KKTS News
Winds rattled all of eastern Wyoming Thursday, causing problems for truckers and travelers.
A peak gust of 95 miles an hour noted 13 miles south of Glendo off I-25... and an 87 mile an hour gust south of Wheatland at Bordeaux.
I-25 was closed to lightweight and high profile vehicles for its entire length, between Buffalo and Cheyenne.
Hogadon Basin Ski Area shut down its Prospector chairlift on Thursday due to high winds on Casper Mountain.
Tthe Mineshaft beginner area remained open and lessons went on at normally scheduled times, according to Hogadon. 123021
A peak gust of 95 miles an hour noted 13 miles south of Glendo off I-25... and an 87 mile an hour gust south of Wheatland at Bordeaux.
I-25 was closed to lightweight and high profile vehicles for its entire length, between Buffalo and Cheyenne.
Hogadon Basin Ski Area shut down its Prospector chairlift on Thursday due to high winds on Casper Mountain.
Tthe Mineshaft beginner area remained open and lessons went on at normally scheduled times, according to Hogadon. 123021
After a tough decade, 2021 was a brief bright spot for the coal industry.
U.S. coal consumption fell by half between 2010 and 2020.
But, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency, U.S. thermal coal use is expected to climb 21% through the end of 2021.
As the economy came out of COVID-19 lockdowns and fuel demand returned to pre-pandemic levels, natural gas production lagged behind, driving up prices.
This year marks the nation’s first increase in coal-fired electricity production since 2014.
Experts don't expect the growth to last, though.
Both coal consumption and production are forecast to sink back to their 2020 lows by 2024. 122721
U.S. coal consumption fell by half between 2010 and 2020.
But, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency, U.S. thermal coal use is expected to climb 21% through the end of 2021.
As the economy came out of COVID-19 lockdowns and fuel demand returned to pre-pandemic levels, natural gas production lagged behind, driving up prices.
This year marks the nation’s first increase in coal-fired electricity production since 2014.
Experts don't expect the growth to last, though.
Both coal consumption and production are forecast to sink back to their 2020 lows by 2024. 122721
Uranium production in the Powder River Basin could be on the upswing after Uranium Energy Corp. acquired Uranium One Americas, in a deal closed on Monday.
The sale consisted of U1A's assets in Converse County and elsewhere in the Powder River Basin.
Scott Melbye is executive vice president of the Texas-based UEC.
He said the company plans to begin producing in Wyoming once uranium market prices increase, with existing workers staying on board.
Melbye said they need sustained prices around $45 to $50 dollars a pound to make the decision to restart operations. 122421
The sale consisted of U1A's assets in Converse County and elsewhere in the Powder River Basin.
Scott Melbye is executive vice president of the Texas-based UEC.
He said the company plans to begin producing in Wyoming once uranium market prices increase, with existing workers staying on board.
Melbye said they need sustained prices around $45 to $50 dollars a pound to make the decision to restart operations. 122421
Christmas dinner with your friends... Memorial Hospital of Converse County invites you to join them for Billy's Free Christmas Dinner at the Arbor Cafe in Memory of Billy Cathcart.
Turkeys and delivery are donated by the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department. You can dine-in or call for delivery.
The free Christmas dinner will be served Christmas Day, Saturday December 25th, from 11am to 1pm.
Call Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas at 358-2122 for more information. 122421
Turkeys and delivery are donated by the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department. You can dine-in or call for delivery.
The free Christmas dinner will be served Christmas Day, Saturday December 25th, from 11am to 1pm.
Call Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas at 358-2122 for more information. 122421
A Glenrock church will help furnish that community's new Boys and Girls Club.
Members of Glenrock's Christ Episcopal Church presented the Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock with a gift of $45,000 from The Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and Christ Episcopal Church.
The funds will help furnish the new Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock facility, which is expected to open by the fall of 2022.
The Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock serves nearly 200 youth, ages five through twelve. The new facility will allow the Club to double participation. 122021
Members of Glenrock's Christ Episcopal Church presented the Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock with a gift of $45,000 from The Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and Christ Episcopal Church.
The funds will help furnish the new Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock facility, which is expected to open by the fall of 2022.
The Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock serves nearly 200 youth, ages five through twelve. The new facility will allow the Club to double participation. 122021
Thursday's snow was followed by big wind over the weekend that closed highways across eastern Wyoming.
Long stretches of I-25 and I-80 were closed at times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as WYDOT struggled to keep up with drifting and icing conditions. Other closures this weekend included the Energy Highway, Wyoming Highway 59 between Douglas and Gillette, and Highway 34 between Wheatland and Laramie
A peak wind gust of 118 miles an hour was recorded at Clark, Wyoming, 30 miles north of Cody.
Outer Drive at the base of Casper Mountain recorded a 76 mph gust early Sunday morning. High winds destroyed a sheet metal barn at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper Sunday afternoon.
Winds in Cheyenne topped out at 66 mph. An 83 mph gust was recorded south of Wheatland at Bordeaux Saturday night
A 62 mph gust at Glenrock Sunday morning
Douglas recorded a peak gust of 62 miles an hour Saturday evening. 121321
Long stretches of I-25 and I-80 were closed at times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as WYDOT struggled to keep up with drifting and icing conditions. Other closures this weekend included the Energy Highway, Wyoming Highway 59 between Douglas and Gillette, and Highway 34 between Wheatland and Laramie
A peak wind gust of 118 miles an hour was recorded at Clark, Wyoming, 30 miles north of Cody.
Outer Drive at the base of Casper Mountain recorded a 76 mph gust early Sunday morning. High winds destroyed a sheet metal barn at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper Sunday afternoon.
Winds in Cheyenne topped out at 66 mph. An 83 mph gust was recorded south of Wheatland at Bordeaux Saturday night
A 62 mph gust at Glenrock Sunday morning
Douglas recorded a peak gust of 62 miles an hour Saturday evening. 121321
A member of the Douglas medical community died in a plane crash this weekend.
Officials say 46-year-old Dr. Clint Devin of Steamboat Springs was killed when his plane crashed at the top of Emerald Mountain in northern Colorado.
Devin was flying into Steamboat Springs from Cody, Wyoming, when he crashed Friday evening.
He was the only one on board.
Dr. Devin grew up in Laramie. He was a travelling orthopedic surgeon with Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. He also worked in Douglas and Gillette through Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash in the next several weeks. 121321
Officials say 46-year-old Dr. Clint Devin of Steamboat Springs was killed when his plane crashed at the top of Emerald Mountain in northern Colorado.
Devin was flying into Steamboat Springs from Cody, Wyoming, when he crashed Friday evening.
He was the only one on board.
Dr. Devin grew up in Laramie. He was a travelling orthopedic surgeon with Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. He also worked in Douglas and Gillette through Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating the crash in the next several weeks. 121321
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case of Shakeel Kahn, a Casper doctor convicted of prescribing major amounts of opioids in exchange for cash.
Kahn was convicted in Wyoming in 2019 on more than 20 counts related to possessing and dispensing controlled substances, criminal enterprise and his involvement in the overdose death of an Arizona woman.
He's currently serving up to 25 years at a low-security federal facility in California.
According to court filings, he is appealing to the nation’s highest court.
The Supreme Court has agreed to take on the case in July, and will consider the role of intent in the case.
Of the roughly 7,000 cases petitioned to the Supreme Court in a year, the bench only hears around 100 to 150. 110921
Kahn was convicted in Wyoming in 2019 on more than 20 counts related to possessing and dispensing controlled substances, criminal enterprise and his involvement in the overdose death of an Arizona woman.
He's currently serving up to 25 years at a low-security federal facility in California.
According to court filings, he is appealing to the nation’s highest court.
The Supreme Court has agreed to take on the case in July, and will consider the role of intent in the case.
Of the roughly 7,000 cases petitioned to the Supreme Court in a year, the bench only hears around 100 to 150. 110921
Three people were hospitalized Tuesday afternoon after a collision between a Casper police car and a garbage truck.
The accident involved four vehicles at the intersection of CY and Wyoming Boulevard.
The police car was running eastbound on CY, responding to a call with lights and siren. It hit the garbage truck, which was northbound on Wyoming Boulevard. The truck then hit two other cars.
Three of the four drivers were taken to the hospital.
The busy intersection was closed for more than two hours for investigation and clean-up. 110321
The accident involved four vehicles at the intersection of CY and Wyoming Boulevard.
The police car was running eastbound on CY, responding to a call with lights and siren. It hit the garbage truck, which was northbound on Wyoming Boulevard. The truck then hit two other cars.
Three of the four drivers were taken to the hospital.
