By JULIE PACE and THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday defended his interactions with women, saying he doesn’t believe he’s ever acted inappropriately. But a Nevada politician’s assertion that Biden’s kiss on the back of her head made her feel uncomfortable prompted some Democrats to question whether the 76-year-old is too out of step with his own party to run a successful 2020 presidential campaign.

The episode, recounted by Democrat Lucy Flores , highlighted an aspect of Biden’s persona that has been publicly known for years: the affectionate whispers, hugs and shoulder squeezes he has long doled out to women, often on camera and at high-profile public events. In a moment of national reckoning over sexual harassment and the treatment of women by powerful men, some Democrats said Biden’s actions have taken on a new light.

“It looks different in 2019,” said Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist. Cardona said that while Biden’s behavior is not automatically disqualifying for the presidency, “it all depends on how he continues to respond to this. He has to acknowledge that his behavior made some women uncomfortable.”

In a statement on Sunday, Biden said it was never his intention to make women feel discomfort and if he did so, “I will listen respectfully.”

Several women who worked for Biden stepped forward over the weekend to vouch for his character. And Stephanie Carter, the wife of former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, disputed characterizations of her interactions with Biden during her husband’s swearing-in ceremony. Pictures of the then-vice president whispering in Carter’s ear and placing his hands on her shoulders ricocheted across the internet at the time.

“The Joe Biden in my picture is a close friend helping someone get through a big day, for which I will always be grateful,” Carter wrote in a post on the website Medium.

Flores’ account of the 2014 incident comes at a crucial moment for Biden. He’s been wrestling for months with a final decision on whether to run for president, blowing through several self-imposed deadlines. Advisers are now eyeing an announcement later in April.

But the Democratic primary has sped on without him, with more than a dozen candidates in the race, including a record number of women and minorities. Veterans like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders have shown surprising strength, while newer White House hopefuls like California Sen. Kamala Harris and Texan Beto O’Rourke have drawn big crowds and displayed early fundraising prowess.

Biden still leads most early polls, buoyed by broad name recognition and the goodwill he generated during eight years as President Barack Obama’s No. 2. Given his experience and appeal with white working-class voters in Midwestern battleground states, he’s also seen by some Democrats as the best-positioned candidate to defeat President Donald Trump.

Nancy Bobo, an Iowa activist who was among Obama’s earliest supporters in the state, shares that view. She fears the episode with Flores suggests Democrats may try to tear down their most-qualified candidate.

“I can just see what’s coming at him,” Bobo said. “And it’s going to come at him from the Democrats.”

None of Biden’s potential rivals defended him following Flores’ allegations. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said she believed Flores and that Biden “needs to give an answer” about what occurred. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Lucy Flores felt demeaned, and that is never okay. If Vice President Biden becomes a candidate, this is a topic he’ll have to engage on further.” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said, “I believe it’s important to listen and take seriously any incident like this.”

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Flores was “quite bold” to “go up against the highest levels of her political party” with the allegations and suggested that Biden should consider apologizing to Flores. Conway deflected questions about the numerous women who have accused Trump of sexual misconduct, allegations he denies.

Flores, a former Nevada state representative and the 2014 Democratic nominee for Nevada lieutenant governor, told The Associated Press on Sunday that she had been mulling coming forward for years. She said she approached New York Magazine about publishing her story and that the magazine had fact-checked her piece after she submitted it.

According to Flores, the incident with Biden occurred in 2014 as the two were waiting to take the stage during a rally in Las Vegas.

“I felt two hands on my shoulders. I froze. ‘Why is the vice president of the United States touching me?'” she wrote. “He proceeded to plant a big slow kiss on the back of my head.”

Biden spokesman Bill Russo said the former vice president doesn’t remember kissing Flores.

The AP tried to contact several advisers and aides from Flores’ 2014 campaign but was unable to obtain any independent verification of her account.

Flores, who endorsed Sanders in the 2016 campaign, said Biden’s team has not been in touch with her since her story was published. She said she would be satisfied if Biden simply acknowledged the discomfort the episode caused her.

Biden has been warned by advisers that his past statements and actions, including his long history of hugging and showing affection to women, would face fresh scrutiny in the 2020 campaign. In some cases, Biden’s policy positions, such as his support for the 1994 crime bill that is blamed for mass incarcerations of minorities, are out of step with a party that has shifted to the left. But at other moments, like when he touts his ability to forge compromises with Republicans, he can appear to be speaking about a political era that many Democrats believe no longer exists.

Karen Finney, a Democratic strategist who worked on Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, said Biden’s team needs to answer a key question before launching a White House bid: “Do they feel confident in their ability to understand this electorate and campaign in 2020, which is already different than 2016?”

Even before Flores made her allegations, some Democrats were wondering whether Biden was meant for this moment. His team was widely panned following reports that they were considering tapping a younger Democrat or a minority like 2018 Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams as a running mate early in the primary in an attempt to counteract questions about Biden’s age.

While Biden’s team denied that he was considering that step, Biden did float the idea to Abrams over a recent lunch, according to a Democrat with knowledge of the discussion. The Democrat was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and insisted on anonymity.

Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz said that while Flores’ descriptions may feel familiar to those who have watched Biden hug and hold hands with women for years, she put the focus on the women who were on the receiving end of his affections.

