It’s time to take a look at what’s happening around Wyoming! I’m Wendy Corr, bringing you headlines from the Cowboy State Daily newsroom, for Monday, May 6th.

Upon hearing the phrase “air-dropping grizzlies,” a layperson’s mind might go wild with images of huge, roaring bears parachuting from the sky.

The reality isn’t quite that crazy, but outdoors reporter Mark Heinz says if all goes as planned, perhaps some Wyoming grizzlies could find themselves slung under helicopters, in a drug-induced stupor, on the last leg of their journey to a new home in Washington state.

“If anybody ever saw the movie Operation Dumbo drop, where they dropped an elephant with a parachute, it’s not going to be that fun. It’s pretty mundane, basically it just means they’re going – just as they would move grizzlies into some areas with trucks, it’s the same thing, except they use an aircraft. So the grizzly is put inside a cage or container – they’re tranquilized, of course, and then put inside a cage or container of some sort. And then they’re taken by aircraft to the location, and then allowed to wake up and get their bearings a little bit and then released. So sorry, folks, if you thought I was gonna have a story about Grizzlies dropping from the sky in parachutes.” 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies have said that air-dropping bears will likely be the preferred method of getting new grizzlies to remote locations in Washington’s North Cascades Ecosystem.

Hot Springs State Park is the most visited state park in Wyoming. The state of Wyoming recently asked potential investors to dream big about the park’s future,

and Cowboy State Daily’s Renee Jean reports that the state is willing to put a large chunk of money behind any improvements. 

“The state is proposing to spend about $25 million there on upgrades, but that’s just a drop in the bucket compared to what its selected partner, Wyoming LLC, would be putting into the park. Their punch list includes really big projects – reconstructing the Hot Springs Hotel so that it has a convention center, positioning that so that the rooms, the motel rooms face the river instead of the parking lot. They’d reconstruct the teepee pools and turn that into kind of an adult oriented Wellness Center. The Star Plunge would keep its mid century historic theme, but it would get a poolside diner, kid friendly water features like slides and swimming pools. And then some of the other things they talked about possibly doing – adding a drive in theater, a brew pub, you know, the specific details of that are going to be worked out in upcoming negotiations. They’ll have to sign a long term lease with the state in order to do the project.” 

The park has long laid claim to being the world’s largest mineral hot springs, and draws upward of 1.2 million to 1.9 million visitors a year.

The Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site, located near Hyattville in the Bighorn Basin, just completed the installation of a first-of-its-kind educational experience. And Cowboy State Daily’s Andrew Rossi says it’s a mind-blowing integration of technology and culture that immerses visitors in thousands of years of indigenous history through seasons, sights and sound.

“At medicine Lodge, they felt they were telling the story of the archeology, the history, and the wildlife that are there now, but they didn’t really have a way to tell the cultural story. And the culture of medicine lodge goes back for 1000s upon 1000s of years. So the cultural experience is just that it’s an experience. It’s not a museum exhibit, or like anything else that a lot of people probably experienced because the best way to experience culture is to have culture experience with you with the people who created it. And that’s exactly what the cultural experience is. It’s been several years in the making. And it’s an entirely unique thing and Wyoming possibly the United States because it lets the culture tell its own story.”

The Medicine Lodge Cultural Experience will officially open to visitors later this spring. 

A local effort to establish passenger trail service connecting Cheyenne to Colorado’s Front Range may seem a pipe dream to some, but an effort to make it happen has been gaining momentum, according to Cowboy State Daily’s Leo Wolfson.

“Supporters of this project have been coordinating with the Front Range passenger rail project to kind of try to kind of hop on to that effort, which is basically a rail service that would connect Fort Collins through Denver and south to Pueblo. They are hoping in Cheyenne that there could be an extension built on to this project to connect Cheyenne to Fort Collins. It’s a really interesting effort and one that is possibly gaining steam, especially considering there’s going to be a ballot initiative going before the Colorado voters this November, that would provide a significant amount of funding for the rail line through a tax if if it is passed by the voters, which would really open up a door for the Cheyenne extension on the project.”

