(Casper, Wyo.) – “Here is one of my favorite shots of our Casper sky. Taken 8/19/13, during a time when we had fires all around. I don’t like the fires but it is amazing what the fires can do to the sky!” -Kristine Nelson
Thanks Kristine for sharing your favorite shot with us!
Send us your Favorite Snaps!
]]>(Cheyenne, Wyo.) – Governor Matt Mead as Chairman of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) announced his Chairman’s Initiative – improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
“The Endangered Species Act touches the people and economies of western states in a significant way,” Governor Mead said. “This initiative is intended to take a hard look at the ESA – where has it been successful and where are changes needed. This effort will invite participation from a broad spectrum to come up with good information and useful recommendations.”
There are currently 1568 species listed as threatened or endangered in the US and another 653 around the world for a total of 2221. Since it was enacted in 1973, 2280 species have been put under the protection of the ESA. Of those 2280, 30 species were recovered and 19 were later delisted due to an error in the original data showing those species did not warrant protection.
The Chairman’s Initiative will include five forums hosted by WGA member states where experts will share best practices and case studies on species management. The information collected at the forums will be compiled into a report that will guide legislative, regulatory or legal actions to improve the ESA. Wyoming will host the first forum later this fall.
]]>We tip our hats to Debbi Shutts for this great photo of Devil’s Gate just outside of Casper!
Thanks Debbi for thinking of us!
Here is another great one below from Debbi on top of Independence Rock and looking towards Esterbrook.
]]>(Cheyenne, Wyo.) – Thanks to funding from the Wyoming Legislature there is now more information available about wolverines in the state.
Monitoring of wolverines occurred last winter and will continue this winter. Research is being done in northwest Wyoming by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and collaborators from Wolverine Consulting, and the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes.
An initial progress report shows 53 detections of wolverines at five stations last winter.
“There are significant areas of suitable habitat for wolverines in Wyoming’s western mountains, but we have been lacking basic information about population distribution,” said Zack Walker, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s non-game bird and mammal supervisor. “Given ongoing questions about the federal status of this species in Wyoming and in the northwestern United States, information on wolverine distribution in Wyoming is of particular interest to wildlife managers and we look forward to more results from this coming winter.”
In Wyoming, wolverine habitat occurs at high elevations, often in designated wilderness. This rugged terrain can be challenging to access at any time but particularly in winter. Last winter biologists set up remote cameras and hair snares at 18 sites in the Salt River, Gros Ventre, Absaroka and Wind River mountain ranges. Cameras provide data on wolverine presence while the hair snares are designed to snag a few hairs used for DNA analysis. Wolverines live in habitats with limited amounts of food so individual animals require hundreds of square kilometers to live and reproduce. This means the number of animals living in a given area is extremely low.
Detections of wolverines occurred at three stations in the Wind River Range, and one station in the Gros Ventre and one in the southern Absaroka ranges in the winter and spring of 2014/2015. Researchers will monitor additional sites this coming winter.
“This project has already added significantly to our understanding of wolverine distribution in Wyoming. The detection of an individual in the Gros Ventre range is the first verified occurrence of a wolverine there,” Walker said.
Funding was provided by the Wyoming State Legislature. More information and updates on the project can be found on the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website.
]]>(Albany County, Wyo.) – Today in Albany County District Court, twenty-one year old Casper man, Dalton Williams was sentenced to three to five years in the Wyoming Department of Corrections with a boot camp and treatment recommendation.
In early June, Williams plead guilty, as part of a plea deal, to involuntary manslaughter, following a Halloween fight in Laramie last October.
Court documents stated that on the night of October 31, 2014, Williams and some of his friends attended a house party at 770 North Seventh Street in Laramie.
A fight broke out in the street and Williams, “with a sudden heat of passion,” hit the victim, Joe McGowan in the temple. Click to read more about the incident.
Williams said in court in June, “I witnessed my friend get knocked down, and I just reacted. I heard him (McGowan) yell, and I just reacted.”
Click to read more about this Case.
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(Casper, Wyo.) – Today the Casper Chamber of Commerce hosted Wyoming’s two US Senators John Barrasso and Mike Enzi for their “State of the Nation” monthly luncheon.
Wyoming Representative, Cynthia Lummis was not able to attend but she spoke to Casper from her home in Star Valley.
