Year in Review: January Through April

We begin our year in review today of some of the top local news stories for 2020 for the months of January through April. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

The year began with a bit of good news in January, as Sheridan made the list for True West magazine’s Top 10 True Western Towns. Bob Boze Bell, True West Executive editor, said Sheridan has always been a hub of Old West activity, and attractions such as the Sheridan Inn, and Trail End State Historic Site helped Sheridan earn a spot on the list.

On March 11, the Wyoming Department of Health announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the state was an adult Sheridan County woman. Four days later, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist recommended that all schools in the state close immediately due to concerns over the coronavirus. In late March, Dana Beartusk was arrested and charged with three counts of First Degree Murder for allegedly killing three family members in Big Horn during the evening hours of Sunday, March 29. At a preliminary hearing in April, Circuit Court Judge Shelley Cundiff ruled that there was enough evidence presented by the prosecution and bound the case over to District Court for trial.

Also in April, the City of Sheridan closed all of the playgrounds and restrooms in City parks in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Kendrick Park was closed to vehicular traffic and the closure affected the playground equipment located at Sheridan County School District Two schools and all of the playground equipment on Sheridan Recreation District grounds.

That’s a look back at just a few of the stories that made the news for the months of January through April.