CHEYENNE, Wyo. – In a ceremony at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, in Cheyenne, more than 60 airmen received their degree and celebrated earning their non-commissioned officer ranks May 6.

During the ceremony, leadership of the 153rd Airlift Wing celebrated the airmen’s promotion to either staff or master sergeant. “It’s not an easy process to be selected to be a master sergeant or senior master sergeant. We go through a particular vetting process that is done deliberately and by design,” said Col. Paul Lyman, commander of the 153rd. “The reason we do that is because these are first and second line leaders for our organization. You are now responsible for our most valuable resource and that resource is our airmen.”

Airmen must complete a number of tasks before they are able to earn these ranks. They must complete an Air Force mandated series of professional military education and meet a board of higher-ranking members before they are deemed fit to be a NCO or a senior NCO.

In the same ceremony, the 153rd recognized airmen who earned a Community College of the Air Force degree in a number of different fields. Some of the unit’s oldest and youngest members were presented with their diplomas. The Air Force awards the degrees, typically related to their career field, to enlisted airmen who successfully pass a number of required classes to earn it.

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Media contact:
Public Affairs Office: email ng.wy.wyarng.list.pao-distribution@mail.mil
Deidre Forster 307-772-5253; cell 307- 631-4153; email deidre.m.forster.nfg@mail.mil
Maj. Thomas Blackburn 307-772-5229; email thomas.w.blackburn.mil@mail.mil
Capt. Megan Hoffmann 307-772-5935; email megan.n.hoffmann.mil@mail.mil
Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire 307-772-5235; email james.p.mcguire.mil@mail.mil

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard were
recognized for completing Community College of the Air Force degree, May 6, 2017 at the
Trails End club in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Almost 50 Airmen assigned to the wing received
their Associate of Science degree in their Air Force specialty. (U.S. Air National Guard photo
by Senior Master Sgt. Charles Delano/released)

City of Cheyenne Madam Mayor Marian Orr shared on a Facebook video a quick progress report regarding the “Fight the Blight” Task Force she promised to create during her campaign.

“The 7 Member Task Force has been hard at work ever since.” shared Madam Mayor Orr, “The Task Force has been busy compiling an inventory of unsafe and abandoned buildings. They have created a criteria of what constitutes blight.”

The Task Force shared with the City Council their finding and recommendation during last City Council night’s meeting. Check it out!

(Cheyenne, Wyo.) – Here is a recap of law enforcement arrests around the county from May 4 – May 7. All persons arrested or cited are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filing from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.

Tyler Bartlett, 21, Cheyenne, P/P Violator Arrest w/o Warrant

Trey Ellis, 22, Cheyenne, Probation Violation

Snania Hansen, 21, Cheyenne, Probation Violation

Steven Hashaw, 28, Cheyenne, Fail to Maintain Lane, DUI

Michelle Indre, 31, Cheyenne, Court Order

Vicki Johnson, 59, Cheyenne, Unlawful Entry onto Property, Violent-Tumultous to Property

Betsy Kopcho, 28, Cheyenne, Possession Marijuana

Alex Kopcho-Foster, 31, Cheyenne, NCIC Hold, NCIC Hit Person, Possession Methamphetamine, Endanger Child, Felon Possess Weapon, Stolen Property, Electric Flashing Turn Signals

Marlon Lesley, 44, Cheyenne, Suspended Drivers License, Altered Plate, Sticker, Permit, Expired or Improper Registration, Display of Plates

Kayla Moody, 29, Cheyenne, Fail to Appear, District Court Warrant, Probation Violation, Failure to Pay

Shawna Ornelaz, 40 Transient Cheyenne, Failure to Appear

Cristian Stolz, 32, Cheyenne, Suspended Drivers License, Possession Methamphetamine, Violate Protection Order

Karl Vongettrost Jr., 23, Cheyenne, Motor Vehicle Theft, Possession Methamphetamine, Interference with Peace Officer, Possession Cocaine, Possession Marijuana, Fleeing/Eluding, Failure to Appear

Vincent Ward, 31, Transient Cheyenne, Forgery

Kirk Miller, 36, Cheyenne, Failure to Comply

Benjamin Begay, 52, Transient Cheyenne, Public Intoxication, Unlawful Entry onto Property

Justin Bickerstaff, 47, Cheyenne, WY Warrant

Joshua Bumford, 40, Cheyenne, Failure to Comply, Failure to Pay

Moriah Carabajal, 20, Cheyenne, Possession of Marijuana, Interference with Peace Officer

