June 1-8, 2012

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The Campbell $1.00 County Observer

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Volume 2 • Issue 22

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Community New rules would hurt local food producers, group says By Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio New rules proposed by the Consumer Health Services Section of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture would greatly reduce the ability of Wyoming consumers to purchase locally grown and locally produced food, according to a Wyoming grassroots organization. House District 52 Representative Sue Wallis (RRecluse), who also serves as a director for Wyoming Food Freedom, explains Wednesday during a radio interview on News/ Talk 1270-AM with Glenn Woods that the proposed amendments to the Wyoming Food Safety Rule are huge, going far beyond normal regulatory rule changes to impact private property rights. “It’s going to affect farmer’s markets, it’s going to affect people who are currently selling salad greens to restaurants, it’s going to affect all of us who are shareowners of livestock, it’s going to affect people who have flocks of chickens,” Wallis explains during the radio program. On the other hand, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture downplays these claims, saying the proposed rules were designed to expand the opportunities available to small, local producers. “We’re trying to provide more opportunities for farmers and ranchers to sell their product to more places,” says Derek Grant, Public Information Officer for the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Animal Shares Sharing ownership of dairy animals, according to Wallis, is common for residents throughout the state who prefer drinking raw, unpasteurized milk. Yet, in a press release issued on Sunday Wyoming Food Freedom says the newly proposed rules prohibit owning a dairy animal in partnership with other owners, or hiring someone to care for and maintain dairy animals. Wallis says in order to be a licensed dairy in the State of Wyoming under the proposed rule changes would now require a minimum investment of $60,000, effectively crowding smaller producers out of the market. However, Grant contends that animal shares have already been illegal in Wyoming for decades. “Basically what we added in the food rule in regards to raw milk is dealing with making it easier for people who are the sole owners of animals to serve that raw milk at their home,” describes Grant. “So if they have nonpaying guests or people who work on their farm or ranch or anything like that, or family members that come over and want to drink raw milk then they can do that. We’re just trying to clarify that language a little bit.” Meanwhile, Wallis disagrees. “We’ve been challenging them for years,” she says. “There is absolutely nothing in Wyoming law anywhere that says I cannot own a share of a cow.” Leafy Greens

Be

In addition, Wyoming Food Freedom contends that the proposed amendments to the Wyoming Food Safety Rule would also prohibit the sale of leafy greens to local farmer’s markets or local restaurants if those greens were washed in the producer’s kitchen sink. The group says leafy greens would only be considered safe under the new rules if they were washed in a certified and inspected kitchen, which cannot by definition include a home. Under the rule change, Wallis says cut salad greens will be considered potentially hazardous to your health. “You can’t tell me that cutting a salad green in a certified and inspected kitchen is going to make it safer than grandma walking out and chopping off some spinach and bringing it to the farmer’s market,” challenges Wallis. On the other hand, Grant calls these accusations misconceptions. Under the proposed rule changes, he says cut leafy greens does not include leafy greens that were simply picked from the garden, but instead refers to leafy greens whose leaves have been cut, shredded, sliced, chopped or torn. “If you go out in the field and cut a head of lettuce from its stem, take it in and wash it off, it’s not considered a cut leafy green— it’s not processed,” insists Grant. “So you can take that and you can still sell that at farmer’s markets. The same thing goes for spinach; if you cut them at the stem or cut the leaves off the stock and take them in your house and wash them off then you can sell those at farmer’s markets.” Grant says when a producer begins to process the leafy greens is when they’re required to use a commercial kitchen under the proposed amendments to the Wyoming Food Safety Rule. “Where it becomes an issue is if you take those in, wash them, and then put them on a cutting board and start chopping them up because then there’s some real safety risks with cross contamination,” he adds. Farm Fresh Eggs The third issue contested by Wallis and Wyoming Food Freedom is that they say the new rules would prohibit Wyoming grocery stores from selling ungraded, farm fresh eggs. “The new proposed rules also include an entire new chapter on eggs which would require anyone who wants to sell eggs to a food establishment to build a separate facility, which cannot be part of a home,” Wyoming Food Freedom says in a press release. “This facility for the sole purpose of storing and grading eggs would be required to have multiple sinks, a bathroom, and unnecessary extra equipment.” “That’s not the case,” Grant contends. “We didn’t touch the actual farm fresh egg portion of [the Wyoming Food Safety Rule].” Rather, Grant says the Wyoming Department of Agriculture is attempting to

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provide more opportunities for producers to become approved sources of eggs for licensed establishments. “So that means if you want to sell eggs to a restaurant then you would have to go through the grading process and you would have to have facilities and things like that to do that,” Grant says. “But at the same time, we’re not touching the previous parts of the rule that talk about selling eggs at a farmer’s market and to end consumers like to your neighbors.” The Bottom Line According to Wallis, today’s events were set in motion back in 2000 long before she was elected to her current position as a state legislator. At that time, Wallis says the legislature threw out all of Wyoming’s laws dealing with food in order to adopt the Federal Food Rule created by the Food and Drug Administration. Since then, she says state bureaucrats have interpreted the federal rules in the most “stringent manner possible.” “It appears to me that this particular department is doing everything it can to prevent anybody from making a living with a small farm or ranch,” Wallis maintains. To find out way, Wallis says you only have to look to where the money is. In agriculture, she says the money is in big, out-of-state food companies. Those companies, she says, are protecting their market share under the guise of food safety. The result is that small farmers are forced to shut down, Wallis states. “This says in order for you to sell food in the State of Wyoming you have to compete with the mega corporations from out of state,” says Wallis. The results are described by Wallis as a travesty. “In Wyoming we have more erroneous regulation, more expensive ability to access the market for our farmers and ranchers than practically any other state in the nation.” Not only would the new rules make it nearly impossible for local producers to survive, but also, they deny Wyoming citizens the right to buy the food they want from the people they want to buy it from, Wallis contends. “The motives behind this are to in my opinion—and it’s only my opinion—is job security for bureaucrats, job security for inspectors, and to give them access to our private lives that in my humble opinion they have no business being a part of,” says Wallis. Nevertheless, Grant disputes the assertions by Wallis, saying the department’s intentions are the complete opposition of her accusations. “The main goal of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture in this situation is to provide more opportunity and provide more of a venue for people to do things that they weren’t necessarily able to do in the past,” Grant says.

Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio

Wyoming House District 52 Rep. and Wyoming Food Freedom Director Sue Wallis says during a radio interview on Wednesday that new rules proposed by the Wyoming Department of Agriculture will deny Wyoming consumers access to locally grown and produced foods. latory rule if requested by at least 25 people or by an associated with at least 25 members during the comment period. Having only discovered the proposed amendments to the Wyoming Food Safety Rule on Friday, Wallis and Wyoming Food Freedom acted quickly to request a public hearing on the proposed rule changes before the Wednesday deadline on May 23. “We have requested a series of public hearings conveniently located around the state where citizens can comment on the affect these changes would have on them and their lives,” Wallis says. Considering the request for a public hearing by Wyoming Food Freedom represented more than 600 members, according to Wallis, she says she expects the agriculture department will schedule public hearings on the proposed rule

changes. By Wednesday afternoon, Grant said it was too early to comment on whether or not the department received enough requests to schedule public hearings. However, he says the results will be available in the

near future. “We’re going to take all the comments and requests into consideration and then a decision will be made at a later date and then we’ll definitely put that information out if and when we have a public hearing of any kind,” concludes Grant.

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Community Gillette to host workforce solutions conference By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News As the employment landscape across Wyoming continues to change, Gillette will host this year’s annual Governor’s Summit on Workforce Solutions that focuses on solving the recruitment, development and retention issues facing Wyoming industries. During the 8th annual Workforce Solutions Conference, 15 speakers will present a wide array of topics pertinent to Wyoming businesses, including workplace safety, the aging workforce, training younger workers and employee retention. This year’s summit will even include a session on the huge role social media can play in a company’s strategic marketing communications. During “Facebook That!” Outreach & Training Administrator for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Shelli Stewart, will discuss how social media has changed the way the world communicates and how businesses can leverage this fundamental shift. Yet the featured speaker during the 2012 summit is bestselling author, Hall-ofFame speaker and CEO of Reviving Work Ethic and the “Bring Your ‘A’ Game to Work Initiative” Eric Chester. Chester is also a frequent contributor to Good Morning American and Fox News. “Eric Chester’s depth of knowledge on modern work

Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio

Retired Physician Garry Becker in the KIML 1270-AM studio during an interview with Basin Radio Network. Dr. Becker is running for one of the two seats up for election on the Campbell County Board of Commissioners.

Longtime Gillette physician seeks commissioner seat By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News A retired physician who describes himself as a responsible, conservative veteran is running for Campbell County Commissioner. Republican Garry Becker says one of his main concerns is declining energy prices, particularly coal and natural gas. “Until this uncertainty is cleared up I think it’s important not to start on new projects that we may have a difficult time completing,” Becker says. “I think we have to look carefully at the current responsibilities that local government has. This doesn’t mean that we can’t start new projects but I think we really have to prioritize them more than we have in the past.” Another important issue is economic diversification, according to Becker. “It’s difficult to know what affect local government can have on that,” he says. “Certainly rules and regulations tend to stifle new industries and businesses—which is another reason I think we need to cut back on those—but with keeping with the need for diversification it’s of utmost importance to take care of the industries which brought Campbell County where it is today and that’s mainly the mining and the agricultural industry. If you don’t take care of and sustain those there isn’t much chance I don’t think for economic diversification.” Becker says he initially contemplated running for commissioner seven

months ago. Since that time he has been attending Campbell County Commissioner meetings. In turn, he says he has a good sense of the commitment required to serve and that he’s prepared to dedicate a lot of time if he is elected. “I’ve also attending a city council meeting and town council meeting in Wright to get an idea of what their issues are,” Becker explains. In general, Becker says the current commissioners have been doing a good job and he’s impressed with the reserves they have been able to set aside. “One always has to be prepared for the future,” he says. One hotly debated topic among local elected officials lately has been the Field of Dreams. Earlier this month, Campbell County Commissioner Chris Knapp told Basin Radio Network that the proposed Field of Dreams is not a priority for the county. Knapp was responding to a media inquiry that suggested the City of Gillette may approach the commissioners to help pay for the proposed project. At this moment, Becker says he needs more information about the Field of Dreams before he can come to a definite position on the issue. “At first glance it seems like this is not the time to start on a major undertaking that is going to cost well over $100 million,” Becker says. “That doesn’t mean that some of the plans do not have merit. I think that

