KKTS News
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
A Converse County man died Saturday afternoon when he was thrown from the pickup he was driving when it rolled over near Rolling Hills.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 61 year old Russell Caves was driving north on Wyoming Highway 95 at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon when his pickup swerved, skidded and rolled, coming to rest on its roof.
Caves was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown clear of the truck.
The highway patrol says driver inattention was a possible contributing factor to the crash. 101822
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 61 year old Russell Caves was driving north on Wyoming Highway 95 at about 4:30 Saturday afternoon when his pickup swerved, skidded and rolled, coming to rest on its roof.
Caves was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown clear of the truck.
The highway patrol says driver inattention was a possible contributing factor to the crash. 101822
A north Casper lake will be closed until next spring due to a harmful algae bloom.
Lake McKenzie is in a park along the North Platte River off of Bryan Stock Trail.
Testing last week showed the algae bloom. City officials said the cold temperatrues will naturally kill the algae bloom when the lake’s waters freeze this winter.
The rest of the park will remain open, but people and pets should stay out of the water and completely away from the shoreline. 101722
Lake McKenzie is in a park along the North Platte River off of Bryan Stock Trail.
Testing last week showed the algae bloom. City officials said the cold temperatrues will naturally kill the algae bloom when the lake’s waters freeze this winter.
The rest of the park will remain open, but people and pets should stay out of the water and completely away from the shoreline. 101722
High natural gas prices are making coal-burning power plants a more attractive option, and that's pushing the price of Powder River Basin coal higher.
How high natural gas prices become, and how coal markets respond, will depend partly on temperatures this winter in the United States and in Northern Europe.
The spot price of Powder River Coal typically hovers between about $10 and $12 per short ton. It averaged $16.20 during the first two weeks of September and $16.15 during the next two, then rose to $16.25 per short ton as of Sept. 30.
There's also a bottleneck getting coal to market due to ongoing rail disruptions curtailing mines’ ability to ship coal. 100522
How high natural gas prices become, and how coal markets respond, will depend partly on temperatures this winter in the United States and in Northern Europe.
The spot price of Powder River Coal typically hovers between about $10 and $12 per short ton. It averaged $16.20 during the first two weeks of September and $16.15 during the next two, then rose to $16.25 per short ton as of Sept. 30.
There's also a bottleneck getting coal to market due to ongoing rail disruptions curtailing mines’ ability to ship coal. 100522
There's a moose wandering around Casper's east side, and he was spotted in Evansville on Saturday.
It's mating season, which makes moose more aggressive.
Wyoming Game & Fish tried to tranquilize the animal and move him, but he escaped, and the hunt continues.
Wildlife officials say the young bull has likely been wandering around Natrona County since about July. It looks to be about three years old, and seems to be healthy. 100522
It's mating season, which makes moose more aggressive.
Wyoming Game & Fish tried to tranquilize the animal and move him, but he escaped, and the hunt continues.
Wildlife officials say the young bull has likely been wandering around Natrona County since about July. It looks to be about three years old, and seems to be healthy. 100522
The downtown Casper Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, November 26th starting at 6:30 p.m.
The theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas Past, Present & Future,” and the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking floats and other forms of support from the community.
The Chamber of Commerce is also seeking sponsors for the annual parade.
People wanting to enter a float may register it at CasperChristmasparade.com. 100522
The theme for this year’s parade is “Christmas Past, Present & Future,” and the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking floats and other forms of support from the community.
The Chamber of Commerce is also seeking sponsors for the annual parade.
People wanting to enter a float may register it at CasperChristmasparade.com. 100522
Douglas Middle School operated under Secure mode for much of the day today as Douglas Police dealt with an issue across the street from the school.
The PD got a suicide call early Monday from a residence on Wind River Drive across from the school.
Douglas police chief Todd Byerly said before lunch that there is NO concern to the safety of the Douglas Middle School, but they have been placed into a SECURE mode.
At about 2:30PM, the DPD said the situation had been safely resolved with no injuries.
The Hold and Secure status at the Douglas Middle School was lifted, and parent pickup and school bus routes are taking place on a normal schedule. 092622
The PD got a suicide call early Monday from a residence on Wind River Drive across from the school.
Douglas police chief Todd Byerly said before lunch that there is NO concern to the safety of the Douglas Middle School, but they have been placed into a SECURE mode.
At about 2:30PM, the DPD said the situation had been safely resolved with no injuries.
The Hold and Secure status at the Douglas Middle School was lifted, and parent pickup and school bus routes are taking place on a normal schedule. 092622
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Douglas drivers have a new way across town.
The Pearson Street extension opens this afternoon. Pearson Street is on the west side of the North Platte River...Until today, it's come to a dead end in a field just south of Flicker Street. But city officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning on the extension that will connect West Riverbend and West Yellowstone on the west side of the river. Douglas Upper Elementary and Douglas Intermediate Schools are at the north end of the street... Douglas Middle School is at the south end... . Douglas Police Chief Todd Byerly says the new street will change traffic patterns... |
The new street will also improve access into the neighborhood for fire, ambulance and other emergency vehicles.
Rocky Mountain Power is putting the final touches on street lights this afternoon.
Douglas Public Works Director John Harbarger says the street should be open to the public by 5 this evening. 091922
Rocky Mountain Power is putting the final touches on street lights this afternoon.
Douglas Public Works Director John Harbarger says the street should be open to the public by 5 this evening. 091922
Wyoming conservation groups sued Wednesday over the environmental impacts of the 5,000-well Converse County Oil and Gas Project.
More than eight years after the project began and close to two years since it got approval from the Bureau of Land Management, a group called Advocates for the West has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Western Watersheds Project and the Powder River Basin Resource Council that reiterated the groups’ longstanding concerns
Of particular concern to the groups are the wells’ anticipated harms to local and regional air quality, and to sage grouse. The groups allege the BLM "improperly exempted" the project from certain land use restrictions imposed to protect sage grouse and nesting raptors.
Since approval two years ago, the BLM has approved more than 225 permits to drill at least 377 new wells in the area, according to Wednesday’s filing. The lawsuit challenges those permits in addition to the agency’s 2020 decision.