Representative Lummis spoke about corruption in the IRS and how the representatives are working towards the impeachment of the IRS Director John Koskinen.
She encouraged everyone to see a press release that shows the corruption and why the representatives are working towards removing Koskinen from his seat.
She felt that abolishing the IRS and giving long-term certainty to businesses and families throughout American was most important.
Some other things that she mentioned included, simplifying the tax code, supporting the Reins Act and the Market Place Fairness Act.
“The Federal Government has taken away our abandonment mine land monies and two percent of our Federal Mineral Royalties. They are treating us like a colony again. We in congress need to take more action and opportunity towards giving Wyoming the opportunity to pay for itself.”
“Thank you for the opportunity for me to talk to you by video. God bless, Casper, God bless Wyoming, and our great liberties,” she concluded.
Next up, Casper native, Senator John Barrasso took center stage and reported:
“I attended the Vietnam Veterans Reunion in June and Wyoming has an incredible history of people joining the military and volunteering.”
He mentioned four big things that he is focused on in Washington: Jobs, the Economy, our National Debt, and Spending.
“We heard from people at the state fair about the waters of the United States. Something we are working on, the Federal Government, and the EPA are going way beyond the original intent of the Air Act, the Water Act. They want control of essentially all of the waters of the whole country. The Federal Government is now reinterpreting that, taking control of a snow melt puddle, the EPA wants control of that, which is horrible!”
He reported that he is hearing a lot of concerns from people about Iran, and felt that President Obama, surrendered to Iran.
“He was so desperate for any deal, that he took a bad deal.”
“They are stilling burning the American flag in Tehran, and chanting, death to America.”
He continued to discuss nuclear warfare and the intent of the Middle East.
“Additionally, Mike (Enzi) and I recently spoke at the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, and I think the president should lift the export ban on oil. The President is willing to allow Iran to export oil, why shouldn’t the US be able to export our own oil. These are some of the things we are working on legislatively.”
“The reality is, even though we have a majority in the House and Senate we can put things on the President’s desk that he will just Veto. ”
“We continue to hear concerns of Veterans issues and healthcare issues.”
He concluded commending Senator Mike Enzi on passing a balanced budget,
“It’s been a long, long time since congress has passed a balanced budget, and our own, Gillette native, Mike Enzi did jsut that.”
The Honorable Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi then took to the mic and spoke.
“We have already passed seventy-five bills in a bipartisan way. Another important bill that the Senate passed was the Highway bill, a six year bill.”
“Our delegation has to fight for that money each and every year to take care of our Wyoming Highways.”
Senator Enzi also spoke about the new Education Bill that returns education to the states.
“This will let them (states) make the decisions, let the states have control of education not the Federal Government. It passed with 81 votes.”
He continued to report that they did pass a balanced budget that has not been approved since 2001.
He also spoke of the EPA overreach and the struggle of getting them to do a Cost/Benefit Analysis.
Another topic he touched on was the Regional Haze from the fires in the West.
“We want congress to understand that this Regional Haze is not from our coal plants, but we are getting blamed for it.”
He concluded, “Our delegation will continue to represent you. John (Barrasso) is on the energy, and environment, and foreign relations committees and Cynthia does a marvelous job in the house. She is just one of 435 and she does a great job of convincing people to cover Wyoming issues on her own. We have the West united to take on the East.”
“We have a number of challenges becoming in our state, but we will continue to serve all of you.”
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(Casper, Wyo.) – The Tate Geological Museum will host a scientific illustration class taught by the museum’s master illustrator, Russell Hawley, on Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 6-8:30 p.m.
“We are very excited to bring ‘Introduction to Scientific Illustration’ to the community,” said Patti Finkle, director of museums at Casper College. “This class is perfect for those who have ever wondered how scientists and illustrators know so much about an animal just by looking at the bones. Russell will show those attending why one of the best ways to learn about and study an object is to draw it and then will give a brief introduction to drawing scientific illustrations and help students embark on a drawing experience of their own,” noted Finkle.
The class is for those 16 and older and costs $5 per person. Each student “will have the chance to draw authentic fossils taken from the Tate’s collection,” Finkle said. Supplies and an evening snack will also be provided, or students can bring their own, according to Finkle.
