KKTS News
The Casper Police Department is turning over the Kristi Richardson missing persons case to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.
61 year old Richardson disappeared in October 2014, and her case remains unsolved despite a $250,000 reward offered by her family.
Interim Police Chief Steve Schulz wrote a letter asking the statewide law enforcement agency to take over the case. The division is authorized to investigate cases at the request of local law enforcement.
Casper Police Sgt. Mike Ogden leads the department’s detectives. He said the case needed new eyes and a new perspective. 062017
61 year old Richardson disappeared in October 2014, and her case remains unsolved despite a $250,000 reward offered by her family.
Interim Police Chief Steve Schulz wrote a letter asking the statewide law enforcement agency to take over the case. The division is authorized to investigate cases at the request of local law enforcement.
Casper Police Sgt. Mike Ogden leads the department’s detectives. He said the case needed new eyes and a new perspective. 062017
A Casper elementary school teacher and four members of a Colorado family died Friday in an auto accident in Carbon County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said Monday the accident occurred about 2:50 Friday afternoon on Wyoming 789, 22 miles north of Baggs.
The patrol says a northbound 2010 Nissan Armada driven by 44-year-old Heather White, of Peyton, Colorado, collided head-on with a 2008 Chevrolet pickup pulling a trailer. Both vehicles caught fire.
White and her three children, aged 12, 15 and 16, died at the scene.
The pickup driver, 27-year-old Eric Hagen, of Casper, was pulled from the burning vehicle by others and was being treated at a Denver hospital. His passenger, 28-year-old Katie O'Keefe, of Casper, died. O'Keefe was a first-grade teacher at Southridge Elementary School. She had just finished her second year with the Natrona County school district.
The accident is under investigation. 062017
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said Monday the accident occurred about 2:50 Friday afternoon on Wyoming 789, 22 miles north of Baggs.
The patrol says a northbound 2010 Nissan Armada driven by 44-year-old Heather White, of Peyton, Colorado, collided head-on with a 2008 Chevrolet pickup pulling a trailer. Both vehicles caught fire.
White and her three children, aged 12, 15 and 16, died at the scene.
The pickup driver, 27-year-old Eric Hagen, of Casper, was pulled from the burning vehicle by others and was being treated at a Denver hospital. His passenger, 28-year-old Katie O'Keefe, of Casper, died. O'Keefe was a first-grade teacher at Southridge Elementary School. She had just finished her second year with the Natrona County school district.
The accident is under investigation. 062017
A local lawyer's getting a new job.
Governor Matt Mead has appointed Scott Peasley to be District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District. Peasley fills the vacancy occurring in Converse County with the retirement of Judge John Brooks effective August 4. The District serves Converse, Niobrara, Platte and Goshen Counties.
Peasley has been in private practice for 16 years in Douglas with his father. His practice has been broad and diverse, including representation of municipalities as well as the local school district. He has also served as a part-time deputy with the Converse County Attorney’s Office since 2001. For the County Attorney’s Office, he handled misdemeanor and felony criminal cases until a couple years ago when his work turned primarily to Converse County civil matters. 061917
Governor Matt Mead has appointed Scott Peasley to be District Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District. Peasley fills the vacancy occurring in Converse County with the retirement of Judge John Brooks effective August 4. The District serves Converse, Niobrara, Platte and Goshen Counties.
Peasley has been in private practice for 16 years in Douglas with his father. His practice has been broad and diverse, including representation of municipalities as well as the local school district. He has also served as a part-time deputy with the Converse County Attorney’s Office since 2001. For the County Attorney’s Office, he handled misdemeanor and felony criminal cases until a couple years ago when his work turned primarily to Converse County civil matters. 061917
A trial has been delayed for a former Wyoming gynecologist accused of sexually assaulting six patients.
Paul Harnetty's attorney requested the delay, saying he needs to review evidence that is still arriving in his office. Attorney Don Fuller says he is unprepared for the June 26 trial date after taking over the case last week.
Natrona County District Court Judge Thomas Sullins granted the delay Friday after a prosecutor said he didn't oppose the request.
Harnetty faces 10 charges related to the alleged assaults between 2014 and 2015. The women say Harnetty touched them in ways that didn't seem to be in line with a medical exam.
Harnetty denies the charges.
Sullins has not yet set a new trial date, but it is expected to be postponed about 60 days. 061917
Paul Harnetty's attorney requested the delay, saying he needs to review evidence that is still arriving in his office. Attorney Don Fuller says he is unprepared for the June 26 trial date after taking over the case last week.
Natrona County District Court Judge Thomas Sullins granted the delay Friday after a prosecutor said he didn't oppose the request.
Harnetty faces 10 charges related to the alleged assaults between 2014 and 2015. The women say Harnetty touched them in ways that didn't seem to be in line with a medical exam.
Harnetty denies the charges.
Sullins has not yet set a new trial date, but it is expected to be postponed about 60 days. 061917
There'll be music at this summer's Wyoming State Fair after all.
Funding cuts at the state level put a concert at the fair in jeopardy, but a Wyoming-based coal company has stepped up to sponsor a show.
Country breakout band Old Dominion, presented by Cloud Peak Energy, will perform live in the Ford Grandstands Arena on Friday, August 18th at 8:00 pm during the 105th Wyoming State Fair.
In 2016, Old Dominion was named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter-Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Their hits include “Break Up With Him”, “Snapback”, and “Song For Another Time”. Old Dominion's latest single is “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”.
Tickets are $33 dollars, on sale now at wsf.fairwire.com, or by calling the Wyoming State Fair office in Douglas at 358-2398. 061417
Funding cuts at the state level put a concert at the fair in jeopardy, but a Wyoming-based coal company has stepped up to sponsor a show.
Country breakout band Old Dominion, presented by Cloud Peak Energy, will perform live in the Ford Grandstands Arena on Friday, August 18th at 8:00 pm during the 105th Wyoming State Fair.
In 2016, Old Dominion was named ACM New Group of the Year, ACCA Breakthrough Group of the Year, AIMP Songwriter-Artist of the Year and Music Row Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
Their hits include “Break Up With Him”, “Snapback”, and “Song For Another Time”. Old Dominion's latest single is “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”.
Tickets are $33 dollars, on sale now at wsf.fairwire.com, or by calling the Wyoming State Fair office in Douglas at 358-2398. 061417
A new boss at a Casper hospital.
Wyoming Medical Center's Board of Directors has named Michele Chulick, M.B.A., as the hospital’s new president and CEO.
Chulick comes to Casper from Texas, where she was president of CHST Ventures, a healthcare system with 616 beds and more than 950,000 patients per year.
Chulick will begin on July 17, but will spend the first couple of weeks meeting with staff, learning Wyoming Medical Center culture and policy, and transitioning into the position. Current president and CEO, Vickie Diamond, will retain her duties until her retirement on Aug. 1. 061417
Wyoming Medical Center's Board of Directors has named Michele Chulick, M.B.A., as the hospital’s new president and CEO.
Chulick comes to Casper from Texas, where she was president of CHST Ventures, a healthcare system with 616 beds and more than 950,000 patients per year.
Chulick will begin on July 17, but will spend the first couple of weeks meeting with staff, learning Wyoming Medical Center culture and policy, and transitioning into the position. Current president and CEO, Vickie Diamond, will retain her duties until her retirement on Aug. 1. 061417
Severe storms spawned tornadoes and dropped large hail in parts of eastern Wyoming, injuring at least one person.
Tornadoes were reported Monday afternoon in Laramie, Platte, Goshen and Natrona counties.
In Goshen County, where a tornado damaged a house and overturned tractors, there was one report of a person being injured.
A tornado southeast of Cheyenne near Carpenter in Laramie County damaged a rural building, downed power lines and damaged a gas line, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
A tornado was reported west of Bar Nunn and northwest of Casper at around 6:40 Monday evening.
