Wyoming Lawmakers Outraged at Obama’s Climate Plan
This week President Obama announced he's going to attempt to combat climate change from the Oval Office. Wyoming's three Republicans in Congress are none too happy with his plan. As Matt Laslo reports, they say it could cripple the state's economy and hit your pocket.
Wyoming Education Association President is pleased with where the state is heading
Monday the President of the Wyoming Education Association Kathy Vetter will join other colleagues from across the nation in Atlanta for the National Education Association Representative Assembly where they will discuss a number of education issues. Kathy Vetter joined Bob Beck to discuss some issues that might come up and give us her thoughts on some education issues facing Wyoming. One issue is on the agenda surrounds school safety and gun safety prevention.
Wyoming gears up for adventure race
In July, Wyoming enters the world of adventure racing when the state hosts the Cameco and City of Casper Cowboy Tough Adventure Race. It’s a 3 ½-day race across the state that begins on July 18th. The race covers over 300 miles and involves trekking, mountain biking, road biking, paddling, ropes, and other team challenges. Teams consist of two to four people who generally get very little sleep. While it includes serious racers, there will also be citizen events. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck spoke with Race Director Mike Spiller of Rev 3 Adventure, who says it’s a physically challenging event.
Grand Teton Music Festival returns
Next week the annual Grand Teton Music Festival gets underway at the Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck spoke with Andrew Palmer Todd, the New Executive Director of the event. He says this event has become well known.
NRCS seeks to save Ogallala Aquifer by convincing farmers to abandon water rights
A small corner of southeast Wyoming sits over the Ogallala Aquifer. The Ogallala is a huge aquifer that stretches from Wyoming and Nebraska all the way to Texas. It’s a key source of water for agriculture, but it’s being depleted faster than it can recharge. So the Natural Resources Conservation Service is trying to help save it. Here in Wyoming, they’re doing that by encouraging farmers to give up their water rights. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden reports.
Gambling addiction in Fremont County could be on rise, but not on radar
There have been rumors that Fremont County is experiencing a rise in gambling addiction amongst its residents. Wyoming Public Radio’s Irina Zhorov reports that whether the rumors are true or not is still unclear, but some services are popping up to address it regardless.
Wyoming develops state-wide suicide prevention initiative
Wyoming has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country … nearly twice the national average. Until recently, efforts at preventing suicide were left up to individual counties. But now, the state is trying a new tactic which they hope will save more lives. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden reports.
The importance of Wyoming's Permanent Mineral Trust Fund
Frequently during the legislative session you will hear lawmakers refer to Wyoming’s Permanent Mineral Trust fund. The fund was established in 1974 by then Governor Stan Hathaway and it is funded by a portion of severance taxes or taxes paid by the energy industry and occasional money deposited by the legislature. Income from the fund can be used to pay for government. It has a market value of roughly 5.6 billion dollars. It’s viewed as a key part of Wyoming’s funding future. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck reports.
UPSTARTS: Lander native’s software company develops far-reaching demand while working close to home.
In our occasional series “Upstarts,” we profile Wyoming entrepreneurs. There’s no shortage of self-starters in this state, many of whom build, grow or make things… But until recently, tech start-ups were almost unheard of in the Cowboy State. Wyoming Public Radio’s Rebecca Martinez visited with Jason Kintzler, who founded the Pitch Engine software platform in his native Lander and authored the book, “The New American Start-Up.” She filed this report.
