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DEPORTATIONS ARRESTS DECLINE
ICE arrests, deportations declining in Colorado and Wyoming
DENVER (AP) — A federal report has shown fewer people in Colorado and Wyoming were arrested or deported this year for living illegally in the United States compared with last year. The Denver Post reported that the report released Wednesday showed about 3,100 people were deported and about 2,400 people were arrested from the two states compared to last year. Officials say that shows about 130 less people were deported and about 350 less people were arrested compared to last year. Immigration officials attribute the decline to local sanctuary laws and the diversion of resources to the U.S.-Mexico border.
WYOMING BUDGET-CORRECTIONS
Wyoming prisons chief pushes for funding amid low staffing
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming's corrections chief says inadequate staffing is a significant problem in the prison system. The Department of Corrections director told the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee on Thursday that two facilities would be on lockdown most of the time without staff receiving major overtime pay. He calls the facilities' staffing “critically low.” He says Wyoming needs more prison space, even as Gov. Mark Gordon proposes steep cuts to state construction spending. The corrections chief testified as the committee meets in Cheyenne to discuss priorities for an upcoming session devoted primarily to the budget.
COAL BANKRUPTCY
Wyoming: 31 Blackjewel workers still owed $164,000
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming officials say a bankrupt coal company has failed to pay 31 workers $164,000 in wages and benefits. They say the number of workers owed money is likely higher but few have filed claims with the state out of fear of retaliation. Milton, West Virginia-based Blackjewel owed over 500 Wyoming workers unpaid wages and benefits when the company filed for bankruptcy July 1 and closed the gates at two Wyoming mines now owned by a Navajo Nation company. Wyoming officials say Blackjewel hasn't documented payments it says it has made to workers. Blackjewel officials didn't respond to a request for comment Thursday.
TRIBE-CHILD PROTECTION
Wyoming, tribe to work on child protection funding issues
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming and Northern Arapaho officials plan to assess a child protective services program that the tribe says is underfunded. The Casper Star-Tribune reports the Northern Arapaho program is managed by the tribe and funded with help from the state. Gov. Mark Gordon and tribal leaders have agreed to form a panel to examine funding levels and possible improvements. The two-year, $4.3 million contract pays for social workers, foster families, counseling and other services. The contract expires at the end of June. Northern Arapaho Business Council Chairman Lee Spoonhunter says the program's goal will still be to protect children and reunite them with their parents.
COLORADO RIVER-DROUGHT PLAN
US officials to review deal on sharing Colorado River water
Federal water managers are starting to review a crucial 2007 agreement for seven Western states to share drought-diminished water supplies from the Colorado River ahead talks about revising and renewing it beginning in 2026. U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said Friday that he wants a report next December. The 2007 guidelines established a schedule of water cutbacks to states if levels keep falling at two key reservoirs. The review comes as the states are enacting a separate drought contingency plan signed this year. It has Arizona and Nevada committed to taking less water from the river in a bid to prop up reservoir levels and avoid more severe cuts in the 2007 guidelines.
DOMESTIC HOMICIDE-CASPER
Bail set at $100K for Wyoming man charged with killing wife
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Bail has been set at $100,000 for a central Wyoming man charged with killing his wife last month. Rodney Smith made an initial court appearance Monday on a charge of manslaughter and being a habitual criminal. He did not enter a plea and no attorney was present to represent him. Court records say Anne Mae Smith was found dead at her residence on Nov. 30. Investigators say Rodney Smith told them she had tried to leave the house on Nov. 29 and he stopped her, causing her to fall and hit her head. He said he realized she was dead the next morning and called 911. She died from bleeding in her brain.
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