DAYTON, Wyo. — The Elk fire in northern Wyoming continues to burn across the Bighorn mountains. Early Saturday morning, residents in Dayton were asked to be ready to evacuate at any moment, as the winds are pushing the fire southwest.
With winds over 60 mph, at about 1 am Saturday morning, the Elk fire reached over 62,00 acres. Residents in Dayton have moved from a “Ready” evacuation status, to a “Set” evacuation status, meaning they need to be ready to evacuate.
Mack Carmack, MTN News
Elk Fire, Dayton Wyo., 100524
“This one… It just got big so quick… and the winds are not in our favor, by any means,” says Rhianna Miller, a mother and Dayton resident.
Advertisement
Mack Carmack, MTN News
Rhianna Miller, Dayton resident
Miller says she used to live in Florida, and would often experience hurricanes, but says this wildfire takes the cake for natural disasters she’s experienced.
“It’s one thing to prepare for a hurricane, ‘cuz you know it’s coming. But, this hands down has to be the most terrifying,” Miller said.
The reason the Elk fire has been so destructive, according to Sheridan County officials, is because of the high winds and timber in the Bighorn mountains. Where most wildfires burn grass, the Elk fire is burning trees.
Mike De Fries
Advertisement
Elk Fire, Dayton Wyo., 100524
“So (grass fires) can be very fast moving, but if… the wind slows down, they’ll slow down, and we can get ahead and really cut that off. Well, when it’s in a different sort of fuel type, like very heavy timber, it’s going to take a lot longer for that fuel type to be consumed,” said Kristie Thompson, the Public Information Officer for the Elk fire.
What may be most unfortunate for residents is the fact that, because of these high winds and timber, Elk could burn for weeks.
Mack Carmack, MTN News
Elk Fire, Dayton Wyo., 100524
“So, as long as it’s held at bay, and doesn’t come closer to town, I would like to go home,” said Miller.
Many Wyoming residents are hoping to go home, as many areas have already evacuated, including: South Highway 14, west of Beckon Road, and Eaton Ranch Road. In Montana, some Bighorn County residents are preparing for evacuation, as well.
Advertisement
Mack Carmack, MTN News
Elk Fire, Dayton Wyo., 100524
“(These fires) are very dynamic, very fluid. We’re constantly looking at that with the Incident Management Team, the operations, and coming up with a plan. That’s our primary goal, to make sure that the public is safe, the firefighters are safe. So when we’re seeing the fire move, and the activity change, we are constantly looking at that, and determining where we need to set evacuation notices,” said Levi Dominguez, the Sheridan County Sheriff.
As of Saturday afternoon, the fire is zero percent contained, many evacuations are in order, and heavy winds continue to spread across the region. Because of that, there is no way of knowing when Elk fire is to end.
“Until the snow comes, we will likely be seeing smoke,” says Thompson.
BAR NUNN, Wyo. — Casper native Keenan Morgan recently announced his intention to run for the House District 58 seat, which is currently occupied by Rep. Bill Allemand.
Morgan is a fourth-generation Wyomingite. He went to school in Bar Nunn and Casper and is an alum of Casper College and the University of Wyoming.
“My family has been in America since before its founding, arriving on my mom’s side as pilgrims and on my dad’s side as slaves. Over time, my family landed in Wyoming,” Morgan said in his campaign statement. “I am proud of my Wyoming history and desire to stay. But this desire is becoming less common in our state as people leave seeking opportunities elsewhere, never to return.”
Morgan said that 60% of Wyoming’s young people choose to leave the state, citing a story from WyoFile.
“Young people leave often for one simple reason: they do not see leaders building a vision of Wyoming that includes them,” Morgan said. “They do not see young leaders looking out for them. They are driven away by a lack of educational and job opportunities, a sense of hopelessness, a lack of progress, and an increasingly divisive political landscape.”
Advertisement
Morgan said that, despite that, he chooses to stay in Wyoming because he believes what is possible for the state.
He also provided a list of tenets he said Wyomingites collectively hold.
We all share the same values and the same vision for our state:
We believe in freedom, opportunity, justice, and equality.
We all want success for our families and our community.
We understand that we must lift each other up instead of beat each other down.
