News Briefs from across the state, provided by the Wyoming News Exchange
NEWS BRIEFS for Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022
Man arrested for felony drug, gun charges after Tuesday standoff with police
GILLETTE (WNE) - A 35-year-old man was arrested on two felony charges after a standoff with police Tuesday night.
Tuesday afternoon, the Gillette Police Department was asked to help Probation and Parole, which had an active arrest and hold on the man. Officers learned the man, Kenneth Durrah, was in a home on the 1000 block of Poplar Lane, and that he had a gun and drugs, said Police Deputy Chief Brent Wasson.
The police went out to the home, and the department's special response team was used as a precaution.
There was a period of time where Durrah refused to come out of the home, Wasson said. Negotiators were communicating with him over the phone, and he eventually surrendered.
A search warrant was obtained and executed more than four hours after the initial call. During a search of the home, officers found 0.5 ounces of cocaine, a small amount of marijuana and a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, Wasson said.
Police believed Durrah tried eating cocaine before he was arrested and the man was evaluated at the hospital for ingesting drugs before being taken to jail.
He was charged with felony possession of cocaine, felony possession of a firearm and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
This story was published on Nov. 23, 2022.
---
Shoplifting allegations lead to police chase, arrests
RIVERTON (WNE) - A report of people shoplifting hundreds of dollars of meat led officers on a vehicle pursuit that involved multiple agencies and resulted in three arrests on Friday.
Riverton police were first called to the parking lot of Smith's at 6:43 p.m., where a vehicle suspected to be involved in shoplifting at Safeway in Lander earlier in the day was parked.
When Riverton officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it reportedly sped westbound on West Main Street, leading officers on a chase that left city limits, when Fremont County Sheriff's deputies assisted in the pursuit.
The vehicle eventually left the roadway and sheared off a fence post, then continued out into a field. The driver reportedly bailed and fled while two other individuals remained in the car.
The alleged driver, Patrick Duran, 33, of Riverton, was captured and charged with driving while under the influence and possession of methamphetamine.
Passenger Adrian Moss, 36, of Ethete, was arrested on a burglary warrant and charged with shoplifting.
Tashena Jealous, 37, also of Ethete, was arrested on a warrant. She allegedly threatened to "come after" the involved officers and was cited for theft.
More than $200 in meat that had been reportedly stolen from Smith's was recovered, and officers continue to investigate the theft of $200 to $400 in meat stolen from Safeway earlier in the day.
This story was published on Nov. 23, 2022.
---
Man arraigned for felony theft, pleads not guilty
SHERIDAN (WNE) – Monte Johnson, 59, was arraigned in 4th Judicial District Court Tuesday on one count of felony theft, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine or both.
According to court documents, Johnson was an employee of Sheridan Liquor and was observed on surveillance footage taking "a large wad of cash" from a safe within the establishment.
Upon further investigation of the footage, it was alleged Johnson took money from the safe on at least four separate occasions between June 24 and Oct. 23.
Johnson pleaded not guilty to the alleged theft. The trial is set to begin April 24, 2023, and will take place over three days, as recommended by prosecuting attorney Christopher LaRosa.
This story was published on Nov. 23, 2022.
---
NEWS BRIEFS for Friday, Nov. 25, 2022
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers
Cheyenne Frontier Days tickets for 2023 event on sale Dec. 1
CHEYENNE (WNE) - Tickets will go on sale Dec. 1 for Cheyenne Frontier Days' 2023 event, according to a news release.
Tickets for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rodeo, the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series Event, carnival armbands and gift cards (redeemable for tickets or merchandise) will go on sale at 9 a.m. Dec. 1 at cfdrodeo.com and by calling 307-778-7222.
The 127th anniversary "Daddy of 'em All" takes place July 21-30, and will feature nine days of PRCA and Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) rodeo, culminating in Championship Sunday.
The PBR Team Series is an elite league that launched in July at CFD, featuring the world's top bull riders competing on teams in five-on-five bull riding games.
Daily rodeo tickets range from $23-$48, with VIP at additional cost.
A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets purchased before July 1.