The busy intersection was closed for more than two hours for investigation and clean-up. 110321
Natrona County voters said no Tuesday to a proposed specific-use tax.
The tax would have added a sixth-cent to sales taxes in the county between April and June of 2022.
It would have raised $4.3 million , with funds raised going to water line replacement serving Midwest and Edgerton, and rebuilding a portion of Midwest Avenue in Casper.
Out of 7,060 people who voted in Tuesday's special election, 53% voted no on the tax. The measure lost by 446 votes. 110321
The tax would have added a sixth-cent to sales taxes in the county between April and June of 2022.
It would have raised $4.3 million , with funds raised going to water line replacement serving Midwest and Edgerton, and rebuilding a portion of Midwest Avenue in Casper.
Out of 7,060 people who voted in Tuesday's special election, 53% voted no on the tax. The measure lost by 446 votes. 110321
Water flowing through the North Platte River at Casper and Douglas will be a bit lower than usual this winter.
The Bureau of Reclamation says they'll be managing the river at slightly lower level between Alcova and Glendo Reservoirs.
Drought conditions this year mean less water flowing into the river system, and the Bureau is conserving water upstream for contract deliveries to irrigation districts and other users planned for next year.
Normally, the bureau runs the North Platte at 500 cubic feet per second in the winter, starting in September. This year, it was lowered further to 450 CFS in October to keep more water stored in the larger reservoirs upstream, including Seminoe and Pathfinder.
Glendo reservoir’s storage is already slightly above average, so the lower flow shouldn't really show any effect at the lake. 110221
The Bureau of Reclamation says they'll be managing the river at slightly lower level between Alcova and Glendo Reservoirs.
Drought conditions this year mean less water flowing into the river system, and the Bureau is conserving water upstream for contract deliveries to irrigation districts and other users planned for next year.
Normally, the bureau runs the North Platte at 500 cubic feet per second in the winter, starting in September. This year, it was lowered further to 450 CFS in October to keep more water stored in the larger reservoirs upstream, including Seminoe and Pathfinder.
Glendo reservoir’s storage is already slightly above average, so the lower flow shouldn't really show any effect at the lake. 110221
The Converse County School District #1 school board has a new member.
The board has chosen Jared Vollman to replace Terry Moss on the CCSD1 board.
Moss resigned when he took a new job in Laramie.
Volman will serve in Moss's place until the general election in November 2022. At that time, candidates may run for a two-year term on the board in addition to the five other seats which will be open.
Eight people sent letters of interest to the board expressing their willingness to serve. Some of these candidates had already met with the board when there was a previous opening. Additional candidates had an opportunity to individually meet with the board at Wednesday night's meeting. 100721
The board has chosen Jared Vollman to replace Terry Moss on the CCSD1 board.
Moss resigned when he took a new job in Laramie.
Volman will serve in Moss's place until the general election in November 2022. At that time, candidates may run for a two-year term on the board in addition to the five other seats which will be open.
Eight people sent letters of interest to the board expressing their willingness to serve. Some of these candidates had already met with the board when there was a previous opening. Additional candidates had an opportunity to individually meet with the board at Wednesday night's meeting. 100721
A shooting Wednesday afternoon puts a couple of hunters in the hospital.
The Converse County Sheriff's office says dispatch got a 911 call about 12:30 Wednesday afternoon reporting that two hunters had been shot in the leg and foot, and the shooter had left the scene.
Deputies arrived on the scene on Irvine Road, south of Douglas, and provided emergency aid and confirmed it was safe for medical personnel to come into the scene.
Life Flight was called and both hunters were taken by ambulance to Converse County Memorial Hospital. The victims were identified as 60-year-old John Cleary and 61-year-old George Heger, both California residents.
Cleary and Heger were air lifted to the Medical Center of The Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. Both were in stable condition.
Deputies were able to locate the suspect and Wyoming resident Solomon Preston Bolen was arrested on Irvine Road at about 1:15pm. The sheriff's department says the partis involved did not know each other.
Bolen is facing multiple felony charges. The case remains under investigation. 100621
The Converse County Sheriff's office says dispatch got a 911 call about 12:30 Wednesday afternoon reporting that two hunters had been shot in the leg and foot, and the shooter had left the scene.
Deputies arrived on the scene on Irvine Road, south of Douglas, and provided emergency aid and confirmed it was safe for medical personnel to come into the scene.
Life Flight was called and both hunters were taken by ambulance to Converse County Memorial Hospital. The victims were identified as 60-year-old John Cleary and 61-year-old George Heger, both California residents.
Cleary and Heger were air lifted to the Medical Center of The Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. Both were in stable condition.
Deputies were able to locate the suspect and Wyoming resident Solomon Preston Bolen was arrested on Irvine Road at about 1:15pm. The sheriff's department says the partis involved did not know each other.
Bolen is facing multiple felony charges. The case remains under investigation. 100621
The City of Casper will spend $183 thousand dollars to drill a hole at the Ford Wyoming Center.
It's part of a project to repair the freight elevator at the events center.
The main hydraulic jack for the freight elevator has failed, and the ground under the existing jack had shifted and a new hole will need to be drilled.
The freight elevator is necessary to facilitate shows put on at the Ford Wyoming Center. 100621
It's part of a project to repair the freight elevator at the events center.
The main hydraulic jack for the freight elevator has failed, and the ground under the existing jack had shifted and a new hole will need to be drilled.
The freight elevator is necessary to facilitate shows put on at the Ford Wyoming Center. 100621
Law enforcement from around Wyoming took part in a procession in Casper Monday afternoon honoring Casper Police Lt. Danny Dundas, who died Sept. 27.
Dundas served with Casper police for 13 years and was one of the city's most well known officers.
The motorcade began at Veterans Park on East Second Street, wound through downtown and over the North Platte River before ending at Ford Wyoming Center for Dundas' funeral service.
In a statement released Wednesday, Casper police said Dundas took his own life after struggling with trauma experienced during his career. 100521
Dundas served with Casper police for 13 years and was one of the city's most well known officers.
The motorcade began at Veterans Park on East Second Street, wound through downtown and over the North Platte River before ending at Ford Wyoming Center for Dundas' funeral service.
In a statement released Wednesday, Casper police said Dundas took his own life after struggling with trauma experienced during his career. 100521
The TOBY KEITH – COUNTRY COMES TO TOWN tour stop in Casper has been cancelled.
The Ford Wyoming Center said this morning that due to circumstances, the Toby Keith concert scheduled for October 17, 2021 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper has been cancelled.
Tickets purchased with credit cards will automatically be refunded within 30 days. Tickets purchased with cash at the Sinclair Box Office can be returned for a refund. If you have any questions, please call the SinclairTix Box Office at the Ford Wyoming Center at 800-442-2256 or 307-577-3030. 100121
The Ford Wyoming Center said this morning that due to circumstances, the Toby Keith concert scheduled for October 17, 2021 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper has been cancelled.
Tickets purchased with credit cards will automatically be refunded within 30 days. Tickets purchased with cash at the Sinclair Box Office can be returned for a refund. If you have any questions, please call the SinclairTix Box Office at the Ford Wyoming Center at 800-442-2256 or 307-577-3030. 100121
Wyoming Representative Chuck Gray has pulled out of the race for Wyoming's seat in the US House of Representatives.
Gray's campaign made the announcement this (Tuesday) morning.
Gray is the third candidate to end their campaign in the last week. Cheyenne businessman Darin Smith and Bryan Miller, chairman of the Sheridan County Republican Party, have both announced they were ending their campaigns.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Wyoming lawyer Harriet Hageman last week in a bid to unseat Liz Cheney, who currently holds the seat in Congress.
In his statement this morning, Gray said, "our first and most important goal is to unite to defeat Liz Cheney. With that in mind, I will be suspending my campaign today." 091421
Gray's campaign made the announcement this (Tuesday) morning.
Gray is the third candidate to end their campaign in the last week. Cheyenne businessman Darin Smith and Bryan Miller, chairman of the Sheridan County Republican Party, have both announced they were ending their campaigns.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Wyoming lawyer Harriet Hageman last week in a bid to unseat Liz Cheney, who currently holds the seat in Congress.
In his statement this morning, Gray said, "our first and most important goal is to unite to defeat Liz Cheney. With that in mind, I will be suspending my campaign today." 091421
A small earthquake shook Converse County Sunday night.
The US Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center reports the quake struck at about 9:50 PM Sunday evening.
The quake was centered about 7 miles northwest of Rolling Hills, and was about 7 miles deep.
It measured 3.7 magnitude on the Richter scale. That classifies it as a minor quake, one that can be felt by people, but very rarely causes damage. Shaking of indoor objects can be noticeable. 080221
The US Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center reports the quake struck at about 9:50 PM Sunday evening.
