Representatives and volunteers with the Wyoming Food For Thought Project spent their Tuesday afternoon transforming an old downtown building into a new community food hub.

Volunteers cleaned up the old Hillcrest Water building located at 315 N. Walcott and are planting a new community garden at the site.

Jamie Purcell, the executive director of the Wyoming Food For Thought project, says the new facility will help Wyoming Food For Thought provide equitable food access.

“We were founded to help fill in gaps in the hunger safety net,” Purcell said. “What we really wanted to do is come in and, you know, use our expertise and our experience to make those efforts stronger.”

Purcell says the organization is accepting donations at the old Hillcrest Water facility. Potential donors are urged to contact (307) 267-2421 for more information.

Fans gathered in droves at the Beacon Club for Jockeys and Juleps and witnessed Orb out class the field on Saturday to win the 139^th Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

The 5-1 favorite pulled ahead down the stretch on a muddy course after several other horses, each took turns claiming the lead. Down the stretch Normandy Invasion pulled ahead, but couldn’t fend off Orb, who rocketed to the front on the outside.

It was the first victory in the Run for the Roses for jockey Joel Rosario, as well as Orb’s Hall of Fame trainer, Shug McGaughey.

Orb will continue the quest for the Triple Crown in two weeks at the Preakness Stakes. No horse has won the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978.

Horse racing fans at the Beacon Club (the only off track betting site in the area) cheered on their favorites down the stretch until Orb was the first to reach the line and claim the victory.

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Update 4:20 p.m. – Interstate 80 has reopened at Rawlins. Natrona County Emergency Management officials say traffic in Casper should begin decreasing Friday night as vehicles resume their travels along the Interstate.

A massive traffic tie-up in Casper and Natrona County is the result of the closure of Interstate 80 at Rawlins. Natrona County Emergency Management Director Stu Anderson is urging all drivers to avoid Highway 220 and Wyoming Boulevard until further notice. The heavy traffic is causing lengthy delays.

Anderson says traffic is backed up from I-25 around WY Blvd to CY to at least Robertson Rd. Hwy 220 experiencing heavy traffic as well.

Jeff Goetz with WYDOT says blowing snow, icy conditions and numerous crashes resulted in the closures on I-80 between Rawlins and Cheyenne. He said all available resources have been used to keep the westbound lanes open, while the eastbound lanes have remained closed since Thursday evening.
WYDOT reports eastbound traffic has been diverted north to Casper during the closures. At 1:54 p.m. Friday, Interstate 80 reopened between Laramie and Cheyenne, but the eastbound lanes were still closed from Rawlins to Laramie, so traffic was continuing to be detoured through Casper.

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162 members of the Wyoming Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Company took to the floor in formation at UW’s Arena Auditorium Thursday, as a crowd of well-wishers in the stands cheered them on.

The company, based in Laramie, will be deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom.  Army National Guard soldiers who represent several Wyoming communities and five other states were be honored at the ceremony. Including 14 UW students and 10 others who are either WyoTech or Wyoming community college students.

The Wyoming Army National Guard unit received federal mobilization orders for 400 days to conduct base security operations to support Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit will receive more than one month of pre-deployment training at Camp Shelby, Miss., followed by nine months in Bahrain, a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf.

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead addressed the troops by way of a prerecorded video message, saying that he regrettably could not attend the ceremony, as he is, himself, currently returning from the Bahrain region.  Mead went on to say that he plans to meet the 133rd in Mississippi to see them off personally.

Secretary of State Max Maxfield was on hand during the ceremony.  He presented the company with a “Welcome to Wyoming” sign.  A tradition dating back to the Korean War.

Fans of all ages gathered Thursday night at the Casper College T-bird gym to cheer on their favorite team and athletes.  The 2013 Peach Basket showcased the best talent NCHS and KWHS had to offer in this annual friendly rivalry game.  Students and parents represented their school spirit to the fullest extent in efforts to cheer their team to victory.  Both teams, boys and girls, gave their all to win this years title.

