Wyoming’s delegation opposes increasing the debt limit
All three members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation voted to raise the nation’s debt ceiling last year. Matt Laslo reports from Washington that some lawmakers are saying ‘never again,’ which critics say puts the U-S economy at risk. HOST: All three members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation voted to raise the nation’s debt ceiling last year. Matt Laslo reports from Washington that some lawmakers are saying ‘never again,’ which critics say puts the U-S economy at risk.
Wyoming’s economy is not all bad
A lot has been said about falling gas prices in the state and how that is hurting the state budget. But a quick look at the most recent economic numbers shows that the Wyoming economy may be better than you think. Jim Robinson is a senior economist with Wyoming’s Division of Economic Analysis. This is the last month of the fiscal year and he tells Bob Beck that things look good.
A conversation with Wyoming’s new occupational epidemiologist
Wyoming’s new occupational epidemiologist is Mack Sewell. He’s tasked with helping the state improve workplace safety. That’s been a topic of discussion for some time, since Wyoming has one of the highest rates of workplace deaths in the nation. Sewell is currently the state epidemiologist in New Mexico, and he says there, he’s worked extensively on issues such as infectious diseases and drunk driving. He tells Willow Belden that he’s not sure yet what will be first on his agenda here in Wyoming.
A new film portrays the history of a Jackson Hole bar
This month a movie will debut featuring an iconic bar in Jackson Hole. It’s called The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads. To many in the valley it is more than a bar. For years it has featured live music on Sunday nights and has been the host to Cowboys and millionaires. It’s been there for more than 70 years. The premier will be June 27th at the Center for the Arts in Jackson. Jennifer Tennican is the filmmaker and she joins Bob Beck.
Wyoming continues to be among the leaders in kids behind bars
Wyoming imprisons more juvenile offenders than just about any other state. Part of the reason has to do with the lack of funding to find alternatives to jail and the other has to do with the law enforcement philosophy in a particular community. Lawmakers have been reluctant to take a firm stand on the issue. In a story first prepared for the program State of the Union, Laura Starcheski reports.
Wyoming tests new method for counting deer, hopes to restore herds
Mule deer have been dying off in parts of Wyoming for some time. But until recently, it was unclear how acute the problem was. That’s because the Game and Fish Department wasn’t getting an accurate count of how many deer there were. Now, the agency is trying out a new method for estimating deer populations. It’s much more expensive … but officials say it’s worth the cost because it will help them maintain a healthy deer population. Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden reports.
Game and Fish launches partnership to restore mule deer habitat in Platte Valley
It’s tough to say exactly how fast the mule deer population in the Platte Valley is declining. But we know it IS declining – and whatever the rate, it’s substantial. One of the reasons the animals are dying off is that their habitat is deteriorating. So now, the Game and Fish Department is trying to come up with a plan for restoring it. Tom Ryder, assistant chief of the wildlife division at Game and Fish speaks with Wyoming Public Radio’s Willow Belden.
The Jackson Hole Fire Festival blends cultures
One of the newer traditions in Jackson Hole is an event called the Jackson Hole Fire Festival. It runs June 14th-20th. It came from the idea developed by Candra Day of Vistas 360 degrees in Jackson. She joins Bob Beck to explain the event and her organization…
