Wyoming
Elk Fire in Wyoming reaches approximately 22,000 acres
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The Elk Fire in Sheridan County, Wyoming continues to grow in size.
The U.S. Forest Service reported the fire started last Friday due to lightning and has grown to approximately 22,000 acres.
At this time, they’re calling the fire zero percent contained. Air operations are currently taking place with four air tankers dropping fire retardant in various locations of the fire.
However, the use of helicopters has been paused due to high winds in the area. A complex Incident Management Team has taken over command of the fire.
There are currently seven hand crews and three engines working to suppress the fire.
All residents west of the intersection of Tongue Canyon Road and Amsden Road were ordered to evacuate.
Sheridan County has closed numerous roads to non-resident travel including:
- Tongue River Canyon
- Pass Creek
- Smith Creek
- Twin Creek roads
The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed Highway 14 from Dayton to Burgess Junction.
People impacted by evacuations can call the Sheridan County Emergency Management line at 307-752-2174.
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Wyoming
After Strong Demand, Wyoming Childcare Provider Grants to Reopen in 2026
A statewide grant program supporting childcare providers drew 90 applications in just two rounds of funding earlier this year. For the Wyoming Interagency Working Group on Childcare, which launched the initiative, the response affirmed that the program is addressing a significant community need. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has more.
In 2025, the Wyoming Interagency Working Group on Childcare worked collaboratively to award $183,537 to 24 providers. In an effort to build on that success, the grant program will reopen January 2 with applications closing March 1, 2026. Administered by the Wyoming Community Foundation, grants of up to $20,000 per applicant will be awarded with a renewed focus on communities with the greatest childcare shortages.
Grant awards will be prioritized based on requests from high-needs communities as will be outlined in the application and on the Wyoming Community Foundation’s website, along with plans to increase the number of children and families being cared for and engagement or planned engagement with business support services through the Small Business Development Center. Funding for this round of grantmaking includes the Wyoming Maternal and Child Health Unit, Wyoming Department of Family Services, the Wyoming Community Foundation, and the Business Studio at LCCC. To apply for a grant or if you have questions about the application process, you can click here.
Wyoming
Teton Pass closed in both directions due to avalanche, possibly until Tuesday
WILSON, Wyo. — Another complicated day for Teton Pass commuters.
WY22 over Teton Pass is closed in both directions due to avalanche control as of 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22, according to an alert issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). WYDOT’s estimated opening time for the road is between noon and 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
WYDOT had closed the pass at 3 a.m. Monday for avalanche control. According to a post by the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC), a “large explosive triggered avalanche” ended up covering both lanes of the Pass.
“Early this morning, WYDOT crews brought down a large, controlled avalanche at Glory Bowl during their mitigation mission,” the agency posted to Facebook Monday morning. “Due to the extent of the clean up, estimated opening time is between noon and 2 p.m. tomorrow.”

WYDOT confirmed to Buckrail that the dense, heavy slide is being addressed by a dozer on Monday morning, and that clearing the snow will take several hours. The agency expects to share an updated opening time estimate as the cleanup unfolds.
According to BTAC’s Monday forecast, high avalanche danger exists in the Tetons.
“Heavy snowfall and strong wind has created very dangerous avalanche conditions on wind loaded middle and upper elevation terrain,” its forecast states.
This is a developing story. Buckrail will provide information as details become available.
Wyoming
Man taken into custody after police standoff in Wyoming
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — Wyoming police officers were seen taking a man into custody after an hours-long standoff Sunday night.
Police swarmed Thorndyke Avenue near 44th Street SW in Wyoming for several hours after a man barricaded himself inside a home. A News 8 crew watched officers remove a man from the barricaded home in handcuffs around 11:35 p.m. Sunday.
A neighbor who lives on Thorndyke Avenue told News 8 that the incident began when a man who lives on the street left his house to confront a group of men who were working on the roof of a nearby property. The neighbor heard a single gunshot before the man retreated into his home.
Thorndyke Avenue was blocked off for hours with those living on the street unable to get to their houses. Those already inside were asked to remain inside.
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