Anchor failure leads to deaths

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK - Two experienced climbers found dead on the Grand Teton earlier this week had tumbled about 1,500 feet down a steep snowy slope after one of their anchors gave way, a park official said Thursday.

Why the anchor gave way is not known and might never be known, park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said.

The anchor could have popped loose, or a rock could have fallen from above and knocked the anchor loose, she said.

"It's all speculation at this point," Skaggs said.

Alan Rooney, 38, and Jonathan Morrow, 28, both of nearby Kelly, were experienced climbers, she said.

"They had the appropriate equipment with them and were wearing helmets," Skaggs said.

The two were believed to have fallen sometime Sunday, and their bodies were recovered Tuesday still roped together at the 10,650-foot elevation of the 13,766-foot mountain.

Skaggs said the two were preparing to climb a couloir on a part of the Grand Teton known for "some serious terrain" and rock fall.

Friends of the two climbers planned two memorial ceremonies on Saturday in their honor.

Officials investigate salmonella cases

CHEYENNE - State agriculture and health officials are investigating what might have caused an outbreak of salmonella that has sickened at least seven people in Afton.

The Wyoming Department of Health announced Thursday it had confirmed seven cases of salmonella since early April. The state Agriculture Department and local public health officials also are participating in the investigation.

An isolated case in February appears to be unrelated to the current outbreak, the Health Department said.

"We are looking into the possibility that a local restaurant may be associated with some of the illnesses," said Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist. "We are continuing to closely investigate every salmonella case report we receive to search for any possible risks to public health."

Salmonella bacteria can be transmitted through contact with contaminated food or water, or on the hands of someone who has touched contaminated food, water or fecal matter.

Lincoln County sheriff resigns

Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Smith resigned Wednesday and will leave his post at the end of May after just four months on the job, officials said.

Lincoln County Republican Party Chairman Jack Edwards said Thursday that Smith was resigning for "health and family reasons." He said a search for a replacement has begun.

Smith's resignation is effective May 27. Edwards said the vacancy created by the resignation will be filled by the Lincoln County Commission from a list of three names provided by the county GOP Central Committee.

Smith replaced longtime Sheriff Lee Gardner after winning a "pretty heavily contested" election to the office in November, Edwards said. Smith, who lives in Etna, worked for the Jackson Police Department before being elected sheriff.

Edwards said the committee is accepting applications for the job through May 28.