Baseball sized hail was reported at Wheatland, golfball to baseball sized hail at Douglas, mostly on the east side of town and in the East Antelope Road area. 061317
Tornadoes were reported Monday afternoon in Laramie, Platte, Goshen and Natrona counties.
In Goshen County, where a tornado damaged a house and overturned tractors, there was one report of a person being injured.
A tornado southeast of Cheyenne near Carpenter in Laramie County damaged a rural building, downed power lines and damaged a gas line, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.
A tornado was reported west of Bar Nunn and northwest of Casper at around 6:40 Monday evening.
Baseball sized hail was reported at Wheatland, golfball to baseball sized hail at Douglas, mostly on the east side of town and in the East Antelope Road area. 061317
A strong thunderstorm passed over Natrona County Sunday evening, dropping large hail and touching off a tornado warning.
Quarter-inch to golf-ball-sized hail fell in Evansville at about 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service Office in Riverton broadcast the tornado warning about 6 p.m. and canceled it about 90 minutes later as the the storm tracked to the northeast into rural Converse County. A severe thunderstorm warning lasted until 8:30 p.m.
As of 8 p.m., the National Weather Service office in Riverton had not received any reports of actual tornados or funnel clouds.
Rocky Mountain Power said they were dealing with several power outages in the Casper area following the storm. 061217
Quarter-inch to golf-ball-sized hail fell in Evansville at about 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service Office in Riverton broadcast the tornado warning about 6 p.m. and canceled it about 90 minutes later as the the storm tracked to the northeast into rural Converse County. A severe thunderstorm warning lasted until 8:30 p.m.
As of 8 p.m., the National Weather Service office in Riverton had not received any reports of actual tornados or funnel clouds.
Rocky Mountain Power said they were dealing with several power outages in the Casper area following the storm. 061217
A two-vehicle crash temporarily closed part of the Old Glenrock Highway between Glenrock and Casper on Sunday.
WyDOT said both lanes of Highway 20/26 between mileposts 171 and 173 were closed sometime before 11 a.m. They were reopened in the afternoon.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said multiple people were taken to the hospital. Cause of the crash remains under investigation. 061217
WyDOT said both lanes of Highway 20/26 between mileposts 171 and 173 were closed sometime before 11 a.m. They were reopened in the afternoon.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol said multiple people were taken to the hospital. Cause of the crash remains under investigation. 061217
Police have identified a man they say was involved in a standoff that temporarily closed Interstate 25 in central Wyoming.
The standoff ended around 2 a.m. Sunday with the arrest of 34-year-old Christopher Eads at a transmission shop in Casper. Police weren't saying Monday what Eads was charged with and what led to the standoff, and it wasn't clear if Eads had an attorney.
Traffic signs along I-25 warned of an "armed fugitive" and told motorists not to pick up hitchhikers. Glenrock police asked locals to stay inside and lock their doors Saturday.
Arrested in Glenrock was 25-year-old Santana Grace Keener.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation says the two took part in several crimes including drug violations, robbery, burglary and aggravated assault. 060617
The standoff ended around 2 a.m. Sunday with the arrest of 34-year-old Christopher Eads at a transmission shop in Casper. Police weren't saying Monday what Eads was charged with and what led to the standoff, and it wasn't clear if Eads had an attorney.
Traffic signs along I-25 warned of an "armed fugitive" and told motorists not to pick up hitchhikers. Glenrock police asked locals to stay inside and lock their doors Saturday.
Arrested in Glenrock was 25-year-old Santana Grace Keener.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation says the two took part in several crimes including drug violations, robbery, burglary and aggravated assault. 060617
Two men are charged with stealing a flat screen television, a drone and other items from a Wyoming house before setting it on fire.
Nineteen-year-old Isaiah Lorenzo Montiano Like and 46-year-old Stacy Raymund Clark were arrested late last week and charged Monday with burglary and first-degree arson. They did not enter pleas during their initial court appearance. They are jailed with their bail set at $200,000 each.
Prosecutors say surveillance video captures images of Like and Clark breaking into a house in Casper by removing a swamp cooler from a window at about 10 p.m. Wednesday and carrying out numerous items including golf clubs. The burglars left at about 11:30 p.m., shortly before smoke starts pouring out of the house.
The men were arrested about four hours later. 060617
Nineteen-year-old Isaiah Lorenzo Montiano Like and 46-year-old Stacy Raymund Clark were arrested late last week and charged Monday with burglary and first-degree arson. They did not enter pleas during their initial court appearance. They are jailed with their bail set at $200,000 each.
Prosecutors say surveillance video captures images of Like and Clark breaking into a house in Casper by removing a swamp cooler from a window at about 10 p.m. Wednesday and carrying out numerous items including golf clubs. The burglars left at about 11:30 p.m., shortly before smoke starts pouring out of the house.
The men were arrested about four hours later. 060617
Glenrock residents were advised under a Code Red to stay inside and lock their doors, and I-25 was closed for a couple of hours Saturday night as law enforcement officials pursued an armed fugitive.
Not a lot of official details of the incident yet, but law enforcement agencies at Casper were showing activity near I-25 around 9:30 Saturday night. Glenrock Police issued the Code Red advisory around 10:30pm. That Code Red was lifted around midnight, and most of the activity seemed to have moved back to Casper, where special response officers were involved in a standoff at Dayton Transmissoin, off the interstate at 1600 F Street.
A female accomplice was taken into custody at Glenrock.
Casper Police said a man was taken into custody and the situation was resolved by about 2:30 Sunday morning. 060517
Not a lot of official details of the incident yet, but law enforcement agencies at Casper were showing activity near I-25 around 9:30 Saturday night. Glenrock Police issued the Code Red advisory around 10:30pm. That Code Red was lifted around midnight, and most of the activity seemed to have moved back to Casper, where special response officers were involved in a standoff at Dayton Transmissoin, off the interstate at 1600 F Street.
A female accomplice was taken into custody at Glenrock.
Casper Police said a man was taken into custody and the situation was resolved by about 2:30 Sunday morning. 060517
Police say they ended a six-hour standoff Friday at a home by arresting a man who tried to rob someone.
Nobody was hurt, though the suspect was taken from the scene in an ambulance.
The standoff happened just west of Casper. Natrona County Sheriff's officials say the suspect fired multiple shots from inside the home, where the unidentified man had retreated to the attic.
Authorities used a loudspeaker to communicate with the man for more than an hour and a half, telling him to come out peacefully.
Others in the home left earlier.
Sheriff's Sgt. Aaron Shatto declined to say whether the man left the home voluntarily. 060517
Nobody was hurt, though the suspect was taken from the scene in an ambulance.
The standoff happened just west of Casper. Natrona County Sheriff's officials say the suspect fired multiple shots from inside the home, where the unidentified man had retreated to the attic.
Authorities used a loudspeaker to communicate with the man for more than an hour and a half, telling him to come out peacefully.
Others in the home left earlier.
Sheriff's Sgt. Aaron Shatto declined to say whether the man left the home voluntarily. 060517
Three years ago, the City of Casper spent $1.2 million dollars to replace the seats in the Casper Events Center. Since then, attendance is down and complaints are up.
The original seats lasted about 32 years. There were 8 thousand of them. When they were replaced, the city installed over 9100 seats to accomodate more people and sell more tickets. That meant smaller, less comfortable seats and less legroom, both common complaints.
The Casper Events Center says they acknowledge complaints and concerns about the seats, and they're inviting the community to test possible solutions to create a more comfortable event experience.
On Wednesday, April 12 from 3:30pm – 7:00pm, the Events Center will host an Open House where management will visit with the public and encourage feedback regarding solutions. The community will be able to sit in modified seats and gauge their level of comfort. Guests will be able to give input and also be entered into a drawing for tickets to upcoming events. There will be complimentary snacks and refreshments available.
