007, about 70 percent of Wyoming women age 40 and older reported having a mammogram within the past two years. Women who are less likely to have had a mammogram include those who have low incomes, are uninsured, and reside in small communities. To help these women, the Wyoming Department of Health offers a Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The program pays for mammograms, clinical breast exams, pap tests and pelvic exams for women who are 50 to 64 years of age, without health insurance and who have low incomes.  For information about the program, please call 1-800-264-1296.

MARCH AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE HAS LARGE TURNOUT - The Advocacy and Resource Center held their 2nd Annual “March Against Family Violence” yesterday, and many people showed up to show their support.  Last year's march had been a men's march, but the Center decided to open it up to everyone this year.  The attendees took to Main Street with their signs held high as they marched behind a police escort to the gathering point in Grinnell Plaza.  Assistant Director of the Center Bonnie Young explains why she organized this march: After the march, Young spoke to the crowd about family violence while they warmed up with some coffee and doughnuts.  Young was excited to see all of the different groups that showed up for the march: A raffle was also held, where they gave away goodie bags, a massage, and a tattoo.  For more information on the Advocacy and Resource Center, please call 672-7471 

FREE LANDFILL DAYS GOING THROUGH TODAY, NEXT WEEKEND - The Sheridan Landfill has been holding their seasonal “Free County Landfill Days” the past two weekends, and there was a good turnout yesterday.  Solid Waste Superintendent Charles Martineau gives us the numbers they have so far: The city and county does this every fall and spring so that county residents can clean out their house and garage for the upcoming months.  Martineau says the free dump is for city and county residents.  The landfill will be open today from 7:30 to 5:30, and the last weekend to take advantage of the free landfill days will be October 25th and 26th from 7:30 to 5:30.  

Veterans can drive up to get their flu shots.

VA DRIVE THRU FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE UNTIL TUESDAY - The Sheridan VA Clinic has been hosting a Drive Thru Flu Shot Clinic since Thursday, and many veterans have taken advantage of the opportunity.  Marty Keithman is an LPN at the VA, and she tells us why the VA is holding this clinic as a drive thru: There have been quite a few veterans coming through the lines, and Keithman gives us some numbers so far: The clinic will be held today from 8 am until noon, and on Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to 6:30 pm.  Veterans are asked to wear short sleeves.

WYOMING LAWMAKERS CONSIDER OPTIONS FOR WOLF MANAGEMENT, Riverton, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming lawmakers are trying to decide how to get state management authority over gray wolves.     A legislative committee working on that met in Riverton yesterday, and in Cody on Thursday. A U.S. district judge in Montana has ordered the federal government to resume management of wolves as an endangered species in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.  environmental groups had objected to a Wyoming plan that would have allowed shooting of wolves on sight, in most of the state, if Wyoming had management control. Wyoming's options include letting wolves remain classified as an endangered species, suing the federal government over management or rewriting the Wyoming management plan. The legislative committee took no final action.

NO RESULTS YET FOR AUTOPSIES ON CASPER RESIDENTS, Laramie, Wyo. (AP) - The Albany County coroner says there's still no word on the cause of death of two Casper residents who were found dead in a cabin east of Laramie on Wednesday. Officers identified them as Venetta Smith, 25, and Robert Reed Laybourn, 21. Albany County Coroner Thomas A. Furgeson says Saturday that autopsies on the two have been performed, but says the results won't be ready for perhaps two weeks.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

SHERIDAN COLLEGE STUDENTS DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE CAMPUS TO CATCH A GOOD FLICK - Having the opportunity to catch a good movie once in a while without having to leave campus is something that Sheridan College students will be able to enjoy throughout the school year. Student Activities Board Member John Rotellini Jr. explains that movie night at the College is usually mid part of the week : Rotellini describes some of the upcoming movies they have planned for the year: John said the reason for having the movie night in the middle part of the week is to provide a much needed break from tests that usually come either at the beginning or end of the school week.

