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BOGOTÁ, Colombia, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) announces that on Tuesday May 10th, 2022, after market close, it will release its financial and operating results for the first quarter 2022.
On Wednesday, May 11th, 2022, Ecopetrol's senior management will host two conference calls to review the results, one in Spanish and the other in English. Please find below the timing, dial-in and links to access the conferences:
To ask a question, you will need to access the conference through the telephone lines specified at the top of this release.
Participants from different countries may search for different international numbers to the ones mentioned above by consulting the list at the end of this release.
The earnings release, slide presentation, live webcast and recording of the conference call will be available on Ecopetrol's website: www.ecopetrol.com.co.
Please verify in advance the proper operation of the webcast in your browser. We recommend the use of the latest versions of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 17,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This press release contains business prospect statements, operating and financial result estimates, and statements related to Ecopetrol's growth prospects. These are all projections and, as such, they are based solely on the expectations of the managers regarding the future of the company and their continued access to capital to finance the company's business plan. The realization of said estimates in the future depends on the behavior of market conditions, regulations, competition, the performance of the Colombian economy and the industry, among other factors, and are consequently subject to change without prior notice.
This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For further details, please contact:
Head of Capital Markets
Tatiana Uribe Benninghoff
Correo electrónico: investors@ecopetrol.com.co
Media Engagement (Colombia)
Jorge Mauricio Téllez
Email : mauricio.tellez@ecopetrol.com.co
International dial-in numbers
Australia Toll-Free: 8004440879
Australia Toll: +61283115350
Brazil Toll-Free: 8007610711
Brazil Toll: +551140403733
Canada Toll-Free: 8664553403
Canada Toll: 6474848332
Chile Toll-Free: 12300205906
China Toll-Free: 108001202400
China Toll: 4008210576
Colombia Toll-Free: +578005190788
Colombia Toll: +576014850348
France Toll-Free: 805102712
France Toll: +33172256760
Germany Toll-Free: 8001897777
Germany Toll: +496922221158
Hong Kong Toll-Free: 800933752
India Toll-Free: 18002667181
Japan Toll-Free: 6633812339
Japan Toll: +81345789384
Malaysia Toll-Free: 1800189583
Mexico Toll-Free: 18667791760
Mexico Toll: +525567225258
Netherlands Toll: +31207139245
Romania Toll: +40316300531
Singapore Toll-Free: 8001205193
Spain Toll-Free: 800300874
Spain Toll: +34914149964
Sweden Toll-Free: 200896845
Sweden Toll: +46850596402
Taiwan Toll-Free: 801136018
Thailand Toll-Free: 001800120666601
United Kingdom Toll-Free: 8082389813
United Kingdom Toll: +442031004191
United States Toll-Free: 8663745140
United States Toll: 4044000571
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SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/ecopetrol-announces-dates-publication-its-first-quarter-2022-earnings-report-conference-calls/ | 2022-05-04T03:23:37Z |
Delivered EBITDA Of $132.8 Million,
Reiterate 2022 Operating EBITDA Guidance Of $575-$625 Million At $90 Per Bbl Brent,
Every Additional $10/Bbl Increase in Brent Price Average for the Year Equals $100 Million Additional EBITDA As The Company Has Uncapped Exposure to Higher Oil Prices
Increased Production By 6.5% To 41,100 Boe/d
Increased Inventory By 627,050 Bbls To 1,434,111 Bbls Which Will Be Sold In Subsequent Quarters
Recorded Net Income Of $102.2 Million
Increased Operating Netback By 22% To $59/Boe And Net Sales Realized Price By 17% To $81.66/Boe
Renewed NCIB Program For The Purchase Of Approximately 10% Of The Public Float
Recognized By Ethisphere As One Of The 2022 World's Most Ethical Companies For The Second Straight Year
Discovered Light And Medium Crude Oil At The Jandaya-1 And Tui-1 Exploration Wells In Ecuador
CGX And Frontera To Host Informational Virtual Presentation On May 9, 2022 On The Guyana-Suriname Basin, The Offshore Corentyne Block, Integrated Kawa-1 Exploration Well Results And Insights Ahead Of The Wei-1 Exploration Well
CALGARY, AB, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Frontera Energy Corporation (TSX: FEC) ("Frontera'' or the "Company") today reported financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022. All financial amounts in this news release are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated.
Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of the Board of Directors, commented:
"Frontera continued to deliver strong performance results in the first quarter of 2022 in-line with full year production guidance of 40,000-43,000 boe/d and annual EBITDA guidance of $575-$625 million at $90/bbl Brent. As the Company has uncapped exposure to higher oil prices, every $10/Bbl increase in average Brent price for the year equals approximately $100 million additional EBITDA. Frontera expects our first quarter operational momentum to continue throughout the rest of the year which is expected to drive higher production and profitability in subsequent quarters.
The Company recently renewed its NCIB program for the purchase of up to 10% of our public float and is reviewing other opportunities to enhance shareholder returns. Importantly, Frontera was recognized for the second straight year by Ethisphere as one of the 2022 World's Most Ethical Companies and the Company was certified by Great Place to Work as the only oil and gas company with an outstanding work environment. Frontera was also recognized as one of the best places to work for women in Colombia among the 2021 GPTW ranking."
Orlando Cabrales, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frontera, commented:
"Frontera reported strong financial results in the first quarter of 2022. We increased production by 6.5% to 41,100 boe/d, recorded net income of $102.2 million, increased our operating netback by 22% and our net sales realized price by 17%. We delivered EBITDA of $132.8 million, down quarter over quarter due to the timing of cargo sales in Q1 impacting volumes sold in Colombia and an increase in inventory which will be sold in subsequent quarters according to nomination and scheduling of cargos.
Operationally, we executed $113.5 million in capital expenditures on the Kawa-1 exploration well in Guyana, on discoveries at the Jandaya-1 and Tui-1 exploration wells in Ecuador and we maintained a high-level of execution of development drilling in our base Colombia operations. During the quarter, we began integrating the PetroSud assets into our operations, which we anticipate will contribute to achieving the Company's production guidance. Subsequent to the quarter, Frontera completed the acquisition of PCR's 35% working interest in Colombia's El Dificil block. Frontera now holds a 100% working interest in the El Dificil block which, when combined with our acquisition of PetroSud's interests in Entrerrios and Rio Meta Blocks, will generate approximately US$12-$15 million of annual EBITDA. The Company hedged 40% of its 2022 production at $70/bbl floors with full upside exposure and also completed 100% of its foreign exchange hedges for 2022 to protect downside and allow for upside exposure. Finally, the Company is reviewing opportunities for increased production in the second half of the year."
First Quarter 2022 Operational and Financial Summary
First Quarter Operational and Financial Results:
- Production averaged 41,100 boe/d, up 6.5% compared to 38,605 boe/d in the prior quarter and 40,599 boe/d in the first quarter of 2021. See the table above for production by product type for the prior quarter and first quarter of 2021. Frontera's daily production on May 2, 2022 was approximately 41,900 boe/d (consisting of approximately 22,100 bbl/d of heavy crude oil, 16,800 bbl/d of light and medium crude oil, 11,400 mmcf/d of conventional natural gas and 1,000 bbl/d of natural gas liquids). The Company's year-to-date average to May 2, 2022 was approximately 41,300 boe/d (consisting of approximately 21,500 bbl/d of heavy crude oil, 17,100 bbl/d of light and medium crude oil, 9,700 mmcf/d of conventional natural gas and 1,000 bbl/d of natural gas liquids).
- Operating EBITDA was $132.8 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared with $148.3 million in the prior quarter and $69.2 million in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating EBITDA quarter over quarter was due to the timing of cargos which impacted volumes sold in Colombia resulting in an inventory build, while benefiting from higher Brent oil prices. The Company reiterates its 2022 operating EBITDA guidance of $575-$625 Million at $90/bbl Brent.
- The Company reported a total cash position of $323.5 million at March 31, 2022 compared to $320.8 million at December 31, 2021.
- The Company's restricted cash position was $66.1 million at March 31, 2022 compared to $63.3 million at December 31, 2021. The Company anticipates releasing additional restricted cash in 2022 as the Company continues to optimize its credit lines.
- Cash provided by operating activities was $115.0 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with $113.5 million in the prior quarter and $47.4 million in the first quarter of 2021.
- At March 31, 2022, the Company had a total inventory balance of 1,434,111 bbls compared to 807,061 bbls at December 31, 2021. The increase in inventory balance in the first quarter is a result of one less cargo sold during the first quarter compared to the previous quarter which the Company expects will be sold in subsequent quarters.
- The Company has various uncommitted bilateral credit lines. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had increased its uncollateralized credit lines to $106.9 million, an increase of $17.3 million compared to December 31, 2021.
- On March 15, 2022, Frontera announced plans to renew its Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") for the purchase of up to 4,787,976 common shares, representing ~10% of the Company's public float during the 12-month period commencing March 17, 2022, and ending March 16, 2023. As of May 2, 2022, Frontera has purchased for cancellation 1,246,400 common shares at a volume weighted average price of C$14.39 per share, excluding brokerage fees. Under the Company's previous NCIB that expired on March 16, 2022, Frontera purchased for cancellation 4,243,600 common shares at a volume weighted average price of C$7.38 per share, excluding brokerage fees.
- Capital expenditures were $113.5 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared with $135.5 million in the prior quarter and $14.4 million in the first quarter of 2021. Capital expenditures during the quarter included exploration activity in support of the Kawa-1 exploration well, offshore Guyana, light and medium crude oil discoveries in Ecuador at the Jandaya-1 and Tui-1 exploration wells and maintaining a high-level of execution of development drilling in the Company's base Colombia operations.
- The Company recorded net income of $102.2 million or $1.08/share in the first quarter of 2022, compared with net income of $629.4 million or $6.60/share in the prior quarter and a net loss of $14.1 million or $0.14/share in the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in net income quarter over quarter was mainly due to an impairment reversal of $586.7 million that occured in the fourth quarter of 2021.
- The Company's operating netback was $58.44/boe, up 22% compared with $47.80/boe in the prior quarter and $29.08/boe in the first quarter of 2021 primarily due to higher net sales realized prices, partially offset by higher production costs.
- The Company's net sales realized price was $81.66/boe in the first quarter of 2022, up 17%, compared to $69.53/boe in the prior quarter and $50.44/boe in the first quarter of 2021. The increase was mainly the result of higher Brent benchmark prices, lower differentials compared with the previous quarter, lower loss on risk management contracts (first quarter 2022 only includes premiums paid for the position expired during the period), and reduction in dilution costs due to replacement of the dilution service by volumes purchased, partially offset by higher cash royalties resulting from oil price increases.
- Production costs averaged $13.48/boe in the first quarter of 2022, compared with $12.71/boe in the prior quarter and $10.06/boe in the first quarter of 2021. The increase in production costs was mainly due to increased energy costs which added approximately $1.50/bbl, additional well services and maintenance costs.
- Transportation costs averaged $9.74/boe, compared with $9.02/boe in the prior quarter and $11.30/boe in the first quarter of 2021. The increase in transportation costs was mainly due to one-time prepaid services recorded as lower transportation costs during the fourth quarter of 2021 following the implementation of the conciliation agreement entered into with Oleoducto Bicentenario de Columbia S.A.S. and Cenit Transporte y Logistica de Hidrocaburos S.A.S. to resolve certain transportation dispute.
- The Company recorded a realized loss on risk management contracts of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared with a realized loss of $6.7 million in the prior quarter and a loss of $11 million in the first quarter of 2021. The realized loss on risk management contracts was primarily due to cash paid for the purchase of put options during the quarter. Subsequent to March 31, 2022, the Company entered into new put hedges totaling 1,410,000 bbls to protect the Company's 2022 capital program at a $70/bbl strike price. The Company's 2022 hedges do not cap upside price potential. See the Hedging Update section below for more information.
- On March 15, 2022, Frontera was recognized for the second straight year by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2022 World's Most Ethical Companies. Frontera is the only honouree in the Oil and Gas, Renewables category. In 2022, 136 honourees were recognized spanning 22 countries and 46 industries. Additionally, Frontera was certified by Great Place to Work ("GPTW") as the only oil and gas company with an outstanding work environment. Frontera was also recognized as one of best places to work for women in Colombia among the 2021 GPTW ranking.
Operational Update
Guyana
CGX and Frontera to Host Informational Virtual Presentation
On May 9, 2022, at 11:00 am ET, senior operational and technical team members from CGX and Frontera will host a virtual informational presentation on the Guyana-Suriname basin, the offshore Corentyne block, integrated Kawa-1 exploration well results and insights ahead of the Wei-1 exploration well. Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance to info@cgxenergy.com or ir@fronteraenergy.ca. Questions may also be submitted during the informational presentation. The Joint Venture cordially invites all shareholders, stakeholders, investors and media to attend the virtual presentation.
To join the presentation, visit:
https://produceredition.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1546107&tp_key=5a50c6fca1
CGX continues to assess several strategic opportunities to obtain additional financing to meet the costs of the drilling program.
Colombia
Frontera's production increase of 6.5% or 2,495 boe/d compared to the prior quarter was a result of organic growth across the portfolio and 1,226 boe/d (consisting of 4,874 Mcf/d of conventional natural gas, 324 bbl/d of light and medium crude oil, and 47 bbl/d of natural gas liquids) added through the completion of 100% of the shares of Petroleos Sud Americanos S.A. ("PetroSud") on December 30, 2021. Growth in natural gas liquids production mainly at the VIM-1 block, increased light and medium crude oil production mainly from the Guatiquia block, and increased heavy crude oil mainly in CPE-6 block delivered additional production volumes during the quarter.
Currently, the Company has four drilling rigs and four workover rigs active at its operations in Colombia and one rig at the Perico block in Ecuador. In the first quarter of 2022, the Company drilled 14 development wells in Colombia and one exploration well in Ecuador, and completed 38 workovers and well services.
Production at Key Fields
At Quifa, current production is approximately 17,000 bbl/d of heavy crude oil (including both Quifa and Cajua). The Company drilled 12 development wells at Quifa in the first quarter of 2022.
At Guatiquia, current production is approximately 8,800 bbl/d of light and medium crude oil. In the first quarter of 2022, Frontera initiated production from the Coralillo-15 and Coralillo-13 development wells. Subsequent to the quarter, the Coralillo SE-01 well was completed in the Lower Sand and Barco formations and a production test is underway.
At CPE-6, current production is approximately 4,700 bbl/d of heavy crude oil. In the first quarter, the Company drilled the HAM-102D well, which is currently under evaluation.
At VIM-1 (Frontera 50% W.I., non-operator), current production is approximately 1,300 boe/d, consisting of approximately 3,100 mmcf/d of conventional natural gas and 750 bbl/d of natural gas liquids. In the first quarter of 2022, the operator completed the construction of gas processing facilities which are expected to be operational in the second quarter. Additionally, the operator anticipates spudding the La Belleza-2 development well in the second quarter.
Subsequent to the quarter, on April 27, 2022, Frontera completed the previously announced acquisition of the 35% working interest ("W.I.") in Colombia's El Dificil block held by PCR Investments S.A. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia S.A. ("PCR")) for a total aggregate cash consideration of approximately US$13 million. The PCR transaction was subject to customary closing conditions and approval of the transaction by the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos which has now been received.
Ecuador
During the quarter, Frontera announced that it had made discoveries at the Jandaya-1 and Tui-1 exploration wells on the Perico block (Frontera 50% W.I. and operator) in Ecuador. The Jandaya-1 well encountered a total of 78 feet of net pay across three hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs. The Tui-1 exploration well encountered a total of 125 feet of net pay across seven hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs. Production from the Jandaya-1 and Tui-1 exploration wells is being delivered to a nearby access point on Ecuador's main pipeline system for sale to export markets and the first parcel from this production will be exported in May. Frontera and its partner are currently evaluating subsequent activities in the Perico block, including a potential development drilling plan for both the Jandaya and Tui fields.
Production in Ecuador for the three months ended March 31, 2022, was 279 bbl/d of light and medium crude oil.
In the Espejo block, (Frontera 50% W.I. and non-operator), the Company is currently acquiring 60 sq km of 3D seismic and anticipates spudding the first exploration well on the block, called the Espejo Norte-1, in the second half of 2022.
Hedging Update
As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative commodity instruments to manage exposure to price volatility by hedging a portion of its oil production. The Company's strategy aims to protect 40%-60% of the estimated production to protect the revenue generation and cash position of the Company while maximizing upside. In 2022, Frontera is only using put options, which allows the Company to capture the full upside price benefit while offering efficient downside hedging. The following table summarizes Frontera's hedging position as of April 26, 2022.
First Quarter 2022 Conference Call Details
A conference call for investors and analysts will be held on May 4, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Participants will include Gabriel de Alba, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Orlando Cabrales, Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Piñeros, Chief Financial Officer and other members of the senior management team.
Analysts and investors are invited to participate using the following dial-in numbers:
Participant Number (Toll Free North America): 1-888-256-1007
Participant Number (Toll Free Colombia): 01-800-518-3328
Participant Number (International): 1-647-484-0478
Conference ID: 1655563
Webcast Audio: www.fronteraenergy.ca
A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2022.
Encore Toll free Dial-in Number: 1-647-436-0148
International Dial-in Number: 1-888-203-1112
Encore ID: 1655563
About Frontera:
Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 34 exploration and production blocks in Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely and in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner.
If you would like to receive news releases via email as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe.
Advisories:
Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information relates to activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's expectations regarding increased operational momentum throughout the rest of the year and its impact on production and profitability in subsequent quarters; the expected positive impacts from the ongoing integration of the PetroSud assets into the Company's operations, including with respect to the Company's anticipated production profile and annual EBITDA; anticipated exploration, development and drilling activities, including expectations regarding anticipated timing for spudding the La Belleza-2 well, expectations with respect to releasing additional restricted cash in 2022 and inventory sales in subsequent quarters; seismic acquisition in Ecuador and the anticipated timing for spudding the first exploration well on the Espejo block; and expectations with respect to the Company's hedging strategy. All information other than historical fact is forward-looking information.
Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations, assumptions and beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to it and considers the Company's experience and its perception of historical trends, including expectations and assumptions relating to commodity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates; the current and potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the status of the pandemic and future waves and any associated policies around current business restrictions; the performance of assets and equipment; the availability and cost of labour, services and infrastructure; the execution of exploration and development projects; the receipt of any required regulatory approvals and outcome of discussions with governmental authorities; and the success of the Company's hedging strategy.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to the Company. The actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. The Company's annual information form dated March 2, 2022, its annual management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021, and other documents it files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities describe the risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results and such factors are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of these documents are available without charge by referring to the company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
Certain information included in this news release may constitute future oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The FOFI has been prepared by management to provide an outlook of the Company's activities and results and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Management believes that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's reasonable estimates and judgments; however, actual results of the Company's operations and the resulting financial outcome may vary from the amounts set forth herein. Any FOFI speaks only as of the date on which it was made, and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any FOFI, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable laws.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures
This news release contains financial terms that do not have standardized definitions in International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"): Operating EBITDA, Operating Netback, Net Sales, Oil and Gas Sales, Net of Purchases, Consolidated Total Indebtedness and Net Debt. These financial measures, together with measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, provide useful information to investors and shareholders, as management uses them to evaluate the operating performance of the Company. The Company's determination of these non-IFRS measures may differ from other reporting issuers, and therefore are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Further, these non-IFRS measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance or cash flows prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Operating EBITDA
EBITDA is a commonly used measure that adjusts net income (loss) as reported under IFRS to exclude the effects of income taxes, finance income and expenses, and depletion, depreciation and amortization expense.
Operating EBITDA represents the operating results of the Company's primary business, excluding the items noted above, restructuring, severance and other costs, certain non-cash items (such as impairments, foreign exchange, unrealized risk management contracts, costs under terminated pipeline contracts, and share-based compensation) and gains or losses arising from the disposal of capital assets. In addition, other unusual or non-recurring items are excluded from operating EBITDA, as they are not indicative of the underlying core operating performance of the Company.
A reconciliation of net income (loss) to operating EBITDA is as follows:
Operating Netback and Oil and Gas Sales, Net of Purchases
Operating netback is used to assess the net margin of the Company's production after subtracting all costs associated with bringing one barrel of oil to the market. It is also commonly used by the oil and gas industry to analyze financial and operating performance expressed as profit per barrel and is an indicator of how efficient the Company is at extracting and selling its product. For netback purposes, the Company removes the effects of any trading activities and results from its midstream segment from the per barrel metrics. Refer to the reconciliation in the "Operating Netback" section on page 6 of the MD&A.
Refer to the "Operating Netback and Oil and Gas Sales, Net of Purchases" section on page 16 of the MD&A for a description of each component of the Company's operating netback and how it is calculated.
Oil and gas sales, net of purchases, on a per boe basis is calculated using oil and gas sales less the cost of volumes purchased from third parties including its transportation and refining cost, divided by the total sales volumes from D&P assets, net of purchases. Refer to the reconciliation in the "Operating Netback and Oil and Gas Sales, Net of Purchases'' section on page 16 of the MD&A.
Net Sales
Net sales are a non-IFRS subtotal that adjusts revenue to include realized gains and losses from risk management contracts while removing the cost of dilution activities. This is a useful indicator for management as the Company hedges a portion of its oil production using derivative instruments to manage exposure to oil price volatility. This metric allows the Company to report its realized net sales after factoring in these risk management activities. The deduction for dilution costs and cost of purchases is helpful to understand the Company's sales performance based on the net realized proceeds from production net of dilution, the cost of which is partially recovered when the blended product is sold. Net sales also exclude sales from port services, as it is not considered part of the oil & gas segment. Refer to the reconciliation in the "Sales" section on page 7 of the MD&A.
Consolidated Total Indebtedness and Net Debt
Consolidated total indebtedness and net debt are used by the Company to monitor its capital structure, financial leverage, and as a measure of overall financial strength. Consolidated total indebtedness is defined as long-term debt, plus liabilities for leases and net position of risk management contracts, excluding Unrestricted Subsidiaries. This metric is consistent with the definition under the Company's Indenture (as defined in the MD&A) for the calculation of certain conditions and covenants. Net debt is defined as consolidated total indebtedness less cash and cash equivalents. Both measures are exclusive of non-recourse subsidiary debt and certain amounts attributable to the Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Refer to the reconciliation in the "Consolidated Total Indebtedness and Net Debt" section on page 17 of the MD&A for additional information about these financial measures.
Oil and Gas Information Advisories
Reported production levels may not be reflective of sustainable production rates and future production rates may differ materially from the production rates reflected in this news release due to, among other factors, difficulties or interruptions encountered during the production of hydrocarbons.
This news release includes terms such as "net pay" and "hydrocarbon bearing reservoir" and variations thereof. Such terms should not be interpreted to mean there is any level of certainty in regard to the volume of oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids present therein, or that such volumes may be produced profitably, in commercial quantities, or at all.
The term "boe" is used in this news release. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of cubic feet to barrels is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In this news release, boe has been expressed using the Colombian conversion standard of 5.7 Mcf: 1 bbl required by the Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy.
Definitions:
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SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/frontera-announces-first-quarter-2022-results/ | 2022-05-04T03:23:43Z |
Nashville-based Lender Increases Semi-Annual Dividend 25%
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InsCorp, parent company to INSBANK (OTCQX:IBTN) today reported first quarter earnings of $3,204,000, or $1.12 per share, an increase of 149% over the prior year same quarter. At the bank level, net interest income was $5,078,000, representing a 15% increase over the prior year. Pre-tax income from operations was $1,973,000, an increase of $489,000 over Q1 2021. In addition to income from operations, realized and unrealized gains on interest rate caps of $1,887,000, net of tax, were a driver of earnings, which was a record for the company in a single quarter.
"During the pandemic we executed hedging strategies to protect margin from further volatility during 2021 as we re-priced maturing deposits," said Jim Rieniets, President and CEO of INSBANK. "Fortunately those liabilities re-priced before recent volatility witnessed during the first quarter of this year, which resulted in an opportunity to enhance our capital base with gains on those interest rate caps," Rieniets continued.
Core deposits grew by $27,000,000 during the quarter to $511,000,000, while core loans (excluding Paycheck Protection Program loans) grew $4,500,000. Total new loan commitments closed during the quarter were roughly $40,000,000, while funding under those commitments was approximately $25,000,000. Net loan growth was impacted by payoffs primarily from clients selling commercial real estate and other assets. "While net loan growth was ultimately lighter than expected, our loan pipeline both extended and grew during the quarter," said Rieniets. "Activity in our market remains very vibrant and our team is busy managing the pipeline of opportunities before us, both in our core commercial banking unit as well as our Medquity healthcare silos," Rieniets continued.
The board of directors also recently approved the payment of a semi-annual dividend. InsCorp shareholders of record as of May 20, 2022, will receive a $0.15 dividend payable on June 10, 2022. This is an increase of 25% over the company's most recent semi-annual dividends. "With the trajectory of earnings our team has established, we're pleased to be able to further enhance our shareholders' total return with an increase in the dividend," said Michael Qualls, Chairman of InsCorp.
Highlights of the quarter and year-over-year include
- Total assets grew $88 million or 13.9% as of March 31, 2022 compared to March, 31 2021.
- Non-interest bearing deposits grew $11.3 million or 15.6% during the 12 months ended March 31, 2022.
- Deferred loan fees related to the PPP loans is approximately $185,000 on March 31, 2022.
- Non-Interest Expense to Total Average Assets was 1.79% for the quarter ended March 31, 2022, slightly higher than 1.70% for the same period in 2021 and compared favorably to the bank's FDIC peer group average of 2.32%.
- Cost of all interest-bearing funding was 0.69% for the three months ended March 31, 2022 decreasing from 1.33% for the same period in 2021.
- Assets per employee remained strong at $15.05 million, compared to the FDIC peer group of $6.91 million.
- The bank's tier 1 capital ratio was 12.27%, while total risk-based capital was 13.52%.
- The allowance for loan and lease losses was 1.50% exclusive of PPP loan balances.
- Earnings per share for the first quarter of 2022 was $1.12.
- Tangible book value increased to $19.89 on March 31, 2022 from $17.69 at March 31, 2021.
- The percentage of loans past due and non-accrual to gross loans was 0.47% comparing favorably to peer of 0.76%.
- There were $23,000 in net recoveries for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.
- Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) reflected a loss on the securities portfolio offset by gains on interest rate swaps held by the bank for interest rate risk purposes, resulting in a 0.9% decrease in AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
About INSBANK
Since 2000, INSBANK has offered its clients highly personalized service provided by experienced relationship managers, while positioning itself as an innovator, utilizing technologies to deliver those services efficiently and conveniently. In addition to its commercial focused operation, INSBANK operates three divisions, Medquity, TMA Medical Banking and INSBANK Online. Medquity offers healthcare banking solutions to individuals nationwide, whether they are still in residency, practicing or entering retirement, while TMA Medical Banking provides banking services specifically to members of the Tennessee Medical Association. INSBANK Online offers nationally available virtual private client services for interest bearing deposits. INSBANK is owned by InsCorp, Inc., a Tennessee bank holding company. The bank is headquartered in Nashville at 2106 Crestmoor Road, and has an office in Brentwood at 5614 Franklin Pike Circle. For more information, please visit www.insbank.com
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SOURCE INSBANK | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/inscorp-quarterly-profits-reflect-benefits-balance-sheet-strategies/ | 2022-05-04T03:23:52Z |
NEW YORK, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE: IIPR, IIPR-PA) between May 7, 2020 and April 13, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important June 24, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action commenced by the Firm.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Innovative Industrial Properties securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Innovative Industrial Properties class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5301 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than June 24, 2022. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose: (1) that Innovative Industrial Properties' focus is to be a cannabis company lender rather than a real estate investment trust (REIT); (2) that the true values of Innovative Industrial Properties' properties are significantly lower than Innovative Industrial Properties represents; (3) existential issues in its top customers; (4) that as a result, its top customers may not be able to continue making payments to Innovative Industrial Properties and Innovative Industrial Properties would face significant issues replacing these customers; and (5) that as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Innovative Industrial Properties class action, go to or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=5301 email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
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SOURCE Rosen Law Firm, P.A. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/rosen-leading-law-firm-encourages-innovative-industrial-properties-inc-investors-with-losses-secure-counsel-before-important-deadline-securities-class-action-commenced-by-firm-iipr-iipr-pa/ | 2022-05-04T03:23:58Z |
NEW YORK , May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of IonQ, Inc. ("IonQ" or the "Company") (NYSE: IONQ). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether IonQ and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
On May 3, 2022, Scorpion Capital published a report alleging that IonQ is a "part-time side-hustle run by two academics who barely show up, dressed up as a 'company,'" and a "scam built on phony statements about nearly all key aspects of the technology and business." Moreover, the report claimed that the Company's quantum computer is a "useless toy that can't even add 1+1, as revealed by experiments we hired experts to run," that the Company reported "[f]ictitious 'revenue' via sham transactions and related-party round-tripping," and that the CEO appears to be making up his MIT credentials.
On this news, IonQ's stock price fell $0.71 per share, or 9.03%, to close at $7.15 per share on May 3, 2022.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
rswilloughby@pomlaw.com
888-476-6529 ext. 7980
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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-behalf-investors-ionq-inc-ionq/ | 2022-05-04T03:24:05Z |
– With the strategic investment, Yanolja Cloud expands its hospitality solution lineup on the global front to cover the full-service hotel segment ranging from mid-sized hotels to large global chains
– Yanolja Cloud aims to lead the digitalization of the global hospitality and travel industry with its SaaS technology and diversified product lineup
SEOUL, South Korea, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The AI-based SaaS (Software-as-a-service) company, Yanolja Cloud (CEO Jongyoon Kim) strategically invested in InnKey Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. (CEO Viral Shah, hereinafter InnKey), a provider of cloud-based enterprise PMS platform for premium hotels and chains, to accelerate its global hospitality solution business.
InnKey, started in 2013 and headquartered in India, is a provider of a widely used hospitality technology solution. It currently provides its integrated cloud-based PMS platform to many full-service hotels and chains both in India and abroad. With its cutting-edge cloud technology, extensive breadth of features, and attractive market pricing, InnKey is helping many large hotels and chains to simplify their operations, increase revenues, maximize profits, and deliver an exceptional guest experience. Thanks to its strong domain knowledge, InnKey provides tremendous value to all its clients ranging from a 50-room independent boutique hotel to a 500-room luxury global hotel chain.
Yanolja Cloud decided to strategically invest in InnKey with a right to acquire to enhance and complement its global SaaS solutions business, leveraging and maximizing the value and synergies among its group affiliates, including eZee Technosys and ZEN Hospitality Solutions. Yanolja Cloud, together with its subsidiaries, is offering hospitality management solutions to more than 43,000 clients in over 170 global markets in 60 languages. It has also expanded its business vertical for its solutions business not only catering to the travel industry, but also to leisure, and residential-based spaces based on the robust scalability of its cloud and AI technology.
InnKey's integrated cloud-based PMS platform brings everyone in the hotel together, from reservations all the way to financial accounting, which allows for information to flow seamlessly through various departments for business analysis and effective use. Everything can be accessed anytime, anywhere – there is no need for any additional hardware or servers, eliminating costs and unnecessary hassles. By replacing multiple on-premise and disparate systems with one integrated cloud platform, InnKey helps hotels deliver an exceptional guest experience. Hotel chains can bring all their hotels on a single platform and can take advantage of centralized operations and real-time data consolidation, making InnKey a perfect fit for any hotel or chain looking for a one-stop solution.
With this investment, Yanolja Cloud will further enhance its hotel solutions lineup, especially for the premium segment of hotels in the global arena. Based on Yanolja Cloud's expertise, InnKey will further evolve into a one-stop platform offering a full range of hotel management solutions beyond the integrated PMS, creating and delivering new value and choice to the global hospitality industry, truly assisting hotels to be worry-free, focus on connecting with their guests, and delivering a personalized guest experience that today's guests deserve.
"At InnKey, our vision has always been to disrupt the way large hotels and chains have operated globally. With InnKey's product expertise and Yanolja Cloud's global reach and ecosystem, we will be focusing on further enhancing our cloud platform and expand globally as we look to transform the global hospitality industry," said Viral Shah, co-founder and CEO of InnKey.
"We decided to invest in InnKey with a path to acquisition based on their deep domain knowledge, a robust product, and a passionate management team, which we saw as the key formula in expanding and accelerating the business opportunity with an enhanced solutions lineup catering to all types of hotels," said Andrew Kim, Director of Global Solutions Business at Yanolja Cloud. "With constant research and development in SaaS technology at Yanolja Cloud, we will continue to grow our global solution business and lead the digital transformation of the global hospitality and travel industry."
About Yanolja Cloud
As an AI-based global SaaS (Software-as-a-service) company, Yanolja Cloud leads the digitalization of various spaces such as accommodations, leisure, F&B, and residences. Based on the advantages of SaaS with installation and operation efficiency, the range of solutions has been expanded, and the solution is currently being provided in more than 60 languages to 43,000 hotel customers in 170 countries around the world. Through innovative technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain and partnerships with global leading companies, Yanolja Cloud is building a cloud solution ecosystem that meets the needs of all partners, reservation channels, and customers.
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SOURCE Yanolja Cloud | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/yanolja-cloud-invests-innkey-an-enterprise-grade-pms-platform-premium-hotels-accelerate-its-global-hospitality-solution-business/ | 2022-05-04T03:24:11Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii announced Tuesday that it has expanded virtual care services and in-person urgent care services for its 264,000 members.
The urgent care, pharmacy, lab and radiology hours at the West Oahu Medical Office and Honolulu Medical Office will now be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as weekends and most holidays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Maui Lanu Medical Office Urgent Care Department in Wailuku also maintains the same hours of operation.
In addition to expanded in-person urgent care, Kaiser Hawaii is also offering Kaiser members 24/7 virtual care, by phone or by video via kp.org and the Kaiser mobile app.
“Members can access on-demand virtual care, which is best used for non-emergency illnesses…including sprains, backaches, flu symptoms, sore throats, earaches, and more,” Kaiser shared in a statement.
Video visits do not require appointments and members can use either a mobile device or computer for video visits.
Members with health concerns that require an in-person visit will be directed to in-person options such as urgent care, same-day care, or their personal physician, depending on the issue.
“Members now have more ways to access our award-winning care, whenever and wherever they need it,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director for Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “We’re dedicated to providing convenient and coordinated care to our members, all while offering the highest quality and safest practices. Whether they call, click, tap, or visit us in person, our members have a seamless and personalized experience, because their entire care team is connected through our integrated system.”
No appointments are required, and members can use either a mobile device or computer for a video visit. Members with health concerns that require an in-person visit will be directed to in-person options such as urgent care, same-day care, or their personal physician, depending on the issue.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has more 264,000 members across Hawaii, and all members will be able to use these new features. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/kaiser-permanente-hawaii-extends-services-and-hours-for-in-person-and-virtual-appointments/article_9270ef26-cb46-11ec-991c-eb9c090010bb.html | 2022-05-04T03:29:25Z |
The plunging water level in Lake Mead -- the country's largest reservoir, besieged by drought -- unveiled another disturbing discovery over the weekend, police say: a body in a barrel.
A person who was spending time at the lake Sunday afternoon found the barrel, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Homicide Lieutenant Ray Spencer. The person could see the remains in the barrel because it was corroded.
Spencer said in a release Tuesday investigators believe the person was likely a murder victim who died from a gunshot wound.
According to the release, an investigation is now underway, and "detectives believe the victim was killed some time in the mid '70s to early '80s, based on clothing and footwear the victim was found with."
Investigators are working to confirm the identity of the victim, which will be released by the Clark County Coroner's Office.
About 25 million people in Arizona, Nevada, California and Mexico rely on Lake Mead water, which has been running out at an alarming rate amid a climate change-fueled megadrought.
"The lake has drained dramatically over the last 15 years," Spencer said previously, noting "it's likely that we will find additional bodies that have been dumped in Lake Mead" as the water level drops more.
"The barrel was likely dropped hundreds of yards off the shore back then," Spencer said, "but that area is now considered the shoreline."
As of Monday the lake's water level was around 1,054 feet above sea level -- about 160 feet below its 2000 level, when it was last considered full. It's the lowest level on record for the reservoir since it was filled in the 1930s.
In August, the federal government declared an unprecedented water shortage on the Colorado River, which feeds the reservoir, triggering water consumption cuts for states in the Southwest beginning in January.
Last week, the lake's low water level also exposed one of the reservoir's original water intake valves for the first time. The valve had been in service since 1971, but it can no longer draw water, according to the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the agency responsible for managing water resources for 2.2 million people in southern Nevada, including Las Vegas.
Upstream on the Colorado River, water levels at Lake Powell -- the country's second-largest reservoir -- have also been plummeting and recently dipped below a threshold that threatens not only downstream water supply but also hydropower generation for the surrounding communities.
Across the West, extreme drought has already taken a major toll this year, with around 91% of the region in some level of drought, according to the US Drought Monitor. Extreme and exceptional drought, the two worst designations, expanded across New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado -- all states in the Colorado River basin.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kitv.com/news/national/body-in-barrel-discovered-at-lake-mead-is-likely-a-gunshot-murder-victim-from-decades/article_35570985-92df-5458-8145-3efe1127c00e.html | 2022-05-04T03:29:32Z |
CHEYENNE – The Laramie County District Attorney has formally objected to a disciplinary panel’s recommendation to the Wyoming Supreme Court that she be disbarred. She argued that, except in one instance, the panel did not have the “clear and convincing evidence” required to show she violated professional conduct rules for attorneys in the state.
In a document filed with the state’s high court Tuesday, DA Leigh Anne Manlove and her attorney, Stephen Melchior, asserted that, even if the court did decide she violated rules, appropriate sanctions under American Bar Association standards would be things like “private reprimand” and “public censure.” Manlove rejected an argument that disbarment would not remove her from her elected position as DA, calling it “illogical.”