CCMH Summer Youth Volunteer Program begins June 7 Campbell County Memorial Hospital’s (CCMH) Junior Volunteer Program, formerly called Youth Volunteers, begins June 7, 2011. Interested youth ages 12-17 years should contact Lacey Henningsen, Volunteer Coordinator at 688-1536 by Monday, June 4 to complete an application and schedule an interview. Applications are also available online at www. ccmh.net and click on the dropdown Ways to Give. Orientation and training takes place June 7. All interested youth volunteers, even those from previous years must complete an application and schedule an interview. One purpose of the Junior Volunteer program is to allow young adults the opportunity to practice business skills in a nonthreatening environment, such as participating in an interview. The program has a limited number of slots available. Junior volunteers perform duties such as

delivering meals, beverages and books, greeting patients and families, assisting nursing and support staff, working with children and Pioneer Manor residents and other healthcare related services. “Obviously CCMH provides experiences and exposure to healthcare professions, but we also provide opportunities in business, childcare, management, marketing, and other facets of a typical business” said Volunteer Coordinator Lacey Henningsen. Interested youth must be the minimum age of 12 by July 1, 2012, be able to volunteer at least three hours each week - excluding vacations, and have transportation to and from the hospital. Volunteer shirts/ uniforms will be provided. The Junior Volunteer program concludes August 16 and an appreciation reception is scheduled for August 23. For more information call Volunteer Services office at 688.1536.

the community could use some more softball and baseball fields; this is a very athletic community and there’s a lot of need for things like that, but I think we need more solid numbers. I have not seen any numbers as to how much the current estimated maintenance would be for those fields.” Garry Becker recently retired after operated his own medical practice in Gillette for 37 years. He is a member of the AMA, NRA, American Legion, Rotary, Wyoming Medical Society and the Campbell County Republican Committee. “It’s been my pleasure over the past 37 years to live in the best county and the best state, and I hope to have an opportunity to not only to maintain but even improve on the prosperity that we’ve enjoyed in this county,” Becker says.

ethic and the new emerging employment base will provide valuable insight to Wyoming employers and employees looking to develop cutting edge solutions in an ever-changing global business environment,” says Joan Evans, Director of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Chester will illustrate why the work ethic in America has declined and he’ll present actionable ideas and tools for employers to develop the right worker and restore pride in a job well done. “I look forward to returning to Gillette on June 14 and presenting to the leaders, business owners, and managers attending the Governor’s Workforce Summit to show them how

to maximize the talent in the emerging workforce and develop within them the work ethic that made Wyoming the great state that it is,” Chester says. The summit will also feature six awards for Wyoming employers, including the Innovation in the Workplace Award, the Outstanding Investment in Young Workers Award, and the Outstanding Investment in Older Workers Award. The 2012 Governor’s Summit on Workforce Solutions will be held June 14 and 15 at Gillette College. To find more information, to register, or to nominate outstanding Wyoming employers, individuals or projects for the Workforce Awards, visit http://wyowdc.org/ summit/2012.

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Campbell County Observer

CampbellCountyObserver.net 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 (PP-1) Volume 2 Issue 22 The Campbell County Observer is published by Patriot Publishing L.L.C. in Gillette, WY every Friday. 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Postmaster: Send address changes to 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com Robyn Brooks - Sales/Marketing RobynBrooks@CampbellCountyObserver.com Traci Jefferson - Sales/Marketing TraciJefferson@CampbellCountyObserver.com Dale Russell - Sales/Marketing DaleRussell@CampbellCountyObserver.com Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken McCoy - Distribution Manager Pattie Ladd - What’s Going On PattieLadd@CampbellCountyObserver.com Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com

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Writers Sandra Boehler (Charities/Fundraisers/Veterans Events) SandraBoehler@CampbellCountyObserver.com Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com Elizabeth Albin (Wright) ElizabethAlbin@campbellcountyobserver.com Lin Stephens LinStephens@CampbellCountyObserver.com Josh Uzarski (Science) JoshuaUzarski@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken De Laat (About Nothing) KennethDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com “Juice” (Political Cartoonist) Juice@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com


Community Madison Pipeline services agreement approved

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By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News The Gillette City Council unanimously approved a professional services agreement for the Gillette Madison Pipeline project with Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company at a cost of just under $4 million during Monday’s city council meeting. In total, the professional services agreement is made up of three parts, two of which are for construction phase services. The third part is for the management control services over a 40-month duration.

City of Gillette utilities project manager Michael Cole describes Monday’s decision as a milestone leading up to the construction phase. “Burns & McDonnell will be overseeing the construction for us,” Cole describes. “They provided us with an engineering proposal for the direct cost of both of these pipeline contracts in addition to the coordination and overall project management for all of the remaining contracts that we’re going to be awarding

during the next three and a half years.” The Gillette Madison Pipeline project is one part in the larger Gillette Regional Water Supply project. When completed, the new Madison Pipeline will expand Gillette’s groundwater sources in the Madison Formation near Keyhole Reservoir by providing a new treatment and conveyance system to deliver the new water supply to the regional Gillette area.

Featured Crime Theft from Auto (May 6-7)

Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a theft from auto that occurred on Paul Revere Lane in Patriot Estates. Between 2130 hours on 05/06/2012 and 0715 hours on 05/07/2012, unknown person(s) took a large black TAG equipment bag with white Lettering which contained baseball equipment. The bag contained the following items: One set of Easton catcher’s gear, one set of Adams blue Little League catcher’s gear, three Easton baseball bats, two catcher’s gloves, an Easton fielder’s glove and a Rawlings first baseman’s glove. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400 or the High School Crime Stoppers at 682-4185. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.

Knights of Columbus help American Wheelchair Mission Wheel Chairs are $150.00 apiece. The Local Knights of Columbus Council saw the organization called American Wheelchair Mission, and wanted to do something to help. The national Knights have been working with them since 2007. This Memorial Day marks the first time that the Local Knights have participated,

and did this by getting money donated at Sunday Mass. It was a huge success, and the local Campbell County Knights raised over $5,000.00, and each wheel chair goes for $150.00. All wheel chairs will be delivered to veterans, which is what our Knights wanted. Normally, the wheel chairs are $500.00, but they became

Owned by local Campbell County Rancher.

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Kluz Performance Horses is offering Summer Horse Riding Camps for all ages. Come enjoy our great lesson horses and learn to Ride, Care and Basic Information about the Horse.

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Little Buckaroo’s June 11-June 14: 5-8 year olds. Learn to groom, lead, saddle, and ride on their own. Learn basic care, anatomy, and do some amazing horse Artwork! Cost: $160 for a 4 day camp Buckaroo June 25 - June 28 9-12 year olds. Same as the Little Buckaroo’s camp with more time in each lesson! Cost: $180 for 4 day camp Young Gun’s July 17 - July 20th Please have your Children at 13-15 year olds. Learn to Groom, lead, saddle and ride on their own. eh KPH Barn at least 5 minuts Basic care, anatomy, and tack care. Cost: $180 for a 4 day camp. early, and Please pick up at the Cowboy/Girl’s July 23-July 26th designated time to ensure all 16-18 year olds. It will be run just like the Young Guns Class. Cost: $180 for 4 day camp. camps run smoothly. Buckaroo August 20-23 Please have closed toed shoes. 8-12 years old. Advanced riding techniques, horse care and tack care. Boots would be the best. Cost: $180 for a 4 day camp. Young Gun August 27-30 All other equipment will be 13-18 year olds. Like the Backaroo Class. provided by KPH. Cost: $180 for a 4 day camp.

Veteran Memorial Services Submitted by Trudy Woodcock, MSgt, WY NG Deputy Public Affairs Officer egon Trail State Veterans Cemetery. The public is encouraged to attend. The goal is to provide military honors to all deserving Wyoming veterans. The service opens with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, the reading of the names of the Wyoming vet-

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cheaper with buying in bulk. Steve Thomas said “this is a fine display of the generosity of the local community and the Parish. I am very proud to be a part of this.” If anyone would like to further contribute, please call Mr. Thomas at 307682-8120.

Classes:

Continuing its tradition of conducting a monthly memorial service for veterans, the Wyoming Army National Guard’s Honor Guard Team, in partnership with the Natrona County United Veterans Council, will hold the memorial service on May 31, at noon, at the Or-

Local Foods Grass Fed Beef and Draft Horses

erans who died during the month, a rifle volley, the playing of “Taps” and the folding of the U.S. flag. The Wyoming Army National Guard provides free military honors for veterans’ individual services on request through funeral directors.

All Campers must Pre-Register. For more information or to register, please call Ashley at 307-680-5362 kph2007alive.com

CHURCH BULLETIN FREEDOM!!! 2 WORSHIP Creativity is an essential element in business, in family, in government, in military, in church, in entertainment or education. It is uncovering the treasure chest of gifting each of us have...then unpacking it, applying it. What does that look like? How can a family do this together? Explore and discover that gold in you at FREEDOM!!! 2 WORSHIP at Cornerstone Ministries Church, June 14-16. Using arts as a platform as well as dream interpretation to release dormant ideas and dreams we will have a safe place for folks to sort out their finds. 3 Days of Clinics. 9am-3 pm

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Drumming, painting, beading, installation, writing, Shofar blowing are the vehicles used to delve into history and application of the creativeness put in all of us. For more information, 307-696-7992. And register at www.freedom-2-worship.com $50.00 Daily or $80.00 all 3 days.

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Community Deadline is June 8 for Wyoming Arts Council poetry fellowships The postmark deadline is June 8 for the Wyoming Arts Council creative writing fellowships in poetry. To apply, you must be a Wyoming resident, 18 or older, and not enrolled as a full-time student pursuing high school, college or university art-related degrees. There is no entry fee. Up to three, $3,000 awards will be given. Winning poets also will receive a $500 stipend to attend the Equality State Book Festival in Casper Sept. 14-15, 2012 and read from their work with fellowship judge, Brian Turner. Turner is a soldier-poet and the author of two poetry collections, Phantom Noise (2010) and Here, Bul-

let (2005). His work is drawn from his seven years in the U.S. Army, including one year as an infantry team leader in Iraq with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Prior to that, he was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1999-2000 with the 10th Mountain Division. Turner was also featured in Operation Homecoming, a unique documentary that explores the firsthand accounts of American servicemen and women through their own words. He earned an MFA in creative writing from the University of Oregon and has lived abroad in South Korea. At the book festival, Turner will partici-

pate on a panel about soldier-writers with Luis Carlos Montalvan, U.S. Army Iraq War veteran and author of “Until Tuesday: The Story of a Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him.” The Arts Council encourages Wyoming’s military veterans to apply for the fellowships and to attend the Equality State Book Festival. Printable fellowship applications are available on the Wyoming Arts Council web site www.wyomingartscouncil.org or by calling the WAC at 307-777-7742. For more information, contact Michael Shay, 307-777-5234 or mike.shay@ wyo.gov.

Photo by James Grabrick

Where is this picture taken? Answer from last week

Southerland Dr near Southerland Park

Campbell Co. Fire Dept. May 24, 2012

- At 12:30 PM to 3923 Ariel Avenue (4 plex), Apt. C for a fire alarm. A fire sprinkler head in the bedroom had activated without any fire. Firefighters shut the water off to the system until repairs can be made. It is believed the sprinkler head may have been previously damaged leading up to the failure. - At 2:38 PM to the 600 block of Express Drive for a medical assist.

