Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — New groundwater sampling data from the U.S. Geological Survey hasn't changed the minds of environmentalists and the petroleum industry about any damage done by hydraulic fracturing to the groundwater in Wyoming. The Natural Resources Defense Council says the new data still shows fracking is a threat. Pavillion gas field operator Encana says the new data still shows that drilling and fracking didn't affect the groundwater.

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — A Campbell County Memorial Hospital trustee is apologizing for how the community learned the hospital had treated two cases of flesh-eating bacteria. When the Gillette News-Record asked Sept. 5 about rumors of a Streptococcus A outbreak, hospital spokeswoman Karen Clarke said there were only rumors. The hospital has since said it treated three patients with serious Strep infections, including two with flesh-eating bacteria.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Extra patrols have been sent to vulnerable areas in Natrona County as authorities work to rein in horsehair thieves. A Wyoming Livestock Board inspector has stepped in to help curb the illicit equestrian trims in Natrona, Converse, Fremont and Sweetwater counties. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the thieves have struck about 100 times.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Grand Teton National Park is encouraging hunters to use non-lead ammunition as the annual elk reduction program gets under way next week. Wyoming-licensed hunters can apply for a limited quota to hunt in two areas of the park. The program begins Oct. 6.