-Your Safe Summer is a series devoted to having fun in the sun the right way. Check back for more summer tips from Wyoming Medical Center’s network of experts.

Summer weather is finally here.  With the hot temperatures, more and more kids and families are heading to the water.  Before you go, read through these water safety tips compiled from Safe Kids Worldwide. Consider hanging a copy on your fridge or family message board and refer back to them whenever you’re planning a trip to the water.

1. Talk to your kids before they go in the water.

• Have a frank, uninterrupted conversation with your children before going to the pool, lake or river. Make sure they understand your rules and expectations for water safety including that they only swim in designated areas.
• Children should never go into water without adult supervision. Explain your expectations clearly.
• Educate children that lakes and rivers have uneven surfaces, sudden drop offs and dangerous currents. Make sure they know that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool.
• Children should always swim with an adult. Teach experienced swimmers that they should always swim with a partner or an adult as well.

2. Actively supervise children in water.

• Whether children are swimming in a pool or in open water, give them your undivided attention. Put aside your cell phones, books or iPads and watch for signs of fatigue, dangerous water conditions or dangerous behavior.
• Download a Water Watcher card or make one yourself. If more than one adult is present, designate an adult as the Water Watcher for a pre-set increment of time (such as 15 minutes). While wearing the Water Watcher card, adults pledge to give undivided attention to the children in the water. Hand off the card after your set time to an adult in your party who has made the same pledge. This will prevent lapses in adult supervision.
• An adult should be within arm’s reach whenever an infant or toddler is near the water. They can drown in as little as an inch of water and should be the only thing on your mind.

3. Always wear life jackets around open water.

Always wear life jackets in open water such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

• Use toys such as water wings and water noodles only for fun, not as safety devices. They are no substitute for a lifejacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Ask your child to raise his or her arms straight up. If the jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it is either too big or the straps may be too loose. Download this guide for choosing the right lifejacket.
• Take advantage of the newly installed Respect Our River life jacket loaner stations. Life jackets are along the Platte River Parkway. Resect Our River has also installed several throw rope stations and 22 signs reminding people to always wear a life jacket along the parkway
• Please remember to return the life jackets when you are finished so they are available for the next family.

4. Learn CPR.

• Put this at the top of your to-do list. Have your children learn with you. This is a skill that will last a lifetime.

Safe Swim Night

Safe Kids of Central Wyoming present its annual Safe Swim Night. City of Casper lifeguards and firemen will teach water and other safety tips to kids and parents. You can also register to win prizes and goodie bags.

• When:5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 15
• Where:Paradise Valley Swimming Pool, 5200 W. Iris St.
• Cost: Free

 

-Your Safe Summer Series is  provided by our Community Sponsors at Wyoming Medical Center-

(Natrona County, Wyo.) – Natrona County radio traffic has indicated a series of events that have occurred around Natrona County in the last fifteen minutes.

At approximately 10:50 am Casper Fire/EMS and Natrona County Fire District responded to a structure fire at an apartment complex at 6320 Buckboard Road. Radio traffic has indicated that the fire has been contained and the building has been evacuated of people and pets.

Casper Fire/EMS personal remain on scene to monitor hot spots.

Also, around 10:55 Casper Police Department and Casper Fire/EMS responded to a vehicle accident near the Flying J restaurant along Wyoming Boulevard no current updates have been provided.

At approximately 11:03 Casper Fire/EMS responded to Shepard of the Valley Care Center on Magnolia Street for a downed telephone pole. Rocky Mountain Power has been notified  and working to secure the area.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area.

Updates will be provided as they become available.

(Casper, Wyo.) – A Casper man entered not guilty pleas to allegedly touching and having sex with two teenage girls, according to court documents.

Shaun Hamilton, 29, has been charged with sexual assault, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. The first two counts occurred between Jan. 11 and 12, 2015 with a 14-year-old girl that lived in his residence, the other three counts occurred between Aug. 2007 and May 2009, with a young girl.

According to the state statute, Hamilton faces between 20 to 50 years as maximum penalties for the five charges.

According to the affidavit filed in court, Hamilton allegedly entered the 14-year-old’s room around 11:00pm on Jan. 11 where he allegedly told her to be quiet, before having sex with her. During a forensic interview, the girl told detectives that she was scared to say anything, until she disclosed the events to a teacher.

Officers were able to collect DNA from the bedroom and receive a positive match on April 28 to Hamilton, according to court documents.