PBR tickets range from $25-$105 with special Elite Seating and VIP tickets also available at various prices.
Carnival armbands will be $40 per session, or $150 for all 10 days.
Event attendees will use AXS Mobile ID technology through the AXS app, which provides contactless, secure and personalized fan experiences.
Attendees will need to download the AXS app to access digital ticket purchases for 2023.
Artist announcements are coming in March.
For the full range of pricing and more event information, visit cfdrodeo.com.
This story was published on Nov. 25, 2022.
---
Judge urges Cody man to seek help during house arrest in Powell
POWELL (WNE) - Following a Nov.16 arraignment in Park County Fifth District Court, a Cody man has been released from the Park County Detention Center to serve house arrest in Powell.
Benjamin Bradley Daniels, 42, was arrested Sept. 9 for felon in possession of a firearm and driving under the influence, third or subsequent offense, a misdemeanor.
Daniels has been convicted of two violent felonies and charged with an additional violent felony in Utah.
According to the affidavit written by Cody Police officer Jermey Traverse, Daniels was arrested after numerous calls of a Dodge pickup being driven erratically. Daniels was found parked in his truck with a rifle in the front seat. He was unable to complete the field sobriety test and refused a Breathalyzer.
At this point he was taken to the Park County Detention Center.
The affidavit noted that Daniels has a criminal history that includes convictions for felony strangulation of a household member in 2007 and 2011, criminal entry in 1999 and 2005, misdemeanor interference with a peace officer in 2007, 2014 and 2016, public indecency in 2007, driving under the influence in 2009, 2016, 2017 and unlawful contact in 2016.
During Daniels' November arraignment, District Court Judge William Simpson urged Daniels to understand the severity of his situation, get help and comply with probation requirements, which include meeting with his public defender three times a week, attending counseling and wearing an ankle monitor. Daniels may not leave the house outside of legal, counseling or medical appointments.
Future court dates have not been scheduled.
This story was published on Nov. 25, 2022.
---
Barrasso, Lummis support IRS accountability
TORRINGTON (WNE) – U.S. Senators John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, stated in a press release they are joining South Dakota and Iowa Senators in introducing an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Funding Accountability Act.
"This legislation holds the IRS accountable for the $80 billion in new funding from the Democrats' reckless tax and spending bill," the release said. "The IRS Funding Accountability Act protects taxpayer dollars, prevents wasteful spending, and measures improvements to the IRS."
"Joe Biden and the Democrats want to give the IRS more power to squeeze as much money as they can out of hard working Americans," Barrasso wrote. "Our legislation ensures that taxpayer money is not abused by a supersized IRS and holds the service accountable for irresponsible and wasteful spending."
"The hardworking people of Wyoming should not be subject to frivolous audits to help pay for the Democrats' reckless tax and spending spree," Lummis added. "This commonsense legislation will hold the IRS accountable by ensuring the American people know exactly how this increased funding is being spent."
The announcement comes after the October 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation has risen 13.9% since Joe Biden took office in January 2021, according to the release.
This story was published on Nov. 23, 2022.
---
NEWS BRIEFS for Monday, Nov. 28, 2022
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers
Barrasso spends Thanksgiving with Wyo. troops in Japan
CHEYENNE (WNE) - On Thanksgiving Day, U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., shared dinner with Wyoming Marines and airmen serving in Okinawa, Japan.
They're attached to the 3rd (III) Marine Expeditionary Force and Air Force's 18th Wing, according to a news release from Barrasso's office.
Barrasso visited with service members at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.
"Our state is so grateful for the brave men and women from Wyoming who serve our country," Barrasso said in the release. "Right now, we have service members from across Wyoming serving 16 time zones away in Okinawa, Japan. They're face to face with China and North Korea every day. We are so proud of their service to protect America and our allies abroad. I made sure they knew that everyone at home is thinking of them during the holidays and awaiting their safe return home."
Barrasso sat down for Thanksgiving dinner with service members, toured Kadena Air Base and was briefed by military officials about operations in the Indo-Pacific.
This story was published on Nov. 26, 2022.