Converse County is already one of Wyoming’s top oil and gas producers. In 2020, it led the state for the third consecutive year. 090922
More than eight years after the project began and close to two years since it got approval from the Bureau of Land Management, a group called Advocates for the West has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Western Watersheds Project and the Powder River Basin Resource Council that reiterated the groups’ longstanding concerns
Of particular concern to the groups are the wells’ anticipated harms to local and regional air quality, and to sage grouse. The groups allege the BLM "improperly exempted" the project from certain land use restrictions imposed to protect sage grouse and nesting raptors.
Since approval two years ago, the BLM has approved more than 225 permits to drill at least 377 new wells in the area, according to Wednesday’s filing. The lawsuit challenges those permits in addition to the agency’s 2020 decision.
Converse County is already one of Wyoming’s top oil and gas producers. In 2020, it led the state for the third consecutive year. 090922
EVACUATION NOTICE: @11:45a A gas main has been hit at the intersection of Cody and 5th Street in Douglas.
Residents are urged to evacuate the 2 block radius surrounding this intersection. This would include the areas between Richards & Cody and LaBonte & 5th Street.
Black Hills Energy is on scene and working to contain the situation. Estimated completion is 5 hours or less.
The City of Douglas will notify the public once it is safe to enter the area again. 083022
Residents are urged to evacuate the 2 block radius surrounding this intersection. This would include the areas between Richards & Cody and LaBonte & 5th Street.
Black Hills Energy is on scene and working to contain the situation. Estimated completion is 5 hours or less.
The City of Douglas will notify the public once it is safe to enter the area again. 083022
A Converse County jury took about three hours last week to convict Solomon Bolen on 13 of 15 felonies stemming from the attempted murder of three California hunters just short of a year ago.
The 42-year-old Douglas-area resident was charged with a slew of crimes in October 2021, with burglaries involving weapons and pickup trucks and culminating with the shooting of the three out-of-state hunters.
The California trio said Friday that the experience was traumatic but made better by the quick actions of the first responders and law enforcement as well as prosecutors who got justice for them. 082522
The 42-year-old Douglas-area resident was charged with a slew of crimes in October 2021, with burglaries involving weapons and pickup trucks and culminating with the shooting of the three out-of-state hunters.
The California trio said Friday that the experience was traumatic but made better by the quick actions of the first responders and law enforcement as well as prosecutors who got justice for them. 082522
The Boys & Girls Club of Glenrock is celebrating the grand opening of a new Club building for Glenrock’s youth.
The new building is housed at the new Glenrock Town Square.
It's a gift from the Town of Glenrock and Converse County.
Private and corporate donations will support operations, equipment and furnishings to provide programs that focus on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
The Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration was held on Thursday last week, celebrating the completion of two years of planning and hard work. 082322
The new building is housed at the new Glenrock Town Square.
It's a gift from the Town of Glenrock and Converse County.
Private and corporate donations will support operations, equipment and furnishings to provide programs that focus on academic success, good character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles.
The Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Celebration was held on Thursday last week, celebrating the completion of two years of planning and hard work. 082322
The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline fell for the 10th consecutive week last week.
Fuel price tracker GasBuddy said on Monday that the national average fell a nickle from a week ago to $3.86 per gallon.
The national average is down 51 cents from a month ago but up 72 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA says Natrona County still has the cheapest gas in the state, but it's gone up 3 cents, to an average $3.38 a gallon.
Converse County averages $4.08.
Teton County still tops the state with an average price of $4.85 a gallon. 082322
Fuel price tracker GasBuddy said on Monday that the national average fell a nickle from a week ago to $3.86 per gallon.
The national average is down 51 cents from a month ago but up 72 cents from a year ago.
Triple AAA says Natrona County still has the cheapest gas in the state, but it's gone up 3 cents, to an average $3.38 a gallon.
Converse County averages $4.08.
Teton County still tops the state with an average price of $4.85 a gallon. 082322
A new report verifies a deep oil discovery in Converse and Natrona counties.
Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (COPL) and its affiliates said the discovery totals 993.5 million barrels of Original Oil in Place.
COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company with production and development operations focused in Converse and Natrona counties.
The company first reported the discovery earlier this year, and President & CEO Arthur Millholland says the new report offers independent verification of the discovery.
The oil is on federal lands north and east of Cole Creek, which puts it roughly along the Converse/Natrona County line.
Canadian Overseas says they plan to drill “one horizontal Frontier 1 well and two horizontal Frontier 2 wells as part of its 2022-23 drilling campaign commencing in the 4th quarter of this year.”
Natrona County commissioners said that while the discovery is an exciting prospect, success will depend on how much and how well it can be recovered. 080922
Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited (COPL) and its affiliates said the discovery totals 993.5 million barrels of Original Oil in Place.
COPL is an international oil and gas exploration, production and development company with production and development operations focused in Converse and Natrona counties.
The company first reported the discovery earlier this year, and President & CEO Arthur Millholland says the new report offers independent verification of the discovery.
The oil is on federal lands north and east of Cole Creek, which puts it roughly along the Converse/Natrona County line.
Canadian Overseas says they plan to drill “one horizontal Frontier 1 well and two horizontal Frontier 2 wells as part of its 2022-23 drilling campaign commencing in the 4th quarter of this year.”
Natrona County commissioners said that while the discovery is an exciting prospect, success will depend on how much and how well it can be recovered. 080922
Quick action by firefighters kept a grass fire under control Friday morning north of Casper.
Natrona County Fire District was called out at about 8AM to a pickup on fire just east of I-25 near the Ormsby Road interchange.
Crews arrived on scene to a decaying vehicle fire but an actively burning grass fire. The pickup had experienced mechanical failure,
overheated and started on fire.
Units went to work to quickly contain the grass fire and put the rest of the vehicle fire out. About 3.5 acres was burned.
This incident had the potential to become much larger but thanks to the fast response and hard work of firefighters, this fire was kept relatively small. No reports of injuries to firefighters were noted. The pickup's driver and his dog were able to make it out of the truck without any injuries. 080522
Natrona County Fire District was called out at about 8AM to a pickup on fire just east of I-25 near the Ormsby Road interchange.
Crews arrived on scene to a decaying vehicle fire but an actively burning grass fire. The pickup had experienced mechanical failure,
overheated and started on fire.
Units went to work to quickly contain the grass fire and put the rest of the vehicle fire out. About 3.5 acres was burned.
This incident had the potential to become much larger but thanks to the fast response and hard work of firefighters, this fire was kept relatively small. No reports of injuries to firefighters were noted. The pickup's driver and his dog were able to make it out of the truck without any injuries. 080522
Converse County's unemployment fell to 2.8 percent in May of 2022.