Evelyn Cooper, 29, Cheyenne, Suspended Drivers License, Possession Methamphetamine

Francesca Cox, 38, Cheyenne, DUI, No Proof of Liability Insurance

David Cruz, 35, Transient Cheyenne, Failure to Register as Sex Offender, Possession of Powdery Substance

Charles Frauendienst, 29, Cheyenne, Possession Methamphetamine, DUI, Proof of Liability Insurance

Max Gallo, 32, Transient Cheyenne, Assault AGG Threat w/Weapon, Strangulation of a Household Member, Probation Violation, Domestic Battery

Brandon Hepner, 26, Cheyenne, Public Intoxication

Joshua Hernandez, 30, Cheyenne, P/P Violator Arrest w/o Warrant

Bernadette Herrera, 41, Cheyenne, Possession Methamphetamine

Jamar Jackson, 32, Cheyenne, Forgery

Treyon Jones, 24, Transient Cheyenne, District Court Warrant – Probation Violation

Terry King Jr., 28, Transient Cheyenne, Forgery – Possession Writings (Devices), Conspiracy

Shawn Kirsch, 45, Cheyenne, Fighting, Riotous Conduct, Public Intoxication

Jessica Lira, 33, La Salle, CO, Possession of Powdery Substance, Possession Marijuana, District Court Warrant FTC, Giving False Identity

James Little, 39, Cheyenne, Open Intoxicant, Public Intoxication

Lea Mata, 42, Cheyenne, DUI

Dominic Meyers, 28, Cheyenne, Possession Methamphetamine, Interference with Peace Officer

Christopher Nelson, 43, Cheyenne, Domestic Assualt

Shawna Ornelaz, 40, Cheyenne, Probation Violation

Aaron Perlmutter, 43, Denver, CO, DUI, Possession Marijuana, Driving Under Suspension

Shanda Phillips-Georgius, 36, Cheyenne, Failure to Appear

David Tew, 32, Transient, Possession of Liquid, Interference with Peace Officer

Lucas Walker, 29, WY, DUI, Drivers License Expiration and Renewal

Christopher Worgull-Cussimanio, 23

The Climb Wyoming’s Cheyenne program is recruiting for their next training.  On Monday, May 15th they are hosting an informational meeting.  To learn more or if you are ready to join the Climb program click here.

When: June, 9th 2017 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Where: The Historic Atlas Theater – 211 W Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001

Buy Tickets: tedxcheyenne.com/events/reckless

We believe passionately in the power of ideas that change attitudes, lives and ultimately the world.

In this spirit, TEDxCheyenne strives to bring together some of the west’s more inspired thinkers and a community of curious souls.

TEDxCheyenne is an expression of the diverse and multifaceted being that is TED. We are excited to showcase Wyoming’s capitol city and offer “ideas worth spreading” right here in our own backyard.

2017’s theme is “Reckless”, which we define as “fearlessness in discovering the new or unknown.

The 2017 Speakers

Eric Trowbridge: Finding Finland in the Wild West

Learn about a coding and design school in rural America, which was inspired by the phenomenon that is the Finnish educational system, and how they are going against the status quo to build better students and a better school.

Mandie Shattuck: Coming Home

This heartfelt presentation will give you a closer look into the trials and lessons of returning home in order to be a caretaker for a precious commodity; family. Speaker, Mandie Shattuck, will use her best sense of humor, and articulation, to share her realities of facing aging and mortality along side her 90-year-old grandmother.

Ken Chestek: Of Metaphors and Magic Wands: Are Corporations Really People?

One of the most destructive metaphors in public policy in recent years is the notion that “corporations are people.” Some legal scholars justify this construct as a mere legal fiction; in reality it is a metaphor run amuck. UW law professor Ken Chestek will discuss how, by simply choosing a more useful metaphor, more just results would follow.

Jason Begger: How rural, west America is depoliticizing carbon

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead surprised many three years ago when he said that the time for debate over climate change was over. In coal-rich, deeply Republican Wyoming, this was unprecedented and set in motion a project that brought together diverse private and public sector partners. However, these unlikely allies have one shared goal – to reduce carbon emissions.

