CCSD2 moves forward with security measures at Valley schools
Carbon County School District Two has selected a design firm to create plans for security vestibules at the Saratoga Elementary and Encampment schools. The architectural firm is no stranger to district schools, having designed the secure entrances at H.E.M. and Saratoga Middle High School. Emma Diercks has the story.
Trial begins for Rawlins woman charged in Loaf and Jug incident
The trial of a Rawlins woman charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance began in Carbon County District Court yesterday. The charge stems from a late 2017 incident at a Rawlins gas station in which employees were forced to contact law enforcement. Cali O’Hare was inside the district courtroom yesterday and filed this report.
Governor vetoes several items from legislature
By Jim O’Reilly
At the legislature, a showdown is brewing between lawmakers and Governor Mark Gordon. Yesterday, the first-term governor used his line item veto power to red line several provisions in the budget the 65th Legislature sent to him for approval.
Noting that 29 items in the bill were not attached to appropriations, Gordon said lawmakers are “legislating from within the budget.”
Some provisions are potentially unconstitutional, he added. In all, the chief executive struck 14 items. Representative Bob Nicholas of Cheyenne, who is Chairman of Appropriation, said many of the governor’s vetoes go directly to the heart of how the legislature conducts its business to craft laws.
Among the items the governor struck was a request for the state engineer’s office to conduct meetings in Wyoming’s four water regions to collect information.
Saratoga has hosted several such meetings in recent years. Chairman Nicholas said lawmakers need to challenge the vetoes and the philosophical differences with Gordon over what can be in a budget bill.
Lawmakers spent last night considering overrides. They will vote today.
Lawmakers race to finish final readings as 2019 session closes
By Jim O’Reilly
Meanwhile, the House and Senate hurried through a flurry of final readings Tuesday as the midnight hour to adjourn the 2019 session draws close.
The House approved $194 million in various capital construction projects around the state.
In a crunch for time, a House member laid back the third reading of Senate File 144, the bill that would add a work requirement for some Medicaid recipients in the state.
Time ran out on a bill that one that would have made the office of attorney general a statewide elected position died in committee. Senate File 157 died in committee.
Cheney leads the charge against new gun control legislation
By Jim O’Reilly
In Washington, U.S. Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming is leading a fight against two bills she said yesterday Democrats have introduced to impede the Second Amendment Rights of Americans. Cheney said HR 8 and HR 1112 are touted as preventing gun violence, but would not have done anything to stop several recent shootings.
The House will vote on HR 8 today. The landmark legislation requires universal background checks at gun shows and over the internet. Current law only mandates federally licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks before making a gun sale.
Tomorrow, a bill to lengthen the review period for background checks is set for a vote. HR 1112 is meant as a response to the 2015 shooting at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina. Both bills face stiff opposition from the National Rifle Association and most Republicans in Congress. Democrats have made gun control a top priority.
Saratoga VFD gets new gear with help of local fundraisers
With the help of fundraising efforts, the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses. The volunteer department is now preparing to go out to bid for its bunker gear. Emma Diercks has the story.
Survey asks residents for input on downtown Rawlins
Area residents are invited to share their opinions about downtown Rawlins and the future they envision for it through a survey being conducted by the National Main Street Center. Cali O’Hare has the details.
Sports: Outlaws take on Thermopolis in Wheatland Thursday
The Rawlins Outlaw basketball team will take the number one seed into the regional tournament. Joey Saverine has the story.
- Cowboys basketball heads west to take on Fresno State.
- Cowgirl basketball looking for 10th straight conference win.
- Pokes in the Pros:
Josh Adams
Andrew Wingard - Rockies looking to keep Nolan Arenado in Denver through 2026