“What Lucy Flores so bravely did is say, ‘This is the way he made me feel,'” Katz said. “No one has ever done that before with Joe Biden.”

_ Beaumont reported from Des Moines, Iowa. Associated Press writer Stephen Braun in Washington contributed to this report. _

Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC and Thomas Beaumont at http://twitter.com/tombeaumont

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A live musical based on music by legendary rock group Queen will perform at the Casper Events Center later this year.

According to a press release from the Casper Events Center, the musical “We Will Rock You” will stop in Casper on Tuesday, September 24 after premiering in Canada earlier that month.

Other stops during the North American tour include Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and New York City.

“We Will Rock You” was first performed in 2002 and is being relaunched, according to the release. Interest in Queen’s music has increased recently with last year’s Oscar-winning theatrical hit “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

According to Wikipedia, the play is based on a book by Ben Elton and tells the story “of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion, and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and acts the same.” Music and musical instruments are outlawed in the play’s dystopian future.

The play features characters with names taken from popular Queen songs. The heroes are Galileo and Scaramouche, and the villains are lead by the Killer Queen, according to the release.

The release says the music was supervised by surviving original Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor and features 24 Queen songs.

“I thought that Queen’s musical was for everyone and not just the typical Broadway crowd,” said Jeff Parry, president of Annerin Theatricals in the release. “Therefore we’re producing it in a way that can accommodate most buildings and audiences that want to experience the music of Queen in a uniquely theatrical manner.”

Casting for the tour is underway, according to the release, but the ambitious tour schedule for 43 different cities has already been announced.

According to the release, ticket sale dates and prices will be announced later.

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By COLLEEN LONG Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — David Johnston stands over a table full of peculiar items confiscated at Dulles International Airport: a glittery clutch with brass knuckles as a clasp. A perfume bottle shaped like a grenade. A rusted circular saw blade. A pocket-sized pitchfork.

None of those is quite right. Then Johnston sees it: a guitar shaped like a semi-automatic rifle. Bingo. It will do nicely for the Transportation Security Administration’s social media accounts.

Johnston, TSA’s social media director, is following in the footsteps of Curtis “Bob” Burns, who created unlikely internet buzz for the not-always-beloved agency by showcasing the weirdest stuff travelers pack in their carry-ons. He died suddenly in October at age 48.

Burns’ work created a model for other federal agencies. The quirky photos combined with a hefty dose of dad humor helped lure in more than a million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, who would then see important messages about the dos and don’ts of airline travel.

“How are we going to replace Bob? The reality is we can’t,” said Johnston. “We had a unique situation with him, but we can still be entertaining and help people as we find our way forward without him.”

On the blog, Burns shared a weekly count of firearms that TSA officers found at checkpoints nationwide. He did a summary of knives and all matter of other bizarre and sometimes scary items that travelers had stuffed into their bags, pockets, purses or briefcases.

In one Instagram post , someone tried to bring on a glove with razors for fingers and Burns (naturally) made a “Nightmare on Elm Street” joke.

“It’s safe to sleep on Elm Street again. Freddy lost his glove at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).”

The agency’s Instagram account won three Webby awards last year, including the People’s Voice Award for weird social content marketing. In his acceptance speech, Burns eyed the award, shook it and declared: “This Webby is carry-on approved!”

Johnston, who worked with Burns for about three years, and has been in government jobs for nearly a decade, has tried to keep it up all on his own, but it’s been tough.

Johnston sent out a Valentine’s Day post that showed off a throwing star, ax and double-edged dagger confiscated from a passenger’s carry-on bag. (“Safe travels, you romantic fool!”) And it was national puppy day recently, so that was an excuse for a photo of Cole, a big-eyed TSA explosives detection dog.

TSA is growing its social media staff — bringing in three more workers to expand its social media presence. The staff will continue to use fodder sent in by officers around the country, who seize all manner of unusual items people try to bring onboard. But it’s hard to find people who have both the government know-how and a sense of humor that resonates.

Johnston said the thing that made Burns’ posts so special was Burns himself.

“When you look at his posts, you’re seeing a window into his soul,” he said. “It really was from his heart. He was a fun, happy guy.”

Burns’ sister-in-law, Candy Creech, said he had a dry sense of humor and a hefty dose of patriotism: He had served in the Gulf War. Burns had worked in airports before taking over social media and believed there was public negativity around TSA. He wanted to change that.

“And I think he felt he could change that by communicating with people in a way that wasn’t scolding,” she said. “He was one of a kind.”

During a TSA Facebook live, “Ask Me Anything” episode last year, Burns said the success of the account was partly due to the shock value.

“People don’t come to a government Instagram account and expert to see humor,” Burns said. “And they also don’t expect to see these crazy things that people are trying to bring on a plane.”

At Dulles, in the prohibited items section, Johnston sees a few possibilities for TSA’s YouTube series called “They Brought What?” including a large snow globe with big a white fairy imprisoned in some kind of liquid (It’s creepy and it has liquid, so they can highlight the liquid restrictions.)

He passes over the four pairs of nunchucks (Yawn. You can’t believe how many people bring those) and a handful of pocket knives. He stops at a large bullet from Afghanistan that has been altered to be a cigarette lighter and pen.

“The things people think of,” he says. Turning more serious for a moment, Johnston notes the importance of showing off these items, especially to people who aren’t well-traveled.