Seating is limited and the public is encouraged to reserve a seat by calling the Tate Geological Museum at 307-268-2447 or emailing Finkle at pfinkle@caspercollege.edu.
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(Casper, Wyo.) – Here is a recap of law enforcement activity from around Natrona County over the past twenty four hours. All those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges filed are subject to change following official filling from Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.
Arrests:
Casper Police Department
Michael E Brown, Casper, public intoxication, open container, breach of peace.
Rory L Brunow, Casper, suspended/revoked DL.
John A Campbell, Casper, camping in City limits.
Martha E Custer, Casper, two failure to appears.
Michael J Davis, Casper, probation revocation.
Jon P Hall Jr., public intoxication.
Gabriel Jaramillo-Huertas, Casper, public intoxication.
Gillian R Jones, Mills, under the influence of a controlled substance.
Nicholas L Kuhnel, Casper, strangulation of household member, domestic battery.
William D Miller, Casper, failure to appear.
Tina M Roth, Casper, public intoxication.
Michael W Widick, Casper, public intoxication.
Sunshine B Wilson, Casper, County warrant/hold for agency.
Female Juvenile Offender, probation revocation.
Total Arrests Reported: 15
Calls:
Casper Police Department responded to 139 calls including five assaults, five disturbances, three drugs, two fights, four hit and runs, and three public intoxication.
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office
Arrests:
Jeffery D Glenn, DWUI.
Robin L Stedman Sr., failure to comply.
Derrick L Young, bond revocation.
Mindy H Hogue, serve jail time.
Angel L Lucero, failure to appear.
Marcel D Bartlebaugh, NCIC hit.
Wyoming Highway Patrol
Karla J Conour, DWUI.
Calls:
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office responded to 32 calls including horses along the rode along Cole Creek Road, one disturbance, and three traffic stops.
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(Natrona County,Wyo.) – Hey all, you know what we love about Wyoming? Well everything including our sunsets.
Do not take them for granted, we truly live in a God’s Country.
Enjoy:
1.h/t Cecil Teague
2.h/t Luke Hansen
3.h/t Chris Paden
4. h/t Paul Richardson
5. h/tWynter Reed
6. h/t Myrna Daniels
7.h/t Chase Clark
8. h/t Janet Norton
9. h/t Jill Shire
10. h/t Barry Franck
OC Bonus
h/t Daniel Dickerson
]]>(Wyoming) — Today is celebrated across the US as “Women’s Equality Day”.
Since 1971, Aug. 26 has been nationally designated “Women’s Equality Day.”
Here in Wyoming, we call ourselves the Equality State.
It was on July of 1890, when the Territory of Wyoming allowed women the right to vote, helping our Territory to become a state.
Wyoming was so named, the Equality State, for being the first Territory to allow women to vote, this has always made Wyomingites laugh, because yes it was great that we allowed women the right to vote, but it was partially because we needed more people to vote to become a state.
Wyoming was a territory at the time that had more cattle than people.
By 1900, Utah, Colorado, and Idaho joined Wyoming in allowing women the right to vote.
According to the Wyoming Women’s Foundation, a significant wage gap still exists nationwide, and in Wyoming too. The Foundation offers WAGE Project workshops are offered to all interested parties, tailored to high school graduates, female college students about to graduate, and women returning to the work force.
The goal of the Wyoming Women’s Foundation is to help the program grow in communities across the state and to help combat the wage gap by arming women entering the workforce with the skills to ask for what they are worth.
The date for “Equality Day” was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote, according to theNational Women’s History Project. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, N.Y.
]]>(Thayne, Wyo.) – A two vehicle crash yesterday has the resulted in two deaths. The crash occurred approximately six miles south of Thayne on US Highway 89 near mile post 94 at 4:00 p.m.
Afton residents Decia C. Wright, 35-years-old, and five-month-old Olivia R. Currier both sustained fatal injuries from the crash in the same vehicle.
Decia Wright was driving a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on US 89 when the Jeep drifted into the southbound lane of travel. A southbound 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup, driven by-25 year-old Kyle Mclain, also of Afton, observed the Jeep enter his lane and attempted to avoid a crash. Despite Mclain’s efforts to avoid the crash, a head-on collision between the two vehicles ensued.
