Latest Wyoming News

YELLOWSTONE-AUTOMATED SHUTTLE

Yellowstone National Park to pilot automated shuttle program

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Park officials say a shuttle program using automated electric vehicles is expected to launch at Yellowstone National Park next year. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reported that Beep Inc. Shuttles is expected to pilot the program in the Canyon Village area from late May through next August, shuttling visitors in driverless, electric vehicles to determined stops near the campground and lodging areas. The Orlando, Florida-based company billed as the “next generation of passenger mobility” has been awarded federal transportation grants to develop and deploy its technology. Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly says the park is exploring ways to reduce congestion and improve access.

COAL MINING OPERATIONS

Wyoming coal company to shrink thermal coal operations

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A coal firm in Wyoming has announced plans to shrink thermal coal operations by about 50%, shifting toward metallurgical coal and steel production. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that Arch Resources Inc. announced Thursday during an investor meeting that its Black Thunder and Coal Creek mines in the Powder River Basin are expected to reduce thermal coal production over the next three years. Officials say the mines have produced about 75 million tons of coal last year, but estimate less than 55 million tons this year. The demand for coal has decreased in recent years with the expansion of affordable natural gas and renewable energy.

FENN TREASURE-CEMETERY DIGGING

Man charged with treasure hunting in Yellowstone cemetery

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Utah man faces felony charges resulting from alleged attempts to locate a famed treasure on the grounds of a cemetery in Yellowstone National Park. Rodrick Dow Craythorn was accused of digging in Fort Yellowstone Army Cemetery in northeast Wyoming while searching for the Forrest Fenn treasure. Craythorn pleaded not guilty to charges of excavating or trafficking in archaeological resources and injury to U.S. property. Fenn sparked a treasure hunt through several states after the New Mexico art dealer offered clues to a treasure he had hidden. Authorities say the treasure was located in Wyoming in June.

GUN OWNERS GROUP-DONOR DISCLOSURE

Wyoming gun rights group fights ruling to disclose donors

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — An attorney for a gun rights advocacy group in Wyoming has challenged a ruling by the secretary of state to disclose the group’s donors, arguing that the ruling is an attempt to stifle political speech after the group was accused of running attack ads against Republican candidates. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that a complaint against Wyoming Gun Owners alleges the group ran the ads in the past year despite not being registered with the secretary of state’s office as required by law. The group must now register and disclose its donors or face a $500 fine. Secretary of State Ed Buchanan said he had not yet reviewed the letter from the group. 

IDAHO AIR TRAVEL

Legislators consider ways to increase Idaho air travel

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Lawmakers in Idaho have considered ways to increase air travel in the state as flights have been reduced or eliminated in recent years, stunting economic growth. Boise State Public Radio reported that Horizon Air stopped direct flights from the Lewiston airport to Boise two years ago and discontinued flights to Boise from Pocatello in 2006 and from Idaho Falls in 2010. Lawmakers have argued that communities with fewer travel options are less attractive to businesses and movers, so they hired a consultant to figure out how to lure airlines back or increase existing flights. Officials say the consultant is scheduled to work on the plan over the next three months.

BC-VIRUS OUTBREAK-HOSPITALIZATIONS

Virus spikes have officials looking to shore up hospitals

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Hospitals around the United States are starting to buckle from a resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with several states setting records for the number of people hospitalized and leaders scrambling to find extra beds and staff. New highs in cases have been reported in states big and small — from Idaho to Ohio — in recent days. With persistent resistance to statewide mask mandates, some states are relying on individuals to do the right thing to stem the tide of the virus. Other states are worried about the spike putting pressures on the health system and are making plans for ensuring those infected get the hospital care they need.