That compares to 3.2 percent in April, and it's down from 5.1 percent in May of 2021. That follows a statewide trend... every county in Wyoming saw a drop in their unemployment rates from May 2021 to May 2022.
According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Niobrara County had the lowest unemployment rate, at 1.8 percent.
Natrona county had the highest, at 3.8 percent. 062922
That compares to 3.2 percent in April, and it's down from 5.1 percent in May of 2021. That follows a statewide trend... every county in Wyoming saw a drop in their unemployment rates from May 2021 to May 2022.
According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Niobrara County had the lowest unemployment rate, at 1.8 percent.
Natrona county had the highest, at 3.8 percent. 062922
A woman on a bicycle was taken to the Casper hospital after an accident on Highway 220 southwest of Casper Tuesday morning.
The crash happened at about 10:30 a.m. near milepost 104. The woman was hit by a vehicle going highway speeds. The vehicle remained on scene after the crash.
Emergency responders had the southbound lane of the highway closed for about two hours while they dealt with the incident.
No word on the woman's injuries. 062922
The crash happened at about 10:30 a.m. near milepost 104. The woman was hit by a vehicle going highway speeds. The vehicle remained on scene after the crash.
Emergency responders had the southbound lane of the highway closed for about two hours while they dealt with the incident.
No word on the woman's injuries. 062922
You go watch a movie that's set in Wyoming, and you find out that it was filmed in New Mexico, or Montana, or anyplace BUT Wyoming.
There's a new group in Casper that's working to change that.
Film Casper will work to connect TV and movie professionals with local crews, vendors and filming locations.
Natrona County residents who'd like to be a vendor or crew member, or who would offer their home or business as a filming location,
can sign up for an online database.
Film Casper is a project of Visit Casper, which works to build the tourism industry in Natrona county. 062922
There's a new group in Casper that's working to change that.
Film Casper will work to connect TV and movie professionals with local crews, vendors and filming locations.
Natrona County residents who'd like to be a vendor or crew member, or who would offer their home or business as a filming location,
can sign up for an online database.
Film Casper is a project of Visit Casper, which works to build the tourism industry in Natrona county. 062922
It only lasted 18 months, but the Pony Express made an impact on history that is still strong today. The annual Pony Express Re-ride is underway and will be rolling through Wyoming this week.
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse and Natrona Counties in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Estimated arrival in Wyoming is this Thursday around 6 pm. Expected stops include Douglas Friday 7am, Inez Friday 8:30a, Glenrock Friday 10:30a, and Casper Fri 12:30pm. 060722
The original Pony Express rode the trail along the North Platte River through Converse and Natrona Counties in 1860 and 1861.
The re-ride goes 24/7 for 10 days, covers 1,966 miles, and makes it's way through 8 states:
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California.
There will be about 750 riders that will participate in the ride this year.
Estimated arrival in Wyoming is this Thursday around 6 pm. Expected stops include Douglas Friday 7am, Inez Friday 8:30a, Glenrock Friday 10:30a, and Casper Fri 12:30pm. 060722
Wyoming State Parks, in conjunction with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s “Free Fishing Day”, is waiving daily use fees at all parks/recreation areas that provide angling this Saturday, June 4th.
Wyoming State Park locations offering free entrance are Glendo, Guernsey, Edness K. Wilkins, Boysen, Buffalo Bill, Curt Gowdy, Fort Phil Kearny, Keyhole, Seminoe and Hawk Springs. Camping and reservation fees are not waived.
Free Fishing Day is offered annually on the first Saturday in June by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and involves lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions and stream closures remain in effect. 060322
Wyoming State Park locations offering free entrance are Glendo, Guernsey, Edness K. Wilkins, Boysen, Buffalo Bill, Curt Gowdy, Fort Phil Kearny, Keyhole, Seminoe and Hawk Springs. Camping and reservation fees are not waived.
Free Fishing Day is offered annually on the first Saturday in June by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and involves lakes and reservoirs throughout the state.
All fishing regulations, creel and size limits, gear restrictions and stream closures remain in effect. 060322
A monument that honors those who fought in the American Revolution and their WY descendants will be dedicated in Casper on Friday.
The Fort Casper museum has been chosen as the location for a monument in honor of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
It is the only “America250!” Monument in the state.
The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will be in the parking lot of the Museum on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 5:30 pm and will include a few words by Casper’s mayor as well as special guests from around the state and as far away as Washington, D.C. The monument is sponsored by the Wyoming State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 050322
The Fort Casper museum has been chosen as the location for a monument in honor of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.
It is the only “America250!” Monument in the state.
The dedication ceremony, which is open to the public, will be in the parking lot of the Museum on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 5:30 pm and will include a few words by Casper’s mayor as well as special guests from around the state and as far away as Washington, D.C. The monument is sponsored by the Wyoming State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 050322
Law enforcement officials are bracing for a busy weekend in Casper - estimates say between 5,000 and 20,000 people could be coming to Casper for the Trump rally.
Event manager Brad Murphy said they’re expecting around 10,000 attendees.
Casper police will have twice as many officers on patrol Saturday than a typical long weekend, and the extra help will largely be paid for by overtime.
In all, the city expects to spend around $40,000 on additional staffing between police and fire.
Trump’s team brings its own security and secret service for events so local officers won’t be used to protect the former president.
Certain traffic will be rerouted for around an hour after the rally ends to make way for people leaving. Officials say If you’re around Casper and not planning to attend the rally try to avoid the area Saturday afternoon. 052522
Event manager Brad Murphy said they’re expecting around 10,000 attendees.
Casper police will have twice as many officers on patrol Saturday than a typical long weekend, and the extra help will largely be paid for by overtime.
In all, the city expects to spend around $40,000 on additional staffing between police and fire.
Trump’s team brings its own security and secret service for events so local officers won’t be used to protect the former president.
Certain traffic will be rerouted for around an hour after the rally ends to make way for people leaving. Officials say If you’re around Casper and not planning to attend the rally try to avoid the area Saturday afternoon. 052522
Police believe an overnight fire on East Second Street in Casper that damaged a building being renovated to house a new abortion clinic was deliberately set.
Authorities are trying to determine the identity of a possible suspect seen running away from the buildng before dawn Wednesday who was carrying what appeared to be a gas can and a black bag.
