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Albany County votes overwhelmingly to renew sixth-penny tax
Wyoming Public Radio
Albany County voters renewed their local sixth-penny tax in a special election Tuesday. The county clerk’s unofficial election night tally shows 78% of the 3,900 residents who cast ballots supported the renewal. The sixth penny is a voter-approved local tax supporting specific government projects. Voters approved collecting $95 million to pay for a rebuilt fire station, new county administration building, street buildouts and more, Wyoming Public Radio reports. Read the full story.
Natrona County commissioners mull pay raises for elected officials
Oil City News
County commissioners are debating a proposed 12% pay increase for Natrona County’s elected officials. County Clerk Tracy Good presented the request on behalf of the county’s elected officials to commissioners, who discussed looming revenue shortfalls and prioritizing raises for regular county employees. State law requires elected officials’ salaries be set before June 1 for the upcoming four-year term, Oil City News reports. Read the full story.
Torrington Cinemas promotes local shopping through gift card initiative
Torrington Telegram
Marie Flanagan is using her role at Torrington Cinemas to encourage something she says is at the heart of the community — supporting local businesses. Flanagan is giving out gift cards to local shoppers as part of an effort to highlight the impact of keeping dollars in Platte County. “The reason for giving gift cards was to inspire joy among our community and our county, to understand how important their purchases are locally, and what the benefit is,” she told the Torrington Telegram. Read the full story.
Laramie County seeks $450K grant for DUI program, OK’s gambling prevention
Cap City News
Laramie County commissioners unanimously approved grant applications to support health and judicial programs. The requests include a $450,000 application to the U.S. Department of Justice to support the county’s DUI Treatment Court program over four years. That will come with a local match of $150,000. The board also approved a $65,117 subgrantee agreement with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center to fund community gambling prevention and treatment, Cap City News reports. Read the full story.
Cody attorney launches second bid for House District 50
Powell Tribune
David Hill is making another run for the Wyoming Legislature. The Cody attorney will again seek to represent House District 50 — an area that includes portions of Cody, Ralston, Heart Mountain and Clark. Hill previously ran for the seat in 2024, facing off with Rep. Rachel Rodriguez-Williams in that year’s Republican primary election. Rodriguez-Williams won that contentious contest with 62% of the vote, but she’s now exiting the Legislature and running for secretary of state, the Powell Tribune reports. Read the full story.
Cheyenne rancher, business owner announces campaign for House District 43
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
A Cheyenne rancher and business owner has announced her campaign for the Wyoming House of Representatives in District 43. Jessica Crowder will face incumbent Rep. Ann Lucas, R-Cheyenne, a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus and freshman legislator, in the Republican primary election Aug. 18. Crowder aims to “bring steady and practical leadership” to the state Legislature. Her platform calls for strengthening Wyoming’s economy, supporting local communities and preserving the state’s way of life for future generations, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports. Read the full story.
Sweetwater County Democrat announces candidacy for House District 17
Rocket Miner
Sweetwater County Democrat Rah Reinholz has announced a run for House District 17 “with a campaign rooted in lived experience, working class values, and a deep commitment to the people of Sweetwater County.” A born and raised, multigenerational Wyomingite, Reinholz emphasizes the challenges facing everyday residents. Not a career politician or longtime officeholder, Reinholz has been paying attention, speaking up and feeling the direct impact of decisions made in Cheyenne long before deciding to run, the Rocket Miner report. Read the full story.