KKTS News
Wyoming coal leaders are optimistic about Chris Wright, President-elect Trump’s Energy Secretary nominee, and his potential impact on the industry.
Wyoming Mining Association Director Travis Deti hopes Wright will reverse Biden-era policies, like the Powder River Basin coal leasing ban.
However, coal production remains uncertain, especially with shrinking domestic markets and blocked export plans.
Wright’s pro-fossil fuels stance and fracking expertise could influence federal support for coal and fossil fuel research. 112724
Wyoming Mining Association Director Travis Deti hopes Wright will reverse Biden-era policies, like the Powder River Basin coal leasing ban.
However, coal production remains uncertain, especially with shrinking domestic markets and blocked export plans.
Wright’s pro-fossil fuels stance and fracking expertise could influence federal support for coal and fossil fuel research. 112724
The perfect ratio between sauce, meat, beans, and other ingredients... and of course, it's got to hit the tongue just right.
Douglas's top chilis were chosen Saturday at the Fire On Main Street Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by The Enterprise, UniWyo Credit Union and Main Street Douglas.
3rd Place- Knight Kruisers 'Junkyard Chili'
2nd- Points West Bank 'Crazy Train Chili'
1st- College Inn Bar 'Best Damn Chili'
People's choice - CCSD#1Transportation Dept "Yellow Blazing Bus Chili '
Best decorated - Memorial Hospital of Converse County 'Mr. Grinchy'
Congratulations to our winners! 112724
Douglas's top chilis were chosen Saturday at the Fire On Main Street Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by The Enterprise, UniWyo Credit Union and Main Street Douglas.
3rd Place- Knight Kruisers 'Junkyard Chili'
2nd- Points West Bank 'Crazy Train Chili'
1st- College Inn Bar 'Best Damn Chili'
People's choice - CCSD#1Transportation Dept "Yellow Blazing Bus Chili '
Best decorated - Memorial Hospital of Converse County 'Mr. Grinchy'
Congratulations to our winners! 112724
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is talking mule deer next week.
Game & Fish is hosting a series of community conversations in the Casper Region, allowing landowners, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to share their insights and discuss the future of Wyoming’s mule deer management.
The meetings will not have formal presentations but will instead offer participants the opportunity to discuss and ask questions.
Lusk - Tue Dec 3, Niobrara County Fairgrounds
Douglas - Wed Dec 4, Converse Co. Library
Glenrock - Thu Dec 5, Glenrock Library Meeting Hall
Casper - Fri Dec 6, Casper WGFD office
All meetings are from 6 to 8pm. Members of the public are welcome to stop in at any time during those hours. 112724
Game & Fish is hosting a series of community conversations in the Casper Region, allowing landowners, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to share their insights and discuss the future of Wyoming’s mule deer management.
The meetings will not have formal presentations but will instead offer participants the opportunity to discuss and ask questions.
Lusk - Tue Dec 3, Niobrara County Fairgrounds
Douglas - Wed Dec 4, Converse Co. Library
Glenrock - Thu Dec 5, Glenrock Library Meeting Hall
Casper - Fri Dec 6, Casper WGFD office
All meetings are from 6 to 8pm. Members of the public are welcome to stop in at any time during those hours. 112724
A new healthcare scholarship honors Casper OB-GYN physician Dr. Samuel Vigneri, who passed away in September.
Established by his widow, the scholarship supports Wyoming students pursuing healthcare careers.
Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be enrolled in at least six credits, and be state residents.
Mrs. Vigneri noted her late husband’s gratitude for the education he received at Casper College, where he earned a biology degree.
Scholarships will be awarded each fall and spring semester. 111924
Established by his widow, the scholarship supports Wyoming students pursuing healthcare careers.
Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be enrolled in at least six credits, and be state residents.
Mrs. Vigneri noted her late husband’s gratitude for the education he received at Casper College, where he earned a biology degree.
Scholarships will be awarded each fall and spring semester. 111924
Wyoming lawmakers are addressing aging water infrastructure across the state following an emergency order to demolish the 115-year-old LaPrele Dam ten miles west of Douglas.
The Select Water Committee met last week in Casper to discuss funding for water projects, including $118 million for the dam’s replacement.
State officials have drained the reservoir to mitigate risk, but challenges remain for irrigators reliant on LaPrele Creek.
Proposed legislation aims to give irrigators more input on future emergency breach orders. The dam must be partially demolished by April. 111924
The Select Water Committee met last week in Casper to discuss funding for water projects, including $118 million for the dam’s replacement.
State officials have drained the reservoir to mitigate risk, but challenges remain for irrigators reliant on LaPrele Creek.
Proposed legislation aims to give irrigators more input on future emergency breach orders. The dam must be partially demolished by April. 111924
The Natrona County Planning Commission approved a proposed 2,010-acre solar farm northwest of Casper in a 3-1 vote on Tuesday.
EG Haystack Solar LLC plans to build a 199-megawatt solar facility and 100-megawatt battery storage on private land.
Supporters noted a $40 million net benefit to the county, while opponents cited concerns over wildlife, fire risks, and rural impact.
The project will move to the Natrona County Board of Commissioners for final approval on December 3. 111524
EG Haystack Solar LLC plans to build a 199-megawatt solar facility and 100-megawatt battery storage on private land.
Supporters noted a $40 million net benefit to the county, while opponents cited concerns over wildlife, fire risks, and rural impact.
The project will move to the Natrona County Board of Commissioners for final approval on December 3. 111524
An officer-involved shooting in Douglas last night.
Officers of the Douglas Police Department responded just before 10 PM to the 700 block of Hamilton Street for a reported domestic involving a firearm.
Accoriding to a press release from the DPD, the suspect displayed a handgun in which the officers perceived an immediate deadly threat, one officer discharged their firearm striking the suspect.
The officers performed lifesaving measures, and the suspect was transported to Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
All officers on-scene were unharmed.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation as is standard protocol and in accordance with department policy.
This incident is currently under investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. 100824
Officers of the Douglas Police Department responded just before 10 PM to the 700 block of Hamilton Street for a reported domestic involving a firearm.
Accoriding to a press release from the DPD, the suspect displayed a handgun in which the officers perceived an immediate deadly threat, one officer discharged their firearm striking the suspect.
The officers performed lifesaving measures, and the suspect was transported to Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
All officers on-scene were unharmed.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation as is standard protocol and in accordance with department policy.
This incident is currently under investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. 100824
The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to remove provisions allowing mining on Casper Mountain, effectively halting Prism Logistics’ plan to build a gravel pit in the Squaw Creek area on Casper's west side near the base of the mountain.
The decision followed strong public opposition to the gravel pit, with more than 40 residents voicing environmental concerns.
Only two attendees opposed the amendment, including Prism Logistics CEO Kyle True.
The Board’s vote was unanimous, stopping extractive industries, mining of any sort, in a Natrona County Mountain Residential-1 zoning district. 091924
The decision followed strong public opposition to the gravel pit, with more than 40 residents voicing environmental concerns.
Only two attendees opposed the amendment, including Prism Logistics CEO Kyle True.
The Board’s vote was unanimous, stopping extractive industries, mining of any sort, in a Natrona County Mountain Residential-1 zoning district. 091924
The City of Casper will spend a little over $40 thousand dollars to purchase a rare part for Hogadon Basin Ski Area’s Riblet chairlift.
The cone drive, made by Timken Manufacturing, is essential for the lift’s safe operation.
The chairlift failed in April, closing the ski basin early.
Repairs are expected to be completed before the 2024–25 ski season, with a 12-week delivery time for the part. 091924
The cone drive, made by Timken Manufacturing, is essential for the lift’s safe operation.
The chairlift failed in April, closing the ski basin early.
Repairs are expected to be completed before the 2024–25 ski season, with a 12-week delivery time for the part. 091924
Teachers or administration could be armed in the classroom.
The Converse County School District #1 school board is considering adopting a rule to allow approved staff members to carry a concealed firearm on district property.
Two years ago, the school district began a comprehensive review process to create a concealed carry policy that would allow approved employees to carry firearms on district property.
The board intends to vote on this rule at their regular board meeting on October 8, 2024.
Between now and then, the board wants to consider input from interested stakeholders.
CCSD1 is inviting the public to come to a public comments meeting this Wednesday, August 28th at 7pm at the DHS auditorium.
Another special meeting will be held on September 25th. You can also provide a written comment by email.
The proposed concealed-carry policy and more information are posted on the school district website, ccsd1.org. 082824
The Converse County School District #1 school board is considering adopting a rule to allow approved staff members to carry a concealed firearm on district property.
Two years ago, the school district began a comprehensive review process to create a concealed carry policy that would allow approved employees to carry firearms on district property.
The board intends to vote on this rule at their regular board meeting on October 8, 2024.
Between now and then, the board wants to consider input from interested stakeholders.
CCSD1 is inviting the public to come to a public comments meeting this Wednesday, August 28th at 7pm at the DHS auditorium.
Another special meeting will be held on September 25th. You can also provide a written comment by email.
The proposed concealed-carry policy and more information are posted on the school district website, ccsd1.org. 082824
What will hunters find when they take to the field this fall?
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its hunting forecast for eight regions around the state.
In the Casper region, Game & Fish says pronghorn populations have fluctuated in recent years. Some herds around Casper have remained at or near population objectives, while herds to the northeast from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance are still far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, and all of the region’s populations remain well below management goals. This is due to poor survival of mule deer caused by droughts, changes in habitat conditions, disease in some herds and predation.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021, and in some areas to a lesser extent in 2022 due to outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease. 2023 saw very low numbers of white-tails in most of the region, especially in the Black Hills. Numbers have begun to rebound in the Casper and Douglas areas.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all Casper Region herds, and hunting seasons continue to be liberalized in most areas. The region continues to provide excellent bull-hunting opportunities, with many limited quota areas boasting high harvest success and good antler quality. 082824
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its hunting forecast for eight regions around the state.
In the Casper region, Game & Fish says pronghorn populations have fluctuated in recent years. Some herds around Casper have remained at or near population objectives, while herds to the northeast from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance are still far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, and all of the region’s populations remain well below management goals. This is due to poor survival of mule deer caused by droughts, changes in habitat conditions, disease in some herds and predation.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021, and in some areas to a lesser extent in 2022 due to outbreaks of epizootic hemorrhagic disease. 2023 saw very low numbers of white-tails in most of the region, especially in the Black Hills. Numbers have begun to rebound in the Casper and Douglas areas.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all Casper Region herds, and hunting seasons continue to be liberalized in most areas. The region continues to provide excellent bull-hunting opportunities, with many limited quota areas boasting high harvest success and good antler quality. 082824
An off-duty Casper Police officer was arrested last week following a standoff at Quail Run apartments in east Casper.
The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 30-year old Michael Hughes was arrested on charges including aggravated assault and property destruction.
