Appeal slows proposed mine

JACKSON - The U.S. Forest Service has upheld a Jackson man's challenge to a proposed gold mine in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. However, the project may still go forward.

David Sturlin, of Garrison, Utah, proposes to mine for gold in the in the Gros Ventre area.

Jackson District Ranger Dale Deiter proposed to consider Sturlin's mine as a "categorigal exclusion" under federal environmental law. That would give the project the least stringent level of environmental analysis.

Gregory Griffith of Jackson appealed, saying he questions the project's effects on habitat and wildlife.

Deiter said he intends to reissue his decision in coming months and will include more evidence that he considered the project's environmental effects.

25 seek Gillette city job

GILLETTE - The 25 applications for the open job of Gillette city administrator may get their first review this week.

The administrator post opened in late August when Bret Jones resigned the post. Public Utilities Director Mike Muirhead has been serving as interim city administrator since then.

Muirhead wouldn't say whether he's among the 25 applicants for the permanent position until after a city council retreat to consider the applications on Friday and Saturday.

WHP warns holiday drivers

CHEYENNE - Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers will be out in force around the Thanksgiving holiday next week to make sure motorists stay sober and obey other traffic laws.

Beginning Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, troopers with the Wyoming Highway Patrol will join other officers around the country in a nationwide campaign called "Operation CARE." That stands for Combined Accident Reduction Effort.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol last year investigated two separate fatal crashes with two fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Substance abuse hearing set

CHEYENNE - A state panel has scheduled a public meeting in Cheyenne early next month to discuss substance abuse issues.

The Governor's Substance Abuse and Violent Crimes Board is hosting the meeting. It will include medical professionals, law enforcement, social workers and others.

Rodger McDaniel is deputy director for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the Wyoming Department of Health. He said the department wants to hear from local residents about their experiences and opinions regarding their communities' response to concerns about alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9, in the Sunflower Room of the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne.