Wyoming News Briefs

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The ex-wife of a Montana man charged with kidnapping and assaulting an 11-year-old Wyoming girl says she is proud of the young victim for fighting her attacker and surviving. Maleesha Kovnesky told The Associated Press that if her daughter was ever in the same situation, she hopes she would be as brave and strong. Police say 39-year-old Jesse Speer forced the Cody girl into his SUV at gunpoint on Oct. 8 then assaulted and abandoned her.

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming has agreed to host a public speech by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia next week on the condition that the university will restrict media coverage of the event. Scalia's appearance Oct. 25 will include a question-and-answer session with the justice, but reporters won't be allowed to ask Scalia any questions.

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission will begin to interview candidates for state oil and gas supervisor today. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the job has been vacant since Tom Doll resigned last summer. Doll quit following criticism for saying that some residents in the Pavillion area whose groundwater is contaminated are motivated by greed.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Air Force coach Troy Calhoun isn't dwelling on the outburst directed at him by Wyoming coach Dave Christensen after the Falcons beat the Cowboys last Saturday. Asked about the situation yesterday, Calhoun likened it to military personnel having to put up with people voicing dissent about the military.