The incident began Thursday night and ended peacefully Friday afternoon.
No injuries were reported.
Hughes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 082824
The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 30-year old Michael Hughes was arrested on charges including aggravated assault and property destruction.
The incident began Thursday night and ended peacefully Friday afternoon.
No injuries were reported.
Hughes is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 082824
A grass fire on the Barber Ranch west of Douglas forced the closure of I-25 between Douglas and Casper Wednesday afternoon.
Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn said the fire was showing 40-foot flames at one point...
Converse County Emergency Manager Russ Dalgarn said the fire was showing 40-foot flames at one point...
The fire was making a run towards the two natural gas plants on Natural Bridge Road, so the county made the decision to evacuate Natural Bridge Road and Barber Road, but shortly after the notice, rain showers came through and laid the fire down.
I-25 was closed both directions between Douglas and Casper from about 5pm til 6:15pm.
The evacuation order on Natural Bridge Road and Barber Road was lifted at 6:20pm. 082124
I-25 was closed both directions between Douglas and Casper from about 5pm til 6:15pm.
The evacuation order on Natural Bridge Road and Barber Road was lifted at 6:20pm. 082124
The circus is coming to town.
Main Street Douglas is bringing the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to Douglas on Friday, July 12th.
This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus featurs Big Cats presented by Trey Key, our Aerialist Extraordinaire Simone on the trapeze, 10th generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders, the Perez Daredevil Duo on the Tight Rope and Wheel of Destiny, Elizabeth Ayala's incredible foot juggling and hair hang and everyone's favorite Circus Clown Leo Acton.
Tent raising & Big Top tours start Friday morning at 9:30 AM, the Midway opens at 4, and the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will offer two shows, Friday at 5:00 & 7:30 pm at Bartling Park in Douglas.
Advance discount tickets are available at the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center, and at the College Inn Bar.
Tickets at the gate are $16 for adults, $9 dollars for children age 2 to 12 and seniors 65 and older. 071124
Main Street Douglas is bringing the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to Douglas on Friday, July 12th.
This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus featurs Big Cats presented by Trey Key, our Aerialist Extraordinaire Simone on the trapeze, 10th generation Loyal Bareback Horse Riders, the Perez Daredevil Duo on the Tight Rope and Wheel of Destiny, Elizabeth Ayala's incredible foot juggling and hair hang and everyone's favorite Circus Clown Leo Acton.
Tent raising & Big Top tours start Friday morning at 9:30 AM, the Midway opens at 4, and the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will offer two shows, Friday at 5:00 & 7:30 pm at Bartling Park in Douglas.
Advance discount tickets are available at the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center, and at the College Inn Bar.
Tickets at the gate are $16 for adults, $9 dollars for children age 2 to 12 and seniors 65 and older. 071124
A heads-up to drivers through Casper.
WYDOT has begun process of switching interstate traffic from southbound lanes to northbound lanes as work continues to replace I-25 bridges.
Nightly closures will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with detours in place and posted, using Bryan Stock Trail and Amoco Road.
Overnight closures: Wednesday, July 10 – Sunday, July 14.
Traffic should be switched to northbound lanes by the morning of Monday, July 15. 071124
WYDOT has begun process of switching interstate traffic from southbound lanes to northbound lanes as work continues to replace I-25 bridges.
Nightly closures will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., with detours in place and posted, using Bryan Stock Trail and Amoco Road.
Overnight closures: Wednesday, July 10 – Sunday, July 14.
Traffic should be switched to northbound lanes by the morning of Monday, July 15. 071124
Natrona County has become one of the latest to place Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place.
Increasingly high temperatures, dry fuels and Wyoming’s famous wind prompted Natrona County Commissioners to put the restrictions in place this week.
Converse County's commissioners put similar restrictions in place on Monday. 070524
Increasingly high temperatures, dry fuels and Wyoming’s famous wind prompted Natrona County Commissioners to put the restrictions in place this week.
Converse County's commissioners put similar restrictions in place on Monday. 070524
As highway construction and bridge replacement continues at Casper, Center Street under the I-25 bridge will be closed July 15–19, with a traffic switch beginning this Wednesday, July 10th.
The area will also experience nightly closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day.
According to a release from the city of Casper, the closure will officially begin on Monday, July 15 just after morning rush hour.
The bridge demolition should take 4 days, and detours will be in place. 070524
The area will also experience nightly closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day.
According to a release from the city of Casper, the closure will officially begin on Monday, July 15 just after morning rush hour.
The bridge demolition should take 4 days, and detours will be in place. 070524
The North Platte River restoration project took a significant step forward on Tuesday.
The Casper City Council accepted a $567 thousand dollar Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grant for the North Casper and Knife River reaches of the river.
This funding will support planning and design costs of more than $872 thousand dollars.
The project aims to improve aquatic and riparian habitats, continuing efforts initiated eleven years ago under the Platte River Environmental Restoration Master Plan. 070524
The Casper City Council accepted a $567 thousand dollar Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART grant for the North Casper and Knife River reaches of the river.
This funding will support planning and design costs of more than $872 thousand dollars.
The project aims to improve aquatic and riparian habitats, continuing efforts initiated eleven years ago under the Platte River Environmental Restoration Master Plan. 070524
Federal and state agencies unveiled a new $6.2 million aerial firefighting base in Casper on Friday.
Located at Casper-Natrona County International Airport, the base enhances Wyoming’s firefighting capabilities.
Supported by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, it features single engine airtankers and large air tankers.
Officials say the new base's central location is crucial for quick responses to fires statewide. 062324
Located at Casper-Natrona County International Airport, the base enhances Wyoming’s firefighting capabilities.
Supported by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, it features single engine airtankers and large air tankers.
Officials say the new base's central location is crucial for quick responses to fires statewide. 062324
A $250,000 charitable gift from Tallgrass will be doubled by state of Wyoming matching funds and used to create a CO2 Storage Excellence Fund at the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources.
The fund will provide essential support to advance existing efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage from research and demonstration to commercialization.
Tallgrass has significant natural gas and crude oil operations in Wyoming, including gas and oil pipelines and natural gas processing plants at Douglas and Casper. 060724
The fund will provide essential support to advance existing efforts in carbon capture, utilization and storage from research and demonstration to commercialization.
Tallgrass has significant natural gas and crude oil operations in Wyoming, including gas and oil pipelines and natural gas processing plants at Douglas and Casper. 060724
For the 25th time, the College National Finals Rodeo opens Sunday in Casper, with a wekk's worth of rodeo excitement.
The event features nightly rodeo performances starting Sunday, June 9 and running through Saturday, June 15.
Fans can cheer on rodeo athletes and participate in theme night events throughout the week.
All participants will have three opportunities to score points at the CNFR. The top 12 qualified contestants in each event and the top 12 teams in the team roping event will compete in the CNFR finals on Saturday, June 15. 060724
The event features nightly rodeo performances starting Sunday, June 9 and running through Saturday, June 15.
Fans can cheer on rodeo athletes and participate in theme night events throughout the week.
All participants will have three opportunities to score points at the CNFR. The top 12 qualified contestants in each event and the top 12 teams in the team roping event will compete in the CNFR finals on Saturday, June 15. 060724
A juvenile died on Sunday following a fight that involved several people at Eastridge Mall in Casper.
Casper Police say the juvenile was stabbed and was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where they died from their injuries.
Two juvenile males are in custody, and police say other individuals who may be involved in the case have been identified and questioned by law enforcement, and more action may be forthcoming.
While there is no known threat at this time to any school students, faculty or staff, the Casper Police Department says they'll have an increased presence at Casper-area schools out of an abundance of caution. 040924
Casper Police say the juvenile was stabbed and was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where they died from their injuries.
Two juvenile males are in custody, and police say other individuals who may be involved in the case have been identified and questioned by law enforcement, and more action may be forthcoming.
While there is no known threat at this time to any school students, faculty or staff, the Casper Police Department says they'll have an increased presence at Casper-area schools out of an abundance of caution. 040924
Bureaucratic momentum prevailed last week as the State Land and Investment Board discussed a contentious gravel pit proposal on state-owned land north of Casper Mountain.
Despite public opposition, including a petition with 5,000 signatures, the board unanimously granted Prism Logistics a lease for 3,200 acres at $1 per acre.
Residents packed the hearing room and overflowed into simulcast rooms and hallways.
The lease, which was initially placed on a consent agenda without objection, raises concerns over potential environmental impacts and bypassing standard mining regulations.
Governor Mark Gordon acknowledged public concerns but emphasized the need to follow established processes.
Attempts by Secretary of State Chuck Gray to modify or terminate the lease failed to gain support, although the board agreed to explore options for canceling leases in the future.
The outcome of last week's meeting in Casper leaves the fate of the proposed gravel pit uncertain, with further steps and discussions expected in the coming months. 040924
Despite public opposition, including a petition with 5,000 signatures, the board unanimously granted Prism Logistics a lease for 3,200 acres at $1 per acre.
Residents packed the hearing room and overflowed into simulcast rooms and hallways.
The lease, which was initially placed on a consent agenda without objection, raises concerns over potential environmental impacts and bypassing standard mining regulations.
Governor Mark Gordon acknowledged public concerns but emphasized the need to follow established processes.
Attempts by Secretary of State Chuck Gray to modify or terminate the lease failed to gain support, although the board agreed to explore options for canceling leases in the future.
The outcome of last week's meeting in Casper leaves the fate of the proposed gravel pit uncertain, with further steps and discussions expected in the coming months. 040924
Repairs and renovations to the pool and waterslides at Washington Park were a topic of conversation at Monday night's Douglas City Council Meeting.
Parks & Rec Supervisor Brandon Frye gave the council an update on where they're at on the project...
Parks & Rec Supervisor Brandon Frye gave the council an update on where they're at on the project...
Some of the issues involve aging infrastructure, while some would provide for a better user experience at the pool.
Frye said that there's no plans to involve locker room or building renovations as a part of this phase of work.
The projected cost of this phase of renovation is $3.7 million dollars.
Frye said they hope to begin construction after this summer's pool season. 040924
Frye said that there's no plans to involve locker room or building renovations as a part of this phase of work.
The projected cost of this phase of renovation is $3.7 million dollars.
Frye said they hope to begin construction after this summer's pool season. 040924
Casper police officer Officer Michael Chand has returned to active duty.
Chand was placed on administrative leave after the Feb. 14 shooting of a man suspected of shooting and killing Sgt. Nevada Krinkee in Sheridan.
The Casper Police Department said Officer Chand was one of 23 Casper officers who were assisting police in Sheridan.
A press release on Tuesday said that after more than 24 hours of unsuccessful negotiations and tactical attempts to bring a peaceful resolution to the incident, the suspect was fatally shot in the evening hours of Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
Officer Michael Chand, a four-year veteran of the Casper Police Department, was the officer who, in the performance of his duties, resolved the ongoing dangerous situation in Sheridan.
