Friday, December 21, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 165

Summary of Decision December 21, 2012

Justice Burke delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF THE PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: SMH, KDH, MJH, and APH, MINOR CHILDREN. HMH, a/k/a HM and HB v. STATE OF WYOMING, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES.

Docket Numbers: S-12-0094

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Johnson County, Honorable John G. Fenn, Judge.

Representing Appellant: John C. Abraham, Liberty Law Offices, P.C., Gillette, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; Robin Sessions Cooley, Deputy Attorney General; Jill E. Kucera, Senior Assistant Attorney General. Argument by Ms. Kucera.

Guardian Ad Litem: Stacey L. Obrecht and Dan S. Wilde, Wyoming Guardian Ad Litem Program, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Argument by Mr. Wilde.

Date of Decision: December 21, 2012

Facts: Appellant, HMH (Mother), appealed from the district court’s order terminating her parental rights pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. §§ 14-2-309(a)(iii) and (a)(v). She contended there was insufficient evidence to support the district court’s decision.

Issues: Mother presents the following issue for our consideration:

Was the district court’s finding that parental rights to the minor children should be terminated established by clear and convincing evidence?

The Department of Family Services (DFS) and the children’s guardian ad litem state the issue in a substantially similar manner.

Holdings: Examining the evidence in the light most favorable to DFS, the Court found clear and convincing evidence to establish that Mother is unfit to care for her children. The evidence showed that Mother could not possibly meet the mental and emotional needs of her children while refusing to acknowledge that they were afraid of EW and that they did not want to live with him. While the Court noted that Mother’s minimization of the children’s fears was harmful to the children regardless of whether their allegations of abuse were true, they found that the evidence strongly suggested that the children were, in fact, abused by EW, and that he therefore posed a direct threat to the safety and well-being of Mother’s children. Again, however, notwithstanding the veracity of the children’s allegations, Mother’s refusal to address her children’s concerns and her failure to recognize the damage caused by her continued association with EW shows that she is not fit to care for her children. Further, the evidence clearly indicated that Mother has not been able to maintain sobriety, despite multiple attempts by DFS to help her obtain treatment. Mother’s continued drug and alcohol abuse further demonstrated that she is not fit to care for her children. In light of this evidence, the Court found that termination of parental rights is justified under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-2-309(a)(v). As a result, the Court did not consider whether termination was also warranted under Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-2-309(a)(iii). Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 164

Summary of Decision December 21, 2012

Chief Justice Kite delivered the opinion for the Court. Reversed and Remanded. Justice Hill filed a specially concurring opinion.

Case Name: IN THE MATTER OF THE WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIM OF: RANDY W. HOFFMAN, v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND COMPENSATION DIVISION

Docket Numbers: S-12-0092

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Natrona County, Honorable David B. Park, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Peter J. Timbers of Schwartz, Bon, Walker, Studer, LLC, Casper, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; John D. Rossetti, Deputy Attorney General; Michael J. Finn, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Kelly Roseberry, Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: December 21, 2012

Facts: Randy W. Hoffman injured his back while working in 1994. As a result, he had three back surgeries between 1995 and 2004. The Wyoming Worker’s Compensation Division (the Division) paid him benefits for the injury and associated treatment. In 2009, he fell on the ice at his home and underwent a fourth back surgery. Claiming that the surgery was connected to his original work injury, Mr. Hoffman sought benefits. The Division denied his claim. After a hearing, the Medical Commission (the Commission) upheld the denial, concluding that Mr. Hoffman had failed to prove the 2009 surgery was causally connected to his 1994 work injury. Mr. Hoffman filed a petition for review in district court, which affirmed the denial. In his appeal to this Court, Mr. Hoffman asserted the Commission’s decision was arbitrary, capricious and not in accordance with the law because the evidence overwhelmingly showed the fourth surgery was causally connected to his work injury.

Issues: Mr. Hoffman presents the following issue for this Court’s determination:

1. Whether the order denying benefits for Mr. Hoffman’s Second Fusion was arbitrary, capricious, and not in accordance with the law.

The Division asserts substantial evidence supported the Commission’s decision.

Holdings: The Court concluded that when the proper legal standard was applied, the Commission’s determination was contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence. The Court, therefore, reversed and remanded for proceedings in accordance with this decision.

Justice Hill specially concurred. To read the full opinion and concurrence, see the URL link above.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 163

Summary of Decision December 21, 2012

Justice Davis delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed in part. Remanded in part.

Case Name: WILSON ADVISORY COMMITTEE, a Wyoming Nonprofit Corporation v. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, TETON COUNTY, WYOMING and C&J, LLC, a Wyoming Limited Liability Corporation.

Docket Numbers: S-12-0095

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Teton County, Honorable Timothy C. Day, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Peter F. Moyer, Esq., Jackson, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee Board of County Commissioners, Teton County, Wyoming: Nicole G. Krieger, Deputy County Attorney, Teton County Attorney’s Office, Jackson, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee C&J, LLC: No appearance.

Date of Decision: December 21, 2012

Facts: The Teton County Board of Commissioners (the Board) approved a Final Development Plan Application by C&J, LLC (C&J). C&J owns 2.04 acres of property in Wilson, Wyoming. The northern portion of the property is zoned for commercial use, while the southern portion is zoned for a single-family residence. The plan approved by the Board allowed C&J to construct five residential units and one affordable housing unit in the single-family residential zone. It also allowed commercial parking and other commercial uses. The number of residential units permitted has since been reduced to four. Appellant Wilson Advisory Committee, a non-profit corporation representing citizens concerned about the development of Wilson, petitioned the district court for review. The district court affirmed the Board’s decision, and the Wilson Advisory Committee appealed.

Issues: 1. Did the approved plan’s increase of the overall residential density of the southern tract violate Teton County’s Land Development Regulations?

2. Did the Board make the findings required by its Land Development Regulations as a predicate to allowing more intense use of the single-family residential portion of a dual-zoned property?

3. If so, were the Board’s findings arbitrary and capricious or contrary to law?

Holdings: The Court remanded the matter to the district court with instructions to further remand to the Board to decide whether or not the proposed location and density improves scenic views and lessens adverse environmental impacts and if the record before the Board supports findings required by LDR § 2560.A.1.f. The Court affirmed the district court as to all other issues presented by the appeal.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 162

Summary of Decision December 20, 2012


Justice Golden delivered the opinion for the Court. Dismissed.

Case Names: MATTHEW C. KURTENBACH v. THE STATE OF WYOMING.

Docket Numbers: S-11-0262

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Weston County, Honorable Keith G. Kautz, Judge.

Representing Appellants: Diane Lozano, State Public Defender; Tina N. Olson, Chief Appellate Counsel; David E. Westling, Senior Assistant Appellate Counsel, Wyoming Public Defender Program.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General; D. Michael Pauling, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Jeffrey Pope, Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: December 20, 2012

Facts: On September, 18, 2008, this Court affirmed Matthew Kurtenbach’s conviction for making a false written statement to obtain property. On May 20, 2011, Kurtenbach filed in district court a motion entitled “Motion to Execute Sentence.” The district court denied Kurtenbach’s motion, and Kurtenbach appealed that denial.

