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WINTRY WEATHER-WYOMING
Roads reopen in southern Wyoming, but blow-over risk remains
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Roads are reopening after blowing snow closed routes across much of southern Wyoming. Interstate 80 and U.S. 287 in southern Wyoming reopened Friday afternoon. South of Rock Springs, Wyoming 430 reopened to local traffic but U.S. 191 remained closed. The National Weather Service has posted a blizzard warning for the Arlington area through Saturday morning. The Wyoming Department of Transportation warns of an “extreme blow-over risk” for tractor-trailers and other light, high-profile vehicles between Cheyenne and the Arlington area. The Weather Service says strong winds will continue in southeastern and central Wyoming through Saturday night. Gusts up to 75 mph could occur in some areas.
ABORTION-WYOMING
Wyoming delegation urges court to overturn abortion ruling
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Members of the Wyoming congressional delegation in Washington have signed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a case protecting the right to have an abortion without excessive restriction from the government. Casper Star-Tribune reported that the brief filed Thursday argues criteria for the 1973 abortion rights ruling in Roe v. Wade for what qualifies as an undue burden on abortion access are unworkable. State officials say the three Wyoming lawmakers have been consistent voters against abortion rights. Officials say the brief includes 39 Republican senators and 168 representatives, only two are Democrats.
WYOMING-DEATH PENALTY
Wyoming lawmaker announces new death-penalty repeal attempt
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A conservative group and the American Civil Liberties Union both support a state lawmaker's plan to try again to repeal the death penalty in Wyoming. Republican Rep. Jared Olsen of Cheyenne said Thursday he will sponsor a death-penalty repeal bill during a legislative session that begins Feb. 10. Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty, a group with Montana roots that now has an office in Wyoming, also supports the effort. Lawmakers have introduced or drafted death-penalty repeal bills for several years. Last year, a repeal bill got far more support than usual, clearing the House and several committee votes before defeat in the Senate.
POWER PLANT-FUTURE
Montana coal power plant closing two units built in 1970s
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — One of the largest coal-fired power plants in the western U.S. will close two of its four units within days as the Montana facility edges toward an eventual total shutdown. Talen Energy spokeswoman Taryne Williams said Thursday that Colstrip Units 1 and 2 will close by Jan. 5 or as soon as they run out of coal. The plant that started producing electricity in 1975 and employs about 300 people has become increasingly uneconomical amid competition from renewable energy and cheap natural gas. Williams says the company wants to avoid layoffs and employees for now will turn to decommissioning work that will last through mid-2020.
HEADLESS DEER DISCOVERED
Headless deer wrapped in plastic discovered in Wyoming
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Investigators in Wyoming have reported a possible poaching case after someone found a deer without its head wrapped in a black plastic bag. Jackson Hole News & Guide reported Tuesday that the carcass was found along Ski Hill Road about 3 miles from Alta. Wyoming Game and Fish Department officials say Jackson Game Warden Kyle Lash performed a necropsy on the mule deer in December, but it was too decomposed to take any samples for disease testing. Officials say it appears the headless deer was there for a few weeks. An investigation is ongoing. Authorities say anyone with information is encouraged to call the state wildlife department.
WYOMING LANDMARKS SOLD
Investment group buys 2 well-known Wyoming landmarks
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — An investment group has purchased two of Wyoming's most recognizable structures. The Wells Fargo bank site in downtown Casper includes an onion-shaped building and a concrete spire almost 180 feet (54 meters) tall. Property records show Tri Opportunity Investment Group, LLC, has purchased the site. Plans for the site are unclear. The group is tied to Joe and Diane McGinley, who didn't respond to requests for comment. The bank building, originally occupied by Wyoming National Bank, dates to 1964. The spire was completed in 1968. The spire used to feature an electronic time-and-temperature display that was the tallest of its kind in the world.
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