Olivia Currier was properly seated in a child restraint in the Jeep at the time of the crash. Decia Wright was not wearing her seat belt. Both sustained fatal injuries on scene. Mclain also was not wearing his seat belt and was transported by ground ambulance to Star Valley Medical Center in Afton and was treated and released.
Inattentive driving is being investigated in this crash that marked the 97th and 98th highway fatalities in Wyoming for 2015. There were 99 fatalities during this same time period in 2014. The crash did cause US 89 to be closed for approximately two and a half hours. Responders were able to reroute traffic around the crash scene.
]]>(Wyoming) – H/T to our friend Robert Schulz for this stunning photo from the Sugar Loaf in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Schultz commented, “Sugar Loaf is a great day ride on a motorcycle!”
Thanks Robert and do not be shy guys, please send us your SNAPS
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – The Downtown Development Authority sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new Events Driven Public Plaza at the beginning of August.
They will be hosting a meeting to review the design submissions on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 8:15 am. The meeting will be held at the Atrium Plaza, located at 201 East 2nd Street, Suite 4.
The submissions will be reviewed by a committee of local business owners, property owners, development experts and engineers. Once the submissions have been reviewed, the committee will make a recommendation to the Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors.
The public is invited to attend the meeting and listen to the discussion. Public comments will be encouraged at a later date.
For more information please contact Lindsey Pariscoff at 307-235-6710.
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(Yellowstone National Park)- Did you guys see this one?
This was a complaint letter recently received by a Yellowstone National Park representative.
Bummer the visitor did not get too see a ‘trained’ bear, trained to Eat ignorant People!
H/T to Amber Brady from YNP
]]>School is almost in full swing across Wyoming, which means motorists should take extra time, and be alert for children loading and unloading from school buses. Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is launching a school bus safety campaign, and they’d like to remind all Wyoming residents of the laws around school buses.
]]>(Wyoming) – H/T to fellow Oiler exploring Wyoming, Kristine Nelson for sending us this great snap.
She commented, “Had fun 4 wheeling in the Bighorns, East Tensleep Lake is a beautiful place, even with all the smoke and the ride up is awesome also!”
Thanks Kristine for thinking of us on your adventure!
Share your Snaps with us!
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – With the start of school fast approaching, the City of Casper would like to remind commercial and residential property owners and tenants to remove or trim any overgrown tree limbs, shrubs, bushes, or other vegetation that obstructs visibility for traffic, alley access for vehicles, and the walking ability for pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks.
To ensure compliance with City ordinances, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then it is time to take action.
City ordinances require that trees, bushes, and shrubs that overhang a street, alley, or sidewalk need to be cut to at least 15 feet above the surface of the street or alley, and 8 feet above the sidewalk. Trees, bushes, shrubs, and other growth need to be cut back to the property line along the street, alley, or sidewalk to allow clear access for either vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
Tree limbs and clippings can be taken to the compost yard at the City of Casper Solid Waste Facility for no charge.
For additional information, contact Code Enforcement at 235-8254.
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(Casper, Wyo.) – Today we ventured out to Mesa/ Moser Natural Gas Solutions in Evansville for a guided tour of the facility with our Honorable Wyoming Senators John Barrasso, Mike Enzi and his wife Diana.
After a safety brief, Mesa’s top priority, CEO of Mesa/ Moser Natrual Gas Solutions, Jakob Norman discussed what Mesa brings to the table.
According to their website:
Moser Energy Systems was founded in 1973 by Jim and Kathy Moser. Randy Moser, the President of the Casper based company, is a leader in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing industrial prime power, natural gas generators. Moser Energy Systems began manufacturing natural-gas-powered generators in 2009, changing the way oil and gas operators make use of unwanted natural gas from oil wells, a resource normally burned off in a process called flaring. Instead of flaring unwanted natural gas, operators can enlist in a Moser generator package to generate electricity for their well pad, a job usually done by engines powered by diesel, at a fraction of the cost. Moser Energy Systems has more than 4 million run-hours on associated gas units across its fleet, which is more than any other company in North America.
Moser Energy Systems manufactures, sells, and leases associated gas generators. Moser has over 40 years of experience with the most associated gas run-hours in the oil and gas industry. Moser has the power solution for your site and facility needs.
Norman reported that after Mr. Moser passed away in 2006, his family stepped in to help the company to grow and partnered with Mesa Gas Solutions to continue to produce and manufacture products.
