wyoming

Former Secretary of State Thyra Thomson has died

Bob Beck — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:06:51 +0000

A woman who served Wyoming as Secretary of State for 24 years has died. Thyra Thomson died Tuesday at the age of 96.

She was elected to the office in 1962, just two years after her husband Congressman and U-S Senator-elect Keith Thomson died of a heart attack. Thyra Thomson served until 1987. Thomson was an advocate for comparable worth, equal pay for women and affordable day care. During a 1993 interview for the state archive’s she noted that wage disparity was a serious issue and tried to work on it.

What do you think about the proposal to improve early childhood education in the state?

Wyoming Public Media — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:49:48 +0000

What do you think about the proposal to improve early childhood education in the state?

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Wyoming’s Oil and Gas Supervisor discusses issues from flaring to fracking

Bob Beck — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:27:30 +0000

Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck spoke with the new supervisor of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Grant Black. Since he started the job a few weeks ago, Black has been dealing with issues ranging from the flaring of natural gas to water contamination. He says the flaring issue is interesting.

Wyoming missed out on last uranium boom, but planning for the future

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 31 May 2013 22:57:27 +0000

Wyoming Public Radio has for years reported that the state is on the verge of a uranium boom. It turns out the state missed the peak of that boom, and is now betting on slower, more conservative growth. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov reports.

Wyoming sees an increase in its population rate

Sara Hossaini — Mon, 27 May 2013 23:50:42 +0000

Wyoming has the fourth fastest-growing population in the nation. That’s according to recent U.S. Census estimates from July 2011 to July 2012.

Statewide, Wyoming's numbers are up 1.6% after a couple years of slow growth following the recession. Senior State Economist Wenlin Liu says Wyoming is experiencing two types of growth.

"That 1.6 percent was over 9 thousand people," says Liu, "And that 9 thousand people, about 1/3 or 3,000 people, was from natural change."

Seeing through the lens of filmmaker Jennifer Tennican

Emy DiGrappa — Sat, 11 May 2013 16:12:42 +0000

Jennifer has been working in film and video since the late 1990s and has experience in all aspects of documentary production. Her most recent work is a one-hour, high-definition documentary film entitled The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads. Using varied and compelling characters, the film explores the history of a long-time community "watering hole," the Stagecoach Bar in Wilson, Wyoming

Wyoming Artist Profile - Jared Rogerson

Anna Rader — Thu, 02 May 2013 21:08:30 +0000

Pinedale singer-songwriter Jared Rogerson has been influenced as a musician from 17 years of bronc’ riding in rodeos. He’s also explored thousands of miles in the remote Wyoming backcountry as a brucellosis biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. His new album, Dirt, was released April 17.

Cost of substance abuse in Wyoming is higher than expected

Bob Beck — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:54:52 +0000

As it addressed issues concerning substance abuse, one thing the state never had were Wyoming specific numbers on the financial impact of substance abuse. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck reports that a recent study has found that the cost of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse is staggering.

BOB BECK: This is the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center or WYSAC today people in the state are being asked about their tobacco use.

“And how old were you when you first smoked at least one cigarette every day for 30 days in a row? 16? All right…”

Is Wyoming warming to gaming?

Sara Hossaini — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:49:52 +0000

For years, Wyoming has been timid when it comes to gambling. But things might be changing. With a casino on the Wind River reservation, an increase in poker clubs and the recent passage of a lottery bill, many are now wondering how far this issue will go. Wyoming Public Radio’s Sara Hossaini has more.

Officials say that Wyoming needs to do more to prevent child abuse

Bob Beck — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:14:07 +0000

Wyoming is continuing to try and find ways to reduce child abuse in the state. A new report shows that in 2012 there were 705 child abuse victims.

Governor Matt Mead signed a proclamation Monday calling it Child Abuse Prevention month and added that the state can do a better job in preventing abuse. Child Advocacy Centers of Wyoming Board President Lynn Huylar says awareness is a key.

