Good news

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

By Jimmy Orr, Cowboy State Daily

Gender reveal parties are all the rage these days despite some getting out of control ending up with explosions, fatalities, and other carnage.

The goal, of course, is to have a good time without losing limbs. And the more creative, the better.

Credit one couple in Casper for not only being creative but not having to call an ambulance.

Tyler Muckley and Amber Owens wanted to do something out of the ordinary because, as Muckley told Cowboy State Daily, this was the only such event they are likely to have.

“We only are planning one kiddo,” Muckley said. “So why not go out with a bang?”

Muckley said his girlfriend was the mastermind behind the idea of having two people dressed up as inflatable creatures bashing each other senseless until one fell over. The color of the creature left standing identified the gender.

The boxing match lasted over 90 seconds, music from the Rocky soundtrack blaring and mixing with the cheers of friends rooting the blue shark and the pink unicorn on.

“My girlfriend knew the gender but I didn’t,” Muckley said. “I wanted to be surprised.”

Toward the end of the match, the blue shark looked winded as the pink unicorn kept landing punch after punch.

Then in a stunning turnaround perhaps only rivaled by Rocky Balboa’s comeback in Rocky II, the blue shark rallied and landed a staggering haymaker that knocked the pink unicorn cold (plus the shark pushed him over).

Blue smoke bombs went off and a carnival atmosphere erupted. 

“I was going for the shark,” Muckley said. “I wanted a boy. So I was definitely going for the shark.”

The future father said he was worried when the pink unicorn had the shark cornered but didn’t give up hope.

“It was the perfect ending,” Muckley said.

The couple said they’ve had great reactions to the celebration and many of their friends are planning similar gender reveal parties — also without the loss of limbs.

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

A 2-year-old Corgi named Enzo claimed top honors Saturday at Pine Bluffs Distilling’s third annual Corgi Derby.

Enzo defeated dozens of other Corgis to place first in the contest, which is held every year to raise money for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter

Enzo is owned by Loree Sanchez and her wife Michelle and is named for Loree’s brother, a veteran of four tours of duty in Iraq and Iran who now raises Corgis as a way to combat his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Enzo competed in last year’s contest, Loree said, but did not do well.

This year, the secret to success was for Loree to wait for Enzo at the end of the 40-yard track, she said.

“I just know he loves his mom,” she said.

About 200 people stayed at the distillery to watch the championship match, some dressed in their best “derby” attire.

Cutline: A 2-year-old Corgi named “Enzo” takes the lead Saturday in the championship heat at Pine Bluffs Distilling’s third annual “Corgi Derby.” The derby, which coincides with the Kentucky Derby, is held every year to raise money for the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. (Photo by Mary Angell)

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

By Jim Angell, Cowboy State Daily

A mint julep in hand, a wide-brimmed hat topping the head and a good seat for viewing the big race are all important elements to one of the biggest sporting events of the year: Pine Bluffs Distilling’s annual Corgi Derby.

The third annual race to benefit the Cheyenne Animal Shelter will be held at Pine Bluffs Distilling on Saturday to coincide with the running of that other race, the Kentucky Derby.

The Corgi Derby was the brainchild of the distillery’s co-owners, who decided a race similar to the “Run for the Roses” might be fun to stage in Pine Bluffs.

“We want to be a distillery that makes bourbon and that is pretty synonymous the Kentucky Derby,” said Chad Brown, one of the distillery’s founders. “Obviously we can’t race horses here, so we thought it would be fun if we raced dogs and all the proceeds went to a local charity. We had to pick a breed of dog and what’s more fun than Corgis?”

Competitors run a 40-yard straight track in heats of four to five Corgis, with the winners from each heat facing off in the main event.

Over the years Brown said he has seen some interesting techniques to make the Corgis run.

“I’ve seen people throw balls, I’ve seen husbands and wives separate and call the dogs,” he said.

And, of course, someone last year provided the punchline to the old joke about where dog tracks find the tiny jockeys.

“Last year somebody strapped a ‘Woody’ doll from ‘Toy Story’ to their dog,” Brown said.

