Wyoming News Briefs

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A Montana man charged with kidnapping and assaulting an 11-year-old girl won't fight extradition to Wyoming to face the charges. Jesse Paul Speer waived his right to an extradition hearing in a brief court appearance yesterday in Bozeman. The girl was released several hours after she was taken in Cody on Oct. 8.

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (AP) — Police in Westminster, Colo., say they don't believe the murder of a 10-year-old girl is related to the abduction in Cody, Wyo. A memorial service is scheduled today for the girl, Jessica Ridgeway. Dozens of balloons and stuffed animals adorned two makeshift memorials for her.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees say they won't reveal the names of the candidates seeking to become the next president of the college. The university says three search firms advised the board that a confidential process presents the greatest opportunity for UW to attract the deepest pool of candidates.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) — Verizon Wireless has proposed building a 100-foot cellphone tower to serve the Lake and Fishing Bridge areas of Yellowstone National Park. The National Park Service must approve a right-of-way for the facility. If approved, construction could begin later this fall.