Wyoming develops state-wide suicide prevention initiative

Willow Belden — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:59:02 +0000

Wyoming has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country … nearly twice the national average. Until recently, efforts at preventing suicide were left up to individual counties. But now, the state is trying a new tactic which they hope will save more lives. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden reports.

Losing two sons to suicide: A conversation with BJ Ayers

Willow Belden — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:56:06 +0000

We’re joined now by BJ Ayers. Not one, but two of her sons killed themselves … and since then, she’s dedicated her life to trying to prevent suicide. She started the Grace for Two Brothers foundation and is now the suicide prevention coordinator for southeast Wyoming. Her son Brett was 19 when he died in 2005.

Summer 2013 Festivals

Grady Kirkpatrick — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:03:14 +0000

June 22- Beer, Brats and Bluegrass Festival featuring Screen Door Porch, Unstrung, Puddle Mountain Ramblers, and Smith Brothers Dirt Band. Evanston WY

June 28-30 Donkey Creek Festival featuring Pickwick, The Slide Brothers, Jalan Crossland, Screen Door Porch, Hot Club of Detroit, Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside, Big Swing Trio, Freddie Rodriquez and more. Gillette WY

Wyoming Social Workers play an important role

Bob Beck — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:24:37 +0000

Social workers play a big role in Wyoming and the month of March honors their work. Kimberly Harper is the Executive Director of the National Association of Social workers. She tells Bob Beck that like a lot of organizations, they are dealing with budget cuts.

Wyoming could see another drought this summer

Luke Hammons — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:29:07 +0000

The National Weather Service says spring temperatures and precipitation should be near normal in Wyoming.

But Forecaster Paul Skrbac says that trend might not continue for the rest of the year.

“As we get into summer it looks like the odds increase that it’ll be a little warmer than normal,” Skrbac says, “and potentially a little dryer than normal.”

Skrbac says there’s still a chance that temperatures and precipitation could be average this summer, but it doesn’t look likely.

Wyoming could see another drought this summer

Luke Hammons — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:29:05 +0000

The National Weather Service says spring temperatures and precipitation should be near normal in Wyoming.

But Forecaster Paul Skrbac says that trend might not continue for the rest of the year.

“As we get into summer it looks like the odds increase that it’ll be a little warmer than normal,” Skrbac says, “and potentially a little dryer than normal.”

Skrbac says there’s still a chance that temperatures and precipitation could be average this summer, but it doesn’t look likely.

Wyoming could see another drought this summer

Luke Hammons — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:29:02 +0000

The National Weather Service says spring temperatures and precipitation should be near normal in Wyoming.

But Forecaster Paul Skrbac says that trend might not continue for the rest of the year.

“As we get into summer it looks like the odds increase that it’ll be a little warmer than normal,” Skrbac says, “and potentially a little dryer than normal.”

Skrbac says there’s still a chance that temperatures and precipitation could be average this summer, but it doesn’t look likely.

How do you think the federal sequestration will impact Wyoming?

Wyoming Public Media — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:35:24 +0000

How do you think the federal sequestration will impact Wyoming?

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UW Economist Anne Alexander discusses the potential effects of the federal sequester on Wyoming

Bob Beck — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:56:45 +0000

One thing everyone is trying to get a grip on is how the federal sequester will impact Wyoming. Anne Alexander is an economist at the University of Wyoming. She joined Bob Beck in the studio to discuss this.

Documentary traces railroad construction, and Wyoming’s origin

Willow Belden — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:13:19 +0000

A new documentary shows how the construction of the transcontinental railroad helped shape Wyoming into the place it is today.

Producer Tom Manning says the railroad is the reason that towns like Cheyenne, Laramie and Rock Springs exist.

“Without the transcontinental railroad going across Wyoming, of course, there would be no Wyoming,” Manning said. “You know, it was really quite a vast emptiness out there.”

The film will premiere on Wyoming PBS on Sunday, March 10^th at 7 p.m.

Freshman legislators reflect on their first legislative session as it near finale

Irina Zhorov — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 23:32:19 +0000

For Wyoming’s lawmakers, the short legislative sessions are full of long days and myriad issues. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov reports that newly elected legislators have to learn a lot quickly, but they’re taking their knocks in stride.

