Wyoming News Briefs

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, Wyo. (AP) — Three small fires that broke out in the northern Bighorn Mountains may have been started by abandoned camp fires. The largest of the fires spread to about 85 acres of grass and then moved into some trees in a remote area about 10 miles northwest of Ranchester but it wasn't growing yesterday. Another remote fire burned an acre but is no longer spreading. Firefighters put out another fire that burned about an acre 14 miles west of Parkman near private land.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Organizers of a massive get-out-the-vote campaign that targeted Native American communities across the country are considering their efforts a success. National Congress of American Indians Executive Director Jackie Johnson Pata says the best indicator was the fact that President Barack Obama mentioned Native Americans during his victory speech Tuesday night.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Cowgirls open the 2012-13 regular season at home tonight when they host the Idaho Vandals. The game is set for 7 p.m. in the Arena Auditorium at Laramie. This is the eighth meeting between the two teams. Wyoming leads the short series 4-3.