Freudenthal names circuit judge

RIVERTON - Gov. Dave Freudenthal announced Wednesday he has appointed longtime Riverton attorney and municipal judge Wesley Roberts as a Fremont County circuit judge.

Roberts replaces Judge Donald Hall, who plans to retire Friday.

"I am excited to receive the appointment by Gov. Freudenthal," Roberts, 46, said in a release. "I am honored by the confidence he has placed in me and humbled by such a tremendous opportunity."

Roberts is an attorney and founding partner with Roberts and Watkins, P.C., a position he has held since 1992. Besides being a part-time municipal judge in Riverton, Pavillion and Hudson, Roberts has served as an independent hearing officer and arbitrator.

"What impressed me during Wes' interview was his contention that tribal members should be treated like every other citizen," Freudenthal said. "He is smart and fair-minded and will make an excellent judge."

Roberts earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Wyoming in 1981, followed by a law degree there in 1987.

Engineer proposes avalanche sheds

JACKSON - Another look should be given to building concrete barriers to protect motorists during avalanches, a state engineer says.

In 1989, avalanche experts Rod Newcomb and Arthur Mears recommended building two concrete structures over Wyoming Highway 22 on Mount Glory, a 10,086-foot peak at Teton Pass. The idea was for avalanches to roar over the road without endangering motorists.

Earlier this month, a snowboarder triggered an avalanche on Mount Glory, shutting down the highway for several hours - and prompting new discussion of avalanche sheds.

John Eddins, a district engineer for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, said funding is an issue, and money is stretched as is.

"Snow sheds have been considered," he said. "It's definitely something the district staff and my self discuss quite often… Once we know what our federal highway funds are, I would definitely at least start that discussion with my staff."

Newcomb, of Wilson, teaches avalanche science through his American Avalanche Institute. Mears is an avalanche control engineer. They said 15 years ago a 450-foot shed, with an estimated cost of $3 million, would be needed to fully protect motorists.

Medicine Bow mayor retires

MEDICINE BOW - After 39 years in town government, Mayor Gerald Cook is retiring.

Cook, 67, recalled that he was working under a 1959 Chevy at his Conoco station when two friends "picked up my feet and drug me out from under that pickup" and persuaded him to run.

Cook was reluctant because an earlier stint as mayor had ended with his defeat. But he ran, won, and subsequently chalked up 11 two-year terms as mayor.

When he retires in January, he will also have served 16 years on the Town Council and one year as interim mayor.

Cook has lived in Medicine Bow since he graduated from high school.

State offers bison for sale

THERMOPOLIS - Want to buy a bison? The state is selling a baker's dozen.

Written bids are being accepted at Hot Springs State Park for purchase of 13 animals from the state bison herd. Bids will be accepted at the park office until 5 p.m. Jan. 21 for one yearling heifer, two yearling bulls, one heifer calf and nine bull calves.

Bids can be made on any or all of the bison, with a minimum of $400 per animal.

A sales packet with conditions and terms is available by contacting Hot Springs State Park, 220 Park St., Thermopolis, 82443, or calling (307) 864-2176 or (307) 864-4082.

Correction

An item in Wednesday's newspaper gave the incorrect gender for Kay Crawford of Superior, who died in a one-vehicle crash on Monday. He died at the scene of the wreck.