During the investigation, a mother came forward to investigators alleging that her daughter was touched by Hamilton. The daughter identified three incidents where Hamilton had touched her and tried to have sex with her, according to the affidavit.

He is currently out on a $10,000 bond awaiting trial.

UPDATE: Carpenter pleads guilty to four counts, shoplifting, criminal trespass, use of a controlled substance and battery. He will serve four consecutive sentences of six months in jail, after completing an alcohol and drug analysis, in 60 days his sentence will come up for review.

He stated in court, that he stole the items in order to sell so he can get home to Wisconsin where he has a support system, where people will help him. He has lived in the Casper area for seven years.

(Casper, Wyo.) – At approximately 2:44 pm the Casper Police Department responded to a call of shoplifting at the eastside Wal-Mart in Casper.

Police dispatch was advised of a male who ran northwest from Wal-Mart towards the Flying J Truck Stop. In the rear parking lot, officers met with two stores associates who reported that the male had crossed the street towards the McDonalds along Wyoming Boulevard.

Court documents indicated officers began a search of the suspect where they observed him near the play area inside McDonalds.

The suspect was apprehended and identified as, 25-year-old Micheal Carpenter. Court documents indicate that video surveillance of the incident showed Carpenter as the shoplifter.

He was transported to the Casper Police Department to meet with investigators as he was the suspect a crash some days prior.

One loss prevention officer stated that she observed Carpenter roaming through the store, concealing numerous items under his sweatshirt, to include clothes and personal products. She continued to follow Carpenter through the store until he attempted to make his getaway through the garden center exit.

The loss prevention officer and anther loss prevention agents stepped in front of Carpenter and identified themselves. Carpenter glanced around nervously before allegedly lunging at towards the prevention officer in an aggressive manner and threw the officer backward a few feet.

Reports indicate that following the “swift and deliberate assault” he took off running west through the parking lot.

Upon his capture officers interviewed Carpenter about the shoplifting incident. He reported to officers that he had taken some clothes because he needed them and some electronics to sell them. He stated that he had dumped the items in the Flying J washroom.

Detectives observed some signs that Carpenter was possibly under the influence of a controlled substance. Drug Recognition Expert believed Carpenter was under the influence of a  Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant. Reports show that Carpenter admitted to smoking methamphetamine the previous evening and was still coming down from its effects.

He was then transported to Natrona County Detention Center and booked in for charges of shoplifting, tress passing, and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Click to read more about Micheal Carpenter.

(Casper, Wyo.) – Thank you Tim Meads for this great look at the Windmills near Casper.

Powering Wyoming the West

Feel free to send us your photos to be featured as our Photo of the Day later this week!

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(Casper, Wyo.) –  – Here is Wednesday’s recap of law enforcement activity from around Natrona County over the last 24 hours. All those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges filed are subject to change following official filling from Natrona County District Attorney’s Office.

Casper Police Department

Arrests:

Micheal A Carpenter

Michael A Carpenter, of Casper, shoplifting, criminal trespass, under the influence of controlled substance. Click the link to read more about this arrest

Ami A Martin, Natrona County, failure to appear.

Kelly C Mckiernan, Riverton, drug violation.

Kenneth D Pompura, Casper, failure to comply.

Laramie J Stamper, Casper, suspended/revoked DL-enhanced.

Susan L Wenger, Casper, DWUI.

Total Arrests Reported: 6

Calls:

Casper Police Department responded to 154 calls including two indecent exposures, one at Chopstix Restaurant, and on Bryan Stock Trail, three frauds, four disturbances, two loud music complaints, two hit and runs, shoplifting at Wal Mart, and one vehicle fire along CY Avenue and Energy Street.

Natrona County Sheriff’s Department

Arrests:

Devante C Anderson, serve jail time.

Calls:

Natrona County Sheriff’s Office responded to 33 calls including two assaults, two disturbances, one hit and run and one traffic stop.

Mills Police Department

Kevin G Gunter, failure to comply.

Total Inmates reported: 230

(Casper, Wyo.) – During their first year with the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) token program, the Wyoming Food for Thought Project saw a small but steady use of the program during last year’s Summer Markets.

“It fits into our mission, help low-income families,” said Cassandra Bush, programs director. “We’re just trying to get more people to understand the idea of purchasing local and eating healthier.”

Last year’s program saw approximately 10 vendors using the token system, which is a dollar for dollar exchange, that provides access to their produce, breads and goods through SNAP funded cards. Starting this summer, approximately 15 to 20 vendors will be approved for the SNAP token program.