“Suspending or revoking the (Laramie County District Attorney’s) license to practice law while they are in office would effectively remove them from their elected position by disabling their legal authority to act as the (district attorney),” the response said.
The state Supreme Court oversees the Wyoming State Bar and its Board of Professional Responsibility, from which a three-person disciplinary hearing panel was chosen. The BPR is the hearing body for attorney discipline in the state.
The court will ultimately decide what consequences Manlove will face. This process may take several months.
Bar Counsel Mark Gifford declined to comment on Manlove’s response.
Formal charges filed by the Office of Bar Counsel last year with the State Bar alleged Manlove had mishandled the prosecution of cases and inappropriately dismissed certain cases, and that she created a hostile work environment.
Following the conclusion of the hearing, the panel announced Feb. 11 that it would recommend Manlove be disbarred, or lose her ability to practice law in Wyoming, for violating six rules of professional conduct. It filed its formal recommendation with the Supreme Court on March 11.
These rules were found to be: Rule 1.1, duty of competence; 1.3, duty of diligence; 3.3(a), duty of candor to the tribunal; 3.4©, duty to follow rules of the tribunal; 8.1(a), material false statements in a disciplinary proceeding; and 8.4(d), which says, “It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.”
The report also recommended Manlove be required to pay an administrative fee of $3,000.
‘Outrageous’ expenses
In her response, Manlove rebuked the choice by the BPR and Office of Bar Counsel to hold the eight-day hearing at “the lovely and luxurious” Little America Hotel & Resort in Cheyenne, accusing the BPR and OBC of “sparing no expense” on meals and beverages.
“The Office of Bar Counsel’s willingness to expend (State Bar) resources in this way is outrageous, and no doubt done with full confidence and expectation that Manlove would be reimbursing (the Bar) in the end,” the response said.
The state Supreme Court has discretion over whether Manlove is responsible for reimbursing the Bar more than $91,000 in total for costs associated with the hearing and investigation.
The largest portion by far was $64,635.75 for lodging, meals, meeting space and use of audio/visual equipment. The Wyoming Room, the ballroom in which the disciplinary hearing was held, cost $1,200 each day – except for the two Fridays the ballroom was used, when the price increased to $2,600.
Manlove noted the “extraordinary” toll the almost year-and-a-half proceedings took on her life, and that the more than $91,000 requested for reimbursement doesn’t include more than a year of legal defense fees and costs.
Disregard of witnesses
Manlove said the BPR panel “markedly discounted the testimony of Manlove and her witnesses,” and “gave full credence to to (Special Bar Counsel Weston W. Reeves’) witnesses but expressed distrust of Manlove and her legal assistant, Lisa Riggs.”
The DA rejected the panel finding she was “combative” and “defiant” during the hearing, as Manlove had been “under attack for more than a year by the time the hearing took place and was there to defend herself,” the response said.
Manlove added that she had taken responsibility, long before any formal charges, for failing to produce evidence in a timely manner in a 2019 case involving the defendant Rodney Law. She said this is the only allegation for which the panel has clear and convincing evidence.
“Manlove also apologized and took responsibility for her perceived harsh treatment of certain employees,” the response said.
She also reiterated arguments made in previous responses and during the hearing that she did not act improperly in her attempts to deal with proposed budget cuts by the state, or in her discretion to fire or hire certain attorneys and other staff members at the beginning of her tenure.
The district attorney said evidence showed her office was fully staffed, or close to it, throughout 2019 and 2020, in conflict with assertions made by the disciplinary panel. She added that testimony from the director of the state budget office, Kevin Hibbard, was “either misunderstood or misconstrued” by the panel regarding furlough days and vacancies, which the panel seemed to use to show management misconduct.
Manlove argued Reeves, prosecuting the disciplinary proceedings on behalf of the Bar, failed to prove her office actually dismissed entire categories of cases, despite the DA having issued a letter following the budget cut announcement that her office would not be able to prosecute “non-priority cases,” including many misdemeanors. (Priority cases included violent felonies, domestic violence cases, subsequent DUIs and felony drug crimes.)
Manlove and former attorneys who worked in her office testified that which cases would be prosecuted was determined largely on a case-by-case basis.
Insufficient evidence
She also asserted that “There is no testimony or evidence, let alone clear and convincing evidence, ... that the cases that were dismissed with the Budget Letter resulted in public safety being jeopardized.” Each had been been dismissed “without prejudice,” meaning the charges could be refiled in the future, and had been approved by a judge.
The DA said there was no evidence to support the assertion that she’d directed cases to be dismissed because she wasn’t prepared to go to trial.
The panel discounted testimony by employees who did not support the allegation that Manlove fostered a chaotic or toxic work environment, the response said, while finding testimony that supported that allegation credible.
Contemporaneous notes by former office manager Amanda Santee were “improperly admitted,” following an objection by Melchior, Manlove’s attorney, that they only consisted of hearsay statements, according to the response.
Manlove rejected claims she’d incorrectly used the state’s overtime policy, and that employees had appropriately received compensatory time, typically in lieu of overtime pay.
The DA said there was not clear and convincing evidence that she’d made false statements or attempted to deflect responsibility away from herself or her office after a defendant named Andrew Weaver was released from jail because a DA’s office employee failed to file documents in time. Days after his release, Weaver shot and killed two adults, and shot and injured two teenagers.
Manlove at the time “was still reeling from the loss of her friend and co-worker, Angela Dougherty, and had been working around the clock to help care for Ms. Dougherty’s ailing mother while still going to work everyday.” The DA “relied on the information she had received from her staff” that the Laramie County Circuit Court was not fully functioning at the time.
She said Reeves and the BPR “mischaracterized” a letter she wrote to a Cheyenne police detective regarding an alleged child sex abuse case. She asserted that it was clear in the letter that, based on available evidence, she’d decided not to charge the case at the time – not that she would never charge the case.
Targeted
Manlove reiterated an assertion she testified to, that “she has multiple reasons to believe she is/has been the target of person animus of Mark Gifford, Bar Counsel.”
Contrary to the panel’s findings, there was “ample testimony” that a former deputy DA, Caitlin Harper, “had an interest in seeing Ms. Manlove removed from office” so she herself could take the position. Harper was the only person who spoke to a few Laramie County judges about alleged dysfunction in the DA’s office, save for a comment by former attorney Cameron Geeting that the office was “hostile and not working for me,” according to the response.
Gifford then seemed to solicit the assistance of Harper and other either former or soon-to-be-former employees to gather information on Manlove.
Manlove wrote that, rather than bring concerns she’d heard from Harper to her directly, Laramie County District Judge Catherine Rogers and other judges decided to write a letter to Gifford. He used the letter, “prepared (by the seven Laramie County judges) with the encouragement and guidance of Mr. Gifford” as the basis of a petition filed a day after to immediately suspend Manlove, the response said.
She referenced an exchange she’d had with Gifford in which he’d been critical of her public refusal to prosecute any potential citations related to a mask mandate.
Also mentioned was an apparently unexplained refusal by Gifford to support a proposed temporary rule that would have helped fill openings in the DA’s office, when a similar request by the Office of the State Public Defender had been approved.
Manlove also argued panel chair Hawks should have disqualified himself from participation in the hearing, as he sits on the state’s Board of Law Examiners and participated in the discussion related to that proposed temporary rule.
According to testimony during the disciplinary hearing, Gifford also called a Cheyenne Police Department officer and inquired about Manlove’s role in a man not yet being arrested. The man was accused of an alleged offense against former Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Michael Golden’s granddaughter.
Manlove alleged based on the format of panel members’ questions and comments during the hearing that they “had already made up their minds” about her. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/da-manlove-formally-objects-to-panel-s-disbarment-recommendation/article_68b68fcf-c1a5-5ade-894a-66638a200912.html | 2022-05-04T04:02:52Z |
‘It was scary’: 21 students sent to hospital after school bus overturns on highway
ST. MATTHEWS, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) - The St. Matthews Police Department is investigating a Tuesday morning crash involving a Jefferson County Public Schools bus on a local highway.
MetroSafe first reported the crash at about 7:10 a.m. on Interstate 64 near the Watterson Expressway interchange.
WAVE reports the school bus was carrying 21 students to Noe Middle and duPont Manual High schools, according to Mark Hebert, a JCPS spokesperson.
Hebert said the bus rolled onto its side after hydroplaning. When it came to rest, the bus was off the right side of the interstate on its left side, facing the wrong direction.
“Everybody was screaming, and we had to go through the front of the bus,” said sixth-grader Kennedy Thompson. “All of the emergency windows and exits were on the side that was down.”
Witness Colleen Hickman said there was heavy rain in the area when the crash happened.
“It was pouring down rain,” she said. “I had my windshield wipers on high, as high as they could go. And it was pouring.”
Hebert said all of the students on the bus were taken to three Louisville-area hospitals to be checked or treated for injuries. The bus driver was not injured.
Maggie Roetker, a spokesperson for Norton Healthcare, said none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
“The patients that we received did not experience any significant head injuries,” said Dr. Mark McDonald with the Norton Children’s Hospital. “And in general, it was just superficial injuries and musculoskeletal injuries.”
The school district shared that it notified the parents or guardians of the students on the bus and that team members were at each of the hospitals.
Hebert said none of the students needed to stay overnight at the hospitals for treatment.
The crash closed the highway for more than two hours, according to police.
Copyright 2022 WAVE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/it-was-scary-21-students-sent-hospital-after-school-bus-overturns-highway/ | 2022-05-04T04:17:17Z |
North Korea launches suspected missile toward sea
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Wednesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to bolster his nuclear arsenal “at the fastest possible pace” and threatened to use them against rivals.
The launch, the North’s 14th round of weapons firing, also came six days before a new South Korean president takes office for a single five-year term.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a brief statement that the launch was made off the North’s eastern coast but gave no further details.
Japan’s Defense Ministry said North Korea has fired a possible ballistic missile without providing further details.
North Korea’s unusually fast pace in weapons testing this year underscores its dual goal of advancing its missile programs and applying pressure on Washington over a deepening freeze in nuclear negotiations, experts say.
There are also signs that the North is preparing for a nuclear test at its remote northeastern testing facility.
Last week, Kim Jong Un showcased his most powerful missiles during a massive military parade in capital, Pyongyang, where he vowed to develop his arsenal at the “fastest possible pace” and warned that the North would proactively use its nuclear weapons if its national interests are threatened.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/north-korea-launches-suspected-missile-toward-sea/ | 2022-05-04T04:17:24Z |
Richlands business-growth program wraps up first iteration
RICHLANDS, Va. (WVVA) - Pop-Up Richlands, a business-growth initiative led by Richlands, Va.’s Industrial Development Authority (IDA) wrapped up Thursday, April 28 as participants pitched business plans to a panel of three judges.
Beginning March 24, Pop-Up Richlands offered participants 5 weeks of business classes followed by the opportunity to pitch one’s own business plan to a panel of out-of-town judges. Up to three groups can be selected to receive $5,000 in “reimbursement grant package” funds to use toward their own business.
“It has been a very, very good learning tool,” said Jaci Barrett, Pop-Up Richlands participant. “They have provided a lot of resources that I didn’t know were available or that even existed.”
Barrett owns The Bleachy Mama, a women’s clothing store in Richlands. She said she opened up shop in 2020 with no experience in business -- and appreciates Pop-Up Richlands’ range of offerings.
“Whenever I first opened I honestly had no idea,” said Barrett. “If I would have had this or any of these resources it would have been completely different.”
While participants presented business plans in hopes of being selected above others to receive $5,000 in funding on Thursday, all involved said they’re on the same team.
“All of us are working together, we all truly like each other,” said Barrett. “I have tried my best to help anyone, I’ve answered questions, I’ve told people about different storefronts that are for rent. If you build each other up, the better you all do in the long run.”
“One thing was very prevalent,” said Blake Ray, Chair of Richlands’ IDA. “They are already working together with each other to help each other be successful. And as we grow as a community in Richlands, that’s the key to everything. We have to work together, we have to be able to lean on each other when we need help and that’s apparent in this group.”
Ray said the IDA plans to continue Pop-Up Richlands moving forward.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/richlands-business-growth-program-wraps-up-first-iteration/ | 2022-05-04T04:17:30Z |
$2.7 million in grants to support economic recovery, tourism programs in Virginia
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - To kick off National Travel and Tourism Week, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Monday that more than $2.7 million in matching grant and reimbursable sponsorship funds is going to over 250 tourism programs around the commonwealth.
The funding programs aim to increase visitation and traveler spending while bolstering economic recovery as businesses continue to rebound from pandemic hits.
Harrisonburg’s Tourism and Visitor Services received one of these grants for $30,000 for two programs. The “Meet in the Friendly City” grant will be used to promote meetings, conferences, and events, like weddings and reunions, while the “Your Basecamp to Adventure” grant focuses on highlighting outdoor opportunities in Harrisonburg.
Harrisonburg’s Tourism Manager Jennifer Bell said the $30,000 will be used to advertise in magazines, Trip Advisor, podcasts, and “host an influence.” She said it will help the Friendly City get exposure among new audiences.
“Part of our marketing is also to make sure people realize all the things they can do here so they don’t just stop in, have a meal and move on or stop in and stay overnight,” Bell said. “But instead they stay longer and spend more money in our community.”
Bell said this large grant can make an impact on all businesses in the city, using the Hub and Spoke business model.
“We highlight an aspect of the community, like downtown Harrisonburg as the hub, and then you talk about the spokes, the various businesses and attractions in the area to give a broad picture of what people can do in the area,” Bell said. “Tie in a visit with not just one specific thing, but a lot of things in the community.”
Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other tourism-related businesses.
“Virginia’s tourism industry has been unrelenting in its recovery efforts, developing innovative and best-in-class strategies to bolster the economy. These grant funds will help continue that momentum, further underscoring that Virginia is open for business and is the best place to live, work, and travel,” Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a press release.
See below for other programs in the Valley that received grants:
- $5,000 to Barren Ridge Vineyards LLC in Fishersville, “Balade Gourmande at Barren Ridge Vineyards”
- $10,000 to Black Bear Productions LLC in Mount Solon, “Red Wing Roots Music Festival”
- $5,000 to County of Page, “WHY Page County”
- $10,000 to Discover Shenandoah in Luray, “72 Hours on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop”
- $10,000 to Encore Event Partners LLC in Winchester, “Taste of Blue Ridge: Unearth, Savor, Nourish”
- $12,450 to Heifetz International Music Institute in Staunton, “The Heifetz Institute’s 2022 Festival of Concerts”
- $35,000 to Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, “Fall Access/Luray Triathalon”
- $20,000 to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, “Shenandoah Valley Origami Adventure”
- $16,616 to Queen City Mischief & Magic in Staunton, “Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival”
- $10,000 to Rockingham County Fair Association, “Rockingham County Fair”
- $20,000 to Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, “Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival”
- $20,000 to Shenandoah County, “Trail Treks and Road Rides in the George Washington National Forest”
- $5,000 to Shenandoah Music Trail in Swoope, “Music Trail Event”
- $10,000 to Shenandoah University in Winchester, “Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre”
- $10,000 to Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Woodstock, “Summer Music & Outdoor Adventure”
- $20,000 to Shenandoah Valley Travel Association in Luray, “GO BIG: Shenandoah Grand Tours!”
- $3,000 to Staunton-Augusta Art Center, “Art in the Park”
- $13,750 to Staunton Music Festival, “Staunton Music Festival/BaroqueFest 2022″
- $10,000 to Summer Stage LLC in Staunton, “Summer Stage @ The Blackburn 2022″
- $10,000 to Wayne Theatre Alliance, Inc in Waynesboro, “Outdoor Production”
- $20,000 to City of Waynesboro, “Family-Friendly Waynesboro”
Click here for the full list of funding recipients.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/27-million-grants-support-economic-recovery-tourism-programs-virginia/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:12Z |
‘It was scary’: 21 students sent to hospital after school bus overturns on highway
ST. MATTHEWS, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) - The St. Matthews Police Department is investigating a Tuesday morning crash involving a Jefferson County Public Schools bus on a local highway.
MetroSafe first reported the crash at about 7:10 a.m. on Interstate 64 near the Watterson Expressway interchange.
WAVE reports the school bus was carrying 21 students to Noe Middle and duPont Manual High schools, according to Mark Hebert, a JCPS spokesperson.
Hebert said the bus rolled onto its side after hydroplaning. When it came to rest, the bus was off the right side of the interstate on its left side, facing the wrong direction.
“Everybody was screaming, and we had to go through the front of the bus,” said sixth-grader Kennedy Thompson. “All of the emergency windows and exits were on the side that was down.”
Witness Colleen Hickman said there was heavy rain in the area when the crash happened.
“It was pouring down rain,” she said. “I had my windshield wipers on high, as high as they could go. And it was pouring.”
Hebert said all of the students on the bus were taken to three Louisville-area hospitals to be checked or treated for injuries. The bus driver was not injured.
Maggie Roetker, a spokesperson for Norton Healthcare, said none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
“The patients that we received did not experience any significant head injuries,” said Dr. Mark McDonald with the Norton Children’s Hospital. “And in general, it was just superficial injuries and musculoskeletal injuries.”
The school district shared that it notified the parents or guardians of the students on the bus and that team members were at each of the hospitals.
Hebert said none of the students needed to stay overnight at the hospitals for treatment.
The crash closed the highway for more than two hours, according to police.
Copyright 2022 WAVE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/it-was-scary-21-students-sent-hospital-after-school-bus-overturns-highway/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:18Z |
No injuries after Harrisonburg apartment fire
Published: May. 3, 2022 at 11:46 PM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - There were no reported injuries after a fire at an apartment in Harrisonburg on Tuesday night.
Just before 11 p.m., firefighters responded to the 1200 block of Devon Lane for a fire on the third floor of a building within the Harrison at JMU student-housing complex.
Harrisonburg Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said the fire was under control shortly after crews arrived.
No word yet on how the fire started or the extent of damage.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/no-injuries-after-harrisonburg-apartment-fire/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:24Z |
North Korea fires ballistic missile amid rising animosities
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea has launched a ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Wednesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to bolster his nuclear arsenal “at the fastest possible pace” and threatened to use them against rivals.
The launch, the North’s 14th round of weapons firing, also came six days before a new conservative South Korean president takes office for a single five-year term.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the missile was fired from the North’s capital region and flew to the waters off its eastern coast. It said the South Korean military is monitoring possible additional weapons launches by North Korea.
Japan’s Defense Ministry said North Korea has fired a possible ballistic missile without providing further details. The Japanese Coast Guard urged vessels traveling off Japanese coasts to stay away from any possible fragments.
North Korea’s unusually fast pace in weapons testing this year underscores its dual goal of advancing its missile programs and applying pressure on Washington over a deepening freeze in nuclear negotiations, experts say.
There are also signs that the North is preparing for a nuclear test at its remote northeastern testing facility. If made, the atomic bomb test explosion by North Korea would be the seventh of its kind and the first since 2017.
Last week, Kim Jong Un showcased his most powerful nuclear-capable missiles targeting both the United States and its allies during a massive military parade in capital, Pyongyang. During a speech at the parade, Kim said he would develop his arsenal at the “fastest possible pace” and warned that the North would preemptively use its nuclear weapons if its national interests are threatened.
It appears Kim’s brinkmanship is meant to boost his weapons arsenal and apply more pressure on Washington and Seoul to accept his country as a nuclear state and relax extensive international sanctions on it, observers say.
Wednesday’s launch came before the May 10 inauguration of South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk Yeol, who has vowed to boost Seoul’s missile capability and solidify its military alliance with Washington to better cope with increasing North Korean nuclear threats.
North Korea has a history of raising animosities with weapons tests when Seoul and Washington inaugurate new governments in an apparent bid to boost its leverage in future negotiations.
___
Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report from Tokyo.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/north-korea-launches-suspected-missile-toward-sea/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:30Z |
New AT&T Business Fiber or AT&T Wireless Broadband Customers to Receive Free Credit Card Processing on Up to $10K in Sales from Square.
"Smart Advice for Small Business" Webinar Series Featuring Barbara Corcoran Continues for 3rd Year and Introduces Free Weekly Education Series
DALLAS, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --
What's the news? AT&T is equipping small businesses with special offers and helpful tools to support their success as we celebrate National Small Business Week, May 1-7, 2022. We're also launching a set of events and a sweepstakes to offer small businesses expert business and technology guidance and the chance to win a $10,000 grand prize.
Why is this important? Small businesses are a top priority for us. They're not only vital to our short and long-term growth but to the growth of the economy as a whole. We strive every day to help our more than 2 million small business customers make the right choices for connectivity and technology solutions to grow their operations. From special offers to exclusive plans to free advice from experts, we're doing what we can to help this important segment succeed.
What are the new offers?
- Square: With the purchase of AT&T Business Fiber or AT&T Wireless Broadband, customers will receive waived credit card processing on up to $10K in card sales from Square. 1
- AT&T Business Mobility: Looking to add a new line? Learn how eligible customers can get up to $1,000 in bill credits. 2
How is AT&T celebrating Small Business Week?
- May 1: AT&T Business is kicked off the week with our Not Small in Spirit Sweepstakes3 to celebrate small businesses and the way they have adapted to change. The sweepstakes offers small business owners the opportunity to win a $10,000 grand prize or 1 of 10 additional $2,000 prizes and runs May 1-14, 2022. To enter, click here.
- May 2: AT&T Small Business Panel, "The Power of Adaptability" moderated by small business expert and She Ventures owner Georgina Miranda. Panelists discussed how small businesses can thrive through adapting how they connect with customers.
- May 3: AT&T Business offered a free webinar with small business expert Barry Moltz. Moltz discussed his book ChangeMasters and shared tips to help small businesses evaluate, plan for, and implement changes in this ever-evolving business landscape.
While we are celebrating many ways throughout the week, we aren't stopping there. We're continuing to work with Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group and notable "Shark" on ABC's Shark Tank, to extend our highly successful, free Business Unusual with Barbara Corcoran: "Smart Advice for Small Business" webinar series presented by AT&T Business into its 3rd year. The first webinar is set for:
- May 11: "Win Customers by Keeping It Simple": Join Barbara with special guests Alicia Dietsch (Senior Vice President, AT&T Business Marketing) and Levain Bakery co-founders Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald and CMO Lorna Sommerville, to discuss customers' needs for simplicity and how small businesses can adapt.
- Register at 888Barbara.com at no cost. Recordings of the webinars will be made available soon after their original air date.
In addition, small businesses can watch Barbara Corcoran share key lessons and her best tips and tricks to tackle the top issues facing every business today in her new educational video series, Business Unusual: Extra Credit with Barbara Corcoran.
What are people saying?
"We love small businesses and what they stand for: entrepreneurship, creativity and resilience. They're crucial to our local economies. That's why we have an unwavering commitment to their success. We celebrate small businesses year-round by providing them with solutions and tools to help grow their business and achieve their dreams." -- Jennifer Van Buskirk, AT&T Small Business & Mid Markets President
"These last 2 years have been tough on small businesses, but I'm amazed by the creativity and resiliency of all the small business owners who reinvented their businesses. I'm excited to team up with AT&T Business again to help entrepreneurs navigate their way to grow and succeed in the new normal." -- Barbara Corcoran, founder of The Corcoran Group & Shark Tank executive producer
"Square's ecosystem of products allows small business owners to feel like they have the resources and capabilities of a large corporation, empowering them to start, run and grow no matter the industry or complexity. Small businesses are expected to evolve more quickly than ever, and we provide sellers with solutions that allow them to adapt to any challenges or opportunities that come their way. With this AT&T partnership, we continue to offer sellers the tools to seamlessly run their business and provide the best possible experience for their customers and staff." -- Roshan Jhunja, Head of Retail, Square
For more information about our small business solutions and how we're supporting small businesses, please visit att.com/smallbiz.
*About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.
1 Square Offer: Subject to change and may be discontinued at any time. Customers who sign up for Business Fiber (50 and higher) or AT&T Wireless Broadband (any speed) are eligible to receive waived credit card processing fees on up to $10,000 in bona fide card sales from Square. Offer valid only for new Square customers with a US Square account and a US-based bank account. Offer is limited to one redemption per account holder and not valid with guest checkout. Square reserves the right to modify, revoke, or cancel the offer at any time. Offer cannot be combined with another coupon, is not redeemable for cash, and is non-transferable. Waived processing fees are reimbursed to your account on each deposit. After $10,000 in sales, Square's standard pricing will apply . Redemption: Following activation and installation of eligible Business Fiber or AT&T Wireless Broadband service, customer will be sent an email or letter with redemption details through Square. Square usage subject to terms and service at www.squareup.com/us/en/legal/general/payment
Offers may not be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions. Offer, terms, and restrictions are subject to change.
2$100 Voice Activation Bill Credit Offer: Limited time. Available only to business customers with a qual. wireless svc agreement (Business Agmt) for Corporate Responsibility User (CRU) lines of service. Req'd Wireless: Must remain on an eligible postpaid unlimited voice & data plan (min. $65/mo. on AT&T Business Unlimited Starter plan for new svc with autopay and paperless bill discounts. Pay min. $75/mo. until discounts start w/in 2 bills. Other qual. plans available. Existing customers can add to current unlimited plan if eligible, which may be less.). Eligible unlimited plans: AT&T Business Unlimited Elite, AT&T Business Unlimited Performance, Key Enterprise Unlimited with Tethering (After 50GB, AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy), AT&T Business Unlimited Starter Plan (AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds if the network is busy), and AT&T Business Mobile Preferred. On Unlimited plans, video may be ltd to SD. Speed, usage & other restr's apply. See att.com/bizunlimited and att.com/busmobpref for current unlimited plans. Bill Credits: Credits start w/in 3 bills. Credit will not exceed $100 and will be applied monthly as over term of the Installment plan ($2.77/mo. over 36 months; or $3.33/mo. over 30 months; or $4.17/mo. over 24 months). You will receive catch-up credits once bill credits start. Wireless line must be active & in good standing for 30 days to qualify. To get all credits, wireless line must remain active, with eligible service, and on agmt for entire term. If you cancel service, upgrade or pay up/off agmt early your credits may cease. May not be combinable w/other offers, discounts or credits. Participation in this offer may make your wireless account ineligible for select other offers (including select bill credit offers) for a 12-month period. Conversions from AT&T PREPAID and Cricket wireless are not eligible.
Promotions, terms & restr's subject to change & may be modified or terminated at any time without notice.
GEN. WIRELESS SVC: Subj. to applicable Business Agmt (see your AT&T representative for terms). Credit approval required. Deposit: May apply. Additional monthly fees & taxes: Apply per line & include Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (Up to $1.50), Administrative Fee ($1.99) Property Tax Allotment surcharge ($0.20-$0.45) & other fees which are not government-required surcharges as well as taxes. See att.com/mobilityfees for more details. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. AT&T service is subject to AT&T network management policies. See att.com/broadbandinfo for details.
3NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00 PM ET on 5/1/22 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 5/14/22. Open only to small business owners who are legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18+ years of age. For Official Rules, including how to enter, odds, prize details and restrictions, visit go.att.com/smallbizsweeps. Void where prohibited. Msg&data rates may apply. Sponsor: AT&T Services, Inc., 208 S. Akard St., Dallas, TX 75201.
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SOURCE AT&T Communications | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/atampt-launches-new-offers-helpful-tools-small-businesses-just-time-national-small-business-week/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:37Z |
VANCOUVER, BC, May 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) advises its Annual General Meeting of shareholders ("AGM") will be held virtually on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 10 am PDT. Shareholders who intend to participate in the AGM should refer to the Company's management information circular (the "Proxy Circular") for details regarding how to participate.
The AGM is being held to (i) receive the audited financial statements of the Company for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and the report of the auditor thereon, (ii) elect directors of the Company for the ensuing year, (iii) appoint the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix their remuneration, (iv) authorize and approve a non-binding advisory resolution accepting the Company's approach to executive compensation and (v) transact such other business as may properly come before the AGM.
The Company has nominated seven nominees for election as director, being current directors Paul Wright, Gordon Fretwell, Michael Price, Judith Mosely, Dawn Moss and Matt Badylak, and proposed new director Greg Martin. Current directors Marcel de Groot and Shawn Wallace will not be standing for re-election as directors of the Company. The Company thanks each of Mr. de Groot and Mr. Wallace for their more than 10 years of service as directors of the Company. If elected, it is expected that Mr. Martin will replace Mr. de Groot as the chair of the Audit Committee and add financial experience and acumen to the Company's board of directors.
The Company has elected to use the notice-and-access provisions under National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations and National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer for the AGM. Materials for the AGM, including the Proxy Circular, have been filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and are also available on the Company's website at: www.galianogold.com/investors/annual-meeting. Any shareholder who wishes to receive a paper copy of the Proxy Circular should contact the Company at Suite 1640, 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3X1, by telephone: (604) 683-8193, by telephone toll-free: 1-855-246-7341, by fax: (604) 683-8194 or by email: info@galianogold.com. A shareholder may also use the toll-free number noted above to obtain additional information about the notice-and-access provisions.
Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of long-term value creation for its stakeholders through exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company currently operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West Africa which is jointly owned with Gold Fields Ltd. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.
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SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc. | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/galiano-gold-2022-annual-general-meeting-information/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:43Z |
International wildlife organization calls for a phase-out of keeping elephants at zoos and an end to the capture of wild elephants
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International wildlife charity Born Free has today released a major new report revealing the true extent of the pain and suffering of elephants held captive in zoos. As a collaboration between Born Free USA and its U.K.-based sister charity Born Free Foundation, the report, Elephants in Zoos: A Legacy of Shame, provides a comprehensive global perspective on the exploitation of elephants in zoos across North America and Europe.
In 2021, there were 299 elephants housed in 67 North American zoos — at least 12 of them in complete isolation. In Europe, there were 580 elephants in 149 zoos. These numbers have increased over the previous 40 years largely through the import of wild-caught individuals. Using powerful individual case studies, Elephants in Zoos: A Legacy of Shame outlines the history and continuing plight of captive elephants.
The report lays bare the potentially fatal impact of captivity on the physical and psychological health and welfare of the individual animals. It is a horrifying fact that most elephants in North American and European zoos demonstrate abnormal stereotypic behaviors regularly, some almost constantly, such as rocking, swaying, and head bobbing, as a consequence of long-term mental distress.
The detailed research exposes the unsustainable nature of existing captive populations, mainly due to high infant mortality rates and poor reproductive success. Shockingly, the report confirms that 40% of infant elephants in zoos die before they reach the age of 5. To keep their exhibits "stocked" with elephants, some zoos have chosen to capture elephants from the wild, thereby affecting not only the animals stolen from their families but the social stability and conservation of wild populations. This has substantial knock-on effects on the wider ecosystems of which elephants form a vital part.
The report also underlines, through multiple real-life examples, the ethical and public safety concerns associated with the keeping of elephants in zoos. In the wild, these majestic animals roam across vast ranges in excess of 10,000 square kilometres, live up to 70 years, and occupy complex multigenerational social structures. By comparison, Elephants in Zoos: A Legacy of Shame shows elephants in zoos are confined in enclosures, often only a little larger than a football field, with an average herd size of just three, and at times completely alone. They suffer health problems, shorter life expectancies, and are denied the ability to engage in the rich social and behavioral norms of their species.
Said Angela Grimes, CEO of Born Free USA: "The keeping of any wild animal in captivity denies them the ability to live their lives in freedom, with others of their own kind, and to thrive in their natural habitat. Elephants are a prime example of how captivity causes direct and lasting harm. Our work highlights serious health and welfare concerns for elephants in zoos, as well as negative consequences on free-living populations. Holding these majestic animals in zoos as 'exhibits' for public entertainment does not support elephant conservation or welfare. It is time for U.S. zoos to commit to ending elephant captivity by phasing out their exhibits for good."
Keeping elephants in captivity is also extremely dangerous. Interactions with captive elephants are responsible for the deaths of more animal keepers than any other captive animal. Captive elephants have been involved in dozens of zookeeper and visitor deaths, bodily disfigurements, instances of property damage, and dangerous escapes. In 2021, a woman suffered life-changing injuries and was permanently disfigured following an elephant attack that occurred during an encounter experience at the Endangered Ark Foundation in Oklahoma.
The facts, scientific analysis, and individual case studies speak for themselves. The report concludes that elephants do not belong in captivity and recommends the keeping of elephants in zoos should be phased out.
With this report, Born Free continues its long traditon of advocating for an end to elephant captivity, which it has fought for since its inception. Born Free's co-founders, Virginia McKenna OBE and Bill Travers MBE, tried desperately to prevent a young female elephant named Pole Pole from being exported from Kenya to London Zoo. Later, they campaigned for her to be moved to better conditions. This experience inspired the start of Born Free in 1984 under the name Zoo Check.
Read the report and explore the campaign at www.bornfreeusa.org/elephantsinzoos.
About Born Free USA
Born Free USA works to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. We oppose the exploitation of wild animals in captivity and campaign to keep them where they belong—in the wild. Born Free USA's Primate Sanctuary is the largest in the United States and provides a permanent home to primates rehomed from laboratories or rescued from zoos and private ownership.
We're social: www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa, www.instagram.com/bornfreeusaorg.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Orange Orchard
(865) 977-1973
hripley@orangeorchardpr.com
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SOURCE Born Free USA | https://www.whsv.com/prnewswire/2022/05/04/new-born-free-report-reveals-horrific-suffering-captive-elephants/ | 2022-05-04T04:55:49Z |
AAA: Gasoline prices back on the rise, select states with 20 cent increases
(Gray News) - After a short break from rising gasoline prices, the prices at the pump are once again increasing.
According to AAA, pump prices rose over the past week due to the high cost of crude oil. The cost of a barrel of crude continues to hover around $100.
With the oil price accounting for about 60% of pump prices, AAA reports the national average for a gallon of regular is currently $4.19, an increase of seven cents since April 25 and $1.29 more than a year ago.
“As long as the supply remains tight, it will be hard for crude oil prices to fall and consumers will face higher prices at the pump,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “It now costs drivers in the U.S. about $23 more to fill up than a year ago.”
Officials say the fear of a global energy supply disruption due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine outweighs the demand concerns prompted by the impact of COVID-19 on China’s economy.
According to new data from the Energy Information Administration, total domestic gasoline demand has decreased slightly, and it would typically push pump prices lower. However, the fluctuating oil price and tight gasoline supply have pushed pump prices higher.
As AAA reports, pump prices will likely face upward pressure as oil prices remain above $100 per barrel.
Quick stats from AAA:
- The nation’s top 10 largest weekly increases: Delaware (+22 cents), Maryland (+21 cents), Ohio (+19 cents), Pennsylvania (+15 cents), Washington, D.C. (+14 cents), Connecticut (+13 cents), Vermont (+13 cents), Indiana (+12 cents), New Jersey (+12 cents) and North Carolina (+12 cents).
- The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets: Georgia ($3.72), Missouri ($3.77), Kansas ($3.78), Arkansas ($3.79), Mississippi ($3.80), Oklahoma ($3.80), Kentucky ($3.82), South Carolina ($3.85), Alabama ($3.85) and Texas ($3.86).
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/03/aaa-gasoline-prices-back-rise-select-states-with-20-cent-increases/ | 2022-05-04T05:03:54Z |
Jury awards $15M in damages in UVA lacrosse player’s killing
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A former University of Virginia lacrosse player who fatally beat his girlfriend in 2010 has been ordered by a jury to pay $15 million in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Monday evening, the jury awarded $15 million in compensatory damages to Sharon and Lexie Love, Yeardley Love’s mother and sister. It also found George Huguely responsible for punitive damages, but decided not to award any.
The plaintiffs had originally asked for $29.5 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages. Love’s lawyers say they are pleased with the verdict.
“Justice sometimes takes time, but justice was done today,” Love’s attorney Paul Bekman said.
Although the jury did not award punitive damages, it still found Huguely responsible for love’s death.
“Fifteen million dollars is a very fair verdict. It is not as important as the final finding that there was wanton or willful misconduct and conscious disregard for the rights of Yeardley Love. That is extremely important to the family. It’s extremely important to us,” Bekman said.
Huguely’s lawyer agrees with the compensatory damages awarded. The money will be collected through assets and future earnings.
“The death of Yeardley Love and criminal trial of George Huguely has resulted in twelve years of litigation that has been very hard on everybody. This will be the end of that litigation,” Huguely’s lawyer Matthew Green said.
Both parties have said they will not be pursuing any further legal action.
“I think that what they [the jury] said in their special finding is that they’re sending a message out to everyone that you cannot get drunk or intoxicated and do whatever you want. There are consequences to pay if that happens,” Bekman said.
This verdict came down on on May 2, exactly one day before the 12 year anniversary of Yeardley Love’s death.
Huguely was found guilty of second degree murder after admitting to kicking down her door and drunkenly assaulting her. He is about halfway through serving 23 years behind bars.
The Love family created the One Love Foundation in Yeardley’s honor, which works to educate teenagers about the signs of abusive or unhealthy relationships.
Copyright 2022 WVIR. All rights reserved.
Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/03/jury-awards-15m-damages-uva-lacrosse-players-killing/ | 2022-05-04T05:04:02Z |
Youngkin launches Office of the Children’s Ombudsman
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, which will advocate for changes in the state’s child welfare system.
The office will also be able to take complaints from the citizens about “the actions or decisions of departments of social services in cases involving children alleged to have been abused or neglected and children who are in foster care.”
“I am pleased that we are officially launching the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, which will play a critical role in improving Virginia’s foster care system, facilitate complaints, and advocate for changes to the child welfare system. My administration is committed to serving the next generation of Virginia’s children,” Youngkin said in a release.
Last month, the governor launched a task force to help safely house foster children
Youngkin said last year more than 150 kids in Virginia spent at least one night in hotels, emergency rooms or local government offices due to a shortage of foster homes.
To learn more about the Office of the Children’s Ombudsman, click here.
Copyright 2022 WWBT. All rights reserved.
