Ask any Wyoming resident and they'll tell you they are used to weather alerts like winter storm or high wind warnings but "temporary odor alerts" aren't something usually issued.
But citizens of Laramie got exactly that late Wednesday as the local police department issued a statement warning residents that foul smelling air will be prevalent in some parts of the town for the next 24 hours or so.
The police blame the "strong, rotten egg odor" on a routine treatment process at the Waste Water Treatment Plant in the community.
"Please be assured that this is a temporary issue and is not a cause for concern regarding your safety," the police said in a statement.
They also advised the horrible smells, which are expected to only last for 24 hours, will be most prevalent in an area from from Superior Court to 9th and Shields Street.
Not Buying It
Facebook commenters weren't buying it, however, and sensed conspiracy.
James Jordan, for example, had another theory.
"Hmmm, let's see May 5th is Cinco de Mayo," Jordan said. "Then May 8th Laramie has bad gas... Hmmm, kinda odd if you ask me..."
Brandon Benson, on the other hand, was just feeling gratitude.
"Thank God! I was afraid it was me," Benson said.
Others were quick to point a finger -- or was it pull a finger?
"Oh, no. that’s just my sister Samantha Castelli," Jessica Castelli said.
Samantha didn't mind the jab, politely offering a laughing emoji under her sister's comment, followed by, "LMAO I hate you!"
Barbara Fuller chastised the police for not alerting citizens earlier.
"Way to tell us now," Fuller said. "After I accused my whole family of cutting the cheese in the backseat!"
Working Hard
Undeterred by the online hooligans, the Laramie Police assured citizens that the awful stench choking the city was temporary and they were working hard on solving the problem.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and are working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible," they wrote.
Jimmy Orr can be reached at jimmy@cowboystatedaily.com.