Their approved products will include, produce, meats, granola, baked goods, seeds and plants for self-supplemented food production. Each vendor will have a sign, indicating they’re approved for SNAP token sales.

“We have enough vendors that they could cover all of their bases,” said Bush. “They would really benefit from it. It would mean a lot more than just going to the grocery store or the gas station for their stuff.”

The project hopes to offer a “Double Up Bucks” program, which will offer more buying power for qualified citizens to purchase produce during the Summer Market. The program is based out of Michigan and the project has already been approved, but is currently waiting on a funding sponsor before the program is operational.

“It’s a community effort,” said Bush. “If they were to take that leap, they would benefit greatly.”

(Casper, Wyo.) – The 2015 College National Finals Rodeo is on its way to Casper this June and Casper citizens, CNFR attendees and participants are invited to attend the annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, June 13^th from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at Casper City Park (located on Center Street and 7^th Street). The Pancake Breakfast is FREE to everyone.

Start your day off with pancakes, butter syrup, sausage, juice, and coffee!

The Shrine Football Parade will follow right after the breakfast.

The nation’s best college cowboys and cowgirls from eleven different regions will enter into the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) arena June 14 – 20, 2015 at the Casper Events Center.  The CNFR is the “Rose Bowl” of college rodeo.

It is where the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) crowns individual event champions in saddle bronc riding, bare back riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and goat tying. National team championships are also awarded to both men’s and women’s teams.

Visit www.collegerodeo.com or www.CNFR.com for more info on the NIRA and the CNFR or https://www.facebook.com/CollegeRodeoFinals for more information on the contest.

-City of Casper-

(Casper, Wyo.) – “Mountain Sheep Don’t Live on Farms” is the topic for the next Animal House at Casper College’s Werner Wildlife Museum on Thursday, June 11 beginning at 4:00 p.m.

“Bighorn sheep live their lives literally on the ledge, leaping from mountain ledge to mountain ledge in a sure-footed ballet that astounds all who see it, said India Hayford, museum assistant. “Seeing their graceful gravity-defying movements from a distance, one might think they are delicate creatures with hollow bones like a bird, but they are large creatures with males reaching a height of three and a half feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 275 pounds” she noted.

Animal House is free and open to the public and takes place in the Wyoming Room of the Werner Wildlife Museum, which is located at 405 E. 15th Street. For more information, contact the museum at 307-235-2108.

-Provided by Casper College-

(Casper, Wyo.) – A two day trial has been set for Tuesday, June 23rd and 24th  for a 45-year-old  woman following an incident in February when Casper Police Officers discovered twelve Siberian Huskies  and a cat locked in a U-Haul trailer.

Georgia Lynn Moody was arrested and charged with thirteen counts of animal cruelty, thirteen counts of failing to license animals and thirteen counts of failing to show rabies vaccinations. She is being held on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

During a pre-trail conference today the state said that they will have eight different witnesses to take to the stand and report what they saw.

They will also provide numerous pictures and exhibits to the jury.

The State of Wyoming reported during the pre-trial conference that if convicted, Moody could face up to thirteen consecutive six month sentences for cruelty to animals and could pay up to $39,000 in restitution.

Judge Steven Brown encouraged Moody to seek a plea agreement with the state and forfeit the dogs to the city.

He said that when she filed for a public defender application that she reported to be homeless, and he questioned her, “How does a homeless person take care of all these dogs? How can you not afford an attorney and take care of these animals?”

Moody’s defense attorney, Jared Holbrook commented, “She continues to tell me that she is not guilty and wants to go to trial”.

Judge Brown continued to comment at the conference, “This is a train wreck.”

Click the link to read more about this case.

(Casper, Wyo.) – Cloudy and wet with a high near 66 today. Expect heavy  rain and possible hail throughout the day.

Showers to continue until around 10:00 pm with a low around 50.

Friday the sun returns with a high near 75 to dry the rain out.

Saturday looks to be sunny and warm with highs nearing 80.

The Secret is out! One of the best places for Outdoor Recreation is hidden in the shadow of the Wind River Mountains in Lander Wyoming.