The price tag to the City of Casper for the proposed seating modifications and other changes will come in at about $832 thousand dollars. 041017
The original seats lasted about 32 years. There were 8 thousand of them. When they were replaced, the city installed over 9100 seats to accomodate more people and sell more tickets. That meant smaller, less comfortable seats and less legroom, both common complaints.
The Casper Events Center says they acknowledge complaints and concerns about the seats, and they're inviting the community to test possible solutions to create a more comfortable event experience.
On Wednesday, April 12 from 3:30pm – 7:00pm, the Events Center will host an Open House where management will visit with the public and encourage feedback regarding solutions. The community will be able to sit in modified seats and gauge their level of comfort. Guests will be able to give input and also be entered into a drawing for tickets to upcoming events. There will be complimentary snacks and refreshments available.
The price tag to the City of Casper for the proposed seating modifications and other changes will come in at about $832 thousand dollars. 041017
Casper's city manager has announced his retirement, just days after the City Council called for an investigation into the police department and handling of officer complaints by city management.
City Manager V.H. McDonald told the council in a letter Thursday he will retire June 1. McDonald has served in the position since November 2015.
Mayor Kenyne Humphrey had been expected to meet with McDonald Thursday morning to discuss options for responding to the police issues.
Humphrey had called for an investigation after a survey found the police force was suffering from poor morale and many were looking for other work. Officers said city staff hadn't acted on their complaints and that they didn't feel like they had the backing of the administration.
Councilors will start the search for a new city manager immediately. 040717
City Manager V.H. McDonald told the council in a letter Thursday he will retire June 1. McDonald has served in the position since November 2015.
Mayor Kenyne Humphrey had been expected to meet with McDonald Thursday morning to discuss options for responding to the police issues.
Humphrey had called for an investigation after a survey found the police force was suffering from poor morale and many were looking for other work. Officers said city staff hadn't acted on their complaints and that they didn't feel like they had the backing of the administration.
Councilors will start the search for a new city manager immediately. 040717
That new interchange north of Casper isn't dead, yet.
The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board provided Business Ready Community funding for five projects during its Thursday meeting in Cheyenne.
The Town of Bar Nunn had requested a $3 million grant to build on-and off-ramps at Interstate 25 and Westwinds Road in Bar Nunn. The SLIB board approved partial funding of $1 million dollars toward the project, contingent on Natrona County and WYDOT agreeing to reprioritize other WYDOT projects in Natrona County to provide $2 million for this Bar Nunn project.
In its request, Bar Nunn said the I-25 interchange would provide potential for commercial and industrial development that will add jobs and amenities to Bar Nunn. It would also improve access to the Casper Logistics Hub, Casper/Natrona County International Airport and the Bar Nunn Industrial Park and its recently constructed 30,000 square-foot spec building.
The State Loan and Investment Board also approved full funding of a $500,000 grant to the Casper-Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board. They'll use the money to build a 4,068 square-foot building for maintenance, storage, equipment, guest services and restrooms on the east side of the new David Street Station plaza in the Old Yellowstone District of downtown Casper. 040717
The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board provided Business Ready Community funding for five projects during its Thursday meeting in Cheyenne.
The Town of Bar Nunn had requested a $3 million grant to build on-and off-ramps at Interstate 25 and Westwinds Road in Bar Nunn. The SLIB board approved partial funding of $1 million dollars toward the project, contingent on Natrona County and WYDOT agreeing to reprioritize other WYDOT projects in Natrona County to provide $2 million for this Bar Nunn project.
In its request, Bar Nunn said the I-25 interchange would provide potential for commercial and industrial development that will add jobs and amenities to Bar Nunn. It would also improve access to the Casper Logistics Hub, Casper/Natrona County International Airport and the Bar Nunn Industrial Park and its recently constructed 30,000 square-foot spec building.
The State Loan and Investment Board also approved full funding of a $500,000 grant to the Casper-Natrona County Economic Development Joint Powers Board. They'll use the money to build a 4,068 square-foot building for maintenance, storage, equipment, guest services and restrooms on the east side of the new David Street Station plaza in the Old Yellowstone District of downtown Casper. 040717
A 55-year-old Casper man who was convicted of setting his estranged wife's mobile home on fire in December 2013 has been sentenced to 30 to 35 years in prison for arson.
Mark Garrison was sentenced Wednesday in Natrona County District Court after telling Judge Daniel Forgey he was not guilty and that he had a written statement from a trial witness saying he lied during his testimony. Forgey said that would be a matter for appeal.
Prosecutors recommended up to 48 years in prison and noted a sentencing assessment found Garrison was a danger to society and those with whom he's in a relationship.
Kathe Garrison testified during the October trial that her estranged husband had threatened to kill her and burn down the house. She was not home at the time of the fire. 020917
Mark Garrison was sentenced Wednesday in Natrona County District Court after telling Judge Daniel Forgey he was not guilty and that he had a written statement from a trial witness saying he lied during his testimony. Forgey said that would be a matter for appeal.
Prosecutors recommended up to 48 years in prison and noted a sentencing assessment found Garrison was a danger to society and those with whom he's in a relationship.
Kathe Garrison testified during the October trial that her estranged husband had threatened to kill her and burn down the house. She was not home at the time of the fire. 020917
Officials in Casper have voted to end the city's electronic waste recycling program.
The Casper City Council on Tuesday turned down a five-year contract with Colorado-based Electronic Recyclers International. Councilors cited costs and the availability of cheap space at the landfill where toxic materials are buried in their decision.
They say the city would spend about $57,000 a year to dump electronics in the landfill, but solid waste division manager Cynthia Langston has estimated the cost to be significantly lower. She says the recycling program's cost was already covered by about $28,000 in annual fees paid by residents for recycling electronics.
Ending the program will also affect other cities like Douglas, that pay Casper to dispose of their residents' waste. 020917
The Casper City Council on Tuesday turned down a five-year contract with Colorado-based Electronic Recyclers International. Councilors cited costs and the availability of cheap space at the landfill where toxic materials are buried in their decision.
They say the city would spend about $57,000 a year to dump electronics in the landfill, but solid waste division manager Cynthia Langston has estimated the cost to be significantly lower. She says the recycling program's cost was already covered by about $28,000 in annual fees paid by residents for recycling electronics.
Ending the program will also affect other cities like Douglas, that pay Casper to dispose of their residents' waste. 020917
The former mayor of Mills has been charged with four misdemeanors, including official misconduct and conflict of interest by a public official.
Marrolyce Wilson also is accused of interfering with a peace officer and illegally holding a liquor license.
Wilson is scheduled to appear Feb. 24 in Circuit Court. Wilson could not be reached for comment, and court officials say she does not yet have an attorney.
The development comes in the wake of the town's former treasurer being charged with taking more than $64,000 from the town. 012517
Marrolyce Wilson also is accused of interfering with a peace officer and illegally holding a liquor license.
Wilson is scheduled to appear Feb. 24 in Circuit Court. Wilson could not be reached for comment, and court officials say she does not yet have an attorney.
The development comes in the wake of the town's former treasurer being charged with taking more than $64,000 from the town. 012517
The Casper City Council has declined to amend the smoking ban approved by voters two years ago.
Councilman Chris Walsh had asked that the issue be discussed at a work session Tuesday after speaking with bar owners who said they had been hurt by the ban, which applies to all public establishments.
The council voted 5-4 not to amend the ban.
Amendment supporters argued that the ban had a negative economic impact, that it infringed on the property rights of business owners and that it was ineffective from a public health perspective.
The amendment would have either allowed smoking in all public establishments or just in bars. 012517
Councilman Chris Walsh had asked that the issue be discussed at a work session Tuesday after speaking with bar owners who said they had been hurt by the ban, which applies to all public establishments.
The council voted 5-4 not to amend the ban.
Amendment supporters argued that the ban had a negative economic impact, that it infringed on the property rights of business owners and that it was ineffective from a public health perspective.
