WyoFile’s mission is to inform and engage Wyoming through in-depth reporting in the public interest. We make our reporting available to you and the rest of the Wyoming press corps, which can republish our work for free. WyoFile also shares a curated list of reporting from around the state to keep you up to date on local news. While WyoFile does not have a paywall, some local newsrooms do. If you see stories you value reading, we encourage you to consider supporting these local Wyoming newsrooms by subscribing or advertising. You can support WyoFile by becoming a member and donating to keep our news free for everyone.
Upper Snake River drought may dry up Palisades’ power generation
Jackson Hole News&Guide
Irrigation season is off to a rough start in the Upper Snake River Basin, and managers are trying to limit impacts later in the summer. Low water supply could snarl power generation in Palisades Dam, as well as water managers’ ability to deliver water for salmon migrations downstream. If reservoir storage gets low enough later in the summer, it’s possible that Palisades could stop generating power, the Jackson Hole News&Guide reports. Read the full story.
Wyoming ranchers face worst irrigation season in decades as Montana calls for water
The Sheridan Press
Wyoming agricultural producers are facing water shortages as the eastern half of the state, including Sheridan County, experience severe to extreme drought conditions. Record-low snowpack in the Bighorns and cold weather have created dry soil and prevented streamflow runoff. Officials are concerned that several reservoirs providing the region with fresh water will not reach full capacity, including the Park and Cross Creek reservoirs in the Bighorns. Montana has placed a call reducing water available to Wyoming landowners, through a 1950 compact, to fill its Tongue River Reservoir, The Sheridan Press reports. Read the full story.
How one Wyoming county prepares to hand count ballots
Wyoming Public Radio
Lawmakers passed a bill during the recent budget session that requires county clerks to audit, by hand, about 5% of all ballots cast in their county for this year’s primary elections. Wyoming Public Radio’s Jordan Uplinger spoke with Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee to see how one county is gearing up for the task. Listen to their conversation.
Rock Springs Council orders training, warning for councilor
Rocket Miner
The Rock Springs City Council voted last week on disciplinary actions for Councilman Rick Milonas after a formal evidentiary hearing. The proceedings focused on allegations that Milonas violated the city’s ethics code through targeted, derogatory attacks against Rock Springs Urban Renewal Manager Chad Banks. The council agreed unanimously that Milonas should receive a written warning and voted 6-1 to mandate training, the Rocket Miner reports. Read the full story.
Campbell County students earn college degrees before graduating high school
Gillette News Record
A record 40 students from across Campbell County participated in Gillette College’s graduation ceremony before accepting diplomas at their high school graduation. The students had participated in dual and concurrent coursework while in high school to earn at least 60 college credits through six semesters of classes, the Gillette News Record reports. Read the full story.
Hunter kills charging grizzly bear in self-defense near Ashton, Idaho
Buckrail
A hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear in self-defense on Saturday on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest outside of Ashton, Idaho. The man and his young son were hunting black bears near the Cave Falls Road when they were charged by a grizzly. The hunter fired at the grizzly, ultimately shooting it dead from about 5 yards away, Buckrail reports. Read the full story.