Casper Police are conducting an investigation on 12^th Street, and Natrona County School District Officials want to ensure parents that there is no danger to students.  The large police presence prompted some concerns, but the district notified parents by telephone that students were safe, and that no schools were on lockdown.

The investigation is near CY, Dean Morgan and NCHS.  It’s not yet known what prompted the police investigation, but details are expected later today.

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CROWN KING, Ariz. (AP) — Strong wind gusts will likely keep spreading a wildfire that has grown to nearly 10 square miles and prompted the evacuation of a historic Arizona mining town.

Fire incident spokeswoman Michelle Fidler says gusts of up to 40 mph are expected Thursday in the Prescott National Forest, near Crown King.

She says the wind could push the fire, which is only 5 percent contained, northward but crews will use the opportunity to slow the blaze from the west, where communication towers are threatened.

The fire has destroyed two homes and a trailer, and prompted an evacuation order Sunday. Crown King is a community of mostly summer homes about 85 miles north of Phoenix.

The blaze started at a home, but investigators have yet to determine the cause.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 represents 15,000 workers in the two states. It says the two-year deal, announced Wednesday, will allow its members to keep quality health care benefits through 2015.

President Kim Cordova said the grocery stores agreed to pay another $11 million to cover health care.

The contract covers workers at King Soopers, Safeway, Albertson’s, Smith Foods and City Market stores.

U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A bill aimed at keeping American soda ash competitive with a subsidized, synthetic version produced in China is advancing in Washington.

The bill, sponsored by Wyoming congresswoman Cynthia Lummis, got the backing of the full House Resources committee on Wednesday. It will be heard by the full House next.

The bill would return the soda ash royalty to 2 percent. It rose to 6 percent in October.

Soda ash is the trade name for a chemical made from the mineral trona. It’s used in household cleaners, windshields and cellphones.

Wyoming produces about 90 percent of U.S. soda ash and the industry employs about 3,000 people in the state. Lummis says soda ash shipments also provide work for hundreds of longshoremen in Portland, Ore. and Port Arthur, Texas.

LANDER, Wyo. (AP) — The Lander Water Department says the town’s water supply is running low. Lander is asking residents to voluntarily conserve water by watering lawns only at night and fixing leaky faucets. The situation is a drastic turnaround from last year, when the town was awash in spring runoff from a huge winter snowpack.

PINE RIDGE, S.D. (AP) — A federal wolf specialist says a gray wolf found dead this week on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation came from Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says information from a tracking collar identifies the wolf as a 3- to 4-year-old male that was part of a pack in the southeast part of Yellowstone. The wolf appears to have been struck by a vehicle.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming State High School Track and Field Championships being today in Casper. Upton senior Kevin Allen is looking to challenge a long-standing record in the discus. Allen tossed the discus 204 feet, 4 inches at the Class 1A East Regional meet last weekend in Cheyenne. The state record is 210 feet, 4 inches set by former Cheyenne Central standout and Olympic medalist John Godina 22 years ago.

Ernie Hathaway, flickr

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park are offering annual entrance passes granting free admission to military service members and their families.

The annual passes will become available on Saturday, Armed Forces Day, to active duty service members and their dependents. More than 2,000 national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and other public lands across the country also are issuing the passes.

Jonathan B. Jarvis is director of the National Park Service. He says places such as the Statue of Liberty and the Grand Canyon symbolize the nation that military service members make great sacrifices to protect.

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead

The State of Wyoming has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its challenge of the Clinton Administration’s Roadless Rule. Authorities in Jackson say one citation for careless driving and two citations for destruction of property have been issued during the latest round of abortion demonstrations.

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Following a possible Tularemia diagnoses in a local dog, Natrona County health officials are encouraging folks to take precautions.

“What we wanted to do here at the health department was to take this opportunity to remind folks that Tularemia is here. It’s always been with us and now, as we start moving out to outdoor activities, people should be aware that there is a risk out there.”

Health Department Director, Robert Harrington, says Tularemia is usually contracted through a tick or biting fly. It’s carried in rabbits, muskrats and beavers. It’s transmitted to humans via contact with the body fluid of an infected animal.

Harrington recommends wearing long sleeves and pants and the use of insect repellent for you and your dog during tick season.

The disease usually has a rapid onset of “flu-like” symptoms and there is often an ulcer at the site of the fly or tick bite.

It generally responds well to treatment with antibiotics.

For further information, please contact the Casper Natrona County Health Department at

307-235-9340, ext. 752

Karen Snyder, K2 Radio

Secretary of State Max Maxfield reminds potential candidates that the filing period opens Thursday, May 17th. If your interested in running for a federal, state, county or municipal office the filing period runs through Friday, June 1st.

“We have our filing process as a way to spotlight the many opportunities for people to get involved in the election process. Wyoming has one of the most transparent election laws in the nation.”

By statute, candidates have until close of business on June 1st to submit their application, along with the filing fee to the appropriate election office.

Maxfield says anyone running for state office is encouraged to file and pay your fee online.