May 26, 2012

- At 2:19 a.m. at to Beaver Drive for an EMS assist. - At 7:28 a.m. to mile marker 67 on Highway 450 for a semi-truck that dumped its load of dirt on the overpass. Upon arrival of CCFD most of the dirt had been picked up and the scene was turned over to Wyoming Highway Patrol. - At 2:29 p.m. to 3251 South Four J Road for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded and was cancelled en route when it was determined to be an accidental activation. - At 3:40 p.m. to 6701 Robin Drive for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD was cancelled en route when it was determined to be a false alarm. - At 8:07 p.m. to Echeta Road for an EMS assist. - At 9:08 p.m. to the area of Wessex Road for an unknown type of fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined it was an unauthorized controlled burn. - At 9:36 p.m. to 4309 Lexington Avenue for a house struck by lightning. CCFD responded to the scene and

upon arrival found several charred light switches and an outlet inside the house. No fire was found inside and the affected electrical circuit was disconnected. Damage was estimated at $500.

May 28, 2012

- At 7:58 a.m. to Tyler Avenue for and EMS assist. - At 8:31 a.m. to 1607 West 2nd Street for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival was informed that burnt toast caused the alarm. - At 10:06 a.m. to 1801 Cliff Davis Drive for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival was informed that dust from cleaning caused the alarm. - At 12:35 p.m. to South Douglas HWY for an EMS assist. - At 1:58 p.m. to Stanley Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 2:07 p.m. to the intersection of Warlow Drive and Hannum Road for a vehicle crash. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a single motorcycle crashed off the roadway. No one was injured in the collision and no hazardous fluids were leaking from the motorcycle. - At 3:15 p.m. to the area of Force Road and I-90 for a vehicle submerged in a reservoir. CCFD responded to the scene and with the assistance of CCSO deputies, it was determined that a body was inside the vehicle. A dive team from Aloha Scuba and Travel was called to the scene and they performed a recovery on the vehicle and body.

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- At 5:43 p.m. to 904 East 9th Street for a dumpster fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a 3 yard dumpster on fire. The fire was extinguished and no damage was caused to the dumpster. Through an investigation with GPD officers it was determined that 2 juvenile males started the fire with an unknown heat source. - At 8:18 p.m. to 1001 Desert Hills Circle, Apartment 29, for a structure fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a smoldering fire burning on the second floor balcony of the building. The fire was extinguished and the cause was determined to be a cigarette butt that was discarded into a cardboard box. Damage to the balcony was estimated at $500. - At 10:40 p.m. to 851 Casa Quinta Avenue for a residential fire alarm. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival was informed by the homeowner that the alarm was a security alarm and not a fire alarm.

automatic fire alarm, upon arrival it was determined that overcooked food activated the smoke alarm. - At 9:59 PM to E. I-90 near the Grey Rd. for a reported single vehicle rollover, cancelled en-route, no injuries. - At 10:40 PM to the 3700 block of Washington St. for an EMS assist.

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May 29, 2012

- At 2:54 a.m. to Swanson Road for an EMS assist. - At 07:15 AM to the 1600 block of Pathfinder Circle for an automatic fire alarm, upon arrival it was determined the alarm was activated due to steam from a shower. - At 1:30 PM to the 200 block of Emerson Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 2:50 PM to the area of 6th Street and Burma Avenue for a two vehicle accident with injuries. - At 4:43 PM to the 7000 block of Rimrock Drive for an

217 Gillette Ave.

Mon. - Fri. 9am to 7pm • Sat. 9am to 5pm • Sun. 1pm to 4pm

Gillette is Growing Thursday, May 24th was a big day for Traci Conklin and her parents, Joe and Colleen. It was the day that they, after many months of laborious preparations, got to announce their grand opening of City Brew Coffee and Qdoba Mexican Grill. They two brand new Gillette business are located on South Douglas Hwy, neighboring Club Energize and Good Times Liquor. Also in their building is an amazing new sandwich shop called Smiling Moose Deli, where they serve made-to-order sandwiches.

S/S Slide Blk synthetic frame 17 Rnd 2 magazines, loading tool and carry case!

It seems like business is booming right out of the gate for these three businesses. There is hardly a dull moment and the parking lot is always full. With all three, you may order and sit down in the facility or enjoy their rather large outdoor seating area which is just in time for summer. It is great to see Gillette grow and change, introducing new things, places and jobs to our locals. If you have not done so already, drive over and say, “Hello!” to the hardworking staff and order up!

Prayer Request for our Troops Submitted by Nicholas Fitzgerald

‘Dear Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. In Jesus’ name we ask, Amen.’

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Comics

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Comics

To submit a quote of the week go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net

Solutions from last week

“Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword because the whole body of the people are armed.� - Noah Webster

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Community Obituaries

ALEXIENNE BROERS Lexie Broers went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ May 24 2012. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday May 29 at the Gillette Memorial Chapel in Gillette with Pastor Dale Russell officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm, Monday, May 28 at the Gillette Memorial Chapel. A luncheon will follow interment at Mt Pisgah Cemetery. Lexie was born Nov 28, 1946 in Miles City, Montana. She spent her childhood in the Laurel and Billings area and lived throughout Montana until moving to Gillette in 1982. Lexie worked at Cordero mine for several years and in August 1990 married Larry Broers. Most recently she worked at Don’s Supermarket until retiring in 2010. Lexie had many interests and really enjoyed her gardening and year over year trying to get a vegetable garden to grow at her home on Timbercreek! Whether it was tending to the chickens, alpacas or any one of many cats and dogs, she toiled nonetheless. The greatest joy in Lexie’s life was her grandchildren, and doting over them through the years. She loved them very much and always was quick to share with others about them. Her greatest hope was comfort in knowing Christ as her Savior. Lexie never hesitated to share her testimony and let others know how to have eternal peace themselves. Daily she read her bible and had a great desire to have her children and grandchildren come to know and follow the Lord. Lexie is survived by her

husband Larry of Gillette; mother Sylvia Raltson of Gillette; children Vieka (Tom) Hudson of Des Moines, Ia; Krista (Mark) Wigner of Gillette; John (Michelle) Broers of Pierre, SD; Laura Smith of Rio Rancho NM; brothers Will Ralston of Upton and Sheldon Ralston of Gillette and 8 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Lexie’s name to the Hospice of Campbell County Memorial Hospital in Gillette, Wy. Donations and condolences can be sent in Lexie’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, Wy 82716 or condolences can be sent via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com

DEBORAH TIBBETS Memorial services for Deborah Lee “Sadie” Tibbets will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Daryl Hilbert of Grace Bible Church officiating. Deborah Tibbets, age 30 of Gillette, Wyoming died on Thursday, May 24, 2012. Deborah Tibbets was born Deborah Lee Barney, on May 6, 1982 in San Diego, California, the daughter of Darrell Barney and Shirley Jones. She was raised and educated in Poway and in the High Desert of California. Deborah married Rich Tibbets on April 15, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They lived in Memphis, Tennessee and worked for the FedEx hub there. Deborah returned to California, where she worked for FedEx in Lancaster, California. She transferred to Gillette, Wyoming in June of 2009 to take a full time position. Debo-

Successful Sitters babysitting classes scheduled Campbell County Memorial Hospital has scheduled the Successful Sitters Babysitting Class for June 5, 19, July 11, 25 and August 7 from 9 am-3:30 pm. The course is designed to help 12-16 year olds become more effective babysitters and includes the basics of infant care, infection control, nutrition, safety and first aid. Friends

and Family CPR is part of the class. Participants should wear long pants and bring a sweater or jacket for CPR practice in an air conditioned room. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. Held at the CCMH EMS Base, 502 Stocktrail Ave. Pre-registration is required. Call 688.6006 or education@ccmn.net.

Weekly Trivia Question rah loved animals, her two cats BB and Timmy miss her dearly. She loved reading, music, crafts, decorating, farming, ranching, her freedom, politics, loved the thunder and lightning when it rained. Deborah was an ardent student of the Bible. Deborah Tibbets is survived by her loving and beloved life partner, Tom Helak of Gillette, Wyoming; father, Darrell Barney of San Diego, California; mother, Shirley (Brian) Jones of Rosamond, California; sisters: Alicia Barney and Cheri Barney, both of San Diego, California; Sara Snyder of Denver, Colorado; Stephanie Snyder of Willets, California; and Carissa Jones of New York; brothers: Johnathan Barney of Rosamond, California, Aaron Barney, Evan Barney both of San Diego, California; and Steven Jones of Rock Hill, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her uncle Lawrence LaBelle. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet atwww.gillettememorialchapel. com.

the best and most genuine hugs, and the way he joked and teased people touched so many lives. Glenn is survived by his parents of Gillette, Wyoming; two brothers: Gene and Mark (Mary) of Gillette, Wyoming; nieces: Kimberly Looney of Arizona, Bridgette, Jessica, and nephew, Mathew Fogle all of Gillette, Wyoming. He was preceded in death by his brother, Duane, his grandparents; Ezra and Dina Fogle and Jean Denard and Rena Lempp and Mary and Mitch Guesanburu. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Glenn’s name and its use to be designated at a later date. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Glenn’s name to Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences can also be sent via the website at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

Which American General was on the 1912 U.S. Olympic Pentathlon Team? Look in next week’s paper for the answer

PARKING LOT BAZAAR 400 W. 2nd Street (Zip Thru Shipping parking lot) Saturday, June 9th 8a.m. - 5p.m. and Saturday, June 23rd 8a.m. - pp.m.

Lots of Great Vendors! FREE PETTING ZOO!!!

Kitchen Wares, Jewelry, Wickless Candles, Coffee, Furniture, Christian Books & Gifts, Purses, Beauty Products, All-Natural Medicine & Cleaning Products, Awesome Food and LOTS MORE...

Baked goods (including Celeste Robinson’s Famous Caramels) 50/50 Raffle - To raise funds for the 4-J Elementary Kids going to People to People, Washington D.C.

ALL ABOUT WOMEN

EVENTS

Proceeds benefit The Boys and Girls Club

GLENN FOGLE Mass of Christian Burial for Glenn Fogle will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2012 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church with Father Cliff Jacobson officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. Glenn Warren Fogle our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away May 27, 2012 just outside Gillette as a result of an accident. Glenn was born February 18, 1964 in Jordan, Montana to Gale and Margaret (Denard) Fogle. In 1970, the Fogle family found their permanent residence in Gillette, Wyoming. He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1983. After graduation he went to work for Champion Auto, E&H, Checker, and he was currently employed at O’Reillys. He decided to dedicate his life to the Shriner organization because of his experience at their hospitals in Spokane and Salt Lake as a child. Glenn was inducted into the Masons and later becoming a Shriner, where he served as President of Powder River Shriners Club of Gillette. One of his proudest moments was returning as a member to tour the original hospital in Spokane in 2011. Glenn was also a loyal member to the Moose Lodge and an active member of our community. Some of Glenn’s favorite past times were camping and traveling with his family. He was a proud uncle and a fan of his nephew and nieces various activities. He was a passionate Steeler fan never missing an opportunity to talk them up! He loved to play cards, gave

June 16 • 10 - 4 Mall in the Park - Cam-Plex Park Starting memorial Weekend Summer Flea Market Anytime Storage

Surprise Your Father with something different? Beer and wine making supplies! A New Hobby he can impress his friends with! SWEDE’S SPECIALTIES has a large selection of home wine making, small commercial winery products and beer making supplies.

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NOW THAT WE’VE CAUGHT YOUR EYES! If you like our paper? Please take time to check out our Advertisers! They support us so please support them! Thanks for reading our paper! The Campbell County Observer Staff. Photo by James Grabrick

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Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer

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Where is this picture taken?

