Wyoming
Elk Fire moving south, Big Horn, Wyoming residents comfortable but ready
It’s night 12 of the Elk Fire, as firefighters continue to make progress in Sheridan County, Wyoming.
The fire is now at about 77,000 acres and 16 percent contained.
“It’s a combination of the wind and the topography that is moving this fire down the front of the mountains,” said Kristie Thompson, Elk Fire public information officer.
The public had a chance to hear about the firefighting efforts at Big Horn High School on Wednesday night.
Many remain on evacuation notice and nearly 900 continue to battle the fire.
“In Big Big Horn, there is no evacuation status,” Thompson said.
Much of the concern has been near the northeast part of the fire near Parkman and Dayton, but with the fire growing, people in the southeast portion have now had to be on alert.
The incident commander emphasized human life, property, and the Big Goose water treatment facility are priorities.
“The biggest priority for the incident management team is looking at how do we minimize impacts into the Big Goose watershed and the Big Goose water treatment facility,” said Thompson. “Both of those feed water into this entire area, specifically the city of Sheridan.”
Thompson said crews will implement some strategic fire actions in Big Goose Canyon.
“To slowly take fire up the hill towards that main body of the fire at a controlled rate,” Thompson said. “So that way, it does not have the energy to quickly burn down the mountain if it ever wanted. It’s a very important resource that we want to protect.”
In Big Horn, a short distance from Sheridan, it’s fairly normal on the football field for the high school team and for the younger kids practicing football as well.
“I think they’ve kind of been monitoring air quality that was spreading really fast a few days ago,” said Tommy Stipula, whose son was practicing with his youth team. “But, it’s slowed down a lot and so we’re not as worried now.”
And that’s a sentiment for others in Big Horn.
“That fire’s got a long way to go before it starts putting things in jeopardy,” said Ivan Stalick, a Big Horn resident.
Stalick has a different thought about the air.
“I mean, air quality as you see is pretty horrible, but we all have to deal with this and let this thing work,” Stalick said.
While residents feel relatively comfortable, they also know the potential dangers and one woman is selling signs to raise money for firefighters.
“I’ve lived out here for over 20 years and I love this community and this town,” said Kitt Laidlaw, who lives in Sheridan. “And in times like this, it’s amazing how people rally together to help.
The firefighters appreciate the citizen support and crews were out protecting structures including the Big Goose water treatment plant.
“If the watershed above it burns very severely or hot, that can generate enough sediment to shut down or impact that water treatment plant,” said Chief Jon Wardner of the Big Horn Volunteer Fire Department. “ So the team is busy thinking about ways to not let that happen and obviously protecting the treatment plan itself. So that’s been a big success there.”
The Story area was moved into a set status for evacuations and citizens will be alerted and law enforcment will be ready to answer questions if necessary.
CASPER, Wyo. — Special Olympics Wyoming recently announced that it is calling for volunteers to help work the upcoming annual State Fall Tournament, happening Oct. 8 through Oct. 10.
That’s according to a release from SOW, which states that the event offers competition in bowling, cycling, bocce and soccer. This tournament represents over 500 different athletes and more than 30 teams from around the state of Wyoming.
Competition sites for the fall tournament include, North Casper Soccer Complex, Edness Kimball Wilkins State Park, Boomtown Blast, and El Mark-O Lanes.
Citizens are encouraged to come cheer on the Special Olympics Wyoming athletes, but the tournament is seeking volunteers as well.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics Wyoming and play a significant role in providing quality events to athletes,” the release states. “Each fall, Special Olympics Wyoming depends on the generosity of Casper and the surrounding communities to engage in this state-wide competition event by volunteering a portion of their time to ensure that these athletes, Unified Sports® partners, coaches, friends, family, and volunteers visiting Casper from throughout Wyoming experience a first-rate, memory making event.”
Special Olympics Wyoming needs volunteers to assist with competitions, awards, meals, and more.
To sign up to volunteer, contact the Special Olympics Wyoming office at 307-235-3062 or register online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FACAC2DA0FDC52-58224359-2025#/.
Related
The Colorado State Rams and Wyoming Cowboys have added two games to their Border War football series, both schools announced Wednesday.
Colorado State is leaving the Mountain West Conference after the 2025 season and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the fall of 2026. As a result, their annual Border War game will have to be played as a non-conference contest.
Back in November, the two schools announced an agreement that included games beginning in 2028 and extending through the 2035 season. Today’s announcement includes the addition of a game on Sept. 5, 2026 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colo., and on Sept. 6, 2036 at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wyo.
“Rivalry games are important to us at Colorado State and are a part of what makes College Football so special,” said Colorado State Director of Athletics, John Weber. “Our scheduling goal for our football program is to host seven games every season on campus in Canvas Stadium. Ram Country and Canvas Chaos make a real difference on game day and there is no better place to play than at home on campus in Fort Collins.”
The two schools are scheduled to play this season on Saturday, Oct. 25 in Laramie.
“Having one of the oldest rivalries in the West that features one of the most iconic trophies in college football continue consecutively is outstanding,” added Weber. “The Boot Run with the game ball, the Border Ceremony, and the Bronze Boot Trophy all honor the values and rich ROTC history of both universities and will remain integral to this rivalry for years to come. This game is important to our universities, communities, and fans and I am thrilled that we were able to continue it in 2026.”
Although Colorado State and Wyoming are not scheduled to meet in 2027, there is still the possibility for that contest. When the series was announced last year, both schools stated they were “…working on amendments to schedules for the 2026 and 2027 season for potential additions to the current agreement.”
Colorado State and Wyoming first met on the gridiron in 1899 and have played a total of 116 contests. The Rams currently lead the overall series 60-51-5.
In order to schedule the 2026 game with Colorado State, Wyoming has rescheduled its previously slated home contest against North Texas for Sept. 9, 2034. Colorado State was previously scheduled to play at Indiana on Sept. 5, 2026, but Indiana will now host North Texas on that date instead.
Future Border War Games
Sept. 5, 2026 at CSU
Sept. 23, 2028 at CSU
Sept. 22, 2029 at WYO
Sept. 7, 2030 at CSU
Sept. 20, 2031 at WYO
Sept. 25, 2032 at CSU
Sept. 24, 2033 at WYO
Sept. 23, 2034 at CSU
Sept. 22, 2035 at WYO
Sept. 6, 2036 at WYO
Football Schedules
Future Colorado State Football Schedules
Future Wyoming Football Schedules
Special Olympics Wyoming seeking volunteers for state fall tournament
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