GOVERNOR: STATE SHOULD SPEND CONSERVATIVELY, EMPHASIZE ONE-TIME EXPENDITURES - Despite a strong economy and revenues that exceed earlier projections, Govenor Dave Freudenthal cautioned that the State of Wyoming should be careful with its expenditures and should continue to save money.  Wyoming’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group released its updated forecast Friday for revenues for fiscal year 2009 through 2014.  The report indicates higher than expected revenues for the current biennium of nearly $910 million to the General Fund and Budget Reserve Account, and $616 million to the School Foundation Program. Of the $910 million, about $500 million is carry over from the last biennium.  Compared to other states that are facing budget deficits, the Governor said Wyoming continues to benefit from a strong energy economy, however: The Governor gave his thoughts on exactly what he thinks Wyoming should do to stay on the tracks we're on today: Freudenthal indicated that a portion of the additional $616 million in School Foundation Program revenue might be used to bolster the state retirement account.  The Governor said he expects the two of the largest continuing expenditure appropriation recommendations to include the external cost adjustment for education and the costs associated with increased staffing for the new prison in Torrington.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE SPEECH TEAM DOES WELL IN FIRST TWO TOURNAMENTS - The Sheridan College Speech Team returned from their second tournament earlier this week with a lot of accomplishments in their hands.  The team placed third overall in the Pioneer Trails Tournament held in Casper last weekend, and many team members walked out with individual awards.  Head Coach Lillian Sager says they go to this tournament every year: There are seven members on the team this year, which is small compared to other colleges.  Sager explains what kinds of events the team participates in: Their next tournament will be in Colorado Springs on October 24th through the 26th, which will be their biggest tournament this semester.  If you would like to see the results of this tournament, we will post them at sheridanmedia.com.
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David Demic: 1st in Informative, 2nd in Duo with Payton Jessup, 2nd in Poetry, 4th in Dramatic Interpretation, 5th in Extemporaneous Speaking, and 2nd Overall Speaker Award.

Katie Buffington: 1st in Program Oral Interpretation, 1st in Duo with Hope Dickey, 3rd in Poetry, and 3rd Overall Speaker Award,

Hope Dickey: 1st in Duo with Katie Buffington, 3rd in Dramatic Interpretation, 5th in Persuasive, and 8th Overall Speaker Award.

Payton Jessup: 2nd in Program Oral Interpretation, 2nd in Duo with David Demic, 3rd in Prose, 6th in Dramatic Interpretation, and 5th Overall Speaker Award.

Heather Gifford: 2nd in Dramatic Interpretation.

Taylor Norton: 3rd in Duo with Chris Snyder and 5th in Informative.

Chris Snyder: 3rd in Duo with Taylor Norton.

CONSULTANT SAYS WYO. SHOULDN'T MISS TRAIN, Cheyenne, Wyo. (AP) - A consultant for the state say Wyoming should not miss this train. Consultant David Simpson says if Colorado goes ahead with a proposed high-speed passenger rail system, Wyoming would be almost foolish not to link into the system. Colorado is considering investing more than $10 billion in commuter rail on the Front Range and into the mountains on the Interstate 70 corridor. Promoters of the project envision a high-speed rail system from Casper to south of Albuquerque. Simpson says building a high-speed commuter rail between Fort Collins and Cheyenne likely would cost more than $1 million per mile. He says high speed rail is capable of reaching speeds of 110 to 130 mph.

BUFFALO BILL RESERVOIR ENDS A GOOD WATER YEAR, Cody, Wyo. (AP) - The Buffalo Bill Reservoir is in excellent shape going into the winter thanks to more than a million acre feet of water flowing into it this year. At the end of September, Buffalo Bill was at 75 percent of its capacity, which is well above what it was at the same time last year and 11 percent more than the average since 1978. Shoshone Irrigation District Superintendent Bryant Startin says the total inflow into the lake during the 2008 water year was nearly 1.17 million acre feet. He says it's been about 10 years since the reservoir has received over a million acre feet. While Buffalo Bill reservoir will have a good base to start with next spring, Startin said the water situation always is uncertain during the winter.

BLM APPROVES PINE MOUNTAIN SURVEY, Green River, Wyo. (AP) - Devon Energy Co. has begun a small seismic survey project in southwest Wyoming. The Bureau of Land Management approved the project near Pine Mountain as part of the company's ongoing natural gas exploration work. The three-dimensional survey will be done within an approximately 25 square-mile area located about 45 miles south of Rock Springs. BLM officials said the agency's environmental analysis determined that no long-term, significant impacts would occur as a result of the seismic survey. Survey work will end on Nov. 15 to protect wintering big game.

Friday, October 17, 2008

SHERIDAN COUPLE SENTENCED FOR ROLE IN DRUG RING - A Sheridan couple was sentenced in District Court yesterday for their role in bringing more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine into the community.  52-year-old Brian Ouimette will serve 1½ to 2 years in the Wyoming State Penitentiary for his part in a drug ring that was bringing large quantities of methamphetamine to Sheridan.  His wife, 51-year-old Sharon Ouimette, also received the same sentence, but hers was suspended in favor of a 6-month split sentence and 4 years probation.  They were also ordered to pay over $2,000 in restitution.  The Ouimettes are over-the-road truck drivers, and when their warrants were issued, the couple was working in Missouri, where they were arrested.  The restitution will cover the cost of extradition back to Wyoming. Both Ouimettes have extensive criminal histories and at least one prior felony conviction among them. The maximum penalty for the conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance charge was 15 years in prison.  District Court Judge John Fenn said the fact that the Ouimettes cooperated fully with the authorities was considered when imposing the lighter sentences.

