Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — ExxonMobil and Gov. Matt Mead say the company will donate $2.5 million to the University of Wyoming to boost research into oil and gas extraction. Part of the money will go toward laboratory modeling to replicate the temperatures and pressures that exist in the deep rock formations that hold oil and gas.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state House of Representatives has given initial approval to proposals that would allow up to two nonresidents on the University of Wyoming governing board. The constitution requires that all 12 members appointed by the governor live in the state. Proponents of the measures say UW could benefit from the knowledge and experience of successful nonresidents being on the board. The change would have to be approved by Wyoming voters.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming State Engineer's office says 16 communities who face restrictions on drawing water from the North Platte River are prepared. Intensifying drought means several cities and towns will have to implement backup plans to obtain water rather than relying on their rights to draw from the river.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Harley-Davidson motorcycle seized from former Olympic wrestler Rulon Gardner is going up for auction tomorrow. Officials say the Wyoming native used the Harley as collateral for unpaid loans. The 300-pound wrestler is letting it go even as he fights a bankruptcy auction of some of his other valuable belongings. They were seized by Cache County, Utah, sheriff's deputies months ago to satisfy a business debt.