“It breaks down to Mesa is the distributor, and Moser is the manufacturer. We were also helped out by American Business financier, T. Boone Pickens who bought $75 million to get us started,” said Norman.
He continued to report that 62% of the employees at Mesa/Moser are Veterans, and that he liked it that way.
“When we kicked off, the three main people were Veterans. Combined we had sixty-eight years of service. We wanted to run our business the same way as the military.”
Norman reported they do their best to hire Veterans as well as working with Casper College’s Natural Gas Program to bring in employees fresh out of school.
“Reliability is huge in this industry. We want to be a responsible and reliable power source for companies, and with that we operate 24/7. I think we have the best team in the world and we work to do as much as we can on our own, our goal is to stay ahead of the industry.”
Senator Mike Enzi questioned Norman about the safety of his employees and was worried about them working in confined spaces with H2S gases present.
“One hundred percent of our company is trained in H2S safety, and they are never truly in confined spaces. H2S protection is always available,” reported Norman.
Norman concluded the presentation and stated that they are sending their products to other countries and that they are the biggest manufacturer in Wyoming and the biggest in Wilson, ND.
“We have brought in $30 million worth of capital to Wyoming and we produce 2,688mW of power everyday. The Dave Johnston Power Plant produces 760mW a day.”
Senator Enzi then commented again, “Good explanation, good work.”
Everybody was then given safety glasses and ventured out into the shop. Norman advised that there was $11 million worth of equipment in the shop.
The first stop looked like a page out of a high school gym. A basketball hoop and a ping pong table. Norman reported that his employees are given break times, where they will play pig and shoot hoops or face off in a ping pong duel.
(We were hopeful for a Senator Showdown at Ping Pong; that did not happen.)
The tour continued as Norman showed off the scrubber tanks, generators, the power boxes and the ins and outs of the operations.
“Our biggest competitor is diesel power. Eight-five percent of the market is diesel, and we are working to produce products to eliminate diesel-powered products. Our products produce ninety-nine percent less emissions than diesel,” Norman told the Senators.
He continued to report that Mesa/Moser is currently in thirteen locations around the US with thirty employees with Moser and eighty with Mesa.
Mesa/Moser produces products used in the Gillette Coal mines, oil/gas units around Wyoming and the US, as well as products used in other countries.
“It is always great to visit with Wyoming companies and see what the are doing to help our state grow,” commented Senator John Barrasso.
Norman concluded the tour and told the Senators that Moser/Mesa Natural Gas Solutions is the fastest growing company in Wyoming.
See photos below:
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Job Corps is a free education and training program that assists youth between the ages of 16-24 who are looking to better their future. The program is designed to help participants find and keep a good job, earn a high school equivalency or high school diploma, and learn a new skill/trade of their choice. The Job Corp experience is free of charge to students who qualify.
For interested students, ages 16-24, Job Corps is hosting information sessions at the Casper Workforce Center. Sessions are held every Tuesday at 2:00 pm. Reserve your spot in advance for the information session by calling Vicki at (307) 253-7563.
The following is a list of hands-on trades that will be taught at the Wind River Job Corps Center:
For more information, please contact an Admission Counselor:
Vicki Grant – (307) 253-7563 – Casper
Orion Morris – (307) 253-7503 – Riverton
Gloria Poston – (307) 438-3140 – Lander
For general questions call (307) 206-4155
]]>Beatrice “Bee” Wallway-After living a joy-filled life for 102 years our mom Bee died peacefully in her sleep on August 17th in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. More.
Victor “Vic” Renville-On August 18, 2015 The Lord said “It’s time” so Vic passed from this earthly life quietly and peacefully at home in Casper, WY with his wife Carol by his side. More.
It is with incredible sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mrs. Roxie Malava Kissler. More.
Helen Knott-Helen passed away on August 19, 2015, at Life Care Center of Casper,after 99 full and productive years. She was the middle child of 7 born toHannah and Axel Hedberg in Wilton, North Dakota on July 15, 1916. More.
Charles Donald Wright Senior (Don), passed away at his home in Douglas on August 19, 2015. Don, a World War II Veteran, was born in Seymour, Indiana on September 4, 1918. More.
Damian L. Albert, 38 of Casper, WY took his final ride on August 20, 2015 in Casper, WY. More.
