Free Powell clinic fills need

POWELL - Volunteers at the Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic have helped about 25 patients since the clinic opened about five weeks ago to treat low-income people without insurance for free.

"I think we're all astonished, sort of amazed, at the number of people who have really serious medical conditions," said Dr. Nicholas Morris. "We're seeing a lot of diabetics who can't afford their health care."

Morris and his wife, Madelyn, organized the yearlong effort to open the new clinic.

The Morrises said the need for the clinic is clearly illustrated by the severity of the medical conditions of some of the patients who have been treated since the clinic opened.

Bill targets mining valuation

GILLETTE - A legislative committee will consider a proposal aimed at establishing fixed rates for taxation on coal mining companies for their out-of-pit operations.

The legislature's Joint Revenue Interim Committee on Friday asked that the Legislative Services Office draft the bill for its review.

The Wyoming Department of Revenue and industry officials each gave informational presentations to highlight concerns over increased taxation with infrastructure spending.

Industry officials said they would like to see a proposal to help equalize tax valuation for the companies.

For example, transportation to processing facilities isn't considered a factor in the total value of coal. Those expenses can't be included in the price and, thus, those costs can be deducted on a tax return. But since each company has different modes of transportation, their tax bases are different.

"It's a way to reconcile differences in coal mines," said Edmund Schmidt, director of the state Revenue Department. "This way, every company can be treated equally and on a uniform basis."

If successful, the fixed ratios also could streamline audits from the Revenue Department on individual companies by making a universal tax base for accounting purposes. Now, the department has years of backlog from audits of mining companies because of complex accounting procedures employed by individual companies.

PSC holds winter heating confab

CASPER - The Wyoming Public Service Commission and Wyoming gas and electric providers will host a conference in Casper on Aug. 20 to help residents prepare for high heating costs that are expected this winter.

Energy efficiency experts will present conservation ideas, while energy assistance professionals will explain how people may obtain grants, loans and other assistance to help with their heating bills. The event is free.

"Not only can they help themselves, but they can apply what they learn at the conference to help others in their communities," PSC Chairman Kathleen A. "Cindy" Lewis said in a statement.

Energy providers from around Wyoming will discuss the prices consumers can expect to see in coming months, their efforts to provide safe, reliable service and incentives that encourage increased home heating efficiency.

"The focus here is on workable, affordable solutions," Deputy Chairman Steve Oxley said. "We're looking forward to hearing some creative ideas about actions utilities and consumers can take to help people stay comfortable in spite of rising costs."