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GUNS IN SCHOOL
Wyoming district to consider draft guns-in-school policy
GILLETTE, Wyo, (AP) — A school board in Wyoming is about to consider a proposal to allow teachers and other school employees to carry concealed guns. Campbell County School District officials plan to present a detailed proposal they've written to the school board Tuesday. If approved after two readings, the district would become Wyoming's fourth to allow teachers and others to carry concealed guns on campus. Under the proposal, any employee who wanted to carry a concealed firearm on school district property would need to apply with the superintendent. They would need to comply with a range of requirements including firearms training and psychological testing.
MISSING GIRL-FUNERAL
More than 1,000 attend funeral for Hardin girl
HARDIN, Mont. (AP) — More than 1,000 people attended the funeral for a 16-year-old girl who died of hypothermia after reportedly walking away from an Interstate 90 rest stop on New Year's Day. The body of Selena Not Afraid was found on Jan. 20. Her funeral was held Sunday in the gym at Hardin High School, where she was a student. Her grandfather told the students to seek help from counselors in dealing with their emotions. Middle school teacher John Joyce recalled Selena's laughter, saying it sometimes sidelined schoolwork, but it was good for the soul.
CHILD MARRIAGE
Wyoming lawmaker trying again to raise minimum marriage age
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A state lawmaker seeks to raise the minimum age for legal marriage in Wyoming. Wyoming allows marriage at 16 but people even younger may wed with approval by a parent or guardian, and from a judge. A bill banning child marriages failed 31-26 in the Wyoming House in 2019. Democratic Rep. Charles Pelkey, of Laramie, is sponsoring a new bill that would raise the limit to 18 in nearly every scenario, with an exception for juveniles fully emancipated in the court system. Pelkey says the bill is part of an effort to eliminate child marriage nationwide.
LAWMAKERS PAY-INCREASE BILL
Wyoming bill would raise daily expense money for lawmakers
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A bill to increase the money allotted to cover the daily expenses of Wyoming state lawmakers has been filed for the state's 2020 legislative session. KGAB-AM reports the bill would increase the allowance for expenses such as meals and lodging from $109 to $151 daily. The legislation would also direct the Wyoming Auditor's Office to adjust the per diem rate every July 1 in accordance with the standard set by the U.S. General Services Administration. A fiscal note attached to the bill says the anticipated cost is about $266,000 for fiscal year 2021 and $225,000 for fiscal year 2022.
WYOMING-LODGING TAX
Wyoming's governor reiterates support for lodging tax
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming's governor is reiterating his support for s a statewide lodging tax to boost state revenue. Republican Gov. Mark Gordon says a lodging tax is the only new tax he would support. Gordon told reporters and editors at the Wyoming Press Association's winter convention in Casper a lodging tax would make Wyoming's tourism promotion efforts more self-sufficient. A 5% statewide lodging tax passed the Wyoming House but failed in the Senate in 2019. The tax would have generated about $20 million a year. A four-week legislative session devoted primarily to the state budget begins Feb. 10.
GYPSUM PLANT CLOSING
Wyoming gypsum manufacturing facility to close April 3
CODY, Wyo. (AP) — A drywall plant in Wyoming is set to close this spring. Officials at CertainTeed recently told employees the Cody plant will close April 3. Fifty people work at the gypsum manufacturing plant. CertainTeed spokesperson Lauren Howe says the company owned by France-based Saint Gobain is working to sell the facility. Company officials say affected employees will be able to pursue other positions in the organization.
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