KGOS/KERM Regional News

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KGOSKERM Regional News092809

The Wyoming “Through with Chew” program, which is primarily funded through the Wyoming Department of Health, has been selected to receive a “Vision” Award from the National Association of State and Territorial Health Officers. The Wyoming “Through with Chew” Program began small as a Teton County pilot project in 2002. It has since grown into a statewide effort directed by other agencies, with a goal to lower Wyoming’s spit tobacco usage rates. Wyoming’s use of spit tobacco is markedly higher than the national average. Wendy Applegarth, Coordinator for the Torrington area Community Tobacco Coalition said they have benefitted from the work started by the “Through with Chew” Campaign. Locally, we work with various businesses and agencies Applegarth said, to present our Quit Tobacco Program. Today for example, we will be set up at the Community Hospital Carelink multi-purpose room from 11 to 12:30. Our booth will contain information you can use to assist you with your efforts to stop the use of smoke and chew tobacco. These kits are free of charge and you are invited to stop by and pick them up. Representatives will be available to answer questions. If you are interested in hosting a program at your business or agency, please call Wendy Applegarth at 532-7784. If you missed today’s booth at the Carelink, stop by their office at the Goshen County Court House she said.  

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Interior Secretary Salazar will hold a rural community forum in the Scottsbluff area today as a part of the Obama Administration’s Rural Tour. A number of federal and state officials will join the Secretaries at the forum to discuss agriculture production as well as efforts by the Obama Administration to rebuild and revitalize rural America. They want to listen to local residents and talk about how the federal government can assist them. They hope to discuss solutions to the challenges facing our local Panhandle Communities. Secretaries Vilsack and Salazar will also highlight the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects, benefiting people throughout rural America. Senator Ben Nelson, Governor Dave Heineman, Congressman Adrian Smith and other local officials will join the Secretaries at the form to be held at the Scottsbluff National Monument Amphitheatre, Gering. The doors open at 8:45AM this morning and the program is scheduled to start at 9:30 and run until 10:45. Parking is available at the Farm and Ranch Museum and a shuttle service will be provided.   

Most hunting seasons have opened or about to open in most of Wyoming and hunter Safety is something we don’t want anyone to overlook. Officials from the Wyoming Game and Fish offer a host of tips that if followed will help ensure a safe and enjoyable hunt. And we conclude the hunter safety tips we have been sharing with these: Field Dressing is another aspect of the hunt where extra safety protocols should be observed. The best tip we can offer is to maintain a sharp edge on your knife. It not only makes your work easier, it makes the job safer because you exert less pressure to get the job done. On this last safety tip we remind you to always let someone know where you will be hunting and when you plan to return. Don’t forget, a Hunter Education Course is required for anyone born after January 1, 1966. We hope you have enjoyed these hunter safety tips and good luck on your hunt.

Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal said this about a federal judge’s ruling that returned the grizzly bear of the Greater Yellowstone Area to a “threatened” status under the Endangered Species Act. This is the first in what will be two decisions about grizzly bear delisting. We will want to see what the federal court in Idaho says and weigh our options accordingly, Freudenthal said. A case that virtually mirrors the Montana Case is pending in an Idaho Court. At the very least though, we expect the Fish and Wildlife Service to defend the delisting rule. Of course, first in the Idaho case and also now in the 9^th Circuit as well. To be honest Freudenthal said, my concern up to this point is whether bear numbers in Wyoming are getting too big. Bear counts are higher than they’ve seen them in a long, long time said the Wardens Freudenthal has been talking with.