“The bottom line is our social media pages makes travelers better informed so they have a better experience and it frees up our officers to do what they need to do — look for the bad actors,” he says.

This story has been corrected to show the agency’s name is Transportation Security Administration, not Transportation and Security Administration.

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Searches continued las week for a missing nine year old, South Dakota girl who was last seen in early February.

According to Pennington County South Dakota Sheriff’s Department officials, the missing girl has been identified as Serenity Dennard.

Serenity is described as a Caucasian female, 4 foot 7 inches, 90-100 pounds, with blue eyes and shoulder length dark blonde hair. She was last seen wearing only a long sleeved grey shirt with flowers, blue jeans and snow boots.

Serenity was reported missing from the Rapid City, SD area on February 3rd.

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office reports that a search was conducted in the Rockerville area of South Dakota, over the weekend, with the help of K9 units, multiple agencies, and volunteers.

“Over 260 interviews have been conducted and we have followed up on many leads throughout the country,” Sheriff’s officials said via social media on March 30th.

If anyone has tips regarding the whereabouts of Serenity Dennard, please contact the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office at (605) 394-6115.

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The Casper College Foundation has a new executive director, according to a March 19 CC news release.

Denise Bressler will take the executive director’s role, replacing retired director Paulann Doane. Doane retired in early 2019, the release states.

Bressler is a Caper native who has worked with the Casper College Foundation since 2006. The release adds that she acted as the foundation’s accountant until Feb. 2012, when she became chief financial officer.

“’Denise’s extensive institutional knowledge of Casper College and her good working relationship with college administrative leaders is an added plus for us,’” Foundation President John Jorgensen, who announced Bressler’s slecection, said in the release. “We will be able to continue the work of the foundation without any real issues thanks to Denise’s vast knowledge of the foundation and its inner workings.’”

Bressler became a certified public accountant in 1990, earning her Bachelor’s of Science in accounting from the University of Wyoming, the release says. Before joining the Casper College Foundation in November 2006, she was a CPA with Macy and Associates.

“’My background as a certified public accountant, many years in public accounting, and 12 plus years at the Casper College Foundation has prepared me to be successful as its executive director,’” the release quotes Bressler.

Bressler has been a member of the Wyoming Society of Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants for 29 years, adds the release. She has been on the boards of the Child Development Center of Natrona County, the Arc of Natrona County, the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance of Casper and the Sinclair of Casper Advisory Board. She has volunteer on the Casper Police Department’s Victim Support Services, according to the release.

The Casper College Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that oversees funds and properties for Casper College, and is charged with improving educational services and facilities for CC faculty, staff and students, the release concludes.

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Here is the latest recent arrests log for law enforcement agencies in Natrona County

The log represents law enforcement contact with suspects who were arrested, and the recommended charges against them.

The arrest log is not a comprehensive document and may not represent all of the arrests made in a given time period. 

The log does not contain information for juvenile offenders, suspects recommended for charges of a sexual nature, or information for persons arrested in Natrona County who have bonded or bailed out of the detention center before law enforcement releases the information.

All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office. Information is provided by the Casper Police Department and the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office.

Recent Arrests and Jail Bookings

• Elburn Bailey- Suspended/Revoked DL, Fail to Comply, Fail to Appear, Criminal Warrant
• Lyle Baker- Compl Aut Ins, Drive w/o Interlock Device
• Jeremy Blume- DWUS, Interference W/PO, Controlled Sub Poss- Meth
• Jesse Bordeaux-DWUI
• Conner Boyden- Controlled Sub Poss
• Dillon Brown- Hold for 24/7
• Gregory Brown- Hold for Probation and Parole
• Grey Burnett- Hold for CAC
• Eustace Day- Contract Hold/Billing
• Shane Erikson- Controlled Sub Poss, Domestic Assault
• Kathleen Fitzgerald- Serve Jail Time
• Christina Gates- Camping in the City
• Miranda Goddard- Controlled Sub Poss- Meth, NCIC Hit
• Kevin Goggles- Domestic Battery
• Matthew Harford- Interference w/PO
• Cameron Hopper- Open Container in Vehicle, Speed too Fast, Interference W/PO, Hold for CAC, Compl Aut Ins
• Stanley Hurst- DWUI
• Elmer Johnson- Criminal Warrant
• Bo McKinney- Controlled Sub Poss- Meth
• Virginia McReynolds- Shoplifting, Controlled Sub Poss
• Armando Montoya- Fail to Apepar
• Alexa Pacheco- Domestic Battery
• Bobbi Prosser- Hold for Probation and Parole
• Kayla Riley- Fail to Comply
• James Spurlin- Resist Arrest
• John Tucker- Domestic Battery, Strangulation of a Household Member
• Anggie Young- Interference W/PO, Con Sub or Liq Jail
• Rick Walsh- Public Intoxication
• Alex Williams- NCIC Hit

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Three Casper high school seniors are among 218 students selected as 2019 Daniels Scholars, according to a Monday, April 1 Daniels Fund press release.

Natrona County High School’s Tehl Sy Campbell and Kelly Walsh seniors Sage Marie Dobby and April Szymanski are among 27 Wyoming students selected to a place in the Daniels Scholarship Program.

