Wyoming News Briefs

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education has granted an extension on Wyoming's request for a waiver from federal education standards. The request from the No Child Left Behind Act was submitted Feb. 28, four days after Gov. Matt Mead met with federal education officials about whether Wyoming should seek relief from so-called Adequate Yearly Progress targets. The Gillette News Record reports the extension allows Wyoming to revise its request by April 15.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — The National Park Service is taking public comment on a plan to reconstruct the aging Isa Lake Bridge at Craig Pass within Yellowstone National Park. The plan seeks to address the deteriorated condition of the timber bridge that was constructed in 1942. The project would begin in the spring of 2014 if money is available.

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Jackson is seeing several proposals for new and remodeled high-end hotels in town. Associate broker Bob Graham tells the Jackson Hole News & Guide many plans for such projects were put on hold when the recession hit. Graham says luxury lodgings will keep higher-end summer visitors in town and also could help the winter occupancy rate.

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Officials in a rural Nevada county have approved a pilot project designed to keep sage grouse off the endangered species list. Elko County commissioners say the program will allow for the killing of ravens through poisoned eggs and reducing wildfire threats with livestock grazing. Sage grouse populations have declined across Western states including Wyoming.