Issues: Kurtenbach presents the following issue on appeal:

Should the district court’s sentence be ordered to be executed to give effect to subsequent sentences in other jurisdictions and to avoid an illegal sentence?

Holdings: The Court concluded that the district court did not have jurisdiction to consider the “Motion to Execute Sentence,” and therefore this Court likewise did not have jurisdiction to consider this appeal. The appeal was dismissed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 161

Summary of Decision December 20, 2012


Justice Hill delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Names: KYLE F. REGAN v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

JOSEPH B. PARSONS v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Docket Numbers: S-12-0074; S-12-0075

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Albany County, Honorable Jeffrey A. Donnell, Judge.

Representing Appellants: R. Michael Vang of Fleener & Vang, LLC, Laramie, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; Robin Sessions Cooley, Deputy Attorney General; Douglas J. Moench, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Michael T. Kahler, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: December 20, 2012

Facts: This opinion encompasses two separate appeals from two separate appellants, but both appeals challenged the implied consent advisement as affected by the same Laramie ordinance. While the appeals have not been consolidated, we join them for the purposes of opinion.

Kyle Regan and Joseph Parsons, in separate incidents, were both arrested for driving while under the influence (DWUI). Following their arrests, each appellant consented to chemical testing. Regan’s test showed that he had a 0.26 percent blood alcohol concentration, and Parsons’ test showed that he had a 0.16 percent blood alcohol concentration. Based on the test results, each appellant had his driver’s license administratively suspended. Each appellant likewise challenged the administrative suspension, claiming that his consent to chemical testing was invalid because he had been threatened with jail time under a local Laramie ordinance if he did not consent to the testing. In each case, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) issued an order upholding the suspension, and each appellant appealed that order.

Issues: Regan and Parsons both present the same issues on appeal:

I. This matter should be stayed pending resolution of pending declaratory judgment action involving enforcement of Laramie Municipal Ordinance 1592.

II. [Were Appellants] read proper implied consent advisements after being arrested for a DWUI under Laramie Enrolled Ordinance 1592?

III. Does the creation of minimum mandatory jail time for an alleged refusal to submit to a chemical test under Laramie’s new DWUI constitute a “critical stage” for purposes of application of the Wyoming right to an attorney and distinguish the case from Mogard v. City of Laramie, 2001 WY 88, ¶¶ 26-31, 32 P.3d 313, 324-25 (Wyo. 2001)?

IV. Are Laramie’s new drinking and driving laws in conflict with State law and therefore preempted?

Holdings: The OAH ruled in accordance with law in determining that Regan and Parsons were given the statutorily required implied consent advisements, and it properly declined to rule on their remaining contentions as beyond the scope of the administrative proceeding and outside the jurisdiction of the OAH. Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 160

Summary of Decision December 19, 2012

Justice Voigt delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Names: RAYMOND SANDOVAL v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

STACEY NELSON v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

STACEY L. NELSON and RAYMOND SANDOVAL v. CITY OF LARAMIE

Docket Numbers: S-12-0031; S-12-0032; S-12-0073

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Albany County, Honorable Jeffrey A. Donnell, Judge.

Representing Appellants in Case Nos. S-12-003, S-12-0032 and S-12-0073: R. Michael Vang of Fleener & Vang, LLC, Laramie, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee in Case Nos. S-12-0031 and S-12-0032: Gregory A. Phillips, Attorney General; Robin Sessions Cooley, Deputy Attorney General; Douglas J. Moench, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Michael T. Kahler, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

Representing Appellee in Case No. S-12-0073: David C. Clark, Laramie City Attorney, Laramie, Wyoming.

Date of Decision: December 19, 2012

Facts: This opinion encompasses three separate appeals that involve two appellants, but all challenged the same Laramie ordinance. While the appeals have not been consolidated, the Court joined them for the purpose of opinion. The appellants, Raymond Sandoval (Sandoval) and Stacey L. Nelson (Nelson), challenged the validity of Laramie Enrolled Ordinance 1592 in their contested case hearings regarding the suspension of their driver’s licenses before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) and in a declaratory judgment action. The district court affirmed the suspension of their driver’s licenses and dismissed the petition for declaratory judgment, finding that the claims were not justiciable.

Issues: 1. Did the OAH hearing examiners err when they determined that the appellants were given the proper Wyoming Implied Consent Advisement and that further advisement regarding a Laramie municipal ordinance was not necessary?

2. Did the district court err when it dismissed the appellants’ petition for declaratory judgment after finding they did not raise a justiciable controversy?

Holdings: The OAH examiners appropriately found that Laramie Enrolled Ordinance 1592 did not change the nature of the advisements law enforcement officers are required to provide an individual pursuant to Wyoming’s implied consent statutes. Consequently, the OAH also properly upheld the appellants’ driver’s license suspensions. Additionally, the district court did not err when it dismissed the appellants’ petition for declaratory relief. The appellants failed to present the district court with a justiciable claim and the district court correctly concluded that the issues presented in the petition should have been brought in the appellants’ criminal proceedings. Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Monday, December 17, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 159

Summary of Decision December 17, 2012

Justice Burke delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Names: KEVIN W. OSBORN v. THE STATE OF WYOMING

Docket Numbers: S-12-0042; S-12-00116

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Converse County, Honorable John C. Brooks, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Pro Se.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General; D. Michael Pauling, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Meri Geringer, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: December 17, 2012

Facts: Appellant’s appeal related to his convictions and sentences for several serious crimes committed in 1982. In 2012, the district court granted a motion by Appellant to correct an illegal sentence, but Appellant claimed on appeal that the district court violated his right to be present when the sentence was corrected. He also challenged the district court’s denial of his motion to withdraw his previous guilty pleas.

Issues: Appellant states these issues, slightly reworded:

1. Did the trial court violate Appellant’s state and federal constitutional rights by sentencing him in absentia?

2. Did the trial court err by modifying Appellant’s sentence without allowing him to withdraw his plea?

Holdings: Appellant’s presence could not have been of any possible use, and the district court did not err in ruling that Appellant did not have the constitutional right to be present at this stage of the proceedings. The district court also did not err in refusing to allow Appellant to withdraw his guilty pleas. The district court’s decision was affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Friday, December 14, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 158

Summary of Decision December 14, 2012

Chief Justice Kite delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed in part and reversed in part.

Case Names: NORTHERN LARAMIE RANGE FOUNDATION, a Wyoming non-profit corporation, NORTHERN LARAMIE RANGE ALLIANCE, LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company, and WHITE CREEK RANGE, LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company v. CONVERSE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, and WASATCH WIND INTERMOUNTAIN, LLC d/b/a Pioneer Windpark I, LLC, and Pioneer Windpark II, LLC.

NORTHERN LARAMIE RANGE FOUNDATION, a Wyoming non-profit corporation, NORTHERN LARAMIE RANGE ALLIANCE, LLC, a Wyoming limited liability company v. WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, INDUSTRIAL SITING DIVISION, and WASATCH WIND INTERMOUNTAIN, LLC d/b/a Pioneer Windpark I, LLC, and Pioneer Windpark II, LLC.

Docket Numbers: S-12-0060; S-12-0061

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Converse County, Honorable Keith G. Kautz, Judge.