“Approximately 1,850 students completed the application for the Daniels Scholarship Program this year,” the release states. “Of the 218 students selected as 2019 Daniels Scholars, 134 are from Colorado, 24 are from New Mexico, 33 are from Utah, and 27 are from Wyoming.”

“’We’re excited to welcome these impressive young people into the family of Daniels Scholars,’” the release quotes Daniels Fund President and CEO Linda Childears. “’Our goal is to help each of these scholars succeed in college and ultimately become independent, successful in a rewarding career, and actively engaged in their community.’”

The Daniels Fund is a private charitable foundation established by “cable television pioneer” Bill Daniels to improve the lives of people in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The scholarship program is among the organizations initiatives to work toward that goal.

“Daniels Scholars may attend any accredited nonprofit college or university in the United States,” reads the release. “The program covers the educational expenses that remain after any other scholarships, financial aid, and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) have been applied.”

$188 million in scholarships have been awarded via the program since 2000, the release states.

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Tween Monday: Flower Pots

Monday, April 8 

The Natrona County Library is hosting a craft program for students in grades 4-6 on Monday, April 8 at 4 p.m. Tweens will paint flower pots and plant flower seeds. All supplies provided at no cost. Call 577-7327 for more information.

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FamilySearch Workshop: Hard-to-Find Sources

Tuesday, April 9 

The Family History Center, in partnership with the Natrona County Library, will hold their monthly FamilySearch workshop on Tuesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Natrona County Library. In this month’s class, Genealogist Cindy Blevins will discuss hard-to-find records. Additional Family History Center volunteers will be on hand for one-on-one assistance. Computers will be available. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Never Too Old Book Club

Tuesday, April 9 

A discussion of young adult book “The Astonishing Color of After” by Emily X.R. Pan will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Frosted Tops. The Never Too Old Book Club, sponsored by the Natrona County Library, discusses young adult literature with adult appeal. The group is open to both teens and adults, with parent-teen pairs especially encouraged. Stop by the library’s second floor desk to register and pick up a copy of this month’s book. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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After School at the Library: Lollipop Easter Bunnies

Wednesday, April 10 The Natrona County Library is hosting a food and craft program for students in grades K–5 on Wednesday, April 10 at 4 p.m. Students will make lollipop Easter bunnies from tootsie pops—a great treat for any Easter basket. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Author Talk & Signing: Ron Franscell

Wednesday, April 10 

Author Ron Franscell will discuss his latest book, “Alice & Gerald: A Homicidal Love Story,” on Wednesday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Natrona County Library. The talk is free and open to the public. Wind City Books will have copies of Franscell’s newest release available for purchase, which he will sign following his talk. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Books on Tap Book Club

Thursday, April 11 

Books on us. Drinks on you. The Natrona County Library’s Books on Tap Book Club will meet to discuss “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer on Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Vintage Fine Wine and Martini Bar. Stop by the library’s second floor desk to register and pick up a copy. Ages 21+. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Adult Coloring Club

Friday, April 12 

Stop by the Natrona County Library’s Crawford Room anytime between 2 and 4 p.m. on Friday, April 12 for Adult Coloring Club. Coloring books and pages will be available for you to turn into works of art. Colored pencils, pens, crayons, and markers will also be provided. Just bring yourself and your friends, and enjoy the afternoon. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Paws to Read: StoryTime with Therapy Dogs of Casper

Saturday, April 13 

Paws to Read with a furry friend this winter! Dogs and handlers will attend StoryTime on the second Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m. at the Natrona County Library. Children can sit with therapy dogs during StoryTime and spend time reading with them before and after the program. All dogs are certified and licensed through Therapy Dogs of Casper. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Afternoon Book Club

Saturday, April 13 

An afternoon book club, sponsored by the Natrona County Library, will be held on Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. at Metro Coffee Co. Participants will discuss “The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau. The group is open to teens in grades 7-8, and new members are always welcome. Participants receive a free drink, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. To participate, pick up a copy of this month’s book in the Teen Zone. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Craftastic Saturday: Wine Glass Charms

Saturday, April 13 

The Natrona County Library is hosting an adult crafting program on Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. Staff will demonstrate how to make wine glass charms out of shrink plastic. All supplies provided at no cost. Limit of 60 participants. No registration required. First come, first served. Call 577-7323 for more information.

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Casper Police say that a man is facing recommended charges including Child Endangering and Criminal Entry, after he was accused of entering the home of a family member, and taking a child without the parent’s permission.

Joseph D Harrington, of Casper, was arrested and transported to the Natrona County Detention Center during the morning hours on Saturday. He also faces a recommended charge fo Driving While Under Suspension

Casper Police say that the call originally came in as a report of a kidnapping, just after 4:00 am, March 30. Police responded to the area of South Iowa Avenue and made contact with the reporting party.

The reporting party said that Harrington was a familial relative, but the two were not on regular speaking terms. The reporting party then told officers that they believed Harrington had come into their home and taken a juvenile from the residence.

Police say they reviewed text messages sent to the reporting party, alleged to be from Harrington, where Harrington said that he had come in and taken the juvenile to his home.

When notified that the police were being called, Harrington sent another text message that a mutual family member was coming for the juvenile and was returning the child to their home.

The reporting party also reported receiving a voicemail from Harrington from earlier in the evening. A male voice was heard on the message, by police. The voice was asking for a ride home from an Evansville bar.

The child was returned to the home by a mutual family member.

