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Judge dismisses one murder charge in fatal bar fight, lowers bond
Lander Journal
A judge has dismissed the most serious charge against one of three men accused in a fatal Lander bar fight and reduced his bail. Jesse Dollard now faces a single charge of being an accessory to manslaughter and a $100,000 bond. His uncle, Richard “Deak” Dollard, and father, Justin Dollard, both face more serious charges and argued through their attorneys that their bond amounts should be lowered, but they were unsuccessful, the Lander Journal reports. Prosecutors allege the men partook in a brawl on Jan. 9 at the Maverick Bar that resulted in the death of Evan Denevan. Read the full story.
Grand Teton removes sign about explorer who massacred Native Americans
Jackson Hole News&Guide
Grand Teton National Park has removed a visitor center sign with details of how an explorer participated in — and bragged about — a massacre of Native Americans. Sometime between September 2023 and July 2024, the park added new language to the pedestal underneath a sculpture of Gustavus Cheyney Doane stating that he participated in a massacre of more than 170 Piegan Blackfeet, predominantly women, children and elders, in Montana. The Interior Department denies any connection between the sign’s disappearance and President Trump’s order to remove “disparaging” history, the Jackson Hole News&Guide reports. Read the full story.
UW, community divided over student union parking lot, historic fraternity houses
Laramie Boomerang
Students, alumni and community members clashed over the future of the student union parking lot and historic campus buildings during last week’s University of Wyoming Board of Trustees meetings. Laramie community members raised questions about accessibility, space usage and historic preservation. Commenters weighed adding parking to make the campus more accessible for students against preserving green space and historic sorority and fraternity buildings, the Laramie Boomerang reports. Read the full story.
New Casper apartments open ahead of schedule
Oil City News
The Yellowstone apartment complex officially opened to renters Jan. 15, and around half of the 104 units are spoken for, with studios proving the most popular so far. Amenities include a gym, juice bar, theater, dog spa, open rooftop deck with grills and an event space for parties. The building is not only attracting single professionals and empty-nesters, but also young families with children, a property manager told Oil City News. Read the full story and see photos.
Professional rodeo inches toward moving to Cheyenne after board vote
Wyoming Tribune Eagle
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association took another step this week toward moving its entire operation to the Cowboy State’s capital city. The PRCA’s board of directors has approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding to seriously consider relocating the organization’s headquarters, along with the PRCA Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, to Cheyenne, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports. Read the full story.