Under the best case scenario, the project would still be three to five years off, but Wolfson says supporters are trying to explore different options for different carriers, which could include Amtrak. 

Updates to the Biden administration’s Western Solar Plan would allow more streamlined development of utility scale solar farms in Wyoming, which means more money being invested in solar farms here. But critics feel the Bureau of Land Management, which would oversee the project, isn’t considering all the options, according to energy reporter Pat Maio.

“They feel that the BLM is overlooking what is called distributed generation. So what is that? That is, like solar panels on parking canopies on tops of roofs of buildings. Suggestions are being made to build solar farms on top of abandoned coal mines, things of that sort. That’s distributed generation. The BLM doesn’t seem to be considering that, though – they seem to be kind of moving in a different direction where they would just build these huge agrivoltaic farms, you know, that would involve maybe sheep grazing underneath the panels and so forth, and cattle too.” 

The plan is meant to serve as a road map for solar development in areas where the BLM doesn’t think dangers will be posed to local habitats.

Stacy Boisseau and her daughters have been the first in line to enter Yellowstone National Park through the East Entrance on opening day of the summer season for six years running. She did it again Friday, and Cowboy State Daily’s Andrew Rossi was there.

“Stacey and her daughters thought, why not be the first family in the park? And it’s just a tradition that they’ve kept going. And they say, they don’t plan on doing it every year. They like doing it every year, but it’s kind of an impulsive decision. They just decide a couple days before if they want to do it, and then they pack up the car, make all their plans and head up there. They won’t give me exactly the time that they get there to make sure they are there first but they get there early. And it is a long night in the chilly region of the east entrance. But they do it, not be to be first – they do it because it’s a fun tradition that they’ve developed, where they get to spend time with and enjoy each other, as a family wants to do.”

There will be a time when Boisseau and her family won’t be at the front of the line. But for one more year, they were together with an empty road in front of them, soon filled with more laughter and memories.

And that’s today’s news. Get your free digital subscription to Wyoming’s only statewide newspaper by hitting the subscribe button on cowboystatedaily.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! I’m Wendy Corr, for Cowboy State Daily.

Radio Stations

The following radio stations are airing Cowboy State Daily Radio on weekday mornings, afternoons and evenings. More radio stations will be added soon.

KYDT 103.1 FM – Sundance

KBFS 1450 AM — Sundance

KYCN 1340 AM / 92.7 FM — Wheatland

KZEW 101.7 FM — Wheatland

KANT 104.1 FM — Guernsey

KZQL 105.5 FM — Casper

KMXW 92.5 FM — Casper

KBDY 102.1 FM — Saratoga

KTGA 99.3 FM — Saratoga

KJAX 93.5 FM — Jackson

KZWY 106.3 FM — Sheridan

KROE 930 AM / 103.9 FM — Sheridan

KWYO 1410 AM / 106.9 FM  — Sheridan

KYOY 92.3 FM Hillsdale-Cheyenne / 106.9 FM Cheyenne

KRAE 1480 AM — Cheyenne 

KDLY 97.5 FM — Lander

KOVE 1330 AM — Lander

KZMQ 100.3/102.3 FM — Cody, Powell, Medicine Wheel, Greybull, Basin, Meeteetse

KKLX 96.1 FM — Worland, Thermopolis, Ten Sleep, Greybull

KCGL 104.1 FM — Cody, Powell, Basin, Lovell, Clark, Red Lodge, MT

KTAG 97.9 FM — Cody, Powell, Basin

KCWB 92.1 FM — Cody, Powell, Basin

KVGL 105.7 FM — Worland, Thermopolis, Basin, Ten Sleep

KODI 1400 AM / 96.7 FM — Cody, Powell, Lovell, Basin, Clark, Red Lodge

KWOR 1340 AM / 104.7 FM — Worland, Thermopolis, Ten Sleep

KREO 93.5 FM — Sweetwater and Sublette Counties

KGOS 1490 AM — Goshen County

KERM 98.3 FM — Goshen County

Check with individual radio stations for airtime of the newscasts.