Wyoming’s job market slows after boom

Rebecca Martinez — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:50:32 +0000

Wyoming’s economy is slowing down. That’s according to numbers from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

In the second quarter of 2012, job growth was up, especially in the construction sector. Employment increased in 18 Wyoming counties. At almost 1,700 new jobs, Natrona County led the state.

But Department Senior Economist David Bullard says the numbers for the third quarter of 2012 will show a different picture…

Another year of drought could spell disaster for ag community

Willow Belden — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 23:09:29 +0000

Last year was the driest year Wyoming has seen in more than a century, and the dry spell has not let up. As a result, farmers and ranchers have had to make tough decisions and are deeply concerned about their livelihood for the coming year. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden reports.

The La Taifas Quartet brings the music of Moldova to Wyoming

Grady Kirkpatrick — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:54:43 +0000

The La Taifas Quartet is celebrated in their home country of Moldova. They’ve been featured in the film The Other Europeans, a documentary highlighting the music of Eastern European communities that have emerged from Soviet domination but which remain relatively unknown to Americans. The nonprofit Worlds of Music is sponsoring the La Taifas Quartet’s tour across Wyoming, and they’ve recently performed in Evanston, Lyman, Thermopolis and Powell with upcoming shows scheduled in Buffalo and Laramie.

Some Legislators say Superintendent reform is overdue

Bob Beck — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:37:16 +0000

The Wyoming House of Representatives has joined the State Senate in passing a bill that would strip a number of powers from the State Superintendent and give them to a Governor appointed Director of Education. The Superintendent would remain on state boards and commissions with the other four elected officials. But the new Director would run the State Department of Education. Top lawmakers crafted the legislation right before the legislative session; and many believe that the legislature is moving too quickly. But some observers say the move is overdue. Wyoming

Laramie residents react to a bill that would create a governor-appointed Director of Education

Luke Hammons — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:34:41 +0000

As the bill that would take power away from the State Superintendent gains traction in the Legislature, Wyoming Public Radio’s Luke Hammons took to the streets in Laramie to ask the public what they think.

Wyoming moves ahead with Pediatric Cancer Program

Bob Beck — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:32:40 +0000

A problem for children who are diagnosed with cancer in Wyoming is finding local care. Treatment typically requires long drives to cities. But Wyoming's Comprehensive Cancer Control Program is trying to change that. The program has hired an Oncologist who specializes in pediatric care to come to Casper once a month to treat children. Plans are underway to get more doctors involved in the effort. The Pediatric Oncologist is Doctor John Dr. vanDoorninck.

In Wyoming, lobbying is not about money

Bob Beck — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 23:36:02 +0000

Thanks to the occasional national scandal those who lobby government officials don’t always have the best reputation. A lobbyist is someone who tries to persuade legislators to support measures that benefit his or her employer or special interest. But while big money and gifts make a big difference on Capitol Hill, those involved in the legislative process say that in Wyoming…it’s more about trust and relationships. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck reports…

Snowpack up and down in Wyoming

Bob Beck — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:47:17 +0000

While much of the state is at or slightly above average when it comes to snowfall this year, the eastern and southern portions of the state are well below average.

Some people worry that another drought is on the way, which could lead to problems for agriculture producers and for forest managers next spring and summer.

But Lee Hackleman of the Natural Resources Conservation Service says it’s much too early to be concerned.

Land Trust Secures New Easement

Rebecca Martinez — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 01:51:05 +0000

The Wyoming Land Trust, a conservation group, has secured a land easement on one of the oldest working ranches in Sublette County.

The Circle Ranch – also known as the “67 Ranch” – has been in the Miller family for more than 130 years. The easement will prohibit building development and subdivision on almost 2-thousand acres of land, which includes elk, moose, pronghorn and sage grouse habitat.

Land Trust spokeswoman Kendall Brunette acknowledges that this easement could limit the case for adding sage grouse to the endangered species list.