CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – The taxable value of Wyoming minerals have plummeted 38.3 percent this year.      The Wyoming Department of Revenue reported the statewide mineral values for 2010, based on 2009 production, decreased from $20.3 billion to $12.5 billion.      Revenue Department Director Ed Schmidt says the percentage drop is severe because mineral values were unusually high in 2008.      But he says it’s also more consistent with what it’s been in previous years.      Local property taxes are levied on the statewide taxable mineral values. About 71 percent of the tax goes to kindergarten through 12 education.      The state’s financial experts anticipated the decline in mineral values.      Schmidt says his department sent out notices a year ago to prepare for the coming tax decline.      —      Information from: Casper Star-Tribune – Casper, http://www.trib.com … Read entire article »

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) – Traffic stops and communicating with police can be tough for the deaf, but the Cheyenne Police Department is trying to change that with training for officers.      Lori Cielinski of Wyoming Vocational Rehabilitation says some people with a hearing impairment fear getting pulled over and not being able to follow directions.      Some might reach for paper and pencil, making an officer uneasy. Others have trouble reading lips when an officer shines a light on them.      Trainer Heather Parsons says others may get ignored, for instance in domestic violence cases, if one spouse can hear but the other can’t.      Parsons says trainers are teaching officers how to communicate, whether through basic signs, an interpreter or writing.      —      Information from: KCWY-TV, http://www.nbcforwyoming.com/ … Read entire article »

DENVER (AP) – The high-altitude cousin of the black-tailed prairie dog has also been denied federal protection.      The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced Thursday that the white-tailed prairie dog does not merit protection under the Endangered Species Act.      The agency reached the same conclusion last year for the species’ better-known cousin, the black-tailed prairie dog. The white-tailed prairie dog is found at altitudes above 5,000 feet in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana.      Federal wildlife authorities say the white-tailed prairie dog population “has not substantially changed” and that the critter doesn’t face significant threat from urbanization or energy development in the region. … Read entire article »

ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) – A Ten Sleep-based company that gives online English instruction to students around the world is looking at establishing an operations center in Sweetwater County.      Michelle Hostetler of the Sweetwater Economic Development Association says Eleutian Technology is looking at Green River right now for a site.      It could employ about 30 teachers.      Eleutian uses Internet video conferencing to connect local teachers with South Korean students for English classes.      —      Information from: Rock Springs Rocket-Miner, http://www.rocketminer.com … Read entire article »

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) – Jackson Hole Airport says the Transportation Security Administration has fined it $7,500 for a security breach during the winter holiday season.      Airport Director Ray Bishop said Wednesday an employee of a contractor for the airport’s new baggage handling system went into a secured area without the proper badge. Bishop says the employee of The Horsely Co. had gone into a construction area.      He says the contractor has reimbursed the airport for the cost of the infraction.      Bishop says the airport has shored up its training program.      —      Information from: Jackson Hole News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com … Read entire article »

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) – Jackson Hole business owners and tourism operators see some encouraging signs for this summer.      Officials report bookings for lodges in Yellowstone National Park are up 10 percent compared with the same time last year, and airline bookings also are up at least 10 percent.      A Jackson Hole restaurateur reports increased advance reservations and expects to be up 10 percent to 11 percent this summer.      One segment of the economy that may see a significant increase is real estate. An industry watcher says the number of sales in Jackson Hole will rise at least 20 percent from 2009 and perhaps as much as 50 percent.      However, an architect reports there aren’t many development projects in the pipeline, which doesn’t bode well for builders.      —      Information from: Jackson Hole News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com … Read entire article »

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (AP) – All entrances and interior roads at Yellowstone National Park are open to the public and the park is ready for Memorial Day weekend visitors.      The park says there will be no daytime delays or overnight closures as a result of construction on any park roads during the holiday weekend.      Spring visitors to Yellowstone should have flexible travel plans and be prepared for winter and spring driving conditions. Park officials say snow remains on many trails and boardwalks and that could limit access in some areas. … Read entire article »