Annalee Irani: Growth Amidst Fear and the Unknown

How we can dare to be fearless and what we have to gain through unknown, uncertain and sometimes uncomfortable experiences. Through my own fearless and reckless tuk-tuk journey down the western coast of India, I learned to trust myself, and the world around me, to be comfortable in my own skin.

Julie Smith: The Damage of Difficult: How Labels are Negatively Affecting Teens

What happens when teens consistently hear they are difficult? In this compelling talk, learn how our words are stripping adolescents from their sense of self and how we can disrupt this damage and shame with a few simple shifts in our own language and behavior.

The Sponsors

TEDxCheyenne is made possible with significant sponsorship from Pinnacle Bank and the videography team at West Edge Collective.

“Without the financial support from Pinnacle Bank , and the creative skills of West Edge collective , TEDxCheyenne wouldn’t exist. These partnerships have allowed us to build an innovative, community-driven event in Wyoming’s capitol city.”

– TEDxCheyenne Team

About TEDx, x = independently organized event

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TED

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today’s leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED’s annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available, free, on TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.

TED’s open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from thousands of volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; the annual million-dollar TED Prize, which funds exceptional individuals with a “wish,” or idea, to create change in the world; TEDx, which provides licenses to thousands of individuals and groups who host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.

Follow TED on Twitter at http://twitter.com/TEDTalks, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TED or Instagram at https://instagram.com/ted.

About the featured performers:

Casting an artful sound with lyrical purpose that nods to Soulful Americana, Roots-Rock and vintage Country-Blues, quartet SCREEN DOOR PORCH (Jackson Hole, WY) is akin to Stevie Nicks meets The Band, with Ryan Adams and Bonnie Raitt hanging out backstage (605 Magazine). Its grooving, electrified porch music adorned with the soulful pipes of Seadar Rose and propped-up by Aaron Daviss gritty slide guitar, quirky banjo pickin, and an infectious rollercoaster of a live show. Screen Door Porchs album Modern Settler was voted Album of the Year by Wyoming Public Radio listeners, while the bands fourth release Pay it Forward (2017) showcases the rawness of their acoustic roots heroes combined with the spirit of late 60s/70s golden era rock and roll. Performances from Treefort Fest to SXSW have been praised by many publications including Paste Magazine, which called the band an impressive musical discovery.

A finalist in the 2016 NewSong Music Songwriting Competition, JSHOGREN from Centennial, WY (pop 100, 4 bars) has a singular vision of what he is doing musicallyRoots & folk music filtered through a contemporary dissonant transmitter. Shogren’s backstory is kinda wild…musician trapper economist who worked for the King of Sweden and President Clinton, was a party to the Nobel Peace prize with VP Al Gore…and writes songs about Salvation and Lutefisk…wild. Known as Catawampus American music, Shogren shows up with a lived-in rasp of a voice, acoustic guitars, a mandolin and a batch of his own songs and some well-traveled numbers by cohorts from another time.

LOW WATER STRING BAND (Lander, WY) is an indie bluegrass quartet featuring Jared Scott (banjo), Joe LeFevere (mandolin/fiddle), Annie Scott (upright bass), and Stuart Cerovski (guitar). The band has been pickin their way out of Lander since 2012 and released their first album of eleven original songs last year. Performances have been turning heads around the region and include Whatfest, NoWoodstock Fest, and Big Horn Folk Festival. Low Water String Band is currently recording their second album to be released in 2017.

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During the last Wyoming legislative session Governor Matt Mead signed in a bill on March 3rd, 2017 forming the ENDOW Executive Council. This Council is dedicated to strategic planning toward economically needed diversity options for Wyoming. Governor Matt Mead is the Chairman and his Co-Chair is Greg Hill, a Wyoming mechanical engineer with extensive expertise in the oil and gas industry.

The first meeting for the appointed ENDOW Executive Council was held in Cheyenne, Wyoming at the Laramie County Community College. Discussed was the primary reasons of this Council and the overall time-line. The goal is to have a plan finished by the 2017 and to spend 2018 executing the overall plan. The purpose of the first meeting was to get “grounded” according to Hill and this is one of 6 meetings scheduled for the year.

Further explained during the day’s session was the role the Council will be playing in planning economic development. A goal will be to identify potential industries and understand the needs of business prospects when getting them to relocate and expand in Wyoming.

