Rig count remains unchanged

HOUSTON - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States went up by 18 last week to 966.

Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that of the rigs running nationwide, 681 were exploring for natural gas and 277 for oil. Eight were listed as miscellaneous.

A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,967.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Louisiana lost five rigs, New Mexico lost two and California and North Dakota each lost one. Texas gained 14 rigs, Oklahoma gained four, Alaska gained two and Arkansas and Colorado each gained one. Wyoming was unchanged.

Baker Hughes has tracked rig counts since 1944. The tally peaked at 4,530 in 1981, during the height of the oil boom. The industry posted a record low of 488 in 1999.

Frontier Days picks volunteer

CHEYENNE - Longtime Cheyenne Frontier Days volunteer Rod Hottle has been named general chairman of the event.

Hottle was appointed to replace Charlie West, who served his third and final term this year.

Hottle previously served on the rodeo's security and military committees and in 1996 was elected to the HEELS, which honors dedicated Frontier Days volunteers.

The general chairman's job is unpaid. The chairman serves three one-year terms with an evaluation after each year.

Hottle is community programs coordinator for United Way of Laramie County.

Frontier Days, known as "the Daddy of 'Em All," draws thousands of rodeo fans and contestants to Cheyenne each year. It's held in late July.

Eleutian signs Japan deal

Eleutian Technology has entered a cooperation initiative with Sumitomo Corp. to jointly bring Eleutian's Internet-based English education to the Japanese market.

Eleutian provides English teaching curriculum and video-conference tutoring sessions with certified U.S. school teachers. The company's headquarters are in Ten Sleep.

Double Eagle acquires Petrosearch

Petrosearch Energy Corp. has become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Casper-based Double Eagle Petroleum Co., effective Aug. 6.

As a result of the merger, Double Eagle received approximately $8.5 million of working capital and an early stage water-flood project in the Texas Panhandle, according to a press release.

Fenner Dunlop acquires firm

Fenner Dunlop has acquired Gillette-based Solid Systems Engineering.

Bob Riggle is the new general manager of the company's Gillette operations. Riggle has more than 30 years experience in the mining industry, with 20 years in the Powder River Basin.

The company specializes in conveyor services, including conveyor belting, conveyor components, conveyor structures and installation.

Energy program hires manager

The State Energy Program has hired a new manager to oversee Wyoming's energy efficiency initiatives.

Shannon Stanfill of Cheyenne took over the job Monday.

She previously was program manager for the Wyoming Business Council's Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program, according to a press release.

FFA Foundation adds director

The Wyoming FFA Foundation has hired Charlene Smith of Burns as executive director.

Smith will coordinate fund-raising events and assist with the state FFA convention dinner, a press release indicates.

Smith was formerly executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming, and development coordinator for the Wyoming Division of the National MS Society.

Firm expects to clear bankruptcy

Sportsman's Warehouse expects to merge from bankruptcy by Saturday, and will continue to operate 26 stores in 14 states, a press release states. The company has a store in Casper.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware confirmed a plan of reorganization sponsored by an affiliate of Seidler Equity Partners, a private equity firm based in Southern California.

The reorganized company will be led by a new chief executive officer, John Schaefer.

UW accepts software donation

University of Wyoming officials announced a $73 million software donation from Schlumberger.

Students, faculty and researchers will benefit from access to the leading exploration and production modeling software used by global oil and gas companies, according to a press release.

Last year, Schlumberger donated $26.6 million in software to UW, the largest gift of its kind until its most recent commitment.

WCDA plans open house

The Wyoming Community Development Authority will hold an open house Friday for the Prairie Sage Apartments in Casper.

Summit Housing Group, Inc., in partnership with WCDA, recently opened the doors to the multi-family housing project.

The event will be from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 2055 S. Beverly St., according to a press release.

WINhealth picks CEO

John L. Lucas, M.D., has been named chief executive officer for WINhealth Partners of Cheyenne.

Dr. Lucas has been a member of WINhealth's board since 2006 and has served as vice president of the board since November 2008, according to a press release.

Beth Wasson, former CEO for WINhealth Partners, announced her resignation on July 9.

Lucas also serves as CEO of Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where he plans to continue as the chief executive officer.