By Matt Laslo

St. Paul, MN – On Wednesday McCain's running mate, Sarah Palin came out swinging against Barack Obama. But McCain portrayed himself as a statesman and a reformer. He told party members he would stand up to Democrats and Republicans if elected president, but gave few policy details.

By AP

Rawlins, Wyo. – The Carbon County Planning Commission has
approved the construction of two new wind farms on land zoned for ranching, agriculture and mining in the eastern part of the county.

The planning commission on Wednesday issued a conditional use permit for PacifiCorp's High Plains and McFadden Ridge wind
projects.

The project is now subject to approval by the Wyoming Industrial Siting Council, which will consider the issue next week.

By AP

Elk Mountain, Wyo. – The Wyoming Highway Patrol seized more
than 11 pounds of heroin from a motorist who was pulled over on Interstate 80 for driving over the speed limit.

Sgt. Steve Townsend says it's the biggest heroin bust in recent memory and possibly the biggest ever in Wyoming.

A trooper stopped the driver of a Nissan Altima about two miles east of Elk Mountain last Friday.

By AP

Cheyenne, Wyo. – The Wyoming Department of Education and
Department of Administration and Information are soliciting proposals from companies to administer statewide assessments for public school students.

The new vendor will be responsible for administering the Proficiency Assessments for Wyoming Students, known as PAWS, the
Alternate PAWS and the Wyoming English Language Learners Assessment, known as WELLA.

By AP

Laramie, Wyo. – The Snowy Range Ski Area won't open for the
season unless the owners are able to sell the property to someone who will open it this winter.

First National Bank President Dan Furphy says Rick and Terri Colling are trying to sell the area after operating it as the sole owners for 16 years. First National Bank is assisting in the sale.

Furphy says there are "three valid interested parties" considering purchasing the property, but there might not be a deal
in time for this ski season.

By AP

Sheridan, Wyo. – A Canadian-based oil company that
specializes in underground oil drilling is laying off more than half its work force, most of them in Wyoming.

Rock Well Petroleum spokeswoman Phoebe Buckland said the layoffs are the result of the weakening economy and postponement of the company's plans for initial public stock offering on the London Stock Exchange.

Wyoming – The oil and gas industry is reaping record profits. But it turns out they have troubles of their own in this troubled economy. Peter O'Dowd reports.

Wyoming – Reporter Addie Goss speaks with Peter O'Dowd about the next steps in developing nuclear fuel in Wyoming.

Wyoming – Wyoming Infrastructure Authority Executive Director Steve Waddington announced this week that he will resign effective Oct. 31. Elsa Partan visits with him.

Wyoming – Reporter Matt Laslo is in Minnesota where Wyoming Republicans are concerned that John McCain is distancing himself from the Bush Administration.