Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Winds gusting up to 40 mph doubled the size of a wildfire in southern Converse County. The wildfire is burning in rugged terrain in the Medicine Bow National Forest. It was first spotted Sunday about 30 miles south of Glenrock. Sheriff's deputies went door to door yesterday asking residents of scattered ranches and summer cabins to evacuate.

LOVELAND, Colo. (AP) — In northern Colorado, authorities have discovered eight more homes destroyed by a wildfire that has burned almost 92 square miles. The fire has damaged at least 189 homes. Fire information officer Brett Haberstick says firefighters were helped yesterday by calmer winds, but low humidity and high temperatures are keeping the fire danger high.

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — A Northern Arapaho serving a life sentence in a Wyoming state prison won't be able to take part in sweat lodge ceremonies. Andrew Yellowbear Jr. claimed he should be allowed to use a sweat lodge for religious purposes, but a federal judge rejected his request. The Riverton Ranger reports Yellowbear was convicted in the 2004 beating death of his 22-month-old daughter.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Colorado State cross country coach and assistant track and field coach Bryan Berryhill has agreed to be the head coach of Wyoming's track and field program. Berryhill spent six years as a cross country coach at Colorado State, his alma mater. As an athlete for the Rams, Berryhill won the NCAA indoor mile in 2001 and the outdoor 1,500-meter title.