Representing Appellants: Peter C. Nicolaysen and Pamela M. Brondos of Nicolaysen and Associates, P.C., Casper, Wyoming. Argument by Mr. Nicholaysen.

Representing Appellee Converse County Board of County Commissioners: No appearance.

Representing Appellee Wasatch Wind Intermountain, LLC: Brent R. Kunz and Lucas Buckley of Hathaway & Kunz, P.C., Cheyenne, Wyoming; John A. Masterson and Alaina M. Stedillie of Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP, Casper, Wyoming. Argument by Mr. Masterson.

Representing Appellee Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Industrial Division: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; Jay A. Jerde, Deputy Attorney General; Luke J. Esch, Senior Assistant Attorney General. Argument made by Mr. Esch.

Date of Decision: December 14, 2012

Facts: This appeal involved two permitting actions for a wind energy project in the mountains of Converse County. In Case No. S-12-0060, the Northern Laramie Range Alliance, LLC (NLRA), Northern Laramie Range Foundation (NLRF) and White Creek Ranch, LLC (“the objectors”) challenged the district court’s affirmance of the Converse County Board of County Commissioners’ (Board) decision to grant Wasatch Wind Intermountain, LLC’s (Wasatch) application for a Wind Energy Conversion System Permit (WECS permit). They also challenged the district court’s rulings that NLRA and NLRF did not have standing to appeal the Board’s decision. The Court concluded NLRA has standing, but NLRF does not. They further ruled the Board properly granted Wasatch’s application for a WECS permit. Consequently, in Case No. S-12-0060, the Court affirmed in part and reversed in part.

In the second case, Case No. S-12-0061, NLRA and NLRF (“the objectors”) challenged the district court’s affirmance of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Industrial Siting Council’s (ISC) decision to grant a state industrial siting permit for construction of the project. The Court concluded the agency acted within its authority, and there was sufficient evidence to justify its decision. Consequently, the Court affirmed the district court’s decision in Case No. S-12-0061

Issues: The issues in the Converse County case, Case No. S-12-0060, may be summarized as follows:

1. What is the appropriate standard of review of the Board’s action?

2. Do NLRF, NLRA and/or White Creek Ranch have standing to appeal?

3. Did the Board act in an arbitrary or capricious manner, abuse its discretion or otherwise act in a manner not in accordance with law when it was ruled Wasatch’s application was complete and granted it a WECS permit?
         a. Was the traffic study adequate?

         b. Was there sufficient evidence of financial assurances?

4. Were proper notifications given to nearby landowners?

5. Were the objectors denied due process of law?

The issues raised in Case No. S-12-0061 are:

1. Was it lawful for the ISC to issue the industrial siting permit subject to Special Condition #19 which required Wasatch to provide further evidence of its financial resources prior to construction of the project?

2. Did the ISC properly conclude that, with the inclusion of Special Project #19, Wasatch had met the financial assurance requirement and was entitled to a permit?

3. Were the ISC’s findings that the project will not pose a threat of serious injury to the environment or to the social and economic condition or inhabitants in the affected area supported by substantial evidence?

Holdings: In the Converse County case, Case No. S-12-0060, the Court agreed with the district court that White Creek Ranch, as an adjacent landowner, had standing to appeal the Board’s decision because it asserted the project threatened its scenic views and wildlife habitat and migration, interests which are sufficient under Northfork. The Court disagreed with the district court regarding NLRA and concluded that it had standing through its members to appeal. NLRF, however, did not have standing; its claims were simply too general and speculative to separate its asserted injury from that of the general public. The Court also held that the arbitrary and capricious standard was appropriate for the review of the Board’s decision, given the administrative process was an informal public hearing. On the merits, the Court concluded the Board did not act arbitrarily or capriciously by determining Wasatch had presented sufficient traffic study and financial assurance information. In addition, the proper notifications were provided and the objectors were not denied due process of law. The Court, therefore, affirmed in part and reversed in part the district court’s decision in Case No. S-12-0060.

In the ISC case, Case No. S-12-0061, the Court concluded the ISC was not required to rely solely on Wasatch’s individual financial resources, but could consider the financial evidence relative to its proposed investor, Edison. The ISC also properly conditioned Wasatch’s permit by requiring additional financial assurance prior to commencement of construction. The agency did not err in allowing Wasatch to evaluate different “affected areas” for the various interests identified in the statutes. Finally, the record contained substantial evidence to support the ISC’s conclusion that Wasatch’s proposed facility will not pose a threat of serious injury to the environment or to the social and economic condition or inhabitants in the affected area. The Court, therefore, affirmed the district court’s decision in Case No. S-12-0061.
Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 157

Summary of Decision December 13, 2012

Justice Burke delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: CODY T. ZEITNER v. JOSEPH GROSSMAYER SHANK

Docket Number: S 12-0142

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Laramie County, Honorable Peter G. Arnold, Judge

Representing Appellant (Plaintiff/Defendant): Pro se.

Representing Appellee (Plaintiff/Defendant): No appearance.

Date of Decision: December 13, 2012

Facts: Appellant, Cody Zeitner, acting pro se, challenged the district court’s order denying her petition for modification of custody. No transcript of the hearings on the petition was created, and Ms. Zeitner’s statement of the evidence was not approved by the district court pursuant to Wyoming Rule of Appellate Procedure 3.03. Further, Ms. Zeitner’s appellate brief failed to comply with several provisions of W.R.A.P. 7.01.

Issues: Ms. Zeitner (Mother) presented the following issues:

1. Did the trial Judge’s decision to admit and review evidence in September, 2011 but fail to acknowledge it in January, 2012, a full four months later, violate due process?

2. Did the trial Judge’s personal opinion about the Plaintiff and her marriage, specifically forming opinions based on no facts or evidence, violate the Wyoming Judicial Code of Conduct?

3. Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona made over 30 rulings. Did misinterpretations and failure to clarify the Arizona[] Court[’s] 2007 and 2008 orders filed by the maternal grandparents result in an unfair ruling? Were they even relevant to these proceedings?

4. [The trial court] faxed information to the Defendant that was used to discredit the Plaintiff on a Power of Attorney that was filed by mistake. The correct and legal document was admitted into evidence. Did [the court’s] ex parte communication with the Defendant violate the Wyoming Judicial Code of Conduct?

5. Plaintiff filed [the] petition based on very specific UCCJEA[1] statutes as well as the application of Wyoming statutes on child abuse and abandonment that fell under UCCJEA guidelines. Did [the court’s] failure to rule on the issues in the Plaintiff’s initial pleading result in an unfair ruling?

Appellee (Father) did not file a brief.

