A listing of today's stories:
In Teton Park, certain grizzlies become favorites
Grand Teton National Park has what you might call a grizzly dynasty. The bear known locally as Grizzly 399 became famous in 2006 when she became the first mother grizzly bear to raise cubs next to the road in the park. Now she’s back with three new cubs. But what’s really delighting tourists and wildlife watchers is the appearance of her even more visible daughter called Grizzly 610. Now a five-year-old and mother, 610 has returned to that same area.
Park officials take action on “bear jams”
While Grand Teton National Park officials want people to get to see grizzlies and other wildlife, the mobs of people and photographers that have stopped to see the bears can be a concern. So the park is taking aggressive action to try to get people to stay away from the animals. Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck talks to park public affairs officer Jackie Skaggs.
Wyoming’s first natural gas power plant?
Cheyenne utility customers could soon see their electricity coming from natural gas. Black Hills Corporation, the parent company of Cheyenne Light, Power and Fuel, has asked the Wyoming Public Service Commission for permission to construct and operate a new $158 million natural gas-fired power plant. It would be Wyoming’s first such facility. Bob Beck talks to Mark Stege, the utility’s vice president of operations.
In 2011, Wyoming’s investment strategy is a winning one
At the end of fiscal year 2011, the State Treasurer’s Office had some spectacular news to report. State investment income exceeded projections by 58 percent. Wyoming Public Radio’s Molly Messick asked State Treasurer Joe Meyer to explain just how that came to be, and how the office goes about making its projections each year.
The Tribal Law and Order Act: a fix for a troubled system?
It's been a year since President Obama signed the Tribal Law and Order Act. Designed to enhance tribal law enforcement and prosecution, the law is supposed to take on a number of problems around criminal jurisdiction, data and communication between tribes, state and federal officials. But as Wyoming Public Radio's Tristan Ahtone reports, it's unclear if the act will fix what is already widely regarded as a broken system, or if Wyoming is making use of the act at all.
For sugar beet growers, a special seed brings a special challenge
More than half of U.S.-produced sugar comes from sugar beets. At this time of year, Wyoming sugar beet growers are eyeing their fields and thinking ahead to the fall harvest. But right now, that hope is accompanied by worry. A few years ago, Wyoming growers were the first to adopt a new variety of genetically modified sugar beets. Agribusiness giant Monsanto developed that variety, called Roundup Ready, and it’s now the subject of a pair of legal challenges.
A new work for Teton Music Festival anniversary
The weekend of August 19th will be a special one at the Grand Teton Music Festival. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s commissioned piece called “All Things Majestic” will be debuted by the orchestra. Higdon spoke with Wyoming Public Radio’s Bob Beck, and explained that Grand Teton Music Festival Music Director Donald Runnicles asked her to write the piece.
Special care keeps cowboys in the saddle
In late July, cowboys from around the world flocked to Cheyenne for Frontier Days rodeo. The event is the pride of the city, but it’s also one of the many dangerous gigs on a rodeo cowboy’s busy summer circuit. Wyoming Public Radio’s Rebecca Martinez talked with the athletes about how they stay ready for rough riding day after day.
The Grand Teton Music Festival turns 50
The Grand Teton Music Festival debuted 50 years ago, and has grown into one of the most respected summer concert series in the nation. The orchestra is made up of all-star musicians from around the world, and it’s a staple in Jackson Hole. And some believe it is one of the best kept secrets in the country.