The quake was centered about 7 miles northwest of Rolling Hills, and was about 7 miles deep.
It measured 3.7 magnitude on the Richter scale. That classifies it as a minor quake, one that can be felt by people, but very rarely causes damage. Shaking of indoor objects can be noticeable. 080221
West Richards Street in Douglas was closed for a period of time Thursday morning while Douglas law enforcement cleaned up after a multi-vehicle accident.
Officials responded to a call at around 6:40 Thursday morning, a report of a stolen pickup truck that was involved in a crash on West Richards near Douglas Middle School.
Douglas Police located the driver of the pickup, and there were four other individuals on the scene. The four were occupants of two other vehicles that the suspect appeared to have deliberately struck.
The Douglas Police Department says 48 year old Nicolas Cooper was arrested for motor vehicle theft.
Additional charges are pending, and the case is still under investigation. 072921
Officials responded to a call at around 6:40 Thursday morning, a report of a stolen pickup truck that was involved in a crash on West Richards near Douglas Middle School.
Douglas Police located the driver of the pickup, and there were four other individuals on the scene. The four were occupants of two other vehicles that the suspect appeared to have deliberately struck.
The Douglas Police Department says 48 year old Nicolas Cooper was arrested for motor vehicle theft.
Additional charges are pending, and the case is still under investigation. 072921
ZZ Top singer and bassist Dusty Hill has died. He was 72 years old. The band's website says Hill passed away in his sleep at his home in Houston, Texas.
Hill, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard formed ZZ Top in Houston in 1969.
The band was scheduled to play the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper on August 12th.
No official word yet on the future of the tour. 072921
Hill, Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard formed ZZ Top in Houston in 1969.
The band was scheduled to play the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper on August 12th.
No official word yet on the future of the tour. 072921
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Douglas area fire crews got a workout Tuesday afternoon.
A thunderstorm passing through left a lightning strike on the prairie southeast of the Douglas Community Club golf course. Firefighters from the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department and the Converse County Rural Fire Association responded, assisted by the Douglas Police Department and Converse County Sheriff's office. The call came in at about 4:30 Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews took about an hour to knock down the bulk of the fire, which burned between 50 and 100 acres. No buildings or structures were damaged. 072021 |
Wyoming's uranium industry will benefit from a piece of legislation co-sponsored by US Senator John Barrasso...
Barrasso told KKTS News that the bill will have real benefits for Converse and Natrona Counties.
Approvals for companies to drill for oil and gas on U.S. public lands are on pace this year to reach their highest level since George W. Bush was president.
That finding from an analysis of government drilling data reflects both President Joe Biden’s reluctance in the face of the industry, as well as Republican resistance to more forcefully curbing climate-changing emissions from fossil fuels.
The Interior Department approved about 2,500 permits to drill on public and tribal lands in the first six months of the year.
That includes more than 2,100 approvals since Biden took office January 20.
New Mexico and Wyoming had the largest number of approvals.
If the recent trends continue, the Interior Department could issue close to 6,000 permits by the end of the year.
The last time so many were issued was fiscal year 2008, amid an oil boom driven by crude prices that reached an all-time high of $140 per barrel that June. 071321
That finding from an analysis of government drilling data reflects both President Joe Biden’s reluctance in the face of the industry, as well as Republican resistance to more forcefully curbing climate-changing emissions from fossil fuels.
The Interior Department approved about 2,500 permits to drill on public and tribal lands in the first six months of the year.
That includes more than 2,100 approvals since Biden took office January 20.
New Mexico and Wyoming had the largest number of approvals.
If the recent trends continue, the Interior Department could issue close to 6,000 permits by the end of the year.
The last time so many were issued was fiscal year 2008, amid an oil boom driven by crude prices that reached an all-time high of $140 per barrel that June. 071321
A man who died in a drowning incident at Casper Saturday evening has been identified.
The Natrona County coroner says 45 year old Robert Uda was free-floating in the river, something he reportedly did regularly, when he drowned.
Casper police and fire departments responded to a report of a drowning person in the river near Westshore Road around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
First responders attempted life-saving measures on the scene, but Uda was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital.
The incident is still under investigation, but authorities say the death appears to have been accidental. 070721
The Natrona County coroner says 45 year old Robert Uda was free-floating in the river, something he reportedly did regularly, when he drowned.
Casper police and fire departments responded to a report of a drowning person in the river near Westshore Road around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
First responders attempted life-saving measures on the scene, but Uda was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital.
The incident is still under investigation, but authorities say the death appears to have been accidental. 070721
Converse County employees are getting raises.
County Commission chairman Jim Willox says the adjustments are overdue...
County Commission chairman Jim Willox says the adjustments are overdue...
Willox said the price of health insurance is going up, and the county and its employees will split the cost. 070721
Walker Hayes will headline the Friday night concert at this summer's Wyoming State Fair in Douglas.
Hayes hit the Country Top-10 in 2017 with his hit song "You Broke Up With Me".
He's toured with Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, and Old Dominion.
Tickets for the Friday, August 20th Walker Hayes show go on sale on July 1st. 062121
Hayes hit the Country Top-10 in 2017 with his hit song "You Broke Up With Me".
He's toured with Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay, Thomas Rhett, and Old Dominion.
Tickets for the Friday, August 20th Walker Hayes show go on sale on July 1st. 062121
A utility proposes to build six new wind farms that could supply enough electricity for over 1 million homes in Wyoming and other states by 2024.
PacifiCorp announced the plan last week.
The wind farms would add more than 1,600 megawatts of power capacity in Wyoming.
Combined with PacifiCorp’s plans for solar, battery power and transmission proposals, the utility would add 3,200 megawatts of capacity.
PacifiCorp isn't saying yet where specifically the projects will be built.
The proposals would concentrate wind development in Wyoming and Idaho, and solar and battery development in Utah and Oregon. 061921
PacifiCorp announced the plan last week.
The wind farms would add more than 1,600 megawatts of power capacity in Wyoming.
Combined with PacifiCorp’s plans for solar, battery power and transmission proposals, the utility would add 3,200 megawatts of capacity.
PacifiCorp isn't saying yet where specifically the projects will be built.
The proposals would concentrate wind development in Wyoming and Idaho, and solar and battery development in Utah and Oregon. 061921
Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect Wednesday, June 16, 2021 for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.
This includes National Forest System lands located in Albany, Campbell, Carbon, Converse, Crook, Natrona, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston counties in Wyoming.
Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreation usage across the Forests and Grassland.
Call the Douglas Ranger District office at 358-4690 for more information.
The Converse County Commissioners, on recommendation from the Converse County Fire Warden, are implementing a county-wide fire ban, effective immediately.
All outdoor and open fires and the discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Converse County are prohibited except for the provisions listed in the resolution.
The county restrictions provide guidance when welding, using acetylene torches, branding and the burning of trash or refuse.
The ban will remain in effect until October 1st. 2021. 061621
This includes National Forest System lands located in Albany, Campbell, Carbon, Converse, Crook, Natrona, Niobrara, Platte, and Weston counties in Wyoming.
Restrictions are necessary due to dry fuel conditions, persistent fire weather patterns, and the danger of human-caused wildfires from recreation usage across the Forests and Grassland.
Call the Douglas Ranger District office at 358-4690 for more information.
The Converse County Commissioners, on recommendation from the Converse County Fire Warden, are implementing a county-wide fire ban, effective immediately.
All outdoor and open fires and the discharge of fireworks within the unincorporated areas of Converse County are prohibited except for the provisions listed in the resolution.
The county restrictions provide guidance when welding, using acetylene torches, branding and the burning of trash or refuse.
The ban will remain in effect until October 1st. 2021. 061621
Emergency responders get a new tool to train with.
The recently constructed Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting training facility at the Natrona County International Airport teaches firefighters how to respond to aircraft-related incidents.
Airport manager Glenn Januska announced Tuesday that a new 3,000 gallon “OshKosh Striker” has arrived at the Airport. The six-wheel unit can spray 6 thousand gallons of water or 420 gallons of foam. It's 40-feet long, 12-feet high, and it's 700 horsepower engine can take it to a top speed of 70 miles an hour.
The new training facility will host a demonstration and dedication ceremony on Sept. 8. 061621
The recently constructed Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting training facility at the Natrona County International Airport teaches firefighters how to respond to aircraft-related incidents.
Airport manager Glenn Januska announced Tuesday that a new 3,000 gallon “OshKosh Striker” has arrived at the Airport. The six-wheel unit can spray 6 thousand gallons of water or 420 gallons of foam. It's 40-feet long, 12-feet high, and it's 700 horsepower engine can take it to a top speed of 70 miles an hour.