---
Riverton man arrested for felony child abuse
RIVERTON (WNE) - A Riverton man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly assaulted 24-day-old twin infants.
Police were called to Sage West at 4:20 p.m. on a report of an infant with a broken left leg and bruises and lacerations to her face. Department of Family Services workers were concerned about possible child abuse.
When officers arrived, along with the reported injuries to the first infant, her twin sister was also found to have suffered a broken right leg, broken left arm, a fractured rib and a black eye.
Both infants were life flighted to Utah for treatment.
Anthony Long, 27, Riverton, was arrested and charged with two counts of felony child abuse.
Under Wyoming state statute 6-2-503 (c), aggravated felony child abuse is punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
This story was published on Nov. 26-27, 2022.
---
COVID cases, deaths rise in Wyoming nursing homes
CASPER (WNE) - More of Wyoming's nursing home residents are getting sick and dying from COVID-19, new figures released Wednesday by the AARP show.
COVID cases occurred in state nursing homes at a rate of six per 100 residents during a four-week period that ended Oct. 23.
That is the third-highest rate in the nation behind New Hampshire (10.12) and Maine (9.16). It's also a slight increase over the previous four-week rate, which stood at 4.5, according to the AARP.
Total cases for the four weeks ending Oct. 23 were 107.
Three nursing home residents died during the four weeks that ended Oct. 23, equating to a rate of .17 per 100 residents.
That's the sixth-highest rate in the U.S., the AARP reported.
About 44% of Wyoming's nursing home residents are up to date on COVID vaccines, and only one in five staff is current on immunizations. Wyoming in general trails the nation in COVID vaccination rates.
Three of five nursing homes in Wyoming reported at least one staff case of the virus, or 85 cases in total.
Wyoming nursing homes and long-term care facilities were particularly hard hit during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the state's first notable outbreaks took place at a nursing home. And by December of 2020, more than 50 residents of Casper long-term care facilities had died.
This story was published on Nov. 26, 2022.
---
NEWS BRIEFS for Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers
Gillette man charged with first-degree arson
GILLETTE (WNE) - A man accused of setting his trailer on fire and covering himself in bleach has been charged in circuit court with first-degree arson.
Andrew L. Boyer, 34, was charged Sept. 8 and his preliminary hearing in circuit court is scheduled for Dec. 14.
The incident began about 10 a.m. Aug. 2, when a trailer fire was reported in the 1600 block of Echeta Drive, where responders found Boyer's trailer full of smoke.
Neighbors in a nearby lot told officers that Boyer had stopped by their home earlier asking to borrow a lighter.They saw him walk into his residence, let his dogs out then walk away.
About 20 minutes later, the neighbors smelled smoke, knocked on the door of Boyer's trailer and called 911 when no one answered, according to court documents.
Employees of J.B. Auto Glass told police that a man had walked into their store with a small dog in hand asking to use the bathroom. The man, later identified as Boyer, eventually walked out of the bathroom covered in bleach, which was kept in the bathroom.
While firefighters worked on containing the fire, one fire investigator entered the trailer and found multiple areas where the fire had started and all four burners on the stove left on in the ignite position.
While police applied for a search warrant, Boyer arrived at the scene of the fire. He mentioned without being asked that he had been burned by bleach recently, according to court documents.
A first-degree arson conviction carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.
This story was published on Nov. 29, 2022.
---
Woman charged with first-degree murder of five-year-old child
KEMMERER (WNE) - Cheri Marler, 51, has been arrested after officers responded to her residence on Friday, Nov. 25, on a call regarding an unconscious five-year-old girl.
Sergeant Jake Walker located the child wounded and unresponsive on a couch in the living room, according to a press release from the Kemmerer Police Department.
Walker rendered first aid and called for an ambulance.
A criminal investigation then began after Marler allegedly told a story that did not align with the girl's injuries.
EMS crews arrived and "took over life-saving measures that had been started by Sergeant Walker," according to the press release.
The EMS personnel transported the child to South Lincoln Medical Center. After some time, she was airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.
