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University of Wyoming Launches Traveling Exhibit on Natural Archive Across State Libraries

University of Wyoming Launches Traveling Exhibit on Natural Archive Across State Libraries

The University of Wyoming (UW) has launched a traveling version of its exhibit, 'The Natural Archive: Glimpses into the University of Wyoming’s Scientific Collections,' which will tour libraries across the state starting in early October. The Wyoming State Library is coordinating this initiative, with the Goshen County Library in Torrington being the first stop. The exhibit is scheduled to visit 25 main and branch libraries and will remain on the road through October 2028. This collaborative effort involves UW Libraries and seven natural history collections housed on campus, including the Biodiversity Institute, UW Museum of Vertebrates, UW Geological Museum, UW Insect Museum, Williams Conservatory, Rocky Mountain Herbarium, and Wyoming Natural Diversity Database. The purpose of the exhibit is to highlight and document Wyoming’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. The traveling exhibit comprises nine panels, each featuring an image with a caption or a QR code that links to digitized items or additional...

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Campbell County Amidst Elevated Fire Danger

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Campbell County Amidst Elevated Fire Danger

A fire weather watch has been issued for Campbell County, Wyoming, and much of northeast Wyoming, effective from Friday morning through Friday evening. The National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, issued the watch due to above-normal warmth and dry air, which are expected to significantly elevate fire danger. Southwest winds are forecast to be between 10-20 mph, with gusts potentially reaching up to 35 mph. Relative humidity is projected to drop as low as 10%. These conditions create an environment where any fires that ignite could spread rapidly. Gillette is expected to experience sunny skies with a high near 85 degrees on Friday, with breezy southwest winds. Warm and breezy conditions will persist into Saturday, with a high near 77, before a cold front arrives Saturday night, bringing a 50% chance of showers and a significant temperature drop of 25-30 degrees by Sunday.

Gillette City Council Approves Agendas, Swears in New Police Chief George Dingfelder

Gillette City Council Approves Agendas, Swears in New Police Chief George Dingfelder

The Gillette City Council unanimously approved its general and consent agendas, which included the September 15 meeting minutes, two ordinances related to easements at the Walmart property, and routine bills and claims totaling over $1.7 million. Following these approvals, the council held a swearing-in ceremony for the city's new Police Chief, George Dingfelder. Municipal Court Judge Paul Phillips administered the oath of office. Chief Dingfelder brings 37 years of law enforcement and military experience to his new role, having previously served as an Army MP sergeant, with the Colorado State Patrol, and as police chief in Alamosa and Monte Vista, Colorado. He expressed gratitude to the City Council and the community, also thanking Deputy Chief Brent Wasson for leading the department during the seven-month transition period. Additionally, the council approved a travel reimbursement for Mayor Shay Lundvall for attending the Nuclear Energy Institute Conference in Texas, where he discussed Gillette's role in...

Gillette Couple Showcases Extensive Collection of Pre-64 Winchester Rifles

Gillette Couple Showcases Extensive Collection of Pre-64 Winchester Rifles

Gillette Couple Showcases Extensive Collection of Pre-64 Winchester Rifles

Capitol Current

Who Certifies Congressional Results in Wyoming, and When

Who Certifies Congressional Results in Wyoming, and When

A clear explanation of who certifies congressional election results in Wyoming, the officials involved, and the specific timeline for the process.

Wyoming Department of Health to Reimburse Counties for Jail Mental Health Holds Under New Law

Wyoming Department of Health to Reimburse Counties for Jail Mental Health Holds Under New Law

Three sheriff's offices in Wyoming—Natrona, Laramie, and Sheridan counties—have finalized contracts with the Wyoming Department of Health to receive reimbursements for holding and treating individuals with mental illnesses in their jails. This initiative stems from a new state law, effective since March, which allocates $5 million through 2028 to compensate jails for these services. The law aims to address the challenges faced by jails in housing individuals awaiting mental competency evaluations and treatment, particularly given the backlog at the state-run psychiatric hospital. The contracts provide two types of per-client, per-day reimbursements: a $100 'holding payment' for security and baseline custodial care, and a $250 'treatment payment' which includes the holding payment plus costs for inmate psychiatric treatment. This new measure offers law enforcement agencies flexibility in how they provide mental health services, allowing for varied approaches based on local resources. The Department of Healt...

FDA Recalls Amazon-Sold Broccoli Seeds Over Potential Salmonella Contamination

FDA Recalls Amazon-Sold Broccoli Seeds Over Potential Salmonella Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for "Home Grown Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds, 8 oz, Heirloom" sold on Amazon due to potential Salmonella contamination. EAK Distribution of Wyoming initiated the alert after being notified that the seeds were used by a sprout grower whose finished product was part of an FDA investigation into a multistate foodborne illness outbreak. The affected seeds were sold nationwide on Amazon between August 20 and September 18. As of October 2, no illnesses have been reported directly from the consumption of these specific broccoli seeds. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals. Healthy individuals typically experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Couples Prepare for 'Dancing with the Gillette Stars' Fundraiser Marking YES House Anniversaries

Couples Prepare for 'Dancing with the Gillette Stars' Fundraiser Marking YES House Anniversaries

Couples Prepare for 'Dancing with the Gillette Stars' Fundraiser Marking YES House Anniversaries

Stampeding bison shown bounding over and through Grand Teton fencing

Stampeding bison shown bounding over and through Grand Teton fencing

Some might find this aspect of the footage disturbing.

'Epic' bison stampede like a scene from the Old West... almost

'Epic' bison stampede like a scene from the Old West... almost

"Maybe the most awe-inspiring event I have ever seen!"

Wyoming State Forestry Opens New Aerial Firefighting Facility in Casper

Wyoming State Forestry Opens New Aerial Firefighting Facility in Casper

The Wyoming State Forestry Division has officially opened a new helibase in Casper, designed to house aircraft dedicated to fighting wildfires. This facility represents a strategic move to enhance the state's wildfire suppression capabilities and adopt a more aggressive approach to managing fires this season. Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris stated that the new base will serve as a centralized hub for aerial fire resources, significantly strengthening the state's overall fire response. The relocation of the helibase from Glenrock to the Casper-Natrona County International Airport was made possible by a legislative allocation of over $7.5 million in 2024. Norris emphasized Wyoming's 'all hands, all lands' philosophy for wildland fire suppression, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships and coordination across various agencies, communities, counties, and governmental levels, which this new facility tangibly embodies.

University of Wyoming Faculty Featured in News on Infrastructure and Drought

University of Wyoming Faculty Featured in News on Infrastructure and Drought

University of Wyoming (UW) faculty members have recently been featured in state media for their expertise on critical issues affecting Wyoming. UW Professor Khaled Ksaibati was quoted in a Cowboy State Daily article discussing a semitrailer crash on Interstate 80 that damaged a Rawlins-area bridge. Ksaibati highlighted how newly released dashcam footage indicated that a median cable on the interstate prevented the incident from being far worse. Separately, UW Extension educator Micah Most provided insights in a Buffalo Bulletin article regarding ranchers destocking their herds due to severe drought conditions. Most explained that insufficient spring moisture for range grass growth and a lack of snowpack, which impacted irrigation, contributed to a poor hay crop. Additionally, UW and Sheridan College announced a new Express Transfer Agreement and the 'Future Cowboys' program, while a UW media release detailed the 'Conversations on Democracy' lecture series, featuring UW faculty and expert guests discussing ...