Theodore I Thompson, Jr. 76, died Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home after a having cancer for 23 years and Stage 4 COPD. More.
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(Casper, Wyo.) – A thirty-seven year old male waived his preliminary hearing this morning and will take his case to District Court.
Michael Stanley was charged earlier in August with Stanley is charged with three counts one for public intoxication in a county park, one for domestic battery and one for strangulation of a household member.
On Sunday, August 16th at approximately 9:10 pm Natrona County Sheriff’s Office were on duty investigating a domestic assault at the Robert L. Adams Memorial Archery Range on Casper Mountain. The Archery Range is a Natrona County Park.
Reports indicate that during the investigation Deputies contacted Michael Stanley. Upon initial contact Stanley was asleep in his tent. When Deputies escorted Stanley out of his tent they noticed that he was unsteady on his feet, had red rimmed eyes, and had a strong smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from him.
Stanley admitted to drinking heavily. Deputies had Stanley blow through a portable breath analyzer which rendered a positive result of .33% BAC.
Deputies arrested Stanley for being intoxicated in a Natrona County Park and transported him to Natrona County Detention Center for that charge as well as a charge related to a domestic assault reported.
The strangulation charge carries an up to five year prison sentence and Stanley’s bond was set at $25,000 cash surety.
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – Here is a recap of law enforcement activity from around Natrona County over the past twenty four hours. All those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges filed are subject to change following official filling from Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.
Arrests:
Casper Police Department
Matthew Bell, Casper, public intoxication, breach of peace, open container.
Michael C Blackley, Casper, public intoxication.
Marcus D Brown Jr., Casper, four failure to appears.
Daniel M Closs, Casper, public intoxication, open container, interference.
Gibson L Delano, Casper, serve jail time.
Jason Fonner, Casper, public intoxication, open container.
Thomas A Glenn, Casper, interference w/PO.
Jeffrey A Reed, Casper, public intoxication, two failure to complies.
Wanda Y Spoonhunter, Riverton, shoplifting.
Richard L Willburn, Casper, failure to comply.
Derrick L Young, Casper, interference, no insurance, speeding in school zone, suspended/revoked DL.
Total Arrests Reported: 12
Calls:
Casper Police Department responded to 138 calls including one animal noise, two assaults, two disturbances, three drugs, one fireworks, two frauds, two loud music, four public intoxication, and two shoplifting.
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office
Samantha A Malcom, hold for probation and parole.
Timothy C Colebert, Criminal Warrant.
Brett W Murray, failure to comply.
Rachel A Erickson, failure to comply.
Mills Police Department
Joshua L Capshaw, interference w/PO, possession of controlled substance, failure to appear, two Criminal Warrants.
Evansville Police Department
Taylor R Gorman, interference w/PO.
Total Inmates Reported: 270
Calls:
Natrona County Sheriff’s Office responded to 30 calls including a structure fire in Bar Nunn at Lakota Trail for a barbecue grill grease fire, one missing person who was later found at Pathfinder Reservoir, two family fights, two animal problems, and one property damage at Lakeshore Drive.
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(Casper, Wyo.) – How about this one from our friend, Robin Granger!
A bright yellow ball of Awesomeness across our Wyoming skies!
Don’t be shy, send us your Snaps!
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – Before high school students addressed NCSB last night, the board listened to updates and openned the forum up for public comments about the Guild Charter School.
The hearing was an opportunity for those who support or oppose the creation of the Guild Charter School to provide testimony on the matter.
Representatives from the proposed school, as well as community members spoke at the public hearing.
NCSD Trustees will consider the Guild Charter School application with a vote on September 28.
Then the students spoke and the board worked through other areas of business.
The board approved the consent agenda items which included District Bills, the Certified and Classified Personnel Report, a food service bid, a bid ratification for the bus barn parking and electric board as well as Dean Morgan retaining walls and rails.
They also approved a grant from the Wyoming Department of Education for distance education and a contract with Wyoming Behavioral Institute for home bound services.
NCSD Executive Director also updated the board on construction projects around the county.
He reported that NCHS and KWHS projects are both on schedule and the Caps/Roosevelt Project is a few weeks behind, yet they are confident that it will be opened at the first of the year. Click to see the full Report.
