News

Jackson Boy Scouts to auction off elk antlers

Rebecca Martinez — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:21:29 +0000

Jackson District Boy Scouts will host their annual Elk Antler Auction during Elkfest in the Jackson Town Square this weekend.

Each year, the Boy Scouts receive a special-use permit to collect shed antlers on the National Elk Refuge. They then tie the antlers into large bundles for customers to bid on by weight.

One-quarter of the proceeds benefit the Boy Scouts, and the rest will go to the Elk Refuge to fund elk habitat projects.

Elk Refuge spokeswoman Lori Iverson says many of the auction customers are artists.

Champion athletes ask President Obama to save winters

Sara Hossaini — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:35:31 +0000

Last month, a non-profit group comprising athletes who make a living through winter sports sent a letter to President Obama asking him to take action on climate change.

Two-time world freestyle ski champion and Jackson resident, Kit DesLauriers is part of the group, called Protect Our Winters. She says she has been skiing for over 30 years, including down the highest peaks of every continent, and that the changes she has seen are alarming.

Proposed federal fracking rules released

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:13:47 +0000

The U-S Department of Interior released an updated draft proposal of fracking rules for federal and tribal lands on Thursday. The rule-making process started in 2010, and the latest draft incorporates feedback from more than 177-thousand public comments submitted.

BLM seeks public input on aerial and motorized wild horse round-up

Sara Hossaini — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:41:52 +0000

The Bureau of Land Management will hear public feedback about the use of helicopters and motorized vehicles to round up wild horses at a meeting next month.

Wild Horse Specialist Ben Smith says the agency plans to remove nearly 600 feral horses in south-central Wyoming this year, leaving more than eleven-hundred on range land.

UW Nursing School is working to meet needs of changing medical industry

Rebecca Martinez — Fri, 17 May 2013 00:25:55 +0000

New programs at the University of Wyoming’s Fay W. Whitney School of nursing are gathering momentum as the school works to better prepare students to meet the changing needs of the healthcare industry.

Many organizations are demanding that nursing job candidates have a Bachelor of Science degree, which was only available at the University in Laramie, until recently.

National Parks Service Petitioned to Prohibit Wolf Hunting on its Wyoming lands

Sara Hossaini — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:33:21 +0000

It’s been eight months since gray wolves were removed from the endangered species list, but some are concerned that the Park Service has not taken necessary action to close a perceived loophole in legal protections for the animals within national park lands.

Specifically, they mean the potential hunting of gray wolves along the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, which connects Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

UW will automatically admit associates degree-holders from state community colleges

Rebecca Martinez — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:49:28 +0000

Students who earn associate of arts or science degrees at Wyoming Community Colleges will automatically be admitted to the University of Wyoming starting this fall. UW and the Wyoming Community College Commission announced the new policy at Casper College today.

WY Oil and Gas Conservation Commission prepares to draft rules for baseline groundwater testing

Irina Zhorov — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:41:16 +0000

Wyoming may have missed the Uranium boom

Irina Zhorov — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:27:48 +0000

The uranium market is slowing after a brief boom in the years after 2005. Increasing costs for the industry and uncertainty are making operators reconsider projects.

Cameco Resources’ President Paul Goranson told the legislature’s Joint Minerals, Business and Economic Development Interim Committee that Cameco will now aim to increase production to about 36 million pounds of yellowcake by 2018…rather than the previously announced 40 million pounds.

State looks at regulating uranium

Irina Zhorov — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:22:37 +0000

The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality has started work on a study to determine the feasibility of regulating a larger share of uranium mining in the state.

Currently the industry is regulated by both federal and state agencies, which some operators say is burdensome, repetitive, and increases the time necessary to receive a permit. The legislature passed a bill this session commissioning the study about becoming what’s called an agreement state.