The new training facility will host a demonstration and dedication ceremony on Sept. 8. 061621
This week is National Police week and Peace Officers Memorial Day and Governor Mark Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags be flown at half-staff statewide on Saturday May 15 to honor those in the force who've sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
In Casper, the Casper Police Department is celebrating with a party and a memorial ceremony. the free block party on Wednesday is open to the community and includes free food, games and giveaways. The memorial ceremony in honor of George Radden, the only Casper Police Department officer known to have died in the line of duty is on Saturday.
In Douglas, the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy will be honoring fallen officers May 14, 2021 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. 051121
In Casper, the Casper Police Department is celebrating with a party and a memorial ceremony. the free block party on Wednesday is open to the community and includes free food, games and giveaways. The memorial ceremony in honor of George Radden, the only Casper Police Department officer known to have died in the line of duty is on Saturday.
In Douglas, the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy will be honoring fallen officers May 14, 2021 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy. 051121
"That Lil' Ol' Band From Texas" is coming to Casper.
The Ford Wyoming Center announced Monday that ZZ Top will play in Casper on Thursday, August 12th.
The band is known for hits "Tush", “Gimme All Your Lovin’" and “Sharp Dressed Man”.
ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums, including 1983's “Eliminator”, which is certified diamond.
Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard.put the band together in 1969, and claim to be the “longest running major rock band with original personnel intact.” 051121
The Ford Wyoming Center announced Monday that ZZ Top will play in Casper on Thursday, August 12th.
The band is known for hits "Tush", “Gimme All Your Lovin’" and “Sharp Dressed Man”.
ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums, including 1983's “Eliminator”, which is certified diamond.
Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard.put the band together in 1969, and claim to be the “longest running major rock band with original personnel intact.” 051121
Casper police shot and killed a person early this morning (Thursday) that the department says was fleeing a traffic stop with an officer still inside the vehicle.
The shooting happened shortly before 4 a.m. Two officers stopped a vehicle with two people inside near East H and North Elm streets in Casper.
The driver tried to get out of the car, the passenger moved into the driver's seat.
One of the officers jumped in to try to stop the fleeing vehicle, but the new driver inside quickly drove from the scene with the officer inside.
The vehicle drove onto Interstate 25 and into oncoming traffic. At some point, the officer shot the driver, then stopped the vehicle on the side of the road.
The driver, who was not identified, was pronounced dead at Wyoming Medical Center.
Neither officer involved in the shooting suffered serious injuries. As is standard protocol, both were put on administrative leave while the matter is investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. 050621
The shooting happened shortly before 4 a.m. Two officers stopped a vehicle with two people inside near East H and North Elm streets in Casper.
The driver tried to get out of the car, the passenger moved into the driver's seat.
One of the officers jumped in to try to stop the fleeing vehicle, but the new driver inside quickly drove from the scene with the officer inside.
The vehicle drove onto Interstate 25 and into oncoming traffic. At some point, the officer shot the driver, then stopped the vehicle on the side of the road.
The driver, who was not identified, was pronounced dead at Wyoming Medical Center.
Neither officer involved in the shooting suffered serious injuries. As is standard protocol, both were put on administrative leave while the matter is investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. 050621
Continental Resources Inc. plans to pivot from natural gas to oil-directed drilling in the latter half of 2021 in response to strengthening crude prices and a tighter supply-demand balance.
Continental also is kicking off activity here in the Powder River Basin, with plans to operate two drilling rigs here this quarter.
The company entered the region with its acquisition of Samson Resources in March.
It plans to drill its first well here in coming days, and Continental executives say they expect to deliver about 10 gross operated wells in the Powder River Basin this year. 050621
Continental also is kicking off activity here in the Powder River Basin, with plans to operate two drilling rigs here this quarter.
The company entered the region with its acquisition of Samson Resources in March.
It plans to drill its first well here in coming days, and Continental executives say they expect to deliver about 10 gross operated wells in the Powder River Basin this year. 050621
Spring sunshine feels great, but most of Wyoming still needs some good spring moisture to bring us out of drought conditions.
A report released last week showed that ninety-five percent of Wyoming is still abnormally dry or worse.
Only parts of Sheridan, Johnson, Big Horn and Park counties are at or above normal moisture levels.
Most of Converse County is relatively good shape, showing D1 moderate drought conditions.
The worst parts of the sate are in southern Natrona County and portions of Carbon County, showing D3 extreme drought.
Remote monitors measured the water content of the snowpack statewide at 89% of median last week. The Powder and Tongue river drainages in the northeast had the highest readings at 129% and 124% of normal respectively. The Upper Bear River Basin in western Wyoming measured lowest at 57% of median. 050621
A report released last week showed that ninety-five percent of Wyoming is still abnormally dry or worse.
Only parts of Sheridan, Johnson, Big Horn and Park counties are at or above normal moisture levels.
Most of Converse County is relatively good shape, showing D1 moderate drought conditions.
The worst parts of the sate are in southern Natrona County and portions of Carbon County, showing D3 extreme drought.
Remote monitors measured the water content of the snowpack statewide at 89% of median last week. The Powder and Tongue river drainages in the northeast had the highest readings at 129% and 124% of normal respectively. The Upper Bear River Basin in western Wyoming measured lowest at 57% of median. 050621
Two of downtown Casper's historic movie theaters will be reopening later this month.
The America Theater at First and Center will feature first-run movies, and the Rialto Theater at Second and Center will show second-run features at $4 a ticket.
Both will reopen on Friday, May 28.
WyoMovies, the theaters' operators, say the four-screen Fox Theaters on Second and David will not reopen at this time. 050621
The America Theater at First and Center will feature first-run movies, and the Rialto Theater at Second and Center will show second-run features at $4 a ticket.
Both will reopen on Friday, May 28.
WyoMovies, the theaters' operators, say the four-screen Fox Theaters on Second and David will not reopen at this time. 050621
Two Casper police officers will receive Congressional recognition.
A pair of Casper police officers are set to receive the Congressional Badge of Bravery on Saturday from Sen. John Barrasso for their actions in a 2018 shootout that left one man dead and an officer gravely wounded.
On May 6, 2018, Officers Jacob Carlson and Randi Garrett got a report of children being allowed to drive a car in a vacant east Casper lot. The adult with them, David Wolosin, was unresponsive at first and then tried to flee from the officers. When Carlson tried to stop him, Wolosin started to shoot.
Carlson was shot seven times before Garrett shot Wolosin to stop him. Wolosin later died from his injuries.
Casper Police Department Chief Keith McPheeters said:
“The Congressional Badge of Bravery is not simply bestowed upon its recipients; it is earned at great hazard through exceptional bravery and professionalism in the face of extreme danger. “Their actions on that day reflect great credit upon themselves. 042021
A pair of Casper police officers are set to receive the Congressional Badge of Bravery on Saturday from Sen. John Barrasso for their actions in a 2018 shootout that left one man dead and an officer gravely wounded.
On May 6, 2018, Officers Jacob Carlson and Randi Garrett got a report of children being allowed to drive a car in a vacant east Casper lot. The adult with them, David Wolosin, was unresponsive at first and then tried to flee from the officers. When Carlson tried to stop him, Wolosin started to shoot.
Carlson was shot seven times before Garrett shot Wolosin to stop him. Wolosin later died from his injuries.
Casper Police Department Chief Keith McPheeters said:
“The Congressional Badge of Bravery is not simply bestowed upon its recipients; it is earned at great hazard through exceptional bravery and professionalism in the face of extreme danger. “Their actions on that day reflect great credit upon themselves. 042021
The latest biannual Cost of Living Index report by the State of Wyoming Economic Analysis Division released Friday says that inflation in Wyoming outpaced the national rate in the fourth quarter of 2020,
Nationally, the inflation rate from December 2019 to December 2020 was 1.4%, while Wyoming’s was 2.0%. according to state economists who produced the report.
The cost of living in Teton County was 65% over the state average for the last quarter of 2020.
The cost of living in Natrona County 4% under the statewide average for all items indexed.
The cost of living in Converse County was exactly even with the statewide average.
Goshen County had the lowest cost of living in the state, 12 percent under the average. 041921
Nationally, the inflation rate from December 2019 to December 2020 was 1.4%, while Wyoming’s was 2.0%. according to state economists who produced the report.
The cost of living in Teton County was 65% over the state average for the last quarter of 2020.
The cost of living in Natrona County 4% under the statewide average for all items indexed.
The cost of living in Converse County was exactly even with the statewide average.