The amendment would have either allowed smoking in all public establishments or just in bars. 012517
Officials have received 113 tips since launching an initiative that allows students to anonymously report threats or safety concerns.
Since launching in late October, Safe2Tell Wyoming has received 113 tips, 76 of which have come from the Natrona County School District where the program was initially launched.
Suicide threats were the most common report last month. Drugs and bullying rounded out the top three, with 12 and 10 reports, respectively.
The program funnels anonymous tips collected through a mobile app, a website and a phone line to law enforcement and school officials. The program is monitored 24 hours a day.
Safe2Tell was first implemented in Colorado after the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. 122816
Since launching in late October, Safe2Tell Wyoming has received 113 tips, 76 of which have come from the Natrona County School District where the program was initially launched.
Suicide threats were the most common report last month. Drugs and bullying rounded out the top three, with 12 and 10 reports, respectively.
The program funnels anonymous tips collected through a mobile app, a website and a phone line to law enforcement and school officials. The program is monitored 24 hours a day.
Safe2Tell was first implemented in Colorado after the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. 122816
Natrona County Republicans plan to hold interviews on Saturday for candidates seeking to replace Rep. Kendell Kroeker of Evansville.
Kroeker announced his resignation last week saying unforeseen circumstances related to his business, Casper Mountain Motorsports, would prevent him from being able to take the time off for the 2017 legislative session, which begins Jan. 10 in Cheyenne.
Interested candidates must submit their names to county party chairwoman Bonnie Foster by 5 p.m. Friday. Foster says precinct committee members from House District 35 will interview the candidates on Saturday morning and select three finalists.
The Natrona County Commission will choose a replacement on Jan. 3.
Kroeker had served in the Legislature for six years and was re-elected in November. 122816
Kroeker announced his resignation last week saying unforeseen circumstances related to his business, Casper Mountain Motorsports, would prevent him from being able to take the time off for the 2017 legislative session, which begins Jan. 10 in Cheyenne.
Interested candidates must submit their names to county party chairwoman Bonnie Foster by 5 p.m. Friday. Foster says precinct committee members from House District 35 will interview the candidates on Saturday morning and select three finalists.
The Natrona County Commission will choose a replacement on Jan. 3.
Kroeker had served in the Legislature for six years and was re-elected in November. 122816
Wyoming's state parks are holding free hikes for the public on New Year's Day.
12 parks and historic sites are participating in the First Day Hikes program, an effort by all 50 state park systems and a private organization called America's State Parks.
Hikes in Wyoming are scheduled at Curt Gowdy, Bear River, Edness K. Wilkins, Guernsey, Keyhole, Sinks Canyon and Buffalo Bill state parks. They will also be held at Fort Bridger, Fort Fred Steele, Trail End and South Pass City state historic sites and the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Area.
About 500 people participated in last year's First Day Hike in Wyoming.
The hikes are open to anyone, and entrance fees at participating state parks will be waived for the event. 122816
12 parks and historic sites are participating in the First Day Hikes program, an effort by all 50 state park systems and a private organization called America's State Parks.
Hikes in Wyoming are scheduled at Curt Gowdy, Bear River, Edness K. Wilkins, Guernsey, Keyhole, Sinks Canyon and Buffalo Bill state parks. They will also be held at Fort Bridger, Fort Fred Steele, Trail End and South Pass City state historic sites and the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Area.
About 500 people participated in last year's First Day Hike in Wyoming.
The hikes are open to anyone, and entrance fees at participating state parks will be waived for the event. 122816
No buyers yet...
Officials say the Natrona County School District hasn't yet received any bids for the buildings it has put up for sale.
The district's school board approved a plan earlier this month to get rid of three vacant buildings -- North Casper Elementary, Roosevelt High School and the Fairground Center. Officials are also planning to sell Grant and Mills elementary schools and Star Lane Center, which are expected to be vacant next year.
The initial goal was to have the vacant buildings sold by July 1 and at least Mills sold by Sept. 1. But district spokesman Kelly Eastes says the timeline is fluid.
Officials said last month a church group and the Salvation Army have expressed interest in buying the district facilities.
If the buildings aren't sold, the district may have them demolished. 122316
Officials say the Natrona County School District hasn't yet received any bids for the buildings it has put up for sale.
The district's school board approved a plan earlier this month to get rid of three vacant buildings -- North Casper Elementary, Roosevelt High School and the Fairground Center. Officials are also planning to sell Grant and Mills elementary schools and Star Lane Center, which are expected to be vacant next year.
The initial goal was to have the vacant buildings sold by July 1 and at least Mills sold by Sept. 1. But district spokesman Kelly Eastes says the timeline is fluid.
Officials said last month a church group and the Salvation Army have expressed interest in buying the district facilities.
If the buildings aren't sold, the district may have them demolished. 122316
The Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library recently received a $10,000 grant through the Wyoming Community Foundation.
Library director Brad Matthies says the grant will be used to purchase 200 new Resources for College Libraries core list books in science and medicine as part of the library’s collection improvement project.
The grant was made possible through the McMurry Library Endowment Fund, a donor advised fund held within the Wyoming Community Foundation. 111116
Library director Brad Matthies says the grant will be used to purchase 200 new Resources for College Libraries core list books in science and medicine as part of the library’s collection improvement project.
The grant was made possible through the McMurry Library Endowment Fund, a donor advised fund held within the Wyoming Community Foundation. 111116
The Casper Visitors Center is considering a move up the hill.
The Casper Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau is in the discussion stages of moving the Visitors Center up to the National Historic Trails Interperative Center.
The Visitors Center is now housed in the Casper Chamber of Commerce office on North Center Street, near the Parkway Plaza, but the agreement with the Chamber and the City runs out in March of next year.
The Trails Center location would offer a great view of the city, improved parking, and easy access off I-25 in a location that already sees many visitors each year. 111016
The Casper Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau is in the discussion stages of moving the Visitors Center up to the National Historic Trails Interperative Center.
The Visitors Center is now housed in the Casper Chamber of Commerce office on North Center Street, near the Parkway Plaza, but the agreement with the Chamber and the City runs out in March of next year.
The Trails Center location would offer a great view of the city, improved parking, and easy access off I-25 in a location that already sees many visitors each year. 111016
Federal officials have released a plan for two high-voltage transmission lines in southwestern Idaho that avoid sage grouse habitat and private land, but cross about 9 miles of a conservation area for raptors.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Friday released its final supplemental environmental impact statement for two segments of the Gateway West project proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power.
The two segments are part of a 1,000-mile transmission line project originating near Glenrock in Converse County that would deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west, potentially tapping into Wyoming's wind energy.
The southwestern Idaho portion has faced opposition from private property owners as well as environmental concerns where the powerlines cross the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. 101116
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Friday released its final supplemental environmental impact statement for two segments of the Gateway West project proposed by Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power.
The two segments are part of a 1,000-mile transmission line project originating near Glenrock in Converse County that would deliver 1,500 megawatts from southern Wyoming through southern Idaho to points west, potentially tapping into Wyoming's wind energy.
The southwestern Idaho portion has faced opposition from private property owners as well as environmental concerns where the powerlines cross the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. 101116
A well-known Casper landmark is facing demolition.
Workers on Thursday began removing a Wells Fargo bank sign at the top of a 177-foot tall concrete tower in downtown Casper. The tower itself will come down in the spring.
Branch manager Debi McNabb says the tower is deteriorating and a safety hazard.
The tower was built in 1968 for what was then Wyoming National Bank. It originally featured an electronic time-and-temperature display. 100716
Workers on Thursday began removing a Wells Fargo bank sign at the top of a 177-foot tall concrete tower in downtown Casper. The tower itself will come down in the spring.
Branch manager Debi McNabb says the tower is deteriorating and a safety hazard.