Holdings: As the proponent of this appeal, it was Mother’s burden to provide a complete record for the Court’s review. Mother failed to satisfy this obligation. Consequently, the Court presumed the regularity of the district court’s judgment and the competency of the evidence upon which that judgment was based. Under the limited scope of review allowed in the absence of a hearing transcript in this case, which permitted the Court to address only those errors of law appearing in the record, the Court found no such error. Additionally, as noted above, Mother’s brief failed to adhere to the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure, most notably in its lack of cogent argument or pertinent legal authority. In light of these defects, the Court affirmed the district court’s order denying Mother’s petition for modification of custody.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 156

Summary of Decision December 13, 2012

Justice Burke delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: CITY OF CHEYENNE, WYOMING, a Municipal Corporation v. THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF LARAMIE, WYOMING, and DEBORAH K. LATHROP, in her official capacity as the County Clerk of Laramie County, Wyoming, and JOSEPH D. FENDER and SHARI-SUE FENDER, Husband and Wife.
Docket Number: S‑12-0058

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx
Appeal from the District Court of Laramie County, Honorable Thomas T.C. Campbell, Judge

Representing Appellant (Plaintiff/Defendant): John H. Ridge and Daniel E. White, City of Cheyenne, City Attorney’s Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Argument by Mr. Ridge.

Representing Appellee (Plaintiff/Defendant): Alexander K. Davison, Patton and Davison, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Mark T. Voss, Laramie County Attorney’s Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming; John M. Walker and Robert J. Walker, Hickey and Evans, LLP, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Argument by Mr. Voss and Mr. Davison.

Date of Decision: December 13, 2012

Facts: The facts were established by stipulation of the parties. Roundup Heights is a subdivision located in the County. It was platted in 1955. In 2010, the owners of certain lots applied for County approval of a partial vacation of the subdivision plat to eliminate some lot boundaries and rights-of-way. During the review process, the City submitted a comment stating that the affected property is within one mile of the City limits, and asserting on that basis that both City and County approval were required for the partial vacation. The County disagreed, and granted the partial vacation without City approval. The City filed suit, seeking declaratory judgment that joint City and County approval is required for partial vacation if the affected land is within one mile of the City. The district court issued summary judgment in favor of the County, and the City appealed.
Issues: The issue as stated by the City is “Whether Title 34, Chapter 12 of the Wyoming Statutes requires joint City/County approval before a partial vacation of a plat may be recorded, when the affected plat of land is located within one (1) mile of a city boundary.”

Holdings: The district court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of the County was affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 155

Summary of Decision December 13, 2012


Justice Hill delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: DONALD PAUL HUTCHINSON v. THE STATE OF WYOMING

Docket Number: S 12 0034

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Lincoln County, Honorable Dennis L. Sanderson, Judge

Representing Appellant (Plaintiff/Defendant): Elisabeth M.W. Trefonas, Assistant Public Defender, Jackson, WY.

Representing Appellee (Plaintiff/Defendant): Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General; Theodore R. Racines, Senior Assistant Attorney General; and Jeffrey Pope, Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: December 13, 2012

Facts: In October of 2010, Donald Hutchinson was charged with one count of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree. The charges against Hutchinson alleged that he inappropriately touched a six-year-old girl’s vagina for sexual gratification while bathing her. Hutchinson was the victim’s step-grandfather at the time. The victim (HAL) reported the incident to her 14-year-old brother (TL), who then told their grandmother, who reported the information to authorities of the allegations, and an investigation followed. Eventually, the case was tried to a jury on November 7-8, 2011, and Hutchinson was found guilty. He was sentenced to two to eight years at the State penitentiary. On appeal, he contends that the victim was incompetent to testify and that the district court improperly denied his Motion for Judgment of Acquittal.

Issues: Hutchinson presents two issues:

1. Because the competency of the child witness was not properly examined and she was not competent to testify, it was clearly erroneous to allow her testimony and Hutchinson’s conviction must be reversed.

2. Because there was no evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that Hutchinson had “sexual contact” with the victim, it was an abuse of discretion to deny the Motion for Judgment of Acquittal and Hutchinson’s conviction must be reversed.

Holdings: The Court concluded that the trial court’s decision that the child victim was competent to testify was not clearly erroneous. Having passed the five-part test elicited by the Court during an impromptu but proper hearing, finding HAL competent to testify was squarely within the court’s sound discretion. Furthermore, after a thorough record review, and accepting the evidence as true and giving every favorable inference thereto, we find that the State presented sufficient evidence to show that Hutchinson engaged in sexual contact with HAL. Thus, the Court concluded the district court properly denied Hutchinson’s Motion for Judgment of Acquittal. Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 154

Summary of Decision December 13, 2012

Justice Davis delivered the opinion for the Court. Reversed and Remanded.

Case Name: IN THE MATTER OF THE MODIFICATION OF THE MARK E. DOWELL IRREVOCABLE TRUST #1, dated the 16th of May, 2000: ELIZABETH L. DOWELL v. MARK E. DOWELL

Docket Number: S-12-0098

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Natrona County, Honorable David B. Park, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Ann M. Rochelle of Rochelle Law Offices, P.C., Casper, Wyoming; Douglas McLaughlin of Law Office of Douglas R. McLaughlin, Casper, Wyoming. Argument by Ms. Rochelle.

Representing Appellee: Judith Studer and Tassma A. Powers of Schwartz, Bon, Walker & Studer, LLC, Casper, Wyoming. Argument by Ms. Studer.

Date of Decision: December 13, 2012

Facts: While he and Appellant Elizabeth (Betsy) Dowell were still married, Appellee Dr. Mark Dowell created an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) naming Ms. Dowell as its primary beneficiary and their two children as contingent beneficiaries. The couple divorced five years later. Six years after the divorce, Dr. Dowell filed a petition to modify the trust, in which he contended that he did not need to obtain Ms. Dowell’s consent to modify because she had relinquished her beneficial interest in the property settlement agreement incorporated into their divorce decree. The district court agreed. Ms. Dowell appealed from the district court’s order granting summary judgment to Dr. Dowell.

Issues: Did Ms. Dowell waive her expectancy in an irrevocable life insurance trust by consenting to the terms of a property settlement agreement which was incorporated in the parties’ decree of divorce?

Holdings: Because the Dowell’s divorce decree falls short of the Cellers benchmark, it cannot be said to have divested Ms. Dowell of her status as the primary beneficiary of the ILIT as a matter of law. Accordingly, the Court reversed the summary judgment granted to Dr. Dowell to the extent it determined that Ms. Dowell was not a qualified beneficiary whose consent was necessary to permit the trial court to judicially modify the ILIT. The Court also remanded and instructed the district court to grant Ms. Dowell’s summary judgment motion on that issue, as the record before the Court as a matter of law does not reflect an adequate waiver of her status as a qualified beneficiary of the ILIT.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 153

Summary of Decision December 11, 2012

Justice Voigt delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed. Justice Burke filed a dissenting opinion.

Case Name: ALINE H. McWILLIAMS v. THE STATE OF WYOMING

Docket Number: S-12-0126

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Sheridan County, Honorable John G. Fenn, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Diane M. Lozano, State Public Defender; Tina N. Olson, Chief Appellate Counsel; Eric M. Alden, Senior Assistant Appellate Counsel. Argument by Mr. Alden.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General; Darci A.V. Arsene, Special Assistant Attorney; Matthew F. Redle, Special Assistant Attorney. Argument by Mr. Redle.

Date of Decision: December 11, 2012

Facts: This was an appeal from the district court’s order modifying a previous deferral order entered pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 35-7-1037 (LexisNexis 2011), the district court’s entry of judgment of conviction on one previously deferred count, and the district court’s entry of judgment and sentence on that count.