Delays with the Moneta Divide EIS frustrate supporters

Irina Zhorov — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:12:42 +0000

Encana’s Moneta Divide Natural Gas and Oil Development Project outside of Casper is still waiting for an Environmental Impact Statement, but it is slated to receive a record of decision in 2016. The proposed four thousand well development has brought up questions surrounding water management and air quality. But at the legislature’s Joint Mineral, Business, and Economic Development Interim Committee meeting yesterday, Natrona County Commissioner Rob Hendry said he wants the project to go ahead.

Study: Cutthroat decline means grizzlies eat more elk

Bob Beck — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:34:20 +0000

A new study shows that the decline in native cutthroat trout has had dramatic impacts on the migratory elk herds in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Lead Researcher Arthur Middleton and others were studying the decline of elk herds in the region, and they determined that grizzly bears were playing a greater role in those deaths than they realized.

The illegal introduction of lake trout into Yellowstone Lake has harmed the cutthroat trout population.

Jackson Hole students to represent Wyoming at National History Day competition

Sara Hossaini — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:50:01 +0000

Thirteen Jackson Hole High School students swept the preliminary rounds of a competition that will take them to Washington, DC next month, where they’ll represent Wyoming at the National History Day competition.

Gov. Mead releases WY energy policy

Irina Zhorov — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:54:34 +0000

Governor Matt Mead and his policy director, Shawn Reese, released an energy policy for Wyoming at a press conference today. The policy contains 47 initiatives broken down into categories including economic competitiveness and expansion, regulation, conservation, and education. Reese said there were a number of hallmark initiatives.

UW to host hands-on workshop to inspire women to pursue science

Rebecca Martinez — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:45:45 +0000

More than 500 girls from across Wyoming will gather at the University of Wyoming Tuesday for the annual Women in Science Conference.

The Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium hosts the event, during which the middle- and high-school students learn about various applications of science, technology, math and engineering. In past years, students have identified animal skulls, developed computer games, and learned about anatomy in UW’s Human Cadaver Lab. Many of the scientists leading the programs are women.

Wyoming Congressional delegation opposes legislation that would reveal fracking chemicals

Bob Beck — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:59:49 +0000

Congress is looking legislation that would require the oil and gas industry to disclose what chemicals are used in hydraulic fracturing or “fracking.”

The bill, called the FRAC Act, is opposed by Wyoming lawmakers who say such regulations should be left up to the states. Companies say fracking chemicals need to remain under-wraps because the mixtures they use are trade secrets.

Brad Powell with Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development says the legislation would set minimum baseline standards for impacts on water.

Laramie named one of America’s “playful cities,” plans more “pocket parks”

Rebecca Martinez — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:47:17 +0000

Laramie has been included on a national list of “playful cities” with policies that promote play among children.

Children today play less than any previous generation, according to a statement from KaBOOM!, a non-profit that helps communities build playgrounds. The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics says play is necessary for social, emotional and physical well-being of children.

Laramie has a housing development ordinance that requires new developments to donate to a local parks fund, or set aside space for parks.

Sen. Enzi answers questions on immigration reform

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:57:35 +0000

US Senator from Wyoming, Mike Enzi, addressed his constituents online about their concerns over immigration reform. In a video chat he releases bi-monthly, Enzi says that for Wyoming, guest worker programs are important, because ranchers rely on them for workers like sheep herders. He says that for him, the immigration reform bill that the Senate will soon consider needs to have a true E-verify component -- a program that lets employers check their employees’ eligibility to work in the United States.

UW dedicates new performing arts center

Sara Hossaini — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:39:23 +0000

UW President Tom Buchanan held back tears today as the Dave Bostrom, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, revealed the name of what will become the new performing arts building on campus--the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts.

Buchanan says he is speechless about the dedication. But when it comes to the center, he offers plenty of praise.

“We are just completely jazzed over this event,” he enthused.

UW Arts and Sciences Dean is wrapping up his career

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:45:50 +0000

The Dean of the University of Wyoming’s College of Arts and Sciences will retire this summer, after more than 40 years at the University. Oliver Walter came to U-W in 1970 to teach political science, and became dean in 1989. He says he’s seen a lot change during his time at U-W, including growing emphasis on research, more technology on campus, and increasing diversity. But, for him, a highlight has been the growth of the study abroad program and international relationships.