The tower was built in 1968 for what was then Wyoming National Bank. It originally featured an electronic time-and-temperature display. 100716
A pipeline company plans to replace sections of a natural gas pipeline in Converse County that's had two leaks since August.
The 16-inch pipeline sprung a major leak 14 miles north of Douglas on Sept. 6. Authorities closed Highway 59 for more than two hours while workers shut off the flow.
The leaking gas didn't ignite. DCP Midstream spokeswoman Rosslyn Elliott says the pipeline was carrying 40 million cubic feet of gas a day to a gas-processing plant near Douglas.
Elliott says an inspection in late August revealed a pinhole leak in the same pipeline but about 40 miles north of the later September leak.
She says the company is still investigating the leaks and has been planning to replace sections along a 60-mile stretch of the pipeline. 100716
The 16-inch pipeline sprung a major leak 14 miles north of Douglas on Sept. 6. Authorities closed Highway 59 for more than two hours while workers shut off the flow.
The leaking gas didn't ignite. DCP Midstream spokeswoman Rosslyn Elliott says the pipeline was carrying 40 million cubic feet of gas a day to a gas-processing plant near Douglas.
Elliott says an inspection in late August revealed a pinhole leak in the same pipeline but about 40 miles north of the later September leak.
She says the company is still investigating the leaks and has been planning to replace sections along a 60-mile stretch of the pipeline. 100716
An oil well service company faces nearly $3,000 in fines following the death of one its employees who fell from a workover rig in Midwest.
28-year-old Dennis McCulloch died in July after falling about 76 feet at the oil well site. State investigators determined he had failed to properly use a safety anchor at the time.
The penalty against McCulloch's employer, C L Well Service, is lower than the maximum fine of $7,000 for a serious violation because of the company's small size. 092916
28-year-old Dennis McCulloch died in July after falling about 76 feet at the oil well site. State investigators determined he had failed to properly use a safety anchor at the time.
The penalty against McCulloch's employer, C L Well Service, is lower than the maximum fine of $7,000 for a serious violation because of the company's small size. 092916
The Wyoming State Parks system is inviting eclipse fans to Come Over to the Park Side.
With four parks located in prime viewing areas for next summer's total solar eclipse on August 21st, the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is offering several reservation and permit packages that will be available to the public beginning this Saturday, Oct. 1.
Resident and non-resident camping and day-use packages for the Sierra Trading Post sponsored WyoParksEclipse events will be available for the eclipse weekend at Edness K. Wilkins, Glendo, Guernsey and Boysen state parks.
Reservations are very limited. Detailed information is available on the Wyoming State Parks website.at www.wyoparks.org. 092816
With four parks located in prime viewing areas for next summer's total solar eclipse on August 21st, the Wyoming Division of State Parks, Historic Sites and Trails is offering several reservation and permit packages that will be available to the public beginning this Saturday, Oct. 1.
Resident and non-resident camping and day-use packages for the Sierra Trading Post sponsored WyoParksEclipse events will be available for the eclipse weekend at Edness K. Wilkins, Glendo, Guernsey and Boysen state parks.
Reservations are very limited. Detailed information is available on the Wyoming State Parks website.at www.wyoparks.org. 092816
The head of the Casper and Glenrock Boys and Girls Clubs has received a national award.
Ashley Bright has been honored with the Jim Wetherington Southwesterner Award at the recent BGCA Southwest Region Leadership Conference in Norman, OK. The award is presented in memory of Jim Wetherington, a caring and committed leader who grew up in the Club and devoted 37 years to the organization.
Ashley Bright’s career with the Boys & Girls Club started in 1991. He's been in Casper as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys And Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming since 1999. The organization serves over 3,000 annual members and operates 10 sites in three counties. 092116
Ashley Bright has been honored with the Jim Wetherington Southwesterner Award at the recent BGCA Southwest Region Leadership Conference in Norman, OK. The award is presented in memory of Jim Wetherington, a caring and committed leader who grew up in the Club and devoted 37 years to the organization.
Ashley Bright’s career with the Boys & Girls Club started in 1991. He's been in Casper as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys And Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming since 1999. The organization serves over 3,000 annual members and operates 10 sites in three counties. 092116
A Casper man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for robbing a bank in Evansville in May. U.S. District Court Judge Scott Skavdahl on Tuesday sentenced Kemp Cravens to two years imprisonment on the bank robbery charge and seven years for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Skavdahl ordered Cravens to pay $200 in special assessments, a $500 fine, and $676 in restitution.
Cravens also will serve three years of probation after his release from prison.
He could have faced up to 20 years imprisonment on the bank robbery count. The firearms count was punishable by not less than seven years to life imprisonment.
Cravens pleaded guilty in July. 092116
Skavdahl ordered Cravens to pay $200 in special assessments, a $500 fine, and $676 in restitution.
Cravens also will serve three years of probation after his release from prison.
He could have faced up to 20 years imprisonment on the bank robbery count. The firearms count was punishable by not less than seven years to life imprisonment.
Cravens pleaded guilty in July. 092116
A man accused of luring a 5-year-old boy away from a Casper bowling alley and sexually assaulting the child has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness in the case.
Joshua Winters entered the plea Tuesday to kidnapping and first- and second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. A judge ordered him to undergo a mental evaluation at the Wyoming State Hospital.
Authorities say Winters worked as a food vendor at a carnival that was at the Central Wyoming Fair on July 18 when he approached the child and offered him money to pay for games.
Court documents say the boy eventually followed Winters outside, where the alleged sexual assault occurred near a river.
The documents say Winters denied the kidnapping and told police the boy could've "gone the other way at any time." 092116
Joshua Winters entered the plea Tuesday to kidnapping and first- and second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. A judge ordered him to undergo a mental evaluation at the Wyoming State Hospital.
Authorities say Winters worked as a food vendor at a carnival that was at the Central Wyoming Fair on July 18 when he approached the child and offered him money to pay for games.
Court documents say the boy eventually followed Winters outside, where the alleged sexual assault occurred near a river.
The documents say Winters denied the kidnapping and told police the boy could've "gone the other way at any time." 092116
Wildlife officials say the Casper man who was mauled by a bear near Jackson had been calling for elk before the attack.
Reggie Riebe was reported to be in good condition Wednesday, though he suffered injuries to his hands, arms, buttocks and scalp. Riebe was attacked Tuesday morning while bow hunting with a friend.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials say Riebe was 100 to 150 yards away from his hunting partner using an elk call when the bear attacked. He was in an area with lots of deadfall and low visibility. Game and Fish suspects the attacking animal was a grizzly bear.
Officials are warning hunters that game calls can attract predators as well as prey. 091516
Reggie Riebe was reported to be in good condition Wednesday, though he suffered injuries to his hands, arms, buttocks and scalp. Riebe was attacked Tuesday morning while bow hunting with a friend.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials say Riebe was 100 to 150 yards away from his hunting partner using an elk call when the bear attacked. He was in an area with lots of deadfall and low visibility. Game and Fish suspects the attacking animal was a grizzly bear.
Officials are warning hunters that game calls can attract predators as well as prey. 091516
An Evansville couple is facing felony charges for allegedly possessing methamphetamine in a trailer where they lived with several children.
Nicholas David Helton has been charged with three counts of child endangerment with methamphetamine. The arrest affidavit says Helton had been living in a bedroom in a trailer with Anna Atkins and her three children.
Atkins faces charges of meth possession and child endangerment with meth.
Police searched the trailer Aug. 6 after receiving information about drug sales taking place in the home.
Police searched Helton’s and Atkins’ bedroom and found several bags containing meth residue. Officers also located two meth pipes behind the headboard of the bed where all the children slept. 090616
Nicholas David Helton has been charged with three counts of child endangerment with methamphetamine. The arrest affidavit says Helton had been living in a bedroom in a trailer with Anna Atkins and her three children.
Atkins faces charges of meth possession and child endangerment with meth.