The blaze damaged the inside of the building under renovation. The clinic had been set to open in June. 052522
Authorities are trying to determine the identity of a possible suspect seen running away from the buildng before dawn Wednesday who was carrying what appeared to be a gas can and a black bag.
The blaze damaged the inside of the building under renovation. The clinic had been set to open in June. 052522
A newsman who got his start in Casper and worked his way to the top of his profession is retiring.
NBC News reporter Pete Williams is retiring from the network.
A Casper native who graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970, Williams studied journalism and history at Stanford University. He returned to Casper where he worked as a reporter and news director for KTWO TV and Radio from 1974 to 1985.
In 1986, Williams began working as the press secretary and legislative assistant for congressman Dick Cheney. Following that, Williams was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, serving under Cheney and President George. H. W. Bush.
Williams began working for NBC News in 1993, covering topics including 9/11, the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg; the Boston Marathon Bombings, the January 6 Capitol Attack and more.
Williams was inducted into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011. 052022
NBC News reporter Pete Williams is retiring from the network.
A Casper native who graduated from Natrona County High School in 1970, Williams studied journalism and history at Stanford University. He returned to Casper where he worked as a reporter and news director for KTWO TV and Radio from 1974 to 1985.
In 1986, Williams began working as the press secretary and legislative assistant for congressman Dick Cheney. Following that, Williams was appointed Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, serving under Cheney and President George. H. W. Bush.
Williams began working for NBC News in 1993, covering topics including 9/11, the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg; the Boston Marathon Bombings, the January 6 Capitol Attack and more.
Williams was inducted into the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011. 052022
The Douglas High School Alumni Hall of Fame has announced the new inductees for the class of 2022. They are:
Major Leon Chamberlain DHS Class of 1970
Colonel J.R. Twiford DHS Class of 1988
Honorable F. Scott Peasley DHS Class of 1989
Ms. Rebecca Cole DHS Class of 2002
The 2022 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will take place on Saturday Sept. 17 @ 11:00AM in Rec. Center Front Gym. Tickets will be available in August at the DHS Activities office. 052022
Major Leon Chamberlain DHS Class of 1970
Colonel J.R. Twiford DHS Class of 1988
Honorable F. Scott Peasley DHS Class of 1989
Ms. Rebecca Cole DHS Class of 2002
The 2022 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Luncheon will take place on Saturday Sept. 17 @ 11:00AM in Rec. Center Front Gym. Tickets will be available in August at the DHS Activities office. 052022
Sky-watchers in Douglas and Casper will get a view of a total lunar eclipse this weekend.
The Moon will be close to perigee during the eclipse Sunday night, meaning it will be near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
The National Weather Service says skies will be mostly clear after a day of sunny conditions. The total lunar eclipse on Sunday evening should be easily visible to the naked eye if clouds don’t obstruct the view.
The eclipse will begin shortly before moonrise, so people in Wyoming will miss the very first part of it. However, the total eclipse will last until around 11 p.m. and a partial eclipse will last until shortly before midnight. People wanting to catch the eclipse should look to the east-southeast at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. 051322
The Moon will be close to perigee during the eclipse Sunday night, meaning it will be near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit.
The National Weather Service says skies will be mostly clear after a day of sunny conditions. The total lunar eclipse on Sunday evening should be easily visible to the naked eye if clouds don’t obstruct the view.
The eclipse will begin shortly before moonrise, so people in Wyoming will miss the very first part of it. However, the total eclipse will last until around 11 p.m. and a partial eclipse will last until shortly before midnight. People wanting to catch the eclipse should look to the east-southeast at around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. 051322
Converse County is going back to work.
New reports from the state of Wyoming show that from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the fourth quarter of 2021, Converse County added 428 jobs, and total payroll in the county grew by almost $15 million dollars.
Percentage wise, those are some of the best numbers in the state.
The average weekly wage in Converse County was reported at $1241 dollars a week, up a little over $100 a week from 2020.
Outside of Teton County, those are also some of the strongest numbers in the state.
Returning oil and gas workers accounted for much of Converse County's growth. Food and beverage servers also took a jump. 051122
New reports from the state of Wyoming show that from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the fourth quarter of 2021, Converse County added 428 jobs, and total payroll in the county grew by almost $15 million dollars.
Percentage wise, those are some of the best numbers in the state.
The average weekly wage in Converse County was reported at $1241 dollars a week, up a little over $100 a week from 2020.
Outside of Teton County, those are also some of the strongest numbers in the state.
Returning oil and gas workers accounted for much of Converse County's growth. Food and beverage servers also took a jump. 051122
When you've gone to a concert or a sporting event at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, you may have noticed a big model of a battleship. If you took the time to look closer, you may have discovered that it's the USS Wyoming.
And now, the USS Wyoming may be moving to Dubois.
The 11-foot long model is actually owned by the US Navy. It's been on display on the concourse at the Events Center in Casper since 1998.
But there's an effort underway to move the model to the new National Museum of Military Vehicles at Dubois, a 140,000 square foot facility dedicated to displaying military equipment. The museum also plans to build an exhibit room dedicated specifically to the U.S.S. Wyoming,
The Casper city council still has to authorize the move of the ship. 051122
And now, the USS Wyoming may be moving to Dubois.
The 11-foot long model is actually owned by the US Navy. It's been on display on the concourse at the Events Center in Casper since 1998.
But there's an effort underway to move the model to the new National Museum of Military Vehicles at Dubois, a 140,000 square foot facility dedicated to displaying military equipment. The museum also plans to build an exhibit room dedicated specifically to the U.S.S. Wyoming,
The Casper city council still has to authorize the move of the ship. 051122
Converse County law enforcement warns that there's a new phone scam going around.
Sheriff Clint Becker says that folks are receiving phone calls from those pretending to be Deputies threatening people with a warrant for missing jury duty.
Becker says the Sheriff's Office will never call you to ask for a credit card or any other form of payment.
If you have any questions or concerns about calls you receive from someone claiming to be from the Converse County Sheriff's Office or from the Sheriff's Office number, please feel free to call the CCSO at 307-358-4700 or stop in with questions. 051022
Sheriff Clint Becker says that folks are receiving phone calls from those pretending to be Deputies threatening people with a warrant for missing jury duty.
Becker says the Sheriff's Office will never call you to ask for a credit card or any other form of payment.
