Missing fisherman is from Lusk

CHEYENNE -- Authorities have identified a fisherman missing in Glendo State Park since Sunday night as William Stone of Lusk.

Stone, 20, was fishing in the Muddy Bay area on the northern edge of Glendo Reservoir with Kyle Hendricks, 19, of Lusk when high winds swamped the men’s canoe, according to a spokesman for the Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources.

Hendricks told authorities that Stone got tired and cold while swimming to shore and told Hendricks he would hold on to a tree while Hendricks went for help.

Hendricks couldn’t find Stone when he returned, and a search was launched after he called for help at about 6:45 p.m.

The search effort was hampered Tuesday by partially submerged trees that made travel difficult for motorboats, said state parks department spokesman Gary Schoene in a statement.

The search, which included divers and search dogs, will resume today if needed. Officials from Glendo State Park and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are investigating.

Officials investigate blaze as arson

SHERIDAN -- Authorities in Sheridan suspect that arson caused a fire that severely damaged a vacant home.

The fire early Sunday destroyed a bedroom and damaged other parts of the house.

Fire investigators brought in a specially trained dog, Sasha, who's able to sniff out flammable liquids. Sasha's handler, Capt. John Rutherford of the Rawlins Fire Department, said the dog detected traces of a flammable liquid in a back bedroom.

Investigators said samples of the bedroom floor will be sent to the State Crime Lab in Cheyenne to determine what type of flammable liquid may have been present.

Sheridan Fire-Rescue has turned over the investigation to local police. Fire Marshal Brian Songer said police have no suspects.

Hunters kill two grizzlies

POWELL -- Hunters killed two male grizzly bears last month in northern Wyoming after mistaking them for black bears.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department spokesman Dennie Hammer said one grizzly was killed May 7 and the other was shot on May 27.

Game managers say neither hunter took enough time to identify the bear species he was shooting at.

The hunters involved could face penalties.

Killing a grizzly purposely could result in a fine of up to $10,000, up to one year in jail and suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for up to six years.

Conservative group recognizes Cubin

CHEYENNE -- The American Conservative Union has recognized U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin for her conservative voting record.

The ACU says the Republican scored 100 percent on its congressional vote ratings for 2007 to earn the organization's "Best and Brightest" award.

The rating was based on votes on issues ranging from the opposition to stem-cell research and increased funding for Planned Parenthood to voting in favor of a border security fence and making English the official U.S. language.

Cubin is not seeking re-election this fall.