Want NBC12’s top stories in your inbox each morning? Subscribe here. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/03/youngkin-launches-office-childrens-ombudsman/ | 2022-05-04T05:04:23Z |
Bluefield, Va. asks for residents’ input on 10-year plan
BLUEFIELD, Va. (WVVA) - Bluefield, Va. hosted a town hall meeting Tuesday to hear residents’ input on the town’s upcoming downtown master plan. Mayor Donnie Linkous said the goal is to hear from as many residents as possible, and of all ages.
The town partnered with engineering company Cardno to develop the plan -- and Linkous made it clear Tuesday that input from the public is essential moving forward.
“If you get a bunch of your friends together and you talk about it, you want to see something happen -- call over to town hall,” said Linkous. “let us know so we can get you involved with these people, because that’s the whole idea of this plan.”
Linkous added there will be more opportunities for public comment as the master plan process continues.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/bluefield-va-asks-residents-input-10-year-plan/ | 2022-05-04T05:48:52Z |
Riley Fitzwater signs with BC Triple Threat
Two-time all-American will play in the Netherlands
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 12:58 AM EDT|Updated: 50 minutes ago
ATHENS, W.Va. (WVVA) -Former Concord star, Riley Fitzwater will play professionally in the Netherlands.
Fitzwater is the program’s all-time leader in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Her 68.8 field goal percentage is an NCAA DII record for a career.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/riley-fitzwater-signs-with-bc-triple-threat/ | 2022-05-04T05:48:58Z |
Wyoming East and James Monroe snag sectional wins
Warriors win close, Mavs win comfortably
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 12:31 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
NEW RICHMOND W.Va. (WVVA) -Wyoming East advanced to the 2A sectional title game with its 5-2 win over Bluefield.
James Monroe cruised past Mount View 12-3 to advance in the Class A tournament.
Some other scores from Tuesday night:
Woodrow Wilson 10 Princeton 1
Independence 10 Liberty 0
Greenbrier East 12 Oak Hill 1
River View 8 Montcalm 0
Shady Spring 6 Nicholas County 0
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/wyoming-east-james-monroe-snag-sectional-wins/ | 2022-05-04T05:49:04Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/attempted-murder-reported-in-downtown-honolulu-police-on-scene/article_5e211e00-cb62-11ec-90c2-07a86960fe04.html | 2022-05-04T05:52:47Z |
While the state legislative session ends Thursday, dozens of bills were passed Tuesday by local lawmakers.
Measures like the state's minimum wage bill and management of Mauna Kea received a lot of attention this legislative session, but many other measures also passed their final reading.
Under a bill passed by lawmakers, corrections officers will be put under a new Department of Corrections, while various state law enforcement agencies would be consolidated into one organization. The change would also include have a training academy and allow deputy sheriffs to patrol state facilities and highways.
"We don't need sheriffs in the court, as bailiffs. We had other ways of doing that before. We don't need them just at the airport, we can utilize them and get the most bang for our buck for law enforcement," said Senator Kurt Fevella.
Special elections ballots will look different under a bill passed. Instead of checking off the box for one candidate, voters will rank the top candidates instead. The majority of Hawaii lawmakers voted for this measure, but not all.
"I am not convinced raked choice is something we need. The system we have isn't broke so why fix it," said Representative Gene Ward.
Hawaii residents earning $100,000 or less will get a $300 tax rebate, under another bill passed. While those who make more will get less.
Senators and representatives said they they were able to get a lot done this legislative session because there was extra money to spend.
"We had a $3 billion surplus. I am grateful we are spending that surplus on schools, on teachers and wages so we have quality and qualified teachers," stated Representative Jeanne Kapela.
Along with pay raises for teachers, there is additional funding for specialty instructors as well as those working in rural areas.
Lawmakers also approved millions more to put in air conditioning units to cool classrooms around the state.
More than a billion dollars has also been set aside for Native Hawaiian issues.
Including putting an end to a 23 year lawsuit against the state, by Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries who sued for breaches of trust dating back as far as 1959.
"These are mostly kupuna now. Hundreds have passed away. They were essentially lied to, promised redress and lied to again. So this is a historic settlement," said Jarrett Keohokalole.
Those native Hawaiians will receive $328 million in the settlement approved by the legislature.
Lawmakers will still have a final vote on Thursday over a bill that would provide $600 million to get thousands of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries onto homestead lots.
There are a number of other bills that will get a final reading before the legislative session ends this week. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hawaii-lawmakers-pass-dozens-of-bills-before-end-of-session/article_42e43cbe-cb65-11ec-b7cd-93db6d4b0b37.html | 2022-05-04T05:52:53Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
WAIKIKI (KITV4) - A large surf swell today along the south shore of Oahu had lifeguards scrambling to save lives.
Honolulu Ocean Safety reports that lifeguards over 320 rescues and assists were performed Tuesday, after large swells as big as 10-12 feet hit the south shore.
Hundreds of surfers were caught in the large surf, losing or breaking surfboards and leashes. Some surfers were unable to paddle back onto shore by themselves.
Ocean Safety lifeguards also made more than 1,200 preventative actions.
Ocean Safety encourages inexperienced surfers to stay onshore during high surf, keep a close watch on your children, and call 911 immediately if you see someone in trouble in the ocean.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hundreds-rescued-in-waikiki-after-12-feet-swells-hit-oahu-south-shore/article_2953a5ce-cb5a-11ec-b9ee-cfecfea12584.html | 2022-05-04T05:52:59Z |
The details of a leaked draft majority U.S. Supreme Court decision that would strike down Roe v. Wade is shocking many abortion rights advocates. KITV4 got local reaction today to the possible Supreme Court Decision, and has the story of one young woman who traveled to Hawaii from Texas so she could get a legal abortion. Democratic-led states are expected to preserve abortion access with 15 states already having a law or state Constitution that protects abortion rights. Hawaii is included in that group of 15. In 1970, Hawaii became the first state to legalize abortion as a largely elective procedure, a full three years before Roe v. Wade allowed abortion on a national level. Those who oppose abortion regularly picket in front of Planned Parenthood in Honolulu. And they talk with people going into the clinic to share alternatives to abortion. Alexus Nguyen was at Planned Parenthood today, not to protest, but to comfort and care for a close 19-year-old friend who came to Honolulu from Houston for the procedure. Alexus Nguyen is supporting friend from Houston,
“I’m here to support her physically and mentally. I’m there for her whatever decision she makes. If she decides to keep it I would be there for her. It’s her decision at the end of the day. She’s only 19 and she’s supporting herself. I know it’s going to be an extreme struggle she’s not ready for it. I know this decision is impacting her incredibly. “ "There’s a lot of corrupt messed up things they stoop to because that’s the last chance they have for single mothers.” The Texas Heartbeat Act prohibits abortion when there is a detectable heartbeat, which could be as early as 6 weeks into a woman's pregnancy. Susana Kwock is a Pro-life Supporter “I am out here to pray for the end of abortion, and to pray for the unborn and their families. And to try to help educate the women and if they come with husbands or boyfriends to educate them.” Heather Quejada is a pro-life supporter “ I feel strongly that the baby be born they are human like anyone else. “ Details of the possible Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe vs. Wade upsets many abortion rights advocates in The Islands. Rep. Della Au Belatti (D) Moiliili- Makiki-Tantalus “We’re seeing the fallout of states restricting access to abortion and that’s a scary dangerous thing for women throughout the country. Rep. Bob McDermott (R) Ewa Beach “The State of Hawaii is going to have unfettered access to abortion, basically no restrictions. So that is already in place. So it’s not going to affect us here. But it sends a signal across the nation that life is important. We’ve seen a devaluing of life across the board.” Representative Au Belatti says, with Hawaii’s long history of access to safe abortions that people value, she hopes that access will not be eroded as in other states. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/texas-teen-travels-to-hawaii-for-abortion/article_69a17294-cb61-11ec-9e49-1fb8da01c8fb.html | 2022-05-04T05:53:05Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
The owner of Tina's Lei Shop in Chinatown relies heavily on Mother's Day and graduation season to sustain her small business.
"We were making enough profit to pay for our rent for the whole year," said owner Tina Nguyen.
During a typical day, this shop might see 10 people, but during Mother's Day and graduation season, hundreds of people come here for lei.
But after almost three years of losses due to COVID-19, she's facing another major obstacle -- a shortage of lei.
"Because of the shortage it also drives up the price too so like I told all the customers the price is really high now, but we don't make as much of a profit like before," Nguyen said.
Supply-chain issues, labor shortages and loss of production are to blame. As well as getting lei into the islands with most of the orchid ones coming from Asia.
"The real problem right now is over the last two weeks most of the incoming lei from Asia have been confiscated by (agriculture) for some reason. That is creating a huge vacuum and a very, very low supply heading into Mother's Day weekend," said Monty Pereira, general manager of Watanabe Floral.
Watanabe Floral estimates a 50% shortage this week, which is why it's limiting the number of lei per shopper.
But having enough lei isn't the only problem. A helium shortage is also stifling balloon sales.
"We had ordered, you know, tanks and tanks of helium," Pereira said. "We got one half of one tank delivered to us today. So you could have no lei and no balloons come graduation, which would be very ... sad."
Shop owners are just hoping supply will catch up to demand by the time high school graduations commence later this month. But for right now, many graduates face the very real prospect of going without the traditional lei to celebrate their milestone.
Kristen joined KITV4 in March 2021 after working for the past two decades as a newspaper reporter. Kristen's goal is to produce meaningful journalism that educates, enlightens and inspires to affect positive change in society. | https://www.kitv.com/news/shortage-of-lei-ahead-of-mothers-day-and-the-start-of-hawaiis-graduation-season/article_b7afc73c-cb62-11ec-8bed-1fba1d6ba90f.html | 2022-05-04T05:53:11Z |
A1 teases May 3, 2022 4 hrs ago Comments Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email 1 of 2 The Hustlin’ Owls gather during a doubleheader softball game against Southern Oregon University Wednesday. OIT Athletics The Kit Carson park sign on Tuesday. Staff photo by Arden Barnes / Report for America Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save KIT ANDCONTROVERSYA month after name change, the former Kit Carson Park still stirs strong feelings.NEWS, A3HOOT FOR THEHOME TEAMOregon Tech softball team will play hostto conference tourney, first round of NAIAs.SPORTS, B5 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Tags Softball Home Team Sport Team Tourney Oregon Tech Kit Carson Park First Round Recommended for you Trending Now 'Execution-style' killer of teen girl released from prison Poll: Oregon's Kate Brown is most unpopular U.S. governor 64-year-old woman arrested at alleged illegal marijuana farm Police find missing 12-year-old girl Perales, Melanie Rose Latest e-Edition Klamath Falls Herald and News Read the latest edition of the Klamath Falls Herald and News. Local Survey As mask mandates come to an end in Oregon, how will you use them in future? You voted: Will never wear one again Will wear masks in busy places, like airports and stadiums Will wear if experiencing symptoms Will wear if requested by friend/store/municipality Vote View Results Back | https://www.heraldandnews.com/a1-teases/article_de1abbfd-dbf4-58df-9f38-e83b806fef8c.html | 2022-05-04T06:59:24Z |
Hunter Schwenk went 2 for 3 with a triple and drove in three runs as Henley High defeated visiting Phoenix 12-1 Tuesday afternoon to move into sole possession of first place in the Skyline Conference baseball race.
Tyler Harper homered for the Hornets (16-5 overall, 8-2 conference), who moved a half-game ahead of idle Hidden Valley, the top-ranked Class 4A team in the state, and Mazama.
Dylan Tobias allowed only three hits over the five innings to earn the victory.
Aiden Hayes went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBIs and also scored two runs. Owen Cheyne added two hits, including a triple and Leo Ahalt had two singles and scored three times.
The Hornets scored multiple runs in each inning in which they came to the plate, getting two in the first, three in the second, four in the third and three more in the fourth.
Lost River 11, North Lake 0: The host Raiders (5-11, 3-6) blanked the Cowboys (0-15, 0-9) in the Class 2A/1A Special District 6 game.
Softball
Henley 20, Phoenix 1: Anna Harper, Elizabeth Powell, Lily Fitzpatrick, and Malia Mick hit home runs as the host Hornets (10-10, 10-0) moved a half-game ahead of idle Mazama in the Skyline Conference race.
Powell also hit two doubles in going 3 for 4 with five RBIs.
Annie Campos allowed just one hit over the five innings and struck out seven. The only run Phoenix (8-11, 6-4) scored was unearned.
Lakeview 9-15, Bonanza 0-1: Tyler McNeley pitched one-hit shutout in the opener with 19 strikeouts and also went 2 for 3 with a double, home run and three RBIs and the host Honkers (13-4, 5-0) went on to sweep the Class 2A/1A Special District 5 doubleheader against the Antlers (4-11, 1-5).
In the second game, Bridget Shullanberger went 4 for 4 with two doubles, scored four runs and drove in two more. Fernanda Inzunza hit a triple and had three RBIs. McNeley went 2 for 3 with two RBIs and earned the victory, allowing one run on two hits in three innings with five strikeouts.
Track & field
Oregon State High Performance Meet: Three Oregon Tech women surpassed the NAIA “A” standard in the javelin – as Alex Conley led the OIT contingent with a mark of 139 feet, 9 inches. Her teammates – Aarika Brooks and Brittan Bratscher – added their name to the national list – as Brooks converted her “B” mark to an auto qualifier with a throw of 135-6, with Bratscher launching a season-best throw of 134-4. Amber Miller also competed in the event, recording a mark 121-10.
In the hammer throw, Katie Mull narrowly missed the OIT school record, logging a personal-best of 141-3.
On the track, Lily Lavine clocked a season-best time of 26.33 seconds in the 200, while also running a quality time in the 400 (59.07). Ally Odell competed in the 100 hurdles (15.82), with Eva Brady racing in the 400 (1:01.57).
Both Odell and Bratscher competed in the high jump, each clearing 4-9.5.
OIT heads to Ashland for the Cascade Conference Championships, May 13-14. | https://www.heraldandnews.com/klamath/basin-roundup-henley-baseball-softball-teams-take-sole-possession-of-first-place-in-skyline-races/article_148a7d93-bbd4-5786-b86e-59dafb825737.html | 2022-05-04T06:59:30Z |
Mechanical failure caused deadly Navy helicopter crash
SAN DIEGO (AP) - A Navy helicopter crash off Southern California that killed five crewmembers last year was caused by mechanical failure, not pilot error, the military announced Tuesday.
A command investigation completed on April 18 found that a damper hose failed on the MH-60S Seahawk during flight, probably because of unsuspected damage that occurred during maintenance, the Navy said.
The hose reduces vibrations from the main rotor and the failure led to severe vibrations that caused the rotor to hit the deck as the aircraft landed on an aircraft carrier on Aug. 31, 2021, off San Diego, the Navy said.
The helicopter fell into the sea and sank about 70 miles (112 kilometers) off San Diego. One crewmember was rescued and five were declared dead after a search.
Five sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln were injured.
“There is no evidence that weather conditions or pilot error were causal or contributing factors to the mishap,” the command investigation concluded.
The aircraft belonged to the Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/mechanical-failure-caused-deadly-navy-helicopter-crash/ | 2022-05-04T07:21:07Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
A Kauai girl who's been battling leukemia since three weeks old is now cancer-free.
Seven-month-old Seeley Borges has been battling blood cancer at Seattle Children's Hospital for the past 103 days.
The entire time -- spent apart from her older sister Ainsley.
Originally unable to find a bone marrow transplant match, Seeley's mom Haley proceeded as a half-match donor in March.
Last week, doctors gave the news that Seeley is clear of any cancer cells in her body.
There is 20% chance that the leukemia will re-present, just because of Seeley's age and diagnosis, the aggressive type...but we are choosing to believe in the 80%. That that will never happen, and Seeley will continue to defy all the odds like she's done this whole time," Seeley's mother, Hayley Borges tells KITV.
The Borges' are hopeful that Seeley will be medically cleared to return home by the end of June.
To help spread awareness and encourage people to sign up as marrow donors they're teaming up with local nonprofit Be the Match, and Kapiolani Community Hospital, to hold a cancer awareness fair.
That's happening on October 22nd at St. Louis Club house. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/kauai-girl-who-battled-leukemia-as-a-baby-is-now-cancer-free/article_2ac9c7b2-cb78-11ec-a49e-137acc807afd.html | 2022-05-04T08:05:25Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
Bring out the Brooms! The Kings of college volleyball took their first step towards defending their throne tonight. The Rainbow Warriors were in Los Angeles for the NCAA Tournament and battled North Greenville University in the Quarterfinals.
Out at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion, Jakob Thelle's three service aces in the first set the tone early for Hawaii...He finished tonight with 4 aces--he now holds the record for most aces in a season!
The Bows win the first set handily 25-15...the second and then third set were close to start, but then the Warriors would still pull away.
Although Spyros Chakas and Dimitrios Mouchlias combined for 22 kills, the Crusader's unforced errors gave UH the win. North Greenville tallied 19 attack errors tonight as compared to just 9 from Hawaii.
The Bows will move on to the semi-finals against Ball State on Thursday. Catch that game at approximately 4:30 PM Hawaii Time.
But tonight, the team celebrates a dominating opening round win.
Have a story idea or sporting event he should cover? Email Keith at kdemolder@kitv.com
Keith has been covering sports at KITV since June of 2021. A graduate of USC in December of 2018, Hawaii is Keith’s third stop during his sports media career. | https://www.kitv.com/news/uh-manoa-mens-volleyball-beat-north-greenville-in-ncaa-tournament-quarterfinals/article_44f4ddf0-cb75-11ec-9ac6-cb5b2571cca7.html | 2022-05-04T08:05:31Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
More passing showers and pockets of heavier rains as an upper level low lifts west over Hawai’i. Large and dangerous waves expected for North, West and South Shores as twin swells move onshore. Tonight, rain can be expected for windward Maui and the Big Island. The rest of Hawaii expect clou…
HONOLULU (KITV4) – More passing showers and pockets of heavier rains as an upper level low lifts west over Hawai’i. Large and dangerous waves expected for North, West and South Shores as twin swells move onshore.
Tonight, rain can be expected for windward Maui and the Big Island. The rest of Hawaii expect cloudy skies with scattered showers windward, mauka and a few leeward rains. Lows in the lower 70s.
Wednesday, mostly cloudy skies with scattered rains. The highest rain chances will be for windward and mauka spots with a few showers for leeward spots. Locations like Windward Maui and the Big Island will have the greatest flood risk as some spots have received over 7 inches of rain in these locations.
Highs 79 to 85. Breezy winds out of the northest.
Thursday the upper low moves away from the islands but still expect passing scattered rains.
Drier conditions for the weekend as winds lighten up by Mother’s Day Sunday.
A moderate to large northwest and south swell continues Wednesday. High Surf Advisory for North, West and South Shores.
Surf:
North: 12-16 ft
West: 8-12 ft
South: 10-14 ft
East: 6-8 ft
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Chief Meteorologist Pete Caggiano forecasts for KITV4 Island News during the 5,6 and 10 p.m. newscasts Monday – Friday. He has the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association Seal of Approval. | https://www.kitv.com/weather/tuesday-evening-weather-report-may-3-2022/article_aa97218c-cb74-11ec-957f-63fcc64d7daf.html | 2022-05-04T08:05:37Z |
Woman finds ‘soulmate’ kidney donor via TikTok
SAN DIEGO (KFMB) - A California woman found the person who could save her life on TikTok after she was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
Rubi Duran decided to share her survival struggles after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, stage 5, in a series of videos on TikTok. With tears in her eyes, she recounted the moment her doctor told her it would take almost a decade to find a match who would help replace one of her kidneys.
“I just was in shock mode. I just didn’t understand why it happened to me, if I have always been very healthy,” Duran said.
Duran was 23 when her entire life took a turn. She says at one point, her only focus was attending college, but that quickly changed after experiencing excruciating symptoms.
“Every time I would wake up, I would have…my face would be swollen and my undereyes particularly,” Duran said.
After being diagnosed, her doctor told her she would need to undergo dialysis treatment. That treatment only caused her even more discomfort and robbed her of a normal life.
Just when Duran started to lose all hope, her doctors gave her an idea that would change her life once again.
“So, one day, I posted my story on TikTok, and continued posting my story of my kidney journey,” Duran said.
As she posted her videos on TikTok, Sandra Leon reached out and offered to be her donor.
“I messaged her and asked her if she had found a donor. I would scroll through her comments. I saw that a lot of people were commenting, and I remember when I reached out to her, she told me she hadn’t found anybody. So, I let her know I was already in the process, and I would talk to my coordinator,” Leon said.
With the same blood type and a similarity in age, the two became a perfect match.
Duran gained not only a perfect kidney but a new sister in the life she never thought would be possible to enjoy again.
“I don’t know how to explain it. I know she is my soulmate,” Duran said of Leon.
Duran is now hoping to change careers and advocate for organ donors. Leon currently serves in the Army and hopes to become a firefighter.
Copyright 2022 KFMB via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/woman-finds-soulmate-kidney-donor-via-tiktok/ | 2022-05-04T08:51:42Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY...
.The combination of a northwest and south swells, will produce
advisory level shores across exposed shorelines.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores
and 8 to 12 feet along west facing shores.
* WHERE...South and west facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming
difficult and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST WEDNESDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt. Seas 7 to 12 feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through
Wednesday afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor
surges at times.
HPD detained the suspect, who allegedly beat a man with a hydro-flask just two blocks away from where he was picked up.
HONOLULU-- Witnesses say a man was brutally attacked with a water flask at Fort Street Mall in downtown Honolulu Tuesday evening. The attack occurred on the south side of king near Pioneer Plaza according to an eye witness.
The 57 year old man was rushed from the scene in critical condition.
HPD arrested a suspect 2 blocks away who had attempted to flee on a bicycle. Witnesses say they saw several police vehicles arriving from different directions to converge on the suspect.
"We seen all the cops come down. He was riding his bike down here and then he got tackled by the cops. They just blocked him in and tackled him to the ground," a witness named Elijah told KITV 4.
Community advocate Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock says she's disturbed another attack on an has happened within a month of an elderly man being intentionally set on fire. She points to the lack of functioning security cameras among other deficiencies.
"Nothing beats police foot patrol when they are the eyes and ears in the streets," Shubert-Kwock said.
"I think it's horrible this crime happens with the elderly seeming to be the target of criminal, violent people. And for whatever reason there's hatred, hate crime, or just strictly a random act of violence," she added.
Emergency Medical Services treated the victim for a head injury and transported him to the hospital where he has been in critical condition.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Jeremy Lee joined KITV after over a decade & a half in broadcast news from coast to coast on the mainland. Jeremy most recently traveled the country documenting protests & civil unrest. | https://www.kitv.com/news/hpd-apprehends-suspect-fleeing-from-attempted-murder-scene/article_4e51a58a-cb85-11ec-8443-97490a27f35c.html | 2022-05-04T10:06:43Z |
Morning showers will give way to drier conditions this afternoon
Partly cloudy skies with highs in the upper 60s and 70s are expected this afternoon
Some showers will continue to fall across our region this morning as a cold front moves by. We will dry up behind that front this afternoon with a mix of sun and clouds but temperatures won’t be quite as warm as we have been. Most will see highs in the upper 60s and low 70s this afternoon.
Partly cloudy skies are expected overnight with seasonable temperatures. Lows will get down into the upper 40s and low 50s tonight.
Dry conditions will last throughout the day tomorrow with a mix of sun and clouds. Temperatures will climb back up into the 70s and possibly the low 80s for some.
We will become unsettled once again as we wrap up the week. A low-pressure system will bring widespread rain and even some thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday. Some storms could be on the stronger side with gusty winds and locally heavy downpours on Friday. That will cool us down with highs in the 60s and low 70s over the weekend.
We will dry up next week and warm up as well with highs back in the 70s and 80s. Make sure to stay tuned and catch the latest on WVVA.
Copyright 2022 WVVA. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/morning-showers-will-give-way-drier-conditions-this-afternoon/ | 2022-05-04T10:22:58Z |
Russia hits eastern towns amid hopes for more evacuations
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AP) - Russian forces unleashed artillery fire on towns in eastern Ukraine, killing and wounding dozens of civilians, and began storming the bombed-out steel mill in Mariupol from where scores were evacuated after enduring weeks of shelling against the city’s last pocket of resistance.
The governor of the eastern Donetsk region said Russian attacks left 21 dead on Tuesday, the highest number of known fatalities since April 8, when a missile attack on the railway station in Kramatorsk killed at least 59 people.
Adding pressure on Moscow, the European Union’s leader on Wednesday called on the 27-nation bloc to ban Russian oil imports in a new wave of sanctions.
“We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimizes the impact on global markets,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. She also proposed that Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, and two other major banks be disconnected from the SWIFT international banking payment system.
Thanks to the evacuation effort over the weekend, 101 people — including women, the elderly, and 17 children, the youngest 6 months old — emerged from the bunkers under Mariupol’s Azovstal steelworks to “see the daylight after two months,” said Osnat Lubrani, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said authorities on Wednesday plan to continue efforts to evacuate civilians from Mariupol and nearby areas if the security situation allows it. Lubrani also expressed hope for further evacuations but said none had been worked out.
One evacuee said she went to sleep at the plant every night afraid she wouldn’t wake up.
“You can’t imagine how scary it is when you sit in the bomb shelter, in a damp and wet basement, and it is bouncing and shaking,” 54-year-old Elina Tsybulchenko said upon arriving in the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) northwest of Mariupol, in a convoy of buses and ambulances.
She said if the shelter were hit by a bomb like the ones that left the huge craters she saw on the two occasions she ventured outside, “all of us would be done.”
Evacuees, a few of whom were in tears, made their way from the buses into a tent offering food, diapers and connections to the outside world. Some of the evacuees browsed racks of donated clothing, including new underwear.
The news for those left behind was more grim. Ukrainian commanders said Russian forces backed by tanks began storming the sprawling plant, which includes a maze of tunnels and bunkers spread out over 11 square kilometers (4 square miles).
It was unclear how many Ukrainian fighters were still inside, but the Russians put the number at about 2,000 in recent weeks, and 500 were reported to be wounded. A few hundred civilians also remained there, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said.
“We’ll do everything that’s possible to repel the assault, but we’re calling for urgent measures to evacuate the civilians that remain inside the plant and to bring them out safely,” Sviatoslav Palamar, deputy commander of Ukraine’s Azov Regiment, said on the messaging app Telegram.
He added that throughout the night, the plant was hit with naval artillery fire and airstrikes. Two civilian women were killed and 10 civilians wounded, he said.
In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that by storming the steel mill, Russian forces violated agreements for safe evacuations. He said the prior evacuations are “not a victory yet, but it’s already a result. I believe there’s still a chance to save other people.”
Among those killing in fresh attacks in Donetsk on Tuesday were 10 people at a chemical plant in the city of Avdiivka, Donetsk Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said.
“The Russians knew exactly where to aim — the workers just finished their shift and were waiting for a bus at a bus stop to take them home,” he wrote in a Telegram post. “Another cynical crime by Russians on our land.”
Another two civilians were killed and two wounded in overnight shelling in the neighboring Luhansk region, Gov. Serhiy Haidai said, adding Russian attacks were intensifying.
Just to the north, near the strategic junction city of Izyum, Russia has deployed 22 battalion tactical groups in its attempt to advance along the northern axis of the Donbas, the British Defense Ministry reported Wednesday. Each unit typically numbers about 800 soldiers.
Despite struggling to break through Ukrainian defenses and build momentum, Russia likely intends to proceed beyond Izyum to capture the cities of Kramatorsk and Severodonetsk, as they try to cut Ukrainian forces off in the region, according to the British assessment. However, Moscow’s push has been slow as Ukrainian fighters dig in and use long-range weapons, like howitzers, to target the Russians.
The U.S. believes Ukrainians in recent days have pushed Russian forces about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Kharkiv, which lies outside the Donbas but is key to the offensive there. Extending the distance of the front line makes it more difficult for Russia to target the city with artillery fire.
Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland of Donbas, which includes Donetsk and Luhansk, remains Moscow’s stated objective after failing to take Kyiv in the early weeks of the war.
Explosions were also heard in Lviv, in western Ukraine, near the Polish border. The strikes damaged three power substations, knocking out electricity in parts of the city and disrupting the water supply, and wounded two people, the mayor said. Lviv has been a gateway for NATO-supplied weapons and a haven for those fleeing the fighting in the east.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Russian aircraft and artillery hit hundreds of targets in the past day, including troop strongholds, command posts, artillery positions, fuel and ammunition depots and radar equipment.
Ukrainian authorities said the Russians also attacked at least a half-dozen railroad stations around the country.
The assault on the Azovstal steelworks began almost two weeks after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military not to storm the plant to finish off the defenders but to block it off. The first — and so far only — civilians to be evacuated from the shattered plant got out during a brief cease-fire in an operation overseen by the U.N. and the Red Cross.
“I’m very glad to be on Ukrainian soil,” said a woman who gave only her first name, Anna, and arrived with two children, ages 1 and 9. “We thought we wouldn’t get out of there, frankly speaking.”
In addition to the 101 people evacuated from the steelworks, 58 joined the convoy in a town on the outskirts of Mariupol, Lubrani said. About 30 people who left the plant decided to stay behind in Mariupol to try to find out whether their loved ones were alive, Lubrani said. A total of 127 evacuees arrived in Zaporizhzhia, she said.
The Russian military said earlier that some of the evacuees chose to stay in areas held by pro-Moscow separatists.
Mariupol has come to symbolize the human misery inflicted by the war. The Russians’ two-month siege of the strategic southern port has trapped civilians with little or no food, water, medicine or heat, as Moscow’s forces pounded the city into rubble. The plant in particular has transfixed the outside world.
Mariupol’s fall would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops for fighting elsewhere in the Donbas.
___
This story has been updated to correct that von der Leyen was speaking from Strasbourg, not Brussels.
___
Associated Press journalists Inna Varenytsia and David Keyton in Kyiv, Jon Gambrell and Yuras Karmanau in Lviv, Mstyslav Chernov in Kharkiv, and AP staff around the world contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/russia-hits-eastern-towns-amid-hopes-more-evacuations/ | 2022-05-04T10:23:04Z |
Toddler hospitalized in critical condition after coyote attack
DALLAS (WFAA) - A 2-year-old boy was critically injured after being attacked by a coyote on the front porch of his Dallas home, police say.
Anthony Divenuti lives directly across the street from where a 2-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote. It happened about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in Dallas’ Lake Highlands neighborhood.
“It’s gut-wrenching,” Divenuti said. “That little boy was sitting on his front porch, and that animal came right up to the porch, unfazed whatsoever, and attacked him.”
The 2-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Even after the attack, Divenuti says the coyote showed no fear.
“[It] came out across the street and stood there, staring in the direction of where the EMTs and the parents were,” he said.
Police say an officer saw the coyote near a park after the attack and shot at it before it ran into the woods. It’s not clear if the animal was hit by a bullet.
Around 3 p.m., Dallas Animal Services said the coyote had been located, isolated in a wooded area.
During an investigation into the attack, animal services says it was revealed that the coyote was well-known in the neighborhood, and residents had been feeding and petting it.
“This tragic incident shows why it is critical that residents treat all wildlife as wild animals,” said animal services in a statement.
Some neighbors say they’ve been calling the city and complaining about the coyote.
Clark Collier says he saw the animal on Easter hanging out near the park at White Rock Elementary School. He says it locked eyes with a child.
“It looked like it wanted to attack a kid,” Collier said.
Coyotes are generally reclusive animals who prefer to avoid human contact, but they still creep into North Texas neighborhoods.
Animal services says anyone who sees a coyote should call 911 and not approach it. Making loud noises, such as banging pots and pans, should help scare it off.
Copyright 2022 WFAA via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/toddler-hospitalized-critical-condition-after-coyote-attack/ | 2022-05-04T10:23:11Z |
Episode 100: For Carmelo Turillo, Jazz Fest Gelato Is a Labor of Love
This week’s podcast features Carmelo Turillo. Turillo is an educator and entrepreneur who is a professor of practice at Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business and the co-owner of Francofonte Catering, which has operated a gelato tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for more than a decade. Turillo talks about what it takes to serve high-quality food to thousands of people at the fest each year and how his role as a professor informs his entrepreneurial pursuits.
about
Carmelo Turillo is a professor of practice at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business. He also co-owns Francofonte Catering, which operates an artisanal gelato tent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Turillo’s instructional experience includes four years of teaching in Spain, as well as distinguished posts at U.S. universities. He teaches or has taught performance management, management executive leadership, management practice, management of new ventures, management leadership, management negotiations and management organizational behavior. He earned his Ph.D. at Tulane. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/episode-100-for-carmelo-turillo-jazz-fest-gelato-is-a-labor-of-love/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:23Z |
Jazz Fest Gelato Vendor Starts Working Months in Advance
NEW ORLEANS — Many New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival food vendors have to begin working months in advance to be ready to sell their wares at the annual spring event. Tulane business professor and entrepreneur Carmelo Turillo, who has served artisanal gelato at the Fair Grounds for more than a decade, talks about the process on this week’s Biz Talks podcast. Here are highlights from the conversation:
RC: With all the special equipment and personnel required, does setting up to sell gelato at Jazz Fest feel like you’re gearing up to play an actual concert?
CT: Yes, it’s like a gig but it’s like a Kiss gig from 1978 with all the fireworks. It’s crazy. We’ve got so much stuff, but we need it. There’s no way around it. The big thing is that we have a freezer pod delivered to the house about two months in advance. And then we make gelato and fill it up. The nice thing, of course, is that gelato is frozen, so it’s got this nice long shelf life. And then a truck comes and takes the whole thing to Jazz Fest and sets it down right next to our booth. It’s amazing.
RC: Do you need a special power supply?
CT: Yes, we had to have a special kind of outlet put in at the house. It’s the same outlet that a Tesla takes. And then, at the fest, the electricians are awesome. They set up the same power, so when the pod gets delivered, we can plug it right in and the unit never loses temperature. And it’s I mean the pod is just full, full full. You open the door and there’s just a wall of gelato.
RC: Where do you make it all?
CT: We’ve got a kitchen in a spot on Magazine Street that’s got everything we need. We’ve got Italian pasteurizers that cook everything, because we make everything from scratch. Basically, as far as the state is concerned, we’re a dairy. We could have cows walking around in the backyard. And we’ve got a batch freezer, which is a giant version of the kind of thing that your grandmother used to turn ice cream. And we have a blast freezer, which is kind of the opposite of a microwave. It gets the gelato really cold really fast.
RC: All that equipment sounds exotic, expensive and hard to maintain.
CT: Yes you’re absolutely right about that. All of this equipment would be pretty typical for I would say any mid-sized Italian town, but in the States, I’m not sure how many folks have any of it. It’s all very tricky because the FDA and the USDA don’t automatically approve this stuff; you’ve got to get it specially approved.
There are plenty of other gelato shops in the United States. Don’t they use the same equipment?
[A lot of people make] what I call a train station gelato. And if you’ve been to Italy, you know that every train station has gelato and, in fact, it’s pretty good. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it’s a much easier process. You’re not making everything from scratch. That’s different.
RC: How big of a project is this? How many people are involved?
CT: I would say it’s a huge undertaking. We’ve got a great crew we rely on that comes back year after year to help us out. They help us peel pineapples, wash and pare strawberries, etc. It’s a lot of work but it’s almost like a carnival atmosphere. We’re all there doing it to make this experience for people, so there’s this really fun aspect to it. … We get all of our chocolate from Valrhona, which in my opinion is is one of the best chocolate companies in the world. They told us that we were the biggest customer in the United States for [the product we use]. And we only use it for Jazz Fest.
RC: Your partner in life, Katrina, is also your partner in this gelato operation. What’s the strength that each one of you brings?
CT: Yeah, that’s easy. I bring none and Katrina makes it all happen. That’s our strengths. But she hates doing things like podcasts.
RC: So you’re basically the marketing department for the operation?
CT: I wouldn’t even go that far.
RC: How did the pandemic affect your enterprise from a practical standpoint and from a psychological standpoint?
CT: I think we’re very lucky in that we do Jazz Fest because it’s so much fun, but there are so many vendors out there for whom catering is their main source of income. The pandemic really hit those kinds of companies very hard. It’s been tough for them. In fact, this year there are a few of us who won’t be out there, but I would say the lion’s share of folks made it through and it’s going to be just a celebration and probably tears of joy, tears of relief when it all starts back up. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/jazz-fest-gelato-vendor-starts-working-months-in-advance/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:24Z |
Local Physicians Honored for Patient Care
COVINGTON – St. Tammany Quality Network, a group of some 300 Northshore community physicians aligned with St. Tammany Health System, hosted its annual membership and awards meeting April 14 to recognize patient care and population health improvements.
Here are the award winners:
Top 2021 St. Tammany EPO Performers
- Charles Baier, MD: highest performer in colorectal screening, diabetes nephropathy screening, breast cancer screening and cervical cancer screening
- Robert Faucheux, MD: highest performer in pediatric well visits
Top 2021 Healthy Planet Performers
- Glen Kesler, MD: Highest performer in Healthy Planet (payor agnostic) on overall HEDIS metrics in primary care
- Jennifer Miles, MD: Highest performer in Healthy Planet (payor agnostic) on overall HEDIS metrics in pediatrics
Top 2021 OACN Performers
- Charles Baier, MD: Highest performer in OACN on overall HEDIS metrics
- Nathalie Mascherpa-Kerkow, MD: ACO physician with highest annual wellness visit completion
- Ralph Millet, MD: OACN physician with the highest HCC recapture rate
Top 2021 Medicaid Care Improvement Program (MCIP) Performers
- Jill Gibson, MD: MCIP Maternal Care, lowest c-section rate
- Gabrielle Givens, MD: MCIP Hypertension Management, highest MCIP hypertension control rate (100%)
- Libeau Berthelot, MD: MCIP Diabetes Management, highest MCIP diabetic overall metrics
- Jennifer Miles, MD: MCIP Pediatrics, highest MCIP metrics in pediatric care
- Well child visits in 3,4,5,6 years of life
- Adolescent well care visits
- BMI assessment and nutrition counseling
Top 2021 STQN Scorecard Performers
- Ralph Millet, MD: top performing primary care provider
- Rob Faucheux, MD: top performing pediatric provider
- Mohammad Almubaslat, MD: top performing specialist
2021 Top Performer in BPCI-A and CJR
- Melissa Inman, MD: Lowest readmission rate for BPCI-A and highest NPRA per episode.