Police searched the trailer Aug. 6 after receiving information about drug sales taking place in the home.
Police searched Helton’s and Atkins’ bedroom and found several bags containing meth residue. Officers also located two meth pipes behind the headboard of the bed where all the children slept. 090616
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming got their bank accounts refilled on Monday morning.
During their 18th Annual Awards and Recognition breakfast at the Casper Events Center, the group received just over $804 thousand dollars from community donations.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming serves over 8 thousand Wyoming youth from 10 sites in Casper, Mills, Paradise Valley, Glenrock, Buffalo and Kaycee. 083116
During their 18th Annual Awards and Recognition breakfast at the Casper Events Center, the group received just over $804 thousand dollars from community donations.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming serves over 8 thousand Wyoming youth from 10 sites in Casper, Mills, Paradise Valley, Glenrock, Buffalo and Kaycee. 083116
A 75-year-old woman has died from injuries sustained during a five-car pileup on Old Glenrock Highway.
Leoda Cain, of Glenrock, was the only victim in the Sunday, August 21st crash who had remained hospitalized as of late last week. Officials confirmed she died Tuesday.
Wyoming Highway Patrol says the collision occurred just inside the Converse County line between Glenrock and Casper when a truck did not stop for construction, as four cars ahead of the vehicle did. The pickup was traveling about 70 mph. 083116
Leoda Cain, of Glenrock, was the only victim in the Sunday, August 21st crash who had remained hospitalized as of late last week. Officials confirmed she died Tuesday.
Wyoming Highway Patrol says the collision occurred just inside the Converse County line between Glenrock and Casper when a truck did not stop for construction, as four cars ahead of the vehicle did. The pickup was traveling about 70 mph. 083116
Authorities have identified a man who was shot by troopers following a high-speed chase that ended near Casper.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 38-year-old Jimmie Files was taken to a hospital after being shot Sunday. He has since been jailed, but authorities did not release his medical condition.
The incident began when troopers acting on a reckless driving report started pursuing a pickup truck on Interstate 25 in Converse County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the truck went over a spike strip, drove into oncoming traffic and started driving in the median before being rammed by a trooper's vehicle.
The patrol says officers shot the suspect as he drove toward them.
Two troopers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. 082416
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says 38-year-old Jimmie Files was taken to a hospital after being shot Sunday. He has since been jailed, but authorities did not release his medical condition.
The incident began when troopers acting on a reckless driving report started pursuing a pickup truck on Interstate 25 in Converse County.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the truck went over a spike strip, drove into oncoming traffic and started driving in the median before being rammed by a trooper's vehicle.
The patrol says officers shot the suspect as he drove toward them.
Two troopers involved have been placed on paid administrative leave. 082416
Seventeen wild horses and burros were adopted during Wyoming Mustang Days at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas last week.
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program sponsored the annual adoption event, which also encourages previous wild horse adopters to showcase the abilities of their mustangs.
Twelve gentled halter-started horses and two burros were adopted throughout the week, by silent bid.
Two saddle-started and one halter-started horse were adopted Aug. 20. The adoption, through competitive bid, followed a demonstration by the trainers from the Mantle Wild Horse Adoption and Training Facility, demonstrating the horses’ abilities.
Wyoming Mustang Days also included the All Wild Horse Show, featuring 36 previous wild horse adopters and their adopted horses, competing in three divisions on Friday, Aug. 19.
Another wild horse adoption is planned for Sept. 9-10, at the Wyoming Honor Farm, in Riverton. 082416
The BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program sponsored the annual adoption event, which also encourages previous wild horse adopters to showcase the abilities of their mustangs.
Twelve gentled halter-started horses and two burros were adopted throughout the week, by silent bid.
Two saddle-started and one halter-started horse were adopted Aug. 20. The adoption, through competitive bid, followed a demonstration by the trainers from the Mantle Wild Horse Adoption and Training Facility, demonstrating the horses’ abilities.
Wyoming Mustang Days also included the All Wild Horse Show, featuring 36 previous wild horse adopters and their adopted horses, competing in three divisions on Friday, Aug. 19.
Another wild horse adoption is planned for Sept. 9-10, at the Wyoming Honor Farm, in Riverton. 082416
Firefighters from Natrona and Converse Counties responded to a grass fire out on Cole Creek Road Monday afternoon.
Fire crews arrived at about 230 pm and found about 25 acres of tall grass and brush burning. Three air tankers were available and helped to put down the blaze.
An official cause has yet to be determined, but a welding unit may have started the fire.
Red Flag Fire Warnings were in effect for Natrona and Converse Counties, as well as much of the rest of eastern Wyoming on Monday afternoon. 082216
Fire crews arrived at about 230 pm and found about 25 acres of tall grass and brush burning. Three air tankers were available and helped to put down the blaze.
An official cause has yet to be determined, but a welding unit may have started the fire.
Red Flag Fire Warnings were in effect for Natrona and Converse Counties, as well as much of the rest of eastern Wyoming on Monday afternoon. 082216
Alpha Natural Resources came out of bankruptcy yesterday.
The coal company operates the Belle Ayre and Eagle Buttes mines just north of Gillette. They were the first of three major mining companies in the Powder River Basin to go into chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, when the industry faces thirty-year lows.
The company will look different going forward. A federal judge approved a plan for the company to split into two companies. Alpha will continue to run its eastern operations, while its Wyoming assets will be rolled off to a new company named Contura Energy, which is owned by Alpha's senior lenders.
The reorganization plan also sets aside $13 million dollars to fund health benefits for more than 4500 former employees, and will end self-bonding at the Wyoming mines. 072716
The coal company operates the Belle Ayre and Eagle Buttes mines just north of Gillette. They were the first of three major mining companies in the Powder River Basin to go into chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, when the industry faces thirty-year lows.
The company will look different going forward. A federal judge approved a plan for the company to split into two companies. Alpha will continue to run its eastern operations, while its Wyoming assets will be rolled off to a new company named Contura Energy, which is owned by Alpha's senior lenders.
The reorganization plan also sets aside $13 million dollars to fund health benefits for more than 4500 former employees, and will end self-bonding at the Wyoming mines. 072716
Milward Simpson is stepping down as director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Affairs.
Gov. Matt Mead announced Tuesday that Simpson is leaving the director's post that he's held for the past 10 years.Simpson is taking a job as director of the Wyoming chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Simpson started working for the state as manager of the Wyoming Arts Council in 2004 and became director of State Parks and Cultural Resources in 2006.
State Parks and Cultural Resources is the state agency that oversees Edness K Wilkins State Parks, Independence Rock, Ft Fetterman and and Camp Douglas Officers Club State Historic Sites and the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 072716
Gov. Matt Mead announced Tuesday that Simpson is leaving the director's post that he's held for the past 10 years.Simpson is taking a job as director of the Wyoming chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Simpson started working for the state as manager of the Wyoming Arts Council in 2004 and became director of State Parks and Cultural Resources in 2006.
State Parks and Cultural Resources is the state agency that oversees Edness K Wilkins State Parks, Independence Rock, Ft Fetterman and and Camp Douglas Officers Club State Historic Sites and the Wyoming Pioneer Memorial Museum at the State Fairgrounds in Douglas. 072716
The Converse County Sheriff's office has released more information on last week's officer-involved fatal shooting in Douglas.
According to a Wednesday press release, the Sheriff's Department says that in the interest of preventing misinformation, they are releasing the following known facts:
On June 30th, 2016, U.S Marshals came to Douglas to serve a federal warrant on Jasen Scott Ramirez, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office responded at approximately 2:43 pm to a call of an officer-involved shooting at the Saint James Catholic Church.
Local Law Enforcement rendered aid to Ramirez outside of the vehicle where he was shot, but Mr. Ramirez passed away.
