Michael Stulken

Weston County Attorney Michael Stulken has been selected as the March recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government, a monthly recognition presented by the Wyoming Press Association to honor individuals and local governments that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to transparency, accountability, and public access to information.

Stulken is being recognized for cooperative efforts to ensure that residents of Weston County are informed about felony prosecutions and the outcomes of serious criminal cases. At the request of the News Letter Journal, earlier this year Stulken began alerting all local media whenever a felony conviction occurs in Weston County. He also provides public documents related to the arrest and prosecution of those individuals to assist news organizations in reporting accurate and complete information.

As a result of this initiative, residents have gained a clearer understanding of the types of crimes occurring in Weston County, the cases being investigated and prosecuted, and the sentencing decisions handed down by local judges. The increased flow of information has also provided greater visibility into the work of local law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system as a whole.

News Letter Journal Editor-in-Chief Alexis Barker said Stulken’s willingness to share information in a timely and consistent manner has strengthened public awareness and confidence.

“When the public understands what is happening in our courts, they are better equipped to evaluate how their justice system is functioning,” Barker said. “Michael Stulken has made a deliberate effort to ensure felony convictions and the facts behind them are communicated clearly and promptly. That commitment helps us provide accurate reporting and helps citizens stay informed about serious issues affecting their community.”

Wyoming Press Association Executive Director Steve Kiggins said Stulken’s actions reflect the spirit of the Benjamin Franklin Award.

“Open government is not limited to city councils and county commissions,” Kiggins said. “Prosecutors and members of the judicial system play a critical role in ensuring the public understands how laws are enforced and how justice is administered. By proactively sharing information about felony convictions and related proceedings, Michael Stulken has demonstrated respect for the public’s right to know.”

The Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government was created by the Wyoming Press Association to recognize officials and entities that go beyond minimum legal requirements and actively embrace transparency. One award is presented each month as part of a statewide effort that will continue through 2026, coinciding with the nation’s observance of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

By highlighting positive examples of cooperation between public officials and the press, the association seeks to reinforce the principle that an informed citizenry is essential to a functioning republic and to encourage similar practices in communities across Wyoming.

The Wyoming Press Association has invited local government associations to nominate members who go above and beyond to benefit their communities through enhanced transparency and open communication. Bob Bonnar, director of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government and publisher of the News Letter Journal, said the goal is to build momentum around positive examples from public officials and entities that make meaningful commitments to keeping their communities informed.

“We hope local governments around Wyoming will rally around their own peers who are leaders in government transparency and follow suit by implementing a higher level of transparency in their own operations,” Bonnar said. “When officials choose to share more information, not less, it strengthens public trust and ultimately strengthens the communities they serve.”

The winner of the WPA’s Benjamin Franklin Award for Open Government is chosen each month by the press association’s Legislative Committee. Nominations are accepted from WPA member newspapers and the various state associations that represent local governments.