Chand has returned to active duty with the CPD in a modified assignment. 040524
Chand was placed on administrative leave after the Feb. 14 shooting of a man suspected of shooting and killing Sgt. Nevada Krinkee in Sheridan.
The Casper Police Department said Officer Chand was one of 23 Casper officers who were assisting police in Sheridan.
A press release on Tuesday said that after more than 24 hours of unsuccessful negotiations and tactical attempts to bring a peaceful resolution to the incident, the suspect was fatally shot in the evening hours of Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
Officer Michael Chand, a four-year veteran of the Casper Police Department, was the officer who, in the performance of his duties, resolved the ongoing dangerous situation in Sheridan.
Chand has returned to active duty with the CPD in a modified assignment. 040524
Maverik wants to build a new fueling station and convenience store in Douglas.
The Utah-based company will submit a development report for approval to the Douglas Planning and Zoning Department this Monday night.
The proposal is to build the new facility on the old drive-in property on the south side Highway 93 at the intersection of Highway 59 and the on-ramp to Interstate 25.
Maverik would build an approximately 6 thousand square foot convenience store building, more than twice the size of their current store just up the street on West Yellowstone.
The four acre lot would be big enough for easy access for semis, rv's, and pickups with trailers.
Fuel pumps would be located on both the east and west sides of the building. 011224
The Utah-based company will submit a development report for approval to the Douglas Planning and Zoning Department this Monday night.
The proposal is to build the new facility on the old drive-in property on the south side Highway 93 at the intersection of Highway 59 and the on-ramp to Interstate 25.
Maverik would build an approximately 6 thousand square foot convenience store building, more than twice the size of their current store just up the street on West Yellowstone.
The four acre lot would be big enough for easy access for semis, rv's, and pickups with trailers.
Fuel pumps would be located on both the east and west sides of the building. 011224
Hundreds of Wyoming’s top music students will meet in Casper next week for the 2024 All-State Music Conference.
More than 375 band, orchestra and choir student musicians from across the state will participate in the event.
Student musicians will be led by guest conductors for two days in collaborations and music creation through rehearsal and performance.
The closing concert will showcase skills learned during the program and feature student musicians. The performance is on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., and will also be at Highland Park Community Church.
Tickets are $6. 011224
More than 375 band, orchestra and choir student musicians from across the state will participate in the event.
Student musicians will be led by guest conductors for two days in collaborations and music creation through rehearsal and performance.
The closing concert will showcase skills learned during the program and feature student musicians. The performance is on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m., and will also be at Highland Park Community Church.
Tickets are $6. 011224
More wind turbines will be built in Converse County.
AES has announced the 150 megawatt Settler Wind Farm Project for 13 miles south of Glenrock between Mormon Canyon and Deer Creek roads.
The project will generate enough renerable energy to power the equivilant of 44 thousand homes.
Subject to FAA approval, the new wind farm will use a radar-activated system that will only turn on the flashing red tower lights when low-flying aircraft are in the area.
AES says construction on the Settler wind farm will create about 200 construction jobs in Converse County, with commercial operations slated to begin in the 4th quarter of 2026. 011024
AES has announced the 150 megawatt Settler Wind Farm Project for 13 miles south of Glenrock between Mormon Canyon and Deer Creek roads.
The project will generate enough renerable energy to power the equivilant of 44 thousand homes.
Subject to FAA approval, the new wind farm will use a radar-activated system that will only turn on the flashing red tower lights when low-flying aircraft are in the area.
AES says construction on the Settler wind farm will create about 200 construction jobs in Converse County, with commercial operations slated to begin in the 4th quarter of 2026. 011024
Picnickers at Washington Park will enjoy a new shelter by the end of the summer.
At Monday night's Council meeting, the Douglas City Council awarded a contract to replace the Belmont Stakes shelter in Washington Park.
The old shelter is estimated to be 50 to 60 years old, and is showing signs of wear from heavy snow loads and decay. The concrete holds pools of water and the retaining wall has cracked and shifted in a few places.
Council accepted a bid for $119 thousand dollars from K&R Construction to demolish the old shelter and build a new 20' x 36' foot shelter on the same site.
The Douglas City Council approved the motion to award the bid on a 3-1 vote, with councilman Ron McNare abstaining. 011024
At Monday night's Council meeting, the Douglas City Council awarded a contract to replace the Belmont Stakes shelter in Washington Park.
The old shelter is estimated to be 50 to 60 years old, and is showing signs of wear from heavy snow loads and decay. The concrete holds pools of water and the retaining wall has cracked and shifted in a few places.
Council accepted a bid for $119 thousand dollars from K&R Construction to demolish the old shelter and build a new 20' x 36' foot shelter on the same site.
The Douglas City Council approved the motion to award the bid on a 3-1 vote, with councilman Ron McNare abstaining. 011024
Casper landlords may soon bear the burden of tenants' unpaid utility bills within city limits.
The Casper City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending utility billing, shifting responsibility to landlords if the city can't collect from tenants.
The city is aiming to reduce the burden of unpaid charges on ratepayers.
In fiscal year 2023, the city collected almost $800,000 in unpaid charges, prompting the proposed change. 011024
The Casper City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending utility billing, shifting responsibility to landlords if the city can't collect from tenants.
The city is aiming to reduce the burden of unpaid charges on ratepayers.
In fiscal year 2023, the city collected almost $800,000 in unpaid charges, prompting the proposed change. 011024
The Natrona County School District may get rid of a couple of school buildings..
The district announced last month that they would consider disposing of Mountain View Elementary in Mills, as well as Powder River School 40 miles west of Casper.
"Dispose" in this context means to sell or demolish.
The schools have been closed for years, and the district has no expectation of reopening either of them.
They've been mothballed, and even empty and unused, they cost the district to maintain.
There will be a public hearing on the matter coming Monday, January 8th at the regular NCSD Board Meeting from 7 to 9 PM. 1/8/24
The district announced last month that they would consider disposing of Mountain View Elementary in Mills, as well as Powder River School 40 miles west of Casper.
"Dispose" in this context means to sell or demolish.
The schools have been closed for years, and the district has no expectation of reopening either of them.
They've been mothballed, and even empty and unused, they cost the district to maintain.
There will be a public hearing on the matter coming Monday, January 8th at the regular NCSD Board Meeting from 7 to 9 PM. 1/8/24
PacifiCorp and its research partners are moving forward with a study to evaluate the effects of painting a single wind turbine blade in black on 36 different turbines to reduce collision risks to birds flying near the Glenrock and Rolling Hills wind projects in Converse County.
The proposed study, with FAA approval secured, builds on promising prior research and addresses key scientific gaps.
The power company says the Glenrock and Rolling Hills sites, which include 158 General Electric turbines each more than 250 feet high, is ideal for the study as they already have several years of data charting bird interactions with turbines.
Collaborators hope to set new standards for wildlife protection in advancing renewable energy projects. 122923
The proposed study, with FAA approval secured, builds on promising prior research and addresses key scientific gaps.
The power company says the Glenrock and Rolling Hills sites, which include 158 General Electric turbines each more than 250 feet high, is ideal for the study as they already have several years of data charting bird interactions with turbines.
Collaborators hope to set new standards for wildlife protection in advancing renewable energy projects. 122923
A judge has ordered a woman who set fire to Wyoming’s only full-service abortion clinic to pay $298,000 in restitution.
That was the amount sought by prosecutors in the case.
U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson sentenced 22-year-old Lorna Green in September to five years in prison for burning the Wellspring Health Access clinic in Casper in 2022.
The fire delayed the clinic's opening by nearly a year.
The restitution amount was unopposed by Green's attorney, Ryan Semerad, who says Green looks forward to a “productive and peaceful life” after prison.
Wellspring President Julie Burkhart says she is satisfied with the restitution. 122923
That was the amount sought by prosecutors in the case.
U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson sentenced 22-year-old Lorna Green in September to five years in prison for burning the Wellspring Health Access clinic in Casper in 2022.
The fire delayed the clinic's opening by nearly a year.
The restitution amount was unopposed by Green's attorney, Ryan Semerad, who says Green looks forward to a “productive and peaceful life” after prison.
Wellspring President Julie Burkhart says she is satisfied with the restitution. 122923
A collision on icy roads north of Douglas claimed the life of a Douglas man.
60 year old Steven Amble was killed the five-vehicle crash at about 7:30pm on Saturday evening Dec. 23rd.
A Dodge Ram 1500, headed north near milepost 27, collided head-on with a southbound GMC Sierra on an icy bridge with limited visibility.
A southbound Cadillac DTS then hit the Dodge Ram’s passenger side. The Dodge then struck the bridge rail.
A southbound Honda Civic managed to pull over before a Dodge Ram 2500 clipped it, disabling the Civic on the shoulder. The Dodge Ram 2500 then rear-ended the Cadillac, causing it to side-swipe the first Dodge Ram. The vehicles came to rest scattered across the road.
Amble was the sole fatality. He was using a seatbelt. Five others involved in the crash were not injured.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, citing speed and driver fatigue as possible contributing factors. Road conditions, including ice and snow, also played a role in this event.
Highway 59 north of Douglas was closed Saturday night and part of Sunday morning for investigation and cleanup. 122823
60 year old Steven Amble was killed the five-vehicle crash at about 7:30pm on Saturday evening Dec. 23rd.
A Dodge Ram 1500, headed north near milepost 27, collided head-on with a southbound GMC Sierra on an icy bridge with limited visibility.
A southbound Cadillac DTS then hit the Dodge Ram’s passenger side. The Dodge then struck the bridge rail.
A southbound Honda Civic managed to pull over before a Dodge Ram 2500 clipped it, disabling the Civic on the shoulder. The Dodge Ram 2500 then rear-ended the Cadillac, causing it to side-swipe the first Dodge Ram. The vehicles came to rest scattered across the road.
Amble was the sole fatality. He was using a seatbelt. Five others involved in the crash were not injured.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, citing speed and driver fatigue as possible contributing factors. Road conditions, including ice and snow, also played a role in this event.
Highway 59 north of Douglas was closed Saturday night and part of Sunday morning for investigation and cleanup. 122823
Wyoming residents are rallying against the U.S. Postal Service's plan to downgrade mail processing in the state.
The proposal involves shifting Cheyenne's processing to Denver, and eventually moving Casper operations to Billings, Montana, leaving Wyoming without a distribution center.
Governor Mark Gordon and Senator Cynthia Lummis have both expressed concerns over delays and lack of transparency, urging Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider the plan.
The public outcry, led by Cheyenne mail handling unit president, Ricci Roberts, has gained traction as Wyoming fights for reliable mail service amid business and population growth. 122823
The proposal involves shifting Cheyenne's processing to Denver, and eventually moving Casper operations to Billings, Montana, leaving Wyoming without a distribution center.