A Search Warrant was obtained on the vehicle where approximately 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine and two handguns were recovered. In addition, about 0.5 ounces of methamphetamine, was found on Mr. Ramirez's person.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been asked to fully investigate the shooting.070616
According to a Wednesday press release, the Sheriff's Department says that in the interest of preventing misinformation, they are releasing the following known facts:
On June 30th, 2016, U.S Marshals came to Douglas to serve a federal warrant on Jasen Scott Ramirez, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense.
The Converse County Sheriff's Office responded at approximately 2:43 pm to a call of an officer-involved shooting at the Saint James Catholic Church.
Local Law Enforcement rendered aid to Ramirez outside of the vehicle where he was shot, but Mr. Ramirez passed away.
A Search Warrant was obtained on the vehicle where approximately 3.5 ounces of methamphetamine and two handguns were recovered. In addition, about 0.5 ounces of methamphetamine, was found on Mr. Ramirez's person.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been asked to fully investigate the shooting.070616
Deputy U.S. Marshals were involved in the shooting that left a man dead Thursday in Douglas.
The Marshals Service says deputies were attempting to arrest 44-year-old Jasen Scott Ramirez of Colorado when he was shot and killed. He was shot in the parking lot of St James Catholic Church where he reportedly had attended his father's funeral.
No deputies were injured.
Ramirez was indicted in U.S. District Court in Wyoming last month on charges of illegal drug possession, possession of a firearm while drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations is investigating the shooting. An agency official declined comment.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper responding to the fatal shooting in Douglas is hospitalized with injuries after colliding with another motorist near Glenrock.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the trooper was on the old highway just east of the Glenrock town limits when his struck an SUV. The patrol car rolled multiple times.
The trooper was flown by helicopter Thursday to a Casper hospital, where he's listed in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Both are expected to recover. 070116
The Marshals Service says deputies were attempting to arrest 44-year-old Jasen Scott Ramirez of Colorado when he was shot and killed. He was shot in the parking lot of St James Catholic Church where he reportedly had attended his father's funeral.
No deputies were injured.
Ramirez was indicted in U.S. District Court in Wyoming last month on charges of illegal drug possession, possession of a firearm while drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations is investigating the shooting. An agency official declined comment.
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper responding to the fatal shooting in Douglas is hospitalized with injuries after colliding with another motorist near Glenrock.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol says the trooper was on the old highway just east of the Glenrock town limits when his struck an SUV. The patrol car rolled multiple times.
The trooper was flown by helicopter Thursday to a Casper hospital, where he's listed in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Both are expected to recover. 070116
Gun owners will not be permitted to bring firearms into Casper City Council meetings after officials there decided not to change a ban on openly carrying guns at meetings.
State law prohibits concealed weapons at public meetings, and Casper made it illegal in 2011 to openly carry deadly weapons to city meetings.
Second Amendment advocates argue that their right to bear arms should extend to council chambers, but the City Council decided not to change the ban after the issue was raised this week.
Mayor Daniel Sandoval and other supporters of the ban say the firearms could potentially stifle free speech and create an air of intimidation. 070116
State law prohibits concealed weapons at public meetings, and Casper made it illegal in 2011 to openly carry deadly weapons to city meetings.
Second Amendment advocates argue that their right to bear arms should extend to council chambers, but the City Council decided not to change the ban after the issue was raised this week.
Mayor Daniel Sandoval and other supporters of the ban say the firearms could potentially stifle free speech and create an air of intimidation. 070116
Wyoming's unemployment rate increased slightly in May to 5.6 percent.
The May jobless rate is up from April's 5.5 percent and higher than the national rate of 4.7 percent. A year ago, in May 2015, Wyoming's rate stood at 4.2 percent.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says that from May 2015 to May 2016, the largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Campbell (up from 3.8% to 8.0%), Natrona (up from 4.8% to 7.5%), Converse (up from 3.7% to 6.3%), and Weston (up from 3.4% to 5.8%) counties. All are counties that have been hit hard with layoffs in the energy industry.
Albany County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.9 percent in May. It was followed by Niobrara at 3.1 percent, Goshen at 3.5 percent and Laramie at 4 percent. 06216
The May jobless rate is up from April's 5.5 percent and higher than the national rate of 4.7 percent. A year ago, in May 2015, Wyoming's rate stood at 4.2 percent.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services says that from May 2015 to May 2016, the largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Campbell (up from 3.8% to 8.0%), Natrona (up from 4.8% to 7.5%), Converse (up from 3.7% to 6.3%), and Weston (up from 3.4% to 5.8%) counties. All are counties that have been hit hard with layoffs in the energy industry.
Albany County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.9 percent in May. It was followed by Niobrara at 3.1 percent, Goshen at 3.5 percent and Laramie at 4 percent. 06216
A collision involving three vehicles west of Casper has resulted in the deaths of two people and three horses.
The Highway Patrol identified the victims as 56-year-old Carol Plummer and 48-year-old George Rott, both of Casper.
The crash occurred about 4:10 p.m. last Friday on Wyoming 257, about 2 miles west of Casper.
The patrol says Plummer was driving a Jeep Liberty that failed to stop at an intersection. The Jeep was struck by a westbound pickup towing a horse trailer. An eastbound commercial truck driven by Rott then slammed into the horse trailer.
Plummer died at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, while Rott died at the scene.
A passenger in the commercial truck was admitted for treatment of injuries.
A passenger in the pickup was treated and released. 062216
The Highway Patrol identified the victims as 56-year-old Carol Plummer and 48-year-old George Rott, both of Casper.
The crash occurred about 4:10 p.m. last Friday on Wyoming 257, about 2 miles west of Casper.
The patrol says Plummer was driving a Jeep Liberty that failed to stop at an intersection. The Jeep was struck by a westbound pickup towing a horse trailer. An eastbound commercial truck driven by Rott then slammed into the horse trailer.
Plummer died at Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, while Rott died at the scene.
A passenger in the commercial truck was admitted for treatment of injuries.
A passenger in the pickup was treated and released. 062216
Natrona County search and rescue crews have recovered the body of a Casper man who was missing and presumed drowned after he jumped into Alcova Reservoir from a boat.
The man was reported missing early Sunday afternoon after he jumped into the water and did not resurface. His body was located Monday morning in the lake about 30 miles southwest of Casper.
The county coroner's office identified the man Monday as 41-year-old Jeremiah Douglas Bush.
Sheriff's Lt. Mike Steinberg says the cause of the man's death is still being investigated, and it's unclear if alcohol played a role. 062216
The man was reported missing early Sunday afternoon after he jumped into the water and did not resurface. His body was located Monday morning in the lake about 30 miles southwest of Casper.
The county coroner's office identified the man Monday as 41-year-old Jeremiah Douglas Bush.
Sheriff's Lt. Mike Steinberg says the cause of the man's death is still being investigated, and it's unclear if alcohol played a role. 062216
A 29-year-old Colorado man has died in a construction accident in Casper.
The Natrona County Coroner's Office says Juan Avalos was driving a four-wheeler on Thursday when he was struck by a metal gate.
Avalos died about 3:30 p.m. shortly after arriving at Wyoming Medical Center.
He was among a crew working on at large project at Kelly Walsh High School.
The incident remains under investigation. 062016
The Natrona County Coroner's Office says Juan Avalos was driving a four-wheeler on Thursday when he was struck by a metal gate.
Avalos died about 3:30 p.m. shortly after arriving at Wyoming Medical Center.
He was among a crew working on at large project at Kelly Walsh High School.
The incident remains under investigation. 062016
Some Casper area residents are getting scammed on the phone.
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office says the callers identify themselves as current employees of the Sheriff's Department. They tell the person on the other end that they've missed jury duty and the Sheriffs have a warrant for their arrest. While they have you on the phone, the scammers try to collect more personal information and ask you to pay the warrant over the telephone.
