Wyoming’s U.S. Senators, Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, and Congresswoman Liz Cheney, have agreed to serve on President Donald Trump’s task force dedicated to reopening the economy. The announcement was made Thursday, just about noon, in a joint statement from the Wyoming delegation. Differing opinions on closures and restrictions of some services have been simmering […]
Community
Posted inCrime
Oil City Police Calls (4/15/20 – 4/16/20)
Did you hear emergency sirens and wonder where they were headed? You can use our handy map to find out more about Casper Police Department calls in the Oil City. For privacy reasons, exact addresses and certain types of calls may not be included or certain calls may have some information withheld. The CPD Incident Summary […]
Posted inOutdoors
Over 500 invasive goldfish documented in Wyoming reservoir; likely illegally stocked
CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Game and Fish Department said on Wednesday, April 15 that over 500 invasive goldfish have been documented in Renner Reservoir near Hyattville. “The goldfish, likely the result of illegal stocking, will have far-reaching consequences to the newly rehabilitated reservoir and bass fishery,” Game and Fish said. A survey conducted on […]
Posted inCOVID-19
CDC reporting 494 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Wyoming, may be an error
UPDATE: The CDC has corrected their data. As of 1:50 pm Thursday, they report 393 COVID-19 cases, including both lab confirmed and probable cases in Wyoming. That now matches Wyoming Department of Health data, who provide data to the CDC. CASPER, Wyo. — Both the Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Tiny COVID concert: Patrick W. Stafford
COVID-19 closures have affected businesses we all depend on, making it tough for Oil City residents to make ends meet. Perhaps no one has felt this more than our local musicians, many of whom earn their livings playing gigs at the bars, restaurants and other venues that have been closed for several weeks. We miss […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Food bank faces sustainability crisis while meeting increased demand
By Gregory Hirst, Oil City News CASPER, Wyo. — Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, over 50 percent of Wyoming residents have experienced layoffs or reduction in work hours. As a result, Joshua’s Storehouse saw a sudden increase in demand for its supply of food and household goods. “As the weeks go on, I’m […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Three new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Natrona County announced Thursday
CASPER, Wyo. – Three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been announced on Thursday morning by the Casper/Natrona County Department of Health, bringing Natrona County’s total to 37. According to a release, the positive patients are being monitored and are self-quarantining along with immediate household members. No other information on the cases was provided. As […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Wyoming employers face worker-safety challenges during pandemic
April 14, 2020 by Angus M. Thuermer Jr., WyoFile WIth many employees still reporting for work during the COVID-19 pandemic, employers may have to adopt new measures to comply with regulations requiring safe workplaces. Employers have an obligation to protect workers from “recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm,” […]
Posted inWeather
‘No unnecessary travel’ along parts of I-25, US 287 closed between Laramie and Rawlins
CASPER, Wyo. — “No unnecessary travel’ advisories are in effect on I-25 between Douglas and Glenrock and also between Cheyenne and Whitaker Road as of 9:55 am Thursday, April 16. There are also black ice advisories in effect on I-25 in the Chugwater area. Meanwhile, a long stretch of I-80 is closed in Wyoming, according […]
Posted inCOVID-19
6,329 tests complete in Wyoming as probable and confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 393
CASPER, Wyo. — Between the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory, commercial labs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6,329 COVID-19 tests have been completed in Wyoming. Wyoming has a total of 393 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 288 laboratory confirmed cases and 105 “probable cases” as of Wednesday, April 15, according to […]
Posted inWeather
WYDOT: Interstate 80 closed up to 15 hours today
CASPER, Wyo. – WYDOT says much of Interstate 80 will be closed up to 15 hours today after a winter-like storm moved through the state. WYDOT closed the interstate from Rock Springs through Cheyenne due to winter conditions, they said. Large areas of other state highways were impacted as well, including US 30 and US […]
Posted inWeather
Storm closes 250 miles of I-80, no unnecessary travel on I-25
CASPER, Wyo. – A winter-like storm that brought snow, wind and freezing temperatures to central and southern Wyoming overnight has closed highways and interstates in the state. According to WYDOT, Interstate 80 between Rock Springs and Cheyenne is closed until further notice as of 5:45 a.m. US 30 between between Rock Springs and Cheyenne is […]