SHERIDAN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTED BURGLARY OF GROCERY STORE - In another case, 38-year-old Bret Whitetree pleaded guilty to one count of attempted burglary and one count of resisting arrest as part of a plea agreement with the County Attorney's office. If the court accepts the plea agreement at sentencing, Whitetree will have to serve 2 to 4 years in the State Penitentiary in Rawlins.  The charges are a result of an incident last month at Bino's Grocery in Sheridan.   Last month, several Sheriff's deputies found Whitetree after dark,  trying to gain entry to the store from the roof.  Whitetree's arrest also helped close an earlier burglary case involving the grocery store, when authorities matched blood left at the scene to Whitetree.  The second count of burglary was dismissed in exchange for the guilty plea to the other 2 counts.  A pre-sentence investigation will be conducted before Whitetree will start serving his time in Rawlins.  Bond has been revoked, and he will remain in the Sheridan County Detention Center until his sentencing hearing.

CANDIDATE FORUM BRINGS IN STATE LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES - Last night's candidate forum was the last of three forums held at Sheridan College this week, and it was well attended.  The first part of the forum was for the candidates for state legislature.  State Representative Mike Madden and State Senator John Schiffer were not in attendance, and are running unopposed in the election.  Also running unopposed are State Representatives Rosie Berger and Jack Landon, who were able to be at the forum.  Both candidates spoke about how well the State is doing with its budget and managing its energy.  Both said it's important to keep that going for Wyoming to keep the state running smoothly.  In House District 29, John Patton and Libertarian Elmer Kuball both showed up to the forum.  Patton spoke about how managing water was important for our public lands, and how we need to keep managing the wealth coming from oil and gas wells for future generations.  Kuball said we need to keep public lands open and well maintained, and we need to let teachers have more oversight of education, instead of questioning their judgment.  Patton says he was happy to come to the forum. If you missed any of the forums held this week, they will be broadcast several times on Bresnan Cable channel 14 prior to the November 4th General Election.

John Patton and Elmer Kuball are vying for the open seat in State House District 29.

CANDIDATE FORUM HOSTS US LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES - With the first part of last night's candidate forum directed at candidates for state legislature, the second part of the night was for candidates for the United States Congress.  The first candidate to speak was U.S. Senate hopeful Nick Carter.  Carter's opponent, incumbent John Barrasso, sent a letter apologizing for not being able to attend the forum and highlighting his track record since assuming the seat after Senator Craig Thomas' death in June of 2006.  Carter used his time to tell the audience about how Washington needs to free themselves from special interest groups and focus on what the people want instead.  Carter explained this was his fourth forum this week, and he was pleased to be in Sheridan. U.S. Senate candidate Chris Rothfuss was also in attendance, and incumbent Mike Enzi sent an apology/campaign letter in his place as well.  Rothfuss addressed stabilizing our future in energy, saying we need to map out our future and use all of our resources.  Rothfuss says he liked talking to the attendees throughout the event. U.S. House candidates Cynthia Lummis, Gary Trauner, and W. David Herbert were all in attendance, and talked about issues such as what Wyoming could bring to Congress, their thoughts on the economic bail-out, and how they could keep youth in Wyoming.  All the candidates said Wyoming could show Congress how to keep bills down to one subject; that the bail-out could have been written better; and that infrastructure is needed on all levels to keep youth and young adults in Wyoming.  All the candidate forums will be re-broadcast several times on Bresnan Cable channel 14 prior to the November 4th General Election.

WARD 3 CANDIDATES TALK ABOUT CITY ADMINISTRATOR, HOUSING - The two candidates for Sheridan City Council Ward 3 were on Public Pulse yesterday, and they discussed some issues concerning this year's election.  One of those was the failure of the City Administrator ordinance earlier this year.  Steven Brantz says the issue was rushed, but that the Council and city residents should revisit it.  Incumbent Mona Hansen agrees with Brantz, saying there is a need for an administrator.   On the issues of affordable housing, Brantz thinks we should step back on building more houses, and look at apartments too. Hansen thinks they should accept developer's proposals for apartments when they come, but the City shouldn't actively look at the rental market. Both candidates think the Main Street Revitalization is going well, and the City should help more with the costs of paving streets in Sheridan.  They disagree on what developers pay for planning fees for new buildings.  Brantz feels the current fees are too high, while Hansen thinks they are where they should be.

SHERIDAN COLLEGE LOOKS AT MISSION STATEMENT - Sheridan College has been busy lately looking at a couple different issues.  The latest news from the Wyoming Community College Commission, made up of all the presidents from the seven colleges in the state, is that they are looking to discard their old funding formula.  Sheridan College President Dr. Kevin Drumm e