We know that people need ready-access to the care and services they need.
We know that prices are too high and our government seems incapable of accountability.
We believe in fostering economic diversity and innovation in Wyoming.
We understand that in Wyoming, we have to protect public education, public lands, and access to opportunities for youth.
We believe in autonomy, protecting public institutions, ensuring integrity in government, and always putting Wyoming First and moving Wyoming Forward.
– Morgan’s campaign statement
Morgan called this series of beliefs the Wyoming vision and said that representation across the state is struggling to lead with this vision, which is something he’s trying to change.
“My name is Keenan Morgan and I’m running for House District 58 because I believe in empowering a new generation to put Wyoming First and move Wyoming Forward,” he said. “We need a Wyoming vision of progress, principles, and passion in politics.”
Morgan said he believes in listening to the community, fighting for people-centered solutions, accountability and looking out for those in the community who are struggling.
Advertisement
“I recognize that issues are rarely simply black and white, and understanding nuance is required to make real change last,” he said. “That is why I believe in telling the truth as I understand it — always.”
Morgan said he’s committed to working on lasting solutions that move the state forward, rather than relying on buzzwords and empty promises. He said he believes in practical leadership, which is what real representation looks like.
“I am asking for your support in this race not because I think we will agree on 100% of the issues 100% of the time — that’s an unrealistic and dishonest expectation — but instead because I promise to always look out for your interests by putting Wyoming First and Wyoming Forward,” Morgan said. “Every time. Decisions are made by those who show up. Whether or not you decide to vote for me in this race, if elected, I will always do what is right for you.”
Bar Nunn Mayor Peter Boyer is also running for House District 58.
LARAMIE, Wyo. — A Colorado resident died April 2 in a two-vehicle crash near Laramie.
According to reports from Wyoming Highway Patrol, one driver was northbound on US 287, while another motorist was approaching from the south. Shortly before 7:50 pm., the northbound vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the other car in a glancing, head-on collision near milepost 415.
After the drivers collided, the southbound car left the road to the right, tripping and rolling before coming to rest in a ditch. The other vehicle left the road to the right and came to an uncontrolled rest.
Killed in the wreck was 36-year-old Colorado resident David Foote. One other person was injured, WHP reports.
Advertisement
This story contains preliminary information as provided by the Wyoming Highway Patrol via the Wyoming Department of Transportation Fatal Crash Summary map. The agency advises that information may be subject to change.
Debra Moerke spent some time on Wyoming’s morning radio talk show, Wake Up Wyoming, with Glenn Woods, to talk about a new, safe haven for single mothers in the Cowboy State.
The McKenzie Home will provide a safe haven and essential resources, empowering single mothers to gain stability, achieve independence, and build a bright, self-sufficient future for their children.
The McKenzie Home is a supportive residential community dedicated to single mothers. They offer the tailored programs and skills development necessary to secure affordable housing, increase job readiness, and break the cycle of instability.
You can listen to the radio interview below.
Advertisement
The mission of The McKenzie Home is to provide single mothers with a home and a program with access to resources, skills, and support needed to enable them to become successful parents and contributing members of their community.
Women who find themselves as a single parent often fall between the cracks in our society, with little support or help to become strong and independent. Many times, they will turn to unhealthy alternatives, putting themselves and their children in jeopardy. The McKenzie Home gives them a safe place to live, while providing that essential support toward a healthy, productive life.
Debra Moerke From McKenzie Home websiteDebra Moerke From McKenzie Home website
McKENZIE’S STORY. Born of a single mom and adopted into a loving family, McKenzie was a warm and fun-loving little girl. At the age of five, she lost her fight against childhood cancer. While visiting McKenzie’s memorial site in Green River, Wyoming, her grandmother, Debra Moerke, felt drawn to a nearby historical elementary school.
Advertisement
After the building was gutted by a fire, Moerke was given a vision to bring the landmark back to life by restoring a community treasure and creating a transitional home for single moms in need of a new start.
McKenzie Home websiteMcKenzie Home website
MEET THE TEAM. The McKenzie Home enjoys the support and expertise of a Board of Directors, an Extension of the Board housed in Green River, and an Advisory Board. Meet them here.
