Unemployment benefits get extension

CHEYENNE -- Many out-of-work Wyoming residents will soon be able to apply for up to 13 additional weeks of federal unemployment benefits, the state department of employment announced Thursday.

The extension, which will start Sunday, will be available to workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance benefits after May 1, 2007 and aren't eligible for a new unemployment insurance claim, a media release stated.

Employers won't have to pay any additional costs, according to the release.

Wyoming became eligible for the extended benefits after the state reached a three-month average unemployment rate greater than 6 percent.

The Wyoming Department of Employment will mail notices next week to residents who may be eligible for the extended benefits, the release stated.

To ask about the extension or to file a claim, contact the Wyoming Claims Center at 307-473-3789 or log on to http://wyui.doe.state.wy.us.

Sheridan woman gets probation

SHERIDAN -- A federal judge has ordered probation and restitution for a Sheridan woman who lied to get more than $30,000 in welfare benefits.

Senior U.S. District Judge Jack Shanstrom on Wednesday sentenced Lynn Ann Gardipee, 36, to serve five years on probation with six months home arrest and to pay $34,578 restitution. Gardipee pleaded guilty in July to one count of welfare assistance fraud for a scheme that ran for six years beginning in October 2001 in Billings, Mont., and Bozeman, Mont.

Prosecutors said Gardipee, also known as Lynn Stefani and Lynn Phillips, lied repeatedly about her job status to get benefits. From July 2005 to November 2006, Gardipee failed to report 20 employers, and in at least 12 of those months her income exceeded limits for eligibility. Gardipee received food stamps, temporary assistance for needy families and Medicaid benefits to which she was not entitled.

Advocates hold children's events

CHEYENNE-Children's advocates will hold a variety of activitiesaround Wyoming over the next week in an effort to draw policymakers' attention toward the state's young people.

Step Up For Kids Week will kick off Friday in Jackson with a noon lunchtime event in Miller Park.

On Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the State Capitol in Cheyenne, a children's parade will be held, and games and snacks will be available for kids. On Monday from 5-7 p.m. at the Jeffrey Center in Rawlins, children's groups will perform and a children's art contest will be held. On Tuesday from 9:45 a.m.-11 a.m. in Casper, a variety of festivities including a parade, kids' activities, speakers and refreshments will be held at Pioneer Park and the Natrona County Courthouse steps.

From 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Platte County Courthouse in Wheatland, a children's parade will be held. Red balloons will be released throughout Cody at 10 a.m.

On Thursday at the Unita County Courthouse in Evanston from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. and the Albany County Courthouse in Laramie from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., attractions will include children's performances, speakers, games, and refreshments.