Posted: Saturday, May 5, 2007 12:00 am
Highway widening plan takes shape
LARAMIE - The Wyoming Department of Transportation hopes to begin work next year on making U.S. Highway 287 between Laramie and the Colorado state line a four-lane divided highway.
WYDOT engineer Steve Cook said the project hadn't yet been put out for bid, but that work could begin as soon as February. He did not have an estimate for completion of the project.
"The whole corridor is going to take several years to get it designed and built," Cook said.
The project is one of several identified by the state as a priority, in part because of the growing traffic volume on the highway and the number of fatal crashes that have occurred on U.S. 287. A study from 1993 through 2005 showed U.S. 287 between Laramie and the Colorado line had twice as many fatal head-on collisions as the state average for similar highways.
The new road also will have an 8-foot shoulder to make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
BLM's Pinedale leader retiring
Bureau of Land Management officials announced this week that Pinedale Field Manager Dennis Stenger is retiring this summer, and will be replaced by Chuck Otto.
Otto has been working as deputy division chief in the BLM's division of planning and science policy in Washington, D.C. He began his career with the BLM in 1976 as a wild horse wrangler in Rock Springs. He has also worked as an outdoor recreation planner and planning and environmental coordination chief in Lewiston, Mont.
"Few BLM positions provide the challenge or the opportunities of the Pinedale Field Office," BLM Wyoming State Director Bob Bennett said. "World-class wildlife habitat and world-class energy resources make Pinedale one of the most high-profile field offices in America. We've been fortunate to have outstanding field managers in Pinedale, and are glad to continue the tradition with Chuck Otto."
Otto will report to work July 22.
Former coach's trial delayed
TORRINGTON - A jury trial date has been once again been postponed for former Lingle-Fort Laramie teacher and coach Norman "Buddy" Patterson, who faces 12 felony charged, including six counts of second-degree sexual assault.
Patterson is charged with having sexual contact with a student numerous times, a relationship that began while he was her coach in 2002.
According to Campbell County District Judge John R. Perry's office, conflicts with his schedule prompted the need to reschedule of Patterson's trial in 8th District Court in Torrington. No trial date has been set.
The trial had been scheduled to start on Monday.
District Judge Keith Kautz of Torrington recused himself from the case, as he was acquainted with both the suspect and alleged victim. Perry was then assigned the case.
Patterson pleaded not guilty to the charges on Oct. 17 during his arraignment. He is out of jail on a $10,000 cash bond and has moved to Cheyenne.