Final Scores -

NC Girls flexed their muscles, and tromped the the KW squad 68-19

KW Boys proved they had the better team by defeating the NC Boys 51-46 in a tight one.

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A 21-year-old Laramie man was arrested on Saturday, February 16th, after witnesses say that he drunkenly caused extensive damage to both vehicles and property in West Laramie.

According to Circuit Court paperwork, thirteen calls were placed to 911 at just before 6:00 Saturday evening, reporting an out of control driver in the area of west Laramie.  Police arrived at the corner of W. Polk St. and N. Pierce Street to find a white 2000 Dodge Durango with significant damage, as well as extensive damage to the properties of surrounding homes.

Oscar Vargas, identified by police as a resident of Laramie, was arrested on the scene as the suspected driver of the vehicle.  According to police, Vargas at the time of his arrest was uncooperative and was screaming obscenities.

Various witnesses cited in the court paperwork claim the following:

• The white Dodge Durango was observed at the intersection of N. 3rd Street and E. Clark in Laramie, where the driver “extended the majority of his body out of the driver’s side window and began yelling at passing vehicles.”
• Witnesses then claim that the Durango continued west over the Clark Street viaduct and repeatedly swerved into oncoming traffic at “a high rate of speed.”
• The Durango continued onto Snowy Range Road.
• It was then said that the Durango attempted to pass an SUV on Snowy Range Road, collided with the SUV, forcing the SUV into on-coming traffic.  Eye-witnesses estimate the Durango’s speed at 70-90 miles an hour during the collision.
• The Durango was then said to turn onto N. Pierce street where, attempting to pass a Chevrolet Suburban, drove off the road and into the front yards of two homes, causing extensive damage.  The Durango stopped at the intersection of W. Polk and N. Pierce.

A search of the Durango by police revealed three empty 200 ml bottles of rum and and empty energy drink can.

The total value of damages estimated by investigators on scene was approximately $10,000.

A preliminary breath sample taken of Vargas at the Albany County Detention Center registered Vargas’ blood alcohol content at .127%, approximately four hours after the original accident.  Driving under the influence in the state of Wyoming is defined as having a blood alcohol content .08% or higher.

Vargas faces one count of Driving Under the Influence, one count of Reckless Driving, one count of Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident, one count of Failure to Maintain Liability Insurance, and one felony count of Property Damage.

Vargas is currently being held at the Albany County Detention Center on a $25,000 cash bond.

Whether you’re a fan of red, green, or white chili; this years annual cook-off had something for everyone’s taste buds.  With over 40 chilies to sample as much as you wanted, it was near impossible to leave without a full belly.  Things got funky and fresh with this year’s theme “Disco Inferno”.  Dancers and afros were in abundance as everyone ate their way towards a good cause.

Summer cannot come soon enough.  Summer brings warm temperatures, barbecues, and of course the Beartrap Summer Festival.  The 2013 Beartrap Summer Festival is set to go off the weekend of August 3rd and 4th!

Since 1994, the Beartrap Summer Festival has descended upon the meadows of Casper Mountain every summer.   The sweet sounds of bluegrass and country captivate audiences by the thousands each year.   2013 is promising to be another stellar year for the music festival.  Top music acts, vendors, and all around fun are on the schedule for this year.  Past years have brought us great acts such as Asleep at the Wheel, Patty Loveless, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Taj Mahal Trio, Marshall Tucker Band, Steve Earl, and many more.  Clear your calender for August 3rd and 4th, because you are not going to want to miss out on the best summer music festival in Wyoming.  See you there!

Stay tuned for updates, more information and performer announcements.

Check out some photos from the 2012 Beartrap Summer Festival.

According to the Casper Public Works Department, just after 1pm Tuesday January 29th, a 12-to-14 inch underground water main on North Lennox Street between Yellowstone and ‘A’ Streets sprung a leak.

Workers on scene estimate about one-million gallons of water has already been lost.

The cause of the break has not been determined, but corrosion is suspected.

The Public Works Department says it does not know when the water will be turned back on, or when North Lennox Street will reopen.

