In Other News ...
The top news stories from Laramie and Albany County as of August 11, 2021.
Welcome to the Laramie Reporter’s “In Other News” segment, a biweekly rundown of the top news stories from Laramie and Albany County as reported by local, state and national media. Subscribe to our newsletter to get this rundown in your inbox every other week.
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Wyoming’s Industrial Siting Council approved the Rail Tie Wind Project. The Laramie Boomerang reports that ConnectGen — the company behind the Rail Tie Project — won this state permit just a week after securing county approval. Now the project just needs an additional federal approval before it can start construction. As with the county approval, state approval comes with additional conditions related to construction and setbacks.
Reading status:Laramie Boomerang paywall
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The Laramie City Council added Fred Schmechel to their ranks. Schmechel is now serving out the remainder of former councilor Jessica Stalder’s unfinished term. Stalder resigned in July, kicking off a replacement process that saw Schmechel chosen over seven other applicants. The new councilor is an assistant director at Impact 307 (formerly the Wyoming Technology Business Center) and a vocal supporter of public art.
Reading status: Open access
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A working group committed to examining police-community relations is meeting behind closed doors. The Laramie City Council established the working group to consider a variety of issues related to policing and report back to the council with recommendations. The activists who fought for the council to take up the policing issue during the summer of 2020 are hoping those recommendations include a civilian oversight board.
Reading status: Open access
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The University of Wyoming is hoping to use federal funds to kickstart a number of planned projects. WyoFile reports the university is requesting $315 million to help establish a School of Computing, a Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a recreation, tourism and hospitality program, as well as recruit faculty and fund its share of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership. The funds would come from the American Recovery Plan and have to be directed to the university by the State Legislature or Gov. Mark Gordon.
Reading status: Open access
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A local crossword puzzle constructor, Adrian Johnson, has seen his work in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. The Laramie Boomerang — which also printed one of Johnson’s puzzles last month — recently highlighted the crossword builder, asking the Laramie High School graduate how he got into the hobby. Johnson described the playfulness inherent in the artform. “There are really no constraints, or things you can or cannot do inherently,” he said. “It’s a puzzle, but it’s also an art.”
Reading status:Laramie Boomerang paywall
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U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch is scheduled to visit the University of Wyoming campus next month. Wyoming Public Media reports the justice will deliver a fireside chat-style forum alongside Wyoming Supreme Court Justice Lynne Boomgaarden. Tickets to the event are free but limited, and faculty, staff and students of the university are given priority.
Reading status: Open access
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As Albany County sees more smoky days, the U.S. Air Quality Index can help residents determine when and if they should go outside. Wyoming Public Media reports that while health decisions are highly individual, members of sensitive groups might not want to venture outside when the AQI is 101 or higher. Even higher AQI’s could mean it’s dangerous for anyone to be, or exercise, outside. And while staying inside can protect you from one smoky day, most homes offer no protection against long duration smoke events.
Reading status: Open access
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