Governor bemoans royalties change

CHEYENNE - A change in federal mineral royalties distribution will hurt the state budget including education funding, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said.

President Bush last week signed a spending bill that increases the federal share of mineral royalties from 50 to 52 percent while decreasing the state's share from 50 to 48 percent.

Wyoming received $927 million from mineral royalties last fiscal year, more than any other state. Officials estimate that Wyoming will lose $18 million to $20 million a year under the change.

Freudenthal said Wyoming's congressional delegation in the 1970s worked hard to create the 50-50 split. Previously the state received 37 percent.

"We're quietly watching the erosion of it," Freudenthal said.

Freudenthal said the state budget remains solid enough that the reduction this year probably won't be noticeable. But he said the reduction could eventually affect things like education.

In the meantime, he said the state is seeking clarification whether the change would apply to 50-50 federal-state split of coal lease bonuses - money that coal companies pay to the federal government when they secure mining leases.

Sens. Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., voted against the spending bill and said they would try to restore the 50-50 split.

Inmate escapes from Honor Farm

RIVERTON - A Wyoming Honor Farm inmate has escaped.

Elburn Cordel Bailey, 27, wasn't present at a 7 p.m. inmate count Wednesday, according to Department of Corrections spokeswoman Melinda Brazzale.

The minimum-security facility was locked down. Local law enforcement and people living in the area were notified while the prison was searched.

Riverton Police Chief John Snell said police found tracks leading off the Honor Farm and learned that Bailey talked with someone on the phone soon before escaping.

Snell said someone likely picked up Bailey by car - possibly a girlfriend.

Bailey was convicted of forgery and unlawful use of a credit card. He was sentenced in Casper in December 2005 to four to seven years in prison.

He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, about 175 pounds, with blond hair and hazel eyes.

State rolls out new license plates

University of Wyoming fans and people who use certain types of all-terrain vehicles have new options for license plates starting this week.

The brown and gold University of Wyoming plates can be purchased for the regular licensing fee plus $130 for the University of Wyoming. The extra amount includes $100 for a scholarship fund.

The Legislature approved the new plates last year.

The new multipurpose vehicle plates are for any small all-terrain vehicle with four wheels and seats at least 24 inches off the ground. The purpose of the plates is to provide an option for licensing small utility vehicles.

Vehicles with multipurpose plates won't be allowed on interstate highways.