Goshen County had the lowest cost of living in the state, 12 percent under the average. 041921
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is proposing reducing the number of pronghorn hunting licenses for the 2021 season.
Game managers are recommending a reduction of 3,650 any-antelope licenses and 5,775 doe/fawn licenses.
Reductions will impact most herds in the state.
The department is recommending cutting the number of licenses this year due to the on-going drought conditions and the record-breaking spring blizzard’s impacts on pronghorn in many areas of the state. 041921
Game managers are recommending a reduction of 3,650 any-antelope licenses and 5,775 doe/fawn licenses.
Reductions will impact most herds in the state.
The department is recommending cutting the number of licenses this year due to the on-going drought conditions and the record-breaking spring blizzard’s impacts on pronghorn in many areas of the state. 041921
Masks will disappear at Glenrock schools.
Converse County School District #2 has requested and has been approved for an exception to public health requirements pertaining to K-12 schools.
Beginning Monday, March 29th, students, staff, and visitors at Glenrock schools will NO longer be required to wear masks while on school district property or transportation. Mask wearing will become optional.
District officials say the wearing of masks has become a burden for everyone, and they are excited to eliminate this requirement. 032921
Converse County School District #2 has requested and has been approved for an exception to public health requirements pertaining to K-12 schools.
Beginning Monday, March 29th, students, staff, and visitors at Glenrock schools will NO longer be required to wear masks while on school district property or transportation. Mask wearing will become optional.
District officials say the wearing of masks has become a burden for everyone, and they are excited to eliminate this requirement. 032921
Governor Mark Gordon announced this morning that Wyoming will remove its statewide mask requirement and allow bars, restaurants, theaters and gyms to resume normal operations on March 16.
The decision reflects the state’s continually improving health metrics and is consistent with the Governor’s approach of balancing public health with protecting livelihoods.
Wyoming has seen a declining number of active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and has seen significant success rolling out the vaccine, with the state’s most vulnerable residents having access now to the vaccine.
The Governor continues to encourage Wyomingites to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and to follow the best practices adopted by any business they visit to slow the spread of the virus.
The face covering protocol will remain in place in K-12 schools as a safety measure to ensure that classroom learning and all student activities can continue to occur safely. 030821
The decision reflects the state’s continually improving health metrics and is consistent with the Governor’s approach of balancing public health with protecting livelihoods.
Wyoming has seen a declining number of active COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and has seen significant success rolling out the vaccine, with the state’s most vulnerable residents having access now to the vaccine.
The Governor continues to encourage Wyomingites to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and to follow the best practices adopted by any business they visit to slow the spread of the virus.
The face covering protocol will remain in place in K-12 schools as a safety measure to ensure that classroom learning and all student activities can continue to occur safely. 030821
A new state office building in Casper may be named after a Wyoming oilman.
A proposal moving through the Wyoming State legislature would name the building currently under construction on West Collins Drive after former U.S. Rep. John Wold.
Wold, who died in 2017, founded Wold Oil Properties in Casper in 1950.
The new building across from Cheney Alumni Field at Natrona County High School is anticipated to be complete by fall 2021. It will house several state agencies that are now spread around town. It will eventually contain nearly 400 workers. 022421
A proposal moving through the Wyoming State legislature would name the building currently under construction on West Collins Drive after former U.S. Rep. John Wold.
Wold, who died in 2017, founded Wold Oil Properties in Casper in 1950.
The new building across from Cheney Alumni Field at Natrona County High School is anticipated to be complete by fall 2021. It will house several state agencies that are now spread around town. It will eventually contain nearly 400 workers. 022421
State budget cut continue to take their toll on higher education.
Casper College announced Friday that they'll eliminate 15 positions from their payroll.
Seven of the positions to be eliminated are already either vacant or will be cut through attrition after expected retirements.
Of the eight people being laid off at the college, five are staff and three are faculty members.
Casper College planned to cut 10% of its budget last summer at the request of Gov. Mark Gordon, in an effort to decrease a massive budget shortfall in the state’s general fund. 020821
Casper College announced Friday that they'll eliminate 15 positions from their payroll.
Seven of the positions to be eliminated are already either vacant or will be cut through attrition after expected retirements.
Of the eight people being laid off at the college, five are staff and three are faculty members.
Casper College planned to cut 10% of its budget last summer at the request of Gov. Mark Gordon, in an effort to decrease a massive budget shortfall in the state’s general fund. 020821
The Casper City Council is changing downtown speed limits again.
The council on Tuesday amended an ordinance modifying downtown speed limits that will mostly speed up traffic. While the ordinance expands the 20 mph zone slightly west of downtown Casper, most streets affected will see their speed limit raised to the citywide default of 30 mph.
Roads east of Wolcott Street and north of First Street will move out of the 20 mph zone, as well as a few blocks south of Collins Drive around Center Street.
A much smaller section including parts of Yellowstone Highway and West Midwest Avenue will have their speed limits lowered by 10 mph. 020421
The council on Tuesday amended an ordinance modifying downtown speed limits that will mostly speed up traffic. While the ordinance expands the 20 mph zone slightly west of downtown Casper, most streets affected will see their speed limit raised to the citywide default of 30 mph.
Roads east of Wolcott Street and north of First Street will move out of the 20 mph zone, as well as a few blocks south of Collins Drive around Center Street.
A much smaller section including parts of Yellowstone Highway and West Midwest Avenue will have their speed limits lowered by 10 mph. 020421
A California man was arrested in Glenrock Tuesday after a high speed chase.
Matthew Ruiz, of Santa Maria, California faces charges for driving under the influence, driving while under suspension, fleeing to elude, open container and reckless driving.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped Ruiz on Interstate 25 just east of Casper while he was driving 110 miles per hour. The Trooper said Ruiz seemed impaired and he refused to present documents to the trooper.
Ruiz then fled in his car, exited onto Hat Six Road then headed east on US 20-26, where he hit speeds of 150 miles per hour.
The trooper fell out of pursuit before reaching Glenrock in the interest of public safety. The Converse County Sheriff and Glenrock police found his car, empty, on the side of a road in Glenrock.
Officers later found Ruiz hiding under a bush, and he was taken into custody. 012721
Matthew Ruiz, of Santa Maria, California faces charges for driving under the influence, driving while under suspension, fleeing to elude, open container and reckless driving.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper stopped Ruiz on Interstate 25 just east of Casper while he was driving 110 miles per hour. The Trooper said Ruiz seemed impaired and he refused to present documents to the trooper.
Ruiz then fled in his car, exited onto Hat Six Road then headed east on US 20-26, where he hit speeds of 150 miles per hour.
The trooper fell out of pursuit before reaching Glenrock in the interest of public safety. The Converse County Sheriff and Glenrock police found his car, empty, on the side of a road in Glenrock.
Officers later found Ruiz hiding under a bush, and he was taken into custody. 012721
Law enforcement investigating a bomb threat at Casper College Tuesday found no evidence of threat on campus.
College officials said a college employee received an email saying there was a propane bomb on campus in Liesinger Hall. More than a dozen officers searched the property for more than an hour Tuesday, but found nothing.
An investigation into the source of the email that sent the threat is ongoing. Tuesday’s statement said officers believe the threat poses no danger to members of the public. 012721
College officials said a college employee received an email saying there was a propane bomb on campus in Liesinger Hall. More than a dozen officers searched the property for more than an hour Tuesday, but found nothing.
An investigation into the source of the email that sent the threat is ongoing. Tuesday’s statement said officers believe the threat poses no danger to members of the public. 012721
Memorial Hospital of Converse County is asking vaccine patients to get their shots in their county of residence.
An influx of people from outside Converse County forced the hospital to shut down their clinic for a short period of time Thursday afternoon.
Each county is allocated a number of vaccine shots, and MHCC staff says that our COVID-19 vaccine clinic is only for residents of Converse County.
In a press release Thursday, the hospital says effective Friday, January 15th, proof of residency will be required to receive a vaccine at our clinic location.
The hospital says out-of-county residents will be referred back to their county health department for the vaccine dose.
Proof of residency can be a Driver's License, Photo ID, or similar identification that shows the vaccine recipient's name, photo and current physical address. 011421
An influx of people from outside Converse County forced the hospital to shut down their clinic for a short period of time Thursday afternoon.
Each county is allocated a number of vaccine shots, and MHCC staff says that our COVID-19 vaccine clinic is only for residents of Converse County.
In a press release Thursday, the hospital says effective Friday, January 15th, proof of residency will be required to receive a vaccine at our clinic location.
The hospital says out-of-county residents will be referred back to their county health department for the vaccine dose.