Governor Mark Gordon and Senator Cynthia Lummis have both expressed concerns over delays and lack of transparency, urging Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to reconsider the plan.
The public outcry, led by Cheyenne mail handling unit president, Ricci Roberts, has gained traction as Wyoming fights for reliable mail service amid business and population growth. 122823
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers have announced organizational changes at both Centers.
In a press release Wednesday morning, the Centers said that they'll continue to operate under one umbrella and collaborate when possible.
But each Center will now have their own Site Manager to oversee staff, events, meals, and to continue to build relationships and provide care for our Seniors.
The Senior center board says they are currently recruiting for four positions: Douglas and Glenrock Site Managers, a Bookkeeper, and a Grant Writer/Manager.
The Board of Directors recently added two new board members. The full Board now includes Chairman Casper Smith; vice-chair Ann Rex; treasurer Cheryl Schwartzkopf; secretary Cindy Porter; Michelle Huntington; Deb Shuler; and George Smith. 122223
In a press release Wednesday morning, the Centers said that they'll continue to operate under one umbrella and collaborate when possible.
But each Center will now have their own Site Manager to oversee staff, events, meals, and to continue to build relationships and provide care for our Seniors.
The Senior center board says they are currently recruiting for four positions: Douglas and Glenrock Site Managers, a Bookkeeper, and a Grant Writer/Manager.
The Board of Directors recently added two new board members. The full Board now includes Chairman Casper Smith; vice-chair Ann Rex; treasurer Cheryl Schwartzkopf; secretary Cindy Porter; Michelle Huntington; Deb Shuler; and George Smith. 122223
New owners for a Powder River Basin natural gas pipeline system.
Western Midstream Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million dollar, all-cash transaction.
Meritage owns and operates a large-scale natural gas gathering and processing business in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
Meritage’s assets, located in Converse, Campbell, and Johnson counties, include 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, approximately 380 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity, and the Thunder Creek NGL pipeline, which is a 120-mile, 38,000 barrel-per-day natural gas liquids pipeline that connects to Meritage’s processing facilities.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. 091123
Western Midstream Partners has signed an agreement to acquire Meritage Midstream Services II LLC in an $885 million dollar, all-cash transaction.
Meritage owns and operates a large-scale natural gas gathering and processing business in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming.
Meritage’s assets, located in Converse, Campbell, and Johnson counties, include 1,500 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, approximately 380 million cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity, and the Thunder Creek NGL pipeline, which is a 120-mile, 38,000 barrel-per-day natural gas liquids pipeline that connects to Meritage’s processing facilities.
Completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter of 2023. 091123
Casper residents now have a new, convenient way to interact with law enforcement.
The Casper Police Department has introduced a new online reporting portal, where residents can easily file non-emergency police reports 24/7.
The website, www.casperpolice.org, eliminates the need for in-person interactions.
The system offers various reporting categories and assures professional oversight for swift issue resolution.
The website is strictly for non-emergency incidents within Casper city limits, including Bar Nunn and unincorporated Natrona County for animal-related issues. 091123
The Casper Police Department has introduced a new online reporting portal, where residents can easily file non-emergency police reports 24/7.
The website, www.casperpolice.org, eliminates the need for in-person interactions.
The system offers various reporting categories and assures professional oversight for swift issue resolution.
The website is strictly for non-emergency incidents within Casper city limits, including Bar Nunn and unincorporated Natrona County for animal-related issues. 091123
When the leaves in the high country start to turn, it's hunting season in Wyoming.
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from its eight regions around the state.
Pronghorn population has been variable in the Casper Region in recent years, with herds around Casper remaining at or near population management objectives. Herds in northeast Wyoming (from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance) remain far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, with all populations being well below established objectives.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021 in much of the Casper Region due to a severe disease outbreak.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all herds in the Casper region.
Click here to check the forecast for each region in the state. 083123
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has released its 2023 hunting forecast from its eight regions around the state.
Pronghorn population has been variable in the Casper Region in recent years, with herds around Casper remaining at or near population management objectives. Herds in northeast Wyoming (from Douglas to Lusk to Sundance) remain far below objective.
Mule deer populations have decreased or remained stable throughout the region over the past several years, with all populations being well below established objectives.
White-tailed deer populations experienced substantial die-offs in 2021 in much of the Casper Region due to a severe disease outbreak.
Elk numbers remain at or above objective in all herds in the Casper region.
Click here to check the forecast for each region in the state. 083123
Evening activities have been announced for this summer's Wyoming State Fair.
Fair manager Courtny Conkle says there's lots of rodeo activities to start the week...
Fair manager Courtny Conkle says there's lots of rodeo activities to start the week...
Something new in the arena on Friday night...
More information is available on the website wystatefair.com and on the fair's social media sites. 071223
More than 600 kids and their parents and brothers and sisters and their 4H leaders are in Douglas this weekend at the Wyoming State Fairgrounds for the 4H State Shooting Sports competition.
Johnathan Despain is State 4-H Program Coordinator. He says 4H Shooting Sports is a first access to firearms...
Johnathan Despain is State 4-H Program Coordinator. He says 4H Shooting Sports is a first access to firearms...
Competition includes shooting at 3D targets...
Kids aged 8 to 18 compete in archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, air rifle, air pistol,.22 rifle and .22 pistol.
Early competition began Thursday evening, with a full day of competition on Friday and Saturday. The awards program is at the McKibben Cafeteria on Sunday morning.
All events are open to the public. 070723
Early competition began Thursday evening, with a full day of competition on Friday and Saturday. The awards program is at the McKibben Cafeteria on Sunday morning.
All events are open to the public. 070723
The future of a rural school in Converse County hangs in the balance.
At their board meeting Tuesday night, the Converse County School District #1 board discussed the future of Walker Creek School, which is about 20 miles northeast of Douglas.
The school will have no students next year.
The board is discussing whether or not to "mothball" the school or permanently close it.
A decision will be made next month. The CCSD1 board urged patrons to weigh in before then if they have strong feelings. 051123
At their board meeting Tuesday night, the Converse County School District #1 board discussed the future of Walker Creek School, which is about 20 miles northeast of Douglas.
The school will have no students next year.
The board is discussing whether or not to "mothball" the school or permanently close it.
A decision will be made next month. The CCSD1 board urged patrons to weigh in before then if they have strong feelings. 051123
Frank Eathorne will serve a third term as Chairman of the Wyoming Republican Party.
Eathorne was reelected Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party’s quarterly Central Committee meeting in Jackson.
Committee members chose Eathorne 49-25 over former state lawmaker and Converse County rancher Frank Moore of Douglas.
One of the primary issues in the party leadership election was differing perspectives on how division within the party should be addressed moving forward.
Eathorne lost his first run at state GOP chair in 2015 by three votes. He was elected vice-chairman in 2017, and stepped up to the chair four months later when then-chairman Ryan Mulholland took a job and left Wyoming. Eathorne was reelected in 2019 and 2021. 050823
Eathorne was reelected Saturday at the Wyoming Republican Party’s quarterly Central Committee meeting in Jackson.
Committee members chose Eathorne 49-25 over former state lawmaker and Converse County rancher Frank Moore of Douglas.
One of the primary issues in the party leadership election was differing perspectives on how division within the party should be addressed moving forward.
Eathorne lost his first run at state GOP chair in 2015 by three votes. He was elected vice-chairman in 2017, and stepped up to the chair four months later when then-chairman Ryan Mulholland took a job and left Wyoming. Eathorne was reelected in 2019 and 2021. 050823
A possible crime wave has local law enforcement officers urging residents to take precautions.
On Monday, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Converse County Sheriff's Office determined that a ring of methamphetamine addicts, who had stolen vehicles in the past, were planning to steal a specific camper trailer in Douglas.
The owner of this camper was notified and the theft was averted.
The CCSO and the Wyoming DCI have information that there may still be ongoing plans to steal campers within Douglas and Converse County.
They're requesting all owners please take extra steps to secure campers such as, purchasing ball locks or placing other vehicles in front of the tongue of the campers.
They also advise people to not leave keys in vehicles and lock them when leaving them. 050423
On Monday, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Converse County Sheriff's Office determined that a ring of methamphetamine addicts, who had stolen vehicles in the past, were planning to steal a specific camper trailer in Douglas.
The owner of this camper was notified and the theft was averted.
The CCSO and the Wyoming DCI have information that there may still be ongoing plans to steal campers within Douglas and Converse County.
They're requesting all owners please take extra steps to secure campers such as, purchasing ball locks or placing other vehicles in front of the tongue of the campers.
They also advise people to not leave keys in vehicles and lock them when leaving them. 050423
The Glenrock High School culinary team recently tasted victory.
The Herders were part of the Cook Around The World culinary high school competition at Disney World last week and brought home top honors.
The competition brought 85 teams from across the country, made up of over 500 students. Judged by Chef and author Anne Burrell from the Food Network, the Glenrock team had an incredible finish in session 3, winning 1st place Main Dish, 3rd place side dish, 3rd place overall, and was even awarded the Chef's Choice Award.
Burrell autographed their award and wrote a note saying, "Beautifully presented - elegant and flavorful."
She also told them the sauce on their dish is one of the most delicious she'd tasted that weekend, including in restaurants.
To be one of the top award winners at a competition at Disney World and be called out by an elite national chef, is no... small potatoes. 050423
The Herders were part of the Cook Around The World culinary high school competition at Disney World last week and brought home top honors.
The competition brought 85 teams from across the country, made up of over 500 students. Judged by Chef and author Anne Burrell from the Food Network, the Glenrock team had an incredible finish in session 3, winning 1st place Main Dish, 3rd place side dish, 3rd place overall, and was even awarded the Chef's Choice Award.
Burrell autographed their award and wrote a note saying, "Beautifully presented - elegant and flavorful."
She also told them the sauce on their dish is one of the most delicious she'd tasted that weekend, including in restaurants.
To be one of the top award winners at a competition at Disney World and be called out by an elite national chef, is no... small potatoes. 050423
Three people have died as the result of a multi-vehicle crash near Evansville Monday morning.
The Wyoming Highway patrol says that on Monday morning at about 8:45 a.m., a 2002 Ford F-150 was headed west on US 20/26/87 and crossed the centerline colliding head-on with a 2018 Ford F-150.
The crash occurred at milepost 180 on the Old Glenrock Highway east of Casper.
The driver of the 2002 Ford has been identified as 34-year-old Casper resident Kristofer Counts. He was not wearing a seatbelt and died of injuries at the crash scene. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt and died at the crash scene.
The driver of the 2018 Ford has been identified as 28-year-old Glenrock resident Aaron Henson. It's not known if Henson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Driver inattention and fatigue on the part of Counts are being investigated as possible contributing factors. 050223
The Wyoming Highway patrol says that on Monday morning at about 8:45 a.m., a 2002 Ford F-150 was headed west on US 20/26/87 and crossed the centerline colliding head-on with a 2018 Ford F-150.
