In Other News ...
The top news stories from Laramie and Albany County as of June 15, 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 regional media. Subscribe to my newsletter to get this list in your inbox every other week.
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Derek Colling resigned after more than two years of public outcry surrounding his continued employment. The former Albany County Sheriff’s Deputy shot and killed Robbie Ramirez in November 2018, sparking a widespread, sustained movement calling for police accountability. Colling is the third high-profile figure to resign from their post since the 2018 shooting. He follows former Sheriff Dave O’Malley, who hired Colling despite the man’s violent past, and former County and Prosecuting Attorney Peggy Trent. Trent came under fire after she declined to bring in a special prosecutor for the case and instead convened a grand jury, which failed to indict Colling on a manslaughter charge.
Reading status: Open access
https://laramiereporter.substack.com/p/derek-colling-resigns-31-months-after
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Laramie PrideFest is in full swing, with events planned throughout the month of June. PrideFest runs until the last weekend of the month, when organizers will host a Drag and Burlesque show, a Pride in the Park celebration, and a candlelight vigil honoring Matthew Shepard. A full calendar of upcoming events can be found by following the Laramie Reporter link below.
Reading status: Open access
https://laramiereporter.substack.com/p/laramie-pridefest-in-full-swing
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An advocate and an opponent of wind development in Albany County came together for a civil debate hosted by Wyoming Public Radio. The latest entry in reporter Melodie Edwards’ “I Respectfully Disagree” series, the debate brought together Kelly Schroeder of Better Wyoming and Peter Bishop of Albany County Conservancy. While Shroeder argues that wind development would bring in substantial tax revenues and contribute to the fight against climate change, Bishop argues that there are also downsides to wind development. The entire civil discourse can be viewed in full on the Wyoming Public Media website.
Reading status: Open access
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No downtown restaurant, bar or shop went out of business during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Laramie Boomerang reports. This was stated by Laramie Main Street Alliance Director Trey Sherwood (who is also Wyoming House Representative for District 14) during a Laramie City Council work session last month. Sherwood also said the alliance is supporting efforts to establish apartments downtown in the often unused or under-used second stories above shops and restaurants.
Reading status:Laramie Boomerang paywall
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The University of Wyoming Black Studies Center will host a virtual forum in July countering attacks on critical race theory, the Casper Star-Tribune reports. The July 2 event includes a discussion about “strategies to teach the harsh realities of American history.” Following the event, the Black Studies Center will host a month-long virtual book study of Ibram X. Kendi’s bestseller How to be an Antiracist.
Reading status:Casper Star-Tribune paywall
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