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Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski are in an epic points battle running one and two in points for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup. At the end of the AAA Texas 500 it was Jimmie Johnson getting the checkered flag only .808 seconds in front of Keselowski.

Johnson’s win at Texas now gives him a seven point lead going into the 9th of the 10 Chase races, at Phoenix International Races.  (It’s important to mention that Johnson has won four of the last ten races at Phoenix.)

This win at Texas is his fifth of the 2012 season, his second at Texas Motor Speedway, and the 60th of his career.  This is the second week in a row that Jimmie Johnson has won from the pole.  Brad Keselowski finished second, Kyle Busch ran third, followed by Matt Kenseth in fourth, and Tony Stewart rounded out the top 5.

Kevin Harvick was the big winner of the NASCAR Nationwide Series O’reilly Challenge on Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway.  Harvick was the top of the field, for the whole night, and in the end he finished in dominate fashion 1.6 seconds in front of second place 18-year-old Ryan Blaney, polesitter Kyle Busch finished third, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was fourth, erasing the six point lead that Eliot Sadler was holding at the beginning of the race. Stenhouse, and Sadler are now in a tie for the Nationwide Series Championship.

After the O’reilly Auto Parts Challenge they shoot off the regular celebratory fireworks, but not all were in the air above the speedway, there were some on the track between Sprint Cup veteran Denny Hamlin, and Austin Dillon…

Up next the NASCAR Sprint Cup series travels to Pheonix International Raceway for the Advocare 500 Sunday November 11th.  Television coverage for the race will be on ESPN beginning at 1 p.m. (cst).

Sprint Cup points going into Phoenix:

Hundreds of zombies and would-be victims gathered to run a 5K, with the proceeds benefitting Joshua’s Storehouse. The turnout was incredible, even more than what was expected, and everyone agreed that it was an incredible time for all who participated. The amount of money that was raised is still being disclosed, but with the number of giving-hearts (and guts, and brains as it were) that inhabit our town, one would imagine that the proceeds would at least match the number of “Of The Dead” movies that have been created over the years. Check out these pics from the event, and be aware…you never know when they may be “coming to get you.”

After delays caused by tropical storm Issac, the Republican National Convention got underway yesterday, August 28th, in Tampa. With a 2PM start and a projected 11PM finish the delegates knew that it would be a marathon session.

The business of the day including adopting the platforms and resolutions, adoptopting the rules of the convention and accepting the credentials report, all went smoothly with a few exceptions. There were those that took exception to a couple of amendments that were proposed, and they made their voice heard, although in the end following a voice vote, both amendments passed. Another note of dissension came when the credentials report was presented and the Maine delegation was denied credentials until the problems they had could be taken care of. After that the speeches started and continued for hours.

In my estimation there we some great speeches last night but a few that really stood out included Ted Cruz who is a Texas Senate nominee with a compelling story and an easygoing way in telling it. Ann Romney was an absolute hit last night. It is obvious that she is not a politician, but it is also obvious that she loves her husband, loves her family and loves her country. Ann Romney told the story of Mitt Romney that few know but many should. As an added surprise for convention goers, Mitt Romney came on satage at the end of the speech to escort his wife off the stage.

Nikki Haley Governor of South Caroloina was also a standout, talking about her states fight with immigration and voter ID the topics that spuured the crowd. Another highlight was a young lady named Mia Love, the Republican Party 2012 nominee in Utah’s 4th congressional district, with a great introductory video and a tough and exciting speech, this young lady has a real future in Utah and possibly national politics.

And of course New Jersey Governor Chris Christie took the anchor position to get the crowd revved up at the end of the evening which he did with an interesting speech that touted his accomplishments and tied them into the direction that he feels the country should be going today. Christie spent the majority of the time speaking to his story and the accomplishments of his state and political leaders would do well to listen to the successes and look at his formula for the future.

On the entertainment side of things the delegations were treated to everything from the Oak Ridge Boys singing Amazing Grace to Three Doors down winding down the evening with alot more in between.