Proof of residency can be a Driver's License, Photo ID, or similar identification that shows the vaccine recipient's name, photo and current physical address. 011421
Kids in Glenrock will benefit from a generous gift given to the Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock by Jackson Hole financier Foster Friess. Mr. Friess and his wife Lynnette donated $100,000.00 to the Glenrock Club at the request of Dr. Joseph McGinley. The gift was announced at a small social gathering to celebrate Brighter Futures for youth and the Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock.
The funds will go toward development of the Club and supporting programming based around three focus areas of academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
The Glenrock Boys & Girls Club is operated under the umbrella of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. It serves 200 kids each year after school and during out of school days, including Fridays during the school year and daily for summer camp. It has been operating in Glenrock since 2000. 011421
The funds will go toward development of the Club and supporting programming based around three focus areas of academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
The Glenrock Boys & Girls Club is operated under the umbrella of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. It serves 200 kids each year after school and during out of school days, including Fridays during the school year and daily for summer camp. It has been operating in Glenrock since 2000. 011421
Wyoming's US Representative Liz Cheney said Tuesday she will vote to impeach President Donald Trump following last week's attack at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of the president.
In a statement, Cheney said the president incited the mob that attacked the Capitol on Wednesday. She said afterward, he could have "immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence," but didn't.
Cheney said in her statement that "There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution".
Cheney becomes the highest-profile Republican to announce that she would support impeachment. She is the third-ranking Republican in the House. 011221
In a statement, Cheney said the president incited the mob that attacked the Capitol on Wednesday. She said afterward, he could have "immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence," but didn't.
Cheney said in her statement that "There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution".
Cheney becomes the highest-profile Republican to announce that she would support impeachment. She is the third-ranking Republican in the House. 011221
A proposed West-Coast coal-shipping terminal on the Columbia River at Longview, Washington, may be headed for limbo.
Lighthouse Resources has been working to develop the terminal that would ship Powder Basin coal to Far Eastern markets. The project has been stalled by environmentalists and the Washington state government, among others.
But Lighthouse Resources filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December.
It hoped to find a new buyer for the project, but over the past two months no bidder materialized.
Lighthouse Resources petitioned the court on Friday to reject its land lease in Washington, and the future of the project, and new markets for Wyoming coal, are again in doubt. 011221
Lighthouse Resources has been working to develop the terminal that would ship Powder Basin coal to Far Eastern markets. The project has been stalled by environmentalists and the Washington state government, among others.
But Lighthouse Resources filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December.
It hoped to find a new buyer for the project, but over the past two months no bidder materialized.
Lighthouse Resources petitioned the court on Friday to reject its land lease in Washington, and the future of the project, and new markets for Wyoming coal, are again in doubt. 011221
Most rivers in Wyoming will be at below-average levels this spring.
The report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the North Platte River, which runs through Casper and Douglas, will be at less than half of its average where it enters the Nebraska Panhandle.
USDA Hydrologist Jim Fahey said spring runoff values will be about 80% for Wyoming, while the Yellowstone and Shoshone rivers are estimated to be closer to 100%.
He also said the state started the new year with dry soil conditions, hindering initial runoff projections. 011221
The report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the North Platte River, which runs through Casper and Douglas, will be at less than half of its average where it enters the Nebraska Panhandle.
USDA Hydrologist Jim Fahey said spring runoff values will be about 80% for Wyoming, while the Yellowstone and Shoshone rivers are estimated to be closer to 100%.
He also said the state started the new year with dry soil conditions, hindering initial runoff projections. 011221
In the closing months of the Trump administration, energy companies have stockpiled enough drilling permits for western public lands to keep pumping oil for years.
That stands to undercut President-elect Joe Biden’s plans to block new drilling on public lands to address climate change.
An Associated Press analysis of government data shows the permit stockpiling has centered on oil-rich federal lands in New Mexico and Wyoming and accelerated in September and October as Biden was cementing his lead over President Donald Trump.
The industry was aided by speedier permitting approvals since Trump took office. 011121
That stands to undercut President-elect Joe Biden’s plans to block new drilling on public lands to address climate change.
An Associated Press analysis of government data shows the permit stockpiling has centered on oil-rich federal lands in New Mexico and Wyoming and accelerated in September and October as Biden was cementing his lead over President Donald Trump.
The industry was aided by speedier permitting approvals since Trump took office. 011121
Casper schools are seeing a slight rise in COVID-19 numbers after the Christmas break.
Students returned to class last week.
Four staff and 115 students in the Natrona County School District are quarantining for exposure to COVID-19 after the first week back to class.
20 cases of the virus were reported in students and staff for the first full week of January.
That compares to 14 cases and 86 quarantines were reported among district students and staff for week of Dec. 12th, the last week before winter break.
Those numbers are still far below where they stood in mid-November, at the height of the virus’ surge across Wyoming. 011121
Students returned to class last week.
Four staff and 115 students in the Natrona County School District are quarantining for exposure to COVID-19 after the first week back to class.
20 cases of the virus were reported in students and staff for the first full week of January.
That compares to 14 cases and 86 quarantines were reported among district students and staff for week of Dec. 12th, the last week before winter break.
Those numbers are still far below where they stood in mid-November, at the height of the virus’ surge across Wyoming. 011121
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KKTY News gets a COVID-19 Vaccine Update from Darcey Cowardin and Johnna Shepherd from Converse County Public Health... listen to the entire interview here!
Recorded Thu 1/8/21 |
A Casper hospital is relaxing it visitation policy as COVID-19 cases decline.
Wyoming Medical Center, the state's biggest hospital, says that beginning Wednesday, most hospital patients will be allowed to have one visitor a day.
That visitor will be able to visit for no more than three hours at a time.
Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With just a couple of exceptions, most visitation at the Casper hospital has been on hold since October. 010621
Wyoming Medical Center, the state's biggest hospital, says that beginning Wednesday, most hospital patients will be allowed to have one visitor a day.
That visitor will be able to visit for no more than three hours at a time.
Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With just a couple of exceptions, most visitation at the Casper hospital has been on hold since October. 010621
The new year brings a new fee schedule at Wyoming’s state parks.
As the State faces an empty wallet, all fees are increasing.
For Wyoming residents, daily use fees at state parks like Edness Kimball Wilkins and Glendo, recreation areas and archaeological sites will move to one rate year-round, with no more discount for off-season rates. They’re increasing from $4 and $6, depending on the season, to $7 year-round, while a visit to a historic site now costs $4 (up from $2-$3).
A resident’s annual pass has increased from $40 to $48. The largest increase is for annual camping passes, which are now $80 instead of $50.
Visitation at the state's parks is up across the state, as the coronavirus pandemic forced folks looking to stay active yet socially distant into the great outdoors. 010621
As the State faces an empty wallet, all fees are increasing.
For Wyoming residents, daily use fees at state parks like Edness Kimball Wilkins and Glendo, recreation areas and archaeological sites will move to one rate year-round, with no more discount for off-season rates. They’re increasing from $4 and $6, depending on the season, to $7 year-round, while a visit to a historic site now costs $4 (up from $2-$3).
A resident’s annual pass has increased from $40 to $48. The largest increase is for annual camping passes, which are now $80 instead of $50.
Visitation at the state's parks is up across the state, as the coronavirus pandemic forced folks looking to stay active yet socially distant into the great outdoors. 010621
Samson Resources is getting out of the Powder River Basin.
The oil exploration and production company has signed a definitive agreement to divest all of its assets in the Basin for $215m.
The company did not disclose the name of the buyer.
The assets being sold produced around 8,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (75% oil) last year.
The divestment is a part of Samson’s efforts to shed all its assets to settle its debt and pay its equity owners after it emerged from bankruptcy in 2017. 010621
The oil exploration and production company has signed a definitive agreement to divest all of its assets in the Basin for $215m.
The company did not disclose the name of the buyer.
The assets being sold produced around 8,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (75% oil) last year.
The divestment is a part of Samson’s efforts to shed all its assets to settle its debt and pay its equity owners after it emerged from bankruptcy in 2017. 010621
Teachers are back in the classroom today, but most area students get one more morning to sleep in.
Today is an in-service day for most area teachers, including those in Casper, Douglas and Glenrock, to prepare to return to the classroom after the Christmas break.
All other area students go back to school on Tuesday. 010421
Today is an in-service day for most area teachers, including those in Casper, Douglas and Glenrock, to prepare to return to the classroom after the Christmas break.
All other area students go back to school on Tuesday. 010421
Douglas's newest city council member is Monte Gilbreath.
The Douglas City Council met Monday night to fill the seat left vacant by Councilman Karl Hertz's resignation.
