Monika Leininger
Mleinin1@uwyo.edu
1. Schnitker found guilty
Last week it took the jury in Albany County District court a matter of an hour to find John Michael Schnitker guilty of first-degree murder and aggravated burglary and battery. Schnitker was charged with the felonies following an incident on Sept. 26. Schnitker allegedly killed 59-year-old resident Clinton Gartman while stealing money, methamphetamine and cigarettes. Schnitker could receive a maximum sentence of up to life in prison plus 25 years and $20,000 in fines.
2. Staff recognition day
Today is staff recognition day at UW. UW President Dick McGinity has authorized up to two hours of release time for employees and faculty to attend the celebration. Staff recognition day will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to noon in the Gateway center. The event will feature refreshments, door prizes and a raffle. Free parking will be available at the event.
3. Message from the President
Yesterday UW President Dick McGinity released a statement addressing the state budget crisis’ implications on the University of Wyoming. The legislature has agreed upon a 1.5 percent budget reduction for 2017-18 biennium beginning on July 1. This will equate to a $5.8 million spending cut over the next two fiscal years. The president warns UW students, employees and other UW constituents may feel the change through job losses and tuition raises.
4. Bernie rally
Today Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders will be visiting the University of Wyoming and the Laramie community. The rally will be held at Arts & Sciences Auditorium on the UW campus. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the rally will begin at 8 p.m.
5. Laramie man faces felony DUI charge
Michael McDonald, 27-year-old resident of Laramie, was charged with his fourth DUI after allegedly driving under the influence. Four DUI charges within 10 years in Wyoming equates to a felony. According to the affidavit, McDonald told the officer he was pre-diabetic and had not eaten in a day and a half. EMS was instructed to check McDonald’s blood sugar. While the ambulance was on its way, McDonald admitted to drinking earlier. EMS reportedly determined McDonald’s blood sugar was normal and his impairment was not the result of any diabetic complication. According to the affidavit, McDonald’s blood-alcohol concentration was .28 in a breath sample. If convicted, McDonald will face up to seven years in prison and a $10,000 dollar fine.