For political and news junkies it was a veritable who’s who of personalities. Seen yesterday from the Wyoming delegation seats were Rand and Ron Paul, Rick Santorum< Newt Gingrich, The Romney Family,NBC’s Brian Williams, CNN’s Candy Crowley, FOX’s Neil Cavuto and a host of others.

If there are any criticisms of the convention they would include the food, hot dogs and chicken fingers followed by 4oz waters that cost 2.50$ and the transportation which literally fell apart after the event last night with many riders on the busses for 2-3 hours.

Day 2 follows today with meetings, lunches events and of course another round of Convention tonight at 7. More to follow in this space in the days to come.

See Ann Romneys speech here.

Chris Christie’s speech is here.

Mia Love’s speech here.

And Ted Cruz from Texas is here.

On Sunday August 26th, the city of Tampa Bay pulled out all the stops to welcome the delegates of Wyoming and the entire Republican National Convention to the area. After concerns of tropical storm Issac had been ,andthe worst of the weather expected after the welcoming ceremonies, the decision was made to throw open the doors at Tropicana Field and continue with the welcoming party.This was an opportunity for the Tampa area and its attractions to show of their best to the visitors from around the country.

Because of the threats received and the large press contingent covering the event,security was at an all time high. Bridges were monitored, the entire routes to and from the field had a noticable security presence and allwere briefed ofthe possibilities on the way to the welcoming event.

Upon arrival, it was a quick trip thru scanners and a full body wand check before entrance to Tropicana Field. Those welcoming could not have been nicer.Most were dressed in some variation of pirate clothing and were very helpful in directing newcomers to the proper areas.

After entering Tropicana Stadium we were greeted by all types of animals from the Tampa Zoo and area rescues. We saw three toed sloths, pink and white flamingoes and  even an American Bald Eagle before even making it to the field.

Once on the filed we were entertained by performers on three stages, including performers from Busch Gardens, American Idol and the Headliner of the evening country singing artist Rodney Atkins.

The food was from menus that featured everyday Florida fare and highlighted by paella, cuban sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese, grouper sandwiches, ceviche, pit roasted pork and more. Bacardi Distillers was also on hand celebrating their 150th Anniversary with concoctions that resulted in red, white and blue drinksthat were enjoyed by many.

The evening was capped off by a bus back to the hotel with an accompanying SWAT member from a neighboring city who was very forthcoming in the security challenges and very reassuring in the way this state and community are handling the safety of its visitors.

As Monday’s convention work was cancelled because of the storm, it allowed us the freedom to spend some time sightseeing in the area and we did with a trip to a favorite community of ours called Tarpon Springs. With a large contigent of greeks and those of greek heritage, the community is filled with traditional greek restaurants, bakeries,shoppes and more. It was all topped off with a visit to Dunedin and an ice cream shop called Strachans that also does a homemade carrot cake that was well worth the trip.

Today is the first day of business and more from the convention will follow this week.

Ken Stoecklin, under pressure from a friend, is putting together a portfolio of pictures to be submitted to the Wyoming Arts Council for consideration, but not just any pictures. After months of thought and inspiration gleaned from the photography of  celebrity photographer Joel Grimes, Ken decided on a project he named “Faces-Project Edge“.

After a number of attempts at getting the lighting just right Ken is happy with the results he is getting now and is looking for more people to sit for a portrait. The sitting is free and takes less than 5 minutes. Ken is looking at running a contest on the photos and awarding the top vote getter some nice prizes and with enough involvement , a coffee table book of the portraits is a possibility too.

Appointments are being taken to get your pic taken this Saturday from 1-3 PM at his studio Beartooth Photography located in the Sunrise Shopping Center. Call his office at 307-262-7031 to make an appointment. For more images and more on Ken’s photography see more HERE.

Here are a few samples of the look that Ken is going for.

All images are @Ken Stoecklin | Beartooth Photography – You may use for Electronic Media, i.e. Facebook – With Proper Credit – all images available for purchase – www.beartoothphotography.net