The girl succumbed to her injuries at approximately 9 a.m. on Nov. 26.
"As a result of this and the investigation that occurred after the initial call," the release reads, "Marler was arrested and charged with murder in the first degree, and aggravated child abuse."
The investigation is ongoing.
This story was published on Nov. 29, 2022.
---
Rednour pleads not guilty to assault and battery
CODY (WNE) - The Cody man who was arrested and charged on Sept. 21 for the alleged assault and battery of his pregnant girlfriend pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Park County District Court on Nov. 15.
Travis William Rednour, 39, also pleaded not guilty to one count of interference with the making of an emergency call.
Rednour now faces a jury trial, which will be scheduled at a later date, but Judge Bill Simpson modified his bond so he can leave Park County for employment.
The alleged assault and battery occurred after Rednour's girlfriend told him she was pregnant, the affidavit said.
The victim told police that Rednour shoved her, pulled her around by the hair on her head and slapped her across the face. She further told police that Rednour prevented her from calling 911 after the incident.
Rednour is currently out of Park County Detention Center, having posted a $30,000 cash bond.
His counsel, Timothy Blatt, requested that the court lift the travel restriction of the bond so his client could seek employment with True Oil in Wyoming and North Dakota.
Simpson modified Rednour's bond conditions, allowing him to leave Park County but not Wyoming.
This story was published on Nov. 28, 2022.
---
NEWS BRIEFS for Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers
Gas prices fall nearly 14 cents a gallon in Wyo. in past week
CHEYENNE (WNE) - Average gasoline prices in Wyoming have fallen 13.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.37 per gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy.com's survey of 494 stations in Wyoming.
Prices in Wyoming are 27.4 cents per gallon lower than a month ago, and stand 4.4 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.
The national average price of diesel has fallen 7.9 cents in the last week, and stands at $5.20 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the lowest price in the state was $2.59 per gallon Sunday, while the highest was $4.21, a difference of $1.62 per gallon.
The national average price of gasoline has fallen 12.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.52 per gallon Monday.
The national average is down 22.7 cents per gallon from a month ago, and stands 14.1 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data.
The data is compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 U.S. gas stations.
This story was published on Nov. 30, 2022.
---
We the People students competing at state Dec. 5-6
SHERIDAN (WNE) - The Wyoming State Finals for We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution will take place Dec. 5-6 at the State Capitol Extension in Cheyenne.
More than 350 students from 15 schools will compete in the culminating state civics competition open to all high schools. Students will demonstrate learning on a curriculum that focuses on the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and testify in hearings before panels of judges that include attorneys, law professors, supreme court justices and political scholars.
The champions from this event will receive an invitation to compete against other state winners at the national finals to be held in Washington, D.C., the weekend of April 24-26.
The participating high schools are Big Horn, Casper Kelly Walsh, Cheyenne Central, Cheyenne East, Cheyenne South, Cody, Green River, Kemmerer, Laramie, New Frontier, Rock Springs, Saratoga, Sheridan, Wheatland and Upton.
Sheridan High School is the defending champion.
The program is the most extensive civic education program in the country that teaches young people about the principles and values the Constitution and Bill of Rights embody and aims to give students a thorough understanding of their rights and responsibilities as American citizens.
Students will address topics such as the history and philosophical ideas underlying the Constitution, the development and expansion of the Bill of Rights and the role of citizens in American democracy.
This story was published on Nov. 29, 2022.
---
Wyoming unemployment rate lower than same time last year
DOUGLAS (WNE) - Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rose from 3.3% in September to 3.5% in October, according to data released by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (WDWS).
But the good news is Wyoming's unemployment rate is much lower than its level one year ago at 4.0% and it is also slightly lower than the current U.S. rate of 3.7%, Wyoming economists reported.
From October 2021 to October 2022, unemployment rates fell in most counties, with the largest decreases occurring in Converse County – down from 3.5% to 2.6%.
Those counties with the next largest decreases in unemployment include Campbell (down from 4.1% to 3.2%), Natrona (down from 4.6% to 3.8%) and Sublette (down from 4.2% to 3.6%).
