WYOMING STATE NEWS

WYOMING TRAIN DERAILMENT

Train cars catch fire and explode after Wyoming derailment

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) — A train operated by Union Pacific Railroad derailed in Wyoming, causing several rail cars to catch on fire and explode. The company and first responders say smoke and flames shot about 100 feet into the air moments after the accident Saturday. The mixed freight train was hauling 116 rail cars of alcohol and other materials when it derailed 4 miles east of Rock Springs around 3 p.m. The fire was extinguished early Sunday morning. An official says two deputies suffered second-degree burns during an explosion and were treated at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County and then released.

WYOMING WILDFIRE

Lightning-caused fire burns grassland in rural Wyoming

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming officials say lightning likely caused a fire that is burning through grassland and sagebrush in Johnson County. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the fire had grown to about 16 square miles (41.44 square kilometers) as of Monday morning. It was first discovered on Sunday morning. No injuries have been reported. It is unclear whether any buildings have been damaged.

AP-US-FENN-TREASURE-RESCUER-RELIEF

Rescuers relieved after legendary $2M treasure found

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — People who’ve had to rescue imperiled treasure seekers in the Rocky Mountains say they’re glad to hear that the legendary Fenn treasure is found. Retired Santa Fe art and antiquities dealer Forrest Fenn announced June 6 that a man who doesn’t want to be named recently found the estimated $2 million chest containing coins, gold nuggets and other valuables. Fenn wrote a cryptic poem he said led to the chest he hid in 2010. Fenn isn’t saying where the treasure was hidden but several people seeking it have been rescued in Dinosaur National Monument on the Colorado-Utah state line.

EXCHANGE-DISTILLER-HAND SANITIZER

Wyoming distiller finds success in switch to hand sanitizer

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming distilling company has adjusted to making a totally different product during the coronavirus pandemic. Backwards Distilling Company in Casper now makes hand sanitizer. Co-owner Amber Pollock says the badly needed product has helped keep her business afloat. The company started out by using of a batch of nearly-ready vodka. The Casper Star-Tribune reports other businesses have helped out including Wyoming Sugar Company, which donated several pallets of sugar to Backwards, and Pepsi-Cola of Casper, which provided containers to package the sanitizer. The distillery has now made thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer.

EXCHANGE-FRONT PORCH PHOTOS

Jackson-area photographers shoot families for charity

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming photographers are taking photos of families for charity. Natalie Yates, of Jackson, is taking part of the nationwide Front Porch Project. Photographers take photos of families from at least 6 feet away and the proceeds go to charity. Yates tells the Jackson Hole News & Guide she generated $9,000 in April for Hole Food Rescue by way of the Front Porch Project and a local nonprofit called The Hole Quarantine. Another area photographer, Samantha Livingston, has worked with about 70 families and raised $10,000. It’s up to the families to choose a charity to patronize.

LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL SESSION

Wyoming legislative leadership cancels June special session

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Legislature will not be meeting in a special session later this month. Lawmakers say they completed work they needed to accomplish in response to immediate economic and social impacts caused by the coronavirus. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that House Speaker Steve Harshman and Senate President Drew Perkins said in a joint letter that an anticipated five-day special session expected in late June is no longer necessary. Harshman says the decision was made in part because of the lack of federal action. Another special session could be held either later in the year depending on the state’s needs.