If you have any questions or concerns about calls you receive from someone claiming to be from the Converse County Sheriff's Office or from the Sheriff's Office number, please feel free to call the CCSO at 307-358-4700 or stop in with questions. 051022
A traffic stop early Sunday morning by the Evansville Police Department led to the arrest of two individuals on drug charges.
Evansville Officer Sibal conducted a routine traffic stop around 1 am on May 9th for an equipment violation. During the stop a drug dog alerted, and on investigation, numerous suspected controlled substances were located in the vehicle along with money and a firearm. Several of the substances were tested as presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Other substances were cocaine, marijuana and a select assortment of prescription pills not prescribed the individuals along with scales and plastic baggies.
Two individuals were taken to the Natrona County Detention Center and charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and seven charges of possession of controlled substance. 051022
Evansville Officer Sibal conducted a routine traffic stop around 1 am on May 9th for an equipment violation. During the stop a drug dog alerted, and on investigation, numerous suspected controlled substances were located in the vehicle along with money and a firearm. Several of the substances were tested as presumptive positive for methamphetamine. Other substances were cocaine, marijuana and a select assortment of prescription pills not prescribed the individuals along with scales and plastic baggies.
Two individuals were taken to the Natrona County Detention Center and charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, and seven charges of possession of controlled substance. 051022
While the Yellowstone Garage Bar & Grill has closed its doors, some of the original founders of Rock the Block are working to keep the summer concert series alive in downtown Casper.
A non-profit group has formed to put on 18 Rock the Block shows this summer on a covered stage outside of the Yellowstone Garage.
While the inside of the bar and grill won’t be open, there will still be vendors and food trucks in the parking lot across the street.
The first Rock the Block is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1. 050622
A non-profit group has formed to put on 18 Rock the Block shows this summer on a covered stage outside of the Yellowstone Garage.
While the inside of the bar and grill won’t be open, there will still be vendors and food trucks in the parking lot across the street.
The first Rock the Block is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1. 050622
Former President Donald Trump is coming to the Cowboy State.
Ford Wyoming Center in Casper confirmed Monday that Trump will appear at a rally in Casper later this month, on Saturday, May 28th.
It will be Trump's first political appearance in the state.
Trump is appearing Casper in support of Harriet Hageman, his pick to challenge incumbent Representative Liz Cheney in the highly anticipated August Republican primary.
Parking at the Ford Wyoming Center will open at 6 a.m. that morning. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with speakers starting at 1 p.m. Trump is scheduled to speak May 28th at 4 p.m. 050322
Ford Wyoming Center in Casper confirmed Monday that Trump will appear at a rally in Casper later this month, on Saturday, May 28th.
It will be Trump's first political appearance in the state.
Trump is appearing Casper in support of Harriet Hageman, his pick to challenge incumbent Representative Liz Cheney in the highly anticipated August Republican primary.
Parking at the Ford Wyoming Center will open at 6 a.m. that morning. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with speakers starting at 1 p.m. Trump is scheduled to speak May 28th at 4 p.m. 050322
The City of Casper will spend $8 million dollars to buy a building for the Casper Police Department.
The Casper City Council voted Tuesday afternoon to move ahead with the purchase of the Casper Business Center building a block west of Center at 1st and David.
City officials looked at 15 other buildings and even considered building a new facility, at a cost of between $45 and $50 million, before setting its sights on the Casper Business Center.
The city currently spends around $250,000 a year to rent several building for the police department.
The sale of the eight-floor building and its attached parking garage is set to close on Friday in a deal with current owner Wyoming Financial.
It will take two to three years to renovate the office building and complete the transition. 042722
The Casper City Council voted Tuesday afternoon to move ahead with the purchase of the Casper Business Center building a block west of Center at 1st and David.
City officials looked at 15 other buildings and even considered building a new facility, at a cost of between $45 and $50 million, before setting its sights on the Casper Business Center.
The city currently spends around $250,000 a year to rent several building for the police department.
The sale of the eight-floor building and its attached parking garage is set to close on Friday in a deal with current owner Wyoming Financial.
It will take two to three years to renovate the office building and complete the transition. 042722
The Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees will host another candidate for college president this week.
Dr. Jeffry D. Hawes has been invited to campus for an in-person interview, employee and student meetings, and public forums.
Dr. Hawes is a Michigan native, a Michigan State grad, and is currently Executive Dean of East Campus for Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois.
An open public forum will be held in the EWC Fine Arts Center Auditorium in Torrington on Wednesday, April 27, 1:30 - 2:45 pm.
An open public forum will be held on the Douglas Campus on Thursday, April 28, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
The EWC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon, April 27, at 4:00 pm to interview Dr. Hawes, in
executive session. 042622
Dr. Jeffry D. Hawes has been invited to campus for an in-person interview, employee and student meetings, and public forums.
Dr. Hawes is a Michigan native, a Michigan State grad, and is currently Executive Dean of East Campus for Black Hawk College in Galva, Illinois.
An open public forum will be held in the EWC Fine Arts Center Auditorium in Torrington on Wednesday, April 27, 1:30 - 2:45 pm.
An open public forum will be held on the Douglas Campus on Thursday, April 28, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
The EWC Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon, April 27, at 4:00 pm to interview Dr. Hawes, in
executive session. 042622
A Celebration of Life service for Doug Bull will be held on Saturday, June 18th at 1PM at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church 4600 S Poplar Street in Casper.
A small reception of cookies and coffee/lemonade drinks will follow.
Doug Bull, former Douglas High School and Casper College band director, died after a long battle with cancer, on Tuesday, April 12th. 042022
A small reception of cookies and coffee/lemonade drinks will follow.
Doug Bull, former Douglas High School and Casper College band director, died after a long battle with cancer, on Tuesday, April 12th. 042022
New leadership for Eastern Wyoming College.
The EWC Board of Directors met in special session Tuesday morning and voted on two items...
The EWC Board of Directors met in special session Tuesday morning and voted on two items...
The EWC board of trustees announced Friday April 8th that, after interviewing three candidates, their search for the next president of Eastern Wyoming College was unsuccessful.
Last Friday, April 15th, College President Dr. Leslie Travers abruptly submitted her immediate resignation to the board, and after an emergency meeting, the board named former college president Rick Patterson as interim college president.
Tuesday's meeting in Torrington opened the process to public comment, and the votes took place after a short executive session.