Jobless rates rose in Washakie County, up from 3.0% to 3.4% and Carbon County, up from 3.0% to 3.4%.
From September to October, most county unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and increased slightly, WDWS officials reported.
The department said that Wyoming's colder weather in October often brings seasonal job losses in leisure and hospitality, construction, professional and business services.
The largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Teton (up from 1.9% to 2.5%), Park (up from 2.7% to 3.0%), and Platte (up from 2.8% to 3.1%) counties.
In October, the highest unemployment rates were found in Sweetwater County at 3.9%, Natrona County at 3.8%, Sublette County at 3.6%, and Fremont County at 3.5%.
Weston County reported the lowest unemployment rate at 2.2%, and it was followed by Teton, Niobrara and Crook counties, each at 2.5%.
This story was published on Nov. 30, 2022.
---
Judges: TPL, Copelands defaulted
PINEDALE (WNE) - Three judges in three courtrooms in two different counties have ruled against Triple Peak Landscaping, LLC, and Shane and Ramsey Copeland for defaulting on payments they owe to an investor, a town and a homeowner.
In these civil complaints, neither of the Copelands, of Marbleton, responded or appeared in court.
The most recent breach of contract and default ruling was filed Nov. 16 by 9th Circuit Court Judge Curt Haws in favor of the Town of Marbleton.
When Shane Copeland did not complete a job, he signed a promissory note to pay back money advanced to him.
Judge Haws ordered Triple Peak Landscaping (TPL) and Copeland to pay the Town of Marbleton a total of $32,353.34.
Homeowner Kraig Frome filed a civil complaint against TPL and Shane and Ramsey Copeland in Lincoln County.
On Oct. 17, 3rd Circuit Court Judge Gregory Corpening ruled the Copelands and TPL to pay Frome the principal sum of $14,656.84.
His court clerk filed a notice to inform the Copelands they could have a home, worker or unemployment compensation, wages or Social Security payments seized or garnished. The first breach of contract complaint was filed by William "Bill" Murdock in 9th District Court, before Judge Marv Tyler.
It was filed against TPL and Shane Copeland, claiming neither the corporation nor the person had repaid substantial investments as promised in handwritten contracts.
In his affidavit, Murdock said he wrote two investment checks of $80,000 and $30,000 on Oct. 26, 2021, to be paid back by March 26, 2022.
He said he wrote checks totaling at least $137,500 to Copeland or TPL between October 2021 and July 2022.
The Copelands failed to treat TPL as a separate corporate entity, his suit says.
Judge Tyler entered an order of default in Murdock's favor for TPL or the Copelands to pay $137,500 with 10-percent post-judgment interest, records show.
This story was published on Nov. 29, 2022.
---
NEWS BRIEFS for Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
From Wyoming News Exchange newspapers
Woman charged with defrauding theatre group
CHEYENNE (WNE) - A woman who worked as the bookkeeper for a local nonprofit theater has been charged in federal court with five counts of wire fraud.
Carrisa J. Dunn-Pollard is accused of defrauding Cheyenne Little Theatre Players Inc. of more than $250,000 over about two years, according to documents filed last week in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming.
Dunn-Pollard allegedly "diverted the financial assets of the Theatre for her own personal use and falsified financial records to hide her scheme," the criminal complaint says.
She worked for the theater group part time and was responsible for keeping financial records, according to the complaint.
Dunn-Pollard was arrested Tuesday and appeared before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Kelly Rankin in Cheyenne that afternoon, according to court papers.
A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 15 in Cheyenne.
The theater approached law enforcement in May about "the suspected theft of at least $255,500" by Dunn-Pollard, according to a probable cause statement by Russell Sparks, a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service.
Dunn-Pollard had been the bookkeeper for CLTP since May 2016 and was the only person responsible for the theater's accounting software.
Representatives of the theater reported "multiple unusual transfers of funds" from Sept. 20, 2020, through May 2022 "between the Theater's bank accounts, as well as multiple transfers out of the Theater's general funds account to an outside and unknown bank account."