The crash occurred at milepost 180 on the Old Glenrock Highway east of Casper.
The driver of the 2002 Ford has been identified as 34-year-old Casper resident Kristofer Counts. He was not wearing a seatbelt and died of injuries at the crash scene. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt and died at the crash scene.
The driver of the 2018 Ford has been identified as 28-year-old Glenrock resident Aaron Henson. It's not known if Henson was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. He was taken to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Driver inattention and fatigue on the part of Counts are being investigated as possible contributing factors. 050223
Call it barrel racing with an attitude.
Cowboy mounted shooting came to Douglas this weekend.
The Wyoming Rough Riders hosted the Robert Parish Memorial Shoot Saturday at the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Mounted shooting is a timed event using a set of 10 balloons on stands.
Each rider uses two .45-caliber single-action revolvers loaded with five rounds of certified black-powder blanks. There is no projectile. What pops the balloons is a combination of gas and heat as the gun powder is ignited.
After five shots at the five balloons heading out, the rider holsters the first gun and unholsters a second while on the run, and tries to hit the remaining five balloons on the straightaway rundown back to the finish.
And to keep it all Western, historical late-1800s style costume wear is encouraged.
Horses have to be fast and pretty much bomb-proof. Riders must be able to shoot accurately at a full gallop. 050123
Cowboy mounted shooting came to Douglas this weekend.
The Wyoming Rough Riders hosted the Robert Parish Memorial Shoot Saturday at the Ford Pavillion on the Wyoming State Fairgrounds in Douglas.
Mounted shooting is a timed event using a set of 10 balloons on stands.
Each rider uses two .45-caliber single-action revolvers loaded with five rounds of certified black-powder blanks. There is no projectile. What pops the balloons is a combination of gas and heat as the gun powder is ignited.
After five shots at the five balloons heading out, the rider holsters the first gun and unholsters a second while on the run, and tries to hit the remaining five balloons on the straightaway rundown back to the finish.
And to keep it all Western, historical late-1800s style costume wear is encouraged.
Horses have to be fast and pretty much bomb-proof. Riders must be able to shoot accurately at a full gallop. 050123
A woman accused of setting fire to an abortion clinic under construction at Casper will be released from jail while her case proceeds.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick ruled Tuesday that 22-year-old Lorna Roxanne Green may be released from jail to carry on life as a college student pending further developments in her case.
Green waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
She won't be required to post bond but would owe $10,000 for violating bond conditions.
Those conditions include living with her parents in Casper while attending college and working part time as a food delivery driver. Her parents must remove firearms from their home.
On social media, the Casper woman posted details including competing in a bike race and visiting a butterfly garden but showed no anti-abortion views.
Investigators say Green told them the planned clinic in Casper was giving her anxiety and nightmares, so she decided to burn it down last May.
Her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said he's pleased Green is being released and looks forward to defending her. 032923
U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick ruled Tuesday that 22-year-old Lorna Roxanne Green may be released from jail to carry on life as a college student pending further developments in her case.
Green waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
She won't be required to post bond but would owe $10,000 for violating bond conditions.
Those conditions include living with her parents in Casper while attending college and working part time as a food delivery driver. Her parents must remove firearms from their home.
On social media, the Casper woman posted details including competing in a bike race and visiting a butterfly garden but showed no anti-abortion views.
Investigators say Green told them the planned clinic in Casper was giving her anxiety and nightmares, so she decided to burn it down last May.
Her attorney, Ryan Semerad, said he's pleased Green is being released and looks forward to defending her. 032923
The US Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct three quarterly competitive oil and gas lease sales this year.
That's after suspending its First Quarter sale, along with a total of seven quarterly sales in 2021 and 2022.
President Joe Biden put the brakes on the program in 2021.
The courts required the federal government to resume sales, but the program now includes higher minimum bid amounts, royalty and rental rates mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The BLM says that the three federal oil and gas lease sales planned for Wyoming this year tentatively include a total 371 parcels across about 392 thousand acres. 032723
That's after suspending its First Quarter sale, along with a total of seven quarterly sales in 2021 and 2022.
President Joe Biden put the brakes on the program in 2021.
The courts required the federal government to resume sales, but the program now includes higher minimum bid amounts, royalty and rental rates mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The BLM says that the three federal oil and gas lease sales planned for Wyoming this year tentatively include a total 371 parcels across about 392 thousand acres. 032723
The wife of the police chief the town of Glenrock fired two years ago has been charged with stealing money from a church in Tucson, Arizona.
54-yr-old Carmen Theel faces multiple felony fraud charges that allege that she stole more than $100,000 from a Tucson church from 2012-2018.
She’s accused of entering false information in the church’s check register spreadsheet to hide money from church employees so she could take it for herself.
Carmen and her husband, David Theel, in December 2021 sued the town of Glenrock and its police department after the City Council fired him.
The Theels and the town of Glenrock reached a settlement agreement last month and the U.S. District Court for Wyoming dismissed the case last week. 032223
54-yr-old Carmen Theel faces multiple felony fraud charges that allege that she stole more than $100,000 from a Tucson church from 2012-2018.
She’s accused of entering false information in the church’s check register spreadsheet to hide money from church employees so she could take it for herself.
Carmen and her husband, David Theel, in December 2021 sued the town of Glenrock and its police department after the City Council fired him.
The Theels and the town of Glenrock reached a settlement agreement last month and the U.S. District Court for Wyoming dismissed the case last week. 032223
A Celebration of Life service for 60 year old Rene` Suzzette Kemper, will be held Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 P.M. at the Douglas High School Auditorium, 1701 Hamilton Street, Douglas, with The Reverend Bobbe Fitzhugh officiating.
The family would invite all joining them in the celebration to wear pink or Kemper Strong.
Rene` Kemper, Mayor of Douglas, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County after a courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Youth Development Services, P.O. Box 1328 in Douglas would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements. 032123
The family would invite all joining them in the celebration to wear pink or Kemper Strong.
Rene` Kemper, Mayor of Douglas, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County after a courageous battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Youth Development Services, P.O. Box 1328 in Douglas would be appreciated by the family.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements. 032123
A Douglas teacher is one of four in Wyoming who have been selected as 2023 state finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).
Charity Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas. She is also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S.
Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
Also selected are Emmy Hergert from Thermopolis Middle School, Rick Simineo of East High School in Cheyenne, and London Jenks from Hot Springs County High School. 032123
Charity Penn teaches science at Douglas Middle School in Douglas. She is also is a 2021 finalist in the science cohort, which has yet to be awarded on PAEMST’s two-year cycle.
PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S.
Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.
Also selected are Emmy Hergert from Thermopolis Middle School, Rick Simineo of East High School in Cheyenne, and London Jenks from Hot Springs County High School. 032123
A methane gas release north of Douglas in December is under scrutiny by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
Tallgrass Energy released the gas over a two-day period from its Douglas Gas Plant off Highway 59 just north of town.
Tallgrass told the DEQ that it purged its gas pipeline because it discovered traces of oxygen, creating a potential hazard. The DEQ says Tallgrass handled the issue correctly, and with proper regard to public safety.
The plume of gas reached out over almost five miles to the north of the gas plant.
At issue, is how much methane was actually released.
Tallgrass says it was about 2.5 metric tons.
But a report in Bloomberg News says it could have been more like 845 metric tons.
The state DEQ is investigating whether there is a discrepancy. 032123
Tallgrass Energy released the gas over a two-day period from its Douglas Gas Plant off Highway 59 just north of town.
Tallgrass told the DEQ that it purged its gas pipeline because it discovered traces of oxygen, creating a potential hazard. The DEQ says Tallgrass handled the issue correctly, and with proper regard to public safety.
The plume of gas reached out over almost five miles to the north of the gas plant.
At issue, is how much methane was actually released.
Tallgrass says it was about 2.5 metric tons.
But a report in Bloomberg News says it could have been more like 845 metric tons.
The state DEQ is investigating whether there is a discrepancy. 032123
A death in Converse County earlier this month was not a homicide.
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Converse County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations team, began an investigation related to a deceased male, identified as Ryan Green, whose body was located on private property at about MP 12 on Highway 93 northwest of Douglas.
In a press release Monday, Sheriff Clint Becker says that through numerous investigative techniques, including autopsy, scene processing by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, interviews of family, witnesses and other persons, and cell phone data recovery that, pending toxicological results from the autopsy, Ryan Green’s death does not appear to be a homicide.
This case is still being investigated. 031423
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Converse County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations team, began an investigation related to a deceased male, identified as Ryan Green, whose body was located on private property at about MP 12 on Highway 93 northwest of Douglas.
In a press release Monday, Sheriff Clint Becker says that through numerous investigative techniques, including autopsy, scene processing by the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory, interviews of family, witnesses and other persons, and cell phone data recovery that, pending toxicological results from the autopsy, Ryan Green’s death does not appear to be a homicide.
This case is still being investigated. 031423
The City of Casper will receive a grant of $3 million dollars in federal relief money for repairs to their Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The money will cover a little under half of the combined cost of the repairs. It comes from the more than $1 billion originally earmarked for Wyoming under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Wyoming's State Loan and Investment Board allocated the money.
There were 113 applications for water and sewer grants and another 97 for local government support projects. 031323
The money will cover a little under half of the combined cost of the repairs. It comes from the more than $1 billion originally earmarked for Wyoming under the American Rescue Plan Act.
Wyoming's State Loan and Investment Board allocated the money.
There were 113 applications for water and sewer grants and another 97 for local government support projects. 031323
Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper died Thursday night after a long battle with cancer.
Kemper was first elected to the Douglas City Council in 2016, and served two terms as Mayor.
She also served as executive director of Youth Development Services in Douglas, which offers a long-term Group Home and short-term Crisis Shelter for youth up to 17 years of age.
Douglas City Council has cancelled their regular meeting on Monday, March 13th, and will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14th to choose a new mayor from among themselves. Council will then accept applications from the public to fill the empty council seat.
Until then, the Mayor Pro Tem Kim Pexton will fill the post.
The governor has authorized the City of Douglas to lower flags to half-mast through sunset on Friday, March 10, 2023, in remembrance of Mayor René Kemper. 030623
Kemper was first elected to the Douglas City Council in 2016, and served two terms as Mayor.
She also served as executive director of Youth Development Services in Douglas, which offers a long-term Group Home and short-term Crisis Shelter for youth up to 17 years of age.
Douglas City Council has cancelled their regular meeting on Monday, March 13th, and will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 14th to choose a new mayor from among themselves. Council will then accept applications from the public to fill the empty council seat.
Until then, the Mayor Pro Tem Kim Pexton will fill the post.
The governor has authorized the City of Douglas to lower flags to half-mast through sunset on Friday, March 10, 2023, in remembrance of Mayor René Kemper. 030623
The Town of Evansville is preparing to make improvements to its 1980's vintage fire station.