The day will also feature a “mutt round” race open to dogs of any breed, and a contest for the best Kentucky Derby outfit, as well as specially crafted cocktails drawing on the distillery’s own products.

Brown said 45 spots are available for Corgis and as of Tuesday morning, 20 remained open. Registration for a competing dog is $25, with all proceeds going to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter. Registrations will be accepted during race day, he added.

There is no charge to watch the races, but for those who want the real “Derby” experience, including seats in the shade of the distillery’s new covered patio and a free cocktail, a $30 donation to the Animal Shelter will let them watch the race from the distillery’s “Millionaire’s Row.”

Unlike the Kentucky Derby, no one should confuse the Corgi Derby with a serious racing event, Brown said.

“It is absolutely hilarious,” he said. “It’s just an excuse to have fun and raise money for a good cause.”

Other events on tap this weekend include:

The Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot, Friday through Sunday in Hulett. About 100 hunters are expected to take part in the contest. Other activities will include shooting competitions and golfing at Devils Tower.

The Casper Antique and Collectors Club “Super Flea,” Saturday and Sunday at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds in Casper. Billed as Wyoming’s “oldest quality show.”

Cowboy State Marketing Indoor 2-Day Flea Market, Saturday and Sunday at the Fremont County Fairgrounds.

The Dubois Gun Show and Weapons Collections, Saturday and Sunday at the Headwaters Arts and Conference Center.

Seminoe Star Party, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Seminoe Reservoir. Casper College astronomy experts will be at Sunshine Beach Campground campsite 101 with telescopes to talk about planets, starts and other celestial objects.

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***

By Ellen Fike, Cowboy State Daily

Two Casper police officers involved in a 2018 shootout that resulted in one of them being critically wounded will receive Congressional Badges of Bravery this weekend from U.S. Sen. John Barrasso.

Retired Officer Jacob Carlson, who survived being shot seven times in the incident, and Officer Randi Garrett will be given the awards during a ceremony Saturday at David Street Station in Casper.

The two are receiving the badges due to bravery they showed during an incident that occurred in May 2018.

At that time, Carlson served as as backup to Garrett, who was responding to a complaint about two small children being allowed to drive a car in a vacant lot.

Following Garrett’s initial contact, David Wolosin, the adult supervising the two children, (who were ages nine and five, at the time) was uncooperative.

When Carlson arrived, Wolosin acted erratically, made alarming statements and appeared to turn in an attempt to flee the area on foot, according to reports from the incident.

Carlson reached toward the man, who suddenly drew a concealed firearm and fired point blank at the officer, striking him multiple times. One of the shots to strike Carlson destroyed nearly 4 inches of an artery.

Carlson managed to return fire, temporarily stopping the suspect’s assault.

His actions gave Garrett the opportunity to reach cover and avoid the gunfire. Carlson was ultimately struck seven times during the encounter, but he continued firing upon the suspect while providing information to Garrett.

During the gunfire exchange, Carlson’s service weapon was struck, permanently disabling it. Although Carlson was losing significant amounts of blood, he worked to fix his gun.

Garrett managed to shoot the assailant, mortally wounding him. Carlson was taken to the Wyoming Medical Center and ultimately recovered from his injuries.

“The Congressional Badge of Bravery is not simply bestowed upon its recipients; it is earned at great hazard through exceptional bravery and professionalism in the face of extreme danger. Retired Police Officer Jacob Carlson and Officer Randi Garrett, by their actions, dedication, and bravery, earned the right to be counted among the select few law enforcement professionals that have been honored with this distinction,” said Casper Police Department Chief Keith McPheeters. “Their actions on that day reflect great credit upon themselves, our community, and the law enforcement profession.”

“Along with the rest of the hard-working men and women of the Casper Police Department, this City is fortunate to claim these two heroes as their own. I could not be more proud of these two officers and I am grateful to see them recognized for their selfless service to #ourcommunity,” McPheeters added

Congress passed a law in 2008 creating the badges to honor those in law enforcement who show exemplary bravery in the face of danger.

***For All Things Wyoming, Sign-Up For Our Daily Newsletter***