The family member alleged that Harrington had come into an adjacent residence that was also occupied by the family. Harrington was described by the family member as being intoxicated. 

Harrington was reportedly told to go to bed, when the suspect wandered down to the residence where the child lived. It was reported that Harrington’s pickup could be heard a few minutes later.

The family member then said they called Harrington and found that Harrington had taken the juvenile. The family member then told Harrington that they were coming to pick the child up.

Police say that the juvenile was interviewed and said that they were gently shaken awake by Harrington, and promised multiple activities the following day.

Police say that Harrington was contacted and told officers of several activities that day, but did not discuss being at the house or being with the juvenile.

Police arrested Harrington and transported him to the NCDC. 

An affidavit in the case says that it was also discovered that Harrington’s driver’s license was suspended, at the time of the alleged incident.

All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office. 

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A Casper woman is facing recommended charges of Child Endangerment and Shoplifting, after it was alleged that she and a juvenile concealed over $900 worth of merchandise at a Casper beauty store.

Amanda Louise Hartley was arrested during the afternoon hours of March 30, 2019. 

Police report responding to a beauty store on Newport Road in Casper, for a report of a shoplifter.

Employees of the store allegedly had two suspects in custody when officers arrived, later identified as Hartley and a juvenile.

An affidavit in the case says that store employees claimed that Hartley and the juvenile were in the store for approximately one hour, and that they had concealed over $900 of merchandise in a backpack.

The suspects were reportedly surveilled by multiple employees and by store security systems.

Police say that they interviewed Hartley whom they say admitted to taking the store merchandise and putting the items in a backpack. She further told officers that she had told the juvenile to conceal items in the backpack as well.

Hartley claimed that the juvenile did not know what was happening, but had concealed some items.

Hartley was arrested and transported to the Natrona County Detention Center without further reported incident. 

The juvenile was given into safe custody.

All of those cited or arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filings from the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office. 

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April is National Donate Life Month and a time to #ShowYourHeart in support of organ, eye and tissue donation! 

Join the 60% of Wyomingites who have already signed up as organ, eye and tissue donors and have the hearts on their driver license. Anyone, regardless of age or medical condition, can sign up as a donor and be someone’s Hero. Say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation at the Driver Services office or anytime online. Once you’ve signed up and discussed donation with your family, learn how you can show your support this April at DonateLifeWyoming.org/ShowYourHeart.

It’s National Donate Life Month – what does that mean?

National Donate Life Month honors the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families and commemorates all transplant recipients in the United States throughout the month of April. It’s a great opportunity to remind all Wyomingites that it is important to consider signing up to give the gift of life as organ, eye and tissue donors. 

How many people are waiting in Wyoming for a transplant?

1. Nearly 150 people in Wyoming are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant – including some children and infants and thousands more wait for healing tissue transplants.

2. Nationwide there are nearly 115,000 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant. That’s enough to fill War Memorial Stadium almost 4 times!

Do a lot of Wyomingites sign up as donors? 

Wyomingites are incredibly generous and consistently have some of the highest donor designation rates in the country. Right now 60% of Wyoming adults have signed up as donors, placing Wyoming in the top ten in the nation!

However, as long as there is still a waiting list for transplants, our work is not done, and we encourage all Wyomingites to consider signing up. 

What events and celebrations are planned in our area for National Donate Life Month? 

Show Your Heart and Save:

April 1-30, 2019, local WyoMovies theaters will be offering a medium popcorn; FREE to those showing the hearts on their driver license or one of our inspirational cork hearts in celebration of National Donate Life Month. More info is available at DonateLifeWyoming.org/ShowYourHeart. 

WyoMovies theatre locations: Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie, Rock Springs and Green River

To see Stories of Hope from local Wyoming residents, click below:

Laurie, Donor Wife, Casper, WY

Doug, Father of Heart Recipient and Living Donor, Cheyenne, WY 

Patricia, Donor Mother, Cody/Powell, WY 

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LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming will offer three new bachelor’s degree programs starting this fall.

The UW Board of Trustees this past week approved new bachelor’s degrees in general studies; elementary and special education; and art education.
Provost Kate Miller says the new programs will address workforce needs of the state and region.

Miller says the new Bachelor of General Studies provides a high-quality and flexible degree option for nontraditional and transfer students, while the elementary/special education and art education degrees will help fill critical needs for public school teachers.

In another academic matter, the trustees approved elimination of the Department of Geography but retained the Bachelor of Science degree in geography. Oversight of that degree will move to the Department of Geology and Geophysics, at least temporarily.

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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Some roads in Yellowstone National Park have opened to bicyclists willing to brave the unpredictable spring weather and other potential hazards.

On Friday, 49 miles (78.8 kilometers) of park roads from the West Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs were opened to bicyclists.

As conditions allow, bicycles will also be permitted from the East Entrance to the east end of Sylvan Pass, and the South Entrance to West Thumb.

There is no bicycle access to Old Faithful or Canyon until those interior park roads open to public motorized vehicle access on April 19. Electric or pedal-assist bikes are not allowed on park roads when they are closed to motorized, public travel.

The National Park Service warns bicyclists to look out for changing weather conditions, snowplows, wildlife and other hazards.

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Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare Live” stage show announced new tour dates on Monday, April 1.

The show will be coming to the Casper Events Center on Saturday, Nov. 2, according to the release. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 5.

