Special prosecutor appointed to Wiley case

The Hot Springs County Commissioners approved an approach agreement at their Tuesday afternoon meeting, however, there is a caveat to agreement.

Jeramie Prine requested the permit on County Road 15-8, one mile from the start of the county road. He is asking permission for the approach so he may store a boat in a building at that location.

Prine operates a fishing guide service and both the County Planner and Road and Bridge Supervisor are concerned what is requested as a private boat storage area may turn into a commercial operation.

Any parking in the area for a commercial business would be within the right of way and Road and Bridge Supervisor Dave Schlager is concerned it could become a traffic hazard in the area.

The commissioners agreed to approve the approach, but are also having County Attorney Jill Logan draft a letter to Prine regarding commercial use. The commissioners could revoke the approval if it is found he has gone beyond personal storage of a boat in the area.

The commissioners also heard a report from Anthony Barnett with Engineering Associates regarding the guardrail project on Black Mountain Road.

According to Barnett, the project is nearing substantial completion, but there are a couple of places that are a safety concern and Barnett would like to see them taken care of.

The guardrail is short on the ends in two spots and the commissioners agreed to allow them to be extended between 60 and 100-feet to eliminate the safety issue. The project is sitting within budget, so this should not be a problem.

Barnett agreed to work with the contractor to work on the issue.

A murder case from 1990 is coming up again, the James Michael Wiley case.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a juvenile sentenced to life in prison should have the opportunity for parole after serving 25 years.

Wiley has passed that point and is seeking parole under the Supreme Court Ruling, however, he has had a prison escape added to his charges since he has been in the State Penitentiary. The additional charge may keep him from gaining parole.

A hearing will be held in Hot Springs County on June 26, and the commissioners, at the request of the county attorney, have appointed a special prosecutor to the case, Thermopolis native, Joey Blonigen.

Logan and Blonigen both believe the appeal for parole should be dismissed entirely.