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The Campbell County Observer


Community Edwards Tire Company, LLC Sales & Service Cars, Light Trucks Service Agriculture (AG) Tires Roy Edwards (307) 682-4131 (307) 680-4290 Monday – Saturday 8AM – 6PM

INDUSTRIAL Glenn Fogle was found dead Monday afternoon inside a Chevy Malibu that was totally submerged in this reservoir along Force Road approximately 100 yards East of the I-90 interchange.

Divers recover body of Gillette man

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By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News A dive team assisting Campbell County Emergency Responders recovered the body of a 48-year old Gillette man who was discovered inside his completely submerged vehicle along Force Road. According to Campbell County undersheriff Scott Matheny, Glenn Fogle was last seen at work on Sunday evening and his brother reported him

missing just before 10 p.m. on Sunday. With the assistance of OnStar, Fogle’s 2011 Chevy Malibu was located Monday afternoon submerged in a reservoir roughly 100 yards east of the Interstate 90 interchange. Matheny says Fogle’s vehicle apparently left the roadway and authorities believe the incident was an ac-

cident. “Our investigation at this point has not found any indication that there was anything that may have caused him to swerve off the road,” Matheny says. Fogle was active in the local Shriners club. At the time of his death he was employed at O’Reilly Auto Parts on Boxelder Road in Gillette.

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Local manager seeks Ward 2 city council seat By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News Damon Hart has served on the City of complex. Hart says depending on how one Gillette’s planning commission for nearly looks at the proposal it could be a Field of five years. He hopes that experience will Champions or a Field of Opportunity. help set him apart as he campaigns to be “Everybody gets a little excited when the city’s newest councilmember for Ward they hear the price tag of the Field of 2. Dreams, so I think that’s something that Hart says he is a concern to was also recently a lot of people appointed to serve and I think if on an economic we would have development communicated a board with reprelittle bit closer to sentatives from them and talked Campbell, Crook, to them about Weston and Nioit I think they’d brara counties. feel a lot better Working in the about the whole electrical wholesituation,” Hart sale business for says. “I think it’s 21 years, Hart a great opportusays he currently nity for the comworks as a manmunity too.” ager at Crescent In the end, Electric Supply. Hart says he He says that exwants to contribperience will also ute to the growth benefit him if he’s of the commuelected to the city nity he’s lived in Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio council. for the last 11 “Even my curyears. Damon Hart says his managerial rent position as a “I was born experience and his time serving manager is a lot right here in this on the City’s Planning Commislike politics,” says hospital; I was sion will benefit him if he’s elected Hart. “You got to raised 60 miles have the right peoeast of here so to represent Ward 2 on the Gillete ple and you’ve got I’m very familiar City Council. to be able to make with the comdecisions.” munity,” Hart Perhaps the most controversial issue explains. “I’ve seen it grow from some dirt debated between members of the Gillette roads to four lanes so I definitely want to City Council over the last several months be a part of the future growth of Gillette has been the proposed Field of Dreams. and look forward to being a part of that.” Most recently, the city council voted 4-3 Hart is running for the Ward 2 Gillette earlier this month to pass a resolution City Council seat currently held by Counsupporting the master plan for the sports cilman Everett Boss.

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t h g i l t o p S of the Week

If you have spent much time on area lakes you have probably noticed a few buoys placed in certain areas. Buoys mark no wake zones, no boat zones, hazards, and in some instances navigation routs. Be sure to read buoys that you come across and adhere to what they advise you of. Areas like no wake zones help boaters approach docks safely and secure their boat without being pounded by waves and no boat buoys may be marking a swim beach or an area that can be extremely dangerous for boats to operate in. Hazard buoys are rare, but we have placed them in some areas to mark rocks and other dangers. Keep in mind that most hazards in the water are not marked and to enter unfamiliar waters with caution.

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Community

City seeks public feedback in annual Citizen’s Survey

It took you a long time to

FIND HER.

By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News The City of Gillette is trying to cast a wider net to get participants for this year’s annual Citizen’s Survey. According to City of Gillette public information officer Joe Lunne, the 37th annual Citizen’s Survey will feature a full online version and a shorter version included with your utility bill. The long-form version of the survey will be available from the city’s website beginning this Friday. “We’re also sending out a short-form survey with all city utility bills that will begin going out June 1,” Lunne says. “As you get these short-form surveys in the utility bill, just fill them out—they’re on a bright yellow piece of paper—fill them out and return them with your utility bill payment. You can mail it in or send it in to customer service and we’re going to track those as well.” As well, roughly 300 long-form versions of the survey will be mailed to about 300

random city utility customers, Lunne adds. Questions from the long-form survey were used to create the short-form survey. City officials revised the way they collect information following last year’s low 29 percent response rate, according to Lunne. “What we did last year was we chose 3,000 random city utility customers and mailed out a long-form survey and then they filled it out and returned it,” says Lunne. Gillette councilmembers and city officials use information from the Citizen’s Survey to help shape the future of community. “It’s just a good way to gauge the public’s perception of the city and the job we’re doing,” Lunne says. The Citizen’s Survey will be available beginning June 1 from the city’s website atwww.GilletteWY.gov.

New hours for yard waste drop-off site

The City of Gillette is changing the hours of operation for its yard waste drop-off center beginning June 1. “Previously, the yard waste drop-off site was closed on Sundays and Mondays,” explains City of Gillette public information officer Joe Lunne. “Because of public input and some people saying that Sundays are a good day for them to do yard work and drop off their yard waste materials, we’re going to open up the drop-off site on Sun-

days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well.” During the remainder of the week from Tuesday through Saturday, the yard waste drop off center will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Disposing yard waste at the drop-off center is free for city utility customers. It is located at 3101 S. Garner Lake Road adjacent to the Waste Water Treatment Plant.

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Community Keyhole Fishing Report By Mike & Roxan Smith Empire Guesthouse, RV Park & General Store Walleye fishing at Keyhole has been slow, at best. Despite the efforts of fishermen, the walleye have been tight lipped. Hope it picks up soon. Most that have been caught lately have come from the west end by fishermen pulling crank baits. One big walleye caught last week, a 30”, was caught on a lindy rig with a minnow. That’s one of the few really big fish I’ve heard of recently. Game & Fish set their trap nets here about a week ago and found the walleye numbers up again this year. Numbers have been increasing yearly since the lake started coming back up. They set their nets in the same areas every year and try to do their sampling at about the same time of year to determine population trends. The good news is the crappie bite has been good. The trick with them is to keep moving until you get into them. We’ve seen some nice catches of 10”-12” crappie. Some fishermen are slip-bobbering minnows; others are using small plastics and jigs. The trick is locating them. Check out any brush and weed beds you can find. The smallmouths are also biting well with a few in the 3-4 lb range being caught. Rocky areas should be best. Try jigs & small cranks. This weekend the Keyhole Reservoir Fishing Association will have its annual kids fishing tournament. There will be two categories, ages 5-10 and ages 11-16. Registration will be from 8-9 am at Water’s Park in Pine Haven and contest will run from 9am-12pm. There will also be a free picnic of barbeque, hot dogs, chips & drinks. There will be many prizes awarded and it’s all FREE. Carp shooters: Mark your calendars for June 23rd & August 18th for Northeast Wyoming Walleye Association’s Carp Shoot Tournaments. Entry fee is $100 per team. Teams can consist of up to 3 shooters. Registration will begin at 6:30am at the Empire Guesthouse in Pine Haven. Tournament will run from 8 am to 3 pm. Winners are determined by number of fish taken and 5 places will be paid. Last year they allowed shooters to bring in tails and i would think they would do it again this year. Bring along some loping shears or sharp knife to take off tails, shears work best.

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Call for Information

HOLD THE DATE!

“I’m Here to Network. Now What?” Thursday, June 21, 2012 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, Gillette College Technical Education Center

Leave Your Mark on Campbell County...

Whether Molly Wendell’s imparting her “rulebreaking” networking advice with a news outlet or in a presentation to job seekers, or sharing her business and marketing insight with a group of executives, audiences benefit. In addition to being an expert on networking strategies, Molly also regularly speaks on the topics of business strategy, marketing strategy, high-performing teams and business development at seminars, industry/association conferences, company kickoffs and general sales meetings. To register visit: http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A318926?emailAttendeeId=3211253 B0135A22810E0031201A42D31&emailSkusId=321 1253B0136EFF15A6C74B601EB0847

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Northern Rockies Skies for June

with purchase of new vehicle! Exclusive Offer only from Tom.

Submitted by the University of Wyoming

A monthly look at the night skies of the northern Rocky Mountains, written by astronomers Ron Canterna, University of Wyoming; Jay Norris, Challis, Idaho Observatory; and Daryl Macomb, Boise State University. Although the June night skies may appear empty compared to the variety and diversity of the winter and spring constellations and planets, they do present a spectacular display of interesting objects. To get oriented: Overhead, you will see an unobstructed view of the Big Dipper and, on the northern horizon the notable constellation Cassiopeia, now a giant stretched-out “W” in the sky. Find Polaris, the North Star, by using the pointer stars -- the two stars on the outside edge of the Big Dipper’s cup. Here is a good chance to “arc to Arcturus.” Follow the curved handle of the Big Dipper and you reach Arcturus, and then Spica in Virgo. On the eastern horizon, you will first see rising the bright star Vega, then Deneb (more northerly) and finally Altair which, in combination, make up the summer triangle. Going toward the southern horizon, you will notice the curlicue-shaped constellation Scorpios with its bright, red star, Antares. The Milky Way runs almost parallel to the southeast horizon through these constellations. You are now looking very close to the center of the Milky Way galaxy. At sunset, you can see Saturn near Spica in Virgo and Mars midway between Spica and Regulus in Leo the Lion. A partial lunar eclipse is visible June 4 and the transit of Venus across the sun can be seen June 5. June 2012 Interest: Transit of Venus: June 5 The apparent diameter of the sun is sufficiently large (1/2 degree) and the orbital planes of Earth and our sister planet Venus sufficiently similar, that Venus infre-

quently transits, or crosses in front of the sun, as seen from Earth. These transits occur in pairs separated by eight years, with the pairs currently recurring after gaps of 105.5 or 121.5 years -- a “twice in a human lifetime event” if one happens to be born in a lucky year. The last transit occurred June 8, 2004, and its paired event will occur June 5-6. In the United States, the start of the transit will be visible June 5, weather permitting, just after 4 p.m. MDT, with time of greatest excursion onto the sun’s disk around 7:25 p.m. During the transit the apparent diameter of Venus will be close to one arc minute, or about 1/30 of the sun’s diameter. A small telescope (mirror or objective lens just a few inches in diameter) combined with an eyepiece providing low magnification (about 10-40 times) are quite ample to study progress of the black disk of Venus against the bright sun. However, maximum warning -- the most important and imperative piece of equipment -- is a solar filter to block 99.999 percent of the sun’s light. Without this filter, just an instant of looking at the sun through even a small telescope (or binoculars) will result in severe and often permanent damage to the eye’s retina (this happened to the author while viewing the sun emerging from total eclipse). Alternatively, but using a similar solar filter (e.g., grade 14 welder’s glass), the transit can be viewed without aid of a telescope, as Venus’ apparent diameter will be comparable to large sunspots. Historically, transits of Venus were employed to obtain an accurate measure of the distance between Earth and the sun through the method of parallax. The next pair of transits of Venus will take place in the next century, in 2117 and 2125.