“Inspired by the iconic TV game show ‘Double Dare’, ‘Double Dare Live’ features two teams comprised of selected audience members competing to win prizes by answering brain-bending trivia questions, completing messy physical challenges and ultimately facing the legendary obstacle course,” the release states.

“Double Dare” returned to Nickelodeon in summer 2018, the release adds. The host of the original show, Marc Summers, provides color commentary on the show while digital creator and actress Liza Koshy is the new host.

“[‘Double Dare’] ranked as the year’s number-one new kids show with Kids 6-11, while retaining the core adult audience who grew up with the original television show,” the release reads.

The “Double Dare Live” tour will feature Summers and his “beloved sidekick” Robin Russo.

“’Hosting the ‘Double Dare Live’ tour couldn’t be any more exciting, and I look forward to continuing to bring the fun and messiness of ‘Double Dare’ to audiences across the country,’” the release quotes Summers. “’Doing the show again with my sidekick Robin will fulfill childhood dreams of the generation that grew up with us and introduce this classic show to the next generation.’”

The original “Double Dare” premiered on Oct. 6, 1986, with Summers hosting from 1986-1993, the release adds.

“Shortly after its debut, ‘Double Dare’ became one of the most popular original daily programs on cable television,” reads the release. “The series went into syndication in 1988 and was later revived as ‘Super Sloppy Double Dare’ in 1989.  The show also ran on broadcast television as ‘Family Double Dare’ in 1988, followed by new versions on Nick, including ‘Double Dare 2000.'” 

Tickets for the tour can be purchased at www.SinclairTix.com, at the SinclairTix Box Office at the Casper Events Center or by calling 800-442-2256.

The 2019 “Double Dare Live” tour kicked off on March 16 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The tour is being put on by Nickelodeon, Charlie Blum Entertainment and Red Tail Productions. The Casper tour date is listed among the following fall and winter tour dates:

October 15                    Oakland, CA                         Paramount Theatre

October 16                    San Jose, CA                         City National Civic

October 18                    Los Angeles, CA                   Microsoft Theater

October 19                    Mesa, AZ                              Mesa Arts Center

October 20                    Las Vegas, NV                      The Smith Center

October 22                    Seattle, WA                           STG’s The Paramount Theatre

October 23                    Kennewick, WA                   Toyota Center

October 25                    Redding, CA                         Redding Civic Auditorium

October 26                    Reno, NV                              Pioneer Center

October 27                    Eugene, OR                           Hult Center

October 28                    Spokane, WA                        First Interstate Center for the Arts

October 30                    Salt Lake City, UT                 Eccles Center

November 1                  Loveland, CO                       Budweiser Events Center

November 2                  Casper, WY                          Casper Events Center

November 3                  Colorado Springs, CO           Pikes Peak CenterD

The post Nickelodeon’s ‘Double Dare Live’ coming to Casper, tickets available April 5 [Photos] appeared first on Oil City News.

UPDATE (4/1/19) 2:31 PM: Officials with the Mandan, ND Police Department have confirmed to Oil City reporters that further information will be released during a press conference, later this evening.

By BLAKE NICHOLSON Associated Press

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Police responding to a medical call at a North Dakota business on Monday found “several” bodies, authorities said.

The Mandan Police Department issued a three-sentence news release confirming that officers had found “several people who were deceased inside” the business in the city of about 22,000 just across the Missouri River west of Bismarck. Police did not say how many people were dead and did not immediately respond to a request for more details.

The state Bureau of Criminal Investigation said it was helping with the investigation but did not offer any details.

Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier confirmed that the business was RJR Maintenance and Management, a property management company where police and sheriff’s vehicles were clustered. The Bismarck Tribune reported that the business released a statement at 9:30 a.m. saying it was closed Monday.

No one answered the phone at the business, which is somewhat isolated despite its location in a business district near a busy main road known as The Strip. A large empty lot sits in the front, a golf course in back and a soccer complex to one side.

Gina Kessel, 52, of Mandan, showed up at the business Monday to pick up her son, Mitchell Kessel, an employee there. She said Mitchell “called me, said something is going on.” She said he didn’t tell her what.

The pair hugged, with both of them crying. Her son did not speak before going back behind a police line.

Darin Helbling, a manager at a nearby bowling alley, said police asked to see his business’ surveillance video. Helbling said the video showed only a couple of vehicles on the road that separates the businesses since 10 p.m. Sunday.

RJR’s website identified it as a family-owned company that has been handling commercial and residential properties in Bismarck and Mandan for more than 20 years. Its services include collecting rent for landlords, paying mortgages, re-renting apartments, building and grounds maintenance, lawn care, and snow removal. It also rents out storage units.

A “Meet Our Team” feature on the website pictured 22 employees.

The post Police: ‘Several’ bodies found at North Dakota business appeared first on Oil City News.

The Casper City Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 2. City Council meetings take place at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The Council will also hold a pre-meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Meeting Room.

During the pre-meeting, Council will hear about a CATC request for funding to offset costs associated with finding a new executive director to replace Executive Director Marge Cole, who is preparing for retirement.

CATC has already hired new Executive Director John Jones, who began working on March 11. A memo from CATC Board Vice President Carol Crump explains that CATC is hoping the City Council can provide funding to offset the $67,558.43 total cost of replacing Cole.