Below is the current Certified and Classified Personnel Report:
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – The American Heart Association has announced the impact of the three-year, Mission: Lifeline Wyoming initiative. The $7.1 million program, which began in 2012, focused on improving the system of care for Wyoming heart attack and cardiac arrest patients through a coordinated effort between hospitals and emergency first responders (EMS).
Never before has an initiative of this scope been orchestrated in the state of Wyoming. Nearly $3 million of the funding was invested directly into technology improvements, including equipment upgrades for Wyoming EMS and hospitals. The ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) heart attack mortality rate at hospitals participating in the project was reduced from 7.1 to 4.4 percent, compared to the national average of 6.4 percent.
Mission: Lifeline Wyoming provided the first state-wide data tool for STEMI care quality measurement and improvement, offered ongoing medical provider training and STEMI heart attack education; coordinated protocols for rural EMS and hospital personnel and regional plans for rapid transport of patients. The program included funding for a state-wide public awareness campaign designed to help Wyomingites recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and to underscore the importance of dialing 911 at the first sign of a heart attack.
“The impressive level of commitment to the initiative demonstrated by Wyoming EMS agencies and hospitals is represented by the successes revealed in the most current data,” said Ben Leonard, AHA Mission: Lifeline director. Mission: Lifeline Wyoming data collected since 2012 reveal the following key outcomes:
“During a heart attack, ‘time is muscle.’ If we can deliver care as quickly and safely as possible, lives and lifestyles will be saved,” Dr. Daniela Gerard, Physician Co-chair of Mission: Lifeline Wyoming said. Wyoming and our frontier spirit is unique; we want to keep it that way, but in the past three years we’ve seen a very positive culture shift in how we as a medical community and public are approaching, treating and recognizing heart attacks.”
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – About a dozen high school students attended the Natrona County School Board meeting to speak with the board about the dress code.
Led by NCHS senior Jordan Yates, the students brought up issues of attacks on sexuality and individualism, attendance, graduation rates and expressed their thoughts that the new policy was too harsh.
Yates brought a revised version to the board that emphasized the four Bs rule, breasts, belly, buttocks, and back.
“Students’ education is more important than the dress code, and I feel that council should be more focused on graduation rates and attendance than worried about how we dress,” commented Yates.
Another student, Mary Grey, also commented and questioned council why they were occupying their time with the dress code instead of other issues in the school district.
She told council that NCHS already has a dress code that is not being enforced, and questioned how the new dress code would be enforced.
“Our priorities should not be focused on the dress code,” said Grey.
Tridy Williams, another student, addressed the board and commented, “I was always taught growing up to be unique and different, but now I have to dress to look like my peers.”
Other students, like John Johnson, brought up the issue of the “sweltering heat” in classrooms and how students and teachers want to be comfortable in the classroom where they can be comfortable and eager to learn. He requested that council consider a more lenient dress code.
Student Evan Koffman commented, “The new dress code encourages students not to go to school. This is an overzealous dress code and it will only create more problems in the schools.”
Matt Austin addressed council and brought up the sexist aspect of the new dress code. He felt that boys were made out to be pigs that get distracted by a shoulder.
“It is 2015, we have made a lot of progress, and this dress code is a step backwards,” said Austin.
Natrona County High School Assistant Principal, Christopher Dresang also spoke to council and commented, “I love that these kids are doing this. It is so cool to me when they come to these meetings and address council the right way. This is very helpful from an administrative perspective. I think it would be really great to bring the students on board to the Academic Steering Committee to get some of their insights.”
NCSD Chairman, Dave Applegate commented after hearing from the students, “We always appreciate it when our students come to board meetings. The policy process has already taken place and the dress code was approved upon first and second readings. There will be no action taken tonight on the dress code unless one of the board members brings it up and wants to take it down for further discussion.”
Councilwoman, Toni Billings commented at the end of the meeting, “I love seeing the students getting involved, but the sexist implications? I feel like there have been a lot of assumptions by the students. I would never, and we as a board would never want to stamp out their sexuality or their individualism. I would like to see the students join the Academic Steering Committee in the future.”
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(Casper, Wyo.) – The Ribbon was cut, and the boys are ready to hit the ice. All this week the Coyotes will be skating and preparing for their first opponents, the University of Colorado Buffs on August 28th at the Casper Events Center.
Games will be played Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th at 7:30 pm.
