Local Lookout: Politicians cheer shooting complex | Albany County voters decide penny tax | Bighorn snowpack shrivels

Dignitaries attend state shooting complex groundbreaking
Cody Enterprise
“We’re here because of ‘wow.’” The wow factor that Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, referred to was the 2,000-acre site now home to the Wyoming State Shooting Complex south of Cody. Washut was in town for a groundbreaking celebration for the complex, which also drew U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, Gov. Mark Gordon, Sen. Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, and Rep. Paul Hoeft, R-Powell. Once completed, the facility will be the first statewide shooting venue and will make eight different firing ranges available to the public, the Cody Enterprise reports. Read the full story.

Powell Republican Rep. Hoeft seeks to move up to Senate
Powell Tribune
Rep. Paul Hoeft planned to seek another term in the state House until retiring Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Powell, approached him to serve as his replacement. Last week, Hoeft made the decision public, announcing that he’s running for Senate District 19. Hoeft is set to face off with fellow Powell Republican and former state Sen. R.J. Kost in August’s primary election — along with any other GOP candidates who jump in the race. Hoeft expressed support for a leaner state budget and tightening up election procedures. He is a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus, which he describes as a fiscally conservative group of representatives who make decisions as a group. However, he emphasized that every vote is his own, the Powell Tribune reports. Read the full story.

Albany County voters to decide taxes in special election
Wyoming Public Radio
Albany County voters head to the polls May 5 for a special election to determine their tax rate for the next several years. Voters will be answering yes or no to a proposal that would fund a new fire station, road and stormwater infrastructure, a new county administration building, airport upgrades and more. Albany County residents and visitors pay 6 cents in sales tax for every dollar spent. The first four pennies are mandated by the state and the fifth cent supports local government operations. The sixth penny is the specific purpose excise tax (SPET), which funds projects approved by voters. Albany County voters last approved a sixth penny SPET in 2018, Wyoming Public Radio reports. Read the full story.

Record-low snowpack in Bighorns raises concerns
The Sheridan Press
Snowpack in the Bighorn Mountains has fallen to its lowest level on record, according to Billings National Weather Service Hydrologist and Meteorologist Todd Chambers. Data shows record low snow water equivalent — the amount of water contained within the snowpack — in the Tongue and Powder River basins since March 21. For communities like Sheridan, mountain snowpack functions like a natural reservoir, building up during the winter and gradually releasing water into rivers and streams through the warmer months. A strong snowpack supports summer and fall water supplies, while a weak one can lead to shortages later in the season, The Sheridan Press reports. Read the full story.

Wyoming law enforcement warns of fake court enforcement scam
Oil City News
Wyoming law enforcement agencies are warning residents of a scam involving fraudulent court enforcement notices designed to steal money and personal information. The scam includes a “Final Notice” that appears to be from the Laramie County Municipal Court Traffic Division and features the State of Wyoming seal. Scammers use scare tactics by claiming recipients have outstanding traffic violations, toll evasions or parking tickets. Police advise recipients not to scan suspicious QR codes or click links from unsolicited messages and instead verify the matter directly with the specific court using publicly listed phone numbers or official websites, Oil City News reports. Read the full story.