During the pre-meeting, Council will also discuss `whether Council members should continue using a dedicated City cell phone. Monthly service costs an average of $52 per phone, which works out to $5,616 for the nine phones, according to a memo in the pre-meeting work packet.

Some Council members have discussed fore-going the City cell phones and using their personal phones instead. They also have the option of setting up a City phone number that would accept voicemail for Council members, with the benefit of keeping Council members’ private numbers unlisted.

During the regular meeting, Council will consider adopting by resolution an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget. Details about that budget amendment are available in this Oil City article.

Council will also vote on whether to approve a vacation and replat to create Cabin Creek No. 4 at the Paradise Valley Golf Course. Tuesday will be the third public reading of the proposed ordinance. Details of that ordinance are available in this article.

Council will also consider by minute action whether to approve a transfor of location for Retail Liquor License No. 21. That license is owned by Modern Electric Co., which does business using the license as Wyoming Bootlegger Liquor. The transfer would establish 100 North Ash Street as the location for the license.

Council will also vote on whether to approve their 2019 goals. More information about those goals is available here.

Also on the agenda is a resolution to authorize funding guidelines for the City of Casper’s Health Fund.

A resolution for a three year agreement with Thomson Reuters for Westlaw Internet Legal Research Services for the City Attorney’s Office is also on the agenda.

Council will consider a resolution that would accept a $51,250 agreement with Whited Floor Surfacing to refinish the Recreation Center’s floor. They will also consider a $567,657 agreement with Knife River for the 2019 Residential Streets Improvements Project and a $29,652 agreement with Air Innovations for the Baler Building Co-Ray-Vac Replacement Project.

A resolution for a $177,851 contract with Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. for the Casper Regional Landfill Lifetime Permit Annual Reporting and Monitoring Project is also included in the Council’s work packet.

Council is also expected to vote on whether to reject bids for the City Facilities Security Door Upgrades Project.

The post City Council’s April 2 meeting agenda appeared first on Oil City News.

Laurie Weaver says she’ll often replay in her head the last words she and her husband had.

“The last thing I said to him was ‘I love you,'” recalls Laurie.

One year ago, Sam was in the Wyoming Medical Center about to start physical therapy after a fairly common procedure. Laurie called Sam to say she was en route to the hospital from their house on Casper Mountain.

Just before she arrived, Sam suffered a massive stroke and collapsed.

“It was severe and irreversible, so they weren’t able to save him,” said Laurie. Though uncommon, the stroke was one of the possible side effects from the surgery.

Laurie suddenly faced life without the man she was married to for 35 years. Sam, the NCHS teacher nearing retirement, the Casper Mountain Ski Patrol veteran, the father of their three children.

In the whirlwind of grief and confusion, Laurie was informed that Sam had just renewed his driver’s license and listed himself as an organ donor.

“I said, ‘oh my gosh, absolutely,'” recalls Laurie. “That was his desire and we’d talked about that before. There was no doubt in my mind that he’d be an organ donor.”

In honor of her husband, Laurie will be a guest at a flag raising ceremony to kick off this year’s “Donate Life Month” on Tuesday, April 2, at 12:45 in front of the Wyoming Medical Center.

Laurie recalls the sensitivity staff from Donate Alliance Wyoming and the Wyoming Medical Center showed as her husband was kept on life support to preserve his organs.

“They treated my husband with such respect,” said Laurie. “It was so comforting.”

Donor Alliance sent a team from Colorado to take over care from the Wyoming Medical Center, said Laurie. That included a social worker to talk with the family. “These people were incredible,” recalls Laurie.

Another two days or so passed as logistics were worked out before Donor Alliance flew Sam to Colorado to have his organs harvested.

“On April 1st last year, Easter Sunday, they took his organs, found recipients and did the donation,” said Laurie.

Before taking Sam to Colorado, Donor Alliance asked his family to write down some of their favorite memories with him.

“Before they started the retrieval, they read the cards so everybody that’s there knows about that person,” said Laurie. “They know he was loved, was a world traveler, that he loved Casper Mountain.”

“For us as a family it was a horrible time, but to know that he was able to give that gift and help other people to survive really brought us peace and comfort,” she said.

In an interview last year with Oil City News, Ryea O’Neill of Donor Alliance said just one individual can save up to eight people through organ donation, and up to 75 people with tissue donation.

Organs include the heart, both lungs, liver, both kidneys, pancreas and small intestine. Tissue donations consist of skin, bone, and heart valves. Corneas from the eyes are also used.

About six months after Sam’s death, Laurie was given some information on the people who now live because of her husband’s donation.

“I really wanted to know how they’re doing and that was important. I was able to write a letter and send a picture of my husband,” said Laurie.

“There’s just something…I can’t describe the feeling…of knowing that he was able to give this gift and that somebody is enjoying their life.”

This past year Laurie has kept busy by visiting her children. She has also participated in Donor Dash runs to raise awareness, and will participate in Casper’s upcoming Donor Dash on April 20.

On the anniversary of Sam’s death and gift of life, Laurie is grateful for her memories and his legacy.

“I was so proud of him for making that decision,” said Laurie. “I was so thankful that on Easter Sunday there were other families that were getting the news that their loved one would survive and live on.”