Yesterday afternoon the players filled their bellies with snacks and met with fans.
The players are excited for the upcoming season.
]]>(Casper, Wyo.) – H/T to our fellow Oiler Amy Bordonaro for these great snaps of this little guy on her flowers!
Have a Terrific Tuesday in the OC!
Send us your Snaps!
]]>PitchEngine Founder and CEO, Jason Kintzler, will be honored at the 2015 PRTech Awards in New York City for his leadership and contributions to the PR and Marketing industry.
According to the event website, “AirPR will honor a select group of individuals who are thinking differently and leading us into the PRTech future. These honorees have embraced data in their strategic business decisions and sought to bring together the four irresistible forces of PR, Marketing, Technology, and Media.”
Kintzler joins a list of honorees from Google, Yahoo, Medium, Yelp, Saleforce, GE and more.
“I’m honored to be included in such a great list of leaders in marketing and PR,” said Kintzler.
“It’s amazing what happens when you’re authentic and work hard at something you’re passionate about, he said, “People notice.”
Kintzler has been credited with “heralding in a new era of public relations” by creating “one of the PR industry’s most transformative innovations.” Jason and/or PitchEngine have appeared in several popular books including; Small Town Rules, Engage, Twitterville, Putting the Public Back in Public Relations, SocialCorp and Social Media Marketing for Dummies. He regularly shares his passion for new media and business by speaking to groups of all sizes at events like SXSW, PRSA and at universities like Stanford, USC and Marquette.
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(Riverton, Wyo.) – “A Rambling Stretch,” a concert of contemporary jazz music inspired by the beauty of the Cowboy State and its landscape by composer and Wyoming native Tyler Gilmore, will visit eight communities throughout the state Sept. 18-25.
The tour is co-sponsored by Central Wyoming College, UW Fine Arts Outreach and the Wyoming Arts Council.
In the performances, Gilmore explores Wyoming’s landscapes and people with the accompaniment of a 12-piece jazz chamber ensemble.
Concerts are scheduled for:
Friday, September 18: Robert A. Peck Art Center Theater, Central Wyoming College in Riverton, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15/adults $10/students & seniors.
Saturday, September 19: WYO Theater, Sheridan, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors.
Sunday, September 20: Nelson Auditorium, Northwest College in Powell at 2 p.m. Free.
Monday, September 21: Wheeler Concert Hall, Music Building, Casper College, Casper, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 adults, $12 seniors, $7 students & teachers, $5 for 12 and under.
Tuesday, September 22: Torrington High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $3 (Eastern Wyoming Arts Council season tickets do not cover this performance).
Wednesday, September 23: Hot Springs County High School Auditorium in Thermopolis at 7 p.m. Tickets: Adults, $8; seniors $6, students free.
Thursday, September 24: The Broadway Theater in Rock Springs at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Friday, September 25: The BCPA Theater at UW in Laramie at 6 p.m. Free.
The origins of Gilmore’s music composition can be traced back to a 2013 trip to Wyoming. Gilmore, a 2000 graduate of Riverton High School, returned to his home town along with renowned photographer Gary Isaacs to film, photograph, and sound record the area.
He then composed music inspired by the imagery. The resulting work weaves together the photos, sound and video, with all original music for a 12-piece chamber jazz ensemble comprised of the top jazz musicians from the western United States.
The work is an eight-movement suite performed in conjunction with a projected video. Influenced by modern composers such as Mark-Anthony Turnage and Thomas Ades, it strives to communicate the vastness of Wyoming’s landscapes along with the deep emotional connection Gilmore feels with the area. The remaining selections for the concert will be original big band scores composed by Gilmore.
Gilmore won the 2009 ASCAP/Columbia College Commission in Honor of Hank Jones and won the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award for three consecutive years — 2008, 2009, and 2010.
His music has been reviewed in “DownBeat” and performed by Jon Faddis’s Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Bobby Watson and The UMKC Concert Jazz Ensemble, The University of Northern Colorado Jazz Band I, The Playground Ensemble, and The Henry Mancini Institute Overture Orchestra, among others. His work is published by UNC Jazz Press and Minor Ninth Music.
Partial funding of the tour is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.
For more information, contact Danee Hunzie, Wyoming Arts Council, 307-777-7473 or danee.hunzie@wyo.gov.
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