Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Spotters are on the lookout for new wildfires after thunderstorms yesterday unleashed lightning on parts of western and central Wyoming. The Wyoming State Forestry Division says firefighters quickly attacked new fires ignited throughout the state while crews improved containment on two major blazes.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A conservation group is predicting that ambitious Asian export plans by U.S. coal mining companies could lead to a more than tenfold spike in coal trains through the Northwest. The fuel would come primarily from Montana and Wyoming. That's a 1,500-mile haul via Idaho to Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.

LANDER, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has considered and rejected a proposal to allow unlimited hunting of mountain lions in part of the Black Hills. Commission members said they didn't want to give the impression they didn't care if cougars were wiped from the region. They also suggested it would be difficult to impose a limit later after not having one.

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — The National High School Finals Rodeo is boosting business for some Rock Springs and Green River motels and hotels. Econo Lodge manager Doug Statz tells The Rock Springs Rocket-Miner this year has been much better than the previous two years in large part due to the rodeo, which begins Sunday at the Sweetwater County Events Complex.