Lander is having an exciting new event called the Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo on June 26-28 in in Lander Wyoming. At the new Lander Convention center, we will have a Consumer expo highlighting outdoor recreation companies and their wares at the new Lander Convention center. Also associated with the event are several field trips like trips to the Honeycomb Buttes, fly fishing adventures, animal calling contests, shooting clinics, a bike rally, an equestrian event and many more. For more information call the Lander Chamber of Commerce at (307) 332-3892 or visit our join our Facebook Page under Wyoming Outdoor Weekend and Expo for updates on website at www.wyomingoutdoorexpo.com

For more information about fieldtrips, click here.

Sponsors for the event are Fremont Toyota, Ameritech, Lander Chamber of Commerce, Sagewest Heath Systems and Lander Economic Development Association (LEDA).

(Casper, Wyo.) – Looks to be a wet day around Natrona County today. Here’s a few things to keep you busy in the rain:

Thursday, June 11th

Launching Little Learners at NCPL at 10:30 am.

Rocky Mountain Puppets at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm at NCPL.

Trojan Trek Fun Day from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm.

Yellowstone Garage: Rock the Block at 5:30 pm.

(Casper, Wyo.) – Casper City Council approved, with two members absent, the employment of Judith Studer to represent the city if Debra Cheatham and counsel file to make the decision to clean a private citizens pond public.

During a council meeting on April 7, 2015, Cheatham alleges that the city caused a Natrona County citizen’s pond to silt up during work conducted on the Hogadon water retention pond. She stated that John Patterson denied any wrongdoing by the city, regarding the silting of the citizen’s pond. She quoted, then council member Goodenough, questioning Patterson sending city equipment to help with dirt work on the property.

“‘Or is it that we did have something to do with it, and we are sending city equipment to repair the damage,”‘ said Cheatham, quoting councilman Goodenough from a Dec. regular meeting.

“This causes me some concern, that we would be gifting 20 hours of work,” she said following the quote. “We had no liability, or responsibility to do that work.”

Cheatham wants the city to make the decision for gifting the work and dredging of the pond public.

The city will pay $220 an hour for Studer’s representation, according to the letter provided to council.

Among other regular business items were the assumption of ownership to the North Platte Water and Sewer District Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems for maintenance and operation.

Also, a five-year lease agreement with the Casper Coyotes for use of the Casper Event Center for hockey games and practices. Within the agreement, the coyotes will upgrade certain aspects of the property, which will then become the property of the city. These upgrades include removable spectator boxes and locker room enhancements.

(Casper, Wyo.) – When life gives you lemons, make some lemonade! It is Lemonade Day at Poverty Resistance this weekend!

Poverty Resistance will host a mini lemonade stand/flea market/garage sale on the 400 block of South Wolcott on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate micro businesses and encourage self employment.

Lemonade stand entrepreneurs, local vendors, crafters and folks just wanting to sell their junk are welcome to come to our block and set up a booth. There will be no booth charge to vendors.

There will be activities for the kids including face painting, and sidewalk chalk art. Snacks and beverages will be provided by the food pantry.

This is the Poverty Resistance version of economic development and fostering a business incubator. To expand employment opportunities or encourage micro businesses, you just need one good idea and one hard working person.

For more information, Friend and PM Mary Ann Budenske on Facebook, email her at mbudenske@aol.com or phone her at 307-253-8955.

(Mary Ann is still retired. She is just helping out with this event. Then she is going fishing for the rest of the summer.)

Click the link below to learn more:

https://www.facebook.com/events/234085463468045/

(Casper, Wyo.) – Thank you James Feiler for being miles above the rest last week!

Feiler captured this photo from his plane as he approached Natrona County International Airport.

Send us your photos to be featured as our Photo of the Day this weekend!

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(Casper, Wyoming) – A recent press release from Energys Fueles Inc. and Casper’s Uranerz Energy Uranium Corporation shared:

Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE MKT: UUUU, TSX: EFR) (“Energy Fuels”) and Uranerz Energy Corporation (NYSE MKT: URZ, TSX: URZ, Frankfurt: U9E) (“Uranerz”) are pleased to announce that Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), the largest independent proxy advisory firm, has recommended that Energy Fuels and Uranerz shareholders support the proposed acquisition by Energy Fuels of all the issued and outstanding shares of Uranerz (the “Transaction”) at the Energy Fuels Annual and Special Meeting and the Uranerz Special Meeting.

Each company is scheduled to host its own shareholder meeting to consider the Transaction on June 18, 2015.

Energy Fuels recommends that its shareholders read the Amended Management Information Circular dated May 21, 2015 with respect to the Transaction, which was mailed to Energy Fuels shareholders of record as of April 20, 2015.