Tom Hoffman Contact # 307-660-5984 or email at tomhoffman@juneks.com

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Community Road Construction and Railroad Crossing Closure Information Brooks Avenue Crossing - Burma Avenue Crossing Collins Heights Paving - Dalbey Park East Entrance

The City of Gillette’s Engineering Division announced the following road construction and railroad crossing closure information. Brooks Avenue Railroad Crossing The Brooks Avenue railroad crossing will be closed on Tuesday, June 5th from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This closure is for BNSF to remove the existing crossing arm. During the work, the road at the crossing will be closed completely, and as soon as the work is complete the road will be opened. Burma Avenue Railroad Crossing The Burma Avenue railroad crossing will be closed on Thursday, June 7th from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This closure is for BNSF to complete their signal work for the Quiet Zone project. During the work the road at the crossing will be closed completely. Once this work is complete, the City

of Gillette will file the paperwork to establish a Quiet Zone.

Collins Heights Seal Coat

A contractor will be seal coating all of the Collins Heights subdivision on Thursday, June 14th and Friday, June 15th. Streets affected include: Collins Rd. Potter Ave, Highline Rd., Tower Ave., Landing Stripe, Mills Ave., Radio Rd., University Rd., Badger Ave., Wall St. Market St. and Collins Ave. The project will be complete in less than one full week, and the residents can expect some delays and single lane traffic during the project. The city asks the public to drive slowly through the work zones and watch for fresh oil, loose gravel and other construction equipment and workers in the area. Once the seal coat is applied and given time to cure, residents and others driving into the

area should refrain from hard stops and quick starts so as not to damage the freshly applied seal coat. Also, stopping and turning your wheels while still will also damage the fresh seal. After the seal has cured for 1224 hours the entire sub-division will be swept to remove any loose gravel. Striping of Collins Road will be replaced within the next week after the seal coat contractor has finished. If you have any questions please call the Streets Division of Public Works at (307) 686-5320.

Pintail Drive (Dalbey Park East Entrance)

Weekly Trivia Answer from Last Week What was Memorial Day originally called? Decoration Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. (Southern ladies organizations and southern schoolchildren had decorated Confederate graves in Richmond and other cities during the Civil War, but each region had its own date. Most dates were in May.) By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Pintail Drive from the corner of Hoback Drive west to Dalbey Park will be closed from Tuesday, May 29th through Friday, May 31st for contractor access to the project and storage materials.

Wyoming organic wheat producer first to break into Chinese market Submitted by Kim Kittel - Wyoming Business Council Wyoming agriculture producer Clint Jessen will be the first United States wheat producer to export organic proso millet and wheat to China. Jessen, owner of Jessen Wheat Company in Pine Bluffs, Wyo., will host the partnering Chinese buyers delegation at his farm at 10:30 a.m., May 29, 2012 to make the announcement. “We are very excited to have the Chinese delegation visiting Jessen Wheat Company,” said Jessen. “They will be here to inspect our organic farm, and at the end of the day we will be excited to be certified organic in China in addition to our current organic certifications in the U.S., Canada and Europe.” Organic agriculture has moved from a specialty shop trend to a dinner table staple during the past 10 years, and Jessen has been riding the organic food wave since 2001, cresting this Tuesday with another Wyo-

ming first. Since certifying his operation as “organic” a little more than 10 years ago, Jessen Wheat Company has seen a substantial increase in sales, and this pending announcement to export to the world’s most populated country is opening a fantastic window for Jessen Wheat Company’s future business potential. “We feel this opportunity will open the door to be able to export our Wyoming organic grain to a country that has almost 1.4 billion people, and with China’s disposable income on the rise, organic will become a great market opportunity,” said Jessen. “We feel that this will give our business a boost in the market place with international recognition as a high quality and reliable source for organic. This could also open up the market to other U.S. and Wyoming producers in the future.” Jessen Wheat Company lists Kellogg’s and Safe-

way as buyers of its organic grain grown on Jessen’s 18,000-acre farm east of Cheyenne, Wyo. “This is a significant achievement for Clint, his operation, Wyoming and the U.S.,” said Wyoming Business Council Agribusiness Director Cindy Garretson-Weibel. “This is a great opportunity to showcase Wyoming agriculture products and shows Wyoming can compete in the international market.” Jessen is a graduate of the Wyoming Business Council and the Wyoming Agricultural Leadership Council’s Wyoming Leadership Education and Development (L.E.A.D.) program and credits that experience for helping him develop the networking skills and key contacts necessary for landing a deal this large. “Being able to be a part of L.E.A.D. Class 10 gave me the confidence to be able to conduct international business,” said Jessen. “The

networking skills and connections that were made through the class have helped further the success of my family and our farm. The lessons have proved to be priceless and there is something that I learned in the class that is used almost daily in our business.”

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Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio

Tombstone marks the final resting place of unknown World War II Soldiers buried at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. These and other stories of Veterans buried in Gillette will be told through a selfguided tour at the cemetery beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Tour highlights diverse military history at local cemetery By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News A self-guided tour through Mt. Pisgah Cemetery that highlights veterans and some of the rather unique American history contained right here in Gillette debuted this weekend just in time for Memorial Day. According to Mary Kelley of the Campbell County Historical Society, which researched the Veterans Cemetery Tour, maps and brochures about the self-guided tour are available at the Mt. Pisgah office. “Typically the cemetery office is not open on weekends, but for Memorial Day weekend they are open all three days: Saturday, Sunday and Monday,” Kelley says. “And so the self-guided tour and the map and the information about the veterans will be available at the office.” Kelley says a lot of people will be surprised by how much American military history exists at the cemetery. “We tried to highlight a veteran from

each of the wars over time from the Civil War forward, so that’s kind of a neat thing; a lot of people don’t know that we have Civil War Veterans buried here.” As well, those who take the tour will discover a tomb of an unknown soldier who died on a local ranch. “They literally do not know who this person was,” describes Kelley. “He died while he was traveling through this part of the country.” Kelley says overall, the Veterans Cemetery Tour covers a wide variety of wars over many years. “We go all the way up to Jacob Allen Ross who died just two years ago,” she says. If you go, Kelley says each gravestone mention on the tour will be marked with large a black plant stand and a star, along with a number that corresponds to the veteran inside the tour booklet.

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Public Pulse Occupational Licensing in Wyoming

Bold Republic Weekly

Less bad doesn’t mean good A Commentary by Maureen Bader - Wyoming Liberty Group

In Forbes Magazine’s Best States for Business and Careers published in 2010, Wyoming sat in the second-to-worst spot for its regulatory regime and third-to-worst for growth prospects. Regulations hinder growth because they act as barrier to entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth. One type of barrier to entrepreneurship is occupational licensing. If the Wyoming government wants to improve growth prospects in the state, it must eliminate arbitrary and irrational licensing requirements. An occupational license is a piece of paper a government hands out to allow a person to work in a particular job. Governments in all states license all kinds of occupations: from the obvious-physicians and surgeons; to the absurd-dance hall operators. To get licenses, people must jump through a number of hoops. For example, they might have to pay fees, take courses, pass exams or all three combined. The number of jobs requiring a piece of paper from government is exploding out of control. A study published by the Institute for Justice showed that in the 1950s only one worker in 20 needed government’s permission to work in the job of their choice. Today, that number is almost one in three. The Institute for Justice (IJ) study zeroed in on the occupational licensing of 102 low-income occupations. These include cosmetologists, emergency medical technicians and truck drivers and tend to be jobs attractive to people just entering or re-entering the labor force. The study compares each state and shows just how severe, arbitrary and downright irrational occupational licensing can be. For example, the burden on cosmetologists in Wyoming makes no sense. The

COAL PROTESTERS: Who are they? By Glenn Woods It was our state Rep Tom Lubnau who called my radio show and let us know that a group of EcoProtesters were coming to Campbell County, more specifically, Gillette, to stage a demonstration at our local coal mines. You can imagine how this news lit up the phone lines. Over the weekend I went into action to find out who these people were, how many were there, and what did they have in mind. Honestly, I know you folks out there have real jobs. I don’t mind doing a little homework for you. They are called Rising Tide North America. Rising Tide was formed in the Netherlands in 2000. An international, network of groups who take direct action to confront the climate change HOAX. They hate fossil fuels and big corporations. They love wind power and solar power. They now have branches of their organization all over North America, and parts of Europe. BUT - each branch has only five to ten people as members. So they are not as big as they like to pretend that they are. According to their website they plan a “No Coal Exports Summer Camp in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin.” On August 2-10, They CLAIM that “hundreds of people from a broad coalition of workers, seniors, ranchers, students, local residents, environmentalists, and more – will converge upon Wyoming’s Powder River Basin at West By Northwest, a No Coal Exports Action Camp, to build constructive solutions to preventable human and environmental catastrophes related to coal exports.” After looking into this group, thoroughly, I doubt the part about “hundreds” showing up. I have yet to see or read about a protest where there ever able to muster more than fifty, at best. Usually it is nothing more than just a baker’s

dozen with lame homemade signs shouting silly slogans. Their goal, as they see it, is to raise awareness about: “The extraction of more than an estimated 400 million tons of coal a year from Powder River Basin mines for coal industry profit.” Notice how they use “profit” as if it is a dirty word. As I looked into their history I find that, despite their small numbers, they are rather effective at causing disruptions wherever they might protest. They chain themselves up in ways that make it hard to clear them out. But not to worry. They have always been cleared out in a relatively short amount of time and work has always continued. Here are a few of their greatest hits that I found on a website called SOURCE WATCH: http://www. sourcewatch.org/index. php?title=Rising_Tide_ North_America July 10, 2006: they successfully blockaded the Clinch River Power Plant at an access bridge leading to American Electric Power’s coal-fired plant near Carbo, Virginia. Several people stretched a rope across the bridge and suspended themselves off the bridge’s edge while others waved a coal truck onto the bridge, blockaded it, deflated its tires, and locked themselves to the truck. The protestors demanded that Clinch River and other outdated coal plants be shut down, and that mountaintop removal coal mining be ended. After several hours in which coal trucks were unable to get into the plant, police agreed to make no arrests if the activists would dismantle their blockades. Early morning on September 15, 2008 around 50 peaceful protesters entered the construction site of Dominion Virginia’s coal-fired Wise County Plant. Twenty protesters locked their bodies to eight large steel drums, two of which have operational solar panels