Sparks determined that the unknown account belonged to Dunn-Pollard and her husband. Between May 23, 2019, and April 27, 2022, 111 "payroll deposits" totaling $278,550 were allegedly made into the account from the theater's bank account.
Theater representatives told law enforcement these deposits weren't authorized by anyone in the organization.
This story was published on Dec. 1, 2022.
---
Man gets 125 years for rape, kidnapping
CASPER (WNE) - A Rock Springs man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the kidnapping and sexual assault of an 8-year-old girl.
A judge on Tuesday sentenced Luis Saavedra Villa, 44, to 125 years in prison for the crimes, which took place in June.
Saavedra Villa was already a registered sex offender at the time of the assault. Saavedra Villa was a family friend known to the child as "uncle," according to a joint statement from the Sweetwater County prosecuting attorney and sheriff.
In June, he had picked her up from her home while her mother was at work and took her to McDonald's. He then sexually assaulted her in his work truck before returning her to her home.
The girl tried to escape while being assaulted, but Saavedra Villa locked the truck and prevented her from leaving, the statement reads.
The girl required emergency surgery at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City for injuries sustained during the assault.
Saavedra Villa was living in Rock Springs and working for a local oilfield company at the time.
He is a Mexican citizen, and was in the country illegally after being deported following a 2001 sexual assault conviction in neighboring Uinta County, authorities said.
The current case did not proceed to trial. Instead, Saavedra Villa pleaded no contest to aggravated kidnapping and first-degree sexual assault. He was sentenced by Third Judicial District Court Judge Suzannah Robinson.
This story was published on Dec. 1, 2022.
---
Sheridan County COVID-19 transmission rate high
SHERIDAN (WNE) - Sheridan County Public Health Response Coordinator Edward Hinzman reported Tuesday high levels of community transmission of COVID-19, as well as a high rank for COVID-19 in the community.
As of Tuesday, 34 confirmed COVID-19 cases were active and two probable cases were active. Currently, three individuals are hospitalized at Sheridan Memorial Hospital for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 website states treatment is now available for those who test positive for the illness.
Walmart Pharmacy and Walgreens Pharmacy carry Lagevrio (molnupiravir) to help treat the illness.
People more susceptible to adverse reactions to COVID-19 - those ages 50 and older, people who are unvaccinated and people with certain medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease or a weakened immune system - should seek medical treatment immediately after recognizing symptoms or testing positive for the illness.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home, according to the CDC. Symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medicines, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
The CDC also suggests preventative measures like receiving vaccines or taking preventative medication.
CDC guidelines state those sick with COVID-19 should stay home and separate from others, improve air flow at home to prevent the illness from spreading to other people, monitor symptoms, wear a high-quality mask or respirator when around other people and practice every day hygiene and cleaning and avoid sharing personal household items.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Sheridan County has recorded 7,199 lab-confirmed cases and 2,331 probable cases.
This story was published on Nov. 30, 2022.
---
Hospital district hits cash flow bottleneck
SUNDANCE (WNE) - Ongoing problems with the electronic medical records system have led to serious issues with cash flow at Crook County Medical Services District.
Though she expects the business office to catch up with the billing soon, CEO Micki Lyons requested a transfer of $500,000 from the board of trustees' account last week to cover payroll and other costs until the issue is resolved.
While happy to consider the request, the board expressed concern that the issue is still not resolved.
The problem relates to older items that have not yet been billed, creating a situation where the accounts receivable is sitting at around $3 million – three times higher than is considered normal for the district. This has left the district short of cash on hand.
Chairman Mark Erickson commented that the trustee account from which Lyons requested the transfer contains the district's mill levy money, which is in fact intended for day-to-day operations. For this reason, he said, he has no issue granting the request from that account.
"The bigger part of the problem is that we don't have money coming in," he said.
"I really don't want to hear you complain about it – I want to know what some of the solutions are," said Brent Fowler, incoming board member.
Lyons acknowledged the concern and explained that it's not something that can be fixed overnight. Staff have been working through to identify problems and bottlenecks, but that takes time, she said.
This story was published on Dec. 1, 2022.
Reader Comments(0)