The Evansville Town Council has approved a motion to seek an architectural design plan for several additions to the station, including additional rooms for firefighters to sleep and safety upgrades to the building.
The station was built when Evansville’s department was much smaller and made up of volunteers. As it’s grown through the years and incorporated paid firefighters, and the need for larger living quarters has developed.
The station does not currently have a sprinkler system, and there's a desire to add a training area in the station.
Target budget for the project is $500,000–$600,000. 030623
The Evansville Town Council has approved a motion to seek an architectural design plan for several additions to the station, including additional rooms for firefighters to sleep and safety upgrades to the building.
The station was built when Evansville’s department was much smaller and made up of volunteers. As it’s grown through the years and incorporated paid firefighters, and the need for larger living quarters has developed.
The station does not currently have a sprinkler system, and there's a desire to add a training area in the station.
Target budget for the project is $500,000–$600,000. 030623
The Converse County Sheriff's office and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating a death off Wyoming Highway 93, the Ft Fetterman Road.
In a statement this morning, the CCSO says deputies were called out at about 6:45 this morning to a possible death on private property along WY -93 in a rural part of the county. Deputies arrived and confirmed there was a deceased person at the location.
Please do not stop or delay in the area as you pass by. The deceased individuals identity has not been confirmed. There is no danger to the public stemming from this incident. 030123
In a statement this morning, the CCSO says deputies were called out at about 6:45 this morning to a possible death on private property along WY -93 in a rural part of the county. Deputies arrived and confirmed there was a deceased person at the location.
Please do not stop or delay in the area as you pass by. The deceased individuals identity has not been confirmed. There is no danger to the public stemming from this incident. 030123
We've melted off a lot of snow in the past few weeks... but there's plenty more up in Wyoming's higher elevations.
Statewide, the snow water equivalent hit 112% of the 30-year median on Monday. That's up from 107% last week... and it's a big jump from a year ago, when snow across the state had only accumulated to 85% of the median.
The Little Snake Basin in southern Wyoming tops the rankings this week at 145% of the median. The Lower North Platte Basin, which includes Casper, Douglas, Glendo and Guernsey, comes in second at 134%.
Due largely to the winter’s frequent snowstorms, Casper Mountain’s snowpack has climbed, as of Monday, to 121% of the median. 030123
Statewide, the snow water equivalent hit 112% of the 30-year median on Monday. That's up from 107% last week... and it's a big jump from a year ago, when snow across the state had only accumulated to 85% of the median.
The Little Snake Basin in southern Wyoming tops the rankings this week at 145% of the median. The Lower North Platte Basin, which includes Casper, Douglas, Glendo and Guernsey, comes in second at 134%.
Due largely to the winter’s frequent snowstorms, Casper Mountain’s snowpack has climbed, as of Monday, to 121% of the median. 030123
Wyoming’s oil and gas production was mostly back to normal in 2022.
That's according to the latest summary report on oil and gas from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
One of the most positive items in this year’s report was that oil production in 2022 was greater than had been originally predicted.
The summary report also noted that 60 percent of Wyoming’s oil comes from just two counties, Converse and Campbell counties.
As for natural gas, production in Wyoming either held steady or declined in 2022. Sublette, Sweetwater, and Fremont Counties continued to be the top producing counties. 022423
That's according to the latest summary report on oil and gas from the Wyoming State Geological Survey.
One of the most positive items in this year’s report was that oil production in 2022 was greater than had been originally predicted.
The summary report also noted that 60 percent of Wyoming’s oil comes from just two counties, Converse and Campbell counties.
As for natural gas, production in Wyoming either held steady or declined in 2022. Sublette, Sweetwater, and Fremont Counties continued to be the top producing counties. 022423
A thumbs-up for funding a new manufacturing plant in Casper.
The Wyoming Business Council approved a request this week from the Casper/Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board for a $600,000 Business Committed grant for the acquisition of a manufacturing plant.
The new plant would allow for Phoslock Environmental Technologies to relocate out of China with intentions of exporting Wyoming-made products within the United States and across the globe.
Phoslock is an Australian company that makes a product that removes excess phosphate from water. The company is 20 years old, and has experience in 30 countries.
The Business Council board's recommendation will be forwarded to the State Loan and Investment Board for final approval in April. 022423
The Wyoming Business Council approved a request this week from the Casper/Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board for a $600,000 Business Committed grant for the acquisition of a manufacturing plant.
The new plant would allow for Phoslock Environmental Technologies to relocate out of China with intentions of exporting Wyoming-made products within the United States and across the globe.
Phoslock is an Australian company that makes a product that removes excess phosphate from water. The company is 20 years old, and has experience in 30 countries.
The Business Council board's recommendation will be forwarded to the State Loan and Investment Board for final approval in April. 022423
Several hundred-thousand dollars was raised for the Casper Boys and Girls Club Saturday night.
Former Major League Baseball player and Casper native Mike Devereaux was honored by the city Saturday night at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming event.
Devereaux won the 1995 National League Championship Series MVP while playing for the Atlanta Braves, who won the World Series that year.
But he said his greatest achievement in life isn’t what one might expect.
He said “It was graduating from college. My family. Spending time with my kids. Sports was great and fun, but it ends.”
Over $350,000 was raised solely in donations at the beginning of the evening. That was before the live auction that sold an autographed Devereaux jersey, a 1989 Cadillac, a private dinner with the governor at the Wyoming Governor’s Mansion in Cheyenne and a seven-day trip to Bali. 020623
Former Major League Baseball player and Casper native Mike Devereaux was honored by the city Saturday night at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming event.
Devereaux won the 1995 National League Championship Series MVP while playing for the Atlanta Braves, who won the World Series that year.
But he said his greatest achievement in life isn’t what one might expect.
He said “It was graduating from college. My family. Spending time with my kids. Sports was great and fun, but it ends.”
Over $350,000 was raised solely in donations at the beginning of the evening. That was before the live auction that sold an autographed Devereaux jersey, a 1989 Cadillac, a private dinner with the governor at the Wyoming Governor’s Mansion in Cheyenne and a seven-day trip to Bali. 020623
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was taken to Memorial Hospital of Converse County on Friday evening after a semi-truck collided into the parked patrol car on Highway 59.
The trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the truck and hit the back of the patrol vehicle.
The accident happened 46 miles north of Douglas where the trooper was assisting several vehicles that had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions.
The trooper was inside of vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was cited for speeding too fast for road conditions. 020623
The trooper sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said the semi-truck was traveling northbound when the driver lost control of the truck and hit the back of the patrol vehicle.
The accident happened 46 miles north of Douglas where the trooper was assisting several vehicles that had left the roadway due to weather and road conditions.
The trooper was inside of vehicle at the time of the crash.
The driver of the truck was cited for speeding too fast for road conditions. 020623
Wyoming’s statewide graduation rate dropped by less than a percentage point in 2021-22, but remains “consistently strong,” according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.
Statewide, the graduation rate for four-year students during the 2021-22 academic year was 81.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 2021. Since 2015, Wyoming graduation rates have been above 80%.
New numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education show an 87.3 percent graduation rate for Converse County School District #1 at Douglas, and 85.7 percent in Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock.
Natrona County School District #1 was lower than the state average, at 77.7 percent. 020223
Statewide, the graduation rate for four-year students during the 2021-22 academic year was 81.8%, a decrease of 0.6 percentage points from 2021. Since 2015, Wyoming graduation rates have been above 80%.
New numbers from the Wyoming Department of Education show an 87.3 percent graduation rate for Converse County School District #1 at Douglas, and 85.7 percent in Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock.
Natrona County School District #1 was lower than the state average, at 77.7 percent. 020223
Converse County's unemployment rate gained a bit in December.
From November to December, the percentage of unemployed here rose from 2.3 percent to 2.7 percent. December 21 to December 22, Converse County fell from 3.3 to 2.7 percent.
Sweetwater County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent in December.
Teton and Weston Counties had the lowest rate, at 2.4 percent.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.6 percent in November, to 3.7 percent in December. 020223
From November to December, the percentage of unemployed here rose from 2.3 percent to 2.7 percent. December 21 to December 22, Converse County fell from 3.3 to 2.7 percent.
Sweetwater County had the highest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent in December.
Teton and Weston Counties had the lowest rate, at 2.4 percent.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 3.6 percent in November, to 3.7 percent in December. 020223
Natrona County schools were closed today, Monday 1/30, because they could get enough busses started.
Casper temperatures dropped to -20 below zero this morning, and NCSD busses had difficulty running in the bitterly cold temperatures.
The notification came after the Natrona County School District had began its operations for the day. It sent district SUVs to pick up
students who were already heading to bus stops.
The Casper district did not offer virtual classes today. 013023
Casper temperatures dropped to -20 below zero this morning, and NCSD busses had difficulty running in the bitterly cold temperatures.
The notification came after the Natrona County School District had began its operations for the day. It sent district SUVs to pick up
students who were already heading to bus stops.
The Casper district did not offer virtual classes today. 013023
Once WYDOT gets done rebuilding that big bridge project on I-25 at Casper... they're going to do it again.
In fact, WYDOT plans to replacing four more Interstate 25 bridges, as well as the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.
The project is set to begin during this spring's construction season and will replace the aging structures, three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street.
The project includes new road surfacing between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersection upgrades.
The project covers about a mile, and is expected to take two years to complete. 012523
In fact, WYDOT plans to replacing four more Interstate 25 bridges, as well as the F Street bridge over the North Platte River.
The project is set to begin during this spring's construction season and will replace the aging structures, three over the North Platte River and two over Center Street.
The project includes new road surfacing between the interstate structures along with landscaping, lighting and intersection upgrades.
The project covers about a mile, and is expected to take two years to complete. 012523
2022 was a “return to normal” for Wyoming’s oil and gas industry.
The latest summary report by the Wyoming State Geological Survey showa crude oil and natural gas production returned to their pre-pandemic trends and year-over-year gain in oil volumes with a gradual decline in natural gas production.
Highlights of the report include the return of oil and gas production to pre-pandemic trends, the resumption of oil and gas lease sales by the Bureau of Land Management, and an increase in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
More than 100 oil or gas wells were completed in Wyoming in the first half of 2022.
The report shows that Converse County lead oil production in the state again last year, turning out a full 33 percent of the state's oil production. Campbell County was the second highest producer, at 23 percent of the volume. 011323
The latest summary report by the Wyoming State Geological Survey showa crude oil and natural gas production returned to their pre-pandemic trends and year-over-year gain in oil volumes with a gradual decline in natural gas production.
Highlights of the report include the return of oil and gas production to pre-pandemic trends, the resumption of oil and gas lease sales by the Bureau of Land Management, and an increase in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
More than 100 oil or gas wells were completed in Wyoming in the first half of 2022.