Cheyenne resident Steve Borin has a dream many in Wyoming’s capital city have had for generations —passenger rail service to Colorado’s Front Range.

“Can we make it real?” he asked rhetorically with hope in his voice. “It’s not really rocket science, it’s train science.”

Borin’s dream is still far from a reality, but also not as far-fetched as it may have seemed just a year ago because of some legitimate progress made by those who share the same vision.

The project could find a viable home with the Front Range Passenger Rail (FRPR) project in Colorado, an ongoing proposal for passenger service from Fort Collins through Denver and south to Pueblo.

A Fort Collins-Cheyenne line could be built as an extension of this project, said Jeff Noffsinger, director for Cheyenne Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Local Push

A newly formed Cheyenne Passenger Rail Commission created under Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins’ guidance has been formed to help with the local effort. Borin said Noffsinger has also been instrumental in the recent passenger rail developments and creating the commission.

But Borin also deserves credit for where the Wyoming aspect of the project stands.

He believes a passenger train could be a major development force for downtown Cheyenne, bringing in many more visitors to the capital city.

“It seems like, what a great way to stimulate jobs,” he said. “It would be like a new beginning with an endpoint of increasing everything.”

After attending a meeting last year with representatives from FRPR, Borin and his colleague Michael Rudolph came to the conclusion that it would take decades for a passenger train line to come to Wyoming if the Cowboy State waits passively for Colorado to make it happen.

No matter how fast the Front Range will continue to grow, Borin passionately believes the time is now to start working toward connecting a Cheyenne passenger line to Fort Collins because of future inflationary pressures.

“Whether I’m right or wrong, it has to be now that we do this,” he said. “Every day that we wait is compounded or extrapolated three or four times as we move forward.”

Last spring, the two started an informal group called Never Say Never, started regularly showing up to FNPR meetings and meeting with various Colorado railroad and transportation officials.

“Now, they know we’re around and we’re coming,” Borin said.

How It Could Work

Cheyenne has a long history with the railroad, founded in 1867 when the Union Pacific selected it as a town site. There hasn’t been passenger rail service in Wyoming since the Amtrak Pioneer line that followed along Interstate 80 was discontinued in 1997.

The members of the Cheyenne Passenger Rail Commission may be nervously watching the Colorado polls this November when voters there may consider funding a major part of the new passenger rail service along the Front Range with a proposed small sales tax hike. The Front Range Passenger Rail District will soon consider whether it wants to add this proposal to the 2024 ballot.

If it passes, it would include three trips running daily both ways from Denver to Fort Collins within three to five years, Noffsinger said. He also said there would be potential for a Cheyenne line to tie into this system almost simultaneously.

The result of the Colorado vote could also spell success or death for Cheyenne’s passenger rail hopes whether or not the line includes an extension to Cheyenne on its own, or a Cheyenne to Fort Collins line has to be established independently to tie in with the Front Range line.

According to Colorado Newsline, polling conducted this year showed strong support for Front Range Passenger Rail with Colorado voters, with 73% saying they favor the project. In addition, the Colorado Sun reported Friday that the Colorado Legislature has advanced a bill that would provide some additional money for a portion of the Front Range Rail.

Although no scientific polling has been conducted in Wyoming, Noffsinger said he’s received almost total support when talking to local residents about passenger rail service, particularly if a connection can be built to downtown Denver and Denver International Airport someday.

“People seem to be positive about using that type of a system to get there,” Noffsinger said.

How Will It Be Paid For?

Even with Colorado funding its portion of the project, Noffsinger said some kind of tax would most likely have to be initiated in Cheyenne or Wyoming for the train to make it across state lines from Colorado.

“It’s going to take people to want to do it,” Borin said. “It seems like something that could work if we build it together.”

But Noffsinger said the commission’s intent is to leverage as many federal grants as possible to minimize the fiscal impact on Wyoming residents.

Additionally, Cheyenne is also being considered in an ongoing study by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as part of three proposed long-distance passenger rail routes.