- Georges Antoun, MD: Lowest readmission rate for BPCI-A Cardiac episodes and highest NPRA per episode
- Joey LaMartina, MD: Zero readmissions for CJR and highest overall NPRA
STQN Citizenship Awards
- Brianna McDaniel, MD, for the STQN Citizenship Award in recognition of her Community Outreach efforts specific to early detection and prevention of cancer.
- Andy Stone, MD, for the STQN Citizenship Award in recognition of his efforts in leading the low dose CT screening initiative at STHS.
- Gary Agena, MD, for the STQN Citizenship Award in recognition of his participation in community education programs specific to Women’s Health and Breast Health awareness.
- Angela Buonagura, MD, for the STQN Citizenship Award in recognition of her Community Outreach efforts along with patient navigation after screenings with the Be Well Program.
- David Toups, MD, for the STQN Citizenship Award in recognition for his coordination of COVID testing and treatment.
Continuing Medical Education Providers
- Frederick Schouest, MD: “Physician Burnout”
- Phillips Jenkins, MD: “Colorectal Screening in 2021”
- Nathan Ranney, MD: “Spring Primary Care Retreat”
- Patrick Torcson, MD: “Northshore Healthcare Summit”
- Angela Buonagura, MD: “Breast Cancer – Pearls & Tips”
- Julie Talavera, MD: “Outpatient Management of Diabetes” | https://www.bizneworleans.com/local-physicians-honored-for-patient-care/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:25Z |
Louisiana House Committee Proposes Usage Fees on Electric, Hybrid Vehicles
BATON ROUGE (The Center Square) — A bill to impose annual road usage fees for electric and hybrid vehicles gained approval from the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.
Committee members voted 9-3 to approve House Bill 1031 to require owners of electric and hybrid vehicles to pay an annual road usage fee, “so those people driving hybrids and electrics are paying something for our roads and highways,” said Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, the bill’s sponsor.
Freiberg said on Monday that the state Office of Motor Vehicles does not have a means to identify hybrid or electric vehicles and collects registrations every other year, so she worked with the Department of Revenue to include an annual fee on the state income tax form.
“It says the Department of Revenue shall require each person filing an individual income tax return to report and certify on such return the number of electric vehicles and the number of hybrid vehicles registered in the state and owned by the filer,” she said.
“The Department of Revenue shall collect the fees imposed … at the same time and in the same manner it collects taxes,” Freiberg said.
HB 1031 dedicates 70% of the money collected to a Department of Transportation and Development fund for road and bridge projects, while 30% would go to the parish transportation fund to be distributed to local governments.
The bill initially included annual fees of $400 for electric vehicles and $200 for hybrids, but was amended to lower the fees to $110 and $60, respectively.
“What we wanted to do in the bill initially was to collect what the average payer of a gas vehicle would pay in not only Louisiana gas tax, but also federal,” Freiberg said.
Instead, Freiberg limited the fee to what the average traditional car owner would pay annually from the state’s gas tax of 20 cents per gallon, coming up with a figure based on average miles traveled and miles per gallon.
DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson told the committee other states have already adopted similar measures.
“The intent behind this bill is to establish a principle of paying a fair share,” he said. “And the fair share is that with the evolution and the growth in electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that’s something we’re currently not taking advantage of.”
“Structurally, we don’t have a way to do that consistent with what we charge every other vehicle on the roads to be able to pay for their use of that road system,” Wilson said.
Wilson characterized the bill as a starting point for creating a system to charge those who use the roadways, regardless of fuel type.
Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Kevin Richard testified that the voluntary attestation the bill would include on state tax forms would be a relatively easy addition, with little cost to implement.
“This is something simple for us to do,” he said.
Lawmakers on the committee raised questions about how the possibility of eliminating state income tax would impact the fee collections, and how the state would collect the fee from commercial and municipal electric fleets, but Freiberg and officials stressed the HB 1031 is a starting point that can be amended as needed in the future.
Freiberg said adding the fee to business tax forms is something she’s considering as the legislation moves forward.
HB 1031 now moves to the full House for consideration. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/louisiana-house-committee-proposes-usage-fees-on-electric-hybrid-vehicles/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:28Z |
Onpath Promotes Several Team Members
METAIRIE — OnPath Federal Credit Union President and CEO Jared Freeman announced the promotions of the following team members: Nellie Lovergne to VP of retail sales and lending, Sherrill Woods to AVP of branch operations, Shasta Leininger to VP of member operations and Johnathan Moody to card services portfolio manager.
“The talent that we have among our team members here at OnPath has allowed us to strategically put the best people in a position to help ensure our credit union members have the best possible financial experience,” Freeman said. “We will continue to cultivate a culture where hard work is rewarded and recognized.”
Nellie Lovergne – VP of Retail Sales and Lending
Lovergne has been with OnPath FCU since 2004. Her new role will include the coordination of training and development of team members to ensure a better overall experience for members.
Sherrill Woods – AVP of Branch Operations
In her 17th year of employment with OnPath FCU, Woods will now oversee the day-to-day operations of 10 branch locations.
Shasta Leininger – VP of Member Operations
With more than 15 years of experience in the credit union industry, Leininger is now responsible for creating a holistic experience that bridges both the retail and digital services at OnPath FCU.
Johnathan Moody – Card Services Portfolio Manager
Moody has been with OnPath FCU for eight years and will now manage the credit and debit portfolio for the credit union.
OnPath also announced the hiring of Eric Redecker, who will serve as the support service talent acquisition specialist and strive to boost team engagement. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/onpath-promotes-several-team-members/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:28Z |
Port of New Orleans Celebrates 6th Annual Maritime Month
NEW ORLEANS (press release) — The Port of New Orleans recognizes its sixth annual Maritime Month May 1-31 and National Maritime Day on May 22 to pay tribute to the region’s maritime history and to honor the hardworking men and women of the local maritime workforce.
“Maritime Month honors the maritime and logistics workers that keep Port NOLA and NOPB competitive and collectively drive positive economic impact for our region and state,” said Brandy D. Christian, president and CEO of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt. “As we also wrap up Port NOLA’s year-long 125th anniversary celebration, we are looking ahead to ensure we are investing appropriately to drive prosperity for the next 125 years.”
The 2022 campaign officially kicked off at the Port NOLA April Board meeting when the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution officially declaring May 2022 as Maritime Month and May 22, 2022, as Maritime Day. The Port and NOPB will celebrate Maritime Month 2022 with a variety of programming and promotions throughout the month of May.
Maritime Month aligns with other relevant recognitions. Port NOLA and NOPB are state agencies, so those employees are honored as part of Louisiana’s State Employee Recognition Week, taking place the first week of May. Also that week, Port NOLA will highlight our cruise business and the impact it brings to the tourism industry for our City as part of National Travel and Tourism Week. New Orleans and Company will host a parade to celebrate the tourism industry on May 3, and Port NOLA will honor the brave men of our General Roy S. Kelley Fireboat during National Firefighters Day on May 4.
Port NOLA will also honor the men and women who serve in the Harbor Police Department during National Police Week May 15-21, with a special appearance on the Great Day Louisiana show on WWL-TV. Global Maritime Ministries will also host a “Thank an Officer” event at their Port Ministry Center during National Police Week. On May 18, NOPB will participate in a safety roundup event with employees.
Port NOLA has partnered with WWL-TV for the sixth consecutive year and will host WWL-TV’s Morning News Show for a live broadcast from the Mississippi River onboard the General Roy S. Kelley Fireboat which will be held on May 20.
On May 25, Port NOLA will host an employee health and wellness fair and on May 26 a procurement informational session will be held for those seeking to do business with Port NOLA.
Throughout May, Port NOLA will also hold an ongoing social media contest, encouraging photographers of any skill level to capture images that depict the working riverfront. Participants are encouraged to share their photos with the hashtag #portnolamaritimemonth and tag Port NOLA’s social media pages in their posts. Also watch for Port NOLA employee video shoutouts throughout the month, highlighting the people who support the Port’s economic mission.
Declared by Congress in 1933, National Maritime Day calls attention to America’s proud maritime heritage and honors the men and women who serve and have served as U.S. merchant mariners. Since 2017, Port NOLA has extended that recognition to a month-long awareness campaign engaging the public about the Port and the maritime industry’s value through a variety of events, promotions and partnerships.
For more information and to continue to follow along with ongoing programming visit the Port NOLA Maritime Month 2022 webpage at portnola.com/community/engagement/maritime-month | https://www.bizneworleans.com/port-of-new-orleans-celebrates-6th-annual-maritime-month/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:43Z |
Support Regional Nonprofits on GiveNOLA Day
NEW ORLEANS — The Greater New Orleans Foundation’s ninth annual GiveNOLA Day philanthropy “marathon” continues all day today (Tuesday, May 3). Click here to donate now.
GNOF, a community foundation that connects donors to nonprofits, said last year’s event raised more than $8 million from 67,000 donations to more than 900 nonprofits. Since its inception, GiveNOLA day has raised more than $40 million.
Since its founding in 1983, GNOF said it has grown from $4 million in assets to more than $275 million in assets under management. The foundation’s footprint includes the following parishes: Assumption, Jefferson, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne and Washington. Donations on GiveNOLA Day come from all over the world.
The GiveNOLA donation minimum is $10. Donors can visit the website to choose from organizations focused on arts and culture, animal welfare, community improvement, education, environment, health, housing, human services, public safety, youth development and more. There are nearly 1,000 nonprofits to choose from this year. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/support-regional-nonprofits-on-givenola-day/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:49Z |
Tulane Researchers Receive Grant to Study COVID’s Vascular Effects
NEW ORLEANS — From Tulane University:
The American Heart Association has awarded Tulane University researchers $940,000 to study how COVID-19 spurs vascular inflammation that may increase risks for blood clots and lingering symptoms of long COVID.
The grant is one of 11 recently awarded by the American Heart Association as part of a $10 million effort to study the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular impacts of COVID-19 as the pandemic enters its third year. Tulane researchers will investigate the role that endothelial cells play in the development of severe and long COVID-19. Endothelial cells line blood vessel walls throughout the body and can malfunction following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This dysfunction can cause over-coagulation and blood clotting in major organs such as the heart and lungs, as seen in the most severe COVID cases. It may also contribute to complications associated with long COVID. Dr. Xuebin Qin, professor of microbiology and immunology at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, will lead a cross-disciplinary team with the Tulane University School of Medicine to explore how the dysfunction of endothelial cells contributes to severe and long COVID outcomes. The team developed transgenic mouse models genetically engineered to simulate COVID in the way that humans experience the most severe outcomes of the disease, including the development of ARDS, or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. In the human population, those who experienced ARDS also had endothelial cell injury, causing a weakening of the “tight junctions” that normally serve to connect endothelial cells. If these junctions weaken and leak, blood can escape and pool in the tissues of major organs, causing abnormal clotting and tissue damage. It is the dysregulation of these tight junctions, they propose, that contributes to severe and long COVID outcomes, particularly those related to the vasculature of the heart and brain. “The health outcomes associated with COVID extend far beyond the respiratory system,” Qin said. “By understanding how SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers endothelial cell dysfunction, we hope to open the door to new therapies that prevent the cascade of effects that we see in the most severe and lasting COVID cases.” Qin is the principal investigator; co-investigators include Dr. Jay Kolls, John W Deming Endowed Chair in Internal Medicine; Dr. Patrice Delafontaine, professor of medicine, pharmacology and physiology; Yusuke Higashi, PhD, associate professor of medicine; Nicholas Maness, PhD, associate professor of microbiology and immunology; and Stephen Braun, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/tulane-researchers-receive-grant-to-study-covids-vascular-effects/ | 2022-05-04T10:51:55Z |
Dave Chapelle tackled during Hollywood Bowl comedy show
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Comedian Dave Chapelle was tackled during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl Tuesday night.
Security guards chased and overpowered the attacker, and Chappelle was able to continue his performance while the man was taken away in an ambulance.
NBC News reported that the Los Angeles Police Department early Wednesday said the man was carrying a fake gun with a real knife blade inside it.
LAPD media relations made no official announcement of an arrest in the hours after the attack, and did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for details.
Chappelle was performing his standup routine at the amphitheater as part of the “Netflix Is a Joke” festival when the man rushed on stage and tackled him.
Jamie Foxx was in the wings of the stage and Chapelle thanked him for responding to the attack. Chris Rock was there as well, and jokingly asked if the attacker was Will Smith.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/dave-chappelle-attacked-during-performance/ | 2022-05-04T11:52:14Z |
Texas teenager dies after stabbing at high school
BELTON, Texas (KWTX/Gray News) - A teenager has died after being stabbed at Belton High School Tuesday morning, KWTX reports.
Jose Luis Ramirez Jr., 18, was stabbed by Caysen Tyler Allison, 18, during a fight in a school’s bathroom, authorities said.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident at Belton High School today and send my prayers to all of those who have been impacted by it, particularly to the young victim and his family,” said Belton Mayor Wayne Carpenter.
The stabbing happened Tuesday morning, and the school was immediately placed on lockdown. After the stabbing, Allison allegedly ran out of the school. Police later found him and took him into custody.
Parents said that students had to turn in their phones at the school Tuesday because of testing, making it difficult for some to communicate with their children during the lockdown.
“It was very stressful, just wondering if everyone is OK,” parent Ailehs Gaines said. “The stress to come to school for STARR testing and then have something like this happen. It’s pretty bad.”
Sarah Lopez said she was able to speak with her daughter during the terrifying incident.
“She was scared. I heard commotion in the background. I asked if she was OK, and she said, ‘Mom, someone has been stabbed.’ So, I asked her if she was OK and she said, ‘I’m OK, but I saw what happened,’” Lopez said.
Lopez said the incident is “too close to home.”
“You hear it all the time, but when it actually happens at home, it’s shocking because you start thinking about the community, and you think of the people you work closely with that also have children going here,” she said.
Allison is being interviewed and the investigation is ongoing, Belton Police Chief Gene Ellis said in a video statement shared on social media.
The school dismissed students at noon on Tuesday and canceled classes for Wednesday.
Tuesday evening, people gathered at Christ The King Catholic Church for a brief service to honor Ramirez.
“Joe is just a goofy person. He’s just always making you laugh smile,” said Bryan Lopez, a childhood friend of Ramirez. “We were just hanging out the other day on prom night.”
Copyright 2022 KWTX via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/texas-teenager-dies-after-stabbing-high-school/ | 2022-05-04T11:52:20Z |
With deficit falling, Biden highlights fiscal responsibility
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden plans to highlight deficit reduction in remarks Wednesday at the White House, noting that the government will pay down the national debt this quarter for the first time in six years.
Biden will emphasize how strong job gains have increased total incomes and led to additional tax revenues that have improved the government’s balance sheet, said a White House official who previewed the speech on condition of anonymity.
Besides the quarterly reduction in the national debt, the Treasury Department estimates that this fiscal year’s budget deficit will decline $1.5 trillion. That decrease marks an improvement from initial forecasts and would likely put the annual deficit below $1.3 trillion.
The Democratic president has placed renewed emphasis on deficit reduction going into the midterm election, with administration officials saying that the burst of $1.9 trillion in coronavirus relief approved in 2021 has already paid off in the form of faster growth that now makes it easier to stabilize government finances.
Deficit reduction also matches a priority of Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, the key Democratic vote in the evenly split Senate who blocked the passage of Biden’s domestic and environmental agenda in December. The reduction also occurs amid rising interest rates on U.S. Treasury notes, a consequence of inflation running at a 40-year peak and the Federal Reserve’s efforts to reduce price pressures.
It is unclear if greater fiscal responsibility can deliver politically for Biden as Democrats try to defend control of Congress. His two most recent Democratic predecessors, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, also cut budget deficits, only to leave office and see their Republican successors use the savings on tax cuts.
Still, Biden hopes to draw a sharp contrast with former President Donald Trump, whom he beat in 2020. Trump, among a multitude of promises, pledged to lower the national debt yet failed to do so during any financial quarter of his presidency. Biden has repeatedly taken aim at that broken promise.
When unveiling his budget plan in March, Biden said that after his Republican predecessor’s “fiscal mismanagement” his administration is “reducing the Trump deficits and returning our fiscal house to order.”
One of the challenges for Biden is that voters have largely shrugged off deficit increases and seldom rewarded deficit cuts. Voters might discuss the idea of reducing deficits with pollsters, yet health care, incomes and inflation are often top of mind when casting their ballots.
Norman Ornstein, an emeritus scholar at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, noted that deficits are often “abstract” for voters. The recent low interest rates have also muted any potential economic drags from higher deficits, which have risen following the COVID-19 pandemic and, separately, the 2008 financial crisis, to help the economy recover.
“They’re more likely to respond to things that are in their wheelhouse or that they believe will have a more direct effect on their lives,” Ornstein said. Deficits are “a step removed for most voters, and we’ve been through periods where we’ve had the big deficits and debt and it’s not like it devastated directly people’s lives.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/with-deficit-falling-biden-highlights-fiscal-responsibility/ | 2022-05-04T11:52:29Z |
2020, 2022 US Olympians to visit Bidens at White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden plans to host the 2020 and 2022 U.S. Olympic teams at the White House on Wednesday, celebrating athletes from the most recent winter Games while staging a much delayed, in-person celebration for participants of last summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
The president and first lady Jill Biden will host Olympians from the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, on the South Lawn, the White House announced Monday. Vice President Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff, the second gentleman, will also attend.
Jill Biden made her first solo overseas trip as first lady by traveling to Japan to attend the 2020 Olympics, which were delayed until last year because of the pandemic — though access remained restricted because of the coronavirus.
Last summer, the Bidens hosted a virtual celebration for Team USA from 2020′s Tokyo Olympics from their home in Delaware. The president said then that he’d like to host the team at the White House in the future.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/2020-2022-us-olympians-visit-bidens-white-house/ | 2022-05-04T13:30:18Z |
Alabama corrections officer and inmate considered ‘dangerous,’ US Marshal Service says
LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WAFF/Gray News) - The U.S. Marshals Service is calling the Alabama corrections officer and inmate who have been missing since Friday “dangerous,” according to a release posted on their website.
Investigators confirmed that Vicky White and Casey White had a relationship at the Lauderdale County Detention Center, one that inmates called “special.” That relationship has been confirmed through independent investigation, WAFF reported.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Service released a statement that says the two may be driving a 2007 Ford Edge with a gold or copper look to it. There may be damage to the left rear bumper.
The two are considered armed and dangerous, and may be armed with an AR-15 rifle and a shotgun. Authorities said not to approach them if you see them.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton announced Monday at a press conference that an arrest warrant has been issued for Vicky White, an assistant director of corrections for the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office.
She is charged with permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree in connection with capital murder suspect Casey White. The maximum time in prison is 10 years with a $15,000 fine.
Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said he is shocked and disappointed as more information develops about the incident.
“I would have trusted Vicky with my life. I really mean it,” Connolly said. “If we needed something from the jail, she was our go-to person, solid employee. That’s why it’s so shocking.”
Officials say that Casey White is a free man and no longer restrained.
“We found her radio, sheriff’s department radio, and the leg shackles and handcuffs,” Singleton said.
Detectives also believe Vicky White has her phone, but it is turned off.
“It wasn’t left in the car. You know, we’ve attempted using technology. We haven’t had any success with it,” Singleton said.
Vicky White sold her home a month ago, and authorities are looking through her finances to see if there is anything unusual.
“We’ve had the Secret Service helping us with some of that kind of stuff. They’re working on that angle of it.” Singleton said. “We’re assuming she’s got some cash.”
Vicky White and Casey White have been missing since Friday, which was Vicky White’s last day of work before she was set to retire. Vicky White said she was taking the inmate to a mental health evaluation. Singleton confirmed that no mental health evaluation existed. Investigators said there is no doubt that Vicky White aided and abetted Casey White with his escape.
Shortly before her disappearance, Vicky White said she had also planned to get medical care because she wasn’t feeling well, but she never arrived.
The vehicle in which the two departed Friday morning was found at a shopping center in Lauderdale County later that afternoon.
Casey White was serving 75 years for a series of crimes and was awaiting a capital murder trial. He is 6-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs about 330 pounds, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.
Vicky White is 5-feet, 5-inches tall and weighs 145 pounds. She has blonde hair and brown eyes, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
Authorities said Vicky White violated a policy that required more than one official to be involved in transporting inmates. The policy was put in place when Casey White was jailed two years ago and authorities believed he was planning to escape.
The Marshals Service said people with information about Casey White’s location or Vicky White’s disappearance can call the service at 1-800-336-0102. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the U.S. Marshals Tip App.
The U.S. Marshals Service is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Casey White and $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of Vicky White.
Copyright 2022 WAFF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/alabama-corrections-officer-inmate-considered-dangerous-us-marshal-service-says/ | 2022-05-04T13:30:27Z |
Biden announces Sept conference on hunger, nutrition, health
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House will hold a conference on hunger, nutrition and health in September to notch progress on the Biden administration’s goals of ending hunger, improving nutrition and physical activity and reducing diet-related diseases.
The gathering will be the first of its kind by the White House since 1969. The White House described that gathering as a “pivotal event” that influenced the U.S. food policy agenda for the next 50 years and said President Joe Biden “sets out to do the same with this year’s conference.”
The Biden administration has set a goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity in the U.S. by 2030 so that fewer people are afflicted with diabetes, obesity, hypertension and other diet-related diseases.
Anti-hunger and nutrition advocates, food companies, health care representatives, government officials and others will help the administration develop a national plan outlining how to achieve those goals, the White House said.
“Hunger, diet-related disease, and the disparities surrounding them impact millions of Americans, and the COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the urgency of addressing these issues,” said Susan Rice, the president’s adviser for domestic policy. “No one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/biden-announces-sept-conference-hunger-nutrition-health/ | 2022-05-04T13:30:33Z |
Duran Duran, Dolly Parton among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees
(Gray News) - It looks like Dolly Parton is getting into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after all.
The star, known best for being a country icon, has been listed among the 2022 inductees. After earlier saying she didn’t want to be inducted, she recently decided she was OK with the honor.
There are also a fair amount of stars from the MTV era of the ’80s in this year’s group, including Duran Duran, Pat Benatar and Eurythmics.
This year’s inductees are, in the performer category: Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie and Carly Simon.
Receiving music excellence awards are Judas Priest and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.
Early influence awardees are Elizabeth Cotten and Harry Belafonte.
Honored with the Ahmet Ertegun Award are Allen Gruman, Jimmy Iovine and Sylvia Robinson.
The rock hall said artists are required to have released their first record 25 years prior to induction to be eligible.
The induction ceremony will happen Nov. 5 at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/duran-duran-dolly-parton-among-rock-roll-hall-fame-inductees/ | 2022-05-04T13:30:43Z |
Dusty Baker becomes first Black MLB manager to reach 2,000 wins
HOUSTON (AP) — Just call him Mr. 2,000.
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker won his 2,000th game Tuesday night, becoming the 12th skipper in major league history to reach the milestone and the first Black man to do it.
The benchmark victory came in Houston’s 4-0 win over the Seattle Mariners and comes more than 29 years after he collected his first win on April 6, 1993, in San Francisco’s 2-1 victory over St. Louis.
“I’m probably one of the luckiest men to ever walk on this earth,” a grinning Baker said minutes after the final out.
The 72-year-old Baker said being the first Black manager to reach 2,000 wins makes the achievement even more meaningful.
“It means extra,” he said. “It means extra to the culture. It means extra to society. It means extra to my race, and it means extra hopefully for others to get an opportunity (so) I’m not the last.”
It’s the latest milestone in a storied career as a player and manager that has spanned more than 50 years. Baker has reached the World Series twice as a manager, last season with the Astros and in 2002 with the Giants. As a player, he went three times with the Dodgers, winning it all as a big-hitting left fielder in 1981.
So where does this moment rank?
“Right now it’s at the top,” he said. “But I ain’t gonna stop now.”
Ten of the 11 other managers who have accumulated at least 2,000 wins are in the Hall of Fame. Bruce Bochy (2,003), who isn’t yet eligible, is the only exception.
“This should lead straight to the Hall of Fame,” Astros catcher Martín Maldonado said.
Baker’s players presented him with a bottle of vintage Dom Pérignon champagne they signed with a gold marker to commemorate the achievement. The team toasted Baker with far more reasonably priced champagne in the clubhouse after the game.
His wife, Melissa, and a group of about 10 friends were at the ballpark. Melissa Baker smiled as she filmed her husband postgame from the stands as the big screen displayed a picture of him with the words “2K Wins” in huge white letters.
Baker’s career record is 2,000-1,745, and he’s the only manager in major league history to take five different teams to the postseason.
He collected 840 wins in 10 years with the Giants, 322 in four seasons with the Cubs, 509 in six years with the Reds, 192 in two seasons with the Nationals and he has 137 in his tenure with the Astros.
“I’m just doing my job,” Baker said. “I’m not that proud of myself yet.”
He reached 500 wins while with the Giants in a 6-5 victory over the Phillies on June 1, 1999. His 1,000th win came on Aug. 30, 2004, while managing the Cubs to a 5-2 victory over Montreal. Win No. 1,500 came on May 9, 2012, with the Reds in a 2-1 triumph over Milwaukee.
“It’s an honor to play for somebody who loves the game and loves his team and is so knowledgeable about the game of baseball and who has had such a storied career,” Houston third baseman Alex Bregman said. “To be able to learn from him, play for him and just to be able to suit up with him every single day is very special and nobody in here takes that for granted.”
There was a time Baker wondered if he’d even get a chance to chase this milestone. After being fired by the Nationals following a 97-win season in 2017, Baker didn’t get another job until 2020 after Houston’s sign-stealing scandal cost manager A.J. Hinch his job.
“If there wasn’t a scandal, I wouldn’t be in this position,” Baker said. “My phone wasn’t ringing off the hook. Three different times I lost jobs and twice I was winning, and I didn’t get a call for two years ... so, yeah, it’s just a matter of perseverance. And I’m here and I’m ... where I’m supposed to be.”
Right-hander Lance McCullers raved about Baker as a manager and a man and noted the difficult situation he walked into when he was hired in Houston.
“He helped us through a tough time as a clubhouse,” McCullers said. “There in 2020 we were navigating through a lot of choppy water (and) everything going on post-COVID. He’s earned our respect. It’s a big milestone for him tonight. Probably one of the most exclusive clubs around.”
Baker, who needs 41 wins to move all the way up to No. 9 on the career list, was asked about cracking the top 10.
“I’ll get there long as I live,” he said. “That’s my thing. As long as I live and as long as you just do your job — and my job is to win — then I’ll get there.”
Baker said the first thing he thought of after the final out was being there when Bochy, a good friend, reached 2,000 wins. And then a second thought immediately popped into his head.
“That’s the first thing I thought about,” he said. “And next thing I thought about is that I needed three more to (catch) Bruce.”
___
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/04/dusty-baker-becomes-first-black-mlb-manager-reach-2000-wins/ | 2022-05-04T13:30:49Z |
Meadow King’s passion for wrestling was born in the stands and confirmed on the mat.
King was in junior high when she found herself taken aback by how worked up she got cheering for her older brother, Wyatt, during his matches.
“I had tried so many sports, but I hadn’t found one that gave me the feeling in my chest that wrestling did when I was watching my brother,” the Cheyenne Central sophomore said. “I thought, ‘If I get that feeling when I’m just watching, I can only imagine what it would be like if I was out there myself.
“I started going to practices, and it snowballed. It’s been amazing.”
King has been wrestling ever since. Not only does she wrestle for Central, she spends the off-season competing at national tournaments for various Wyoming Amateur Wrestling Association girls teams and training with the Bear Cave club in Greeley, Colorado.
King has earned All-American honors wrestling against girls, but knows her chances of winning a Wyoming state title are still quite slim as long as the only opportunity girls have to represent their schools is by competing against boys.
“I want a title, but I won’t get it unless we get a girls division,” King said. “I’ll be proud of what I accomplished, but I would have liked to see how far I could go in an all-girls bracket.”
King and her peers won’t have to wait much longer. There are enough schools that have said they’ll sponsor girls wrestling that it was approved for sanctioning by the Wyoming High School Activities Association board of directors Wednesday.
The sport will start with the 2022-23 season. A committee will iron out the details about the format of the regular season and postseason, WHSAA associated commissioner Trevor Wilson confirmed in a text to WyoSports on Wednesday afternoon.
Now that Wyoming has joined 32 other states in sanctioning girls wrestling, those who have spent the better part of three decades championing girls in wrestling say the move is overdue, but no less welcomed.
“Better late than never,” said Don Tolin, who threatened to sue the WHSAA in 1998 if his daughter wasn’t allowed to wrestle at Casper’s Kelly Walsh High.
The trailblazer
Sarah Tolin grew up in a wrestling family. Her parents, Don and Vickie, coached, officiated and were heavily involved in Casper’s youth clubs. Her younger brothers, Josh and David, both wrestled. Her older sister, Cece, never showed much interest in getting on the mat herself, but felt at home at tournaments and in the wrestling room, and was willing to help any way she could.
Sarah regularly got on the mat and helped her brothers warm up during tournaments around the state, but had never expressed a desire to don a singlet herself. That changed in 1995.
The Tolins were driving home from Wheatland’s youth tournament when Sarah told her family she had been thinking about wrestling for quite some time and decided she wanted to give it a go. The Tolins talked it over during that 90-minute drive. Their first stop when they arrived in Casper was a sporting goods store, where they bought Sarah a pair of wrestling shoes.
Sarah wrestled for Centennial Junior High and eventually qualified for national tournaments. She had conversations after placing at one of those national events that charted a path for the future of the sport in the Cowboy State.
“Most of the girls she was competing against were still wrestling boys on their high school teams,” Don said. “They told her she couldn’t wait for the national tournaments to roll around and expect to do well. They told her she had to keep wrestling during the year.
“The only way to do that, at the time, was to wrestle against boys.”
The WHSAA didn’t have rules allowing co-ed participation at the time. Don had preliminary conversations with then-commissioner Larry Klaassen, who cautioned that the Tolins were likely to meet heavy resistance. On letterhead from Don’s law office dated Sept. 8, 1998, he laid out Sarah’s history in wrestling, her accomplishments and explained that she had the support of Kelly Walsh head coach Tim Wilcox, who had coached her in junior high.
Don wanted to make clear to Klaassen and the WHSAA that Sarah’s desire to wrestle wasn’t fleeting. The letter also threatened legal action if the WHSAA’s board didn’t sign off on Sarah wrestling that season.
“As parents, coaches and wrestling officials, we have probably heard most of the arguments why girls should not wrestle boys, but respectfully do not agree with their premises, and further believe the WHSAA’s gender-based prohibition is improper, discriminatory and clearly violates the laws and constitutions of Wyoming and the United States,” the letter reads. “We are hoping we don’t have to litigate this matter in court, as it will be extremely costly and time-consuming for everyone involved.
“However, we are confident the courts will fully support our position and award us attorneys’ fees and costs.”
The Tolins were invited to make a presentation in front of the WHSAA board. Eventually, the board said Sarah and other girls could petition to compete on boys teams. The petitions were decided on a case-by-base basis. Many people viewed girls wrestling as a passing fad, Don said.
“There were people who hoped it was like the hula hoop,” he said. “They hoped it would arrive in a flash and then disappear.”
At best, the response to Sarah wrestling was tepid. Despite her background, there were teammates and their parents who thought she didn’t belong or were worried she might supplant them on the varsity roster. There were opponents who refused to wrestle her for religious or moral reasons.
As expected, the Tolins had people ask how they could subject their daughter to the risk of injury or inappropriate touching.
“If someone touched her in a way that wasn’t natural for wrestling, she took care of it and they walked off the mat a little gingerly,” Don said. “She knew how to take care of herself. She never saw wrestling against the boys as a sexual thing or anything inappropriate.
“She wasn’t a ‘girl wrestler,’ she was a wrestler.”
Sarah — who died in 2005 — competed for Kelly Walsh as a junior and senior. She continued to wrestle after high school. Sarah spent a year at Casper College before transferring to Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kansas, where she wrestled for two seasons.
In 2002, Sarah was a silver-medalist at University Nationals and placed fifth at the University World Championships.
Slow growth
Jessica Brenton was a pioneer on her own side of Casper, becoming the first girl to crack Natrona County’s varsity roster. She encountered resistance, even a decade removed from Sarah Tolin’s fight to wrestle at the high school level.
“There were parents who made comments about how this was a boys’ sport and I shouldn’t be wrestling,” Brenton said. “I found support and people pushing me in the right direction, especially when I started going to national tournaments. (The Tolin family) always gave me support. … I want girls to have their own division so they don’t have to deal with what I did.”
Brenton, 29, is the Wyoming Amateur Wrestling Association’s women’s director. She took on that role shortly after wrapping up her collegiate career at the University of Winnipeg. Brenton wants to see women’s wrestling become as big in Wyoming as it is in Canada.
Only a few of the state’s high school coaches were receptive to a separate girls division when Brenton started emailing them to build support a handful of years ago. This year was different. A lot different.
“Most of the coaches I heard back from are all for a girls division,” Brenton said. “I didn’t expect that because there weren’t any schools that had expressed interest in sponsoring it when I talked to the WHSAA at the start of the school year.
“Now, we’ve got enough school boards that have OK’d it that it’s going in front of the WHSAA. Some of the biggest tournaments in the state had girls brackets. So many people have changed their minds about girls belonging on the wrestling mat.”
Moorcroft had girls brackets at its tournament the first weekend of this high school wrestling season. The following weekend, Cheyenne East’s Charlie Lake Invitational featured girls brackets. The Ron Thon Memorial Tournament in Riverton — which attracts nearly every school in Wyoming, regardless of classification — also added a girls division this winter.
The latter convinced Brenton momentum was firmly swinging in the direction of a girls division.
So did the inaugural Wyoming girls folkstyle state tournament, which was held Feb. 27 as part of the Casper Showdown in Memory of Sarah Tolin. That event featured 81 girls starting with the under-6 division.
There are 230 Wyoming girls registered with USA Wrestling.
Removing barriers
Central coach Kyle Brightman knows people will point to the limited number of girls wrestling in the state and say a separate division is unnecessary. However, he thinks the small number of girls wrestling in Wyoming is the reason a separate division is needed, and an important step toward the sport remaining strong in the state.
“We’ve seen in other states that have sanctioned girls wrestling that when women have their own division and only have to wrestle girls that they’re more apt to try it,” Brightman said. “There’s no awkwardness, there’s no biological differences. It’s more inclusive.”
Abby Vroman had no idea Brightman would convince her to wrestle when she approached him about being a team manager last fall. In fact, the freshman thought she had an easy out when Brightman broached the subject. She told him she never wanted to wrestle boys, and only stepped on the mat after Brightman assured her she wouldn’t have to if she didn’t want to.
“It’s not fair for girls to wrestle guys at the high school level,” Vroman said. “I was nervous for wrestling guys for that reason. It’s also weird for girls to wrestle guys.
“… A lot of girls I’ve talked to said they’re not wrestling because they don’t want to wrestle guys, and they don’t understand the sport. It’s male-dominated, so it’s hard to get girls involved and interested.”
Vroman — who also is a cheerleader at Central and has been a competitive gymnast — admits she didn’t expect to finish the season on the mat. Instead, she grew to love it so much that she had a change of heart and started wrestling boys in order to have more bouts. She has since competed in girls tournaments outside the high school season.
“Once you actually start wrestling, it’s not as awkward as I thought it was going to be,” Vroman said. “It’s all about the sport when you’re competing. I came to like the sport a lot more than I expected to when I started.”
Most girls who wrestle stop by the time they get to junior high. The ones who continue often crack the high school varsity lineup in the lowest weight classes. Middleweight wrestlers often languish down the depth chart because they’re unable to beat the boys on their team in those weight classes.
Senior Alleynah Ronnau spent her freshman season on East’s junior varsity squad before winning the varsity 106-pound spot as a sophomore and junior. She started wrestling when her family lived in Germany, and saw no reason to stop after moving to Cheyenne. Ronnau went 13-20 and reached the state tournament as a sophomore. During her junior campaign, Ronnau was 21-21, won the Southeast District title and qualified for state.
However, the muscle she put on through her dedication in the weight room vaulted her to the 120-pound weight class this season. She earned East’s No. 2 spot in that weight and again qualified for state, but finished the year with a 2-13 varsity record.
“I’m built differently than the guys I wrestle,” Ronnau said. “My muscle mass is spread out differently. Going up two weight classes this year was a big difference. It’s a big mental thing knowing you’re going up against guys who are a lot stronger than anyone you’ve wrestled before.”
Ronnau never backed down from the challenge, though. Instead, it served as a reminder of what attracted her to wrestling in the first place.
“I’ve always liked the challenge of the sport,” she said. “The challenge has kept me in this wrestling room for four years. It’s pushed me outside of the wrestling room, too.
“It’s helped me become a better student and learn how to manage my time a lot better. It’s something that will help me my entire life.”
Even though attitudes about girls wrestling have changed in the past 24 years, some parents still aren’t OK with their teenage sons wrestling girls and vice versa, Brenton said.
“Junior high is when everyone starts developing and guys turn into men and girls turn into women,” Brenton said. “A lot of parents don’t want their girls touched the way you have to touch someone when you wrestle them.
“And there are guys who don’t want to risk being beaten by a girl. It’s not a winning situation for anyone.”
Now that the WHSAA has signed off on girls wrestling, the season will most likely run alongside the boys, similar to girls and boys basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer, tennis and track. East coach Thad Trujillo said that makes sense for the first few years as the girls division finds its footing.
