THOMAS ON WINTER-USE PLAN AND SNOWMOBILES
November 20, 2006
WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Craig Thomas recently commented about the Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks Draft Winter Use Plan, which is now out for technical review.
“This plan appears to balance winter-use in our national parks with safety and environmental concerns, said Thomas. As with any plan that considers competing points of view – it’s not perfect, but I’m pleased that our public land managers recognize the importance of maintaining visitor access to our national parks in Wyoming.”
Thomas added, “I am sure there will be many questions about closing Sylvan Pass and requiring the use of guides, but I encourage the public to remain engaged and provide their input on the winter-use plan as it moves forward.”
   Two years ago, Thomas included a provision to cement the interim winter use rules for the 2004-2005 season. At the time the rules were tied up in court, causing a great deal of uncertainty for both concessionaires and snowmobile users heading into the winter season. The legislative fix ended a number of lawsuits spawned in early November 2004 by the release of the winter use regulations.
At the time, Thomas said, “I think most folks are tired of a DC court deciding how we do things in Wyoming. I’m glad I could provide some certainty for these folks.”
   “I plan to keep a common sense approach to access in the parks that’s fair to everyone involved.”

WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT OFFERS MORE HELP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
November 20, 2006
CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The 2006-07 Wyoming Career Explorer publication is now available from the Wyoming Department of Employment.
   The Explorer, which is offered free of charge, assists high school students seeking their first part-time job or possible career options. It is filled with tips on how to find that first job, create the perfect resume and make a great impression during the interview. The Explorer also contains important information on worker rights, especially for teens, and staying safe in the workplace.
   Also, the Explorer gives students the tools they need to get a head start on their careers. It lists descriptions and hourly wages for nearly 200 Wyoming occupations using the most current data from the Occupational Employment Statistics survey.
   “The Wyoming Career Explorer can help students take their first step toward actually working in their chosen career fields,” said Krista Shinkle, senior economist and publications editor at the Employment Department's Research & Planning division. “We want students to realize that the path to becoming a veterinarian, for example, can begin in high school by working part-time at an animal shelter.” “The Explorer is still one of our most frequently downloaded products," said Research & Planning Manager Tom Gallagher. "Nearly 500 visitors accessed the Explorer Web page during the last quarter.” Over the next few weeks, Wyoming Career Explorer 2006-07 publications will be mailed directly to high school counseling offices. Each school will receive enough Explorers for each 10th-grade student, based on last year’s ninth-grade enrollment numbers.

ENZI INTERPRETS ELECTION AND MOVES FORWARD
November 14, 2006
Cheyenne, WYO — Sen. Mike Enzi takes a long look at this past election and takes away some lessons. "This election was not so much a disagreement of the American people with basic platforms of the majority, but rather that they want to see more progress. They don’t want to just hear about deficits being reduced, they want to see deficits reduced. Many Democrats campaigned on this. I’m going to give them plenty of chances to help me pass legislation reforming not just how much government spends, but how it spends. We’ve got to change the system, treat the disease rather than just the symptoms. Candidates campaigned on cutting health care costs. I’ve got a bill lined up that will allow small businesses to band together to help each other help their employees afford it. I have another bill ready to go that will help form a nationwide health information technology system to avoid duplicative tests, reduce medical errors and cut costs.
    "One of the concepts this election makes clear to us is that Americans do not want bickering, they want results. Unfortunately, disagreement is what people hear most because controversy gets covered. We’ve actually advanced some great legislation during this Congress.”

GOVERNOR APPOINTS FENN TO BENCH
November 9, 2006
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - John Fenn, a longtime Sheridan attorney, will soon become the newest district court judge in the Fourth Judicial District, which oversees Johnson and Sheridan counties. Gov. Dave Freudenthal appointed Fenn to replace Judge John Brackley, who is retiring. "I am very honored with this appointment and look forward to serving the citizens of Sheridan and Johnson counties," said Fenn, 44.  
   Fenn holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a law degree from the University of Wyoming, as well as a master of engineering degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He worked as a mechanical engineer for several years before beginning his law career as an associate attorney with Yonkee & Toner LLP in Sheridan in 1993. He became a partner with the firm in 1996, a position he currently holds.
   Fenn has also served as a magistrate for the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court. Much of his current practice centers on insurance defense, real estate litigation, real estate transactions and other general practice. He is a member of the Wyoming State Bar. "My goal will be to be fair and efficient in handling the Fourth Judicial District's docket," Fenn said.

THOMAS DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKEMIA,
STARTS TREATMENT IMMEDIATELY
November 10, 2006
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Craig Thomas announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. AML is the most common type of leukemia. More than 16,500 new cases occur in the United States each year.
   Thomas had experienced energy losses over the last few weeks and was diagnosed with pneumonia Sunday. Further tests Sunday indicated low white cell levels, explaining the pneumonia but not the source of the blood cell anomaly. In preparation of Monday votes and party leadership elections on Nov. 15,        
   Thomas flew to Washington DC to pursue further blood testing this week. Thomas received a complete workup of tests at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center including a bone marrow biopsy, which revealed the diagnosis. Doctors recommended that Thomas begin treatment immediately.
   Thomas told his family Wednesday and made his condition public after a call with his staff. Doctors placed Thomas on induction chemotherapy. The treatments will occur over a four- to six-week period during which Thomas, who risks infection with a low white cell blood count, will remain in the Bethesda hospital to prevent possible infections. The goal of induction chemo-therapy is to bring the disease into remission followed by consolidation chemotherapy to kill any remaining leukemia cells.
   It is expected that Thomas will be able to perform all duties of his office following treatment. Dr. Brian Monahan, Director of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the National Naval Medical Center said, “The majority of people with Craig’s great physical condition and general health attain remission.”

HOT WYOMING & JOHNSON COUNTY RACES TO WATCH !
November 6, 2006
Buffalo, WYO -- There are several 2006 election races in Wyoming and Johnson County that are truly intense and could spell an era of great change (see companion article under Local Buffalo and Johnson County News here.)  Some of these close races with big implications are listed here:

¨ JOHNSON COUNTY TREASURER: Sharon Wagner (R) and Val Wintermute (L). For the first time in years there is a challenger to Wagner’s 16 years as County Treasurer. Wintermute wants to see a different approach in the office and also has 11 years as deputy treasurer.

¨ JOHNSON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD:
With the controversy over the Buffalo Community Center, differences between the candidates break down into “stand by the school board” or “maybe we should take a second look at this issue”. Present school board members and candidates, Deb McMahon and Rhonda Ramsey are for staying the course. Kontz wants to standby the school board. Hall thinks it may be too late to change course. Candidates Kathy Smith (who actually proposed a mediator to help resolve the issue), and Doug Meecham are for taking another look at the issue. Alex Mantle had no answer on the issue.

¨ BUFFALO MAYORAL RACE: Bruce Hepp (R) and Gary Anderson (R) - Incumbent Hepp wants to finish what he has begun and Anderson wants to change the way the City Hall functions—more open to the public and more accessible.

¨ BUFFALO CITY HALL RACE: Incumbent Kate Holt is stacking her 7 years of experience up against challengers Russ Humphries, Mike Ryan and Don Vogl - Ryan and Vogl promise change in the way City Hall is run and to get more citizens involved.