Tagged: wyoming

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

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.

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…”

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

WPM/NPR Community Discussion Rules

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.

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 10th at 7 p.m.

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 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…

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.