You can also download the application form and submit it by mail or in person.

Applications and online filing information are available at http://soswy.state.wy.us.

Tom McCarthy, Townsquare Media

A note from the editor: The following is an original review from the “Casper Food Critic.” The purpose of this review is to offer a single consumer’s opinion about an establishment’s food and service. At K2 Radio, we believe anonymity to be of paramount importance – this is to ensure that the Casper Food Critic receives the same quality food and service as any other customer. We encourage you, the reader, to join the conversation and leave your own reviews in the comment section at the bottom of the page. - Tom McCarthy, Managing Editor

You know those days that never seem to end — when you think you’re done with all the running around and errands on your list, then suddenly several more pop into your head? It’s days like this when the growly monster in your belly is gnawing on your fat stores and you just have to say, “Forget it – I’ve got to eat!”

That’s the type of day it was when two of my fellow plodders and I decided to stop and eat at the Platte River Restaurant in Casper, located on ‘E’ Street just near I-25. It was early evening on a weeknight, so there weren’t many people there, and we were seated immediately. We didn’t want fast food, but due to yet another pending appointment, we wanted good food fast. We were seated in a nearly empty dining room, right next to the only other patrons, which was somewhat annoying. I realize it makes fewer steps for the server, but even the separation of one booth would have been nice, just for privacy sake. Our drink orders were taken and delivered quickly. The décor is a little kitschy and tured with the fishing theme, but in acute kind of way. My fellow diners and I found it was cozy and homey feeling. The place was clean and comfortable, as was the restroom I visited later on.  I was also very pleased to see no smoking signs prominently displayed all over the place.  Anybody who has read my work for any length of time will know how much I appreciate a “non smoking” environment, Kudos to Platte River for that decision! Also,they must have done something to the old smoking section, because there was no smoke smell – Double Kudos!

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The menu was simple, but diverse. There were a number of items in each of many down home food categories like burgers, salads, meat and potatoes,chicken, soups and breakfasts – - – nothing flashy or ostentatious, just homestyle-cooked food. We each ordered, and our meals arrived within 15 minutes. The server was very polite and efficient, and attended to all customers very well. Our food was hot, well-cooked, plentiful and very filling, and above all most satisfying. Entrees ranged from $6.00 to$10.00, and seemed like pretty fair prices for the quantity of food. The fish had three good sized pieces, piping hot with a crisp batter crust served with plenty of homemade tartar sauce. There were many options to choose from for sides, and the server was very agreeable if a substitution was requested.

I would happily award this place a 7 out of 10 fish on the stringer, good food, fast, fairly priced.  I deducted merely because of the nature of this eatery.  Not high style, chef designed entrees.  This is made my line type cooks and may require a little salting here and there.  Also, the “seasoned” design of the interior which is functional and catches the eye, but is also sun faded and showing it’s age.By the time we were done,we were all tired and could have napped easily, but that was not to be, for a while anyway. As we drove out of the parking lot on to our next stop, weall said, “That was a great idea – that was just what I needed”. Hmmmmmm .. . (scratching chin mischievously) perhaps we have discovered a place we will visit more frequently, especially when we want good food fast!

Have you eaten at Platte River Restaurant? Comment below and tell us what you thought!

Platte River Restaurant

321 East E Street
Casper, WY 82601
(307) 266-6007

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The Casper Food Critic is an independent author and is not employed by K2 Radio or Townsquare Media, LLC. The views expressed by the Casper Food Critic do not reflect those of K2 Radio or Townsquare Media, LLC.

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Casper Police Dept.

A Casper man has entered his plea in a case in which he’s accused of shooting at another man’s truck.

Thirty-nine year old Richard Andersen has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault, property destruction and a possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent.

Police say in early April, Andersen was upset that his fiancee was given a ride home from a party by another man.

He got into an argument with the male driver and prosecutors say as the man drove away, Andersen fired a gun, but Anderson says he pointed the weapon into the air and not at anyone in particular.

Investigators later found two bullet holes…one in the man’s truck and one in another vehicle in the neighborhood.

Andersen is free on twenty-five thousand dollars bond awaiting trail.

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead

The state of Wyoming has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its challenge of the Clinton Administration’s Roadless Rule. A five to three vote passed the first reading of the public indoor smoking ban for Casper.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER (AP) — Nearly a dozen helicopters will fill the air as Denver-area emergency crews practice for a mass disaster.

The exercise Wednesday is a major test of the National Disaster Medical System. It will involve more than 200 simulated patients, 11 metro-area hospitals, 10 ambulances and 10 helicopters. Part of the exercise will involve Denver International Airport.

The program is designed to coordinate medical care in national or international emergencies.

Ralph Orlowski, Getty Images

For the third year in a row, Fort Caspar Museum is a “Blue Star Museum” from Memorial Day, May 28th, to Labor Day, September 3, 2012. During this time, Fort Caspar Museum offers free admission to active duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Also included are active duty Reserve and active duty National Guard.
This program is a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 600 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fort Caspar Museum is one of the few museums in Wyoming to participate in this program. To learn more about Blue Star Museums and Blue Star Families, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. The site includes a list of participating museums and a map to help with visit planning. More information about the National Endowment for the Arts is available at www.arts.gov.