That move also makes sense because school districts and the state have been cutting back on expenses due to the state’s budget being crunched by declining mineral tax revenues.
However, Trujillo thinks wrestling eventually needs to adopt a similar model to prep swimming, where the girls compete during the fall season, and the boys season is contested during the winter.
“Coaches I’ve talked to in other states said (girls wrestling) really took off when it became a standalone season,” Trujillo said. “They can still be closely tied together, but you’d see a lot more involvement if they’re having their own practices with just girls in the room.
“I think that’s important because it gives the girls teams their own identity and own season instead of having the perception that it’s an add-on to a sport we already have.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/better-late-than-never-girls-wrestling-sanctioned-by-whsaa/article_f293de40-5a41-57b9-8192-b3259e46f8db.html | 2022-05-04T13:58:27Z |
The University of Wyoming saved its best round of the Mountain West Men’s Golf Championship for last, firing a 283 (-5) on Sunday to finish tied for sixth.
UW shot an 863 (-1) for the tournament, which was played on the Olympic Course at Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, Washington, tying the Cowboys’ second-best finish at the event. San Jose State also shot 1-under par, while San Diego State won the team title with a score of 842 (-22).
Redshirt sophomore Jimmy Dales shot a final round of 71 (-1), posting a 54-hole total of 211 (-5) to finish tied for seventh. Redshirt freshman Patrick Azevedo closed out Sunday’s final round with a 70 (-2) and a three-round total of 212 (-4), finishing tied for ninth.
Dales and Azevedo became only the second pair of Cowboys to post top-10 finishes in the same MW championship. The other Wyoming teammates to accomplish the feat were John Murdock and Dan Starzinski, who placed fifth and eighth, respectively, in 2019.
The Cowboys’ final team round was the second-lowest score on Sunday, behind only New Mexico’s 276 (-12). They finished just two strokes back of the Lobos for fifth place, as all five Pokes playing on Sunday shot even-par or better.
Freshman Jaren Calkins shot an even-par round of 72 in the final round and a three-round total of 220 (+4), tying for 28th. Juniors Kirby Coe-Kirkham and Tyler Severin each shot final rounds of 71 (-1) to help fuel the Cowboys strong finish. Since Coe-Kirkham, Severin and senior Bryce Walter each played only two rounds in the three-round tournament, they did not qualify to place individually.
“I am really, really proud of our team,” UW coach Joe Jensen said. “They just kept fighting all week, and to shoot the second-best round on the final day says a lot about our guys. Jimmy was great. I told him that every team needs a solid No. 1 player to have success and that is what he was for us this week.
“For Pat to play the way he did this week was a credit to him controlling his emotions and maintaining his focus. To have a sophomore and a freshman both finish in the Top 10 is exciting for our program, and it’s exciting to think that all five of our players who played today will be back next year.”
The individual title was won by Connor Jones of Colorado State, whose final total of 206 (-10) was one shot better than Hugo Townsend of Boise State’s 207 (-9). Sam Choi of New Mexico shot the lowest round of the tournament, a 65 (-7) on Sunday, to make a run at the title. He tied for third at 208 (-8) with three other individuals.
Colorado State finished four strokes behind SDSU at 846 (-18) to place second. Nevada rounded out the top three with a score of 854 (-10)
Mersal earns MW honor after setting school record at Fresno State Invitational
Kareem Mersal highlighted a strong showing for Wyoming at the Fresno State Invitational with a record-setting performance.
Mersal set a new school record in the men’s long jump on Saturday, recording a leap of 25-6 ¼ to finish second. He was named Mountain West Field Athlete of the Week on Wednesday, and currently leads all MW long jumpers at No. 7 in the West Region for the 2022 Outdoor Qualifying Rankings.
In the women’s long jump, Shayla Howell took first at 20-9. She was the only athlete in the field to break 20 feet. Jefferson Danso was fourth in the men’s triple jump at 48-1/2
Katelyn Mitchem put together an impressive performance in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase invitational race, finishing third and clocking a personal best of 10:21.03. Anna Spear posted a second-place finish in the non-invitational race, running a personal best of 10:52.22 to move into sixth all-time in program history. Albert Stiener finished third in the men’s invitational race in 8:50.54, moving into seventh all-time, while Josh Rodgers won the non-invitational race at 9:13.60.
Joseph Rodgers added another victory for the Cowboys in the non-invitational men’s 800m, winning by less than a second at 1:50.40.
Mary Carbee cracked the top 10 in the women’s hammer throw on Friday, finishing eighth with a toss of 187-8. Addison Henry placed sixth in the women’s shot put with a personal-best toss of 49-2.¼, moving into sixth all-time at UW.
The Cowboys started the day strong with a third-place finish in the 4X100 relay, with the team of Jaymison Cox, Wyatt Moore, Hunter Brown and Carter Wilkinson clocking in at 40.99. On the women’s side, the team of Aumni Ashby, Shayla Howell, Sadie McMullen and Gabby Drube finished eighth in 47.04. Cox followed that up with a fourth-pace finish in the 400m at 47.95.
Up next for Wyoming is the MW championships, which is scheduled for May 11-14 in Fresno, California. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/cowboys-tie-for-6th-at-mw-championship/article_44b30239-e9d5-5715-a136-9fa90e4bd83a.html | 2022-05-04T13:58:33Z |
WEDNESDAY
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
Ivinson Medical Group women’s health prenatal education: 5:30 p.m., Ivinson Memorial Hospital in the Summit Conference Room. Learn more or register at ivinsonhospital.org/childbirth.
THURSDAY
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Diabetes Support Group meets: 5:30-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Email questions@ivinsosnhospital.org for the link.
Cinco de Mayo and Business After Hours at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Horse Barn Theater at the site. Free to public. Prison also open for self-guided tours.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
UW Symphony presents “An American in Paris”: 7:30 p.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall. For tickets call 307-766-6666, visit the UW box offices at Fine Arts or the Student Union, or visit uwyo.edu/finearts.
FRIDAY
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
Chicken Fried Steak Dinner fundraiser: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Laramie Elks Lodge 582, 103 S. 2nd St. Cost is $16 for members and their guests. Seating is limited, so call for a reservation, 307-742-2024.
”Meet the Macbeths!” presented by Laramie Children’s Musical Theater Workshop: 7 p.m., Studio 253 in the Laramie Plains Civic Center, 710 E. Garfield St. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for children younger than 12. Appropriate for ages 8 and older.
UW Music presents Andrew Staupe on piano: 7:30 p.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets $10 general admission, $7 seniors and $6 for non-UW students. Ca307-766-6666 or visit uwyo.edu/finearts.
UW Planetarium presents “Astrology”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Look into the past at the origins of astrology and learn how it’s affected the world, along with why we don’t depend on it today. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
SATURDAY
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Europe to the Stars”: 2 p.m., UW Planetarium. An epic journey behind the scenes at the most productive ground-based observatory in the world. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
VFW Post 2221 Commander’s Charity Dinner: 5:30-8 p.m., 2142 E. Garfield St. Tickets 412 at the door, all proceeds to benefit VFW Poppy Fund and Albany County Search and Rescue.
”Meet the Macbeths!” presented by Laramie Children’s Musical Theater Workshop: 7 p.m., Studio 253 in the Laramie Plains Civic Center, 710 E. Garfield St. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for children younger than 12. Appropriate for ages 8 and older.
UW choirs present Brahms’ beloved “German Requiem”: 7:30 p.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets, call 307-766-6666 or visit uwyo.edu/finearts.
UW Planetarium presents “Liquid Sky Indie Rock”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Enjoy a custom playlist of music from out-of-this-world artists pushing the limits of rock. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
SUNDAY
Mother’s Day Brunch fundraiser: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Laramie Elks Lodge 582, 103 S. 2nd St. Cost is $15 for members and their guests, with complimentary brunch for moms. Call 307-742-2024 for a reservation.
MONDAY
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
TUESDAY
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
Albany County Republican Party meets: 6 p.m., Albany County Public Library.
May 11
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
Ivinson Medical Group women’s health prenatal education: 5:30 p.m., Ivinson Memorial Hospital in the Summit Conference Room. Learn more or register at ivinsonhospital.org/childbirth.
May 12
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
May 13
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Extrasolar Planets”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Just a couple of decades ago scientists could only speculate if planets existed around the other stars of our galaxy. Today, an abundance of diverse worlds are cataloged each day. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 14
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 8:30 a.m., UW Arena-Auditorium, undergraduate ceremony for the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering and Applied Science and School of Energy Resources.
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 10 a.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, for the College of Law.
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 12:15 p.m., UW Arena-Auditorium, for master’s and doctoral students from colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business, Education, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.
UW Planetarium presents “Out There: Extrasolar Worlds”: 2 p.m., UW Planetarium. For thousands of years, mankind thought that the Earth was the center of the universe. Thanks to our curiosity, imagination and urge to explore, we now know that planets like ours are nothing special in the cosmos. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 3:30 p.m., UW Arena-Auditorium, for undergraduate ceremony for colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources and Office of Academic Affairs.
UW Planetarium presents “Liquid Sky Pop”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Enjoy a custom playlist of music from today’s pop artists. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 15
Walk With a Doc: 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Washington Park west shelter No. 3. Bring walking shoes and a friend. For more information, email questions@ivinsonhospital.org.
May 16
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
May 17
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Wyoming Skies”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. What’s up in the sky around Wyoming? Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 18
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
Ivinson Medical Group women’s health prenatal education: 5:30 p.m., Ivinson Memorial Hospital in the Summit Conference Room. Learn more or register at ivinsonhospital.org/childbirth.
May 19
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
May 20
Albany County CattleWomen meet: 11:30 a.m., location tbd. Visit wyaccw.com in the week before the meeting for location and more information.
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Science of Sci-Fi”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Everyone loves a good sci-fi movie, but how much is science and how much is fiction? Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 21
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Hot and Energetic Universe”: 2 p.m., UW Planetarium. The planetarium documentary “The Hot and Energetic Universe” presents with the use of immersive visualizations and real images the achievements of modern astronomy. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
UW Planetarium presents “Liquid Sky Throwbacks”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Stranger Things meets Guardians of the Galaxy — 1980s nostalgia addicts unite! Enjoy a custom playlist of music from yesterday’s top artists. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 23
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
America Sewing Guild Laramie Chapter meets: 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1215 E. Gibbon St. Please enter through the lower east door off the parking lot.
May 24
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
May 25
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
May 26
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
May 27
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
May 28
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
May 30
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
May 31
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
June 3
Fried Shrimp Dinner fundraiser: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Laramie Elks Lodge 582, 103 S. 2nd St. Cost is $16 for members and their guests. Seating is limited, so call for a reservation, 307-742-2024.
June 5
Unexpected Company Senior Theatre presents “Three Doors to Death ... or the Choice is Yours”: 3 p.m., Alice Hardie Stevens Event Center. Tickets $12 can be bought at the Eppson Center for Seniors or Laramie Plains Museum Carriage Gift Shop.
Have an event for What’s Happening? Send it to Managing Editor Greg Johnson at gjohnson@laramieboomerang.com. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/announcements/whats-happening/article_2350696e-bffb-502c-9cb4-5804809635f4.html | 2022-05-04T13:58:39Z |
SHERIDAN — The Bighorn National Forest will soon act on dispersed camping solutions brought forward two years ago by the Big Horn Mountain Coalition Dispersed Camping Task Force.
The suggestions — which range from requiring a dispersed camping sticker for campers to implementing a year-round 14-day stay limit — are all intended to address some common issues with dispersed camping, or camping outside of a designated campground, said Bighorn National Forest recreation staff officer Andrea Maichak.
These issues include overcrowding and lack of availability of campsites in popular areas, Maichak said, and have gotten worse in recent years.
“I had a chance to work for the forest in 2005 as a dispersed recreation and (off-highway vehicle) technician,” Maichak said. “I can share with you that in 2005, dispersed recreation was a concern for the forest and the public as well. And I know since 2005, that concern has continued to grow.”
Currently, the forest requires campers to move at least 5 miles after 14 days in one location. However, many campers, trailers and recreational vehicles are left on the mountain unoccupied for much longer than 14 days, which can cause frustration for other recreationists who are following the rules and seeking a new place to camp every 14 days.
One potential solution forwarded by the task force is the implementation of a yearly sticker all dispersed campers would have to purchase, Maichak said.
Andrew Johnson, Bighorn National Forest supervisor, said the sticker would make it much easier to contact users who are violating the forest’s 14-day rule.
“If we’re selling those stickers, we have those peoples’ names and addresses and phone numbers (and)…that will all be retained in a secure database….” Johnson said. “The key is that we know who they are. So when we see a sticker, it’s easy for employees in the field to contact our district offices and find out who has a certain sticker number.”
The sticker would have other values outside of dispersed camping enforcement too, Maichak said.
“Last year, when the fires started, we were really scrambling to move the campers away from… the closure areas,” Maichak said. “So… it would be much easier for us to contact the owners of the campers if we had special numbers associated with each sticker.”
In addition, the forest is considering extending the 14-day stay order throughout the year. Currently, the order extends from June 1 through Sept. 30, and campers can stay in one place for as long as they want outside of those four months, Maichak said.
Bighorn National Forest is currently the only national forest without year-round limits on dispersed camping, Maichak said.
Another proposed change would clarify how far a camper would need to travel when moving after a 14-day stay, Maichak said. The current rule is they must travel 5 “air miles” or the distance measured by traveling in the air. Maichak admitted this guidance was confusing for drivers.
“We recognize that air miles are very difficult to determine when you’re actually on the ground camping,” Maichak said. “…One of the recommendations the task force had was changing it to road miles. That way you can get in your vehicle, look at the odometer and determine how far you need to go before you can camp again.”
All potential changes will be open to public comment before being implemented, Tongue District Ranger Amy Ormseth said. Ormseth expects the public comment process to begin this summer, but a specific timeline and plan has not been determined at this point.
“I want to make sure people have their voices in the room,” Ormseth said. “Obviously, we know this could be a contentious issue with some folks, and I want to make sure people feel like they have an opportunity to voice their concerns.”
All the suggestions currently being considered were brought to forest staff nearly two years ago by members of the Big Horn Mountain Coalition Dispersed Camping Task Force, comprising concerned citizens from Sheridan, Johnson, Big Horn and Washakie counties. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/bighorn-forest-examines-stickers-to-solve-camping-issues/article_f6826701-f538-5d24-b9c2-45b242e7960b.html | 2022-05-04T13:58:46Z |
Casper Star-Tribune
A complaint filed last week with the Wyoming Republican Party claims four county-level Republican parties violated bylaws, raising further questions about whether state party leaders have been selectively enforcing rules at the expense of traditional conservatives.
Gail Symons, a Sheridan Republican and the woman behind the nonpartisan blog Civics307, claimed GOP organizations in Sheridan, Sublette, Albany and Crook counties committed minor violations of party rules. Her complaint comes as Laramie County Republicans face the prospect of losing most of their delegation over a different rules infraction.
“I urge the Party to take more appropriate action in the form of admonishment with the requirement that more care be taken to ensure compliance rather than the heavy handed and disproportionate response of not seating delegations,” Symons wrote in her complaint.
Symons filed the complaint with Kathy Russell, the executive director of the state party and Frank Eathorne, chairman of the state party.
The complaint is over small, likely unintentional, breaches in bylaws, but is an example of the canyon that divides the traditional Republicans and the hard-line conservatives who lead Wyoming’s GOP.
The Laramie County GOP admittedly broke rules at its county convention, which has puts the group at risk of losing most of its delegates at next week’s state Republican convention. Because Laramie County is one of a small number of county-level groups that have clashed with state party leaders, insiders pushed back against the impending punishment by noting that other counties broke rules but aren’t facing any consequences.
State GOP leaders responded by noting that no one had filed a complaint against any other counties than Laramie, apparently prompting Symons to act.
The complaint alleges, among other things, that the county Republican parties in Albany, Crook and Sublette failed to notify their respective county clerks about when they would hold their county conventions, which is required under state bylaws.
In addition, Symons wrote that “no nominations were allowed from the floor” at the Sublette County Republican convention, which is also a violation of bylaws.
“There is no reason to believe that the violations of by-laws for the five counties, including Laramie County, were a deliberate attempt to circumvent or undermine the integrity of the processes,” Symons wrote.
Rule breaking has not been scrutinized to this extent in the past, but there’s been a new emphasis put on it this year within the state and county-level Republican parties.
The number of delegates that each county gets at the state convention is based on its population, and Laramie is the most populous in the state. But if the Laramie party loses most of its delegates, it will end up with less voting power than Niobrara, the county with the smallest population in Wyoming.
The size of a county party’s delegation ties directly to its voting power at the state Republican convention, which is set to begin Thursday. The convention is held to vote on party platforms, resolutions and rules. The decisions made and adopted at the convention can influence the state’s politics — including which bills are brought to the Wyoming Legislature.
“Should a decision be made to not seat that delegation, the Convention will be conducted without proportional representation for 27.5% of the registered Republicans in the state,” Symons wrote. “That certainly undermines the State Party position of representing Wyoming Republicans.”
Symons added that she is willing to recruit registered Republican from the counties in question to file a complaint if she is not allowed to on their behalf.
Eathorne said Friday afternoon that he does not have time to look at the complaint until the weekend. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/fairness-complaint-filed-with-gop/article_d4575aed-0b00-544c-aec7-4f49813a8ca3.html | 2022-05-04T13:58:52Z |
CODY — For two decades, Wyoming’s wolf population has been above the minimum population number to be considered a recovered species.
Wyoming Game and Fish recently released its annual report on the population of wolves in and around Yellowstone National Park.
According to the report, at the end of 2021, the gray wolf population in Wyoming remained above minimum recovery criteria, making 2021the 20th consecutive year Wyoming has exceeded the numerical, distributional and temporal recovery criteria established for wolves by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
At least 314 wolves in more than 40 packs (including more than 23 breeding pairs) inhabited Wyoming statewide on Dec. 31. Of the total, there were more than 161 wolves and more than 24 packs (including more than 14 breeding pairs) in the Wolf Trophy Game Management Area, which includes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem outside of the national parks.
There were 97 wolves and more than eight packs (including six-plus breeding pairs) in Yellowstone National Park; more than 17 wolves and more than three packs (including two-plus breeding pairs) in the Wind River Reservation; and more than 39 wolves and at least five packs (including one-plus breeding pair) resided in areas where wolves are designated primarily as predatory animals in Wyoming.
A total of 107 wolf mortalities were documented statewide in Wyoming in 2021: 62 in the WTGMA, 38 in areas where wolves are primarily designated as predatory animals, six in Yellowstone, and one in the Wind River Reservation. Humans caused 84% of wolf deaths, 13% were attributed to natural causes and 3% unknown.
Fifty-six wolves were captured and radio-collared for monitoring and research in 2021.
In 2021, G&F implemented a wolf hunting season with the biological objective to stabilize the wolf population at approximately 160 wolves in the WTGMA.
A mortality limit of 47 wolves was divided between 13 hunt areas in the WTGMA and one hunt area in the Seasonal WTGMA (hunt area 12). Wolf hunting seasons were open Sept. 15-Dec. 31, with the exception of hunt area 12 (opened on Oct. 15) and hunt area 13 (closed March 31). The hunting season for each hunt area closed at the season’s end date or when the mortality limit in the hunt area was met, whichever occurred first.
A total of 30 wolves were killed during the 2021 wolf hunting season. In addition, the 2020 wolf hunting season was extended from Jan. 1-March 31 in hunt area 13, during which two wolves were taken.
Wolves were confirmed to have killed or injured 109 head of livestock (50 cattle, 53 sheep, five livestock-guarding dogs, and one horse) statewide in 2021.
Wolf-livestock conflicts in the WTGMA were the lowest recorded since 2010, while conflicts in the seasonal WTGMA and year-round predatory animal area increased.
Thirty-two wolves were lethally and legally removed by agencies or the public in an effort to reduce livestock losses (17 in the WTGMA, 15 in predatory animal areas in the state). | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/game-and-fish-wolves-remain-recovered-species/article_5cb1c8a4-fa06-537a-a5f7-223628af176b.html | 2022-05-04T13:58:58Z |
CHEYENNE — The Wyoming Supreme Court recently ruled that a traffic stop by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper was unconstitutional, and that the Laramie County District Court failed to consider the full circumstances when it denied a motion to suppress evidence.
An appeal to the state Supreme Court, filed Sept. 7, argued a WHP trooper conducted an unconstitutional traffic stop, eventually leading to Joshua David Levenson’s conviction for marijuana possession and a prison sentence.
The opinion, penned by Justice John Fenn and filed April 20, ruled the trooper’s stop had violated the Wyoming Constitution and the Fourth Amendment. The trooper had admitted he pulled over the vehicle in which Levenson was a passenger, despite not seeing a traffic violation before using high speeds to catch up to the vehicle.
The opinion said Laramie County District Judge Catherine Rogers made a mistake by denying a motion to suppress evidence. The higher court agreed with the appellant’s argument that the court had failed to consider the full context of the stop, including the trooper’s behavior.
The court did not, however, overturn a prior decision it made in 2006’s Fertig v. State, in which the court said pretextual traffic stops did not violate the Wyoming Constitution. Levenson’s attorney, Devon Petersen, had asked the court to overturn that decision as part of the Levenson case.
“Pretextual stops provide an end run around the Constitution,” Peterson told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
A pretextual traffic stop can be characterized as when an officer pulls over a motorist for a traffic or equipment violation with the intent to check for more serious criminal offenses.
“We find no reason to depart from our decision in Fertig and continue to adhere to the principle that ‘an officer’s subjective intent to search for drugs does not invalidate an otherwise lawful traffic stop,’” Fenn wrote. “We do note, though, that regardless of the officer’s subjective intent, there must still be an otherwise lawful traffic stop that is reasonable under all the circumstances.”
The case was appealed from a judgment and sentence issued by Rogers last May.
“In its decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court made clear that an officer’s conduct in the course of a traffic violation may be scrutinized, and that the officer’s conduct may render a traffic stop unreasonable and therefore unconstitutional,” Petersen said in an email to the WTE. “The (Supreme) Court’s decision is an important step in ending arbitrary and needless traffic stops for minor traffic violations, which are so ripe for abuse.
“I am hopeful that one day pretextual traffic stops will no longer be allowed in Wyoming or any other part of the United States,” Petersen continued.
Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill, whose office represented the state in the appeal, declined to comment Friday.
WHP Administrator Col. Kebin Haller could not be reached for comment Friday, nor could a WHP spokesperson.
On an August evening in 2018, Trooper Shane Carraher was parked on a paved median near mile marker 357 on Interstate 80. He began following a black Nissan Rogue, despite – by his own admission, according to court documents – not observing a traffic violation.
Carraher drove up to 111 miles per hour in a 75 mph zone to catch up, penning in the Nissan between two semi trucks in a way that would have made a lane change unsafe. The trooper calculated that the Nissan was following the front truck too closely and pulled the vehicle over.
“After carefully reviewing the dash camera footage, we find the traffic stop was unreasonable under all the circumstances,” Fenn wrote. “The trooper’s conduct congested traffic and required the Nissan Rogue to remain in the right lane between the two semi trucks, all of which were approaching a busy interchange with the lead semi truck slowing down to exit onto southbound I-25.
“Accordingly, under all the circumstances of this case, we find the trooper’s objective justification for a traffic violation was negated, and the initial traffic stop was unreasonable under Article 1, (Section) 4 of the Wyoming Constitution,” as well as the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Fenn continued.
The trooper then issued the driver a warning for following too closely.
After speaking with the driver and with Levenson, who was the passenger, Carraher suspected the two might have been involved in criminal activity: their rental vehicle had been due the previous day, and they were headed away from the location where it was to be returned.
The driver denied Carraher permission to search the vehicle, so the trooper asked for a drug-detection canine from the Cheyenne Police Department. The K-9 alerted to controlled substances, and Carraher found 42 pounds of marijuana.
The driver and Levenson were arrested, with Levenson charged with felony intent to deliver a controlled substance and felony possession of a controlled substance.
In January 2019, Levenson moved to suppress evidence, arguing the stop had been unreasonable.
He argued Carraher’s driving created a safety hazard, and that because the initial stop was pretextual, it was barred by the Wyoming Constitution.
Following a May 2019 hearing, the district court held that the traffic stop was justified based on the trooper’s observation of the Nissan following the semi truck too closely.
In exchange for Levenson’s guilty plea to felony possession of a controlled substance, the charge of felony intent to deliver a controlled substance was dismissed.
Rogers sentenced Levenson to 12 to 15 months in prison, but he was released on bond while his appeal was resolved, according to court documents.
Levenson had entered a conditional guilty plea, reserving his right to appeal the court’s denial of a motion to suppress evidence based on what he said was an illegal pull-over.
Levenson argued the court was required to consider “all the circumstances surrounding the stop, including the officer’s own conduct,” the opinion said.
“We find the district court erred” by failing to do so, Fenn wrote.
Fenn quoted part of the decision in a 2005’s O’Boyle v. State:
“Our location along a nationally recognized drug trafficking corridor likely results in a disproportionately large percentage of Wyoming’s comparatively small population being subjected to what have become routine requests to relinquish their privacy rights by detention, invasive questioning and searches,” the quote reads, “all without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity other than the offense giving rise to the stop.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/high-court-rules-traffic-stop-unconstitutional/article_e98639fc-9744-50bd-901f-88d98080f8cf.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:04Z |
While people around the the globe are itchy to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind them, a group of University of Wyoming scientists is working to develop a test for the virus that is more accurate and efficient.
The testing system has the potential to streamline on-site testing in places like doctor’s offices, airports and nursing homes and takes only 30 minutes to complete.
Unlike other tests, multiple samples can be tested for the virus at once, making the process more efficient. The test also uses antibody fragments, which are cheaper to produce than the whole antibodies used by some tests now on the market.
Developing the test took a group of six local scientists and students, who worked with colleagues at the National University of Ireland in Galway. Before 2020, some of the researchers were working with detection technology in a more general sense. When the pandemic hit, it became clear it was time to focus on COVID-19.
“It was a really great opportunity for me,” said Moein Mohammadi, a Ph.D. student who worked on the project. “I had other projects before the pandemic. I stopped all of those projects and started working on this (one).”
Mohammadi worked with the guidance of Karen Wawrousek and Patrick Johnson, who are both professors at the university. Each week, the trio would meet with their Irish colleagues, including professor Gerard Wall.
“I think one great thing about the project is how much everyone contributed. We each had our own area of expertise that we brought,” Wawrousek said. “Without the three of us it wouldn’t have worked so well.”
All parts included, the testing equipment is compact enough to fit on a small countertop in a lab nestled in the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science building.
To conduct the test, a researcher adds a saliva sample to a solution with both magnetic particles and detector particles. The sample is then placed on a magnet, where the particles form a small pellet. If the virus is present, the detector particles sink into the pellet along with the magnetic particles and the test is positive.
Testers scan the sample using a handheld device called a Raman spectrometer to detect the positive or negative result.
The Raman spectrometer used for the test was created by Metrohm Raman, a local scientific equipment manufacturer on 2nd Street next to Bond’s Brewing Co. in Laramie.
While it's still not as sensitive as the longer-wait time PCR test, the researchers found that it is 75-130 times more sensitive than the commercially available FlowFlex rapid antigen test.
Despite the efficacy of the test on a small scale, the researchers have a way to go before the test can be used by the public. The team will continue trying to improve the method and then must figure out a way to produce it on a large enough scale to be a candidate for Federal Drug Administration approval, Wawrousek said.
It also will be difficult to determine a cost for the test compared to others until it has been produced on a large, commercial scale. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/infection-detection-university-of-wyoming-scientists-develop-new-covid-19-test/article_ce58d6f3-24b5-57d2-b6df-8f8796332117.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:10Z |
Rosalie Mansir says she began hyperventilating when a packet of paperwork marked with an “E” came in the mail.
After 11 years of residence she had to leave the Star Valley Trailer Court near Grover in less than a month. That “E,” she understood, meant eviction.
“I was a nervous wreck,” Mansir said. “I’ve just got to stay focused and not get overwhelmed, which I tend to do.”
Mansir’s daughter, Tiffany Lawrence, insisted that her mother not deal with the new owner or property manager directly. In June of 2021 Mansir suffered a major heart attack and Lawrence was “scared to death” it would happen again.
“I bought a blood pressure monitor,” Lawrence said. “I’m so scared she’s going to have a heart attack again.”
Mansir’s trailer is one of 11 in the cluttered, ramshackle 30-unit park that received pamphlets marked with the E. She and the other recipients were told to remove their mobile homes by the end of the month. Anyone who wanted to stay would need to replace their home with one from 1995 or newer, the paperwork said.
A memo from the new owner, Teton Real Estate Investments Principal Jim Miller, also told them to clear out their yards: old vehicles, fencing, derelict sheds, feral cats — all of it had to go.
At his home overlooking the decidedly more upscale Wilson, Miller told WyoFile that purchasing the Star Valley Trailer Court was his first major real estate play in Wyoming, and that his intent was to make the neighborhood more attractive to working families. His aim, he said, is to provide affordable housing for the teachers, nurses, plow operators and others who have been priced out as Alpine and surrounding Star Valley towns morph into bedroom communities for Jackson Hole.
“It’s no different than Jackson,” Miller said. “What’s happened in Alpine is the Alpine workers used to live in Alpine, but the Alpine workers can no longer afford to live in Alpine so they have to live somewhere else.”
“People talk about the Jackson people getting kicked out,” he added, “but now it’s the Alpine people getting kicked out.”
This dynamic made the dilapidated trailer court in Grover, 28 miles south of Alpine and 65 miles south of Jackson, an attractive business proposition for Miller. According to residents, the former owner, Bruce Hendrick, had the 7-plus-acre property on the market for years. It sold on March 28th for $1.3 million, a party familiar with the transaction said.
Housing-cost spikes aren’t unique to Star Valley. The national trend has afflicted other parts of Wyoming as well. But it’s made more acute in the state’s northwest corner where Teton County boasts the highest median income in the western hemisphere and the median single family house price has eclipsed $4 million, creating a ripple effect that’s driving the market in surrounding communities.
As of Wednesday, the least expensive house listed on Zillow.com in Alpine was a single-family 2-bed, 2-bath listed at $749,000. In Etna prices of finished homes bottomed out at $625,000. Star Valley Ranch’s cheapest home listed on the website was $599,000 and the lone house near Thayne was listed at $469,000.
Even Star Valley residents who earn substantial salaries are watching their prospects for homeownership rapidly evaporate.
Brett McPeak, a real estate agent at Sotheby’s International, compared the Lincoln County home sale numbers from the first quarters of 2021 and 2022. The median sale a year ago was a 4-bed, 3,500-square-foot house in Thayne that went for $440,000. In a year’s time, that median sale price climbed nearly 50% to $642,500. But it bought less house: a 3-bed, 2,050-square-foot place on a similar-sized lot, also in Thayne. Among homes currently listed, McPeak said the median asking price is now $749,000.
“There’s a huge demand for affordable housing,” Lincoln County Planner Emmett Mavy said. “It’s hard to say how much affordable housing actually exists because the housing stock that we do have is generally full. There’s just not a lot of vacancies available at any price range, whether it’s affordable or not affordable.”
Addressing the issue is on the table for lawmakers. “Workforce housing” is the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee’s second-highest priority in the interim.
In the process of trying to create a more attractive neighborhood in Grover, Miller is also dislodging Star Valley’s neediest residents from the most affordable housing in the community. That’s not his intent, he said, even if it’s happening.
“As far as I’m concerned, everybody is welcome to stay in the park,” Miller said.
But squalid conditions and trailers in disrepair, he said, won’t be tolerated. “In my opinion,” Miller said, “these people belong in government housing.”
Social Services Supervisor Matt Banks, who works for the Wyoming Department of Family Services’ North Lincoln and Teton County office, said that options are limited for where the displaced residents can go. There are some federally subsidized apartments in Afton and Alpine, he said, but there’s always a waitlist, limited accessibility for felons and the units aren’t always ideal.
“Folks come in with money and are trying to shape the valley the way they’d like to see it,” Banks said. “But there are a lot of folks who have been here forever who are really just being pushed out. I don’t know where they go.”
Larry Kujala along with his wife, Lisa, are the longest-tenured residents, with 30 years under their belts. They’re among those being required to find a newer place, or leave.
“I raised four kids here,” Kujala said. “She’s a little run down, but she’s still my home.”
The Kujala children didn’t go far: They also rent trailers in the park.
Kujala, like half of the 10 Star Valley Trailer Court residents interviewed by WyoFile, survives on a fixed income. He had a stroke three years ago, and gets by on about $1,250 a month in Social Security Disability Insurance, he said. Lisa Kujala doesn’t have a job but works caring for her husband.
Kujala said a friend offered him “the deal of a lifetime” and is putting him up on their property. He harbors no resentment for what’s happening.
“I’m actually tickled to death that somebody’s taking the initiative to clean up this trailer park — I have fought for 30 years to get this trailer park cleaned up,” Kujala said. “There needs to be new homes put out here. The way they’re doing it, though, is the wrong way.”
Star Valley Trailer Court resident Bob Nisson wasn’t as understanding as Kujala as he talked through his impending eviction last weekend.
“They’re making a buck,” Nisson said. “This is nothing but money. Money and people that are just selfish and don’t care about nobody. They don’t care about us little people.”
The 78-year-old, like others who received the folder with the “E,” was supposed to be out by April 30. A 15-year trailer court resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, he had to scramble to find a place to lay his head. His new digs — a 21-foot-long camper trailer — were parked outside his current 56-foot-long trailer, which he shares with his 21-year-old grandson, four dogs and many cats.
“Everything in there supposedly works,” Nisson said. “God has provided a covering for us. It might not be the best, but I’ll tell you what, you’ve got to make due.”
Still, he said, moving into a camper is not ideal. The pets can’t come to the new, smaller trailer and there’s no space for his tools, kitchen supplies and most of his other stuff.
Miller, days after Nisson and WyoFile spoke, said he’s been working with Nisson’s Church of Latter Day Saints congregation to identify a better solution.
“I told his pastor he can stay, but he needs to apply for senior housing,” Miller said. “The government has senior housing for these people and he needs to go apply for some of the places. He can stay there until he’s accepted.”
Other residents who were getting kicked out didn’t wait around to work something out. Three left almost immediately, Miller said, abandoning their homes, including one residence that was littered with dog feces.
Those with trailers that are in decent enough shape to make the cut are facing a rent hike. The monthly rate for a lot used to run $280. Miller bumped rates to $425 per month, more than a 50% hike. That’s a special rate for existing tenants, Miller said. New tenants will pay more.
“I think $425 is going to push it for them,” he said. “That’s why I didn’t put it up to $525 for them, because that was my way of being nice — although I’m sure some people won’t see it that way.”
Resident Tina Myles and others said the rate hike will leave them stretched. She said her predicament is a “Catch 22”: There’s nowhere else she can afford to move to, but she also doesn’t have the means to renovate her trailer to the standards the new owner requires.
“I don’t have the money, at $13 an hour, to fix everything up,” Myles said. “I’m certainly not going to go take out a huge loan for a month-to-month lease and no guarantee that I won’t get kicked out a couple months later.”
Mansir, meanwhile, is packing her bags and heading to Tennessee to live in a camper trailer in her daughter’s driveway year-round. On Saturday, she was making the best of the situation, boxing up a decade worth of antiques that she’d accumulated in her Grover trailer. Jake Stewart, another park resident, was helping, and he even planned to take the day off on Monday to aid his soon-to-be-former neighbor to get out the door.
“I can’t afford any of the rent around here,” Mansir said. “I’m lucky I have my daughter, because I don’t know what would have happened.”
Her daughter, Lawrence, didn’t have as rosy a view of the situation.
“Really, she’s being displaced,” she said. “She’s frickin’ homeless.”
Hendrick, the Star Valley Trailer Court’s former owner, is “heartbroken” by the plights of residents like Mansir.
“Those were my people for 30 years,” Hendrick said. “All I can say is I wish I could take it back, but I can’t.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/jackson-hole-s-wealth-displacing-star-valley-s-neediest/article_1bfe21a5-26e2-5ab6-8bd3-e9bf96757677.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:17Z |
On the record May 4: On the record May 4, 2022 2 hrs ago Comments Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save The following calls were included in the Albany County Sheriff's Office responses:FRIDAY, APRIL 29• 12:16 a.m., Albany County Area, possible domestic disturbance• 3:42 p.m., Interstate 80, accidentSATURDAY, APRIL 30• 2:34 a.m., 1700 block of Harrison St., possible impaired driving• 4:02 p.m., Albany County Area, theft/unauthorized use of vehicle• 6:36 p.m., Albany County Area, accident• 9:17 p.m., 200 block of Wyoming Highway 230, fireSUNDAY, MAY 1• 6:16 p.m., intersection of N. 3rd St. and Beaufort St., accidentThe following calls were included in the Laramie Police Department responses:FRIDAY, APRIL 29• 12:37 a.m., 2300 block of E. Grand Ave., emergency• 11:53 a.m., intersection of W. Snowy Range Rd. and S. Colorado Ave., wildlife• 4:04 p.m., 3300 block of E. Grand Ave., accident• 4:06 p.m., 1900 block of E. Custer St., possible domestic disturbance• 5:15 p.m., 1700 block of E. Symons St., animal bite• 5:20 p.m., 800 block of E. Sheridan St., vandalismSATURDAY, APRIL 30• 12:21 a.m., intersection of N. 3rd St. and E. Harney St., possible impaired driving• 12:40 a.m., 600 block of N. 3rd St., trespassing• 2:42 a.m., intersection of N. 15th St. and Willett Dr., possible impaired driving• 3:43 a.m., 200 block of N. 6th St., disorderly conduct• 5:56 a.m., 1800 block of Monroe St., fighting• 10:24 a.m., 1300 block of Grafton St., hit and run• 1:09 p.m., intersection of N. 4th St. and E. Gibbon St., accident• 2:08 p.m., 1700 block of E. Custer St., burglary• 3:30 p.m., 1300 block of N. 4th St., littering• 6:15 p.m., intersection of S. 3rd St. and E. Sheridan St., possible impaired driving• 7:18 p.m., intersection of S. 3rd St. and E. Grand Ave., hit and run• 8:24 p.m., intersection of E. Spring Creek Dr. and E. Park Ave., possible possession of controlled substance• 8:50 p.m., 2300 block of Harrison St., possible domestic disturbanceSUNDAY, MAY 1• 6:45 a.m., 2600 block of Jackson St., possible domestic disturbance• 9:08 a.m., 400 block of E. Boswell Dr., emergency• 9:19 a.m., 2100 block of Wyoming Ave., emergency• 11:31 a.m., intersection of N. 9th St. and E. Lyon St., animal bite• 12:54 p.m., 200 block of N. 30th St., accident• 8:54 p.m., 200 block of S. Buchanan St., possible domestic disturbance Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Save Recommended for you Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. comments powered by Disqus Latest e-Edition Laramie Boomerang To view our latest e-Edition click the image on the left. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. 2022 Wyoming Legislature Updates Sign up to receive daily headlines on the 2022 Wyoming Legislature session. News Updates Would you like to receive our daily news? Sign up today! News Updates - Laramie Boomerang Want to keep updated on news headlines? Sign up today! News Updates - Rawlins Times Would you like to receive our daily news? Sign up today! News Updates - Wyoming Business Report Would you like to receive our daily news? Sign up today! You must select at least one email list. Please enter a valid email address. Sign up Manage your lists | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/local_news/arrest_record_and_police_calls/may-4-on-the-record/article_1c45e933-70dd-5951-94ce-707b05c75462.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:23Z |
Local student earns award for Letters About Literature entryOperating under the umbrella of Wyoming Humanities, the Wyoming Center for the Book has announce winners of its annual Letters About Literature youth contest.