The study, which the FRA is required to perform as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is an early step in the planning process for the return or expansion of long-distance train service nationwide promoted by President Joe Biden’s administration. This type of rail service would tie into the overall Cheyenne passenger rail effort, but would differ from the Front Range project as it would cater to long distance travelers as opposed to commuter traffic.

The three routes that involve Cheyenne include a Los Angeles-Denver route, a Minneapolis-Denver route and an El Paso-Billings route.

Using existing train tracks would be the easiest and most cost-efficient home for a passenger rail line, but Borin said this would take cooperation from BNSF Railway, which already uses the tracks for cargo.

Building a new set of tracks is another option, but buying land to do that could be an expensive undertaking.

All Aboard?

The Cheyenne commission is also conducting a study of its own this summer to consider three potential train station locations. Simply by doing the study, Noffsinger said it will make Cheyenne eligible for federal money to engage in a service development plan, which would study customer demand and potential schedules.

Noffsinger said the goal would be to select a station that can serve both long- and short-distance service lines.

He said he’s been informed that Gov. Mark Gordon’s office is interested in the project.

“They’re definitely aware of our efforts and I think they want to be as supportive as best they can until they know more,” he said.

The Purpose

Bringing passenger rail service to Cheyenne would be much more than an entertainment novelty for a few reasons.

Most significantly, it would help passengers avoid congestion on the busy I-25 corridor when traveling down to the Front Range. As long as travel times could be made comparable to or better than driving in a car to Fort Collins or Denver, the passenger line could serve as a legitimate alternative.

“As the Front Range grows, we need to have other means of transportation,” Noffsinger said.

In many circumstances, taking the train could be quicker than driving to certain destinations, and save money that would be otherwise spent for gas and wear and tear on a vehicle. It also could be more reliable in winter and bad weather.

“Definitely a lot less stressful,” Noffsinger said with a chuckle.

Leo Wolfson can be reached at leo@cowboystatedaily.com.

The Cannes Film Festival, which has been running since the 1940s, will start its 77th iteration on May 14. It has been a stalwart of cinematic achievement and exploration, highlighting momentous films and introducing audiences to up-and-coming directors.

While festivals such as Cannes garner global attention annually, the celebration of film exists in locations all around the world – sometimes in the most unlikely of places. These festivals highlight important topics and are often found in picturesque locations.

From the Finnish countryside to the historical city of Kyoto, here are some hidden gem film festivals well worth the entry ticket.

Imedghassen Film Festival in Algeria

Since 2009, Batna in Algeria has geared up annually for the gathering of filmmakers and enthusiasts at the Imedghassen International Film Festival.

Organised by the El Lemssa Cultural Cooperative, the festival is held in May and hosts filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from Africa and around the world.

The event is named in honour of the ancient Numidian mausoleum of Imedghassen, located near the city. It is known as the oldest royal tomb in the Maghreb. Through this homage, the festival pays recognition to both Berber culture’s rich heritage and the Aures region’s historical importance.

Last year, the festival screened 21 films from 20 countries for competition, with some of the top prizes going to Egypt’s Maggie Kamal for her film Microbus and Algeria’s Ismael Lakehal for Mon Destin.

This year’s event will run from May 11 to 15 and feature more than 170 film screenings, 21 of which will be in competition.

Travelling to the Imedghassen International Film Festival is a great opportunity to watch films from North Africa – with a particular spotlight on works from the host country – that may not be screened anywhere else.

Huhtamo International Film Festival in Finland

Located 160km from the capital city of Helsinki, the quiet town of Huhtamo plays host to the Huhtamo International Film Festival every July, offering a serene green paradise for cinema lovers.

While the weather can be extremely cold in the winter months, Finland enjoys clear, sunny days in the summer, perfect for days spent outside in the countryside. This festival takes advantage of the beautiful weather by hosting outdoor screenings under the stars, bringing people together for a unique cinematic experience.

