Wyoming News Briefs

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The unemployment rate in Wyoming has held steady at 5.3 percent from March to April. The rate is down from 6 percent a year ago and remains well below the nationwide unemployment rate of 8.1 percent. Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reports unemployment declined in most Wyoming counties from March to April.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — University of Wyoming officials say they hope most of the 80 to 125 positions they expect would be lost to potential budget cuts could be handled through attrition. A possible 8 percent cut in state funding would cost Wyoming's only four-year public university about $15.7 million a year. UW's proposal would reduce its workforce by about 3.5 percent, saving about $6.5 million a year.

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Gillette city officials are considering whether residents should be able to raise chickens at their homes. City Attorney Charlie Anderson says officials plan to discuss new suggestions for animal control rules with the city council at a meeting tentatively scheduled for June 11.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — William "Lone Star" Dietz, who coached football at Wyoming from 1924-26, will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame this summer. Dietz was a head coach for 19 seasons, coaching seven different teams. At Wyoming, he compiled a 10-13-2 record over three seasons, including a 6-3 record in 1925.