The Amended Management Information Circular is available on SEDAR atwww.sedar.com, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, and on Energy Fuels’ website at www.energyfuels.com.

Uranerz recommends that its shareholders read the Proxy Statement dated May 26, 2015 with respect to the Transaction, which was recently mailed to Uranerz shareholders of record as of May 26, 2015.  The Proxy Statement is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on Uranerz’ website at www.uranerz.com.

The board of directors of each of Energy Fuels and Uranerz unanimously recommend that their respective shareholders vote FOR the Transaction proposal to be considered at the upcoming shareholder meetings scheduled for June 18, 2015.

Proxy Submission Deadlines:

Energy Fuels shareholders of record are reminded to vote before the proxy cut-off time of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, June 16, 2015.

Uranerz shareholders of record are reminded to vote before the proxy cut-off time of 10:00 a.m.(Mountain Time) on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.

If you have not yet received your proxy materials or require any assistance in completing your proxy, please consult with our joint proxy solicitor, Alliance Advisors LLC, by telephone at 1-888-693-8683 toll-free in North America or online at www.cesvote.com.  Please read the proxy cards for voting instructions and for additional information on voting shares.

-Provided by Energys Fueles Inc. and Uranerz Energy Uranium Corporation-

(Washington D.C.) – Twelve Trojan high school students visited Washington DC yesterday with the Kelly Walsh High School Close-Up Program.

These students met and spoke with Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi in his office in Washington DC.

Enzi reported that he spoke and answered students’ about various topics ranging from trade to min wage.

See the list of students who attended below:

• Abigail Schoup
• Ben Gallagher
• BreAnna Skinner
• Caige McComb
• Olivia Chase
• Owen Stevens
• Avery Doane
• Sheyanne Thompson
• Dawson Roscoe
• Alexis Forgey
• Ellen Guidry
• Gabi Reimann

-Photos provided by Senator Mike Enzi-

(Casper, Wyo.) – Thirty-six-year-old Dwayne Bahe has been sentenced to prison for the beating of Gary Jefferson and Cameron Begay in District Court Thursday morning.

Bahe plead guilty to two counts of Aggravated assault in March and will serve concurrent terms of two to five years for his conviction. Following the beating, Jefferson suffered a fatal heart attack, his injuries were severe, according to assistant District Attorney Michael Schaffer.

“When I saw him for the first time, he had bruises all over, cuts to his face and body,” said Lisa Jefferson, victim’s wife. “It’s a picture in my head all the time, it’s always gonna be there.”

Charges were amended from second-degree murder on Nov. 20 during a preliminary hearing.

“I’m sorry to the victim and my family,” said Bahe.

He was remanded to the custody of the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office to be transferred to the Wyoming State Penitentiary.

Click here to read more about this case.

(Casper, Wyo.) – After about four months at Metro Animal Control in Casper, eleven huskies and four puppies wait for their future as owner Georgia Moody’s trial moves closer.

On Tuesday June 16th and 17th Georgia Moody will meet in District Court for a jury trial hearing following the dog incident in Feburary.

Georgia Lynn Moody was arrested and charged with thirteen counts of animal cruelty, thirteen counts of failing to license animals and thirteen counts of failing to show rabies vaccinations. She is being held on a $2,000 cash or surety bond.

Today, Oil City  News visited the animal shelter to see the huskies. Metro Animal Control Division Manager Tory Cutrell reported that all of the dogs, and the forgotten cat, are all doing great.

She reported that it is now a waiting game until after the trial to see what happens to the dogs.

“On average we generally charge around $25 a day for our services to animals. This doesn’t include vet bills and food. Currently Moody would owe just over $39,000 in restitution for taking care of her dogs,” said Cutrell.

Cutrell also reported that one of the female huskies, Dakota, had four puppies two males and two females in April, and they have been taking care of them as well.

“It’s going to break my heart if they give her her dogs back, they are all doing so well here,” said Cutrell tearfully.

The staff at Metro Animal Services named all of the dogs and all will be reluctant if they have to give them back to the owner.

The dogs names are below:

• Gus
• Sable
• Xander
• Cairo
• Lexi
• Saber
• Fenrir (our favorite)
• Stryker
• Riddick
• Mishka
• Dakota

See a video of Dakota’s puppies and photos of the dogs below:

#huskypups #metroanimalservices #oilcitywyo #WyoCity Click HERE to see the video

A video posted by Oil City (@oilcitywyo) on Jun 11, 2015 at 9:41am PDT