Science teacher wins state honor

CHEYENNE - A western Wyoming science teacher lauded for the extra time he spends with his students outside the classroom was named Wyoming Teacher of the Year.

Mark Nethercott, who teaches science at Star Valley High School in Afton, was introduced Monday as the statewide award winner. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize.

"He is a teacher who generously spends many extra hours beyond the classroom with his own students, as well as students from other classrooms," said Lyniece McKim, who also is a science teacher at Star Valley.

Nethercott has taught for 22 years, including 14 years teaching science at Star Valley.

"I have approached education with the philosophy that a class should be challenging, yet fun and interesting," he said in his application. "Education should be a hands-on process where students learn by experiencing."

GOP nominee replaces Hageman

CHEYENNE - Matt Teeters, who last month won the Republican primary in House District 5, was sworn in Monday to fill the seat that was vacated by the death of Rep. Jim Hageman.

Goshen County Commission Chairman Lloyd Peterson told the Legislative Service Office on Friday that Teeters had been selected to succeed Hageman, R-Fort Laramie, who died Aug. 23. Hageman already had announced his intention to retire from the Legislature at the end of his term.

On Aug. 22, Teeters, a rancher from Lingle, won 52 percent of the vote in a three-way Republican primary race for the party's nomination in District 5. There is no Democrat running in the district.

Mayor quits amid sewer spat

CHEYENNE - The Burns Town Council most likely will choose a replacement for Mayor Walter Hagemeier during its Oct. 5 meeting, Councilwoman Nancy McDonald said.

Hagemeier and Burns Board of Public Utilities President Jim Clark resigned their positions Sept. 7 during a disagreement over the handling of a sewage leak. Hagemeier's resignation takes effect Sept. 30.

In February, a Burns home sustained $3,600 in damage after sewage backed up into the basement. At the time, Clark said the sewage system was to blame and he agreed to have the utilities board pay a damage claim.

But the town's insurance provider has refused to pay the claim, and some on the Town Council have expressed concern that paying the claim would set a precedent.

UW pulls cafeteria spinach

LARAMIE - Citing the E. coli outbreak tied to bagged spinach, the University of Wyoming announced Monday it would no longer serve spinach and mixed green salads at the Washakie Dining Area.

"Because the health and well-being of our students and other patrons is always our primary concern, we will keep spinach off our menu until these health concerns are resolved," said Beth M. McCuskey, UW's director of residence life and dining services.

Wyoming is one of 20 states that has been linked to the national E. coli outbreak, which has killed one person and sickened more than 100 others.