Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A legislative panel meeting this week will consider a proposal that would require ATMs in the state to give customers the option of donating to state parks and historic sites. Republican state Sen. Bruce Burns, of Sheridan, says he came up with the idea as an "out-of-the-box way" to deal with possible budget cuts that the state faces.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Hundreds of firefighters and a handful of aircraft are helping at wildfires in parts of Wyoming, and officials say they think that's enough to keep them contained. The fires in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and one south of Glenrock are not as destructive as a blaze in Colorado where half of the nation's firefighting resources are deployed. But the Wyoming fires could grow today since 40 to 50 mph winds are forecast in the area.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A petroleum industry group is trying to speed along federal drilling permits by paying the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to hire temporary staff and cover overtime expenses to process them. The manager of the BLM's Casper Field Office says applications for drilling permits have more than doubled in the past couple years. The Petroleum Association of Wyoming is giving at least $100,000 to pay for contract temporary workers to help with the load.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Drought-stricken ranchers in Wyoming are looking to other states including North Dakota for grazing land. North Dakota's agriculture commissioner says he has been contacted by his Wyoming counterpart about the availability of pasture land for lease in North Dakota. North Dakota says all cattle brought in must meet the state's health requirements.