Kyler Lunde
Klunde1@uwyo.edu
Laramie man sentenced for probation violations
Joshua Michael Hoyt, a 31-year-old Laramie resident, was convicted of child endangerment in 2015. Friday, he was sentenced to jail in district court as a result of violating terms of his probation. Hoyt pleaded guilty to a felony count of child endangerment and no contest to a misdemeanor wrongful taking or disposing of property charge in 2015. These charges were a result of him smoking methamphetamine with a minor. Hoyt began probation after a split sentence and approval for sentence reduction. Following several violations of his probation by the use of methamphetamine, the state filed for another probation revocation this February. Hoyt’s defense attorney argued these violations were the result of a drug addiction, which needs to be treated. District Court Judge Jeffery Donnell agreed with the DA, sentencing Hoyt to six months of incarceration for the misdemeanor and re-imposing the original prison sentence for the felony. This sentence will be re-evaluated after Hoyt enters a treatment program.
Sexual assault victims able to receive help on, off campus
Regardless of the nine on-campus sexual assaults reported to the University of Wyoming Police Department in 2014, it is likely that an even greater number of on-campus sexual assaults are not reported at all. There are groups that can help fix this. About 40 to 60 people visit the STOP Violence office in Knight Hall per school year in order to report sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking. The SAFE Project is a similar program for the Laramie community, offering help and direction for victims of sexual or partner abuse. In 2015, 20 people went to SAFE Project with complaints of sexual assault. Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes. Spreading awareness that these helpful and confidential programs exist can begin to change this.
UW Art Department can now etch and print objects
Assistant Professor Brandon Gellis came to UW at the beginning of the fall 2015 semester, bringing with him the skillset to create a new makers lab, which opened in October. The lab has two photo printers, an industrial laser cutter, a vinyl cutter and a 3D printer. Gellis intends for this lab to be a tool for both art and science students. The etcher, used to make book covers, can put nearly any design into wood, glass and a multitude of other materials. The 3D printer is also available to students for artistic, scientific or personal projects. Depending on further funding, this lab may grow and get more equipment.
J.J. Harris to become new leader of Laramie Chamber Business Alliance
J.J. Harris, an Indiana-native, will replace Dan Furphy as CEO of Laramie’s leading economic development organization this spring. This position entails working with the community to find businesses that will effectively generate jobs and increase tax revenues. Harris has an extensive background in economic development, as well as proficient leadership abilities. Harris has a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in management from Indiana Wesleyan University and is going on his 20th year of being in the Indiana National Guard. Harris has served in Iraq, Slovakia and the National Guard Bureau. Harris has been a company commander in Colorado, an Enterprise Zone director in Indiana and is a graduate of the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute. Furphy said Harris will fit well with the organization.
Laramie man pleads guilty to generator theft
James Williams, 41-year-old Laramie resident, plead guilty in district court on Friday to felony theft of multiple generators from Centennial Woods. Williams was initially facing one felony count of theft for each generator, as well as the wrongful taking or disposing of property. William admitted to stealing the generators in order to purchase drugs, as he had recently lost his job at the time. He also acknowledged forcing the police to chase him rather than giving in to arrest. In exchange for his guilty plea, the state dismissed the second charge and recommended a split sentence, followed by adult community corrections placement.
