Dubois, Wy – Archeologists are concerned that the Western Bark Beetle infestation will destroy the state's oldest man-made structures. Dan Eakin studies sheep traps built by Shoshone Indians more than 200 years ago. The structures in Western Wyoming stand among trees that have been decimated by pine beetles. Eakin says it is only a matter of time until the traps are lost to forest fires. "I don't know how you would buy time. Time is of the essence. We have to extract as much data from them now as we can, as quickly as we can. We don't know when these areas are going to burn.
Washington D-C – Wyoming has the greatest potential of harnessing wind for energy in the Western states. Wyoming Infrastructure Authority board member Bryce Freeman told Congress federal help is needed to deliver Wyoming wind power to other areas of the region. Freeman suggests that help come in the form of tax free bonds. This would provide incentives for developers and investors and could significantly reduce costs to customers.
Saratoga, Wy – Another case of Hantavirus has killed a Carbon County resident. Epidemiologist Stacey Anderson says it's the second case from Carbon County in the past week. "We have had two cases in other years in the same county, but to have them close together like this, it's not what we usually see as far as a pattern goes."
Jackson, Wy – Jackson and Teton County are asking for public input on a plan that would shape future development. Jackson Planning Director Tyler Sinclair says the plan has prompted a lot of public debate. But he says one message is clear: most residents want Jackson Hole to feel like a community, not like a resort. He says, under the new plan, no new resorts would be approved. " as far as looking at brand new resorts, I think we've heard increased resort expansion in Teton County and in the Town of Jackson isn't necessarily something the community is interested in."
Casper, Wy – The Wyoming Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction of an Evansville woman for shooting her husband in 1977. The Casper Star-Tribune reports that Wyoming's highest court has ruled that Rita Humphrey was not denied a speedy trial. Justice Michael Golden wrote in an opinion released Monday that while a delay occurred in bringing Humphrey to trial, the length of delay wasn't unreasonable. Humphrey was charged with first-degree murder for the death of
Daniel, Wy – The Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory says it has confirmed positive brucellosis tests for two cows from a Daniel ranch. The state reported last week that blood tests taken at a sale barn first showed the cows had brucellosis. The cows then were sent to the state veterinary lab, where the brucellosis bacterium was cultured from the tissues of both cows. The Wyoming Livestock Board and USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service say they plan to test the rest of the ranch's
Laramie, Wy – High gas prices are driving up costs for local government. That is especially true in large counties that don't have mineral wealth. One such place is Albany County. Sheriff Jim Pond says high gas prices are a concern but they are able to maintain service. But he admits they are making plans for the future. Pond says gas prices have been a topic of discussion as county commissioners are putting final touches on their budget.