The college board goes back to the drawing board in the process of finding a permanent president for the communty college with campuses in Torrington and Douglas. 042022
Last Friday, April 15th, College President Dr. Leslie Travers abruptly submitted her immediate resignation to the board, and after an emergency meeting, the board named former college president Rick Patterson as interim college president.
Tuesday's meeting in Torrington opened the process to public comment, and the votes took place after a short executive session.
The college board goes back to the drawing board in the process of finding a permanent president for the communty college with campuses in Torrington and Douglas. 042022
It's not just airplanes and airports... face masks will no longer be required on Casper Area Transit busses.
Transit Manager Scott Dresher said Tuesday that the Wyoming Department of Transportation informed them that public transportation services are no longer required to mandate masks due to Monday's court order by a federal judge in Florida that the federal mask mandate on public transportation was unlawful.
While masks are no longer required for passengers and drivers on buses in Casper, Dresher said that Casper Area Transit is still recommending that people consider wearing them. He said that Casper Area Transit will follow WYDOT’s counsel regarding masking policy.
Masks will still be provided to passengers who want to wear them. 042022
Transit Manager Scott Dresher said Tuesday that the Wyoming Department of Transportation informed them that public transportation services are no longer required to mandate masks due to Monday's court order by a federal judge in Florida that the federal mask mandate on public transportation was unlawful.
While masks are no longer required for passengers and drivers on buses in Casper, Dresher said that Casper Area Transit is still recommending that people consider wearing them. He said that Casper Area Transit will follow WYDOT’s counsel regarding masking policy.
Masks will still be provided to passengers who want to wear them. 042022
The Natrona County Commission has appointed attorney and rancher Peter Nicolaysen to fill the seat recently vacated by Brook Kaufman for the remainder of the year.
The commission interviewed Nicolaysen, Dale Bohren, and Rob Hill as the three candidates selected by the Natrona County Republican Party last week.
Nicolaysen told the commission he planned to run for one of the four open seats in the November election. 042022
The commission interviewed Nicolaysen, Dale Bohren, and Rob Hill as the three candidates selected by the Natrona County Republican Party last week.
Nicolaysen told the commission he planned to run for one of the four open seats in the November election. 042022
The City of Casper is considering plans for a new indoor sports venue that would be built on the hill near the Ford Wyoming Center.
The new facility would include six courts for indoor sports, mainly youth basketball and volleyball. Plans also include a sports training area, concessions counter, spectator and picnic seating, team rooms and an office area.
The new sports facility would not be affiliated with or connected to the Ford Wyoming Center.
A group of Casper residents have formed a nonprofit organization to see the project through, and it would contract with a third party for the facility’s actual operations. 041822
The new facility would include six courts for indoor sports, mainly youth basketball and volleyball. Plans also include a sports training area, concessions counter, spectator and picnic seating, team rooms and an office area.
The new sports facility would not be affiliated with or connected to the Ford Wyoming Center.
A group of Casper residents have formed a nonprofit organization to see the project through, and it would contract with a third party for the facility’s actual operations. 041822
Converse County's mostly dormant uranium industry could benefit from a new bill in Congress.
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis are co-sponsors of a bill called the National Opportunity to Restore Uranium Supply Services In America (NO RUSSIA) Act of 2022.
Senator Barrasso says we're in an unacceptable situation...
Wyoming Senator John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis are co-sponsors of a bill called the National Opportunity to Restore Uranium Supply Services In America (NO RUSSIA) Act of 2022.
Senator Barrasso says we're in an unacceptable situation...
This legislation will authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a national strategic uranium reserve. It will also increase domestic uranium production, conversion, and enrichment to ensure existing U.S. nuclear reactors have sufficient fuel to continue operating. 040122
If you were to build a Community Center in Douglas, what would you include?
There's a new survey out asking that very question. While a bond issue to fund construction of a Rec Center in Douglas has failed twice, The Enterprise executive director Cindy Porter explains why this is different...
There's a new survey out asking that very question. While a bond issue to fund construction of a Rec Center in Douglas has failed twice, The Enterprise executive director Cindy Porter explains why this is different...
Porter says the survey asks about interest in a smaller facility...
The survey asks just a couple of questions... do you think Douglas needs a community center, and what amenities or activities should be included in a community center.
The survey will be available for about a week. If you'd like to participate, and didn't get it in your email, you can go to the Enterprise website, the City of Douglas or Converse County websites, or the Enterprise's Facebook page for a link to the survey. 032922
The survey will be available for about a week. If you'd like to participate, and didn't get it in your email, you can go to the Enterprise website, the City of Douglas or Converse County websites, or the Enterprise's Facebook page for a link to the survey. 032922
There'll be a new place to gather in downtown Glenrock.
Glenrock's Town Square project is approaching completion.
The public space is similar to David Street Station in Casper but is around double the size.
One space will be a basketball court in the warm months, and and an ice skating rink in the Winter. The rink will be made with synthetic ice that doesn't require water.
Large fire pits will be spread out at various points around the Town Square and include bench-style seating.
There will be a playground for 1 to 5-year-olds, a volleyball court with astroturf, and a splash pad.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming have also invested in creating a new space for the Glenrock Club Kids right next to the Town Square.
The official grand opening will occur on June 3rd. 032922
Glenrock's Town Square project is approaching completion.
The public space is similar to David Street Station in Casper but is around double the size.
One space will be a basketball court in the warm months, and and an ice skating rink in the Winter. The rink will be made with synthetic ice that doesn't require water.
Large fire pits will be spread out at various points around the Town Square and include bench-style seating.
There will be a playground for 1 to 5-year-olds, a volleyball court with astroturf, and a splash pad.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming have also invested in creating a new space for the Glenrock Club Kids right next to the Town Square.
The official grand opening will occur on June 3rd. 032922
BNSF Railroad’s two largest unions will ask an arbitrator to throw out the railroad’s strict new attendance policy instead of appealing a court order preventing them from striking.
The unions representing 17,000 BNSF workers said Wednesday they decided that arbitration will provide the quickest resolution to the dispute.
The unions say the new rules that took effect Feb. 1 penalize employees for missing work for any reason and put them on call 24-7.
BNSF has defended the rules because it says they give employees a clearer idea of where they stand than the old system did while ensuring the railroad has enough workers available to operate its trains.