The report shows that Converse County lead oil production in the state again last year, turning out a full 33 percent of the state's oil production. Campbell County was the second highest producer, at 23 percent of the volume. 011323
This week's cold weather means some folks are getting a longer-than-expected Christmas holiday.
Due to the extreme cold weather, the Douglas Rec Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, in addition to Christmas Eve on Saturday and Christmas on Sunday.
Normal Rec hours will resume on Monday, December 26th.
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers and Thrift Store will be closed this Thursday and Friday, and Monday the 26th.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
Not weather related, but due to the holiday weekend..
The City Landfill will be closed on Saturday in observance of Christmas Eve.
All City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of holidays.
Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Mondays will have their pickup dates moved to Tuesday the next two weeks.
Converse County offices will also be closed on Monday, in observation of the Christmas holidays. 122222
Due to the extreme cold weather, the Douglas Rec Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, in addition to Christmas Eve on Saturday and Christmas on Sunday.
Normal Rec hours will resume on Monday, December 26th.
The Douglas and Glenrock Senior Centers and Thrift Store will be closed this Thursday and Friday, and Monday the 26th.
Regular hours will resume on Tuesday.
Not weather related, but due to the holiday weekend..
The City Landfill will be closed on Saturday in observance of Christmas Eve.
All City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and on Monday, January 2nd, in observance of holidays.
Residents who normally receive garbage pickup on Mondays will have their pickup dates moved to Tuesday the next two weeks.
Converse County offices will also be closed on Monday, in observation of the Christmas holidays. 122222
Nearly 4,500 chilly Rocky Mountain Power customers in Casper experienced outages on Wednesday night.
About 2,300 customers in south Casper lost power shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. A second outage affecting 2,150 customers on the city's west side was reported around 10 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Power was still investigating the cause of the outages.
They said power was expected to be restored before 12:30 a.m. Thursday. 122222
About 2,300 customers in south Casper lost power shortly after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. A second outage affecting 2,150 customers on the city's west side was reported around 10 p.m.
Rocky Mountain Power was still investigating the cause of the outages.
They said power was expected to be restored before 12:30 a.m. Thursday. 122222
Coal mine sues railroad...
After a year of shipment struggles that Navajo Transitional Energy Company alleged has cost millions of dollars, the company is suing BNSF.
NTEC said it was only able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to port through November of this year. It had expected to ship 5.5 million tons, possibly more, but couldn’t get train service for coal shipments.
The mining company accuses BNSF of breach of contract for not providing enough locomotives to shuttle coal to Vancouver, British Columbia.
NTEC alleges that the BNSF had taken on new coal customers to their disadvantage.
For its part, BNSF had reported rail challenges throughout the year. 122222
After a year of shipment struggles that Navajo Transitional Energy Company alleged has cost millions of dollars, the company is suing BNSF.
NTEC said it was only able to get 2.9 million tons of coal to port through November of this year. It had expected to ship 5.5 million tons, possibly more, but couldn’t get train service for coal shipments.
The mining company accuses BNSF of breach of contract for not providing enough locomotives to shuttle coal to Vancouver, British Columbia.
NTEC alleges that the BNSF had taken on new coal customers to their disadvantage.
For its part, BNSF had reported rail challenges throughout the year. 122222
Casper's Natrona County High School went into lockdown Tuesday morning when a student was found to be in possession of a firearm at the school.
Casper police said the student was reportedly showing off the unloaded gun to other students, after which the incident was reported to staff.
CPD officers contacted the student, the firearm was recovered, the student was detained by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
Charges against the student are pending. 120722
Casper police said the student was reportedly showing off the unloaded gun to other students, after which the incident was reported to staff.
CPD officers contacted the student, the firearm was recovered, the student was detained by law enforcement and subsequently arrested.
Charges against the student are pending. 120722
Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is expanding their services in Converse County.
A $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation has helped Hospice hire a new social worker.
The grant covered some hiring and training costs for Central Wyoming Hospice to add Desirae Laird of Douglas to their team.
Central Wyoming Hospice said that expanding its team in Converse County will allow more people to stay home and receive hospice services. 120722
A $10,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation has helped Hospice hire a new social worker.
The grant covered some hiring and training costs for Central Wyoming Hospice to add Desirae Laird of Douglas to their team.
Central Wyoming Hospice said that expanding its team in Converse County will allow more people to stay home and receive hospice services. 120722
Cardboard recycling is available again in the Jackalope City.
The City of Douglas announced Friday a public/private partnership between the City and 307 Disposal.
307 will begin processing, baling, and transporting cardboard waste products to a processing center, using existing space and equipment at the city's landfill.
In return, the City will pick up cardboard from existing locations throughout the community and deliver to the designated recycling area at the landfill.
Citizens are encouraged to immediatly begin recycling corrugated cardboard products.
Cardboard boxes would need to be broken down in order to fit inside the city's familiar blue recycling dumpsters, located in more than 25 locations around Douglas. 120522
The City of Douglas announced Friday a public/private partnership between the City and 307 Disposal.
307 will begin processing, baling, and transporting cardboard waste products to a processing center, using existing space and equipment at the city's landfill.
In return, the City will pick up cardboard from existing locations throughout the community and deliver to the designated recycling area at the landfill.
Citizens are encouraged to immediatly begin recycling corrugated cardboard products.
Cardboard boxes would need to be broken down in order to fit inside the city's familiar blue recycling dumpsters, located in more than 25 locations around Douglas. 120522
An anonymous couple in Casper will help to feed more than 1,000 people this Thanksgiving.
The couple is paying for 220 full meals, which can each serve between four and six people.
Eggington’s restaurant in downtown Casper is cooking the meals. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming will handle curbside distribution of the traditional-style Thanksgiving meals include turkey and ham, stuffing and mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy.
In making the donation, the couple asked to share a Bible verse from Psalm 9:10: "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
The meals can be picked up curbside at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming main branch at 1701 East K. Street in Casper starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The distribution will last until meals are gone. 112322
It's a Douglas Holiday Tradition, and you're invited!
Come enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24th.
They'll be serving from 11am to 2 pm at the Douglas Moose Lodge, 120 North Second Street.
For Carry Out Call Paige at 351-1188, or Kate 351-8817. 112322
The couple is paying for 220 full meals, which can each serve between four and six people.
Eggington’s restaurant in downtown Casper is cooking the meals. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming will handle curbside distribution of the traditional-style Thanksgiving meals include turkey and ham, stuffing and mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy.
In making the donation, the couple asked to share a Bible verse from Psalm 9:10: "And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
The meals can be picked up curbside at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming main branch at 1701 East K. Street in Casper starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The distribution will last until meals are gone. 112322
It's a Douglas Holiday Tradition, and you're invited!
Come enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Day Meal with all the fixings on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 24th.
They'll be serving from 11am to 2 pm at the Douglas Moose Lodge, 120 North Second Street.
For Carry Out Call Paige at 351-1188, or Kate 351-8817. 112322
Wyoming's leaders are concerned that railroad workers may go on strike after a rail union rejected a proposed contract.
The tentative contract deal resulted from last-minute negotiations convened by the Biden administration in mid-September.
But the agreement proved unsatisfactory to 50.9% of workers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Several other rail unions have voted to approve the contract, but don’t plan to cross the picket lines. A strike could begin as soon as Dec. 5.
If the railroads can’t move Powder River Basin coal, Wyoming’s mines could be forced to scale back production or even shut down until rail service resumes. 112222
The tentative contract deal resulted from last-minute negotiations convened by the Biden administration in mid-September.
But the agreement proved unsatisfactory to 50.9% of workers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
Several other rail unions have voted to approve the contract, but don’t plan to cross the picket lines. A strike could begin as soon as Dec. 5.
If the railroads can’t move Powder River Basin coal, Wyoming’s mines could be forced to scale back production or even shut down until rail service resumes. 112222
The nation’s average gas price fell for the second straight week, down 12 cents from a week ago to $3.64.
GasBuddy.com says the national average is down 16.4 cents from a month ago and remains 24.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Teton County continued to report the highest average in the state on Monday, averaging $4.34 a gallon. Natrona County was the cheapest in the state, at $3.04 a gallon, and several Casper stations were below $3.90. Converse County gasoline averaged $3.49 a gallon on Monday. 112222
GasBuddy.com says the national average is down 16.4 cents from a month ago and remains 24.5 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
Teton County continued to report the highest average in the state on Monday, averaging $4.34 a gallon. Natrona County was the cheapest in the state, at $3.04 a gallon, and several Casper stations were below $3.90. Converse County gasoline averaged $3.49 a gallon on Monday. 112222
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says 11 people recently earned the title of “Ultimate Angler” after catching 10 trophy-sized fish across 10 different species in the state. A total of 32 people have achieved the title over the years.
One of the newest Ultimate Anglers is Casper resident, Tristen Brodrecht. Brodrecht and Julius Clark of Buffalo, both age 15, are the youngest anglers ever to achieve Ultimate Angler status. 112222
One of the newest Ultimate Anglers is Casper resident, Tristen Brodrecht. Brodrecht and Julius Clark of Buffalo, both age 15, are the youngest anglers ever to achieve Ultimate Angler status. 112222
Eastern Wyoming College Assistant Professor of Nursing, Kasey Powell has been honored by the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) with the Inspiring Our Future Nurses award.
The award is given to a WNA nursing instructor member who has been a positive influence on the future of nurses or Wyoming.
Powell has been a full-time Assistant Professor of Nursing on EWC’s Douglas Campus since 2021, but has been involved in the EWC nursing program since its start in January 2016.
Before taking on the instructor’s role and teaching future nurses, Powell worked as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical and OB floors at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She has worked there since 2011.
She also was the Director of Inpatient Services where she managed clinical staff on Medical Surgical, OB and the ICU. 111922
The award is given to a WNA nursing instructor member who has been a positive influence on the future of nurses or Wyoming.
Powell has been a full-time Assistant Professor of Nursing on EWC’s Douglas Campus since 2021, but has been involved in the EWC nursing program since its start in January 2016.
Before taking on the instructor’s role and teaching future nurses, Powell worked as a Registered Nurse on the Medical Surgical and OB floors at Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas. She has worked there since 2011.
She also was the Director of Inpatient Services where she managed clinical staff on Medical Surgical, OB and the ICU. 111922
Turkeys on Wyoming's Thanksgiving tables will come at a higher cost this year.
Retail prices for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast hit a new record in September at $6.70 per pound. That's more than double the price from last year, when turkeys were running just $3.16 a pound.
Bird flu swept across the nation from Maine to Wyoming this year, forcing the destruction of more than 23 million turkeys, chickens and game birds.
Tim Simeroth is captain of the Salvation Army in Casper.