Issues: 1. Are the State’s Motion to Reconsider and the subsequent Order on State’s Motion to Reconsider, and the subsequent Judgment and Sentence nullities, and therefore void?

2. If the Motion to Reconsider was not a nullity, was it deemed denied under W.R.C.P. 6(c)(2)?

Holdings: The State’s pre-judgment Motion to Reconsider was not a nullity, and it was not a W.R.C.P 60(b) motion that was deemed denied 90 days after filing. The Court affirmed.

Justice Burke respectfully dissented. To read the full opinion and dissent, see the URL link above.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Friday, November 30, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 152

Summary of Decision November 30, 2012

Justice Voigt delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: KATRINA LUCERO and EL and IL, by and through their next Friend, Guardian and Mother, KATRINA LUCERO v. NANETTE HOLBROOK

Docket Number: S-12-0062

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Natrona County, Honorable Catherine E. Wilking, Judge.

Representing Appellant: John I. Henley of Henley Law Firm, P.C., Casper, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Julie Nye Tiedeken and Brian J. Hunter of McKellar, Tiedeken & Scoggin, LLC, Cheyenne, Wyoming. Argument by Ms. Tiedeken.

Date of Decision: November 30, 2012

Facts: Nanette Holbrook, the appellee, left her car unattended with the motor running in her private driveway while she briefly returned to her home to retrieve her pocketbook. In the interim, Colbey Emms (Emms), a methamphetamine user, stole her vehicle. Emms later got into a high-speed chase with the police, which ended when the car he was driving collided with a vehicle driven by Katrina Lucero (Lucero), one of the appellants, and mother of EL and IL, also appellants. Lucero filed a complaint on behalf of herself and her children alleging that the appellee breached a duty to them of due care by leaving her car unattended with the keys in the ignition. The district court granted the appellee’s motion for summary judgment on the basis that no duty was owed to the appellants under either the common law or by statute, and that the appellee’s leaving of her keys in her car with the motor running was not the proximate cause of the accident.

Issues: Did the district court appropriately grant the appellee’s motion for summary judgment?

Holdings: The appellee’s conduct was not proscribed by statute and therefore does not result in the violation of a statutory duty of care. The harm suffered was not a foreseeable consequence of the appellee’s conduct, nor was it closely connected to the conduct. The appellee’s actions are not deserving of moral blame. Imposing a duty on the appellee under these circumstances would substantially burden her and Wyoming residents in general. The Court concluded that the appellee did not owe the appellants a common law duty of care to protect them from the harm that occurred in this case, and therefore affirmed the district court’s grant of summary judgment.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 151

Summary of Decision November 29, 2012

Justice Burke delivered the opinion for the Court. Reversed.

Case Name: ANTHONY BRETT HAYNES v. THE STATE OF WYOMING

Docket Number: S-12-0065

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Johnson County, Honorable John G. Fenn, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Tina N. Olson, Appellate Counsel.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General; Meri V. Geringer, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: November 29, 2012

Facts: Appellant was adjudicated delinquent in juvenile court. Based on the same incident, he was later convicted on a criminal charge. He asserted that the criminal prosecution violated his constitutional right not to be placed twice in jeopardy. The State conceded error. The Court agreed that Appellant’s constitutional rights were violated, and reversed his criminal conviction.

Issues: The first issue presented by Appellant is whether his conviction for sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree should be reversed due to violations of the double jeopardy clauses of the United States and Wyoming Constitutions. Because we reverse his conviction based on this issue, we will not address his second issue, a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in the criminal proceedings.

Holdings: The record clearly reflects that Appellant was adjudged delinquent, then criminally prosecuted and punished for the same offense. The double jeopardy provisions of our state and federal constitutions provide a clear and unequivocal rule of law prohibiting that subsequent criminal prosecution and punishment, and this rule of law was clearly and obviously transgressed. The prohibited criminal conviction and punishment adversely affected Appellant’s substantial rights and resulted in material prejudice to him. The Court reversed Appellant’s criminal conviction of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court
[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 150

Summary of Decision November 28, 2012

Justice Voigt delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Names: IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: KAT, SAT, and JGS, Minor Children, NLT v. THE STATE OF WYOMING, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES

IN THE MATTER OF THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: JGS, Minor Child, MDS v. THE STATE OF WYOMING, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES
Docket Numbers: S-12-0068 and S-12-0069

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeals from the District Court of Hot Springs County, Honorable Robert E. Skar, Judge

Case No. S-12-0068:

Representing Appellant: Mary L. Scheible of Scheible Law Office, Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; Robin Sessions Cooley, Deputy Attorney General; Jill E. Kucera, Senior Assistant Attorney General. Argument by Ms. Kucera.

Guardian Ad Litem: Bobbi D. Overfield of Messenger & Overfield, P.C., Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Case No. S-12-0069:
Representing Appellant: Christopher J. King of Worrall & Greear, P.C., Worland, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; Robin Sessions Cooley, Deputy Attorney General; Jill E. Kucera, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Christina F. McCabe, Assistant Attorney General. Argument by Ms. McCabe.

Guardian Ad Litem: Bobbi D. Overfield of Messenger & Overfield, P.C., Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Date of Decision: November 28, 2012

Facts: This opinion encompasses two separate cases that have been consolidated for the purpose of decision. NLT, who is one of the appellants in this matter, is the mother of KAT, SAT, and JGS. The other appellant, MDS, is the father of JGS. Following a five-day bench trial, the district court terminated NLT’s and MDS’s parental rights to the minor children. Both parents appealed, claiming that the Department of Family Services (DFS) failed to provide clear and convincing evidence that their parental rights should be terminated. We affirm the district court’s decision.

Issues: Did DFS present clear and convincing evidence to support the district court’s decision to terminate NLT’s parental rights to KAT, SAT, and JGS? Did DFS present clear and convincing evidence to support the district court’s decision to terminate MDS’s parental rights to JGS?

Holdings: DFS presented clear and convincing evidence at trial to support the district court’s decision to terminate NLT’s parental rights to KAT, SAT, and JGS, pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-2-309(a)(v). The evidence demonstrated that all of the children had been in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months, and that NLT continuously put her children in dangerous situations, placed the wants and desires of her ex-husband and boyfriends ahead of the welfare of her children, and cannot meet the basic financial and parental needs of the children. The evidence also showed that NLT would never be able to provide adequate care for her children absent extraordinary help from service providers. DFS also presented clear and convincing evidence to support the district court’s decision to terminate MDS’s parental rights to JGS, pursuant to Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 14-2-309(a)(iv). MDS is currently serving two consecutive sentences of not less than 20 years nor more than 35 years in prison for sexually abusing KAT. MDS cannot appropriately care for JGS’s ongoing physical, mental or emotional needs while he is in prison and will not be eligible for parole until JGS is in his adulthood. Further, the evidence demonstrates that MDS is a sexual offender who suffers from such moral delinquency that he cannot be considered a fit parent. We affirm both of the district court orders terminating NLT’s and MDS’s rights to KAT, SAT, and JGS.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 149


Summary of Decision November 27, 2012

Justice Hill delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: ETHAN L. CALL v. THE TOWN OF THAYNE

Docket Number: S‑12‑0115


Appeal from the District Court of Lincoln County, Honorable Dennis L. Sanderson, Judge

Representing Appellant (Plaintiff/Defendant): Ethan L. Call, Pro se, Afton, WY

Representing Appellee (Plaintiff/Defendant): Joseph B. Bluemel of Bluemel Law Office, Kemmerer, WY

Date of Decision: November 27, 2012

Facts: Ethan L. Call filed a complaint in district court after making an unsuccessful construction bid to the Thayne, Wyoming, City Council (the “Town of Thayne”).  The district court granted the Town of Thayne’s combined motion for summary judgment and motion to dismiss and Call appealed. 