BNSF operates 960 miles of track in Wyoming, with more than 1100 employees and a combined payroll of $99 million dollars. 032522
The unions representing 17,000 BNSF workers said Wednesday they decided that arbitration will provide the quickest resolution to the dispute.
The unions say the new rules that took effect Feb. 1 penalize employees for missing work for any reason and put them on call 24-7.
BNSF has defended the rules because it says they give employees a clearer idea of where they stand than the old system did while ensuring the railroad has enough workers available to operate its trains.
BNSF operates 960 miles of track in Wyoming, with more than 1100 employees and a combined payroll of $99 million dollars. 032522
Are Wyoming's elections secure... can they be trusted?
Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan was in Douglas Thursday night to discuss election integrity...
Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan was in Douglas Thursday night to discuss election integrity...
Buchanan spent a couple of hours with a crowd of about 50 people at EWC-Douglas Campus discussing allegations of election abuse, and how his office has responded...
Buchanan answered questions from the crowd on a wide variety of election related topics for more than an hour after his presentation. 032522
Wyoming’s population is growing at a faster rate than the country’s in general.
The US census bureau says the state’s population grew by 1,536 people between July of 2020 and 2021.
That’s an increase of 0.3%. The nationwide average of 0.1% in the same time period.
Lincoln County reported the highest rate of growth in that time, with an increase of 2.4% from July 2020. Lincoln County includes Star Valley, where 9% of people who work in Teton County live. Teton County is the most expensive place to live in Wyoming.
Counties that rely heavily on the energy industry experienced declines — Natrona County lost 0.8% and Converse County dropped 0.4%. 032522
The US census bureau says the state’s population grew by 1,536 people between July of 2020 and 2021.
That’s an increase of 0.3%. The nationwide average of 0.1% in the same time period.
Lincoln County reported the highest rate of growth in that time, with an increase of 2.4% from July 2020. Lincoln County includes Star Valley, where 9% of people who work in Teton County live. Teton County is the most expensive place to live in Wyoming.
Counties that rely heavily on the energy industry experienced declines — Natrona County lost 0.8% and Converse County dropped 0.4%. 032522
New lines have been drawn for state legislative districts, and the redistricting process affects voters in Converse and Natrona Counties.
At Tuesday night's Dessert With Your Legislators in Douglas, representative Aaron Clausen, House District 6, explained where the new lines run for the house...
At Tuesday night's Dessert With Your Legislators in Douglas, representative Aaron Clausen, House District 6, explained where the new lines run for the house...
By law, the state is required to adjust its districts to assure equal representation every ten years after the US Census takes place. 032322
TerraPower says they will not use Russian uranium to power their new nuclear power plant being planned for western Wyoming.
According to Jeff Navin, TerraPower’s director of external affairs, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian fuel is no longer an option not even for that first plant at Kemmerer.
Navin said. “We have no interest in re-engaging with the Russians. We are putting all of our efforts into trying to figure out how to get a domestic supply chain stood up as quickly as possible.”
And that's a problem.
There’s only one U.S. enrichment facility authorized to make the fuel TerraPower needs... it's a nearly operational demonstration plant in Ohio, and it's only able to produce about 10 percent of the fuel TerraPower needs for the core load of the plant in time for its planned starup in 2028. 032122
According to Jeff Navin, TerraPower’s director of external affairs, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian fuel is no longer an option not even for that first plant at Kemmerer.
Navin said. “We have no interest in re-engaging with the Russians. We are putting all of our efforts into trying to figure out how to get a domestic supply chain stood up as quickly as possible.”
And that's a problem.
There’s only one U.S. enrichment facility authorized to make the fuel TerraPower needs... it's a nearly operational demonstration plant in Ohio, and it's only able to produce about 10 percent of the fuel TerraPower needs for the core load of the plant in time for its planned starup in 2028. 032122
Authorities say they found a man dead inside an Evansville home following an overnight standoff Friday night with law enforcement.
The man, whom authorities said earlier was armed, had barricaded himself in the home around 6 p.m. Friday.
Police say gunshots were heard in the area, and warned people to stay away.
The Natrona County coroner has identified the man as 29-year-old Blaine Clutter.
There was no one else inside the home during the incident. 032122
The man, whom authorities said earlier was armed, had barricaded himself in the home around 6 p.m. Friday.
Police say gunshots were heard in the area, and warned people to stay away.
The Natrona County coroner has identified the man as 29-year-old Blaine Clutter.
There was no one else inside the home during the incident. 032122
Water will rise in the North Platte River later this month as the Bureau of Reclamation runs a flushing flow downstream of Gray Reef Dam at Alcova.
Working with Wyoming Game and Fish, the bureau releases the water to improve spawning grounds for trout in the river. They clean spawning gravel of fine sediment that accumulates over the winter.
The river’s flow will increase from 450 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second overnight, then back down to 450 in the morning hours.
The flushing flows begin March 31. The process will be repeated daily through April 8. 032122
Working with Wyoming Game and Fish, the bureau releases the water to improve spawning grounds for trout in the river. They clean spawning gravel of fine sediment that accumulates over the winter.
The river’s flow will increase from 450 cubic feet per second to 4,000 cubic feet per second overnight, then back down to 450 in the morning hours.
The flushing flows begin March 31. The process will be repeated daily through April 8. 032122
Wyoming energy should be finding new markets in the Far East.
US Senator John Barrasso told a Senate Finance Committee hearing Tuesday that exporting American energy could stop our allies from depending on Russian energy...
US Senator John Barrasso told a Senate Finance Committee hearing Tuesday that exporting American energy could stop our allies from depending on Russian energy...
Barrasso suggested Wyoming energy could help provide a solution...
On another front, Barrasso asked the committee how we could counter China’s influence in the region if we don’t aggressively export American energy to our allies. 031622
Twenty more Wyomingites have died from COVID-19, the Wyoming Department of Health reported Tuesday, including another in Converse County.
County Emergency Management reports an older adult Converse County woman died in February.
She was hospitalized but it is unknown if she had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
She was the 54th COVID-related death in Converse County.
There have now been 1,769 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020. 031622
County Emergency Management reports an older adult Converse County woman died in February.
She was hospitalized but it is unknown if she had health conditions known to put people at higher risk of serious illness.
She was the 54th COVID-related death in Converse County.