The list of winners includes Parker Zoe Jackson of Laramie, who was awarded second place in the high school division for an entry on the “Throne of Glass’ series by Sarah Maas.
Jackson, who was one of 12 Wyoming students recognized, received a $100 Amazon gift card.
Structure, paving work near Vedauwoo may cause delaysTravelers may experience delays as crews with the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Simon Contractors, along with subcontractors S&S Builders, begin bridge and paving work on Interstate 80 by Vedauwoo.
Starting this week, crews are scheduled to set traffic control, including lane closures, between mile markers 324 and 330.
The project will begin with bridge rehab work on the east- and westbound bridges at mile post 326.6 then move to the east- and westbound bridges at mile post 329.3. Pavement and surface work will follow in July.
Drivers on the interstate should adhere to construction zone speed limits and stay alert for traffic shifts into and out of the crossovers. Delays are possible because of the traffic configuration. A 13-foot width restriction will be in place for interstate traffic during this project.
Work is expected to be completed in the fall. All WYDOT project scheduling is subject to change, including because of adverse weather or material availability.
Local Legion post seeks scholarship applicationsAmerican Legion Post 14 in Laramie will award a $1,500 scholarship ($750 per semester) to an Albany County Class of 2022 high school graduate who plans to attend an institute of higher learning in the country.
Application letters must include a brief summary of high school grades and activities, name of institution planning to attend, future goals and the student’s financial need.
Please send application letters by May 27 to Jimm Ohrmund, scholarship chairperson, P.O. Box 2187, Laramie, WY 82073. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/local_news/worth-noting/article_ba8dc7a8-e8d6-5e23-b6be-fdaabf5088be.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:29Z |
After fewer than two hours of deliberation Friday, a Carbon County jury found four Missouri hunters not guilty of trespassing for corner-crossing at the Elk Mountain Ranch in 2021.
The three-woman, three-man panel returned the not-guilty verdicts on criminal trespass charges and on an alternative theory of trespassing to hunt.
Phillip Yeomans, Bradly Cape, John Slowensky and Zachary Smith hugged one another and their attorneys after Carbon County Circuit Court Judge Susan Stipe read the verdicts at about 2:30 p.m. It was the third day of the trial. Jurors would not comment as they left the temporary courthouse in Rawlins.
Corner crossing involves stepping from one piece of public land to another at the common corner with two pieces of private property, all arranged in a checkerboard pattern of alternating ownership. The hunters’ attorneys said Carbon County Prosecutor Ashley Mayfield Davis never produced evidence the four had touched the private land of Fred Eshelman’s Elk Mountain Ranch.
But Mayfield Davis said stepping on private property was not necessary to convict the four. Property ownership involves three dimensions, she said, using a block of Duplo LEGO style bricks in two colors to illustrate the concept of checkerboard ownership in three-dimensions.
“The law is you own the airspace,” she told the jury in her closing arguments. “Land ownership is not just the dirt, it’s the airspace above.
“You don’t have to touch that land,” to be convicted of trespass, she said.
The men must have violated the airspace above Eshelman’s ranch when they crossed the infinitely small point at the corner, she said.
“A body is bigger than that point,” she said. “All of their bodies were over private land…. When you break that plane [above a property boundary line] you are entering their property.”
Along with property ownership comes the right to exclude others from that property, she said. She proved the necessary elements for conviction, she asserted, including that the men knowingly entered private property after receiving notice not to trespass.
“The defendants’ actions in this case are brazen,” she told the jury.
Defense attorney Ryan Semerad painted a picture of ranch owner Eshelman, a wealthy North Carolina businessman, as a would-be king of Elk Mountain. The 11,161-foot high game-rich peak is largely surrounded by Eshelman’s ranch property. But a number of mile-by-mile U.S. Bureau of Land Management sections, as well as state-owned sections lie within the ranch boundaries.
The hunters set up camp on a public parcel accessible by a county road and then corner crossed to reach other public land where they killed two elk and a deer in the fall of 2021.
Eshelman used his money, clout and influence to get prosecutor Mayfield Davis to file charges, Semerad asserted.
“He believed the whole mountain was his and that no one but [he] was allowed to be there … like a king,” Semerad said. “When he hears there are some regular people on the other side of the mountain [he said] ‘go track them down, arrest those men!’
“He sends his helper to go call the county attorney’s office and here we are.
“The state told you the law was clear on this,” Semerad said of the trespass statutes. But the lack of an immediately issued citation shows otherwise, he said.
Neither a Wyoming Game and Fish Department warden nor a county sheriff’s deputy cited the men when they investigated the incident in the field. Game and Fish lacks authority to cite for criminal trespass and has a policy not to cite under the trespassing-to-hunt statute in corner-crossing cases.
Instead, corner-crossing cases are forwarded to the county attorney for consideration of charges. Warden Jacob Miller submitted a report to Mayfield Davis whose office later directed a deputy sheriff to cite the hunters.
Defense attorney David McCarthy outlined how that indecision demonstrated the law was unclear and that maybe the hunters did not knowingly enter private property after being notified not to trespass. He asked jury members to consider how such convoluted considerations would seem to them if employed when they were pulled over for speeding.
In such an instance, “have any of you been told ‘Oh, I’m going to call the county attorney’s office — I’ll get back to you?’” he asked.
Semerad said the hunters heard from a deputy that Game and Fish wouldn’t cite them for corner crossing. They heard a deputy himself say he wouldn’t cite them and a law officer said most of Wyoming’s county attorneys won’t cite for corner crossing.
“It’s clear as mud,” Semerad said of the trespass laws as they relate to corner crossing.
The defense also asserted that Mayfield Davis had not produced the necessary evidence to convict. On the trespassing-to-hunt alternative charge, for example, McCarthy said the prosecutor failed to show that each hunter, individually, had possessed a hunting weapon when seen after corner crossing.
Defense attorneys emphasized that public land is not the province of an individual and that no one person can control access to it.
“America has no king,” Semerad said. “Wyoming has no king, Carbon County has no king. There is no man [on] Elk Mountain who can make judgments on his will alone.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/not-guilty-corner-crossing-hunters-acquitted/article_f7cc0cb1-1e4d-508f-90b4-82243cd94793.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:35Z |
The bombshell leak of a draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case legalizing abortion nationwide has set the country on course for an even more polarized and fluctuating landscape of abortion rights.
Almost immediately, Republicans who had fostered a decades-long push to end abortion rights cheered Roe’s potential fall. Democrats vowed to fight the possible loss of a constitutional right that has been in place for nearly a half-century.
The Supreme Court confirmed the leaked draft, first published by Politico, was an authentic document but said Tuesday “it does not represent a decision by the court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case.”
Though the draft opinion could change, Democrats and Republicans across the states pledged action amid warnings such a ruling could also put other rights at risk —battles that could likewise play out in the states.
In California, Democrats who wield control of the state Legislature and the governor’s office issued a joint statement late Monday announcing they would seek to amend the state’s constitution to enshrine abortion rights.
“California will not stand idly by as women across America are stripped of their rights and the progress so many have fought for gets erased,” California Democrats said. “We know we can’t trust the Supreme Court to protect reproductive rights, so California will build a firewall around this right in our state constitution. Women will remain protected here.”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, said on Twitter she plans to immediately call a special legislative session “to save lives” if Roe is overturned. The state already has a so-called trigger law that would make abortion illegal if that happens and Noem’s office declined to say why a special session would be necessary. Her spokesman, Ian Fury, said the tweet, “speaks for itself.”
In Georgia, which is among several dozen states electing governors this year, candidates on both sides of the aisle proclaimed they would prioritize the issue if elected to the state’s top office.
Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue said he’d call state lawmakers into a special session to outlaw all abortions, while Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams said she would defend the right to abortion if she wins.
About half of U.S. states are expected to ban abortion if Roe falls, according to the abortion-rights think tank Guttmacher Institute. Twenty-two states, largely in the South and Midwest, already have total or near-total bans on the books. Aside from Texas, all are now blocked because of Roe.
States have already been preparing for the protentional of the ruling being weakened or overturned, and Republican-led states have also been working to restrict access to medication abortion, which would allow women to get abortions without the burden of traveling to clinics that may be few and far between.
In addition to South Dakota, 12 other states have trigger laws that would immediately ban abortion if Roe is overturned.
One is Oklahoma, where Republican House Speaker Charles McCall declared Tuesday that “decades of steadfast prayer and unwavering legislative efforts to protect the lives of the unborn are finally on the doorsteps of success.”
“For close to 50 years, the silent cries of the millions who lost their lives before even having a chance to live have been heard through the voices of those of us fighting for their rights,” McCall said. “The pro-life movement won, securing those yet unborn the future and promise that comes with being born in the United States of America.”
A few states still have pre-Roe bans on the books, including Michigan, where Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has sued to remove it and pledged on Twitter Monday to “fight like hell to make sure abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible.”
The Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 declared that the state constitution protects abortion rights, but Republican lawmakers placed on the August primary ballot an initiative to overturn it.
In New Hampshire, Gov. Chris Sununu was a rare Republican governor who said he supports abortion rights and was committed to upholding Roe v. Wade. “So long as I am governor, these health care services for women will remain safe and legal,” Sununu said.
However, last year Sununu signed into law restrictions on abortion when he approved a measure banning abortion after 24 weeks of gestation, with exceptions only for pregnancies that threaten the mother’s life or health.
Polling shows relatively few Americans want to see Roe overturned. In 2020, AP VoteCast found that 69% of voters in the presidential election said the Supreme Court should leave the Roe v. Wade decision as is; just 29% said the court should overturn the decision. In general, AP-NORC polling finds a majority of the public favors abortion being legal in most or all cases.
At least eight GOP-led states have already passed new restrictions this year, expecting change from the conservative majority on the high court. Arizona and Florida banned the procedure after 15 weeks, without exceptions for rape or incest. Others, like Oklahoma, went further and made it a felony as of this summer to perform an abortion, with an exception only for the life of the mother.
Idaho followed Texas and allowed people to sue over abortions — including potential family members of the embryo.
Sixteen states and the District of Columbia, meanwhile, have protected access to abortion in state law, and several states moved to expand or strengthen those protections this year.
States like Washington and Connecticut, for example, have protected abortion providers in their states from lawsuits.
The Democratic leaders in Connecticut’s statehouse, which over the weekend sent legislation to that state’s governor that would protect abortion providers, said in a joint statement Monday night they had feared a proposed decision like the one in the draft opinion and “now this nightmare appears to be all too real.”
“America is likely headed down a dark path where individual states will adopt conflicting statutes leading to additional divisions in an already divided nation,” Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said.
Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said her state would “welcome with open arms” those who need access to abortion.
In Hawaii, state Sen. Roz Baker, a Democrat, questioned what more the ruling, if issued by the court, could bring.
“Are they going to go back and go after the LGBTQ community next?” she said. “Are they going to go after immigrants? Are they going to go after any of the vulnerable populations?”
In some cases, abortion laws may divide states as well.
GOP-led Tennessee also has a trigger law banning abortion if Roe is overturned, but Nashville’s district attorney on Monday tweeted that he would not prosecute any doctor who performed an abortion. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/possible-overturning-of-roe-sends-fight-to-states/article_f884a374-9061-5c9a-a6e1-ff340cf2c51d.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:41Z |
GILLETTE — The coal production from Peabody Energy Corp. and Arch Resources Inc. through the first three months of 2022 aligned with the strong projections each company had for their Powder River Basin mines headed into the year, despite rail issues and other logistical challenges.
Their steady coal production comes amid an increased demand for thermal coal sold at higher prices that has carried over from last year.
But both companies have kept an eye on the short-term gains with the other fixed on the looming long-term downfall of the coal industry in the basin.
“I think we’ll continue to generate cash out of these assets but we’re simply not going to put any more cash into them,” said Paul A. Lang, Arch CEO and president, on the company’s quarterly earnings call.
“We’ll do what we have to to feed them and keep them going, but any thought of increasing production beyond what we have the ability to do with equipment on hand is completely out the door.”
From January through March, Arch sold 18.2 million tons of thermal coal, shipped out of Black Thunder and Coal Creek, its two Powder River Basin mines, as well as its West Elk mine in Colorado, according to its quarterly report. That production was on par with the 18.8 million tons sold in the previous quarter that ran through December 2021.
For comparison, Arch sold significantly less — 12.3 million tons — through the first quarter of 2021.
The majority of that coal came from Black Thunder. The company has kept its smaller Campbell County operation, Coal Creek, open for production despite its plans of gradually closing it down for reclamation, in light of the steady demand for coal.
In the same quarter, Peabody sold 20.6 million tons of Powder River Basin coal from its North Antelope Rochelle Mine, Caballo and Rawhide mines in Campbell County.
The production was nearly even with the 20.7 million tons sold in the first quarter of 2021 and less than the 22.5 million tons produced in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to its quarterly report.
Demand for thermal coal — used to produce energy and found in the Powder River Basin— saw an uptick in the latter half of 2021 due to a variety of factors, including increased natural gas prices and the expectation of a colder than normal winter.
Both companies reported logistical challenges in meeting that demand, primarily related to railway transportation issues, although those have reportedly improved month-to-month through the quarter and into April.
The start of the year for two companies controlling five of the 12 coal mines in Campbell County signaled the industry is on track for the strong year of sales they expected in 2022.
But that hasn’t affected the long-term trajectory.
Still harvesting cash
Last year, Arch announced its plans to shift its focus towards metallurgical, or coking, coal used for steel production and away from thermal coal, fast-tracking its departure from mining in the basin.
While funding its reclamation and retirement obligations on Black Thunder and Coal Creek, the company has made good on its plan to continue “harvesting cash” from those mines in their twilight years.
The company’s thermal coal mines have raked in over $1 billion in adjusted income while spending $114 million in capital over the past 22 quarters, or 5.5 years, according to the report.
Through the first quarter of 2022, Arch reported a net income of $271.9 million, a far cry from the $6 million net loss the company saw at the end of March last year.
“The Arch team executed at a high level during the first quarter, delivering record earnings despite significant rail-related challenges that constrained both coking and thermal coal shipments,” Lang said in a press release.
All while progressing towards its exit from the basin.
Its thermal mine reclamation fund reached $100 million, which is about 80% of the company’s target goal. Its goal is to have it fully funded by the third quarter of this year.
Since 2021, Arch paid $39.4 million towards its “asset retirement obligation” in the Powder River Basin but still owes $150.4 million towards those requirements.
The company instituted a reclamation fund used towards the money needed to eventually close and reclaim its PRB mines.
The company put $40 million in the fund through the first quarter of 2022, then incrementally added another $60 million throughout April, leaving it with $100 million of its $130 million goal in line with its Black Thunder retirement obligation this July, according to the report.
“With the set up of this thermal reclamation fund, we can run this as long as it’s profitable and as long as it makes sense, but the second it stops, I have no hesitation doing what we have to do ultimately which is close these operations,” Lang said on the call.
Peabody ramping up
Although Peabody had its mines busy hauling coal out of the basin, the international company reported a $119.5 million net loss attributable to its stock holders through the first quarter of 2022.
But the company has its eyes on the rest of the year when it expects to ramp up coal production in the basin.
Since the year began, the company invested $40 million into its basin and other U.S. mines, expecting to produce more coal through the rest of the year. Those dollars included investment in equipment overhauls and recruiting and training its workforce, Peabody officials said on the earnings call.
For this year, basically all of the company’s thermal coal volumes are priced and committed, with incremental volumes expected to come from the basin at the whims of the railway logistics.
Along with the higher volumes, the company expects a higher price of coal from the basin in the second half of the year. But the cost of producing that coal is expected to grow too, due to inflationary factors.
That coal boon may last longer than expected, as the company reported having 59 millions tons of Powder River Basin coal committed in 2023.
“In the first quarter, we set the stage for the remainder of the year, addressing challenges to delivering projected volumes and costs across the platform and continued to strengthen our balance sheet while expanding the value offering we provide our customers and increasing our sold coal position,” said Peabody President and CEO Jim Grech, in a press release.
“Strong global market dynamics persist for our products, driving prices to unprecedented levels globally. With projected increased sales, we remain poised to deliver a strong 2022.”
During the Arch quarterly earnings call, and without being specific, its officials said that the company has already built a strong book of business for thermal coal into 2023.
They added that the pricing is not to the levels of 2022 but still above the historical averages prior to 2022. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/rise-in-wyo-coal-demand-production-continues/article_4e34256b-369f-5cf2-8fb2-d22c3feb1fee.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:47Z |
POWELL — A teacher’s assistant was arrested April 18 and charged with abuse of a vulnerable adult stemming from an October incident in which she allegedly beat a special education student with an ice scraper.
Special education paraeducator Brandy Wetherbee is no longer employed by Park County School District 1 following an investigation.
Wetherbee’s April 21 termination was approved at the April 26 school board meeting.
“The physical and emotional safety of our students is paramount to receiving a good education. As per law, the district reports all incidents of alleged abuse of any student to DFS or Law Enforcement and allows the system to work,” said Superintendent Jay Curtis. “When and if those investigations produce additional information, we act on that information expeditiously.”
The Park County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on Jan. 28 by Curtis.
According to the affidavit written by Deputy Allen Cooper, Curtis was contacted several days prior by an anonymous caller who reported the October incident. The caller was later identified as an eyewitness.
The abuse was reported to have occurred on about Oct. 5, 2021 near U.S. Highway 14-A and Beacon Hill Road as Wetherbee, paraeducator Sue Swistak and two students were traveling back to the school from an appointment in Cody.
The special education student in question began to experience a “meltdown” which the affidavit noted included hitting or kicking.
According to the anonymous caller, Wetherbee hit the special education student with an ice scraper while yelling for her to “shut up.”
During the investigation, Cooper interviewed multiple sources including Swistak, Wetherbee and the student’s parents. The student’s parents reported bruising on her chest, armpit and upper left thigh around that time but said that with their daughter’s condition this is not unusual, according to the affidavit. The parents did note that they are usually notified by the school when to expect bruising from activities such as swimming and skiing.
In an interview with Cooper, Swistak said she and Wetherbee were called to pick the student up from her appointment early.
Wetherbee was in the second bench seat in the van on the far right hand side and the second student was on the far left hand side. The alleged victim was in the third seat, directly behind Wetherbee.
The student is known to reach for people and objects when upset; she began to do so and was grabbing boots from the back. Swistak pulled the car over to move items in the back to the front seat, out of the student’s reach.
At this point, Wetherbee had become agitated and was holding an ice scraper.
“Swistak stated Brandy Wetherbee held an ice scraper with a long handle and screamed and yelled at (the student), getting her more hysterical. Swistak said that Wetherbee yells at (the student), ‘Shut the ‘f’ up! Shut the ‘f’ up!’,” Cooper said in the affidavit.
Swistak described Wetherbee as “beating her on her left side.” She added that Wetherbee hit the student with the ice scraper five or six times.
Swistak took part in a followup interview that was consistent with her initial account of events. When interviewed, Wetherbee contradicted Swistak, herself and her report that was completed immediately following the incident.
Wetherbee is currently out on signature bond; the preliminary hearing is scheduled for June1, 2022. If convicted, abuse of a vulnerable minor is a felony offense that can carry up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/teacher-s-assistant-charged-with-abuse-of-student/article_f68561e6-55bf-5cfc-9fc3-e3b0d7f9a2ba.html | 2022-05-04T13:59:54Z |
Wyoming’s patient zero arrived at the state’s Wildlife Health Laboratory in late March. Someone found the Canada goose dead in Bighorn County. The test came back positive for the deadly H5N1, a strain of avian influenza killing birds across the globe.
Since then, cases have popped up in magpies, great-horned owls, vultures and hawks from Jackson and Cody to Douglas and Laramie. In early April, the flu killed 11 wild turkeys near Buffalo. On Wednesday the Powell Tribune reported the Wyoming Game and Fish Department killed its broodstock of pheasants at its bird farm near Sheridan out of an “abundance of caution.”
“This used to be mainly a domestic poultry problem,” said Dr. Samantha Allen, Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s wildlife veterinarian.
But this flu is different. The current strain is responsible for killing more than 1,000 lesser scaup ducks in Florida, scores of Canada geese in New Hampshire, and dozens of snow geese in the same fields in North Dakota.
“As we started to see large mortalities in wild bird populations, what we really don’t know is if that trend will continue or not,” Allen said.
Questions about the future of the disease loom but are hard for scientists to answer at this stage. Will it mutate into an even deadlier virus that sticks around? Will it change and more severely affect humans? Right now, humans can contract H5N1, but few have fallen ill. What impact will it eventually have on wild birds in Wyoming, the West, North America and the globe?
For now, scientists in Laramie are testing dead birds brought to them from around the state, and researchers throughout the world are trying to figure out the best ways to protect domestic poultry and wildlife, contain the virus despite its presence in migrating species, and prepare for the future.
If avian flu sounds like something you’ve heard about before, it’s because you have. Avian influenza is endemic in wild birds, and outbreaks have historically killed millions of domestic birds.
Like all influenza viruses, avian flu has the ability to mix and match with other influenza strains and then evolve and change depending on its proteins, Allen said. Each has an “H” protein, signifying hemagglutinin and an “N” protein for neuraminidase. There are 16 possible “H” proteins and nine possible “N” proteins.
“The one that we’re dealing with right now is H5N1,” she said. “We break it down based on what genetics it has picked up along the way and what it looks like.”
The virus is then further classified based loosely on its severity, essentially highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza.
“All that means is that for highly pathogenic, a lot of domestic poultry will die very quickly and at high numbers,” she said.
When high pathogenic strains hit a domestic poultry producer, the birds either die from the disease or are killed to prevent its spread.
Wild, migratory birds, on the other hand, tend to carry the low pathogenic avian influenza and general influenza strains. It’s naturally circulating in migratory birds around the world, and while it can cause occasional die offs, it rarely kills large numbers.
The difference now is that migratory birds are also carrying this deadly strain, spreading it around to other domestic and wild birds through feces, close contact and in carcasses.
The current strain likely started somewhere in Asia where it has been circulating since the 1990s, Allen said. It has changed along the way, and the recent version has caused massive die offs in places like Israel where 5,200 cranes died. Birds infected tend to have “irregular spinning body movements, uncontrolled head rolling and other abnormal neurological movements followed by sudden death,” according to the Teton Raptor Center.
It landed on the shores of North America and was first detected in December in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and then in February in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana. Since then, it’s spread like wildfire as birds migrate from Florida to the Midwest and Colorado north to western Canada. Tens of millions of domestic birds have either died or been killed since that first case in February. No count currently exists for the toll it has taken on wild birds.
No one knows for sure if this current strain of avian influenza will burn itself out as some have in the past or remain in our populations in some different version. Some duck species are naturally immune, but act as vectors and may continue spreading the disease.
Researchers and biologists are still studying the impact on Wyoming’s birds, though at least right now, they aren’t worried about population-level impacts on migratory game birds.
“I think states that are really big wetland and bird congregation areas, wintering grounds, staging areas, those are places that will lose big numbers,” said Noelle Smith, Game and Fish’s migratory game bird and wetland biologist. “Wyoming doesn’t have those.”
The impact on raptors is particularly concerning, especially in fragile populations, said Zack Walker, Game and Fish’s nongame section supervisor.
Hawks, eagles, owls and vultures are likely feeding on carcasses of newly dead birds and then succumbing to the disease. The second known H5N1 case in Wyoming this year was a great-horned owl found dead in Park County.
Since then, it has killed a great-horned owl in Jackson and a red-tailed hawk near Ucross.
Hunters will see fewer pheasants stocked in western Wyoming after officials euthanized the Sheridan bird farms pheasant brood stock, reported the Powell Tribune. The captive birds were not sick, but dead turkeys had been discovered nearby that tested positive for the deadly flu strain. The birds were killed in “a preemptive action,” the Cody regional wildlife supervisor told the local newspaper.
The virus tends to thrive in cooler temperatures, which has helped its current spread, but also offers hope as the weather warms. Researchers hope as migratory birds continue their flights north the cases here will fizzle, said Hank Edwards, Game and Fish’s Wildlife Health Laboratory supervisor.
In Alberta and Saskatchewan, cases are rising, which may point to the effects of migrating birds carrying the disease with them. At the same time, cases in states like Florida and Georgia have dropped.
“The hope is we will follow that trend,” said Allen. “But right now, we just don’t know.”
If you find more than three dead waterfowl, any number of dead raptors or scavenging birds, or you see wild birds showing abnormal neurological signs, nasal discharge or diarrhea, call your local Wyoming Game and Fish office. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/toll-of-avian-influenza-on-wyoming-birds-still-unknown/article_9de0e677-4b3a-5220-9308-d224181dff3e.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:00Z |
CASPER — Former President Donald Trump will appear at a May 28 rally in Casper, he announced in a statement Monday.
The city has for months been discussed as a possible site for a Trump rally. But it wasn’t until Monday that Casper’s Ford Wyoming Center was confirmed as the location for what will be Trump’s first political appearance in the state.
It’s not surprising that the former president would choose Casper. The Ford Wyoming Center is the largest indoor venue in Wyoming, with a capacity of more than 8,000 people.
There is symbolism as well. The Cheney family hails from Casper, and Trump has made it his mission to defeat Rep. Liz Cheney after she voted to impeach him following the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Cheney remains Trump’s most outspoken Republican critic, and she is serving as vice-chair of the committee tasked with investigating the events of Jan. 6.
Trump is appearing in support of land attorney Harriet Hageman, his pick to challenge Cheney in the highly anticipated August Republican primary.
“It will be a tremendous honor and incredibly exciting to have President Trump visit with us and it will no doubt be the largest political event in Wyoming history,” Hageman said in a statement. “His policies were the best that we have ever seen, from building the greatest economy in the world, to driving America to energy independence, to enforcing our immigration laws, and I expect thousands of Wyomingites to come out to thank him enthusiastically.”
The race for Wyoming’s lone House seat has drawn considerable national attention, attracting well-known political figures to the state including Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, both of whom have campaigned against Cheney.
Many observers see Wyoming’s House race as a symbolic battle in the broader war between Republicans who support the former president and those who oppose him.
Polling shows that Trump remains deeply popular in the state.
In the 2016 and 2020 elections, Wyoming voted for Trump at a higher rate than any other state, with the Republican receiving 68.2% percent of the vote in 2016 and 69.9% of voters in 2020.
The former president’s popularity here among Republicans resulted in a strong backlash when Cheney began to speak out against him after the Jan. 6 riot. Wyoming Republican Party leaders censured her in February 2021 and then later voted to no longer recognize her as a Republican, a symbolic move.
Cheney hasn’t flinched. She’s continued to forcefully describe Trump as a threat to democracy.
Meanwhile, her national stature has grown, and she continues to rake in huge sums of campaign contributions, with donations coming from across the country. While Cheney and Hageman are the highest-profile candidates in the race, they are not the only ones.
State Sen. Anthony Bouchard, R-Cheyenne, was the first Republican to announce a challenge to Cheney. Retired Army Col. Denton Knapp is also seeking the Republican nomination.
Hageman entered relatively late compared to the other candidates but did so with the coveted Trump endorsement. May 28 will be the first time they campaign together.
Ford Wyoming Center officials say they were approached last year about the possibility of holding a Trump rally at the venue. Cheyenne was also discussed as a possible location.
Parking for the event is set for 6 a.m. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with speakers starting at 1 p.m. Trump is scheduled to speak at 4 p.m. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/trump-announces-casper-rally/article_57b57cab-7896-5d16-a8e6-e105424998a8.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:06Z |
CHEYENNE — This city’s loss of some Union Pacific Railroad historic steam and diesel locomotives and passenger cars will be the gain of the Quad Cities area in the Midwest.
And perhaps eventually, they could even travel again to our area for temporary display.
The railroad company has agreed to donate some well-known, but mostly no longer operational, locomotives and rail cars to the nonprofit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, representatives at Union Pacific and RRHMA said in interviews Friday. U.P. will hang onto other popular train equipment, namely its so-called “Big Boy” and “Living Legend” steam locomotives.
An advantage to fans of old trains is they can eventually visit the artifacts that U.P. is donating, although they are expected to be housed at RRHMA’s facility in Silvis, Illinois. The organization aims to transform that former 400,000-square-foot train shop complex of a now-defunct railroad into a museum. It is in the Quad Cities area of the Midwest, near Iowa’s border with Illinois and some 800 miles from Cheyenne.
The donation helps U.P. focus on maintaining and showcasing the “Big Boy,” which is perhaps the world’s largest functioning steam locomotive, and “Living Legend,” notable for being an older steam locomotive that was never fully retired from service. It also comes as major railroads across the U.S. are trying to trim costs to remain competitive.
“We’ve been trying to streamline our operations,” noted Mike Jaixen, a spokesperson for U.P. “We realized that we do not need as big of a fleet as we had” of older train equipment, he said. RRHMA “was a group that was able to find a use for them.”
Any speculation that the company, which is known for preserving a bigger fleet of older trains than some other railroads, is not sticking with this tack is unfounded, the company’s representative said.
“There’s been some internet scuttlebutt that this is the end of the U.P. steam program. This is not the case. We are continuing on with Big Boy 4014 and Living Legend 844. We are continuing forward – that is our steam program.”
Even with the downsizing, the rail carrier has an impressive array of older items, two stakeholders said.
U.P. has “one of the best steam programs in the world,” said Steve Sandberg, RRHMA president. “We’ve been running a big steam locomotive around the Midwest,” the organization’s own Milwaukee Road No. 261 that is based in Minneapolis. The museum’s new goal is to have what U.P. is donating “restored to a standard that is acceptable to Union Pacific,” so that it could travel on the company’s rails.
“They basically wanted to make sure that they could get it out in front of the public and that it would be preserved for future generations,” Sandberg said of U.P. “With them having two steam locomotives, they really did not need to have more.”
It could cost his organization $3 million to $5 million to fully restore all that U.P. is donating, estimated Sandberg. Donations totaling $500,000 will be tripled through matches by the UP in Smoke Foundation, as well as other donations, he noted.
Even before any financial hurdles are overcome, there are potentially complex logistics to get the donated rolling stock from Cheyenne to Silvis, representatives from U.P. and RRHMA acknowledged.
“It will be a huge endeavor, and while we have some ideas how that will happen … now we have to figure out how we make all this logistically happen,” said Jaixen.
One positive is that the train gear will start out on U.P. rails, although other tracks may also be used. The Iowa Interstate Railroad, which took over part of the railroad that used to own the Silvis facility, may play a part in the transfer, some suggested. One Iowa Interstate employee said they were not familiar with the situation, and the railroad itself did not comment.
When the historic equipment does hit the rails, it is likely to prove popular among rail fans, stakeholders said. They recalled big crowds when, a few years ago, Big Boy came to Cheyenne.
“We know that people will want to see this equipment moving,” said Jaixen.
“You’ll see rail fans taking pictures everywhere of the movement,” said Union Pacific Historical Society Business Manager Bob Krieger. Indeed, photos from this newspaper show fans themselves snapping pictures alongside the rails.
Krieger, who used to work for U.P., including in its local steam shop, described himself as happy with the donation.
“It’s been sitting idle for a long time, and I don’t think there is much chance of it being restored here. They have their hands full with the two engines they have,” he said. “They’ll keep their heritage fleet, they are just downsizing. A lot of stuff was just sitting around in the roundhouse. This way, they’ll just give access to the public.” (The current equipment is not typically on public display.)
U.P. summarized, and Jaixen provided details on, the donation from Union Pacific’s Steam Shop in Cheyenne:
The Challenger, which also goes by 4664 and 3985: This was perhaps the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, until it was exceeded by Big Boy’s restoration.
U.P. No. 5511: It is about 100 years old, perhaps the “only one of its type left,” Jaixen said by phone. “It has not operated in 60 years.” It was “not designed for speed, it was designed for power” and could do things like push other trains around a train yard.
The Centennial U.P. No 6936: It was the world’s biggest diesel locomotive when it was built in 1969 to mark the 100th anniversary of the completion of the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. It has some 6,600 horsepower.
The shell of a passenger locomotive.
Two business cars called the Selma and the Stanford. They are “kind of akin to a suite at a high-end hotel,” Jaixen said. They could be used by railroad employees who were traveling, and they had things like a bed and an office setup.
Other cars donated included four 1950s coach cars, a diner-lounge car, a baggage car, and a caboose. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/up-donates-some-cheyenne-based-locomotives-to-illinois/article_4d2f7068-4968-5212-982a-c3963a978be3.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:13Z |
Rawlins residents are under water restrictions as the city continues to mitigate impacts from a catastrophic failure of its water system in March and ongoing drought conditions throughout the region.
The restrictions went into effect last week, the city announced, adding the same collective effort residents made when the system failed needs to continue.
“Without pulling together to conserve water, our community will likely drain our tanks, experience boil-water advisories and potentially lose fire protection,” according to a city statement announcing the restrictions.
Rawlins gets about 1.5 million gallons of water a day into its treatment plant and residents “consistently use 1 million gallons per day for household use,” the city reports.
That replenishment rate is half of what it was last year at this time, and summer use usually increases to between 3 million and 6 million gallons a day because of outdoor watering.
“This obvious shortfall in water supply needs to be taken seriously to have water available to our community,” according to the city’s statement. “If our community waters the same amount as last year during restrictions, we estimate that our water tanks would be completely empty by mid-June.”
Officially, Rawlins has reached a Level D water emergency, which allows officials to implement more substantial restrictions. For now, those include:
• Residences and businesses may only water one day a week before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Even-numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and odd-numbered Mondays. When you do water, the city urges no more than 60 minutes of watering for each zone of turf on the designated day. The city will continue to monitor the situation for excessive water use.
• Trees, bushes, gardens, etc. may be watered as needed using a manually operated hose with an automatic shut-off valve before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• Do not allow water to run onto or pool in gutters, streets and sidewalks.
• Vehicles may be washed only using a manually operated hose with an automatic shut-off valve. Only wash when absolutely necessary and use the minimum amount of water possible.
• Washing parking lots, sidewalks or driveways with water is prohibited except for construction, safety and health reasons.
• Any water that can be conserved will make difference. Even the simple things, such as turning off water while brushing teeth and fixing dripping faucets, will make a difference when done by the whole community.
Those who choose to ignore or skirt the water restrictions can be ticketed and fined $250-$750 each instance. At least one warning will be issued per residence before leveling fines, and water use and consumption will be closely monitored.
The restrictions also carry over to public places like parks.
“Typically, our Parks Division begins irrigation in late April. However, public safety is our city’s first priority,” the statement says.
“We recognize the importance of water for public safety and that will be the main consideration this summer,” said Parks Superintendent Tyrell Perry.
The Parks Division has postponed all irrigation of turf and will meet regularly with the Water Division about what can and cannot be done to maintain public spaces, Perry said.
“Our parks, green spaces and sports fields will likely be brown and dry this year,” the statement says. “We understand that the restricted watering will likely be seriously detrimental to the long-term health of our parks.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/water-restrictions-begin-in-rawlins/article_8d415c38-e463-5b2e-a1eb-97f2150af132.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:19Z |
Beam me up, Scotty. I’ve seen it all now.
And here I thought being called “Flyover Country” was bad.
Now, however, a little looking into our nation’s nuclear defense system turns up the revelation that for decades, those of us living cheek-by-jowl with the intercontinental ballistic missile silos in Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota have been seen by some as the “nuclear sponge.”
It would be our job, in the event that the war criminal Putin launches a full-scale nuclear attack — a saber he rattles a lot lately — to “soak up” much of his arsenal of nuclear warheads. Our comparatively sparse population makes us perfect for the job, depleting weapons that might otherwise be directed at population centers.
We’re the expendables, and as the home of Warren Air Force Base overseeing 150 silos here and another 300 in Montana and North Dakota, we’re no doubt leading the list of expendables.
If that isn’t enough to give you pause over your breakfast porridge, I don’t know what will.
There’s speculation on the internet, for what that’s worth, that our country might not even launch the underground missiles here in our role of soaking up waves of Russian nuclear weapons.
We would fare far worse than Hiroshima and Nagasaki, because many of today’s warheads are 30 times more powerful.