Finland has a rich history of cinema, with directors such as Aki Kaurismaki, Jorn Donner and Renny Harlin producing film classics such as The Other Side of Hope, Three Scenes with Ingmar Bergman and Die Hard 2, respectively. While Helsinki also hosts an annual film festival, Huhtamo’s provides a more intimate setting and unique experience for cinephiles.

Following last year’s event, its director posted an open letter on its Facebook page condemning funding cuts for public arts, from which the festival benefits. No concrete dates are in place for the festival to take place this year, and it’s looking like the organisers are aiming to return in 2025 instead.

During the last year’s festival, an eclectic programme of films were screened, including future classics Oppenheimer and Top Gun: Maverick, as well as cult favourites such as Eraserhead.

Wyoming International Film Festival in the US

Known for being the least populated US state, Wyoming isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking of lively film festivals. The entire state has little more than 500,000 inhabitants, yet hundreds travel every year to the city of Sheridan to experience films together.

Beginning in 2010, the festival has grown in size and reputation over the years, becoming a must-attend event for film lovers from the surrounding states. The event is set to start on July 9 for five days of screenings, Q&As and live music.

Last year, a little-known indie film won in the Best Narrative Feature category and is one of this year’s most anticipated and well-talked-about movies – Hundreds of Beavers by Mike Cheslik is an example of what audiences can expect to see at the festival, giving it a launch pad to global recognition.

The event is also a prime opportunity to highlight the best of cinema from its native state, having set up a competition category specifically for films or filmmakers from Wyoming, or about the state.

Il Cinema Ritrovato in Italy

Bologna, Italy, is home to one of the most important and prolific film restoration labs in the world, the Cineteca di Bologna. The centre serves as both an archive to preserve old films and a place to restore them to 21st-century standards, allowing them to be screened again.

The Italian city is also home to the beloved classic film festival Il Cinema Ritrovato, which translates to found cinema. Every summer, cinephiles from around the world mark their calendars and book plane tickets and hotel rooms to enjoy newly restored films.

Bologna comes alive during the 10 summer days when the festival is on, with cinema’s greatest filmmakers and actors passing through to enjoy the festival as spectators. In the past, names like Martin Scorsese and Dario Argento have hosted screenings.

The festival is also a chance to view films screened in their original format, whether 35mm or 70mm. Audiences can experience unique screenings rarely found elsewhere.

The joy of Il Cinema Ritrovato festival comes from being surrounded by other people who share the joy and passion of cinema – not just the latest blockbusters but also the history and pillars of the art form.

Kyoto Historica International Film Festival in Japan

Japan has myriad important and entertaining film festivals. Some focus on anime or modern films, while others are major international festivals with entrants from all over the world.

In the beautiful and preserved city of Kyoto, film fans are immersed in history and culture with a festival that focuses on those themes. The Kyoto Historica International Film Festival screens movies that celebrate heritage, inviting attendees to experience work from masters such as Akira Kurosawa as well as other Japanese period classics.

The festival also highlights newer films that tell historical stories, creating a narrative through time of how cultures evolve and change on camera.

Held at the Museum of Kyoto, usually in the last week of January depending on the weather, the festival is a great chance to get fully engrossed in history in a setting that supports the feeling.

International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory in Morocco

The city of Nador in Morocco’s north-eastern region is home to the International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory.

Organised by The Centre for Common Memory of Democracy and Peace – a national advocate for human rights and universal values – the festival will return from October 5 to 11 and focus on the importance of a sustainable environment for quality living.

The festival aims to raise awareness of environmental challenges through art, notably cinema. Documentary submissions are encouraged to explore topics such as global warming, biodiversity loss and pollution, while short and feature films are invited to delve into memory, human rights and contemporary issues with innovative approaches.

With the theme The Memory of the Sky and the Ground, the festival seeks to inspire action and foster dialogue on critical environmental issues facing humanity by harnessing the power of cinema.

Film students and burgeoning filmmakers from North Africa and the rest of the world are encouraged to submit their environmental films and allow for the discussion to grow, leading to potential solutions.

Updated: May 05, 2024, 6:51 AM