Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead has wrapped up his annual State of the State address to lawmakers in Cheyenne. Mead emphasized that Wyoming's in a strong position, particularly compared to most other states. Wyoming has billions in savings and revenues from energy production remain strong. However, Mead told lawmakers that they must contain state spending in the face of warnings from state financial analysts that energy revenues are likely to stay flat for years to come.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — State Chief Justice Marilyn Kite says Wyoming's court system is working to cut costs as best it can because of predictions of flat state revenue. Kite addressed a joint session of the Wyoming Legislature yesterday. She says based on case filings and workload studies the system is proposing to close satellite courts in Dubois, Lovell and Powell. Their court functions would move to their respective county seats. Kite acknowledged local opposition to the decision but says the court system is working with lawmakers to address the concerns of the communities.

DENVER (AP) — Thirty of Colorado's 64 counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to severe drought and heat, making farmers and ranchers there and in adjacent counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said yesterday that overall, 43 Colorado counties are eligible for aid. Laramie County in Wyoming is among the contiguous counties in other states that also are eligible for aid.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Jeff Elorriaga had 18 points and sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer as short-handed Boise State defeated Wyoming 63-61 last night, knocking the Cowboys from the unbeaten ranks in the Mountain West opener for both teams. Josh Adams made two free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining to give Wyoming a 61-60 lead before Elorriaga canned the game-winner from the left corner. Derrious Gilmore had 17 points, while Adams and Leonard Washington each had 12 for Wyoming.