“Long-range strategic planning is a critical part of economic development and growth. Therefore, we look forward to seeing what comes out of the ENDOW Executive Council’s work.” stated Stephanie Joy Meisner-Maggard, Vice President of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce and also, Legislative Chair on the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She added, “It would be our hopes to gain from this process a stronger understanding of the State’s perspective on economic development efforts in our respective areas that we can then apply to our day to day efforts in creating prosperous communities.”

This initiative was signed into law, meaning it is an ongoing initiative and program of the State of Wyoming unless legislative action take place as described by Jerimiah Rieman, Director of Economic Diversification Strategy and Initiatives. The session today included presenters focused on orientation, State economic data and discussion on overall takeaways. The session concluded with a reception at the Cheyenne Depot.

Below are the Facebook Live Videos featuring today’s meeting.

The Loft Collectibles, located in downtown Cheyenne took a leap of faith in bringing Cheyenne it’s very own Comic Con in 2016. The event was a fun experience for all who attended last year and the fun is to continue. The Cheyenne Comic Con starts today, Friday, May 12th and goes through Sunday, May 14th at the Frontier Park Cheyenne Exhibit Hall, North side of West 8th Avenue, at Dey Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Learn more by visiting www.cheyennecomiccon.com.

Here is a video featuring captured moments by Visit Cheyenne from last year’s convention.

The votes are in! Here is the recap of  the 6th Penny election that was held in Laramie County.  While seven of the nine propositions passed, the two that didn’t were close.  To see which projects are associated with each proposition, click here.

Propositions 1, 2, 4 and 8 narrowly passed, while Propositions 3, 5 and 9 passed by wide margins.

Proposition 1 – For: 50.3% Against: 49.6% PASS *RECOUNTED on WEDNESDAY

Proposition 2 – For: 51% Against: 49% PASS

Proposition 3 – For: 60% Against: 40% PASS

Proposition 4 – For: 51% Against: 49% PASS

Proposition 5 – For: 63% Against: 37% PASS

Proposition 6 – For: 48% Against: 52% FAIL

Proposition 7 – For: 49% Against: 51% FAIL

Proposition 8 – For: 51% Against: 49% PASS

Proposition 9 – For: 58% Against: 42% PASS

Official election results here.

In addition to the 6th Penny election there were several small towns in Laramie County that held elections for Mayor and City Council Representatives.

Burns re-elected their Mayor and Pine Bluffs elected a new Mayor and two new City Council Members.

“I’ve had numerous conversations with business owners who are upset with the availability, prices, and speeds for high-speed broadband,” Orr said.  “Studies have shown in cities across the country that competition drives down prices.  We need to enable more competition.”

(Cheyenne, Wyo.) – Here is a recap of law enforcement arrests around the county from May 8 – May 10. All persons arrested or cited are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law. Charges are subject to change following official filing from the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office.

Leon Espinoza, 38, Cheyenne, Domestic Assault, False Imprisonment, Reckless Endangering Conduct

Jesus Gracia, 22, Cheyenne, Accessory, Stolen Property

Harley Hallett, 18, Cheyenne, WY Warrant

Mathew Jacoby, 49, Cheyenne, Failure to Comply

Steven Pritchard, 24, Cheyenne, Destruction Property <$1000

Nicholas Rierson, 24, Transient Cheyenne, Destruction Property <$1000

Gary Vallez, 23, Cheyenne, Fail to Appear

Christopher Walton, 36, Transient, Posses/Use Drugs Marijuana Type, Refusing to Obey, Unlawful Entry onto Property

David Young, 32, Gillette, WY, Failure to Appear

Nicholas Amacher, 27, Transient Cheyenne, Failure to Appear

Alicia Garcia, 18, Transient, Failure to Appear

Rayanna Ingersoll, 29, Cheyenne, Court Order Hold

Nancy Kenworthy, 51, Cheyenne, DUI

Rodrigo Martinez-Franco, 18, Cheyenne, Theft >$1000, Burglary-AGG Deadly Weapon

Eric Maxfield, 37, Cheyenne, DUI – Controlled Substance, Duty to Stop, Reckless Driving

Andre McNeill, 20, Cheyenne, Failure to Appear, Driving under Cancelled, Susspended or Revoked License, Giving False Identity

Adrian Romero, 48, Domestic Battery

Donald Westbrook Jr., 24, Failure to Pay

Taylor Bassett, 28, Transient Cheyenne, Probation Violation

Carl Butler II, 48, Cheyenne, Interfering/Obstructing, Resist Arrest, Interference with Peace Officer

