Wyoming 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 of fighting wildfires this season will total an estimated $42 million. An estimated 1,300 to 1,400 fires burned about 600,000 acres in Wyoming.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Hunters have killed at least 33 wolves in northwest Wyoming since the start of the state's first wolf hunt six weeks ago. As of yesterday, three hunt areas had been closed to further wolf hunting after hunters reached their local kill limits. Nine others remain open. The statewide limit for this year's hunt is 52 wolves. The trophy hunting season ends Dec. 31.

TEA, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota police chief has resigned after being named in a lawsuit by a Wyoming man who was wrongfully convicted of murder. A South Dakota TV station reports that Brian Ketterhagen of Tea, S.D., is one of three current or former Sublette County Sheriff's officers named in the suit. Troy Willoughby claims the three withheld evidence, leading him to be convicted two years ago in a 1984 murder.

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — Parents at Riverton Middle School are collecting donations of nonperishable food so children in need won't go hungry over their holiday breaks. The Daily Ranger reports students can sign up for a bag of food so they can have meals when school isn't in session during the holidays. Riverton mother Karen Murdock says more than half of local students qualify for free and reduced-price lunches.