Wyoming News Briefs

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 discovered the damage Oct. 18.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Democratic Party is blaming the party's nationwide losses two years ago for Republicans strongly outnumbering them in early voting this year. Spokesman Brodie Farquhar says the party is in "a long-term approach to rebuild" and hopes to see some inroads next week. Sixty-eight percent of Wyoming's absentee ballots have been requested by Republicans. Twenty-three percent were requested by Democrats.

DENVER (AP) — The first National Bison Day is taking place today. The day is giving the groups another chance to promote efforts in Congress to designate the bison as the national mammal of the United States. Lawmakers from Wyoming and other states have given support to a bill that would make the designation.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming senior safety Luke Ruff says he's frustrated he can't help improve the Cowboys' 1-7 record. Ruff, one of four team captains, has been ruled out for tomorrow's Border War with Colorado State because of a stinger suffered at Nevada on Oct. 6. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports before the stinger, he had not missed a game in his UW career.