Issues:

Call stated four issues:

1.                  The district court erred in dismissing the Complaint filed by [Call], as a pro se litigant, for failure to state a claim.
2.                  The actions of [the Town of Thayne] during the bid selection process deprived [Call] of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured under the Constitution and laws.
3.                  [The Town of Thayne] in awarding the bid to [its] ‘preferred bidder’ failed to do its duty to provide an independent observation of the evaluation and selection process in bidding the Canal Beautification Project for which [it was] going to use federal funds.
4.                  [The Town of Thayne’s] publication of an open invitation to bid on the Canal Beautification Project created an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

Holdings: Given the deficient brief filed by Call and his failure to follow the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure, the decision of the trial court was summarily affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE:  This opinion uses the "Universal Citation."  It was given an "official" citation when it was issued.  You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation.  You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered.  When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number.  The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance] 



Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 148

Summary of Decision November 21, 2012


Justice Hill delivered the opinion for the Court. Reversed in part. Affirmed in part.

Case Name: ROLLY REDLAND, KENDRICK REDLAND, and TERESA SHELTON, individually and as Beneficiaries of the Robert and Irene Redland Family Trust, Dated August 10, 1989 v. ROBERT REDLAND, Individually, ROBERT REDLAND, as Trustee of the Robert and Irene Redland Family Trust, Dated August 10, 1989, LISA KIMSEY and MIKE KIMSEY and ROBERT REDLAND, as Trustee of the Robert Redland Revocable Trust, dated October 30, 2002, and as Successor Trustee of the Irene Redland Revocable Trust, dated October 30, 2002.

ROBERT REDLAND v. ROLLY REDLAND, KENDRICK REDLAND, ROALENE McCARTHY, and TERESA SHELTON, individually and as Beneficiaries of the Robert and Irene Redland Family Trust, Dated August 10, 1989 and SHARON REDLAND.

ROALENE McCARTHY v. ROBERT REDLAND, Individually, ROBERT REDLAND, as Trustee of the Robert and Irene Redland Family Trust, Dated August 10, 1989, LISA KIMSEY and MIKE KIMSEY.

Docket Number: S-12-0010, S-12-0011, S-12-0012

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Big Horn County, Honorable W. Thomas Sullins, Judge.

Representing Appellants/Appellees Rolly, Kendrick, Sharon and Debbie Redland and Teresa Shelton: S. Joseph Darrah of Darrah Law Office, P.C., Powell, WY.

Representing Appellees/Appellants Robert Redland and Roalene McCarthy: J. Kenneth Barbe II of Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, P.C., Casper, WY; Ronald P. Jurovich, Thermopolis, WY; and Steve C.M. Aron of Aron and Hennig, LLP, Laramie, WY.

No appearance entered for Appellees Lisa and Mike Kimsey in S-12-0010 and S-12-0012.

No appearance entered for Appellees Roalene McCarthy and Teresa Shelton in S-12-011.

Date of Decision: November 21, 2012

Facts: These consolidated appeals stem from the Redland family’s dispute over ranch property and operations. Appeals numbered S-12-0010 and S-12-0012 relate to real property that some of the Redland children claim their father, Robert Redland, agreed to place in a family trust. The district court granted Robert Redland partial summary judgment, holding that the claims were barred by the statute of limitations and by the statute of frauds, and the Redland Children appealed that summary judgment order.

Following the entry of partial summary judgment, a bench trial was held on the remaining issues. Among the issues tried were claims for unjust enrichment by the two Redland sons, Rolly Redland and Kendrick Redland, against Robert Redland for improvements that they had made to the disputed trust properties. The trial court ruled against Robert Redland on the unjust enrichment claims and awarded damages to both Rolly and Kendrick Redland. The trial court also ruled against Robert Redland on his counterclaim against Kendrick Redland, and his wife, Sharon, for a partnership interest in Kendrick and Sharon Redland’s Angus cattle operation. In Appeal No. S-12-0011, the father appealed the trial court’s rulings on the unjust enrichment and partnership claims.

Issues: Appeals S-12-0010 and S-12-0012 are both appeals from the district court’s order granting partial summary judgment. In S-12-0010, which was filed by three of the Redland children, Rolly Redland, Kendrick Redland and Teresa Redland Shelton, the following issues are presented for this Court’s review:

1. Whether the District Court erred when it determined the [S]tatute of Frauds barred Appellants’ claims for declaratory judgment, recovery of real property, estoppel and specific performance after Appellants had fully performed the agreement?

2. Whether the District Court erred when it determined that the applicable statute of limitations barred Appellants’ claims for declaratory judgment, recovery of real property, estoppel and specific performance when there was no evidence that Appellants knew or should have known that the Agreement was breached before the limitations period expired?

In Appeal S-12-0012, Roalene Redland McCarthy, in a separately filed appeal from the summary judgment ruling, states the issues differently but presents essentially the same questions for our review:

ISSUE I: For purposes of the Statute of Limitations, when did the cause of action for specific performance accrue?

ISSUE II: Whether full performance by the Appellant of a Trust Agreement presented a genuine issue of material fact that precluded entry of summary judgment on the basis of the Statue of Frauds.

ISSUE III: Did the discovery of a breach present a genuine issue of material fact that precluded entry of summary judgment for filing outside the Statute of Limitations?

ISSUE IV: Where one of seven parties to a Trust Agreement breached the contract, was it error in applying the “discovery rule” for the District Court to impute to Appellant what that court apparently concluded was either known or should have been known by others of the non-breaching contracting parties?

In Appeal S-12-0011, Robert Redland appeals the district court’s rulings following a bench trial and presents the following issues on appeal:

A. Issues Related to Unjust Enrichment

1. Did the trial court err when it found that Rolly Redland and Kendrick Redland had proven the elements of unjust enrichment?

2. If Rolly Redland and Kendrick Redland proved the elements of unjust enrichment, did the trial court err in the amount of the damages awarded?

B. Issues Related to Redland Angus

1. Did the Court err when it admitted Plaintiff’s Exhibit 105 redacting Plaintiff's sticky note which said “part of bull sale[?]”

2. Did the Court err when it found that Robert Redland is not and was not a partner in Redland Angus?

Holdings: Disputed issues of material fact precluded summary judgment on the questions of whether the Redland Children’s property claims were barred by the statute of limitations or the statute of frauds, and the Court therefore reversed the grant of summary judgment and remanded for a trial on those claims. The Court found no clear error or abuse of discretion in the district court’s rulings on the unjust enrichment claims and Redland Angus partnership claims, and affirmed those rulings.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 147

Summary of Decision November 20, 2012


Chief Justice Kite delivered the opinion for the Court. Reversed and Remanded.

