Governor Mead Looks To Reform Endangered Species Act
People in Wyoming are passionate about wildlife. Just say the word “wolf” in mixed company and see what happens. And it’s the state’s long history of negotiating with the federal government over endangered species like the sage grouse and the grizzly that has prompted Governor Matt Mead this month to announce an initiative to reform the 42 year old Endangered Species Act. I asked him, what made him decide now was the time for this.
Is Pinedale's Mayor The Donald Trump Of Wyoming?
Now for another kind of Wyoming phenomena. Small town politics. In Wyoming, it can be a sleepy affair. Neighbors elect neighbors, and if you go to a town council meeting you’re less likely to get riled up, than to be put to sleep. But here’s what a recent town council meeting sounded like in the town of Pinedale.
INSIDE ENERGY: In The Battle Between Saving And Spending, A Shiny New Truck Often Wins
With oil hovering around $45 a barrel these days, oil workers can go from making a six figures to nothing, overnight. When they’re working, a 60 thousand dollar truck, for example, might be a reasonable purchase and maybe even a business expense. But the oil industry isn’t like most businesses. Our Inside Energy reporter Leigh Paterson looks at the challenges to budgeting in a boom and bust economy.
INSIDE ENERGY: Oil Boom Brings High School Football Back
Sticking with the topic of oilfield lifestyles …the high school football game is the center of life for small towns in much of rural America. And one town, in western North Dakota, is celebrating the return of that ritual, for the first time in over a quarter century. Our Inside Energy reporter Emily Guerin has the story.
New Sexual Assault Policies In Place At University of Wyoming
This summer, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act went into effect nationwide, laying out new protocols colleges and universities must follow when it comes to preventing, reporting, and responding to sexual assault. Wyoming—with its one university—ranks fourth in the country in sexual assault reports per student. Wyoming Public Radio’s Aaron Schrank spoke with administrators and advocates at the University of Wyoming about how sexual assaults are handled there—and has this report.
Will Sen. Enzi Be To Blame If The Government Shuts Down?
This is Wyoming Senior Senator Mike Enzi’s first year as chairman of the Budget Committee. Yet the government may still be screeching towards a shutdown in a month and Enzi may have an uphill battle to get the nation’s finances in order.
Reutzel Takes Reigns of College of Ed Amid Improvement Effort
This summer, the University of Wyoming’s College of Education welcomed a new dean. Dr. Ray Reutzel was hired amid a major effort by the University’s Board of Trustees to boost the College to national prominence in teacher training. Reutzel himself attended the College decades ago. Wyoming Public Radio’s Aaron Schrank sat down with Reutzel—and began by asking him what impact his experience as a student at UW's College of Ed has on his approach as its dean.
Paris, Milan, Jackson? Design Conference Shapes Western Style
Fashion shows in major cities aren’t the only places that define style. Right now, the 23rd annual Western Design Conference is in full swing in Jackson. The juried show features the work of more than 100 artists from around the country—including many from Wyoming. Director Allison Merritt spoke to Wyoming Public Radio’s Micah Schweizer about what the event brings to the world of design.
Record Breaking UW Marching Band Marches To The Beat Of Its Own (Very Loud!) Drums
When the Western Thunder Marching Band takes the field at War Memorial Stadium these days, it really takes the field. With 235 members, all 100 yards are practically filled with people in uniforms. It is the biggest band Wyoming has ever seen, it has a new director, and unlike other schools where you have to audition to be a part of the band UW accepts everyone, even those who have never marched in a band before.