Wyoming News Briefs

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — Two Laramie police officers involved in the shooting and wounding of a 26-year-old man earlier this month have been cleared to return to work. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation's preliminary findings of the Aug. 15 incident determined that the Laramie officers acted within the scope of their duties and according to the law. The man who was shot, Kevin R. Cook, remains in a Colorado hospital where he's being treated for his wounds.

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — The National Parks Conservation Association has recognized Gov. Matt Mead and the state for helping to address wildlife-vehicle collisions on Wyoming's roads. The association recently presented Mead with its National Parks Achievement Award. The group's Grand Teton program manager, Sharon Mader, says Mead's leadership and the work of the Wyoming Transportation Department have resulted in innovative solutions to make Wyoming roads safer for drivers and wildlife.

RAWLINS, Wyo. (AP) — Another fire at the Sinclair Refinery in south-central Wyoming forced the evacuation of the plant but didn't cause any injuries. The fire broke out inside the refinery late Friday afternoon. It was the fourth fire at the facility since May. Four workers were injured May 8 in a flash fire in a gas recovery unit at the east end of the refinery. Shortly after, another fire injured two more employees. An additional fire on Aug. 5 injured one person.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming coach Dave Christensen sees a lot of improvement in his team from last season. The Cowboys are getting ready this week to open their new season Saturday at Texas. Christensen said Monday he sees improvement both offensively and defensively from last year's team, which posted an 8-5 record and finished third in the Mountain West Conference.