We live at a strange time. Life goes on. We go about our lives. Houses are being built, businesses started. We fret about grocery and gasoline prices. We plan for the futures of our children and grandchildren.
But then, life was pretty normal in Honolulu on Dec. 6, 1941.
One murdering lunatic — look at the images from Ukraine — could in under an hour turn us into a “nuclear sponge.”
Imagine.
Switching gears, it’s enough hypocrisy to choke a Clydesdale.
I’m talking about the liberal reaction to bazillionaire Elon Musk’s pending purchase of the social media site Twitter.
The wailing and gnashing of teeth among those who have used Twitter to promote liberal pursuits and hamstring conservatives — banning a former president and blocking pre-election coverage of Biden’s nightmare son, possibly skewing an election — has been something to behold.
They’re frantic at the possibility that Musk could do to them what they have unabashedly been doing to conservatives for the last five years. Or worse yet, people like us could go uncensored. (The horror!)
Their projection and hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Twitter’s top lawyer broke down in tears last week at the prospect that “a free-speech absolutist” will soon be the boss at Twitter. (That lawyer, Vajaya Gadde, reportedly made $17 million last year and her severance package is $12.5 million.)
Pass the popcorn. This promises to be quite a show.
At a hearing last week, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio asked Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas if 42 illegal migrants apprehended at the border, and found to be on the terrorist watch list, remain in custody.
Mayorkas said he didn’t know.
After 9/11, the official investigation showed a “lack of imagination” in not fathoming such an attack in advance and not “connecting the dots.”
Here we go again, not connecting the dots of terrorism.
Meanwhile, we have a leader of the free world who can’t keep his dog from biting Secret Service agents.
As he attempts to manage the administrative branch of government — and not very well with only 22% believing we’re on the “right track” — he can’t even manage the family dog.
Inflation is raging, gasoline is through the roof, our southern border is wide open, crime is rampant in our cities and Biden wanders around like a wallflower with no one to talk to when the rock star Barack Obama shows up at the White House.
Instead of going to the border to assess the crisis, Biden’s hapless handlers send him to Portland and Seattle, two of the crown jewels of loony liberal mismanagement.
And yet Biden tops the list, according to a recent poll, of Democrats for president in 2024.
He’s the best they’ve got, and when I read that, I had to breathe into a paper sack for a while until my head cleared. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/opinion/contributed_columns/sponging-up-those-russian-nukes/article_bd90c8cc-195d-5f19-912c-c6aa5364b5cb.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:25Z |
“We are certainly right now in this country out of the pandemic phase,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s chief medical advisor, told the PBS Newshour this week. Not all experts agree.
“With all due respect to Dr. Fauci, I think we are still very much in a pandemic in this country,” Dr. Jonathan Reiner of the George Washington School of Medicine told CNN. “Cases have risen in the United States over 60%. Currently there are 15,000 people hospitalized in the United States with COVID-19 and that number has risen by almost 2,000 people over the last couple of weeks ... And because hospitalizations are rising, we will soon see deaths rising.”
Dr. Fauci did announce he would not be attending the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner recently. “I’m 81 years old, and if I get infected, I have a much higher risk,” he told CNN. It is predicted that by Memorial Day, one million Americans will have died of COVID-19, almost certainly an undercount. Fauci also acknowledged, “If you look at the global situation, there’s no doubt this pandemic is still ongoing.”
The Biden administration is at an impasse with Congress over emergency funds to confront the pandemic. Biden’s $22.5 billion request for COVID funding was stripped out of the $1.5 trillion appropriation bill that passed in mid-March. A partial funding agreement is back on the table, but it eliminates the $5 billion Biden requested for global vaccination efforts.
“So far, Congress has not stepped up to provide the funds that are needed for our most urgent needs,” Dr. Ashish Jha, the new White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, said at a news briefing last week. Among those needs are the purchase of millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines to provide initial shots and boosters, in preparation for a potential surge this coming fall, and development of a new generation of vaccines that could potentially protect against multiple new variants. Expanding availability of Prizer’s antiviral pill, Paxlovid, is another major, unfunded priority, as is the provision of AstraZeneca’s Evusheld, an antibody treatment that can be taken in advance by immunocompromised people to shield them from infection.
Another White House funding priority is the distribution of vaccines globally. “We’ve got to get the resources we need to get shots in arms so we can actually vaccinate the world and help bring this pandemic to a close,” Jha said at the news briefing on Tuesday.
At the moment, the U.S. government has no money allocated for this. To date, the U.S. has delivered half a billion vaccine doses to 114 countries. Dr. John Nkengasong, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, credits the U.S. effort, but says much more needs to be done.
“2022 must be the year that we completely tip the balance in favor of increased vaccinations in the developing world, especially in Africa,” Dr. Nkengasong said on the Democracy Now! news hour. “This is the year we must vaccinate at scale and at speed, if we have to defeat the emergence of new variants ... Omicron taught us a lesson that any threat anywhere in the world is a threat everywhere in the world.”
A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights COVID’s ongoing threat here in the U.S., especially for the unvaccinated. “Approximately 234,000 deaths since June 2021 could have been prevented with primary series vaccination,” the report states. “These vaccine-preventable deaths represent...a quarter of the nearly 1 million COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began.” Kaiser also reports that, in January 2022, COVID-19 was the single greatest cause of death in the U.S. for those aged 45-84, and the fourth greatest cause of death overall.
Someone in the United States dies of this largely preventable disease about every four minutes — equivalent to a deadly disaster on the scale of the 9/11 attacks every eight or nine days.
The World Health Organization’s target of vaccinating 70% of the population in poor and developing nations by the end of June 2022 is not going to be met, in part due to the U.S. government’s elimination of funding for the effort. This could very well lead to the emergence of new, potentially more transmissible and deadlier coronavirus variants. In our globalized world, these threats need to be met with a global response. As drug manufacturers make record profits, ensuring vaccine access around the world is not only a moral imperative, but a practical, achievable goal that protects us all. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/opinion/guest_column/us-ignores-the-ongoing-pandemic-at-our-own-peril/article_21b01e65-7f6f-5918-8d49-77cdb4a29606.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:31Z |
Starting running back Titus Swen was limited to just a few snaps during Saturday’s Brown and Gold game, but the University of Wyoming still showcased a bright future in the backfield as spring ball came to a close.
Redshirt freshmen D.Q. James and Joseph Braasch, playing for the Gold and Brown teams, respectively, each rushed for 80 yards on the day. Braasch appeared to have the highlight of the afternoon for the Cowboys’ running game midway through the fourth quarter, as he found a seam and took a hand-off 51 yards untouched for a go-ahead touchdown — his second of the day.
Sophomore Dawaiian McNeely, however, had other plans in mind.
Just 73 seconds later, McNeely — who finished with a game-high 96 yards on 13 carries — tip-toed the sideline on his way to a 64-yard score that proved to be the game-winner with 4 minutes, 39 seconds remaining. A block from junior tight end Jackson Marcotte on the edge helped spring McNeely free for the touchdown scamper, and after a pair of stops by both defenses, redshirt freshman cornerback Kolbey Taylor pulled down an interception in the final seconds to seal a 26-22 win for the Gold team.
“I knew it was going to happen when Jackson set that block,” McNeely said. “That was a good run, and a group (effort).”
In total, UW’s tailbacks compiled 309 yards from scrimmage, while averaging 6.9 yards per carry.
“I would say the explosive plays,” Cowboys coach Craig Bohl said when asked what impressed him most about the running game. “Then the other thing was their blitz pickup. I didn’t see a lot of busts with the backs. I was pleased with that, because beyond running the football, you have to be a pretty complete player. I also thought when the ball was thrown in a catchable radius, they did a good job with that.”
Added Braasch: “It was good to just be out there and get a feel for the ball, and it’s definitely good to get a little steam rolling behind you. As a position group, it just feels good to get a little bit of momentum going into fall camp. I feel like today was a step forward.”
While the Brown team came up short on the scoreboard, the defensive line was a source of optimism.
Jordan Bertagnole had four tackles, including three solo stops and two for a loss, as well as a pass breakup. Oluwaseyi Omotosho also had three solo tackles, while Cole Godbout finshed with two. DeVonne Harris recorded two tackles with one for a loss, and recovered a fumble that set up the Brown team’s first touchdown of the day.
“We definitely had a lot of young guys step up to the plate with our defensive group, but more specifically our defensive line group,” Bertagnole said. “At defensive end, we lost Garrett (Crall), (Solomon Byrd) and (Victor Jones), so (I’ve been) watching them step up and play as one group, rather than playing for ourselves. When we do that, someone is taking up two (blockers) every time somebody gets through ... That’s where we really stepped up, playing as a unit on that defensive front.”
Added Marcotte: “I hate having to go down and get in the mix with them. We have some great guys with experience and some younger guys, and that’s a dangerous thing to have to play against.”
Tight ends get involved
UW’s coaches have spoken throughout the spring about getting the tight ends more involved in the offense, something that was on display Saturday.
Tight ends accounted for five of the Brown team’s nine receptions, receiving 13 of 24 targets. Marcotte had the only reception among the Gold squad’s tight ends, but he made the most of it.
Junior cornerback Jakorey Hawkins nearly came up with an interception on a deep pass attempt down the middle of the field in the second quarter, but he was only able to tip it. Marcotte capitalized, snagging the ball out of the air and breaking away for a 67-yard touchdown reception.
“It’s just about developing as a group,” Marcotte said. “We have a lot of experienced guys that understand the offense. When that happens, we’re able to put more on the tight ends. That opens up a lot in the passing playbook. Not that we haven’t been an option in the past, but there’s just more of an emphasis.
“When you understand coverages more, and why you’re running this route, that means you’re going to get more open. We take a big pride in our meeting room, learning the game and how to play it, and that’s really opened stuff up for us.”
Ball Hawk in the secondary
While Hawkins missed out on an interception during the pass to Marcotte, as well as another on a fade pass in the end zone, the Ole Miss transfer showcased his play-making potential all afternoon.
He matched a game-high with four tackles, three of which were solo stops, and also had one pass breakup and an interception. His interception came on the first possession of the game, as he wrestled the ball away from a receiver with the Gold team approaching scoring position.
“It felt great,” Hawkins said. “It’s something I always look forward to, making plays and making a difference in the game.”
Peasley, Clemons headline QB performances
The passing game got off to a rough start for both teams Saturday, with the Cowboys’ quarterbacks completing only 5 of 13 passes in the first quarter. However, Utah State transfer Andrew Peasley and returning sophomore Jayden Clemons started the find a groove as the game went on.
Peasley completed 12 of 21 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Clemons finished with 63 yards on 5 of 10 passing, in addition to picking up 46 yards on seven carries. Evan Svoboda and Hank Gibbs combined for 34 yards on 7 of 24 passing, with Svoboda throwing an interception to redshirt freshman linebacker Brent VanderVeen.
Both offenses started off slow, combining for only 72 total yards and zero points in the first quarter. As the Gold team compiled 167 of its 188 rushing yards in the final three quarters, though, Peasley says things began to open up.
“On the first couple drives, there were a bunch of little things that can cost you on third down and get you off the field,” Peasley said. “I thought we were driving the ball well, and with the touchdown (pass to Marcotte), we gained some momentum and things started clicking after that.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/mcneely-s-late-td-run-lifts-gold-team-to-spring-game-win/article_b7e193a0-f9ac-54f7-81da-3b82c3528212.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:37Z |
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CHEYENNE – Laramie County Community College’s music department will presents "A Night at the Opera" this Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium.
The free program will feature pieces by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and Gilbert & Sullivan.
The Cheyenne Brass Band and LCCC’s Wind Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Collegiate Chorale and Cantori will showcase the diversity and history of opera through this musical performance.
“Opera is very vast, and these pieces show that. Some are tragedies. Some are comedies,” LCCC music faculty member Bethany Smith-Jacobs said in a news release.
Opera is often associated with solo singing and arias, but this musical performance will focus on choral singing and orchestral themes that accompany important action sequences in the operas from which they originate, according to a news release.
“Opera is such a rich tapestry of music from different cultures and composers,” LCCC Music Faculty Frank Cook said. “The evolution of that art form is what we’d like to feature.”
Being an opera singer herself, Smith-Jacobs said she was excited by the prospect of holding an opera concert with students.
“There is such good music in opera,” she said. “People typically think of solos, but there is a great deal of wonderful choral work as well.”
The concert will feature Georges Bizet’s “Toreador Song” from “Carmen”; Otto Nicolai’s “Moon Chorus” from “The Merry Wives of Windsor;” the overture to “Candide” by Leonard Bernstein; the “Bell Chorus” from Ruggero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci;" and the “Humming Chorus” from “Madame Butterfly” by Giacomo Puccini, which Smith-Jacobs said she chose because it is beautiful and deceivingly challenging to hum at high pitches.
While faculty chose a range of pieces that will expose the audience to works they’ve likely not heard before, the concert will also feature “The Anvil Chorus” from Guiseppi Verdi’s “Il trovatore.”
“Even people who don’t follow opera will be familiar with the piece,” Cook said.
LCCC’s Cantori will perform “Sing to Love,” also known as the “Champaign Chorus,” from Johann Strauss’s “Die Fledermaus. LCCC trumpet instructor Andrew Mrozinsky will solo on piccolo trumpet, performing Mozart’s famous “Queen of the Night Aria” from “The Magic Flute.”
The concert will also feature violins made by retired LCCC welding instructor Jim Trudeau. After retiring from LCCC, he became a luthier, or violin-maker. His work has been entered in international competitions, and recognized as among the world's best violins. Trudeau recently donated seven of his violins to the college, four of which will be used in this performance.
To learn more about LCCC’s Communications & Creative Arts Pathway and programs, visit lccc.wy.edu/Pathways or contact Frank Cook at 307-778-1306 or fcook@lccc.wy.edu | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/lccc-to-present-a-night-at-the-opera-this-sunday/article_b1b88f3c-eccb-5625-9b45-4563e59bd4ba.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:50Z |
Recently arrested by the Cheyenne Police Department:
Frank J. Olmstead, 29, of Greeley, Colorado, for misdemeanor unlawful entry onto property and refusing to obey at 11:55 p.m. Sunday in the 1600 block of East 19th Street.
Stephen Q. Ashley, 45, of Dell Range Boulevard for misdemeanor speeding (30 mph over), headlight violation, interfering/obstructing and driving under the influence (alcohol, first in 10 years) at 8:55 p.m. Sunday in the 1500 block of Dell Range Boulevard.
Markus E. Hamlett, 42, of Richardson Court for felony strangulation of a household member with minor injury and misdemeanor domestic battery at 4:10 p.m. Sunday at his residence.
Jacob Bosse-Adam, unknown age, of an unknown address for misdemeanor public intoxication, refusing to obey and resisting arrest at 11:30 a.m. Sunday in the 1600 block of East 19th Street.
Ashley L. Brown, 23, of Taft Avenue for misdemeanor public intoxication at 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Central Avenue and East 17th Street.
Timothy J. Short, 41, of Cleveland Avenue for misdemeanor DUI (alcohol, first in 10 years) at 9:14 p.m. Saturday in the 4500 block of East Sixth Street.
Maliek L. Taylor, 23, of Woodward Drive on a misdemeanor warrant out of Platte County for stop sign violation at 6:55 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of East 12th Street and North College Drive.
Antoine W. Bushnell, 24, of transient for misdemeanor take/carry away, interfering/obstructing and possession of marijuana at 6:48 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of East Lincolnway; and for misdemeanor unlawful entry onto property at 4:20 a.m. Saturday in the 500 block of Livingston Avenue.
Juan D. Fernandez, 37, of Russell Avenue for misdemeanor DUI (alcohol, first in 10 years) at 3:37 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Logan Avenue and East 11th Street.
Destiny F. Hansen, 21, of Prosser Road for misdemeanor DUI with child passenger (combination drugs and alcohol, first in 10 years), careless driving, driving without a license and immoral acts at 2:02 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Hot Springs Avenue and East 13th Street.
Sawyer C. Verosky, 27, of Storey Boulevard for misdemeanor DUI (alcohol, first in 10 years) and failure to maintain lane/unsafe lane change at 1:05 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Nationway and Logan Avenue.
Jonathan W. Bertsch, 37, of McComb Avenue for felony strangulation of a household member with minor injury at 11 p.m. Friday at his residence.
Gabriel R. Martinez, 29, of Frontier Street on misdemeanor warrants for probation violation and failure to appear at 4:05 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Snyder Avenue and West Eighth Avenue.
Robert L. Webb, 31, of Road 212, Burns on a felony warrant for theft (greater than $1,000) at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Cheyenne-Laramie County Probation and Parole Office, 1934 Wyott Drive.
Gregory G. Snyder, 59, transient, for misdemeanor public intoxication and open container at 9:50 a.m. Friday in the 200 block of East 15th Street.
Robert A. Rodriguez, 49, of East Eighth Street for misdemeanor possession of a powdery substance and on a misdemeanor warrant out of Larimer County, Colorado, for failure to appear at 9:40 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Morrie Avenue and East Sixth Street.
Micah Martin, 34, transient, for misdemeanor DUI (combination drugs and alcohol, first in 10 years), possession of marijuana and failure to maintain lane/unsafe lane change at 1:51 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Logan Avenue and East 11th Street.
Kasey L. Odell, 34, of East Sixth Street for misdemeanor DUI (combination drugs and alcohol, second in 10 years), headlight violation and driving without a license, and on a warrant for misdemeanor domestic battery and interference with emergency call at 1:10 a.m. Friday at the intersection of East Fifth Street and House Avenue.
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Recently arrested by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office:
Terrance C. Fullerton, 24, of Casper on a misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear at 4:15 p.m. Sunday at the Laramie County jail, 1910 Pioneer Ave.
Farrah A. Cruz-Miller, 34, of Dillon Avenue for misdemeanor criminal trespass (communication) at 3:18 p.m. Sunday in the 1800 block of Tranquility Road.
Casey M. Griego, 39, of Bear Avenue for three counts of felony strangulation of a household member with serious injury and seven counts of misdemeanor domestic battery at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at his residence; and on a felony warrant for a civil violation through Laramie County District Court and a misdemeanor warrant for domestic battery at 8:25 p.m. Friday at his residence.
Cody L. Ash, 22, of South Greeley Highway on a warrant for three misdemeanor counts of reckless endangering (conduct) at 8:30 p.m. Friday at his residence.
Charles A. Berry, 35, of Myers Court on a misdemeanor probation/parole violator arrest without a warrant at an unknown time Friday at the Laramie County jail.
Austin D. Baker III, 35, of Terry Road on a misdemeanor court order at 10:07 a.m. Thursday at the Laramie County jail.
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Recently arrested by Wyoming Highway Patrol:
Hugo E. Flores-Avitia, 43, of Middle Fork Trail for misdemeanor DUI (alcohol, first offense) and driving without a license at 9:34 p.m. Sunday at mile marker 5 on northbound U.S. Highway 85.
Heather M. Pasenelli, 40, of Mills on a misdemeanor warrant out of Uinta County for probation revocation at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at mile marker 27 on southbound Interstate 25. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/police_blotter/police-blotter-5-4-22/article_f3d697eb-f16a-5164-9a19-314e59f41c65.html | 2022-05-04T14:00:56Z |
Last year, my mother was admitted to a rehab unit at a skilled nursing facility (nursing home) after a 12-day hospital stay. At that time, the facility was in lockdown from having had one positive case of COVID-19.
They allowed me two days of compassionate care visits (CCVs) to get her settled in, which meant I could be there for 48 hours straight, but I wouldn’t be allowed to come back until the second round of COVID testing of all the residents came back, and then only for half an hour once a day. My mother was immediately worried and upset when we were told. So was I.
During the same time, an article about nursing homes’ vaccination rates in the Casper Star-Tribune reported these statistics: only 40% of skilled nursing facilities employees’ are vaccinated. I was shocked that the greatest threat to these vulnerable residents could be exposure to COVID from the staff.
It’s now a federal regulation that health care workers be vaccinated, but it wasn’t then, and workers were already talking about quitting when it went into effect, “because it violates my rights.” Unbelievable, I thought, especially since residents are “strongly encouraged” to be or get vaccinated. According to the article, 90% of residents are.
At the beginning of the COVID outbreak, no one knew what to do. While nursing homes seemed to be the nexus of what turned into the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidelines on limiting visits to nursing homes/skilled nursing facilities to try and control the spread, and we watched in horror as nursing homes and assisted living centers instituted lockdowns – also advised by the CDC and state and local health departments – that continued for more than a year.
While many of these residents lost their lives without the benefit of family being with them, the trauma of isolation was devastating for the residents who survived the infection, but existed in quarantine.
My daughter, a consultant pharmacist experienced in program management, development, evaluation and training of government health care programs, began investigating these rules, and found that CMS had issued revised guidelines on Nov. 12, 2021, about visitations for nursing homes. The facility’s website had posted none of these, and, in fact, their site had not been updated since that February. The facility’s restrictions clearly conflicted with the CMS revisions. These facilities receive most of their funding from Medicare/Medicaid, so the guidelines are more than just suggestions.
This first revision said lockdown shouldn’t occur unless the county infection rate was greater than 10% (at that time, Wyoming’s was less than 1%); that only one round of facility-wide testing is necessary if all come back negative, not two, as was being done, unnecessarily extending the lockdown; family can and should be with a dying resident; that visitation time could not be limited, and that visitation could be in the resident’s room or a designated area with social distancing.
On March 16 of this year, CMS released a Frequently Asked Questions document, addressing certain scenarios and clarifying how visits should be handled, with the caveat: “Visitation must be allowed at all times with very limited and rare exceptions, in accordance with residents’ rights.” A key point: “Facilities should allow indoor visitation at all times for all residents, regardless of vaccination status” of the resident or the visitor.
But if you are unable to make the case for longer and more frequent visits, the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care website (theconsumervoice.org) has published the CMS guidelines for making the case for CCVs, which I feel all residents are qualified to receive, without question. CCVs aren’t limited to certain situations, but can occur if the resident is feeling depressed, distressed, confused or emotionally upset.
I took this information to the visit-scheduling staffer, arguing for these visits, and ended up prevailing. I was able to be with my mother every day while she was there. My mother passed away late last year, but not at the rehab facility, not from COVID (she was vaccinated and boosted, as was I) and not from the trauma of confinement.
The term “compassionate care” is no longer being used, but I believe it can still be a significant and powerful concept when visitation is closed or significantly limited. The resident has the right to make choices about significant aspects of their life in the facility, and it is their right to have visitors.
These are federal regulations. But again, if this is not happening, you can read these revised documents on the Medicare website (CMS.gov), the consumer site mentioned earlier and the Wyoming Department of Health. You can also contact Wyoming Department of Health Administrator and State Survey Agency Director Laura Hudspeth at Laura.Hudspeth@wyo.gov or Julia VanDyke at Julia.VanDyke@wyo.gov. Their phone number is 307-777-7123.
The unfortunate realty is that many of these residents are a forgotten population, with little say about how they are treated or managed. It’s my hope that those residents who have loved ones can advocate for better treatment and that they would have healthier lives, as short or as long as that may be. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/opinion/guest_column/coatney-visiting-your-loved-one-at-a-nursing-home/article_6767a2eb-dfef-5c60-9712-a197b4ae9cc1.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:02Z |
Memorial Day will be upon us very soon (Monday, May 30). As always, American Legion Post 6 will be placing flags on our deceased veterans' graves.
Flags go out on Saturday, May 28, starting at 9 a.m. They will be retrieved on Saturday, June 4, also at 9 a.m. Once collected, they will be taken back to Post 6 for cleaning, bundling and storage.
We are always grateful to the Cheyenne veterans and civilian community members who come out to show their support for this vital formality. If you, or any of your family members, are interested in helping this year, please select a cemetery to gather at. Unfortunately, we do not place flags at the Cheyenne National Cemetery. They are under a special contract which is responsible for this honorable mission.
Hopefully, we are slowly edging into warmer weather. Now would be a great time to replace tattered, torn and/or faded American flags in your yard or place of business. You may bring them to Post 6 for retirement. On the east side of the building is a special flag box for these reminders of our freedom. We will soon be working with the Warren AFB fire department to honorably retire the flags.
I recently noticed one house I passed by had the American flag proudly fluttering on its flag pole. Sadly, I also observed it had another unknown flag soaring above it. Multiple flags on one staff is permissible. However, none of us should ever fly another flag above Old Glory.
For more information, please contact me at 307-632-3013. Thank you. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/memorial-day-flag-volunteers-needed-and-some-flag-etiquette/article_85a61b97-ce99-539f-b170-95f9ceec085c.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:08Z |
JACKSON — Concerned about habitat and declining populations in the face of severe drought and disease, Wyoming wildlife managers are axing 8,000 tags for hunting pronghorn and 3,300 tags for hunting mule deer statewide.
Pronghorn and mule deer herds in the Jackson area are doing relatively well compared to the rest of the state, wildlife managers said. But the picture elsewhere in Wyoming isn’t so rosy.
“And I thought chronic wasting disease was a bleak report,” Game and Fish Commission President Kenneth Roberts said at the board’s April 19 season-setting meeting, reflecting on a report about climate and drought and their effect on wildlife habitat statewide.
Game and Fish Terrestrial Habitat Supervisor Ian Tator gave the report, focusing in large part on the current drought, which he said is the worst in “both coverage and intensity” since one roughly 10 years back.
As it stands, roughly 63% of the state is in severe drought, with extreme drought in most of Teton and Park counties and northcentral areas east of the Bighorn Mountains. In the Snake River Basin, snow water equivalents are at 85% of what’s typical for this time of year, while central areas of the state are at or above 90%; the Cheyenne River Basin in the far east is hovering around 68% of median.
“That lack of soil moisture is going to limit our future shrub growth, which is a critical component of big game winter diet,” Tator told commissioners. “If things don’t get better now, next winter we’re not going to have the shrub growth necessary to sustain those populations the way we want to.”
Drought, Tator said, generally causes a reduction in habitat, limiting plant growth to wet areas around rivers and lakes and hindering the growth of plants that wildlife depend on in winter.
That reduction in habitat takes a toll on ungulates like pronghorn and mule deer, which are struggling, said Doug Brimeyer, Game and Fish’s deputy chief of wildlife. Unlike elk, which have a broader mouth and are able to consume a wider array of forage, pronghorn and antelope are more selective browsers and eat fewer kinds of plants, making them more susceptible to degraded habitat conditions.
Habitat pressures coupled with spring storms and outbreaks of mycoplasma bovis, a relatively new bacterial disease for Wyoming pronghorn, as well as epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a virus that crops up in white-tailed deer and pronghorn during fall drought conditions, have driven pronghorn numbers down, Brimeyer said.
Mule deer have faced similar habitat pressures, as well as EHD outbreaks in the last year.
Drought is a complicating factor that affects both habitat and disease, Brimeyer said. Dry weather elevates the risk of EHD because it produces conditions more favorable for the disease-transmitting gnat.
Models estimated the post-hunt population for pronghorn at 363,200 in 2021, roughly 84% of the state’s population objective. The estimate for mule deer numbers was 291,700, roughly 61% of the statewide goal.
Elk, by contrast, are thriving.
“Our elk populations are doing extremely well across the state,” Brimeyer said.
A count of 21 herds came in at 74,900 animals in 2021, roughly 20% above the population goal.
In the Jackson area, pronghorn populations are stable, but Brimeyer said they’re not doing “really well.”
“They’re the only place in the state where numbers held a little bit static and we saw a few places where we wanted to bump numbers up,” Brimeyer said of the Jackson and Pinedale area antelope herds.
Game and Fish commissioners approved an additional 50 doe and fawn pronghorn licenses in those areas.
Trends for mule deer populations in the Jackson area are falling, Brimeyer said. But he added that there are reasons for optimism: Elevated fawn-to-doe ratios compared to previous years, less mortality over the last winter due to relatively mild conditions and strong buck-to-doe ratios.
There were no changes to mule deer tag allocations in the Jackson area.
At the season-setting meeting in Lander last week, state wildlife commissioners encountered little controversy over plans for pronghorn management.
But hunters did inveigh against some of the state’s plans for managing mule deer near Laramie and Greybull.
While population numbers are down, levels of chronic wasting disease in both areas led Game and Fish to propose new, relatively limited November buck hunts in those areas, hoping to slow the spread of the disease.
“Areas that have later buck hunts actually have a lower level of prevalence,” Brimeyer said. “If you can implement some buck hunts before the prevalence gets extremely high, you can influence the prevalence.”
But the department walked the Laramie proposals back — while allowing the hunts near Greybull to go forward — after receiving a deluge of public comment from hunters like Zach Key, of the Muley Fanatic Foundation.
“We backed away from that because we wanted to do a little bit more public outreach and get our public to understand the importance of why we were proposing this,” Brimeyer told commissioners.
Key took issue with the new hunts, worried that killing more bucks on winter ranges might not achieve the state’s aim of reducing chronic wasting disease, particularly given the longevity of prions that cause the malady. Game and Fish officials said during the season-setting meetings that prions, which are abnormally folded proteins that cause CWD, can last in the soil for up to 16 years. They’re hard to destroy.
That longevity is what makes Key question the effectiveness of targeting bucks to keep the disease in check.
“You killed a bunch of healthy deer that didn’t have it, to kill a few that did have it,” Key told the News&Guide, describing his concern with the proposals. “But how do you ever get in front of the prion?”
Brimeyer said similar buck hunts had been used in Wisconsin and Colorado and have been successful in areas where there’s relatively little chronic wasting disease.
The Sublette and Wyoming Range mule deer herds that dwell in western Wyoming have reported incidences of less than 5%. Prevalence in the Sheep Mountain and Laramie Mountain herds hovers between 10% and 25%.
Key worried that wildlife managers might propose similar hunts in the western parts of the state.
But Brimeyer said, “We’re a long way from that.”
The state wildlife official said managers would return to the Laramie-area hunts next year, possibly with a study to figure out how well a fall buck hunt would work to combat chronic wasting disease.
“The only way we know if it’s going to work is to go out and design a monitoring protocol in one area and compare it to an area where we don’t implement something like that,” Brimeyer said. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/antelope-deer-licenses-reduced-because-of-drought-disease/article_9a984309-389b-565a-a11d-c5d195091758.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:14Z |
A complaint filed last week with the Wyoming Republican Party claims four county-level Republican parties violated bylaws, raising further questions about whether state party leaders have been selectively enforcing rules at the expense of traditional conservatives.
Gail Symons, a Sheridan Republican and the woman behind the nonpartisan blog Civics307, claimed GOP organizations in Sheridan, Sublette, Albany and Crook counties committed minor violations of party rules. Her complaint comes as Laramie County Republicans face the prospect of losing most of their delegation over a different rules infraction.
“I urge the Party to take more appropriate action in the form of admonishment with the requirement that more care be taken to ensure compliance rather than the heavy handed and disproportionate response of not seating delegations,” Symons wrote in her complaint.
Symons filed the complaint with Kathy Russell, the executive director of the state party and Frank Eathorne, chairman of the state party.
The complaint is over small, likely unintentional, breaches in bylaws, but is an example of the canyon that divides the traditional Republicans and the hard-line conservatives who lead Wyoming’s GOP.
The Laramie County GOP admittedly broke rules at its county convention, which has puts the group at risk of losing most of its delegates at next week’s state Republican convention. Because Laramie County is one of a small number of county-level groups that have clashed with state party leaders, insiders pushed back against the impending punishment by noting that other counties broke rules but aren’t facing any consequences.
State GOP leaders responded by noting that no one had filed a complaint against any other counties than Laramie, apparently prompting Symons to act.
The complaint alleges, among other things, that the county Republican parties in Albany, Crook and Sublette failed to notify their respective county clerks about when they would hold their county conventions, which is required under state bylaws.
In addition, Symons wrote that “no nominations were allowed from the floor” at the Sublette County Republican convention, which is also a violation of bylaws.
“There is no reason to believe that the violations of by-laws for the five counties, including Laramie County, were a deliberate attempt to circumvent or undermine the integrity of the processes,” Symons wrote.
Rule breaking has not been scrutinized to this extent in the past, but there’s been a new emphasis put on it this year within the state and county-level Republican parties.
The number of delegates that each county gets at the state convention is based on its population, and Laramie is the most populous in the state. But if the Laramie party loses most of its delegates, it will end up with less voting power than Niobrara, the county with the smallest population in Wyoming.
The size of a county party’s delegation ties directly to its voting power at the state Republican convention, which is set to begin Thursday. The convention is held to vote on party platforms, resolutions and rules. The decisions made and adopted at the convention can influence the state’s politics — including which bills are brought to the Wyoming Legislature.
“Should a decision be made to not seat that delegation, the Convention will be conducted without proportional representation for 27.5% of the registered Republicans in the state,” Symons wrote. “That certainly undermines the State Party position of representing Wyoming Republicans.”
Symons added that she is willing to recruit registered Republican from the counties in question to file a complaint if she is not allowed to on their behalf.
Eathorne said Friday afternoon that he does not have time to look at the complaint until the weekend. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/fairness-complaint-filed-with-gop/article_aa970c72-99af-5574-8d57-4a3f9b6db1ba.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:21Z |
An emerging challenger for Gov. Mark Gordon in the August primary election made a campaign stop in Carbon County this past week.
Retired Marine Col. Brent Bien, a Sheridan Republican and Wyoming native, was in Saratoga on Thursday afternoon as part of a swing through Wyoming. He aims to claim the GOP spot on the gubernatorial ticket in the general election.
Bien announced his candidacy in March and continues to express concerns about the competence and reach governments at the state and federal levels.
During a 28-year career in the Marine Corps, Bien says he’s always maintained Wyoming residency with an eye on politics.
He says he’s concerned about Gordon’s decision to shut down this state in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic while neighboring South Dakota, which is smaller and more populated, stayed open.
This and other issues caused Bien to throw his hat in the ring, he said.
His platform includes a goal to “make Wyoming the freest state in the nation by actively protecting personal freedoms, pursuing government accountability and promoting state sovereignty.”
As a graduate of the University of Wyoming with a degree in civil engineering, Bien said he’s concerned about education and keeping local, not federal, control of schools. Of particular interest is school choice and education transparency.
He also supports promoting Wyoming coal as the “cleanest,” and said Wyoming should continue to pursue avenues to export coal through Pacific ports while also advancing other economic diversification efforts.
He wants no legalization of marijuana for Wyoming and is concerned about the federal government being the largest landowner in the state. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/local/gordon-primary-opponent-visits-carbon-county/article_ef2f0752-d89e-5d9c-98da-1e2c356058c7.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:27Z |
Two students from Rawlins High School placed in the Percy Hedley High School Welding Competition on Friday. Pictured from left are Mark Flaherty, RHS welding instructor, Branden Langden and Jeffery Ice.
A pair of Rawlins High School seniors have placed in the annual Percy Hedley High School Welding Competition, hosted by Western Wyoming Community College’s welding program.
Branden Langden came in fifth place and Jeffrey Ice was ninth in the competition held last week. Three scholarships were also awarded: $1,250, $1,000 and $500. Langden earned the $500 scholarship.
“We practiced for 2G (horizontal welding) but they had 3G (vertical) instead,” said Mark Flaherty, RHS welding instructor. “However, the students did really well in spite of that. The contest was great and they ended up having a lot of fun.”
Langden said he feels he did well even without having much practice with 3G welding.
“We didn’t really practice 3G but I’ve run it before,” he said. “I think I did pretty well without having really practiced on it.”
Ice said he and his classmates spent a lot of time practicing and preparing for the competition.
“We knew there was going to be oxy settling cutting, so I practiced a lot with that,” Ice said. “We’ve come in at night to practice too. We never really practiced for 3G; all we really ever did was horizontal welding, although I think we still did pretty good.”
During the competition, students showed their skills in oxy fuel cutting as well as shielded metal arc welding by building a small project. A 100-question written exam also was part of the competition.
This year, eight high schools were in the annual competition, including Rawlins, Green River, Big Piney, Rock Springs, Saratoga, Evanston, Star Valley and Farson.
Following is a list of how the students placed in the competition:
• First place: Branson Barton (Green River High School)
• Second: Talen Gritchfield (Evanston High School) | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/local/let-the-sparks-fly-rhs-students-place-in-welding-competition/article_fa40fe46-b2a2-5d0a-b45d-403611ca7c03.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:33Z |
In an effort to address a changing landscape in staffing to take care of community health care needs, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County has created new incentives to provide scholarships, education and training for potential workers.
The MHCC SET Program (which stands for scholarships, education and training) is a grassroots platform to encourage and develop future nurses.
“Unprecedented changes within the health care industry had continued to arise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” MHCC says in a press release announcing the program. “Staffing shortages and industry competition has created an all-time high demand for these critical staff.”
Nursing students can apply for tuition money from the SET Program. In return, they commit to a two-year employment agreement with MHCC. Full-time Wyoming students accepted to an institution of higher education or school of nursing with a 2.5 GPA or higher can apply.
For the 2022-23 school year, the award amount is $5,000, and the deadline to apply for the fall term is July 1.
“This design creates a benefit to both parties; students and MHCC alike,” said MHCC CEO Ken Harman. “Newly graduated nurses will have the advantage and security of job placement and on-the-job training as they begin their career. MHCC will gain the invaluable resource of nursing staff to help ensure our success well into the future.”
2022. “This design creates a benefit to both parties; students and MHCC alike. Newly graduated nurses will have the advantage and security of job placement and on-thejob training as they begin their career. MHCC will gain the invaluable resource of nursing staff to help ensure our success well into the future.” Ken Harman, CEO. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/local/mhcc-offers-scholarships-incentives-for-prospective-nurses/article_6069f246-5858-5b89-881f-d6580c893e16.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:39Z |
SHERIDAN — Montana and Wyoming state officials have been in communication daily since Montana officials made an April 1 call on the Tongue River and its tributaries to fill the state’s Tongue River Reservoir.