He estimates that his organization will likely need 600 birds for food baskets this year. That's a significant increase from the 400 needed last year. 111022
Retail prices for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast hit a new record in September at $6.70 per pound. That's more than double the price from last year, when turkeys were running just $3.16 a pound.
Bird flu swept across the nation from Maine to Wyoming this year, forcing the destruction of more than 23 million turkeys, chickens and game birds.
Tim Simeroth is captain of the Salvation Army in Casper.
He estimates that his organization will likely need 600 birds for food baskets this year. That's a significant increase from the 400 needed last year. 111022
Ballots are counted, and voters have spoken... here's results of the contested races in Tuesday's general election.
Republican Tomi Stock will represent eastern Converse County in the Wyoming State Legislature. Strock defeated former Douglas mayor Bruce Jones by about a 2-1 margin. Stock received 2266 votes, Jones marked 1079, and Democrat Hank Szramkowski got 218 votes.
Trent Kaufman, Robert Short and Jim Willox get the 3 seats on the Converse County Commission. Kaufman came in with 3363 votes, Short got 3199, Willox got 2794. Darek Joppru received 1909 votes.
Bruce Roumell will continue to serve as Mayor of Glenrock. He beat challenger Margaret Nunn 424 to 378.
Perry Hershberger and Kim Pexton take the two four-year seats on the Douglas City council.
Matt Schmidt defeats Josh Valk for the two-year seat on the Douglas Council.
Judy Colling and Roy Kincaid win the four-year seats on the Glenrock council.
Rolling Hills town council, two seats open, Kenneth Montgomery gets 90 votes, Lori Cielinski gets 66, Glenn Lewis gets 63.
Converse County School District #1 board, four-year terms, go to Trent Boner, Josh Moore, Shane Stinson and Jared Vollman. Two-year seats go to Ty Tillard and Jeremiah Darr.
CCSD #2 board seats go to Casey Tillard and Viki Kinkaid.
The optional one-cent sales tax, and the lodging tax both passed easily, and the pari-nutual wagering ballot issue passed by just 72 votes.
Several new faces for the Casper City Council.
Incumbent Mayor Ray Pacheco took first Tuesday in the Ward 3 race with 41.5% of votes, while newcomer Brandy Haskins came in second with about 27.1%.
Ward 1 candidate Gena Jensen ousted incumbent Jai-Ayla Sutherland, while Michael Bond won Ward 2's open seat with about 53 percent of the vote.
Changes on the Natrona County school board, where 15 candidates ran for four open seats on the board this year.
Retired educator Michael Stedillie took the lead with roughly 14% of votes.
He was followed by former school board member Kevin Christopherson and Moms for Liberty members Jenifer Hopkins and Mary Schmidt. They collectively garnered roughly 30% of the vote.
Two incumbents — Kianna Smith and Debbie McCullar — didn’t make it back onto the Natrona school board. 110822
Republican Tomi Stock will represent eastern Converse County in the Wyoming State Legislature. Strock defeated former Douglas mayor Bruce Jones by about a 2-1 margin. Stock received 2266 votes, Jones marked 1079, and Democrat Hank Szramkowski got 218 votes.
Trent Kaufman, Robert Short and Jim Willox get the 3 seats on the Converse County Commission. Kaufman came in with 3363 votes, Short got 3199, Willox got 2794. Darek Joppru received 1909 votes.
Bruce Roumell will continue to serve as Mayor of Glenrock. He beat challenger Margaret Nunn 424 to 378.
Perry Hershberger and Kim Pexton take the two four-year seats on the Douglas City council.
Matt Schmidt defeats Josh Valk for the two-year seat on the Douglas Council.
Judy Colling and Roy Kincaid win the four-year seats on the Glenrock council.
Rolling Hills town council, two seats open, Kenneth Montgomery gets 90 votes, Lori Cielinski gets 66, Glenn Lewis gets 63.
Converse County School District #1 board, four-year terms, go to Trent Boner, Josh Moore, Shane Stinson and Jared Vollman. Two-year seats go to Ty Tillard and Jeremiah Darr.
CCSD #2 board seats go to Casey Tillard and Viki Kinkaid.
The optional one-cent sales tax, and the lodging tax both passed easily, and the pari-nutual wagering ballot issue passed by just 72 votes.
Several new faces for the Casper City Council.
Incumbent Mayor Ray Pacheco took first Tuesday in the Ward 3 race with 41.5% of votes, while newcomer Brandy Haskins came in second with about 27.1%.
Ward 1 candidate Gena Jensen ousted incumbent Jai-Ayla Sutherland, while Michael Bond won Ward 2's open seat with about 53 percent of the vote.
Changes on the Natrona County school board, where 15 candidates ran for four open seats on the board this year.
Retired educator Michael Stedillie took the lead with roughly 14% of votes.
He was followed by former school board member Kevin Christopherson and Moms for Liberty members Jenifer Hopkins and Mary Schmidt. They collectively garnered roughly 30% of the vote.
Two incumbents — Kianna Smith and Debbie McCullar — didn’t make it back onto the Natrona school board. 110822
The Natrona County Republican Party is voluntarily dismissing its civil suit against the Wyoming Republican Party.
Natrona County GOP Chairman Kevin Taheri said that, “While we believe in the merits of our case we felt it was in the best interests of the Natrona County Republican Party to dismiss the appeal and put that matter behind us”
The case arose as the county party moved to declare bylaw amendments voted on at the state convention in 2020 illegitimate.
Judge Peter Froelicher had ruled to dismiss the Natrona County GOP’s suit, agreeing with the state party that the ratification of the disputed amendments at the May 2022 convention rendered the case moot, and that the plaintiff could not demonstrate a specific harm by their earlier adoption. 110722
Natrona County GOP Chairman Kevin Taheri said that, “While we believe in the merits of our case we felt it was in the best interests of the Natrona County Republican Party to dismiss the appeal and put that matter behind us”
The case arose as the county party moved to declare bylaw amendments voted on at the state convention in 2020 illegitimate.
Judge Peter Froelicher had ruled to dismiss the Natrona County GOP’s suit, agreeing with the state party that the ratification of the disputed amendments at the May 2022 convention rendered the case moot, and that the plaintiff could not demonstrate a specific harm by their earlier adoption. 110722
A Natrona County man has been charged by state park’s officials with defacing a landmark.
61 year old Paul Williams modified an existing concrete pad on Independence Rock to install an American flag on the monument last summer in anticipation of the Fourth of July weekend.
He said the pad had been installed by the Rawlins-based Elks Lodge in 1940.
Later, he found that the flag had been removed and the tube that held the flag cut away.
Williams is charged with returning to the site on Sept. 5 and drilling into the concrete pad on top of the historic site without permission or knowledge of Wyoming State Parks, which manages the historic site.
Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge in Natrona County Circuit Court last week. 110722
61 year old Paul Williams modified an existing concrete pad on Independence Rock to install an American flag on the monument last summer in anticipation of the Fourth of July weekend.
He said the pad had been installed by the Rawlins-based Elks Lodge in 1940.
Later, he found that the flag had been removed and the tube that held the flag cut away.
Williams is charged with returning to the site on Sept. 5 and drilling into the concrete pad on top of the historic site without permission or knowledge of Wyoming State Parks, which manages the historic site.
Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge in Natrona County Circuit Court last week. 110722
Employers across the state will tell you how difficult it is to hire good workers... and the people who plow your highways are no different.
With winter weather in the weeks and months ahead, the Wyoming Department of Transportation says they have a shortage of snow plow drivers.
WYDOT said in a press release Tuesday that crews currently seeing the most severe staffing shortages include Rock Springs, Hulett, Shirley Rim, LaBarge, Reno Junction, Patrick Draw and Muddy Gap. Douglas is down 8 drivers. Applications are available online. Driving a snowplow requires a CDL license.
To deal with the staffing shortages, WYDOT says they'll work to move crews from areas less impacted by storms to routes experiencing the most severe weather. 110222
With winter weather in the weeks and months ahead, the Wyoming Department of Transportation says they have a shortage of snow plow drivers.
WYDOT said in a press release Tuesday that crews currently seeing the most severe staffing shortages include Rock Springs, Hulett, Shirley Rim, LaBarge, Reno Junction, Patrick Draw and Muddy Gap. Douglas is down 8 drivers. Applications are available online. Driving a snowplow requires a CDL license.
To deal with the staffing shortages, WYDOT says they'll work to move crews from areas less impacted by storms to routes experiencing the most severe weather. 110222
A Casper teen died Monday afternoon in a head-on collision with a dump truck.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the 15-year-old was driving west on Wyoming Highway 220 at about 4 p.m. when his car drifted across the center-line and hit an oncoming truck, .
The boy died at the scene. The dump truck driver, 47-year-old Dustin H. Geiger of Casper, was not injured.
Highway patrol officials say inattention on the boy's part may have contributed to the crash.
The crash, near the intersection of highways 220 and 487 between Casper and Alcova, led authorities to shut down a section of 220 for nearly two hours Monday afternoon as they investigated. 110222
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the 15-year-old was driving west on Wyoming Highway 220 at about 4 p.m. when his car drifted across the center-line and hit an oncoming truck, .
The boy died at the scene. The dump truck driver, 47-year-old Dustin H. Geiger of Casper, was not injured.
Highway patrol officials say inattention on the boy's part may have contributed to the crash.
The crash, near the intersection of highways 220 and 487 between Casper and Alcova, led authorities to shut down a section of 220 for nearly two hours Monday afternoon as they investigated. 110222
Two bands that cranked out a slew of hits in the 70's and 80's will return to the Cowboy State.
Ford Wyoming Center officials announced Monday morning that Journey and Toto are coming to Casper on April 11th.
The tour is a 50th-anniversary celebration for Journey, who produced massive hits with songs such as "Don't Stop Believin'", "Faithfully, and "Any Way You Want It." The band will be visiting Casper as part of a 38-stop tour of North America.
Opening act Toto went to the top of the charts with "Africa" and "Roseanna",
Tickets go on sale this Friday morning at 10... Tickets start at $49.50 and go as high as $149.50. 101822
Ford Wyoming Center officials announced Monday morning that Journey and Toto are coming to Casper on April 11th.
The tour is a 50th-anniversary celebration for Journey, who produced massive hits with songs such as "Don't Stop Believin'", "Faithfully, and "Any Way You Want It." The band will be visiting Casper as part of a 38-stop tour of North America.
Opening act Toto went to the top of the charts with "Africa" and "Roseanna",
Tickets go on sale this Friday morning at 10... Tickets start at $49.50 and go as high as $149.50. 101822
The DHS Bearcat Marching Band has a new trophy, bringing home Superior honors Saturday in the state marching band competition in Casper.
Band director Tim Painter told KKTY's Liz Ostrander they worked hard for it...
Band director Tim Painter told KKTY's Liz Ostrander they worked hard for it...
Painter said this win was the first in his 5 years at DHS and the first Superior rating the band has received since 2016. 101822