Posted inCommunity
Winter storms close multiple highways in Southeastern Wyoming
CASPER, Wyo – The Wyoming Department of Transportation is reporting that I-80 is closed in both directions between Rawlins and Cheyenne as of approximately 9:40 this evening. US Highway 287 is also closed in both directions between Laramie and the Colorado state line. “Winter conditions” are cited as the reason for both closures. Earlier in […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Casper mayor: COVID-19 order enforcement rules will keep people’s rights in mind
CASPER, Wyo. — Casper Mayor Steve Freel said during a Wednesday, April 15 press conference that the city council will carefully consider people’s rights as they work toward a possible new COVID-19 related ordinance. “The last thing we want to do is violate people’s rights and that is why it was sent back,” Freel said, […]
Posted inEconomy
5,730 Wyoming businesses, non-profits see over $706 million in COVID-19 related loans approved
CASPER, Wyo. — Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said during a press conference on Wednesday, April 15 that 5,730 Wyoming businesses and non-profits have had loans approved and will receive over $706 million in support. Gordon said that banks in Wyoming have been working with their clients and the United States Small Business Administration to work […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Watch Live: Wyo Governor Mark Gordon briefing on COVID-19 (4/15/20)
CASPER, Wyo. — The Wyoming Governor’s office has announced a briefing concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, scheduled for 4:00 pm, April 15, 2020. Oil City News is sharing the live feed of this briefing courtesy of the Wyoming Public Broadcasting System‘s YouTube channel. Video is posted below.
Posted inCommunity
All who attended two Casper house parties to self-isolate for COVID-19 exposure
CASPER, Wyo. — Casper Mayor Steve Freel shared further information during a Wednesday, April 15 press conference regarding an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday after attending two house parties in Casper over the weekend. The individual is a healthcare worker who was known to have been exposed to the virus as they […]
Posted inCommunity
County health officials: wear masks in public
CASPER, Wyo. — County health officials are asking people in the community to not only wear masks when out in public, but are also asking individuals and industry to step up and help provide masks for the community. Dr. Mark Dowell, Natrona County Health Officer, addressed the public during an Emergency Operations Center briefing on […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Dr. Dowell- virus peak is “the great unkown”
CASPER, Wyo. — “This virus is not just going to to magically disappear in the next few weeks,” said Dr. Mark Dowell, Natrona County Health Officer. During a briefing hosted by the Natrona County Emergency Operations Center, Dowell commented on several highly publicized models that are showing a peak for COVID-19 to be happening at […]
Posted inCOVID-19
Watch Live: Dr. Mark Dowell addresses public at Natrona County EOC COVID-19 briefing
CASPER, Wyo. — Multiple agencies in the city of Casper and Natrona County, under the Emergency Operations Center, have announced that they will hold briefings throughout the week concerning public health related to coronavirus caused COVID-19. During the briefing for April 15, 2020; officials say that Dr. Mark Dowell, Natrona County Health Officer and infectious […]
Posted inCommunity
Governor instructs state agencies to prepare for COVID-19 budget impacts
As Wyoming continues to experience the direct and indirect fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Mark Gordon has instructed all state agency directors to identify opportunities to immediately reduce spending. According to a statement released by the Governor’s office the instruction is for the current budget year, which ends June 30, and into the […]
Posted inCommunity
Two Casper women awarded for volunteer work with the Girl Scouts
CASPER, Wyo. — Two Casper women have been awarded for their volunteer efforts with the Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming. Rita Wentz received a “Volunteer of Excellence” award and Rachel Collie received an “Outstanding Volunteer” award, according to the Girl Scouts’ Wednesday, April 15 announcement. “Rita Wentz has been awarded the Volunteer of Excellence,” the release […]
Posted inCommunity
Almost 40% response rate reported in Wyoming census
Wyoming residents are responding to the 2020 Census. As of Tuesday, April 14, officials say that the statewide response rate for Wyoming is at 39.6 percent. “This represents a large increase in self-response for Wyoming; in fact California, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming were in a six-way tie for the highest daily total self-response […]