Geneviene Carabajal, 28, Cheyenne, Warrant – Failure to Appear,

Kelly Chavez, 45, Transient Cheyenne, Public Intoxication, Profane, Obscene, Provacative Language, Unlawful Entry onto Property

Christopher Dickinson, 27, Tranient AL, District Court Warrant – Probation Violation

Jacob Hair, 25, Cheyenne, District Court Warrant – Probation Violation

Sabrina Logan, 23, Cheyenne, Refusing to Obey, Resist Arrest

Valente Lopez, 34, Cheyenne, P/P Violator Arrest w/0 Warrant

Blaise Padilla, 27, Cheyenne, Failure to Appear

Zachary Page, 19, Child Abuse

Roy Stewart Jr., 57, WY, Failure to Pay

Landon Sullivan, Carpenter, WY, Destruction Property <$1000

Michael Yates, 46, Cheyenne, District Warrant – Probation Violation

The Wing Shack is excited to announce the opening of its first location in the great state of Wyoming on Wednesday, May 17th. Wing Shack Cheyenne, which is located at 1439 Stillwater Avenue, will be the company’s newest location. The regional favorite offers a family friendly atmosphere serving folks fresh wings and local beers in a casual dining room. Wing Shack also offers take-out ordering for quick weeknight dinners and group ordering for events large and small.

The Wing Shack has been able to grow from humble roots to its 6th location by serving the finest quality chicken wings tossed in a variety of homemade buffalo sauces. From the kid-friendly mild sauce to the taste-bud incinerating Bear Hot, the Wing Shack has a flavor to please everyone. In addition to the region’s best wings, the Wing Shack’s menu offers a wide variety of choices including sandwiches, fresh cut salads, delicious desserts and more. By holding true to its founding values of preparing delicious food cooked fresh to order and providing great service, the Wing Shack has been able to slowly expand throughout Northern Colorado to its newest location opening next week in Cheyenne. President and founder Brian Seifried:

“We have wanted to expand North to Cheyenne for quite some time – the city has a great energy with an atmosphere that is friendly to independent restaurant like ours We are proud to call Cheyenne our new home and excited to become part of the community.”

The Wing Shack will introduce itself to the Cheyenne community by donating 10% of all sales to Cheyenne Habitat for Humanity and Safehouse Services of Cheyenne during its Grand Opening weekend. The Wing Shack will also be running several different specials to celebrate its first location in Wyoming, including discounted wings, free desserts, and family friendly offers. For a detailed list of all the specials and events during the grand opening, please visit https://wingshackwings.com/wingshackwyo/

Wing Shack is invested in the Cheyenne area and is also a member of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

Where: Cheyenne Public Safety Center (415 W. 18th Street).

When: May 21, 2017

Time: 9:00

Police Week
The Wyoming Law Enforcement Memorial 5K Run will take place during Police Week. All proceeds from the run will go to the Wyoming Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. All racers will receive a Wyoming Law Enforcement Memorial 5K Run Tech Shirt.

The Wyoming Law Enforcement Memorial was initiated in 2011 by a combined effort of several Cheyenne area law enforcement agencies including security forces at FE Warren AFB. A charity was organized to raise funds towards the design and production of a bronze sculpture that will honor all Wyoming Fallen Peace Officers. It will be created by a Wyoming artist and will be honorably placed on the Wyoming State Capital grounds in Cheyenne. Even after the unveiling and dedication of this commemorative statue, the charity will continue. The fund will forever be in place to assist the spouses and families of Wyoming fallen officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Over 60 Wyoming Peace Officers have been lost in the line of duty…..but none are forgotten.

Learn more or register here.

Peace Officers Memorial Day

President John F. Kennedy declared the first Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, 1962, as a tribute to peace officers and in honor of peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, lost their lives or became disabled in the line of duty. This day has been observed in our country annually ever since.
On this day, and every day, it is fitting to honor those peace officers who gave their lives to protect ours, and to thank the law enforcement officers who serve for their dedication and service to our communities.
In accordance with Flag Code section 7(m), the United States flag is to be displayed at half-staff for the entire day in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Monday, May 15, 2017. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week.”

Listed below are the dates, times and locations of the upcoming City of Cheyenne high school graduations. Congratulations in advance to all the soon to be grads!