affixed to the top that illuminated a banner reading “renewable jobs to renew Appalachia.” In addition to those locked to the construction site, over 25 protesters convened in front of the plant singing and holding a 10’x30’ banner, which said “we demand a clean energy future.” Eleven were arrested. November 30, 2009: Activists block delivery of generator to Cliffside coal plant in Greenville, SC. Two protesters locked themselves to a 1.5 million pound generator being delivered to the Cliffside Plant in North Carolina. The activists vowed to prevent the generator from reaching the Duke Energy plant. Protesters also displayed a large banner reading “Stop Cliffside” from the top of the generator. BUT - the protest was broken up and the generator was delivered and installed. March 15, 2010: They disrupted Montana State Land Board meeting. Five activists with Northern Rockies Rising Tide disrupted a Montana State Land Board meeting about leasing Otter Creek Coal Tracts. Linda McCulloch moved to accept an Ark Land Company’s bid for the tracts following two hours of public comments. After McCulloch’s motion, the activists sat down in front of the room and linked arms. They were arrested and removed from the room. The Land Board proceeded to approve the lease for just almost $86 million, or 15 cents per ton of coal. So, you see, they are a small group and this is the best that they can do, it seems. At this point I’d have to say that I am not all that worried about anything that Rising Tide has in mind. Let them come. They plan to make us look bad. In future articles I’ll show you how we can use this to our advantage and make the Wyoming Coal industry look good.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I’m finally back from family leave and have had a chance to review my email and would like to comment on the letter to the editor that DeAnna forwarded to me while I was Pennsylvania. I have not received a call from Ms. McCoy but trust that she does have my contact information. If the Veteran is displeased with service he received in Sheridan, he can contact the patient advocate at VAMC Sheridan, 672-1630 with his complaints and concerns. Wyoming is in the same VISN 19 area as Montana so I am a little confused as to why Montana did not make the call to Sheridan on behalf of the Veteran. After reading the letter again, it would appear to me, based on Ms. McCoy’s explanation, that the fault lies with the Oncology Center here in Gillette, not the VA. We do have one of the best Community Based Outreach Clinics in the nation here in Gillette. Unfortunately, Veterans do not understand that outpatient services in the Gillette area are contracted and if those services are unavailable then the Veteran will need to go to Sheridan. The following is my understanding of the VA Healthcare system. I am by no means an expert since I do not work for the VA. Ft. Meade, SD is part of the Black Hills VA System which is part of VISN 23 in the VA Healthcare system. Current regulation for VA Healthcare states that Veterans cannot cross VISN lines for services. For example, if a Veteran prefers

To listen to Glenn Woods morning radio show tune in to 1270am KIML Gillette Monday through Friday from 6 - 10 a.m. www.boldrepublic.com

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state requires aspiring cosmetologists to lose 467 working days to training compared to the national average of 372 days, and only 37 working days lost to training for aspiring emergency medical technicians. More than a year spent to train to style hair, paint nails and apply makeup is time people struggling to make ends meet just don’t have to lose. On the plus side, Wyoming is the least bad of all the states when it comes to keeping low income workers downtrodden and away from entrepreneurial opportunities. While Louisiana licenses 71 of the 102 low-income occupations studied-the most, Wyoming licenses 24-the least. However, the burden it imposes on those 24 are high, requiring on average $173 in fees and 196 working days lost to training. Supporters of onerous and burdensome licensing requirements say licensing protects the health and safety of consumers. But if that were true, then why does the state license fishers, taxidermists and truck drivers, not to mention earth drillers and bill collector agencies? As the IJ study states, licensing requirements have more to do with special interests lobbying to shut out competition than true health and safety risks. If the government wanted to improve entrepreneurial opportunities, especially at the lowest income levels, it should eliminate the burden on low-income occupations where the main reason for these regulations is to reduce competition. So while Wyoming is the least bad state for burdensome, arbitrary and irrational occupational licensing schemes, that doesn’t mean it is good. If we want to increase consumer choice, reduce unemployment and create a culture of entrepreneurship, we must free people to work in the occupation of their choice.

to see Dr. McCreary at the CBOC here in Gillette then he will be referred to contracted specialty physicians or VA Medical Centers in the VISN 19 area. Since this Veteran is now receiving his cancer treatment in the VISN 23 area he will more than likely have to receive his primary care within the Black Hills VA Healthcare System as well. I have no way of knowing what the backlog for cancer treatment services in Sheridan is and therefore cannot comment on the complaint that there was a waiting list. Again, this family should call the patient advocate in Sheridan with their complaints and I would hope that they would receive an explanation as to the delay or miscommunication with the oncology center here in Gillette. Alisa Cochrane State Veterans Service Officer Wyoming Military Department Dear Editor, I would like to comment on an article printed previously in the Observer. I think it is only fair that when a person does something that they get credit for it. For instance Jude McDonald @ the cemetery who over 2 years age did all the research on veterans in the cemeteries for a family that requested it. I cannot believe the tour on 5-2812 that Mary Kelly took credit for it on the phamphlet handed out, shame on you Mary. This is also the same Mary Kelly that wrote a book and just happened to borrow a picture from the cemetery and had it published in her book. The picture did not belong to her. I believe this is also

the same Mary Kelly that sat on a jury trial and gave a guilty verdict to a person. After that guilty verdict the Wyo Supreme Court ruled not guilty on the case. The case that I speak of cost the taxpayers LOTS OF MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT WAS FALSE .She does not always get her information straight even in her book.This is also the Mary Kelly that came to a cemetery meeting with Rita Mashake to promote the idea of the big park in the south field of the cemetery. When people showed up to protest it Mary left. Mary how long have you lived in campbell county? To know all that you do you must be an old timer?I’am sure you got grants to write the book and made money on selling them? I would personally like to give credit where due THANK YOU JUDE FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO RESEARCHING THE STORIES ON VETERANS. Shirley Schafer

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“Some say that Memorial Day is a day of prayer and thought. They are right. But some say that Memorial Day should not include the BBQ’s with neighbors, friends, and family. I believe the opposite is true. There is nothing more American than a BBQ, and as long as you put up your flags and take the time throughout the day to remember the people who died for freedom, you are doing them justice. You are celebrating American style, with the people you love, and honoring every sailor or soldier by doing so in the bosom of the freedom they earned.” - Nicholas De Laat


Sports Report Gillette HCI sixth graders win super regional The Gillette HCI Boys 6th grade basketball team wins the AAU Super Regional Basketball Tournament in Denver over Memorial Day Weekend. They went 5-0 during the three day event. The 6th graders had five local players (Keaton Wilkerson, Trey Hladky, Austin Clemetson, Shey Rearick, and Dawson Miessler). Also playing on the team were two South Dakota All-Stars—Jayden McBride (son of formal Camel standout and 1992 State Championship MVP, Quentin McBride), and Joe Sazue (from a well-known basketball family in South Dakota). Locals, Cole Barton and Kade Bradley will join the team and travel to Las Vegas to participate in the AAU West Coast Nationals in July.

Photo courtesy of Jannie Miller

Members of the U10 Gillette Edge Sharp Shooters include (left to right) Coach Pete Carlson, Joseph Cutright, Dymon Decker, Willy Knigge, Malachi Ochoa, Creed Carlson, Mason Miller, Nate Delgrande, Luke Hladky, Cade Ayers, Nathan King, Cole Deimling, and Coach Jannie Miller.

U10 Gillette Edge Sharp Shooters Wyoming State Cup Soccer Champs Submitted by Jannie Miller Over Memorial weekend, the 10 and under boys Gillette Edge Sharp Shooters competed in the gold division at the Wyoming Sate Cup Soccer Tournament in Casper, WY. The boys had to play in sleet, rain, high winds, and cold, but came out Wyoming State Cup Soccer Champions. In the first game against Buffalo, the Sharp Shooters won 3-0 with Cade Ayers scoring two goals and Mason Miller scoring one. The next game was against Casper Blades Black and the boys came out ahead 2-0 with Dymon Decker and Creed

Carlson scoring the goals. Sunday morning the Sharp Shooters played Lander and tied 3-3 with Nate Delgrande, Creed Carlson, and Willy Knigge each scoring one goal each. These scores put them as the number one seed in bracket B so they played the number two seed from bracket A. This semi-final game was against Rock Springs Avengers and the Sharp Shooters came out on top 2-1 with goals from Willy Knigge and Nate Delgrande to send them to the championship round against Worland Monday morning. This

game was tied up through regulation and overtime 1-1 with a goal scored by Cole Deimling so it went to a shootout. The Sharp Shooters pulled out the win by outscoring Worland 3-2 in the shootout with goals from Nathan King, Nate Delgrande, and Cole Deimling. Nathan King was an outstanding goalkeeper all weekend and other members of the team include Luke Hladky, Joseph Cutright and Malachi Ochoa. The team is coached by Jannie Miller and Pete Carlson.

Wyoming 307 Boys U16 soccer team miss out in CO

The Wyoming 307 U16 boys soccer team kicked off their busy Summer season with a great but unfortunate showing at the Real Cup in Denver over the Memorial Day weekend. The team got off to a rough start losing a player to a red card in the first half (which would turn out costly later in the weekend) thus forced to play the remainder of the first game a player short eventually losing 2-1 to New Mexico Rush Platinum (NM). The boys rebounded back in game two battling stiff winds to take down Colorado Storm White (CO) 2-0. Wyoming 307 continued their winning ways in game 3 taking down eventual champion CASA Barcelona (CO) 3-1 who had not been scored on and who was previously unbeaten. 307 wrapped up bracket play with a dominating 5-0 win over Steamboat Springs

(CO). Unfortunately due to the red card received in the first game which meant a automatic 1 point deduction from teams standings Wyoming 307 missed out going to the finals to CASA Barcelona who went on to win the Championship game 4-1 over Boulder County Force (CO). Gillette players Alex German, Jose Esparza, and Lane Knievel all scored goals over the weekend. Kelby Borchgrevink helped shore up a rock solid defense and Clark Christenson showed his versatility playing well at every position asked to play on a short-handed team due to injured Blanie Christenson and Camdin Hinkel, while at the same time Andrew Hays had graduation commitments. Next up for the group with be the Rocky Mtn Showcase in Boulder on June 15-17.

Open 6 a.m. Mon - Sat Matt Fogle picked up his seventh win of the season Sunday against the Sheridan Troopers, throwing five innings and allowing four hits and no runs.

Photo by Nathan Kobielusz Basin Radio

Riders win the Spring Classic Tournament By Red Ripko - Basin Radio In the final game of the Annual Spring Classic Tournament on Memorial Day the Gillette Roughriders (22-7) used a 5-run explosion in the bottom of the third inning to propel them to a 7-0 win over the Sheridan Troopers (7-2) at Roughrider Stadium to win the Spring Classic Championship. Matt Fogle was once again nearly unhittable as he allowed just 4 hits over 5 innings of work. With the shutout, Fogle lowered his already miniscule ERA of 0.72 while striking out one Trooper. With the win Fogle has already earned his seventh win of the season and it’s not even June! Last season Drake Kelley led the Riders in wins with 10, and the most wins in a season by a Rider’s pitcher

is 12 by Ryan Iliff in 2007. Alex King had another big day at the plate as he went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI, which gave him a team leading 9 RBI for the Spring Classic Tournament and increased his season total to 31, which is second on the season only to Andrew Youngs 35. Turner Lofing had a great first weekend back with the team as he went 2 for 3 against the Troopers while scoring 2 of the Riders 7 runs. For the tournament Lofing combined to go 5 for 10 with 7 runs scored, 3 RBI and 4 base on balls all while playing great defense while patrolling centerfield in all 4 games for Gillette in the Spring Classic Tournament. Next up for the Roughriders is a 9-inning game

on Thursday, May 31, at Roughrider Stadium against Miles City at 5:30 p.m. This game was originally set up as a doubleheader for Wednesday, May 30, but because the outlaws will still be in school on Wednesday, both managers decided it would be better to play on Thursday instead. You can Thursday’s game on NewsTalk 1270 KIML and online at http://network1sports. com/station/kiml. Other scores from Day 2 of tourney were: Rapid City Post 22 Expos 18 Rock Springs 0 – Cody Carlson No Hit the Mustangs while striking out 11 Gillette 12 RC Expos 0 Sheridan 10 Douglas 1

“Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field?” - Jim Bouton

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Classifieds Help Wanted

Guns for Sale

Merchandise

Cook needed at Lu La Bells. Motivated and Energetic. Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells.

