KGOS/KERM Regional News

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Mike Murphy, Warden of the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (WMCI) told KGOS/KERM things are on schedule for meeting their time lines for planned opening. According to Warden Murphy, the WMCI Staff is heavily involved with many projects including recruiting, testing and hiring. They are in need of people to fill various positions such correction officers, maintenance, food services, clerical staff and so on. The prison is still in need of around 350 employees Murphy stated. While their recruiting efforts have included searches wide and far, he shared this comment about recent trends:

“Well we do have a substantial number of people from outside the area who have expressed and interest in applying, however I have noticed an uptick in the number of people locally who are applying for jobs, and I think the other day we had between 15 and 17 people locally that we tested for jobs”.

Murphy voiced his appreciation for the Goshen County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Hometown Neighbor project. Providing mentors to assist assimilating prison workers into our community is going to be a big help in recruiting efforts.    

 The sound of jack hammers could be heard on south main street yesterday as workers removed the base anchors that have held a familiar land mark in Torrington for over 50 years. The sign that adorned that spot marked a family business that began in 1954, Covello Motor. When we spoke with Cactus Covello about the closing of his car dealership, a dealership that has featured Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac, GMC, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, he said there was no point dwelling on negatives. Things happen that are sometimes out of your control. Cactus said he just remembers all the friends he and his wife Jeri have made through the years. Covello concluded by saying their final day of business is Monday August 31^st so if they can be of help answering questions about service, etc, feel free to stop by.   

 FEMA research provides new insights on personal preparedness. Since September is National Preparedness Month, local Emergency Management personnel and First Responders wish to advise you about your SHARED RESPONSIBILITY. The survey results indicate most people who are not prepared to handle home emergencies said they felt emergency responders would provide everything necessary. While the survey draws erroneous conclusions, it clearly points out the need for families to look more closely at ways to cover their own needs for food, water, medicine and so forth, enough to cover each family member for up to 72 hours. Fire drills are also a must for families with small children and a plan of where to meet once outside the house are just some of the tips offered by first responders.

The public is invited to provide their input into the Future of Wyoming State Parks, historic sites and trails. The town hall style meeting is tonight 5 to 7PM at the Pinnacle Bank in Torrington. State Parks Administrator Domenic Bravo is seeking public comment on the rough draft entitled *Sour 2013*. Bravo states, the strategic plan can be an important roadmap to the future as you help chart market trends, public wants and needs.