• Triumph High will hold its graduation ceremony Thursday, May 25 at 4 p.m., in the multipurpose gym at Laramie County Community College.
• Central High will hold its graduation ceremony Friday, May 26, at 4 p.m., at Riske Field.
• East High will holds its graduation ceremony Saturday, May 27, at 10 a.m., at Okie Blanchard Stadium.
• South High will hold its graduation ceremony Saturday, May 27, at 1 p.m. at Bison Stadium.

*In case of inclement weather, the East, Central and South ceremonies will be held at Storey Gymnasium.

With the recent Google phishing scam coming to light, Pinnacle Bank wants to remind everyone there are precautionary measures you can take to help protect yourself against fraud. You can take your security to the next level with our Diamond Secure Account. This new checking account provides you with valuable financial features and comprehensive protection. You will receive Identity Theft Protection and Cell Phone Protection and for a limited time, Pinnacle Bank is offering this account with no monthly services charge for three months. Contact your nearest branch to find out more.

What You Get With a Diamond Secure Account:

• Identify Fraud Expense Reimbursement Coverage
• Comprehensive Identity Theft Resolution Services
• 3-in-1 Credit File Monitoring
• 3-in-1 Credit Report
• Total Identity Monitoring
• Cell Phone Protection

This account is only $4 per statement cycle. Speak with a representative for complete details of the checking account.

Open a Diamond Secure Account or switch your current account today with Pinnacle Bank!

“Rock the Block” is a fun opportunity to enjoy the downtown Cheyenne area with live music, food trucks, beer and giveaways. The festivities will be held on Saturday, June 10th at 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The music line-up includes:

• Whippoorwill
• Elise Wunder
• Matthew Santos
• Write Minded
• Kerry Pastine & the Crime Scene

To learn more about this event, visit HERE.

In a performance report from back in February, Wyoming Highway Patrol Colonel Kebin Haller acknowledged some of the WHP’s accomplishments for 2016. The focus of the report was information broken down into accomplishments for Troopers, Dispatchers, and Port of Entry Officers.

Troopers were very busy throughout the year patrolling Wyoming highways for a total of 131,528 hours. From those patrolling hours, 42,436 citations for speeding were issued, 972 driving while under the influence arrests were made, and 1,704 misdemeanor and felony drug arrest were conducted.

While enforcement of the Wyoming laws is one of the main aspects of a Trooper’s job, they are also entrusted with serving the motoring public when they need assistance. Troopers assisted the motoring public 10,575 times for various reasons. Examples of Troopers assisting citizens range from changing a tire to bringing stranded motorists gas for their vehicle.

Last year in Wyoming, Troopers investigated 6,629 motor vehicle crashes. Seventy-three of those crashes investigated were alcohol related. 112 motor vehicle fatalities were reported on Wyoming’s highways. 34 of those fatality crashes listed impaired driving as a contributing factor. 55 of those 112 fatalities listed lack of seat belt as a contributing factor.  Troopers issued 905 citations for lack or misuse of child restraints and 5,343 citations for lack or misuse of seatbelts.

Trooper’s responded to 24,939 calls for service and assisted other officers and/or law enforcement agencies 8,747 times throughout the year. Many of those calls for service included our K-9 teams, crash investigation team, and general law enforcement support.

Often times the WHP Dispatch Center is thought of as the heart of the agency. Dispatchers not only dispatch for the WHP, but they also field calls for eight other agencies. Last year alone, WHP Dispatchers dispatched 213,268 calls for service.

In 2016, The WHP Dispatch Center also took on four additional duties including Endangered Person Advisories, Amber Alert Notifications, Safe2Tell, and Probation/Patrol Warrant Entries into NCIC. Dispatchers answered 107 calls for the newly formed Safe2Tell program that started in late October of 2016.

The Wyoming Ports of Entry throughout the state had 1,364,365 trucks pass through the ports in 2016. 594,414 of those trucks were checked for of overweight violations. 33,701 of those trucks were overweight. 58,100 trucks were issued oversize permits that equaled a total of $7,726,841 in fees collected. The Ports of Entry are also tasked with finding unsafe commercial vehicles through Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspections. Port Officers conducted 5,734 CVSA inspections. 1336 commercial vehicles were found deemed to be unsafe to operate and were placed out of service until the violations could be fixed.

A major accomplishment in 2016 for the WHP was the lower number of fatal crashes in comparison to the previous two years. Colonel Haller stated “I believe that a significant contributing factor is due to the hard work and concentrated effort of our Troopers, Dispatchers and POE Officers all working together towards a safer Wyoming.”

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