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Rocco Landesman said,

“America’s museums are proud to join the rest of the country in thanking our military personnel and their families for their service and sacrifice,I cannot imagine a better way to do that than welcoming them in to explore and enjoy the extraordinary cultural heritage our museums present. The works of art on view this summer will inspire and challenge viewers, and sometimes they will just be a great deal of fun.”

For more information, call the museum at 235-8462 or check their website .

The museum is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in May and daily 8:00 am to 6:00 pm June – August. Fort Caspar Museum is located at 4001 Fort Caspar Road, Casper, WY 82604.

Specifically, the assessment advised that Wyoming should increase its security staffing levels if it wants to continue the Capitol’s open environment.

The security assessment was performed by Colorado law enforcement agencies, including its State Patrol and Office of Homeland Security, who visited Cheyenne during the past legislative session.

The Associated Press reports the full report is confidential because of its sensitive security details.

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lt. Klief Guenther briefed lawmakers on some of the assessment’s findings during a recent legislative meeting.

He said possible solutions include adding security checkpoints or metal detectors or boosting security staff. Currently nine full-time troopers are responsible for patrolling the Capitol.

David Paul Morris, Getty Images

The Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust is seeking nominations for the Kurt Bucholz Award, which honors an individual who exemplifies the core beliefs held by Dr. Bucholz during his lifetime of dedicated public service and commitment to conservation.

The award was created in memory of Kurt Bucholz, DVM, a legislator and rancher from Saratoga, Wyo. His wife, Laura Bucholz, and the Stock Growers Ag Land Trust Board of Directors established the award in Dr. Bucholz’s name in 2008. The award is presented each year to an individual who represents his conservation values, especially the conservation of working ranches.

“The Bucholz Award emphasizes the role of private enterprise and initiative in the conservation of Wyoming’s working landscapes,” Dr. John Lunt, former Stock Growers Land Trust board member and 2009 award recipient, said. “This sets it apart from other such recognitions.”

The Kurt Bucholz award is presented by the Stock Growers Ag Land Trust at its Annual Roundup Barbecue.  Past award recipients are:

Dennis Sun – 2008

Dr. John Lunt – 2009

Joe Glode – 2010

Jim Chant–2011.

Each year, renowned artist Jerry Palen volunteers his time and talent to create a bronze award depicting the Stock Growers Land Trust horse and rider logo.

Individuals eligible for nomination will have achieved a lasting impact in one or more of the following ways:

·         Ardent supporter of conserving Wyoming’s working landscapes and one who recognizes the indispensible role of ranching in this endeavor.

·         Astute and successful rancher and land steward who has been active in state and/or national natural resource issues, and a strong proponent of private enterprise and private solutions for conservation in Wyoming.

·         A background of actions promoting the bedrock importance of water to Wyoming and the vital significance of protecting traditional water rights.

·         A strong and abiding interest in hunting and wildlife and a personal commitment to habitat conservation.

Submissions are due by May 30, 2011. Please send nominations and letter of explanation to info@wsgalt.org.

The Associated Press reports the couple’s attorney notified a judge last month that the sides had reached a confidential settlement.

Jared and Lynne Collins alleged in a 2010 lawsuit that a service man who came to restore natural gas service to their home had negligently failed to detect a leaking gas line the couple had left open. No one was hurt when the house later exploded.

Lynne Collins initially was charged with arson after a police investigation, but a prosecutor dropped the charge citing unspecified new information.

Jared and Lynn Collins now live in Fort Morgan, Colo.

POWELL, Wyo. (AP) — Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. has reached a settlement with a couple that sued the company over an explosion at their former home in Powell in 2006. Jared and Lynne Collins alleged in a 2010 lawsuit that a service man who came to restore natural gas service to their home had negligently failed to detect a leaking gas line the couple had left open. No one was hurt when the house later exploded. Terms of the settlement haven’t been disclosed.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Cody lawyers for a neurosurgeon have withdrawn from his case after telling a federal judge they believe their client engaged in criminal or fraudulent conduct. An attorney for Dr. John H. Schneider, Jr., says he has evidence that his client offered to pay a woman off to keep quiet in a defamation lawsuit that alleges he sent an anonymous flier disparaging another doctor’s medical practice.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state of Wyoming has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review its challenge to a 2001 federal rule barring development on roadless areas in national forests. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a decision by a Cheyenne judge that the Forest Service exceeded its authority in enacting the rule.

The court on Wednesday will hear the appeal of Dharminder Vir Sen. He is serving a life sentence in the killing of Sheridan businessman Robert Ernst.

Prosecutors say Sen was the triggerman in a home invasion robbery. They say Sen and the other two teenagers entered Ernst’s home with a stolen pistol in the middle of the night.

The court already has upheld the life sentences for the other two defendants: Dennis Poitra, Jr., and Wyatt Bear Cloud.