News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming state Forester Bill Crapser says this year's wildfires have consumed all the money the state had set aside for fire suppression for the entire two-year budget period. Wyoming's share

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RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — A 47-year-old Riverton man who acknowledged having sexual contact with and strangling a teenage girl has been sentenced. The Riverton Ranger reports George William Lucas was sentenced Thursday to 40 years to life in prison for second-degree attempted murder. He also was sen

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A top Wyoming lawmaker says he believes the state should opt out of expanding its Medicaid program, a key component of the federal health care overhaul. Joint Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman Phil Nicholas of Laramie says Wyoming is likely to get stuck with the extra costs if it agrees to expand the low-income health program despite federal promises to pay most of the tab.

RANCHESTER,

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Voter turnout was down in Wyoming this year compared to the election four years ago. Wyoming Elections Director Peggy Nighswonger says unofficial turnout was 57 percent of eligible voters, down from about 65 percent in the 2008 and 2004 elections. Some 62 percent

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state elections office says voter turnout appears to be high and there were a few voting problems in Wyoming. Deputy Secretary of State Pat Arp says county clerks are reporting high turnout across the state. Official turnou

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CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Members of the Junior ROTC program at Natrona County High School are doing their part to restore areas scorched by a wildfire that destroyed 37 homes and cabins on Casper Mountain. The students â€

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POWELL, Wyo. (AP) — A search warrant affidavit says a Montana man charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old Cody girl confessed to the crime. Jesse P. Speer is being held on a $2 million bond on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault and using a gun in the commission of a felony. He hasn't enter

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CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Sinclair police are investigating a report of damage to valves at the Sinclair Oil Corp. refinery near Rawlins. Company spokesman Clint Ensign tells the Casper Star-Tribune the damage was an intentional act and could've eventually caused a compressor unit to shut down. Workers discove

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CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Riverton woman has been arrested after Fremont County Sheriff's deputies say she made more than 625 prank 911 calls over the weekend. The Associated Press reports investigators tracked the calls to the prepaid cellphone of a 19-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of misuse of 911 and interference with a peace officer. Deputies aren't

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming prison inmate is suing the state for re-sentencing that led to the loss of his possessions. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that inmate Michael Patterson is seeking $15 million. Patterson was c

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