There have now been 1,769 coronavirus-caused deaths in Wyoming since the pandemic arrived here in March 2020. 031622
The Converse County Library in Douglas will remain closed on a day-to-day basis until the weather warms up and repairs can be made to its heating and air conditioning systems.
During this recent cold snap, the high temperatures in the library have hovered between 40-60 degrees.
There have been ongoing problems in the original installation of the HVAC equipment in the five-year-old building. The company that installed the system has gone out of business.
Efforts are being made to solve the problem.
Meanwhile, patrons are encouraged to please use the Library website, yourccl.org, for audio books, to search databases and other useful information. 031122
During this recent cold snap, the high temperatures in the library have hovered between 40-60 degrees.
There have been ongoing problems in the original installation of the HVAC equipment in the five-year-old building. The company that installed the system has gone out of business.
Efforts are being made to solve the problem.
Meanwhile, patrons are encouraged to please use the Library website, yourccl.org, for audio books, to search databases and other useful information. 031122
A Natrona County commission seat will open up in the next month or so.
Commissioner and Visit Casper CEO Brook Kaufman is leaving Casper for Rapid City and a new job as CEO and president of its tourism agency, Visit Rapid City.
Kaufman has served for three years as a Natrona County commissioner.
Kaufman has led the Visit Casper tourism group as its CEO for the past six years. 031122
Commissioner and Visit Casper CEO Brook Kaufman is leaving Casper for Rapid City and a new job as CEO and president of its tourism agency, Visit Rapid City.
Kaufman has served for three years as a Natrona County commissioner.
Kaufman has led the Visit Casper tourism group as its CEO for the past six years. 031122
Eastern Wyoming College in Douglas will be closed Friday, March 11th.
EWC’s IT Department is performing systems updates on the Douglas campus computer system.
EWC Offices will reopen on Monday March 14. 031122
EWC’s IT Department is performing systems updates on the Douglas campus computer system.
EWC Offices will reopen on Monday March 14. 031122
Several firefighting agencies battled a large fire at an apartment complex that was still under construction in Mills on Friday.
Mills Fire Chief Bob Lanz said the fire in the three-story wooden complex was under control by about 10 p.m.
Still, fire crews remained on the scene Saturday and Dane Anderson with the Casper Fire-EMS Department said mop-up could continue into the next week.
Lanz said the fire began in the middle of the building and spread to both ends but there was no immediate information released about what may have been the cause. 030722
Mills Fire Chief Bob Lanz said the fire in the three-story wooden complex was under control by about 10 p.m.
Still, fire crews remained on the scene Saturday and Dane Anderson with the Casper Fire-EMS Department said mop-up could continue into the next week.
Lanz said the fire began in the middle of the building and spread to both ends but there was no immediate information released about what may have been the cause. 030722
A new oil terminal is being built in northwestern Converse County.
Cowboy Midstream has announced the planned opening of their Ross Road Terminal, a Crude Oil Truck Offload Facility capable of offloading and shipping Powder River crude in volumes of up to 20,000 bbls/day.
The new terminal sits directly adjacent to, and is tied into, Cowboy Midstream’s Powell Lateral II Pipeline, giving shippers the opportunity to access and capitalize on multiple downstream markets for their Powder River Crude.
Construction activities are underway, and Cowboy expects the new Terminal to be ready for crude oil receipt and transportation 1 April 2022. 030722
Cowboy Midstream has announced the planned opening of their Ross Road Terminal, a Crude Oil Truck Offload Facility capable of offloading and shipping Powder River crude in volumes of up to 20,000 bbls/day.
The new terminal sits directly adjacent to, and is tied into, Cowboy Midstream’s Powell Lateral II Pipeline, giving shippers the opportunity to access and capitalize on multiple downstream markets for their Powder River Crude.
Construction activities are underway, and Cowboy expects the new Terminal to be ready for crude oil receipt and transportation 1 April 2022. 030722
PacifiCorp and the State of Wyoming have put together a deal to keep Jim Bridger Power Plant Unit 2 operational past April 30.
The agreement provides that Wyoming will agree to PacifiCorp’s planned conversion of Jim Bridger Units 1 and 2 to gas.
The conversion may take up to two years, and both units may continue to operate until that conversion.
PacifiCorp has also agreed to issue requests for proposal to add carbon capture facilities at Unit 3 and/or 4 at Jim Bridger, and at Unit 4 of the Dave Johnston plant at Glenrock.
The agreement between the state and PacifiCorp has been memorialized in a consent decree approved this week in district court.
That decree was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday. 021822
The agreement provides that Wyoming will agree to PacifiCorp’s planned conversion of Jim Bridger Units 1 and 2 to gas.
The conversion may take up to two years, and both units may continue to operate until that conversion.
PacifiCorp has also agreed to issue requests for proposal to add carbon capture facilities at Unit 3 and/or 4 at Jim Bridger, and at Unit 4 of the Dave Johnston plant at Glenrock.
The agreement between the state and PacifiCorp has been memorialized in a consent decree approved this week in district court.
That decree was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday. 021822
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office says there's a phone scam going around that residents need to be aware of.
Several Natrona County citizens have reported receiving phone calls from a man claiming to be a deputy, lieutenant, and/or captain from the Natrona County Sheriff's Office.
The NCSO says the calls are a scam and an attempt to gain personal and financial information.
The phone number always appears as a 307 area code on caller ID, and the caller either claims to have "important civil paperwork requiring immediate attention," or claims to be from the NCSO "Warrants and Citations Department."
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office does not have a "Warrants and Citations Department" and we will never contact you via telephone to collect money or financial information.
If you do receive a phone call that appears suspicious in nature, you can call the Sheriff's non-emergency line (307) 235-9282 to verify information with us. Never give out any financial or other personal information over the phone. 020422
Several Natrona County citizens have reported receiving phone calls from a man claiming to be a deputy, lieutenant, and/or captain from the Natrona County Sheriff's Office.
The NCSO says the calls are a scam and an attempt to gain personal and financial information.
The phone number always appears as a 307 area code on caller ID, and the caller either claims to have "important civil paperwork requiring immediate attention," or claims to be from the NCSO "Warrants and Citations Department."
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office does not have a "Warrants and Citations Department" and we will never contact you via telephone to collect money or financial information.
If you do receive a phone call that appears suspicious in nature, you can call the Sheriff's non-emergency line (307) 235-9282 to verify information with us. Never give out any financial or other personal information over the phone. 020422
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