The NCSO says they do not call citizens who have active warrants for their arrest and they don't ask for money over the phone. If you get a telephone call concerning a warrant for arrest, the Sheriff's department says do not give out any financial or personal information, and you should hang up immediately. 053116
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office says the callers identify themselves as current employees of the Sheriff's Department. They tell the person on the other end that they've missed jury duty and the Sheriffs have a warrant for their arrest. While they have you on the phone, the scammers try to collect more personal information and ask you to pay the warrant over the telephone.
The NCSO says they do not call citizens who have active warrants for their arrest and they don't ask for money over the phone. If you get a telephone call concerning a warrant for arrest, the Sheriff's department says do not give out any financial or personal information, and you should hang up immediately. 053116
Another day, another bank robbery.
Evansville police were call out to the Platte Valley Bank's Evansville branch at about 9:30 Tuesday morning. A middle-aged, white male had entered the bank, showed a gun, and escaped with an undetermined amount of cash. He escaped in a white SUV with no license plates.
At around noon on Tuesday, family members talked the man into turning himself in, and he was taken into custody a short time later. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The Points West Bank in Douglas was robbed on Monday afternoon. The robber, 52 year old Charles Mathis, was apprehended later on Monday and is being held at the Douglas jail pending charges. The Douglas Police Department and the Converse County Attorney's Office are working with the FBI and the US Attorney's Office to formally file the appropriate charges against Mathis. 050416
Evansville police were call out to the Platte Valley Bank's Evansville branch at about 9:30 Tuesday morning. A middle-aged, white male had entered the bank, showed a gun, and escaped with an undetermined amount of cash. He escaped in a white SUV with no license plates.
At around noon on Tuesday, family members talked the man into turning himself in, and he was taken into custody a short time later. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The Points West Bank in Douglas was robbed on Monday afternoon. The robber, 52 year old Charles Mathis, was apprehended later on Monday and is being held at the Douglas jail pending charges. The Douglas Police Department and the Converse County Attorney's Office are working with the FBI and the US Attorney's Office to formally file the appropriate charges against Mathis. 050416
A suspect has been taken into custody following a Monday afternoon robbery at Points West Community Bank in Douglas.
Police Chief Ron Casalenda says a dark-complected adult male robbed the bank at about 2:30 this afternoon. The man indicated that he had a weapon, but no weapon was shown. No word yet on how much money was taken. There were no injuries reported.
Casalenda said the man left the bank on foot, westbound on East Richards Street. He's described as dark complection, wearing all dark clothing and either a dark beanie or do-rag on his head.
A suspect was later taken into custody on I-25 southbound at exit 140.
Douglas High School and Douglas Primary School were placed on lockdown and students were held in the buildings until just before 4pm when law enforcement deemed it safe for them to be released. CCSD #1 Transportation was also locked down, and busses ran late this afternoon. 050216
Police Chief Ron Casalenda says a dark-complected adult male robbed the bank at about 2:30 this afternoon. The man indicated that he had a weapon, but no weapon was shown. No word yet on how much money was taken. There were no injuries reported.
Casalenda said the man left the bank on foot, westbound on East Richards Street. He's described as dark complection, wearing all dark clothing and either a dark beanie or do-rag on his head.
A suspect was later taken into custody on I-25 southbound at exit 140.
Douglas High School and Douglas Primary School were placed on lockdown and students were held in the buildings until just before 4pm when law enforcement deemed it safe for them to be released. CCSD #1 Transportation was also locked down, and busses ran late this afternoon. 050216
The developer of a wind farm south of Glenrock says the 46-turbine facility will be operational by the end of the year.
sPower spokeswoman Naomi Keller says work began on the 80-megawatt Pioneer Wind Park in February and commercial operations will start sometime this year. Salt Lake City-based sPower took over ownership of the wind farm from Wasatch Wind in August.
The company still faces challenges to completing the project.
Keller says sPower is working to get a permit from wildlife officials to ensure birds are protected from the turbines. The company is also involved in a lawsuit brought by the Northern Laramie Range Alliance, alleging sPower doesn't have the financial capacity to construct the project.
The suit is before the Converse County District Court. 041116
sPower spokeswoman Naomi Keller says work began on the 80-megawatt Pioneer Wind Park in February and commercial operations will start sometime this year. Salt Lake City-based sPower took over ownership of the wind farm from Wasatch Wind in August.
The company still faces challenges to completing the project.
Keller says sPower is working to get a permit from wildlife officials to ensure birds are protected from the turbines. The company is also involved in a lawsuit brought by the Northern Laramie Range Alliance, alleging sPower doesn't have the financial capacity to construct the project.
The suit is before the Converse County District Court. 041116
Wyoming Department of Transportation crews continue to install 70 mph speed limit signs around the state, bringing new sections of highways up to the statutory speed limit for non-interstate highways in Wyoming.
District 2 Crews are working today to hang signs on Highway 20/26 from Casper to Shoshoni.
On Tuesday, they'll be working on U.S. 287/WYO 789 from Muddy Gap to Sweetwater Station.
Until the new signs are installed, the existing posted speed limit remains in effect. 041116
District 2 Crews are working today to hang signs on Highway 20/26 from Casper to Shoshoni.
On Tuesday, they'll be working on U.S. 287/WYO 789 from Muddy Gap to Sweetwater Station.
Until the new signs are installed, the existing posted speed limit remains in effect. 041116
Natrona County authorities have identified a man whose body was found in a vehicle in a rural neighborhood north of Casper.
Searcy Evon Johnson's body was found Tuesday. Officials say the 40-year-old man's last known address was in Washington state.
Sheriff's deputies had received a call about the dead body and responded to the area off Bryan Stock Trail.
Authorities say Johnson's death is suspicious, but have not released any details. They believe it is an isolated incident.
The death remains under investigation. 040716
Searcy Evon Johnson's body was found Tuesday. Officials say the 40-year-old man's last known address was in Washington state.
Sheriff's deputies had received a call about the dead body and responded to the area off Bryan Stock Trail.
Authorities say Johnson's death is suspicious, but have not released any details. They believe it is an isolated incident.
The death remains under investigation. 040716
A municipal judge says Casper police officers gave special treatment to the girlfriend of another police officer during a drunken driving stop in October.
Officers issued the woman a citation and released her to her boyfriend, a sergeant with the Casper Police Department.
Judge Keith Nachbar says the action amounted to special treatment because police do not typically release DUI suspects with only a citation unless there is a medical emergency.
Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel said Tuesday that his department has begun an internal evaluation to examine whether the officers acted in line with agency policies.
Wetzel says results of the evaluation will not be made public because it involves personnel matters. 040716
Officers issued the woman a citation and released her to her boyfriend, a sergeant with the Casper Police Department.
Judge Keith Nachbar says the action amounted to special treatment because police do not typically release DUI suspects with only a citation unless there is a medical emergency.
Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel said Tuesday that his department has begun an internal evaluation to examine whether the officers acted in line with agency policies.
Wetzel says results of the evaluation will not be made public because it involves personnel matters. 040716
A Mills woman who embezzled thousands of dollars from the Wyoming Fiddlers' Association has been sentenced to one to five years of supervised probation.
Casey Whiteman was sentenced Wednesday for taking more than $10,000 from the group, for which she worked as treasurer for nearly a year.
She was hired as treasurer in September 2014 and started stealing money about a month later, after she was granted authorization to sign checks for the association.
Investigators say she told them she used the stolen money to pay bills, including rent, for child care, groceries and medical care.
Whiteman has paid $10,400 in restitution. 040716
Casey Whiteman was sentenced Wednesday for taking more than $10,000 from the group, for which she worked as treasurer for nearly a year.
She was hired as treasurer in September 2014 and started stealing money about a month later, after she was granted authorization to sign checks for the association.
Investigators say she told them she used the stolen money to pay bills, including rent, for child care, groceries and medical care.
Whiteman has paid $10,400 in restitution. 040716
