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GRIZZLY ATTACK
Grizzly injures antler hunter in northwestern Wyoming
CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Officials say a Wyoming man was injured by a grizzly bear while he was searching for antlers east of Yellowstone National Park. The Park County, Wyoming, sheriff's office says 41-year-old Spencer Smith of Cody suffered a severe neck injury and was flown to a Billings hospital after Friday's attack. Sheriff's officials say he is alert and in stable condition. Wyoming Game and Fish officials are investigating the attack. Friday was the first day that shed hunters could go into the backcountry to collect the antlers that elk, deer and moose lost over the winter.
ENERGY LEASES
Judge cancels hundreds of oil, gas leases in Montana
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge has canceled nearly 300 oil and gas leases in Montana. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled Friday the U.S. Bureau of Land Management failed to properly analyze the risks to the environment and water supply before holding the lease sales in 2017 and 2018. The 287 leases cover approximately 227 square miles across central and eastern Montana. BLM officials had concluded the leases followed the law and the risks minimal to natural resources. Three residents and two environmental groups sued, saying the agency didn't consider the effects of shallow hydraulic fracturing. The agency said it stands by its environmental analysis.
VIRUS OUTBREAK-WYOMING
Another 2,886 people file unemployment claims in Wyoming
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — New state and federal data show that another 2,886 people filed for unemployment benefits in Wyoming last week. That raises the total number of unemployment claims in the state to nearly 30,000 people since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in mid-March. The number of applications submitted during the week ending April 25 is down 34% from the previous week. But that is a 909% increase compared to a year ago. There were 404 confirmed coronavirus cases in Wyoming and seven deaths as of Wednesday.
TOURISM ECONOMY ESTIMATE
Estimates show Natrona County tourism to lose up to $1M
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Travel and tourism experts in Wyoming have estimated a $1 million loss in lodging tax revenue by the end of next year as the coronavirus pandemic shuttered travel plans across the country. The Casper Star-Tribune reported that the Natrona County Travel and Tourism Board was offered the estimate as one of three predictions for the county’s future tourism industry based on previous years data. In the worst-case model, officials say the tourism agency could see a $1 million shortfall with an average hotel occupancy of no more than 40% before May 2021, at least 25% less than is considered normal. In the best-case model, the county would lose $500,000 less.
EXCHANGE-ANTLER HUNTERS
Agencies in northwestern Wyoming gear up for antler rush
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — The western Wyoming antler rush is different this year, and not just because it’s happening amid a global pandemic. The town of Jackson has asked shed hunters to stay home. Those who arrive from out of state will be violating a state recommendation for people entering Wyoming to self-quarantine for 14 days. Authorities like Jackson Police Chief Todd Smith are planning for a crowd, though it’s difficult to say if the 800 to 1,000 or so shed hunters who normally come will actually show up.
EXCHANGE-VIRUS OUTBREAK-REOPENING
Some Cheyenne businesses get ready to re-open on Friday
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — After having their doors closed due to statewide health orders for more than a month, a number of Cheyenne businesses are planning to open Friday when the state’s new health order goes into effect. At Trujillo’s Barber Shop, owner Paul Trujillo said they were answering the phone every three minutes, scheduling appointments and letting customers know they’ll be open at 8 a.m. Friday. At Electric Sabbath Tattoo, they’ll be allowing one person in at a time to get tattooed. A customer will be allowed to bring along one additional friend or family member.
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