Czech CZ-82 Pistol. 9X18 Caliber, semi auto. High quality steel construction made for field use. 12 round capacity magazine, cock and lock style safety, super accurate polygonal rifled barrel. Comes with extra magazine, cleaning tools, and original issue military holster. Regular price $387.93, On sale with this ad for only $315.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad.

1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 687-1087

Electrical Process Manager sought by Alpha Coal West, Inc. for its Eagle Butte Mine in Gillette, WY. Position is responsible for electrical maintenance continuous improvement program, among other responsibilities. Must have Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Engineering Management or related field, plus (A) 2 yrs. exp. In job offered or related occupation. (B) 2 yrs’ exp. with (i) coal mine asset management/ maintenance; (ii) troubleshooting surface mine electrical systems, including conveyor, load out, AC and DC electrical drive systems and electrical distribution infrastructure; and (iii) integrating multiple OEM hardware systems with Rockwell PLC and existing infrastructure; (C) 1 yr. exp. with programming and troubleshooting coal preparation plant and shovel electrical systems, including Rockwell and Allen Bradley PLCs, Toshiba T300MVI drives, and Avtron drive systems; (D) familiarity with Federal and State regulations relating to electrical maintenance of mining equipment, including 30 CFR Part 77, NEC, NFPA 70E and WY title 30; (E) Current Wyoming Mine Forman Certification or able to obtain one within 12 months of hire. Employer accepts Bachelor’s degree +5 yrs. related exp. Apply online through www.alphanr.com (See Electrical Process Manager in Job Openings). Are you a friendly outgoing individual? Do you connect with people casually? Are you looking for supplemental income? Do you need to be in charge of your own hours? We are looking for an independent contractor for commissioned based ad sales. For more information call Sandra at 307-689-0028 or email at campbellcountytidbits@yahoo.com Needing Models for style show. Contact corey or cassee @ fashion bug. 6862588 Job Opening - Advertising Sales-N.E. Wyoming and more. Pays 20% commission, gas allowance, monthly team and individual bonuses. Set your own hours, work around your own schedule. You would be selling advertising for the fastest growing company in N.E. Wyoming. In the next five years, we will be expanding to many new areas and cities around the country. If you join our team now, you can be on top later. This position is a career, not a job. If you are interested, please call 307-670-8980 or e-mail us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com Contributors wanted for weekly newspaper. Need a doctor, a Politician, a lawyer, and more to contribute an article a month. E-mail CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com for more information. State Wide Sales people. Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper. Call 307-299-4662 Website/ad designer wanted. Must be familiar with building/maintaining websites and website advertising design. Commission and base salary pay. Call the Cowboy State Free Press at 307-670-8980

Services Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 Want To Get in Shape?Like to have Fun? Learn The Graceful moves of American Oriental Belly Dancing! The 3rd Sunday of every month. Call Leanna Tabatt 307-6808457 Avenue Mall - Over 30 vendors, come check us out! 217 Gillette Ave. Mon-Fri. 9AM to 7 PM, Sat. 9AM- 5 PM, Sun. 10 AM - 4 PM Auto insurance preferred and SR-22’s. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 Motorcycle and ATV insurance. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520

Personals Interested in founding a Sherlock Holmes Society in Gillette? Contact gillettesherlockians@gmail. com for info.

Savage Arms/Stevens Model 350 12 Ga. pump shotgun. 3” chamber, 28” barrel, 4+1 Capacity, Black soft touch synthetic stock. Screw in chokes comes with modified choke. Bottom eject makes this an excellent waterfowl and upland bird hunting gun. Regular price $294.95. On sale with this ad for only $250.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad. Get a piece of history. Mosin Nagant Russian M91/30 Surplus Rifle. Very good to Excellent condition 7.62X54 Caliber. These are a very accurate rifle shooting 4” groups at 1000 yards. Open sights are adjustable to yardage with a push of a button. Great gun for hunting deer or elk very cheap ammo available for target practice ($85 per 440 rnds) Comes with military issue sling, sling pouches, bayonet, and cleaning tools. Retailing as high as $175.00 on sale with this ad $145.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. Wyoming Mountaineers now offers easy payment plans on any in stock firearm. Your debit card is your line of credit. Purchase any firearm that is in stock making 4 payments weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Processing fee and payment plan fee apply. Call Wyoming Mountaineers for more details. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad. Taurus Model 827, 38SPL Revolver. 7rnd, 4” Barrel, Stainless Steel. MSRP: $664.00 on sale with this add $575.00. or make 4 payments of $163.20 each. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. Gunsmithing Special of the week. Electrolysis Barrel Cleaning. Increase the accuracy of your firearm, get ready for hunting season or a summer of shooting fun. Most cleanings complete overnight and your gun is ready the next day. This week only $25.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. Before you buy, make a call to get a quote. We can order any gun you are looking at and just may be able to save you a ton of money. Call for a free quote. $15.00 FFL Transfer Fee on all internet purchases. If you find that smoking great deal on the internet we transfer guns for only $15.00 per gun. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. 1903 Springfield. 30o6 Cal. U.S. Military. $700 obo. Call (307) 682-7864

Business Opportunities Choose your hours, your income, and your rewards. I DO! Contact Julie BalmerAvon Independent Sales Rep. 307-689-6812 or email jkbpennigwen@msn.com Looking for Vendors to be part of our Benefit for the Boys and girls Club. Low Cost vendor space. Contact Robin @ 605-545-1188 or Sandra @ 307-689-0028 Health problems? Try doTERRA certified pure essential oils. 307-680-0363. www. myvoffice.com/healingisbelieving

Heavy Equipment/ Trailers 6x10 trailer. Great shape, fits your biggest Harley. $1,400 obo. 299-4967. 1981 Circle J 4-horse Horse Trailer. New floor, paint and wiring. $2500 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 1981 Circle J 4-horse Horse Trailer. New floor, paint and wiring done in shop class 2 years ago. No rust only used once since redone. $2500 or OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374

2 prill stoker coal boilers for hot water heat systems well maintained $650 each or $1100 takes all 307-6821172 Exterior door with window, interior light fixtures, and computer supplies. E-mail Corsair115@yahoo.com Refrigerator (white) Great condition $100 307-2995918 QUEEN SLEEP NUMBER BED like new. $700 call 680-2982. Can text photo if you like. Blue Dual Reclining Sofa. Good shape $100 Call 6802982. Can text photo if you like. Spyder Semi-auto paint ball gun. cal..68 Special Edition. Only used twice! New $300 For you $175 plus two canisters. Call 680-1302 If you are interested in purchasing Nutrient Rich Ranch Raised Beef grown locally, call 307-340-1108. Great Jerky http://www.rberlinger.jerkydirect.com/ My First Computer hardly used. Asking $15. Call 605 - 545 – 1188 Five roasts and twelve pounds of hamburger for a flat rate. $150.00. All ranch raised beef. This is an approximate savings of 10% on the total. Contact Jason Walker at 307-686-0577 Two place aluminum snowmobile trailer. $1,600. 307689-0202

Autos, Trucks and Vans 1993 Chevy 1500 4x4 350 Engine, runs great. 5 spd. manual, transmission needs rebuilt. Transfer case in great condition. No other problems other than transmission. Asking $2,000 or best offer. Price: $2,000obo. Contact: 307-670-20372003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS (White) with 137,000 mi; $6500. Call 307 - 689 – 0966 ‘76 Electra-Glide would consider trade on Pan or Knuck if ya know of anyone, ‘81 sent it to LA-S&S, 11.5to1 and dual-plugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464. 2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532. 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 1/2 Ton Pickup. New tires, ext. cab, long bed. 148,000 mi. One owner. 307-6700858 or 303-250-4096 97’ Chevy Long Box Extended Cab. ¾ Ton, selling for Parts. $1,000 OBO. 307680-7431 1982 Chevy Ventura Van. 350 Engine, 400 Turbo newly rebuilt transmission. Interior in GREAT shape, has a working electric wet bar and built in cooler in back. Carb. needs re-jetted, other than that there are no problems. Must see. Asking $3,500 or best offer. Price:$3,500obo. Contact: 307-670-8980

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.)

Campers & Motor Homes

BOAT FOR SALE. 18ft 120 port jet outboard bass tracker for sale. Call 307-680-5947

1997 32ft. Class A Motor Home. Sleeps 6, Only 31,000 Miles. Asking $17,000. Call (307) 660-7520.

Chopper - Custom built frame, s&s engine, carb, etc. 80ci. Evolution engine. Wide glide front end. Low. Torn apart down to frame. Have all parts, could be built in two days with under $200.00. Asking $5,500 or best offer. Price:$5,500obo. Contact: 307-670-2037 1981 Harley Davidson FXBSturgis, 1st dual-belt drive to commemorate Hill-Climb @ Sturgis, Jack-Pine Gypsies rally started in ‘41, 50th anniversary model. 12K on straight-up original paint, new Moetzler’s driven-by beefed Shovel, 102hp at wheel. Perfect in every aspect, serious inquiries only, loan is $15K and value of over 25K. Ben 680.7464, 3-other older bikes and this has to go to the right person! Custom Harley Soft tail. Being built, need to sell now. Almost finished. Chopper, built in Sturgis, SD. Asking $5,500 and will help you build it. HAVE ALL PARTS! Call 257-2306 Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.

Homes for Sale Home for sale by owner in Western Way. Asking $239,000 for the 1,800 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an unfinished basement and a two car garage. Fully fenced, large landscaped yard with a sprinkler system. Home is within walking distance to the new recreation center and the new elementary school that is being built. Please contact me at 307-670-1209 if you are interested. Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 6701925. Gorgeous land home package set up in Wright. 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, hickory cabinets throughout, front porch, central air, and much more. Financing available. For a personal showing call (307) 687-0333 40+ Acres 2 miles south of Wright 1999 Atlantic Oak Modular. $250,000 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 FSBO 2,688 SF home on corner lot with fenced back yard. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, upgraded kitchen, finished walkout basement, oversized garage. $259,000. 307-680-9180.

For Rent 2 Bedroom Duplex, with one car garage, washer/dryer, no pets. $700rent/$700deposit. 307-689-0202 Room for Rent. Nice Room for Rent for one responsible person. $480.00 per month. 689-9358.