Case Name: IN THE MATTER OF THE WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIM OF: TYLER L. STALLMAN v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND COMPENSATION DIVISION

Docket Number: S-12-0087

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Niobrara County, Honorable Keith G. Kautz, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Brian J. Hunter of McKellar, Tiedeken & Scoggin, LLC, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; John D. Rossetti, Deputy Attorney General; Michael J. Finn, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Kelly Roseberry, Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: November 20, 2012

Facts: Tyler L. Stallman was injured in a car accident that occurred in the course of her employment. After receiving a 22% permanent partial impairment award from the Wyoming Worker’s Compensation Division (Division), she sought permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. The Division denied her application stating that she had not complied with the statutory work search requirements. Ms. Stallman requested a contested case hearing. Both parties submitted motions for summary judgment. After a hearing, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) concluded as a matter of law that Ms. Stallman had not timely submitted documentation showing she had sought work and granted summary judgment for the Division.

Ms. Stallman sought review in the district court, which affirmed the OAH’s ruling. She then appealed to this Court, claiming the OAH ruling granting the Division’s summary judgment motion was arbitrary, capricious and contrary to the evidence. Specifically, she asserted the Division improperly denied her application for benefits when she did not submit her work search documentation on the date it arbitrarily imposed – a date weeks before the statutory deadline for submitting her application. She contended the OAH erred in upholding the denial based upon its incorrect finding that she has failed to provide her work search documentation as required by Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 27-14-405(h)(iii) (LexisNexis 2011).

Issues: Ms. Stallman states the issues for this Court’s determination as follows:

I. Whether the decision by the Office of Administrative Hearings to grant the Wyoming Division of Workers’ Compensation’s Motion for Summary Judgment was arbitrary, capricious, not in accordance with the substantial evidence presented and contrary to Wyoming Statute.

II. Whether the decision by the Office of Administrative Hearings to deny Ms. Stallman’s Motion for Summary Judgment was arbitrary, capricious and contrary to Wyoming Statute.

The Division asserts the OAH properly granted its motion for summary judgment, Ms. Stallman did not timely submit her application with the required documentation and it was not estopped from denying her claim.

Holdings: The Court held that Ms. Stallman’s work search submission was timely. The Court further held that she was entitled to a hearing and the opportunity to present evidence showing that she actively sought work. The Court reversed the district court’s order affirming the OAH’s order granting the Division’s motion for summary judgment and remanded for proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 146

Summary of Decision November 20, 2012

Justice Hill delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: TODD L. ROMSA v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

Docket Number: S-12-0005

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Albany County, Honorable Jeffrey A. Donnell, Judge.

Representing Appellant: R. Michael Vang of Fleener & Vang, LLC, Laramie, WY.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; Robin Sessions Cooley, Deputy Attorney General; Douglas J. Moench, Senior Assistant Attorney General; and Michael T. Kahler, Senior Assistant Attorney General.

Date of Decision: November 20, 2012

Facts: After being arrested for driving while under the influence (DWUI) in violation of Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-5-233(b) (LexisNexis 2011), Todd L. Romsa submitted a request for contested case hearing before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). Romsa asked the OAH to rule that the procedure used by the arresting officer to conduct the chemical breath test upon which his arrest was based did not comply with Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 31-6-105(a) (LexisNexis 2011) and, therefore, the proposed suspension of his driver’s license must be vacated. The OAH hearing examiner issued an Order Upholding Per Se Suspension on June 9, 2011. Romsa petitioned the district court to review the order of the OAH and on November 11, 2011, that court affirmed the OAH’s order. Romsa appealed the order of the district court.

Issues: Romsa presents two issues for our consideration:

I. It is improper for OAH to apply a presumption that the underlying chemical test result is valid where the certified record establishes a failure to comply with Wyoming Statute § 31-6-105(a).

II. If OAH is allowed to apply the presumption that a chemical test is valid, then [Romsa] should be allowed under Rule 12.08 of the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure to provide evidence to rebut the arresting officer’s claims that he complied with Wyoming Statute § 31-6-105(a), where this evidence was not available to [Romsa] at the time of his implied consent administrative proceeding.

Holdings: The Court found that the certified record presented by the WYDOT at the administrative hearing established that the arresting officer performed the chemical analysis of Romsa’s breath “according to the methods approved by the department of health,” (specifically, Rules and Regulations for Chemical Analysis for Alcohol Testing, Ch. III, § 1(a)(i)), and as a result, it was proper for the OAH to apply a presumption that the underlying chemical test result was valid. § 31-6-105(a); Special Rules Relating to Driver’s Licenses, Ch. VI § 2(c).

Romsa did not present any evidence at the administrative hearing to rebut the presumption that the breath test results were accurate (Special Rules Relating to Driver’s Licenses, Ch. VI, § 2 (c)), and failed to meet the requirements of W.R.A.P. 12.08 that would allow this Court to “order the additional evidence to be taken before the agency.” Consequently, the Court affirmed the district court’s Order Affirming Per Se Suspension and affirmed the Order Upholding Per Se Suspension by the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 145

Summary of Decision November 20, 2012

Chief Justice Kite delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: DONALD J. BOUCHER v. THE STATE OF WYOMING

Docket Number: S-12-0045

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Laramie County, Honorable Michael K. Davis, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Diane Lozano, State Public Defender, PDP; Tina N. Olson, Chief Appellate Counsel; Diane E. Courselle, Director, Defender Aid Program; Sara Caty, Student Director.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General.

Date of Decision: November 20, 2012

Facts: After this Court affirmed his six sexual assault convictions in Boucher v. State, 2011 WY 2, 245 P.3d 342 (Wyo. 2011), Donald J. Boucher filed two motions for sentence reduction, one through counsel and one pro se. The district court denied the pro se motion without mentioning counsel’s motion. Mr. Boucher appealed, claiming the district court erred as a matter of law when it denied his motion without considering his change of circumstances.

Issues: Mr. Boucher asserts the district court erred in denying his motion for sentence reduction. The State asserts the district court properly exercised its discretion and denied the motions upon finding the sentence fair and just.

Holdings: The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Mr. Boucher’s motions for sentence reduction. The order was affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 144

Summary of Decision November 14, 2012

Justice Burke delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: IN THE MATTER OF THE WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIM OF: MICHAEL WILLEY v. STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND COMPENSATION DIVISION

Docket Number: S-12-0081

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Campbell County, Honorable John R. Perry, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Donna D. Domonkos, Domonkos Law Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; John D. Rossetti, Deputy Attorney General; Michael J. Finn, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Claudia Lair, Legal Intern.

Date of Decision: November 14, 2012

Facts: The Wyoming Workers’ Safety and Compensation Division issued a final determination awarding Appellant, Michael Willey, a 2% permanent partial impairment benefit after Mr. Willey was injured in a work-related accident. Mr. Willey challenged the district court’s order affirming the Medical Commission’s decision to uphold the Division’s final determination.

