Latest Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead has appointed Tom Hirsig as director of the Wyoming Insurance Department. Hirsig replaces Ken Vines in overseeing the regulatory agency. Hirsig has worked in insurance, real estate and management in Wyoming for more than 20 years. He has served on the Laramie County School District 2 board. Hirsig qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1987.

PAGE, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities say a Wyoming man has died at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in northern Arizona. National Park Service officials didn't immediately release the name of the 34-year-old Laramie resident. They say the man was found dead Friday at Lees Ferry and the cause of the death isn't immediately known. The man was camped at Lees Ferry along with his family and friends.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Yellowstone National Park is increasing its fishing permit fees slightly this season. The new fee structure will include a three-day permit for $18, a 7-day permit for $25 and an annual permit for $40. Those are $3 to $5 increases from current permit fees.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — The hotel and motel occupancy rate in Sweetwater County in 2011 rose by 7 percent over the previous year, thanks to a marketing campaign. Sweetwater County Travel and Tourism Board Executive Director Jenissa Bartlett tells the Rock Springs Rocket-Miner last year's media campaign focused on Salt Lake City and Denver. It marketed the county as a stop along the way to national parks.