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Fremont County Library Director asserts right to public hearing
Lander Journal
Campbell County recently paid a $700,000 settlement after its former library director sued over her firing. The cautionary tale came up during a Fremont County Library Board meeting after an unnamed board member requested an executive session, closed to the public, and the library director responded by exercising her right to a public hearing, the Lander Journal reports. “I think that we may be breaking state law, and I will not go into executive session,” Board member Perry Cook said, requesting legal counsel. Read the full story.
Avalanche near LaBarge Creek kills snowmobiler
Buckrail
An avalanche killed a snowmobiler Sunday in the Salt River and Wyoming Range forecast zone, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center reported. Two snowmobilers were riding near LaBarge Creek when one triggered an avalanche on a “small but steep” slope around 8,800 feet. The avalanche slid about 100 feet and buried the rider in about two feet of snow under his sled. The other snowmobiler dug him out and attempted CPR. The avalanche center will be doing an on-site investigation, Buckrail reports. Read the full story.
‘Kelly Parcel’ cowboy wants to keep trail rides but feds are pulling the reins
KHOL 89.1FM
Jake Hutton and his fiance, Sara McIntosh, have around 30 horses they use for their young business, the JH Outfitting Company. Their business depends on offering summer trail rides on the 640-acre Kelly Parcel, which the state sold last year to Grand Teton National Park, capping years of negotiations. Now the National Park Service wants Hutton to phase out the rides, but the outfitter is fighting to stay, KHOL Jackson Hole Community Radio reports. Read the full story.
Gillette eyes new overpass costing $27-31 million but lasting 75 years
Gillette News Record
Built in the 1980s, Gillette’s Gurley Overpass is nearing the end of its lifespan. The bridge’s steep grade requires constant de-icing, and larger repairs are on the horizon. The city is mulling three options, with the most expensive one being a full replacement at $27-$31 million. But building a new bridge could save the city money in the long run, allow bikes and pedestrians, withstand greater loads and require fewer closures, the Gillette News Record reports. Read the full story.
Laramie advances ordinance to prevent flooding
Laramie Boomerang
The Laramie City Council took a major step toward attempting to improve the city’s stormwater runoff with an initial vote for a new ordinance. If approved on two more readings, the ordinance would create a dedicated funding source for the city’s surface water drainage system. The goal is to address flooding, infrastructure maintenance and long-term planning. But the estimated $130 million cost has raised some concern, the Laramie Boomerang reports. Read the full story.