Worth noting, March 28, 2024

“I am proud of the work that I and my fellow Democratic legislators have done over the past two years to protect our hard-working Wyoming families,” Chestek said in a news release. “We have been their voice in Cheyenne not only to provide the assistance they need, but to protect their freedom to live their best lives without undue government interference.”

Chestek cited real estate property tax relief passed during the just-completed 2024 budget session as one of the major accomplishments he and the rest of the Democratic caucus achieved.

“Because of the rapid rise in real estate values across the state, real estate property taxes have risen dramatically over the past few years,” he continued. “These increases have hit everybody, but were particularly harmful to our senior citizens who live on fixed incomes. The tax relief bills we helped to pass will provide welcome relief to all citizens.”

While the caucus did have some successes, Chestek acknowledged that some harmful legislation also passed, over the strong objections of the Democrats. In particular, Chestek cited the Repeal of Gun Free Zones act, which would have authorized the concealed carrying of firearms in K-12 schools, the University of Wyoming campus, the state Capitol, and other public spaces.

Chestek added that he was running for another two-year term in order to continue promoting the Wyoming values of building sustainable and healthy communities, protecting individual freedoms and protecting our natural environment and heritage.

House District 13 consists of the east part of the city of Laramie, roughly from 15th Street to Vista Drive and Willett Drive to Interstate 80. It also includes the Quarterhorse neighborhood just east of Grand Avenue.

Gasoline prices continue to rise, up 12.5 cents in past week

CHEYENNE — Average gasoline prices in Wyoming have risen 12.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.20 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy.com’s survey of 494 stations in Wyoming.

Prices in Wyoming are 32.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, and stand 9.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the lowest price in the state on Sunday was $2.56, while the highest was $3.69, a difference of $1.13 per gallon.

The national average price of gasoline has risen 6.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.51 Monday. The national average is up 27 cents per gallon from a month ago, and stands 8.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.

The national average price of diesel has risen 2 cents in the last week, and stands at $4.02 per gallon.

New elk harvest record set by Wyoming hunters

CHEYENNE — Wyoming hunters had one of the most successful elk hunting seasons on record in 2023-24, with nearly a 5% increase in harvest compared to the previous season, according to the latest elk harvest survey report.

During the season, hunters spent more than 480,000 recreation days in the field and harvested nearly 29,000 elk. Over the last decade, there has been an increasing trend in elk harvest.

Elk populations have thrived in Wyoming over the last two decades. Wildlife managers estimate the elk population in the Cowboy State to be about 109,000. This record-breaking harvest comes at a time when elk populations in some parts of the state are over objective, creating damage issues for private landowners. Hunting seasons are the primary tool used to manage elk populations.

In the 2023 season, the harvest of cow elk topped 13,000 for the first time over the past decade.

“Hunters play a crucial role in wildlife conservation, and their commitment to help manage elk populations is greatly appreciated,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Chief Rick King. “We appreciate the access provided by landowners and the effort expended by hunters in the harvest of antlerless elk.”

Tentative season information for the 2024 elk season is available on the Game and Fish Hunt Planner.

The nonresident elk application deadline has passed, but nonresident hunters can modify or withdraw their existing applications until May 8. Nonresident draw results will be tentatively available May 16.

The resident elk deadline application is May 31. Draw results for resident elk will be tentatively available June 18.

From Laramie Boomerang and Wyoming Tribune Eagle