Eight people applied for the vacancy,,, Gilbreath, Sherri Mullinnix, Ryan Andrews, Ryan Marcus, Russell Neice, Perry Hershberger, Bruce Jones and Scott Bauman.
Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper, council members John Bartling, Kim Pexton and new councilman Ron McNare questioned the applicants. Converse County Commissioner Jim WIllox also offered questions and input, but did not participate in the final vote.
Following a 40-minute executive session, the Council named Gilbreath to filll Hertz's term from January 5th, 2021 to December 31st, 2022.
The vote was 3 to 1, with Bartling, McNare and Pexton voting aye, and Mayor Kemper voting nay.
Councilmember Ron McNare was also sworn in on Monday evening before the candidate interviews.
010421
The Douglas City Council met Monday night to fill the seat left vacant by Councilman Karl Hertz's resignation.
Eight people applied for the vacancy,,, Gilbreath, Sherri Mullinnix, Ryan Andrews, Ryan Marcus, Russell Neice, Perry Hershberger, Bruce Jones and Scott Bauman.
Douglas Mayor Rene Kemper, council members John Bartling, Kim Pexton and new councilman Ron McNare questioned the applicants. Converse County Commissioner Jim WIllox also offered questions and input, but did not participate in the final vote.
Following a 40-minute executive session, the Council named Gilbreath to filll Hertz's term from January 5th, 2021 to December 31st, 2022.
The vote was 3 to 1, with Bartling, McNare and Pexton voting aye, and Mayor Kemper voting nay.
Councilmember Ron McNare was also sworn in on Monday evening before the candidate interviews.
010421
The state's largest utility announced it will lend a hand to several non-profit organizations across Wyoming struggling to make ends meet this winter.
In Douglas, funding from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation will go to the Converse Hope Center to support the mission of serving victims of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child, adult and elder abuse, and Solutions for Life to support the purchase of a new water heater and chairs for their transitional group home for mental health patients.
The Glenrock Boys and Girls Club will get funding to support their Feed the Kids on Friday program to support children who no longer have access to school nutrition programs on Fridays because of the four-day school week;
Five organizations in Casper received funding through the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and Community Giving grants, including Artcore, Inc., Casper Theater Company, Food for Thought Project, Mimi’s House and the Nicolaysen Art Museum.
Across Rocky Mountain Power's service territory, a total of 58 grants were extended through the giving program this winter. Each grant ranged from $1,000 to $7,500. 122520
In Douglas, funding from the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation will go to the Converse Hope Center to support the mission of serving victims of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child, adult and elder abuse, and Solutions for Life to support the purchase of a new water heater and chairs for their transitional group home for mental health patients.
The Glenrock Boys and Girls Club will get funding to support their Feed the Kids on Friday program to support children who no longer have access to school nutrition programs on Fridays because of the four-day school week;
Five organizations in Casper received funding through the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation and Community Giving grants, including Artcore, Inc., Casper Theater Company, Food for Thought Project, Mimi’s House and the Nicolaysen Art Museum.
Across Rocky Mountain Power's service territory, a total of 58 grants were extended through the giving program this winter. Each grant ranged from $1,000 to $7,500. 122520
The Wyoming Medical Center in Casper has received an “A” grade for safety for the second time in a row from a national hospital safety group.
The grading is performed twice annually by the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit founded to increase hospital safety and accountability.
The grades are published twice a year. Wyoming’s largest hospital also received an “A” in the spring. 122520
The grading is performed twice annually by the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit founded to increase hospital safety and accountability.
The grades are published twice a year. Wyoming’s largest hospital also received an “A” in the spring. 122520
U.S. officials have approved a 5,000-well oil and gas project spread across more than 2,300 square miles in eastern Wyoming.
Drilling would occur year-round over a decade with each well expected to last about 30 years.
Construction would also include 1,500 miles of gas gathering pipelines and hundreds of miles of water pipelines, along with roads, electrical lines and other infrastructure.
In 2014, five major oil and gas companies proposed the development north of Douglas.
Wednesday's approval from the Bureau of Land Management finalizes the development plan, but actual construction will require separate approvals.
The BLM manages most of the underground mineral rights in the area, but about 90 percent of the land is privately or state owned.
Only about 6 percent of the project's 1,500 well pads will be built on bureau land.
Federal officials say the oil and gas field would create more than 8,000 jobs and between $18 billion and $28 billion in revenue.
A previous government study noted that the project calls for exemptions to operate in sage grouse and raptor habitat. 122420
Drilling would occur year-round over a decade with each well expected to last about 30 years.
Construction would also include 1,500 miles of gas gathering pipelines and hundreds of miles of water pipelines, along with roads, electrical lines and other infrastructure.
In 2014, five major oil and gas companies proposed the development north of Douglas.
Wednesday's approval from the Bureau of Land Management finalizes the development plan, but actual construction will require separate approvals.
The BLM manages most of the underground mineral rights in the area, but about 90 percent of the land is privately or state owned.
Only about 6 percent of the project's 1,500 well pads will be built on bureau land.
Federal officials say the oil and gas field would create more than 8,000 jobs and between $18 billion and $28 billion in revenue.
A previous government study noted that the project calls for exemptions to operate in sage grouse and raptor habitat. 122420
400 doses of Moderna COVID vaccine arrived Wednesday evening at Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
MHCC will collaborate with Converse County Health to start free vaccinations for health care workers, emergency workers and first responders in accordance with Wyoming State Department of Health 1a vaccination plans.
MHCC officials say the vaccine is optional, and those who choose not to get it now may choose to get it later, at no charge.
Vaccine doses will be administered on Thursday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in a closed off section of the Arbor Cafe at Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
Once the vaccine becomes more widely available, MHCC and CCPH will continue to partner to offer it to all residents in Converse County. 122420
MHCC will collaborate with Converse County Health to start free vaccinations for health care workers, emergency workers and first responders in accordance with Wyoming State Department of Health 1a vaccination plans.
MHCC officials say the vaccine is optional, and those who choose not to get it now may choose to get it later, at no charge.
Vaccine doses will be administered on Thursday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 AM in a closed off section of the Arbor Cafe at Memorial Hospital of Converse County.
Once the vaccine becomes more widely available, MHCC and CCPH will continue to partner to offer it to all residents in Converse County. 122420
The student population at Douglas schools has dropped to its lowest in more than a decade.
Numbers released Monday by the Wyoming Department of Education show Converse County School District #1's fall 2020 student enrollment at 1643 students. That's down from 1782 in 2019.
Other districts around the state are showing similar drops.
Natrona County District #1 dropped to 12.754, their lowest enrollment since 2012.
Not everyone is showing a slump.
Converse #2 at Glenrock is up to 668 students, and that the highest it's been since 2013.
Niobrara #1 at Lusk has seen an enrollment increase of 607 students, from 790 in the district last year, to 1397 this year... that's more than 76%... Niobrara's biggest enrollment ever. But they're not all in the classroom... it's mainly attributable to Niobrara's virtual education programs. More students have turned to online learning since COVID-19 emerged here in March.
Statewide student enrollment dropped to 91,938 for the current school year. That's 1,894 fewer students than the previous year, a decline of about 2%.
Thirty-eight of the state's 48 districts suffered enrollment declines.
COVID-19 and the energy downturn are being blamed for the falling numbers. 122120
Numbers released Monday by the Wyoming Department of Education show Converse County School District #1's fall 2020 student enrollment at 1643 students. That's down from 1782 in 2019.
Other districts around the state are showing similar drops.
Natrona County District #1 dropped to 12.754, their lowest enrollment since 2012.
Not everyone is showing a slump.
Converse #2 at Glenrock is up to 668 students, and that the highest it's been since 2013.
Niobrara #1 at Lusk has seen an enrollment increase of 607 students, from 790 in the district last year, to 1397 this year... that's more than 76%... Niobrara's biggest enrollment ever. But they're not all in the classroom... it's mainly attributable to Niobrara's virtual education programs. More students have turned to online learning since COVID-19 emerged here in March.
Statewide student enrollment dropped to 91,938 for the current school year. That's 1,894 fewer students than the previous year, a decline of about 2%.
Thirty-eight of the state's 48 districts suffered enrollment declines.
COVID-19 and the energy downturn are being blamed for the falling numbers. 122120
The Converse County Sheriff's Office held their annual Shop with a Cop event on Monday, but with a bit of a twist his year.
In October the Converse County Sheriff's Office advertised for parents, or guardians, and their children to work together to write a short letter about what Christmas means to them.
Each participating child was asked to create a wish list of 3 to 5 items they would like to receive for Christmas. Parents or guardians were asked to include a brief description of the family's need, participating children's names and ages, and family contact information.
