Barrasso chairs new caucus

CHEYENNE - U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has been named the first chairman of the newly formed Senate Western Caucus.

The caucus so far consists of senators from the Western states of Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Arizona, as well as members from Kansas, Nebraska and Louisiana. All are Republicans.

Barrasso spokesman Greg Keeley said any Democrat that holds "conservative values of the West" is welcome to join.

In a statement, Barrasso said the caucus opposes federal intrusion in the everyday lives of Americans and opposes legislation that pushes economic progress through huge spending and strict environmental regulations.

The caucus introduced a bill that encourages development and the use of all energy resources, including wind, nuclear, oil, natural gas and clean coal.

Gov supports closing museum

CHEYENNE - Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal said he supports the University of Wyoming's decision to close its Geological Museum to the public and lay off the director to reduce costs.

The moves are expected to save $80,000 out of a total $18.3 million, university-wide budget cut.

The museum will still be open to faculty and students for teaching and research.

Freudenthal said Wednesday that losing the museum director shouldn't hurt the state's ability to evaluate and protect fossils and other historic and cultural artifacts.

The museum's July 1 closure has drawn protests from paleontologists and educators who say schoolchildren and others are losing access to a valuable resource.

G&F moves black bear

JACKSON - Wyoming wildlife managers have captured and moved a 3-year-old black bear that was trying to get into houses in Jackson.

The male bear was caught in a culvert trap on Monday and released near Grand Teton National Park.

Mike Boyce of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department said the bear was pushing on doors and windows at several homes.

Boyce said the bear likely had gotten human food somewhere and was looking for more.

Butch Cassidy Days on tap

LARAMIE - The Wyoming Territorial Prison is celebrating the history of its heyday and its most infamous former inmate.

The State Historic Site in Laramie is hosting its annual Butch Cassidy Days today through Sunday.

The prison held convicts from throughout the Wyoming territory from 1872 until 1903, when prisoners were transferred to the old state penitentiary in Rawlins.

The weekend events include guided tours of the prison, living history exhibits featuring re-enactors in old prison roles and numerous children's activities.

Also, Butch Cassidy's great, great nephew, Bill Betenson, will make presentations about his ancestor's life titled "The Early Years" and "Life in Argentina."