Local Lookout: Medicine Wheel dispute | Public Lands politics | ICE watch hotline 

County commissioners oppose changes to Medicine Wheel Historic Preservation Plan
The Sheridan Press
Sheridan and Big Horn county commissioners are opposing potential changes to a historic preservation plan for a sacred complex and archaeological property used by Indigenous tribes. First adopted in 1996, the plan guides how the Medicine Wheel and Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark is protected while supporting public access. The Fort Peck Tribes are proposing updates ranging from prioritizing tribal authority over human remains and cultural items found in the site to mitigating modern threats, such as drones and light pollution. Potentially expanding the size of the protected landmark is among the proposals drawing opposition from commissioners, The Sheridan Press reports. Read the full story.

New PAC aims to expose politicians who vote against public lands
Powell Tribune
When Protect Wyoming co-founder Zac Lentsch arrived at the podium at Cody Craft Brewing, he told the crowd why his new organization chose Cody for their first event. Park County has the most public land of any county in the state. Park County has some of the greatest population density and diversity of wildlife in Wyoming. A larger proportion of Park County residents hunted big game in 2024 than voted in the primary, he said. Despite county residents’ obvious respect for public land, lawmakers voted in favor of selling off public lands and privatizing wildlife, he said. The Protect Wyoming PAC plans to protect public lands by reporting to voters on the actions of the state Legislature concerning public land issues, the Powell Tribune reports. Read the full story.

Immigrant advocates launch ICE watch hotline
KHOL 89.1 FM
Jackson-based Wyoming Immigrant Advocacy Project has launched a hotline to report and verify sightings of federal immigration enforcement on both sides of the Tetons. Trained volunteers at the new hotline, Teton Area Rapid Response Network, will respond to reports by showing up in person wearing blue vests with a butterfly logo on the back. The effort is part of a national grassroots movement to provide different resources such as food, shelter, legal training and clear information to immigrants and their surrounding communities. “If immigration conducted itself transparently and took accountability, these networks would not be necessary,” Emily Gomez, the nonprofit’s executive director, told Jackson Hole Community Radio. Read the full story.

Where’s the water? Sweetwater County authorities brace for dry summer
Rocket Miner
A visit up to Fontenelle Reservoir north of Green River reveals the results of a dry winter: a waterline high up on shore that shows exactly how much water is no longer in the reservoir. Sweetwater County Commission Chairman Keaton West reported that Fontenelle is at 68% of normal and a “significant” draw down on Flaming Gorge Reservoir is likely this spring, the Rocket Miner reports. “The future does not look good for water, unfortunately,” West said. Read the full story.

Campbell County Health buys two Gillette buildings to expand services
County 17
Campbell County Health announced that it has bought two properties in Gillette as part of a plan to expand services and improve care in northeastern Wyoming. Leaders said the expansion is about more than just adding space. It’s also meant to improve services like occupational health and primary care, and give the organization more flexibility to handle future needs. The expansion is part of a larger effort to build a more connected healthcare system that can meet today’s needs and prepare for future growth, County 17 reports. Read the full story.