Due to generous donations from the community, the Sheriff's Department was able to buy and wrap gifts for every child and family who was submitted for consideration.
Devon Energy donated $1,500.00 to this cause, and an additional $2,000.00 was donated by other community members who requested they remain anonymous.
On Monday, Family groups were brought in and seated at tables, socially distanced from each other, in our training room. Deputies were assigned a family group and delivered the presents to their group's table. Once all the kids had their presents it was a wonderful experience watching them open their presents. Even masks couldn't hide the joy on the children's faces.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers were also present and brought with them gift baskets filled with Christmas food items. These were provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association in conjunction with the Wyoming First Lady's Hunger Initiative Partnership. 122120
In October the Converse County Sheriff's Office advertised for parents, or guardians, and their children to work together to write a short letter about what Christmas means to them.
Each participating child was asked to create a wish list of 3 to 5 items they would like to receive for Christmas. Parents or guardians were asked to include a brief description of the family's need, participating children's names and ages, and family contact information.
Due to generous donations from the community, the Sheriff's Department was able to buy and wrap gifts for every child and family who was submitted for consideration.
Devon Energy donated $1,500.00 to this cause, and an additional $2,000.00 was donated by other community members who requested they remain anonymous.
On Monday, Family groups were brought in and seated at tables, socially distanced from each other, in our training room. Deputies were assigned a family group and delivered the presents to their group's table. Once all the kids had their presents it was a wonderful experience watching them open their presents. Even masks couldn't hide the joy on the children's faces.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers were also present and brought with them gift baskets filled with Christmas food items. These were provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol Association in conjunction with the Wyoming First Lady's Hunger Initiative Partnership. 122120
Natrona County's mask mandates have been extended for more than another month.
The orders were originally signed on November 18th, and had been set to expire on Friday.
Natrona County Public Health Officer Mark Dowell has extended those orders through Christmas and New Years til January 8th.
The order now covers children ages 12 and up as well as adults. It requires masks to be worn in most public places including businesses, government buildings, medical facilities and public transit. Face coverings are also required when entering or exiting a restaurant, bar or gym.
Exceptions include private offices, at a restaurant table or while exercising at the gym. 120420
The orders were originally signed on November 18th, and had been set to expire on Friday.
Natrona County Public Health Officer Mark Dowell has extended those orders through Christmas and New Years til January 8th.
The order now covers children ages 12 and up as well as adults. It requires masks to be worn in most public places including businesses, government buildings, medical facilities and public transit. Face coverings are also required when entering or exiting a restaurant, bar or gym.
Exceptions include private offices, at a restaurant table or while exercising at the gym. 120420
Two booms and two busts ago, five major oil companies proposed a plan to drill 5,000 wells across about 1.5 million acres of land in Converse County and eastern Wyoming.
Now, Gov. Mark Gordon has completed his review of Converse County Oil and Gas Project, with final federal approval expected by the end of year.
The final environmental review was published on July 30th. It allows for the construction of up to 5,000 wells, 1,500 miles of gas gathering pipelines and 900 miles of water pipelines, along with roads, electrical lines and other infrastructure.
Energy companies originally behind the proposal include Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Devon Energy, EOG Resources Inc. and Northwoods Energy.
Officials expect the federal review to be completed and signed by Dec. 15, well before the energy-friendly Trump administration leaves office. 120220
Now, Gov. Mark Gordon has completed his review of Converse County Oil and Gas Project, with final federal approval expected by the end of year.
The final environmental review was published on July 30th. It allows for the construction of up to 5,000 wells, 1,500 miles of gas gathering pipelines and 900 miles of water pipelines, along with roads, electrical lines and other infrastructure.
Energy companies originally behind the proposal include Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Devon Energy, EOG Resources Inc. and Northwoods Energy.
Officials expect the federal review to be completed and signed by Dec. 15, well before the energy-friendly Trump administration leaves office. 120220
Peabody Energy says they will no longer cover medical expenses for retired coal miners on Medicare and will stop providing life insurance to retirees.
After the company went through a financial review earlier this year, Peabody announced that continuing to cover the cost of existing retiree medical benefits was "not sustainable".
Discontinuing the retiree health care program will save Peabody Energy $174.5 million.
The coal operator owns the North Antelope Rochelle, Rawhide and Caballo mines in the Powder River Basin. 113020
After the company went through a financial review earlier this year, Peabody announced that continuing to cover the cost of existing retiree medical benefits was "not sustainable".
Discontinuing the retiree health care program will save Peabody Energy $174.5 million.
The coal operator owns the North Antelope Rochelle, Rawhide and Caballo mines in the Powder River Basin. 113020
Like many school districts around the state, Converse County School District #2 at Glenrock is running short on staff.
Positive COVID-19 isolations and quarantines have hit our staff hard and our pool of available substitutes is not deep enough to cover the current absences.
On Friday, the district said it was going to offer a class for potential substitutes to get the necessary hours in order to apply for a permit.
More information is available on the Converse County School District 2 facebook page. 112020
Positive COVID-19 isolations and quarantines have hit our staff hard and our pool of available substitutes is not deep enough to cover the current absences.
On Friday, the district said it was going to offer a class for potential substitutes to get the necessary hours in order to apply for a permit.
More information is available on the Converse County School District 2 facebook page. 112020
Local public health orders requiring all adults in Converse County to wear face masks will go into effect today.
The state approved a local mask order for Converse County Thursday morning
Beginning today, face coverings will be required in all retail and commercial businesses, local and state government offices, and healthcare facilities. Masks will also be required on public transportation.
Similar orders have been passed or being considered in half of Wyoming's 23 counties.
Converse County Public Health Officer Dr Mark Campbell said its not just about face masks, but they will help...
The state approved a local mask order for Converse County Thursday morning
Beginning today, face coverings will be required in all retail and commercial businesses, local and state government offices, and healthcare facilities. Masks will also be required on public transportation.
Similar orders have been passed or being considered in half of Wyoming's 23 counties.
Converse County Public Health Officer Dr Mark Campbell said its not just about face masks, but they will help...
The local mask order is in effect from Friday November 20th to Friday, December 4th. 112020
After a nationwide search, the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce stays at home to choose their new president and CEO.
Chamber officials tabbed Jason DeWitt to lead the local business and community group.
DeWitt is currently the business development and marketing director at The Science Zone in Casper, and has served for six years on the Casper Chamber board. 112020
Chamber officials tabbed Jason DeWitt to lead the local business and community group.
DeWitt is currently the business development and marketing director at The Science Zone in Casper, and has served for six years on the Casper Chamber board. 112020
One man's been arrested and another was taken to the hospital after a stabbing incident early Sunday morning in the Glenrock High School Parking lot.
Glenrock Police arrested 35 year old Kenneth James Bigford and booked him on charges of aggravated assault and battery.
Police say an initial investigation indicated the suspect and victim had engaged in a verbal disagreement which became physical and resulted in the victim being stabbed.
The victim, Kody Hill, was treated by medics on the scene and taken to the hospital for further treatment.
All parties involved were adults and the incident did not involve high school students or a school activity. 111020
Glenrock Police arrested 35 year old Kenneth James Bigford and booked him on charges of aggravated assault and battery.
Police say an initial investigation indicated the suspect and victim had engaged in a verbal disagreement which became physical and resulted in the victim being stabbed.
The victim, Kody Hill, was treated by medics on the scene and taken to the hospital for further treatment.
All parties involved were adults and the incident did not involve high school students or a school activity. 111020
COVID-related hospitalizations in Wyoming have hit all-time high.
Wyoming set a new record Monday with 172 hospitalizations. The state has set a new high on four consecutive days.
17 of 19 ICU beds at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper are full.
There are no ICU beds available at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, SageWest in Lander and Washakie Medical Center, according to state-compiled data. 111020
Wyoming set a new record Monday with 172 hospitalizations. The state has set a new high on four consecutive days.
17 of 19 ICU beds at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper are full.
There are no ICU beds available at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, SageWest in Lander and Washakie Medical Center, according to state-compiled data. 111020
Casper College will switch over to mostly remote classes after Thanksgiving.
CC president Darren Divine told students last week that there are several reasons for the change, all hinging around growing COVID-19 numbers statewide and in Natrona County.
Following an extended Thanksgiving break, Casper College will switch most academic disciplines to online classes for the final two weeks of school and finals week. 102620
CC president Darren Divine told students last week that there are several reasons for the change, all hinging around growing COVID-19 numbers statewide and in Natrona County.
Following an extended Thanksgiving break, Casper College will switch most academic disciplines to online classes for the final two weeks of school and finals week. 102620
