State names veterans advocate

Robert Bragg is the newest veterans advocate for the northern part of the state, assisting veterans in their transition back into civilian life after deployment.

Bragg replaces Leon Chamberlain, who will assist the Wyoming National Guard units preparing to deploy to the Middle East.

The advocates help veterans and their families access appropriate resources, which include counseling through the Veterans Administration, local mental health providers and clergy.

David Hall is an advocate for the southern part of the state. Both he and Bragg are contracted by the state to help veterans of all branches.

They contact returning veterans to set up face-to-face appointments, but veterans can also reach the advocates. Bragg in the northern part of the state can be reached at (307) 751-2912 and Hall in the southern at (307) 631-3736.

Company proposes wildcat well

KEMMERER - Federal officials are seeking public comments on a proposal to drill a wildcat exploratory well between Cokeville and Kemmerer in southwest Wyoming, according to Bureau of Land Management officials.

Fortuna U.S., L.P has applied for a BLM permit to drill their Bear Canyon Number 2 Exploratory Well project in Lincoln County.

The proposed well known as Bear Canyon Well 14-13 would be located approximately 20 miles northwest of Kemmerer and about 12 miles southeast of Cokeville.

BLM spokesman James Roberts said the agency is beginning work on an environmental assessment that will analyze the affects of the exploratory development associated with the proposal, including construction, drilling, and competition activities.

Officials said the scoping notice can be found at the BLM's Web site (www.blm.gov.wy). Comments are due by Sept. 18 and can be mailed to the Kemmerer Field Office, 312 Hwy. 189 N., Kemmerer, WY 83101 or by email to kemmerer-wymailblm.gov.

BLM extends comment period

RAWLINS - Federal land managers have extended the public comment period until Sept. 25 for a massive wind farm project in Carbon County, according to Bureau of Land Management officials.

Rawlins BLM spokesman Bruce Collins said the extension for the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project will provide for a scoping period totaling 60 days.

The agency is conducting an environmental impact statement, which will analyze the potential impacts of the 1,000-turbine wind farm spanning about 98,500 acres.

Federal land managers will consider concerns regarding rights-of-way as well as the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of installing and maintaining facilities.

BLM project manager Jerry Crockford said a meeting with local, state and federal agency attendees to discuss the EIS is scheduled for Sept. 15 at the BLM's Rawlins Field Office.

Comments on the project should be sent to the BLM Rawlins Field Manager, 1300 N. Third Street, Rawlins, WY 82301. For further information, contact Crockford at (307) 320-5240.