Wyoming State Engineer Brandon Gebhart said the states are regularly reevaluating the need for the call, especially in light of snow and other precipitation arriving since April 1. However, he said neither state is rushing to lift the call.
“We realize that the recent storms have maybe changed the hydrologic conditions,” Gebhart said. “(Montana officials) are actively working right now to reevaluate their process with this new information to see how or if that impacts them lifting the call… The one thing we’re being cautious about is that we don’t want to lift the call just to reinstate the call at a later date.”
The Tongue River basin has been experiencing drought conditions over the past year with below average winter snowpack and streamflow conditions, which led to Montana’s call, said Division II Water Superintendent David Schroeder. Montana’s reservoir needs roughly 27,800 acre feet of water from the Tongue River basin to be filled, Schroeder said.
Until the reservoir is filled — or the call is lifted by Montana — filling the reservoir will become the second priority for the water of the Tongue River and its tributaries. First priority will be all pre-1950 water rights in Wyoming. All post-1950 water rights in Wyoming will be regulated off or prevented from turning on until Montana’s call is completed, Schroeder said.
Schroeder said he didn’t expect the call to have a significant impact on landowners with post-1950 rights given how early the call was happening in the irrigation season.
A call on a river or drainage system is a legal mechanism to order water conservation actions to help ensure minimum, legally required flows to users with senior water rights — typically for irrigation. In the event of a potential water shortage, those with junior rights — post-1950 Wyoming water rights holders, in this case — can be ordered to forgo diverting water to help ensure senior-rights holders downstream — Montana in this case — get their full allotment.
Montana made its call through the Yellowstone River Compact — an interstate agreement entered into by Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota in 1950. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the compact was created to provide for an equitable division of the waters of the Yellowstone River and its tributaries, while encouraging the beneficial development and use of the basin’s waters and furthering intergovernmental cooperation.
This is not the first time Montana has made a call on the Tongue River under the compact — it happened most recently in 2015 and 2016, Schroeder said. However, this is the first time a call has been made since the resolution of Montana vs. Wyoming, a U.S. Supreme Court case that stretched on for 11 years between 2007 and 2018.
In the case, Montana argued Wyoming violated the Yellowstone River Compact by permitting citizens to employ more efficient irrigation systems, causing Montana to receive less runoff water than the state had originally received. The court found Wyoming had violated the compact in two of the years claimed by Montana — 2005 and 2006 —and Wyoming was ordered to pay more than $67,000 in damages to Montana.
Included in the final judgment was a decree outlining how the call process should work in the future. These rules are being followed by both states in the current call, said Chris Brown, senior assistant attorney general for the state of Wyoming.
“The last call was in 2016, and when that call was made, the tools in the decree had not been established at that point,” Gebhart said. “So I think we have much more guidance and knowledge of how we’re going to handle calls going into the future.”
Gebhart noted the years-long litigation created tension between the two states, and departmental turnover led to a loss of institutional knowledge in both states. Despite that, Gebhart said his office is dedicated to keeping open lines of communication with Montana and to honor the spirit of the compact.
“We’ve committed to working more closely together, and I think that’s the first step to making this whole process better,” Gebhart said. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/montana-wyoming-communicates-daily-about-call-on-tongue-river/article_a922d314-b602-5dec-a51e-ed100c962202.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:45Z |
After fewer than two hours of deliberation Friday, a Carbon County jury found four Missouri hunters not guilty of trespassing for corner-crossing at the Elk Mountain Ranch in 2021.
The three-woman, three-man panel returned the not-guilty verdicts on criminal trespass charges and on an alternative theory of trespassing to hunt.
Phillip Yeomans, Bradly Cape, John Slowensky and Zachary Smith hugged one another and their attorneys after Carbon County Circuit Court Judge Susan Stipe read the verdicts at about 2:30 p.m. It was the third day of the trial. Jurors would not comment as they left the temporary courthouse in Rawlins.
Corner crossing involves stepping from one piece of public land to another at the common corner with two pieces of private property, all arranged in a checkerboard pattern of alternating ownership. The hunters’ attorneys said Carbon County Prosecutor Ashley Mayfield Davis never produced evidence the four had touched the private land of Fred Eshelman’s Elk Mountain Ranch.
But Mayfield Davis said stepping on private property was not necessary to convict the four. Property ownership involves three dimensions, she said, using a block of Duplo LEGO style bricks in two colors to illustrate the concept of checkerboard ownership in three-dimensions.
“The law is you own the airspace,” she told the jury in her closing arguments. “Land ownership is not just the dirt, it’s the airspace above.
“You don’t have to touch that land,” to be convicted of trespass, she said.
The men must have violated the airspace above Eshelman’s ranch when they crossed the infinitely small point at the corner, she said.
“A body is bigger than that point,” she said. “All of their bodies were over private land…. When you break that plane [above a property boundary line] you are entering their property.”
Along with property ownership comes the right to exclude others from that property, she said. She proved the necessary elements for conviction, she asserted, including that the men knowingly entered private property after receiving notice not to trespass.
“The defendants’ actions in this case are brazen,” she told the jury.
Defense attorney Ryan Semerad painted a picture of ranch owner Eshelman, a wealthy North Carolina businessman, as a would-be king of Elk Mountain. The 11,161-foot high game-rich peak is largely surrounded by Eshelman’s ranch property. But a number of mile-by-mile U.S. Bureau of Land Management sections, as well as state-owned sections lie within the ranch boundaries.
The hunters set up camp on a public parcel accessible by a county road and then corner crossed to reach other public land where they killed two elk and a deer in the fall of 2021.
Eshelman used his money, clout and influence to get prosecutor Mayfield Davis to file charges, Semerad asserted.
“He believed the whole mountain was his and that no one but [he] was allowed to be there … like a king,” Semerad said. “When he hears there are some regular people on the other side of the mountain [he said] ‘go track them down, arrest those men!’
“He sends his helper to go call the county attorney’s office and here we are.
“The state told you the law was clear on this,” Semerad said of the trespass statutes. But the lack of an immediately issued citation shows otherwise, he said.
Neither a Wyoming Game and Fish Department warden nor a county sheriff’s deputy cited the men when they investigated the incident in the field. Game and Fish lacks authority to cite for criminal trespass and has a policy not to cite under the trespassing-to-hunt statute in corner-crossing cases.
Instead, corner-crossing cases are forwarded to the county attorney for consideration of charges. Warden Jacob Miller submitted a report to Mayfield Davis whose office later directed a deputy sheriff to cite the hunters.
Defense attorney David McCarthy outlined how that indecision demonstrated the law was unclear and that maybe the hunters did not knowingly enter private property after being notified not to trespass. He asked jury members to consider how such convoluted considerations would seem to them if employed when they were pulled over for speeding.
In such an instance, “have any of you been told ‘Oh, I’m going to call the county attorney’s office — I’ll get back to you?’” he asked.
Semerad said the hunters heard from a deputy that Game and Fish wouldn’t cite them for corner crossing. They heard a deputy himself say he wouldn’t cite them and a law officer said most of Wyoming’s county attorneys won’t cite for corner crossing.
“It’s clear as mud,” Semerad said of the trespass laws as they relate to corner crossing.
The defense also asserted that Mayfield Davis had not produced the necessary evidence to convict. On the trespassing-to-hunt alternative charge, for example, McCarthy said the prosecutor failed to show that each hunter, individually, had possessed a hunting weapon when seen after corner crossing.
Defense attorneys emphasized that public land is not the province of an individual and that no one person can control access to it.
“America has no king,” Semerad said. “Wyoming has no king, Carbon County has no king. There is no man [on] Elk Mountain who can make judgments on his will alone.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/not-guilty-corner-crossing-hunters-acquitted/article_3d87bc79-2b45-5c32-9323-e767eba183c8.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:52Z |
As black bears emerge from their den in Wyoming, people who live or recreate in bear country should take the necessary precautions to avoid potential conflicts.
If you live or play in bear country, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department recommends keeping food that could attract bruins properly stored and unavailable to wildlife.
For more information about how to stay safe in bear country, visit the Bear Wise Wyoming website at https://tinyurl.com/2tvaz964.
Anglers: Head out to Laramie Plains Lakes
The Game and Fish Department is encouraging anglers to try their luck at the popular Laramie Plains Lakes this spring.
Bank fishing for rainbow trout at Leazenby Lake has produced some monster fish, the agency reports. Meeboer Lake has more trout larger than 20 inches than previous years. Anglers also can expect trout measuring 22 inches and larger in Alsop Lake and Twin Buttes Reservoir.
Diamond Lake also continues to offer excellent fishing.
Be on the lookout for rusty crayfish
The state is asking for help from anglers, crayfish trappers and other outdoors recreationists to help protect fisheries by reporting any rusty crayfish found in the Laramie River watershed.
Rusty crayfish were illegally introduced into private ponds in 2006 and have been escaping into Wagonhoud Creek, a tributary of the North Platte River.
Despite early eradication efforts, the invasive species has recently been found in the Laramie River as the result of another illegal introduction.
Rusty crayfish can be identified by a red spot on the side of the body. The rusty-colored spots look like fingerprints, as if someone picked it up and squeezed it.
If you find any, report it to your local Game and Fish Department field office.
Get the kids out for Free Fishing Day
The Maury Brown Kids Fishing Day is set for June 4 this year. It’s a free event at Bell Reservoir on the Maury Brown Ranch, about 50 miles from Cheyenne and 60 miles from Laramie.
There is no cost to attend, and lunch and transportation are provided. Each participant will receive a free fishing pole, tackle box and tackle, and will be coached on how to fish.
They also can keep their legal limit of fish and have a chance to earn prizes for catching tagged fish in the Fish Rodeo.
All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Buses depart from Cheyenne at 8:30 a.m. and registration at https://tinyurl.com/2p997baz is required. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/out-and-about/article_a716fc25-4c4c-592a-a5fa-2a5de21f7347.html | 2022-05-04T14:01:58Z |
GILLETTE — The coal production from Peabody Energy Corp. and Arch Resources Inc. through the first three months of 2022 aligned with the strong projections each company had for their Powder River Basin mines headed into the year, despite rail issues and other logistical challenges.
Their steady coal production comes amid an increased demand for thermal coal sold at higher prices that has carried over from last year.
But both companies have kept an eye on the short-term gains with the other fixed on the looming long-term downfall of the coal industry in the basin.
“I think we’ll continue to generate cash out of these assets but we’re simply not going to put any more cash into them,” said Paul A. Lang, Arch CEO and president, on the company’s quarterly earnings call.
“We’ll do what we have to to feed them and keep them going, but any thought of increasing production beyond what we have the ability to do with equipment on hand is completely out the door.”
From January through March, Arch sold 18.2 million tons of thermal coal, shipped out of Black Thunder and Coal Creek, its two Powder River Basin mines, as well as its West Elk mine in Colorado, according to its quarterly report. That production was on par with the 18.8 million tons sold in the previous quarter that ran through December 2021.
For comparison, Arch sold significantly less — 12.3 million tons — through the first quarter of 2021.
The majority of that coal came from Black Thunder. The company has kept its smaller Campbell County operation, Coal Creek, open for production despite its plans of gradually closing it down for reclamation, in light of the steady demand for coal.
In the same quarter, Peabody sold 20.6 million tons of Powder River Basin coal from its North Antelope Rochelle Mine, Caballo and Rawhide mines in Campbell County.
The production was nearly even with the 20.7 million tons sold in the first quarter of 2021 and less than the 22.5 million tons produced in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to its quarterly report.
Demand for thermal coal — used to produce energy and found in the Powder River Basin— saw an uptick in the latter half of 2021 due to a variety of factors, including increased natural gas prices and the expectation of a colder than normal winter.
Both companies reported logistical challenges in meeting that demand, primarily related to railway transportation issues, although those have reportedly improved month-to-month through the quarter and into April.
The start of the year for two companies controlling five of the 12 coal mines in Campbell County signaled the industry is on track for the strong year of sales they expected in 2022.
But that hasn’t affected the long-term trajectory.
Still harvesting cash
Last year, Arch announced its plans to shift its focus towards metallurgical, or coking, coal used for steel production and away from thermal coal, fast-tracking its departure from mining in the basin.
While funding its reclamation and retirement obligations on Black Thunder and Coal Creek, the company has made good on its plan to continue “harvesting cash” from those mines in their twilight years.
The company’s thermal coal mines have raked in over $1 billion in adjusted income while spending $114 million in capital over the past 22 quarters, or 5.5 years, according to the report.
Through the first quarter of 2022, Arch reported a net income of $271.9 million, a far cry from the $6 million net loss the company saw at the end of March last year.
“The Arch team executed at a high level during the first quarter, delivering record earnings despite significant rail-related challenges that constrained both coking and thermal coal shipments,” Lang said in a press release.
All while progressing towards its exit from the basin.
Its thermal mine reclamation fund reached $100 million, which is about 80% of the company’s target goal. Its goal is to have it fully funded by the third quarter of this year.
Since 2021, Arch paid $39.4 million towards its “asset retirement obligation” in the Powder River Basin but still owes $150.4 million towards those requirements.
The company instituted a reclamation fund used towards the money needed to eventually close and reclaim its PRB mines.
The company put $40 million in the fund through the first quarter of 2022, then incrementally added another $60 million throughout April, leaving it with $100 million of its $130 million goal in line with its Black Thunder retirement obligation this July, according to the report.
“With the set up of this thermal reclamation fund, we can run this as long as it’s profitable and as long as it makes sense, but the second it stops, I have no hesitation doing what we have to do ultimately which is close these operations,” Lang said on the call.
Peabody ramping up
Although Peabody had its mines busy hauling coal out of the basin, the international company reported a $119.5 million net loss attributable to its stock holders through the first quarter of 2022.
But the company has its eyes on the rest of the year when it expects to ramp up coal production in the basin.
Since the year began, the company invested $40 million into its basin and other U.S. mines, expecting to produce more coal through the rest of the year. Those dollars included investment in equipment overhauls and recruiting and training its workforce, Peabody officials said on the earnings call.
For this year, basically all of the company’s thermal coal volumes are priced and committed, with incremental volumes expected to come from the basin at the whims of the railway logistics.
Along with the higher volumes, the company expects a higher price of coal from the basin in the second half of the year. But the cost of producing that coal is expected to grow too, due to inflationary factors.
That coal boon may last longer than expected, as the company reported having 59 millions tons of Powder River Basin coal committed in 2023.
“In the first quarter, we set the stage for the remainder of the year, addressing challenges to delivering projected volumes and costs across the platform and continued to strengthen our balance sheet while expanding the value offering we provide our customers and increasing our sold coal position,” said Peabody President and CEO Jim Grech, in a press release.
“Strong global market dynamics persist for our products, driving prices to unprecedented levels globally. With projected increased sales, we remain poised to deliver a strong 2022.”
During the Arch quarterly earnings call, and without being specific, its officials said that the company has already built a strong book of business for thermal coal into 2023.
They added that the pricing is not to the levels of 2022 but still above the historical averages prior to 2022. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/rise-in-prb-coal-demand-production-continues/article_27160684-ae1f-5a4d-b87e-6fb85414b5b3.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:04Z |
Wyoming’s patient zero arrived at the state’s Wildlife Health Laboratory in late March. Someone found the Canada goose dead in Bighorn County. The test came back positive for the deadly H5N1, a strain of avian influenza killing birds across the globe.
Since then, cases have popped up in magpies, great-horned owls, vultures and hawks from Jackson and Cody to Douglas and Laramie. In early April, the flu killed 11 wild turkeys near Buffalo. On Wednesday the Powell Tribune reported the Wyoming Game and Fish Department killed its broodstock of pheasants at its bird farm near Sheridan out of an “abundance of caution.”
“This used to be mainly a domestic poultry problem,” said Dr. Samantha Allen, Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s wildlife veterinarian.
But this flu is different. The current strain is responsible for killing more than 1,000 lesser scaup ducks in Florida, scores of Canada geese in New Hampshire, and dozens of snow geese in the same fields in North Dakota.
“As we started to see large mortalities in wild bird populations, what we really don’t know is if that trend will continue or not,” Allen said.
Questions about the future of the disease loom but are hard for scientists to answer at this stage. Will it mutate into an even deadlier virus that sticks around? Will it change and more severely affect humans? Right now, humans can contract H5N1, but few have fallen ill. What impact will it eventually have on wild birds in Wyoming, the West, North America and the globe?
For now, scientists in Laramie are testing dead birds brought to them from around the state, and researchers throughout the world are trying to figure out the best ways to protect domestic poultry and wildlife, contain the virus despite its presence in migrating species, and prepare for the future.
If avian flu sounds like something you’ve heard about before, it’s because you have. Avian influenza is endemic in wild birds, and outbreaks have historically killed millions of domestic birds.
Like all influenza viruses, avian flu has the ability to mix and match with other influenza strains and then evolve and change depending on its proteins, Allen said. Each has an “H” protein, signifying hemagglutinin and an “N” protein for neuraminidase. There are 16 possible “H” proteins and nine possible “N” proteins.
“The one that we’re dealing with right now is H5N1,” she said. “We break it down based on what genetics it has picked up along the way and what it looks like.”
The virus is then further classified based loosely on its severity, essentially highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza.
“All that means is that for highly pathogenic, a lot of domestic poultry will die very quickly and at high numbers,” she said.
When high pathogenic strains hit a domestic poultry producer, the birds either die from the disease or are killed to prevent its spread.
Wild, migratory birds, on the other hand, tend to carry the low pathogenic avian influenza and general influenza strains. It’s naturally circulating in migratory birds around the world, and while it can cause occasional die offs, it rarely kills large numbers.
The difference now is that migratory birds are also carrying this deadly strain, spreading it around to other domestic and wild birds through feces, close contact and in carcasses.
The current strain likely started somewhere in Asia where it has been circulating since the 1990s, Allen said. It has changed along the way, and the recent version has caused massive die offs in places like Israel where 5,200 cranes died. Birds infected tend to have “irregular spinning body movements, uncontrolled head rolling and other abnormal neurological movements followed by sudden death,” according to the Teton Raptor Center.
It landed on the shores of North America and was first detected in December in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and then in February in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana. Since then, it’s spread like wildfire as birds migrate from Florida to the Midwest and Colorado north to western Canada. Tens of millions of domestic birds have either died or been killed since that first case in February. No count currently exists for the toll it has taken on wild birds.
No one knows for sure if this current strain of avian influenza will burn itself out as some have in the past or remain in our populations in some different version. Some duck species are naturally immune, but act as vectors and may continue spreading the disease.
Researchers and biologists are still studying the impact on Wyoming’s birds, though at least right now, they aren’t worried about population-level impacts on migratory game birds.
“I think states that are really big wetland and bird congregation areas, wintering grounds, staging areas, those are places that will lose big numbers,” said Noelle Smith, Game and Fish’s migratory game bird and wetland biologist. “Wyoming doesn’t have those.”
The impact on raptors is particularly concerning, especially in fragile populations, said Zack Walker, Game and Fish’s nongame section supervisor.
Hawks, eagles, owls and vultures are likely feeding on carcasses of newly dead birds and then succumbing to the disease. The second known H5N1 case in Wyoming this year was a great-horned owl found dead in Park County.
Since then, it has killed a great-horned owl in Jackson and a red-tailed hawk near Ucross.
Hunters will see fewer pheasants stocked in western Wyoming after officials euthanized the Sheridan bird farms pheasant brood stock, reported the Powell Tribune. The captive birds were not sick, but dead turkeys had been discovered nearby that tested positive for the deadly flu strain. The birds were killed in “a preemptive action,” the Cody regional wildlife supervisor told the local newspaper.
The virus tends to thrive in cooler temperatures, which has helped its current spread, but also offers hope as the weather warms. Researchers hope as migratory birds continue their flights north the cases here will fizzle, said Hank Edwards, Game and Fish’s Wildlife Health Laboratory supervisor.
In Alberta and Saskatchewan, cases are rising, which may point to the effects of migrating birds carrying the disease with them. At the same time, cases in states like Florida and Georgia have dropped.
“The hope is we will follow that trend,” said Allen. “But right now, we just don’t know.”
If you find more than three dead waterfowl, any number of dead raptors or scavenging birds, or you see wild birds showing abnormal neurological signs, nasal discharge or diarrhea, call your local Wyoming Game and Fish office. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/toll-of-avian-influenza-on-wyoming-birds-still-unknown/article_3b7e2e94-010d-5a77-b82e-1de22df982af.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:10Z |
In 1994, former President Bill Clinton passed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, often considered the most far-reaching crime law in U.S. history.
The act ended Pell Grants – federal grants usually given to students with high financial need – for people in prison. Most in-prison college programs heavily depended on money from Pell Grants and other federal aid because people in prison are overwhelmingly poor. In the year before the 1994 crime law, about 23,000 federal and state prisoners used these grants, a paper from the American Enterprise Institute estimates.
Data from the U.S. Department of Justice shows a drop in college course participation among inmates following the 1994 crime law; in 1991, the participation rate was around 19% for federal prisoners and 14% for state prisoners. That fell to around 10% and 7% in 2004, respectively. The number of college-in-prison programs also fell, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. In the early 90s, there were about 772 programs. By 1997, only about eight programs remained.
But there’s some turnaround on this trend. The administration of former President Barrack Obama established the Second Chance Pell Experiment in 2015. The initiative partly put back in place prison inmates’ former eligibility for the grants. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education chose Wyoming Pathways from Prison – the University of Wyoming’s prison education initiative – to be one among about 200 institutions across almost all 50 states participating in the program.
“After 30 years, the consensus is that it was a mistake to withhold this money from inmates,” said Dan Fetsco, an attorney and UW faculty member in the Criminal Justice & Sociology Department.
Fetsco is part of the team that operates Wyoming Pathways from Prison, which offers free UW college courses to people in Wyoming prisons. The program started in 2016 and has been volunteer-driven, with one-off classes that typically count for one college credit.
Before joining UW, Fetsco worked as the deputy director and executive director of the Wyoming Board of Parole. Through that experience, he became familiar with educational offerings within prisons. Being part of Wyoming Pathways from Prison, he said, was a “natural fit.” He taught his first class through the program on correctional legal history and inmate rights this past year.
“It was a popular class,” he said. Before COVID, UW professors traveled around the state to all of Wyoming’s prisons, teaching inmates about topics ranging from financial literacy to Greek history.
UW Assistant Professor of Philosophy Rob Colter said he would stay at an Airbnb near a prison for a week and teach two- to threehour classes in the morning and afternoon for inmates everyday. The first course he taught was about Stoic philosophy.
“What I aim for is some kind of transformation in the way we think about ourselves and our lives,” he said.
That transformation isn’t just theoretical.
“Data shows a strong correlation between education and reduced recidivism,” Fetsco said.
A 2018 study by the RAND Corporation, a public policy research organization, found that inmates who took part in a correctional education program had about a 43% decrease in their odds of returning to prison compared to their counterparts who didn’t. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Correctional Education came to a similar conclusion.
But the courses that Wyoming Pathways from Prison was offering were intermittent and didn’t result in an actual degree – there simply wasn’t enough funding and volunteers to offer inmates a degree-bearing program.
Participation in the Second Chance initiative, however, will change that. The extra funding will help Wyoming Pathways offer a four-year UW college degree in general studies for inmates, making it the first four-year degree offered in Wyoming prisons since the 1994 crime law.
“It’s going to allow us to take a huge jump,” Colter said. “This development is really big for the university’s ability to serve some of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in the state.”
The team at Wyoming Pathways from Prison plans to work on creating the admissions process for the degree program this summer and aims to have the first cohort of students start in the fall. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/uw-to-offer-inmate-degrees/article_634d478c-175b-55fe-974f-034a95669c52.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:16Z |
An attorney and former Democratic lawmaker filed suit Wednesday over Wyoming’s voter ID law, arguing it violates multiple sections of the state’s constitution. The lawsuit alleges the law, which went into effect last year, is inconvenient and unnecessary.
“(The voter ID law) trammels the constitutional right essential to suffrage both in passage and operation,” the suit states.
The law, which requires voters to show ID at the polls, was passed in the 2021 legislative session and has been in effect for less than a year. Wyoming voters have long had to show a photo ID when registering, a provision the lawsuit does not challenge.
The lawsuit, filed by former Democratic representative Charles Pelkey, represents one of the first attempts to legally challenge the voter ID law on the basis of the state’s constitution.
“This is not the last century,” the lawsuit read. “The government needs to show why the first acceptable photo ID cannot display automatically to the poll workers when people vote, so voters can be welcomed and thanked for voting—rather than challenged.”
The law was enacted via House Bill 75, whose primary sponsor was Casper Rep. Chuck Gray.
Notably, 40 members of the House of Representatives and half of the 30-member Wyoming Senate signed on as co-sponsors.
“This formal complaint has been filed by a former Democrat state legislator after the law has already gone into effect and been utilized in multiple elections,” Gray said in a statement. “Today’s filing is frivolous and demonstrates how the radical Left wants to make it easier to cheat in elections.”
Currently, 35 states have some sort of voter ID law with varying levels of requirements.
In Wyoming, if ID is not presented at the polls, a voter is given a provisional ballot. To have that ballot be counted, the voter must visit a county clerk no later than the close of business on the following day and present a valid ID.
“They do not have a compelling need to assess this. If they did, where is the evidence?” said Tim Newcomb, the plaintiff in the case and another attorney who has expertise in the Wyoming Constitution.
Pelkey said that the Wyoming Constitution “puts a higher standard for imposing limits on voting rights” than the U.S. Constitution. He was not in the Legislature when the bill passed, but lawmakers attempted to adopt voter ID legislation multiple times before they were successful in 2021.
While past attempts at voter ID were rebuffed, the effort gained new life in the wake of growing concerns about voter fraud by Republicans in the wake of the 2020 presidential election.
Voter fraud is extremely rare in Wyoming, with only a handful of convictions over the past several decades.
During previous legislative sessions, Pelkey said he argued that the bill risked being deemed unconstitutional.
“Election integrity is pivotal and the voter ID legislation is a basic safeguard to fight voter fraud,” Gray said in his statement.
The voter ID law was in effect during some local elections last fall, but its biggest test will come this summer, when Wyoming’s primary election is scheduled. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/voter-id-faces-legal-challenge/article_bda8a77c-a49c-50cd-9bcb-d62833c3f8b4.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:23Z |
Housing in Wyoming is a difficult, emotional and complex topic. A lack of housing, affordable or otherwise, impacts every sector of our communities, especially those that spend a higher proportion of their income on housing.
A recent Casper Star-Tribune editorial picked up by newspapers across the state that comments on the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) highlights the complicated relationship between renters, tenants and the government’s role in supporting both.
As the director of the Wyoming Department of Family Services, I appreciate the conversation around important topics like housing as it serves to make meaningful change and create a deeper understanding of the problem.
The state was awarded $200 million in 2021 to provide rental assistance to tenants who meet financial eligibility and who had experienced financial hardship directly related to COVID-19. The money was not based on any federal analysis of Wyoming’s needs but was merely the minimum amount issued to states with the lowest populations.
There has been much discussion about the return of the majority of those funds or the lack of spending thereof, but at its most basic renters were, and are, financially struggling for reasons other than COVID-19. In addition, Wyoming is sixth in the nation for homeownership (almost 72%), which means we have fewer renters than most other states.
The second allocation of money received by Wyoming is much more flexible because the reason for financial hardship and eligibility for the program no longer has to be tied directly to COVID-19, thus freeing up funds for Wyomingites struggling for reasons other than the pandemic.
Since switching to the second allocation, the program has seen a substantial spike in applications and payments. There was a 62% increase in applications from October to December, and that number continued to climb through March. In fact, of the $30 million distributed to landlords, tenants and utility companies in less than a year, the program distributed more than $4.7 million in March alone. Because of that exponential growth in applications and funding distribution, the program is experiencing the growing pains mentioned in the editorial.
Since its implementation less than a year ago, the ERAP has taken great care to balance the needs of tenants and landlords while protecting against fraud and abuse. Learning from the rampant fraud that swept through the unemployment insurance pandemic program, ERAP built in system protections to identify potential abuse.
Some of those checks can create additional steps and increase the time to payment, but as stewards of public money, we have a responsibility to ensure only those who legitimately qualify receive it.
It is also a priority for the program to seek comments and feedback. ERAP was a new program for Wyoming with no existing infrastructure. Unlike other benefit programs that the Department of Family Services has managed for decades, this one required new policies, a new IT system, a new eligibility process and a new payment process, among other complicating factors.
Through feedback, such as what was offered by the landlords, program improvements will continue. So far, we have created a direct line of communication for landlords and are providing them with more detailed information on the application status of their tenants so they can help problem-solve.
Additionally, the call center contractor has added more caseworkers to support all applicants. We also receive regular comments and suggestions from the many community based organizations that provide extra support to applicants and landlords, and we make many adjustments accordingly. We welcome ideas and suggestions because we know every dollar, and rental payment counts.
We understand the frustration with the application process, but since a town hall meeting last month where we invited landlords to share their concerns with us, the call time has decreased, and the average application and payment turnaround time decreased to below 30 days, which is the standard turnaround in other benefit programs.
Housing will continue to be a big issue confronting Wyoming; however, this program is temporary and was never intended to provide long-term assistance. It’s clear that Wyoming needs to develop long-term solutions, but in the meantime, we are committed to improving the ERAP application process and promoting training and employment opportunities to help families improve their finances. Visit dfs.wyo.gov/erap for program details. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/opinion/guest_column/erap-a-lifeline-but-not-a-long-term-housing-solution/article_9bc6f7cb-aa67-5ce3-baad-82c0600c3dd9.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:29Z |
Parents, here’s a little quiz to try on your kids at home:
• A laundry dryer contains 10 black and eight navy socks. Without looking, how many socks must you take out to be sure you have a matched pair?
• A woman from New York married 10 men from that city, yet she did not break any laws. None of the men died and she never divorced. How is this possible?
• Explain the meaning of this formula: 36b+52w=88k.
So, how’d they do?
• In the first scenario, the correct answer is three.
• In the second, the woman was a justice of the peace.
• As for the third problem, look real close: It’s a shorthand description of a piano, 36 black keys plus 52 white ones.
None of the above problems require any real level of academic skill. Each does, however, demand a very important intellectual aptitude: The ability to think.
And according to Edwin Kiester’s research, that is precisely “where American children need help. Lots of help.”
A report by the National Commission on Excellence in Education sent up a proverbial red flag some years back on this issue when it told us that only two of five 17-year-olds could assess basic statements in written form (i.e. Italians are Europeans. John is an Italian) and draw a logical inference (therefore, John is European).
The concerns were only heightened when this story surfaced. Professor Richard Askey of the University of Wisconsin gave a math problem from a Japanese college entrance exam to 350 freshman math students. The four-step problem required students to solve one step, then apply the answer to the next and so forth.
Most of the Japanese students solved the problem; none of the Americans did, with most not getting beyond the first step. They could handle the computation, but the challenge to apply blew them away.
How have Americans come to so neglect skilled rational thinking?
In short, the old path-of-least-resistance syndrome seems to explain some of it. In Thomas Edison’s words, “There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labor of thinking.”
Henry Ford concurred, saying that, “Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason so few engage in it.”
Undoubtedly, the electronic drug plays a role in this as well. If the television set (and all things video) dominate home life more than any other single influence, it surely has left its mark on the life of the mind. No wonder the inventor of it said, “I would not let my children near the thing.”
TV’s dubious legacy amounts to little more than the mass production of a cultural brainchild that is losing its mind, and social media has taken it to another level entirely.
Then there’s formal schooling itself. The first time I read somewhere that one in four American high school graduates cannot read their own high school diplomas, I thought skeptically, “Can that be right?”
I discovered that, unfortunately, it was right. I also discovered that American students spend less than 1% of class time in discussions that require in-depth reasoning.
While the “experts” scramble for ways to fix the whole mess, they invariably miss the obvious, that you can’t find the right answers unless you ask the right questions, and here’s a good one for starters: What was education’s primary mission for over a millennium?
“Up until about the 1920’s, the emphasis in education was on producing thinkers, not learners,” said Author David Barton. “The idea was that if kids could think, they could learn anything for themselves; but if the focus was on ‘learning,’ they would become gullible and passive, believing everything they heard and read.”
It’s true. The thrust of Aristotelian logic and the Socratic teaching method was always about developing thinkers. But with Horace Mann in 1838 came the assembly line approach, and with that came a sterile, inhumane system that “programmed” young minds.
Now we have a generation of young people in this country (not all, of course) who not only can’t think, they don’t even want to.
But this is where Wyoming can lead the way.
What do we do? First, turn off the TV. Second, put away the phones. Third, get out the books. Fourth, be selective, because as C.S. Lewis once observed, “We are far too easily pleased.”
Just as junk food as a habit is unhealthy, so are junk books. Nourish minds on the rich, meaningful, classic works of literature that have endured the test of time.
Finally, teach kids how to think.
This is a very deep ocean that we’ll never get to the bottom of, but taking our kids further than where they’re presently at will bear huge dividends down the road. It also will stay with them for the rest of their lives, guaranteed. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/opinion/guest_column/teach-children-to-be-thinkers/article_e7f36a61-7fa3-51d4-8540-607206c7c7dd.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:35Z |
...Snow showers today...
This is a special weather statement from the National Weather
Service Office in Riverton.
* WHAT...Snow showers. An additional 1 to 2 inches expected, with
locally higher amounts in the Wind River Range.
* WHERE...Sweetwater County, southern Lincoln County, Upper Green
River Basin, Western Wind River Range and Green Mountains.
* WHEN...Through this afternoon. The steadiest snow will be this
morning.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Roads may become slick and snow covered.
Road conditions should improve after mid morning.
ROCK SPRINGS – The preliminary budget for the city of Rock Springs for the period ending on June 30, 2023, was approved by the Rock Springs City Council during the council meeting on Tuesday, May 3.
In the supporting documents accompanying the meeting’s agenda, it states that the preliminary budget up for approval shows an anticipated shortfall of $4,064,543.
Rock Springs Mayor Tim Kaumo stated, “The shortfall we are faced with is similar to last year. Declining revenues topped with an increased need to provide city services and the inflated cost of labor and materials for ongoing projects create a perfect storm for a budget shortfall again this year.
“In order to complete much needed infrastructure projects, our community needs to realize the importance of supporting the Specific Purpose Tax to keep up with infrastructure improvements in our communities as we simply cannot fund these projects through the general fund, it just isn't possible. If we want to have reliable infrastructure, we need to be willing to help fund it.”
Additionally, the supporting documents state that sales and use tax is currently budgeted at a 10% increase from the prior fiscal year’s estimate.
The documents state, “This trends closely with inflation rates for the region. The sales and use tax payments received in May and June could have a large impact on the next version of the budget presented in June.”
Also included in the preliminary budget is an anticipated 7% increase in water rates as well as a 5% increase in sewer rates.
“The Water Fund increase of 7% includes 3% for the water purchase from the JPWB (they increased their rate to us by 4.25%), 2% for inflation of operational and maintenance costs (this has been 1% in normal years) and 2% for the Crossroads Project SRF Loan,” Kaumo stated.”
“The Sewer Fund increase of 5% includes inflation of operational and maintenance costs and a reserve that was started for a future building project at the WRF site.”
Kaumo added, “A 1% increase in water rates generates approximately $140,0000 - $150,000 in revenue annually and a 1% increase in sewer rates generates approximately $40,000 - $50,000 in revenue annually.”
The preliminary budget can be found in the supporting documents attached to the agenda. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/preliminary-budget-approved-by-rock-springs-city-council/article_2d638f41-4df1-527a-94dd-d6c05a03532c.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:41Z |
...DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM MDT THIS
MORNING...
* WHAT...Visibility one quarter to one half mile in dense fog.
* WHERE...South Laramie Range, South Laramie Range Foothills,
Central Laramie County and East Laramie County.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM MDT this morning.
* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.
&&
LARAMIE — University of Wyoming women’s basketball head coach Heather Ezell announced Thursday the addition of a second transfer signing this spring.
Bailey Wilborn, a 5-foot-8 guard from Wichita, Kansas, will be joining the Cowgirls next season.
Wilborn spent last season as a freshman at the University of Maine. In 2021-22 with the Black Bears, she appeared in 25 games and had three starts, averaging 2.8 points in nearly 13 minutes of action per game. She also had three double-digit scoring games, including a season-high 14 in UM’s game at Army.
Before arriving at Maine, Wilborn was a two-time All-State Class 5A selection in Kansas and was voted her league’s MVP following her senior season. She was also a multiple-time All-County and All-League honoree at Andover Central High and finished her prep career with more than 1,200 points and 267 made 3-pointers.
During her senior season, Wilborn helped guide Andover to a Newton Invitational Championship, a runner-up finish in the Class 5A State Championship and an AVCTL league title. She shot 54% overall from the floor and hit 43% of her shots from 3-point range.
Wilborn joins fellow transfer Malene Pedersen, who signed earlier in April.
Cowgirls tennis season comes to close
The Wyoming tennis season ended Thursday afternoon as the sixth-seeded Cowgirls lost 4-0 to third-seeded No. 3 seed San Diego State in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Women’s Tennis Championship.
The Cowgirls finished with a 12-13 mark overall.
UW lost the doubles team point in heartbreaking fashion via tiebreak at the No. 2 position when Ana Fernandez and Sophie Zehender lost 7-6 (7-3). UW got a 6-1 win at No. 1 doubles from Ida Krause and Maria Oreshkina.
In singles action, Sophie Zehender was tied 3-3 in the second set after she won the first set 6-2 at the No. 2 spot. Krause was also tied 3-3 in the second set at No. 4 after losing the first set 6-3 when the Aztecs clinched the match.
Oreshkina lost 6-1, 6-1 at No. 1 singles, Fernandez lost 6-2, 6-2 at No. 5 and Mihaela Kaftanova lost 6-0, 6-3 at No. 6. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/wilborn-commits-to-cowgirls-basketball/article_429fdc3c-a858-55f0-bac5-dcce77c28455.html | 2022-05-04T14:02:47Z |
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