Issues: Appellant presents the following issue for the Court’s consideration:

Whether the Medical Commission’s decision is supported by substantial evidence.
Holdings: The evidence in the record supports the Commission’s finding that Mr. Willey tended to exaggerate the extent of his symptoms. Ultimately, however, the Commission’s findings with respect to Mr. Willey’s credibility had little, if any, bearing on its decision to uphold the Division’s award of a 2% impairment benefit. As set forth above, that decision was based on Mr. Willey’s medical records, the assessments of Mr. Willey’s impairment by Dr. Shih and Dr. Uejo, and the criteria set forth in the AMA Guides. Accordingly, even if the Court found that the Medical Commission’s credibility findings were not supported by the record, substantial evidence would remain to support the Commission’s decision. Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Summary 2012 WY 143

Summary of Decision November 14, 2012

Justice Hill delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: JASON JAMES JORESKI v. THE STATE OF WYOMING

Docket Number: S-12-0066

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Natrona County, Honorable Catherine E. Wilking, Judge.

Representing Appellant: Diane Lozano, State Public Defender and Tina N. Olson, Chief Appellate Counsel.

Representing Appellee: Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; David L. Delicath, Deputy Attorney General; D. Michael Pauling, Senior Assistant Attorney General; and Joshua Eames, Student Intern.

Date of Decision: November 14, 2012

Facts: Jason Joreski entered an Alford plea to three counts of first degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of third degree sexual abuse of a minor. The Alford plea allowed Joreski to enter a guilty plea without allocuting or otherwise admitting his participation in the crimes. During Joreski’s sentencing hearing, the district court cited to a number of factors that influenced the court’s sentencing decision and then commented on Joreski’s flippancy and lack of remorse before announcing its decision. Joreski challenged the sentence, contending that the district court violated his constitutional right against self incrimination by using his silence as evidence of a lack of remorse.

Issues: Joreski presents a single issue on appeal:

Did the trial court err in considering [Joreski’s] lack of remorse at sentencing, when [Joreski] entered an Alford plea, and declined at sentencing to allocute.

Holdings: Joreski had not established that the district court inferred a lack of remorse based on his silence, and the Court therefore did not address the question whether such an inference would infringe on a defendant’s right against self-incrimination. Moreover, the Court found no plain error in the district court’s sentencing decision. Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 142

Summary of Decision November 7, 2012

Case Name: BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY, WYOMING STATE BAR v. DION J. CUSTIS, WSB #6-2674.

Docket Number: S-12-0008

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

ORDER OF PUBLIC CENSURE

This matter came before the Court upon a “Report and Recommendation for Public Censure,” filed herein August 29, 2012, by the Board of Professional Responsibility for the Wyoming State Bar. The Court, after a careful review of the Board of Professional Responsibility’s Report and Recommendation, the “Respondent’s Brief,” and the file, finds that the Report and Recommendation should be approved, confirmed and adopted by the Court, and that Respondent Dion J. Custis should be publicly censured for his conduct, which is described in the attached Report and Recommendation for Public Censure. It is, therefore,

ADJUDGED AND ORDERED that the Board of Professional Responsibility’s Report and Recommendation for Public Censure, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, shall be, and the same hereby is, approved, confirmed, and adopted by this Court; and it is further

ADJUDGED AND ORDERED that Dion J. Custis is hereby publicly censured for his conduct; and it is further

ORDERED that, on or before December 31, 2012, Mr. Custis shall complete four (4) hours of continuing legal education on the subject of ethics; and it is further

ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 26 of the Disciplinary Code for the Wyoming State Bar, Mr. Custis shall reimburse the Wyoming State Bar the amount of $11,897.60, representing the costs incurred in handling this matter, as well as pay the administrative fee of $500.00. Mr. Custis shall pay the total amount of $12,397.60 to the Clerk of the Board of Professional Responsibility on or before December 31, 2012; and it is further

ORDERED that the Clerk of this Court shall docket this Order of Public Censure, along with the incorporated Report and Recommendation for Public Censure, as a matter coming regularly before this Court as a public record; and it is further

ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 4(a)(iv) of the Disciplinary Code for the Wyoming State Bar, this Order of Public Censure, along with the incorporated Report and Recommendation for Public Censure, shall be published in the Wyoming Reporter and the Pacific Reporter; and it is further

ORDERED that the Clerk of this Court cause a copy of this Order of Public Censure to be served upon Respondent Dion J. Custis.

DATED this 7th day of November, 2012.

BY THE COURT:*

/s/

MARILYN S. KITE
Chief Justice

*Justice Davis took no part in the consideration of this matter. Retired Justice Michael Golden participated by assignment.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

Monday, November 05, 2012

Summary 2012 WY 141

Summary of Decision November 2, 2012

Chief Justice Kite delivered the opinion for the Court. Affirmed.

Case Name: IN THE MATTER OF THE WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIM OF: GORDON R. BILYEU, AN EMPLOYEE OF BABCOCK & WILCOX CONSTRUCTION, v. THE STATE OF WYOMING, ex rel., WYOMING WORKERS’ SAFETY AND COMPENSATION DIVISION

Docket Number: S-12-0051

URL: http://www.courts.state.wy.us/Opinions.aspx

Appeal from the District Court of Campbell County, Honorable Dan R. Price II, Judge

Representing Appellant (Plaintiff/Defendant): Andrew F. Sears of Murane & Bostwick, LLC, Casper, Wyoming

Representing Appellee (Plaintiff/Defendant): Gregory A. Phillips, Wyoming Attorney General; John D. Rossetti, Deputy Attorney General; Michael J. Finn, Senior Assistant Attorney General; Kelly Roseberry, Assistant Attorney General

Date of Decision: November 2, 2012

Facts: Gordon R. Bilyeu was injured in an accident while driving his motorcycle to work. He filed a claim for worker’s compensation benefits asserting that his injuries were covered because he sustained them while traveling to work and his employer reimbursed him for travel expenses. The Wyoming Worker’s Compensation Division (the Division) denied his claim. After a contested case hearing, the Office of Administrative Hearings (the OAH) also denied his claim. Mr. Bilyeu sought review of the OAH ruling in district court, which affirmed the denial. He appealed to this court claiming the OAH’s decision was contrary to the evidence because it ignored evidence showing that his employer reimbursed him for travel expenses.

Issues: The issue for this Court’s determination is whether the OAH’s conclusion that Mr. Bilyeu failed to meet his burden of proving he was reimbursed for travel expenses within the meaning of Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 27-14-102(a)(xi)(D) was contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence.

Holdings: The OAH’s conclusion that Mr. Bilyeu did not meet his burden of proving his employer reimbursed him for travel expenses was not contrary to the overwhelming weight of the evidence. Affirmed.

Summaries are prepared by Law Librarians and are not official statements of the Wyoming Supreme Court

[SPECIAL NOTE: This opinion uses the "Universal Citation." It was given an "official" citation when it was issued. You should use this citation whenever you cite the opinion, with a P.3d parallel citation. You will also note when you look at the opinion that all of the paragraphs are numbered. When you need to provide a pinpoint citation to a quote the universal portion of the citation will use that paragraph number. The pinpoint citation in the P.3d portion will need to have the reporter page number. If you need assistance in putting together a citation from this, or any future opinion using the Universal Citation form, please contact the Wyoming State Law Library and we will provide any needed assistance]

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