1952 Chevy Dumptruck, hauls 5 tons of coal $1500 307-682-1172 1986 Toyota Tercel 4x4. $1050.00. Call 307-2995918

Home Appliances/ Furnshings Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967. Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967 Three antique pressedbacked oak chairs. Excellent condition. $85 each. 6820042 Storage Unit Sale!!!!! Home stereo, car speakers, 2 dressers, mattress and box spring sets $20, chests, coffee table, chairs, end tables and much more. Call (307) 682-7864

Produce for Sale Fresh local “Free Range” eggs. All natural, no animal by-products. No antibiotics. $3/Doz. 257-9049

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Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees. All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 6601007. 5th wheel camper for sale. Call Skip (307) 680-0073

Camping/Fishing Minnows, crawlers, leeches, fishing tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire Guesthouse & RV Park 307756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com

Miscellaneous Licensed daycare now open. Spots available full-time and before and after school. Close to Rozet school and the post office. Monday through Friday 6:30am to 6pm. Ages 3 and up. Call 307-299-1915 Bring your catch by the Empire Guesthouse for photographs which may be published in this newspaper with our fishing reports. Along with that, the Guesthouse staff will be awarding monthly prizes for those that let us photograph them and their catch. It doesn’t have to be a trophy to enter and there will be special prizes for those 12 and under. Carp shooters are also welcome to enter. Check with the Guesthouse for more details. ACE will reduce your appetite and give you energy. The natural way to lose weight. www.facebook.com/AcePill 660-2974 RYO Filling station has come to Gillette! Stop in and see just how easy and affordable it is to roll your own for a fraction of the cost of name brand cartons. Stop in at Jack’s Liquor, home of the adult daycare at 302 E. 2nd st, right across from NAPA

Grand Opening Avenue Mall Grand Opening, Wednesday June 6,2012 10 am - 6pm. Ribbon Cutting Celebration at 4:45 P.M. 217 South Gillette Ave.

Wanted to Buy I Buy Militaria. Swords, uniforms, bayonets, medals, guns/parts, field gear. 6827864 Newspaper vending machines. Contact us at: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com WILL PAY CASH FOR CAMPERS. Call Scott (307) 680-0854.

Apartments for Rent 1-5 bedroom units available for rent. Please contact Real Estate Systems of Gillette Inc at 307-682-0964 for all the updated details. Spacious & new, 1, 2, &3 bdrm affordable apartments available now! Call 6858066. Washer and dryer in every unit. Private sunny patio or balcony. Special move-in rate, 1 bdrm: $694, 2 bdrm: $777, 3 bdrm: $888. Move in now and deduct $ 200 off first month while special lasts. Call Konnie or Celeste at Highland Properties 685-8066.

Work Wanted Skidsteer with Operator. For all your Snow Removal and Dirt needs. Call Ken at 307680-5947 Weekly house cleaning-$50.00 per week. Windows, floors, dusting, bathrooms, etc. Call 670-2037.

Toy Parts & Accessories Stock pipes for Sportster. 500mi. Stock pices for Dyna Wide Glide. 1500mi. Email baxtersmom62@gmail.com for info. Harley Accessories for sale. Call 307-670-8980. Ask for Tammy.

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Our Roots A Community with “An Unusually Prosperous Future” By Jeff Morrison In January of 1922, Paul W. Yeoman, publisher of the Inter Mountain Globe at Hulett Wyoming, picked up stakes and moved - lock, stock and printing press - to the up and coming town of Lightning Flat, having been offered “ample inducement to assist in the development of this territory.” Yeoman rechristened his newspaper the “Lightning Flat Flash”, and housed the publication in a two story building that doubled as a freight hauling office, post office and land commission office. Paul ran the newspaper, freight company and land office, while his wife, Ethel, served as the postmaster. The last of the great homesteading waves was sweeping what remained of the Old West. These newest settlers did not come with herds of cattle or flocks of sheep; they came to tease a living out of the short-grass prairie by farming. Two recent revisions to the Homestead Act of 1864 had increased the acreage allotted for homesteading from 160 acres to 640 acres. Although averaging less than 14 inches of annual precipitation, it had already been demonstrated that the rangeland of northeast Wyoming could yield a variety of crops, provided a farmer understood the principles of dryland farming, was willing to do back-breaking work from dawn to dusk, and had enough guts to tough out a bad year and start over the next. Thanks to heavy promotion by the railroads and area newspapers, many a would-be sodbuster came west to give it a try. Towns sprang up overnight to provide essential services to the homesteaders, who would otherwise be forced to make a time-consuming journey the nearest post office, school, or grocery store. Lightning Flat and the nearby communities of Rockypoint and Ridge Montana were three such settlements. To Yeoman and his fellow town fathers, the future held nothing but promise. “It is apparent that the Lightning Flat country has an unusually prosperous future,” Yeoman predicted in his first publication of the Flash. “These miles and miles of fertile plains have proven their productiveness without a shadow of a doubt … In addition to the agricultural possibilities there are the mineral resources. Oil prospects are of the best and unlimited coal deposits can be found adjacent to this locality.” Other businesses were also starting up. A grocery store was built with a gasohol pump out front. A general store was opened. A stage service provided round trips twice a week to Rockypoint, eight miles to the southeast. Plans were made for a restaurant and a hotel. Later that month Yeoman reported that a flour mill was planned to be built and “ready for operation in time so the ranchmen of this locality will not be compelled to their wheat out of the country next fall.” “We have started the ball rolling and many things are going to happen at Lightning Flat within the next few years,” the Flash announced. “Without a doubt Lightning Flat will become the business center of Crook County ... Watch Lightning Flat grow!” Yeoman was nothing if not a good promoter. He announced in an advertisement: “There’s an excellent opportunity for a Doctor, Bank, Drug Store, Blacksmith Shop, Lodging House, Garage, or Creamery at Lightning Flat – the coming metropolis of Crook County.” The Flash kept the farming community informed, not only of news and happenings in Lightning Flat, but of the surrounding area as well. Rockypoint, Ridge, Swartz Divide, Ellendale, Goldie, Stroner, Oshoto and New Haven all had sections devoted to reporting the news, such as it was, of their respective communities,

on the first and last pages of Yeoman’s weekly paper. The six inner pages were devoted to news from around the world and nation, as well as feature articles and short stories. Ever present on the front page was at least one advertisement to promote the community of Lightning Flat. Businesses continued to establish themselves, not only in Lightning Flat, but in Rockypoint and Ridge as well. To make the future look even brighter, the recent drought that began in 1918 looked to be over and higher than average rainfall in 1922 provided a bumper crop. The prediction of Lightning Flat becoming the “business center of Crook County” – or a stable farming community with good prospects at the very least – was assured. And yet … Just as the cattle boom of the 1880s, the sheep boom of the early 1900s, and the oil boom that began in the 1890s, the dry land farming craze attracted a sizable number of enthusiastic participants who, as it turned out, didn’t have the slightest idea what they were doing. And, unfortunately for them, dry land farming is a very unforgiving business. Periods of drought and crop failures due to natural disasters such as prairie fires and hail storms continued to plague western farmers throughout the 1920s. By 1922, when the communities of Lightning Flat, Rockypoint and Ridge were just getting started, hundreds of dry land farmers had already given up and moved on, with hundreds and hundreds more to follow. Although the principle of strip farming was known and utilized by knowledgeable farmers, it was not widely practiced in the 1920s. Incessant drought conditions kept the fallow ground from storing the much needed moisture and nutrients needed to grow adequate crops when planted. Poor yields and the resulting poor market prices, coupled with poor farming practices set the stage for one big disaster to wipe out all but the most resilient farmer. The dry landers got not one, but two such disasters. Beginning sometime in the mid to late 1920s and continuing for much of the 1930s most of the Midwestern United States were hit with a plague of grasshoppers and the catastrophic dust storms that became known as the Dust Bowl Era. Northeast Wyoming was not spared either of these two disasters, although the grasshoppers probably caused more damage to the region’s dry land farms. By 1927, Lightning Flat’s heyday had come and gone. Although he continued to stay on in Lightning Flat in his capacity of a land commission agent, Paul Yeoman closed the doors on the Flash for good in 1927. In 1934, the Taylor Grazing Act put an end to homesteading, but most of the dry landers were already gone by then. Paul Yeoman had no more reason to stay in his adopted home town. In 1936, Ethel Yeoman resigned as postmaster of Lightning Flat and the couple moved away. The last remaining commercial enterprise in town also closed its doors. Grace Scott, the original resident of Lightning Flat, kept the post office going for about a year but eventually closed it up as well. Although Yeoman had accurately assessed the vast natural resources of the area, Lightning Flat did not survive long enough to see his prediction about oil drilling come true in the 1960s. All that remains is Grace Scott’s abandoned house. Once an impressive two-story farm house, it is now a decaying ghost, sitting alone and desolate on the prairie. Not even a marker commemorates what Yeoman called the “coming metropolis of Crook County.”

Wilson’s Creek By Mike Borda

When we look back at the Civil War, many battles come to mind. There are the obvious ones in Gettysburg, Antietam, and Bull Creek. Then there are those less well known, but still well documented in many of our history books, such as Chancellorsville, Chattanooga, and Shiloh. It is important to remember, however, that the Civil War was not simply contained to the Eastern states, and indeed not even contained to just the enlisted armies. Battles were fought with militias, and were fought far west of where many of us knew. During the Civil War, Missouri declared itself neutral. However, the majority of the states population seemed to lean towards the Confederacy. Because of this, Union officials were very wary about the “neutrality” of the militias. These militias eventually formed the Missouri State Guard, and vowed to protect the state from any army that attempted to enter its territory. However, it was not long before President Abraham Lincoln decided that since Missouri was in the Union, it should contribute troops to the Union cause. This created great tension in the state, and Federal troops came in to enforce the President’s wishes, gathering volunteers as they went. The Union force of 6,000 stayed near Springfield, Missouri. Some distance south, the Missouri State Guard had been joined by Confederate troops, and the

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Creek ultimately propelled southern Missouri into supporting the Confederacy, while northern Missouri remained in support of the Union. While the state officially never seceded, many men took matters into their own hands, starting guerilla forces in support of the South, enlisting men such as famous outlaws Frank and Jesse James. Missouri was a divided state, as many were during the American Civil War. This led to conflicts that we often forget when recapping our nation’s bloodiest conflict. It is important to remember, though, that the Civil War was just that – a war within our nation. States all across the country each had to decide where their loyalty lied, and the battles fought because of this question still prove to be some of the most interesting of all.

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stage for battle had been set. The two forces met at a place called Wilson’s Creek. One difficulty for the Southern force quickly emerged, however. The Confederate commander, Brigadier General Ben McCulloch, disagreed with militia leader General Sterling Price on how the attack should be conducted. The two only joined in plans when Price threatened to attack with or without the aid of the Confederates. They were too late, though. Union forces had already decided to be the aggressors, and attacked the Southern forces early on the morning of August 10, 1861. The Missouri forces became disorganized quickly, as they had no experience in formal battle. They were saved by their Confederate friends, however, who brought up reinforcements to stabilize their positions. The Confederates attempted three different charges to break Union lines, but were pushed back on each attempt. It was after the third charge that a rare event occurred. The combined Southern forces fell back, since they were unsuccessful at earning victory. However, instead of pursuing them, the Union army also retreated, due to low supplies and tired troops. Ultimately, although no clear winner was decided on the battlefield, the Confederacy declared victory by retaking the original front lines. The battle at Wilson’s

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