NEWS BRIEFS for Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Lingle rounds up 12,000 pounds of spuds

TORRINGTON (WNE) — The Food Bank of Wyoming recently added nearly 12,000 pounds of potatoes to its stockpile.

The donation came from the University of Wyoming’s James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Lingle during its fourth annual potato harvest.

“The potato harvest, made possible through a partnership between SAREC, the Food Bank of Wyoming, and UW Extension’s Cent$ible Nutrition Program, is part of ongoing efforts to address food security in Wyoming,” according to a university release.

“We had another successful year at the SAREC potato harvest,” Mindy Meuli, director of CNP said. “We filled the Food Bank of Wyoming truck with potatoes for statewide distribution through local food pantries.”

Many volunteers came to help sack the potatoes: SAREC staff members, women from Wyoming Women’s Center; CNP and UW Extension employees; undergraduate students from UW’s family and consumer sciences department; 4-H families; community members; and Food Bank of Wyoming staff members.

“I would just like to thank the volunteers who came to help. Without volunteers, these potatoes don't get bagged,” said Brian Lee, a research scientist at SAREC who is instrumental in coordinating all aspects of the potato project.

The potatoes are grown at the center, and the harvest will be transported by the Food Bank of Wyoming to food pantries in Wyoming.

“They are available at no cost to hunger relief organizations partnering with Food Bank of Wyoming,” said the university release. “CNP is working with local food pantries to connect patrons to recipes and resources for using and storing potatoes safely.”

This story was published on November 13, 2024.

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Death of 399 prompts discussion on expanding grizzly territory

AFTON (WNE) — In a recent update from the Game and Fish Department, Director Anji Bruce addressed the ongoing challenges surrounding grizzly bear populations in the region.

The death of grizzly bear 399, who was found dead far south of her usual territory, highlighted the expanding range of these animals.

“It was a very unfortunate incident,” Bruce remarked, noting the implications of a growing bear population.

For more than two decades, the grizzly bear population has exceeded management objectives, with numbers steadily rising.

“When populations are high, they tend to expand into less hospitable habitats, which is what we are witnessing now,” Bruce said.

Earlier this year, a grizzly was spotted further south than ever before – just north of Kemmerer – raising concerns about human-wildlife interactions.

Historically, conflicts between bears and humans have increased significantly.

The 1990s averaged about 80 conflicts annually, while the 2000s saw that number rise to 150. In the last three years, the average has surged to 222 incidents per year.

Bruce emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which oversees grizzly management at the federal level.

“We assist them with conflict situations and are in constant contact,” she said.

A particular concern was a black bear in Star Valley Ranch, which was spotted frequently within town limits, leading to 22 reported conflicts.

“When bears change their behavior, it’s a serious issue,” Bruce warned.

While relocation is an option in some cases, it is not viable for animals with repeated human conflicts.

This story was published on November 13, 2024.

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Forbes Magazine feature highlights tourism in Goshen County

TORRINGTON (WNE) — Torrington has been featured in a Forbes magazine article titled "People and places that make Wyoming a special state to visit."

The article was written by Michael Goldstein, who was part of a group of tourism writers and influencers visiting a number of Wyoming towns as part of an initiative by the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

The feature includes a paragraph and a photo of Edzan Fluckinger at The Bread Doctor, along with mentions of Table Mountain Vineyards.

While Goshen County may not have the advantage of established vacation destinations like national parks or ski slopes, visitors often come for business at the Livestock Market or to attend various events such as trap shooting tournaments.

For example, the most recent Wyoming State Trap Shoot brought in over 100 shooters from other states, as well as a few from other countries.

This story was published on November 13, 2024.

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