A flag-raising ceremony to honor Sam Weaver and mark Donate Life Month takes place in front of the E.R. at the Wyoming Medical Center on Tuesday, April 2, at 12:45. Visit Donate Life Wyoming to learn more about organ donations by clicking here.

The post Organ donation after devastating loss ‘gave us peace’ appeared first on Oil City News.

The Werner Wildlife Museum will be unveiling two new display mounts at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, according to a Casper College news release.

A North and Central American wild sheep “grand slam” display, featuring a Stone, Dall, bighorn and desert bighorn was donated to the wildlife museum by the Johnson family of Casper, the release adds. The Johnson’s also donated a grizzly bear display which will step in for the museum’s “6-Toes” grizzly bear display. A mounted elk head was also donated.

“’The wild sheep grand slam is an amazing feat in itself, and the mounting of all four animals together is a piece of art,’” the release quotes Museum Director Patti Finkle. “’Each sheep is mounted in a unique stance on a single base. It is a showpiece, and it adds a dimension of reality and beauty to our current displays.’”

“’We at the Werner are grateful for this donation and believe that such an amazing mount will provide a catalyst for folks to come and visit,” Finkle said of the wild sheep “grand slam”.

Johnson said in the release that the desert bighorn was taken on a hunt in Mexico, the Stone in British Columbia, the Dall in Canada’s Northwest Territories and the bighorn in Alberta.

Johnson said the grizzly was taken on a hunt on Hinchinbrook Island in Alaska.

“The new mount stands in a life-like pose and has taken the place of the museum’s grizzly, 6-Toes,” the release continues.

“’We have plans to send 6-Toes out to be refreshed this summer, and it may take quite some time, so the donation of this new grizzly came at a perfect time,’” the release quotes Finkle.

The unveiling is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The Werner Wildlife Museum is located at 405 East 15th Street.

The post Werner to unveil two new wildlife display mounts on Tuesday [PHOTOS] appeared first on Oil City News.

Wyoming Downs, LLC plans to open a new para-mutuel horse race wagering facility in the former Applebee’s building. Wyoming Downs General Manager Eric Nelson said they’re planning to open the facility on June 1.

The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners will consider a resolution that would allow the pari-mutuel wagering at the 359 Miracle Street, Evansville location during their Tuesday, April 2 meeting.

Wyoming Downs operates nine such wagering facilities in the state, including those inside of Galloway’s Irish Pub.

“Wyoming Downs, LLC currently holds the necessary and appropriate permits issued by the Wyoming Para-mutuel Commission to operate simulcasting facilities in the State of Wyoming,” the resolution reads.

If the commissioners adopt the resolution, it would allow Wyoming Downs to conduct para-mutuel wagering on live horse racing, historic horse racing and simulcast events in Natrona County.

Nelson said the location will feature 80 vending terminals. The company is also applying for a liquor license in the Town of Evansville to offer a full-service bar at the wagering facility.

Applebee’s Grill and Bar closed their Evansville operations in 2018.

The post Wyoming Downs plans new horse race wagering facility in former Applebee’s building appeared first on Oil City News.

The Natrona County Board of County Commissioners will hold a work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, April 2.

The work session begins at 1 p.m. in Room 115 of the Natrona County Courthouse. Central Wyoming Fairgrounds Manager Tom Jones will discuss the Industrial Building with the commissioners.

Natrona County IT Director Eileen Hill and Regional GIS Administrator Denyse Wyskup will then deliver a Geographic Information Office update and demonstration at 2 p.m.

County Attorney Eric Nelson will deliver an update at 3 p.m., though the work session agenda does not specify what Nelson will be covering.

Bill Schilling and John Lawson of the Rotary Club of Casper will update the commissioners on Rotary Park improvements and future planning at 4 p.m.

The commissioners’ regular meeting begins at 5 p.m. in District Courtroom No. 2 on the second floor of the Natrona County Courthouse.

The commissioners will consider a Memorandum of Understanding between Natrona County and Converse County that would authorize each county to seek the other’s assistance in the form of providing law enforcement support.

The parties would be authorized to request and provide law enforcement officers to assist in situations where that is deemed necessary, but the MOU does not require either county to provide that assistance.

The commissioners will also consider a resolution that would allow Wyoming Downs, LLC to conduct para-mutuel horce race wagering in Natrona County. The company says it plans to open a horse race wagering facility on June 1 in the former Applebee’s building.

Black Hills Gas Distribution is seeking the commissioners’ approval of a Conditional Use permit. The permit would allow the company to construct an “Over Pressure Protection Feed Station” at 5888 Mustang Trail. The station “will provide feedback of natural gas to their 20 inch natural gas transmission line,” the board’s work packet states.

The commissioners will also decide during the meeting whether to pass a resolution to adopt the 2018 Pathfinder Boating and Fishing Club Master Plan.

Also on the agenda is a resolution to authorize a contract between Natrona County and Gear Up and Get Out There, LLC to sell Nordic Trail Passes. The contract would allow Gear Up and Get Out There to sell the passes, giving 90 percent of the proceeds to the County.

The commissioners will also decide whether to grant an Overhead Phase Primary Line License to Rocky Mountain Power, two Diameter Welded Steel Pipeline Licenses to Black Hills Gas Distibution, LLC and an Overhead Primary Line and Poles License to Rocky Mountain Power.

The Board of County Commissioners full agenda can be found here.

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