UW offers its blueprint for future top-tier engineering program

Sara Hossaini — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:41:48 +0000

The University of Wyoming has sent Governor Matt Mead a blueprint to transform the College of Engineering and Applied Science into a top program nationwide.

In December, Governor Matt Mead’s Energy, Engineering and STEM Integration Task force released its report on how to turn the College of Engineering and Applied Science into a Tier One academic and research institution. Mead then asked UW to come up with, what Associate Provost Andrew Hansen calls, ‘the dream’ vision for achieving that goal.

UW hopes to sell itself to more Colorado students

Bob Beck — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:32:24 +0000

Now that Colorado State University is planning to increase in-state tuition by nine percent, a University of Wyoming official says that more students might consider U-W as an affordable option for college.

U-W Vice President for Academic Affairs Sara Axelson says even though Wyoming’s out-of-state tuition will soon increase slightly… the cost is going to be very competitive when compared with C-S-U. She says they will work hard to point that out to high school seniors.

Energy group says fracking water report is sensational

Irina Zhorov — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:16:01 +0000

An energy group says a recently released report overstated issues of water use by the oil and gas industry. The Western Organization of Resource Councils released the report last month and said regulators need to consider the quantity of water the energy industry uses, in addition to the quality.

Despite storms, Wyoming could still face summer water shortages

Rebecca Martinez — Wed, 08 May 2013 23:41:52 +0000

Last year’s drought could impact the Wyoming water supply this summer.

The National Weather Service says that, although recent storms have helped replenish mountain snowpack, there might not be enough to get back to normal levels of runoff, which is state’s most common water source for crops and municipalities.

NWS Hydrologist Jim Fahey says that’s because the upper soil levels were parched by the drought and will likely absorb much of the runoff. Fahey says this could become especially problematic for some people during the summer months.

Annie’s Project classes support women in ag management roles

Rebecca Martinez — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:10:26 +0000

As the average male farmer or rancher gets older and retires, many women are taking over.

To support women who are taking on the new management roles, the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension is offering a series of classes under the Annie’s Project program.

Organizer Cole Ehmke says the class is meant to answer participants’ questions, and to help them establish connections with presenters and their peers, other women in agriculture.

Construction on a natural gas powered electric facility begins

Associated Press — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:27:40 +0000

Construction has begun on a new $237 million power plant near Cheyenne.

Albany County voters approve school bond issue

Bob Beck — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:15:01 +0000

63 percent of Albany County voters approved a 25 million dollar bond issue to add enhancements to the new Laramie High School that is scheduled to open in 2015. The state is paying for the new school, but the bond will pay for the enhancement of an auditorium, add labs and athletic facilities. The bond is projected to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $38 a year. Groundbreaking for the new high school will occur this summer.

Wind River Job Corps pre-bid conference hopes to attract local contractors

Chelsea Biondolillo — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:18:23 +0000

On Wednesday, the Riverton City Council Chambers will host a pre-bid conference for the Wind River Job Corps project. Project administrators want to work with as many local contractors as possible.

The completed Job Corps complex will bring much needed training opportunities to Fremont County, as well as create over 100 permanent jobs.

Sandy Barton is the executive director of Fremont County’s Board of Educational Services. She says this meeting will give local contractors the chance to ask project managers questions about what kind of opportunities will be available.

Wyoming landfill legislation should improve water quality despite decades-long delay

Rebecca Martinez — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:04:49 +0000

Tripower Resources says they're not responsible for back taxes

Irina Zhorov — Tue, 07 May 2013 22:58:11 +0000

A lawsuit filed by Tripower Resources says the energy company is not responsible for about $885,000 in back taxes from 2008 to 2010. Tripower says it did not own the wells from which these production taxes accumulated during the time period in question. But Campbell, Crook, and Converse Counties have listed the company as tax-delinquent. They’re applying taxes from current production to the owed back-taxes. Converse County treasurer Joel Schell says, according to statute, the current owner is responsible for any unpaid taxes.