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The Campbell County Observer
Volume 1 • Issue 19
August 12 - 19, 2011
www.campbellcountyobserver.net
June 17 - 24, 2011
“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!” “If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”
Local attorney dies after one vehicle rollover By Paul Wallem-Basin Radio News
Campbell Co. Fair
Photos by photographer Clark Sanders
The Campbell County Fair was another huge success drawing great crowds for the many events. Find out how to volunteer for next years fair.
A 61-year old attorney from Gillette is dead after authorities say he fell asleep while driving near Buffalo, WY. Paul Drew was driving his Dodge pickup westbound along I-90 near Buffalo Thursday afternoon just before 5:00 p.m. when the accident occurred. Cindy Dorson with the Drew Law Office in downtown Gillette confirmed to Basin Radio Network Monday morning that the man involved in the accident was in fact Paul Drew of Drew Law Office. According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Drew dozed off and then his vehicle traveled on to the median side shoulder, causing Drew to over steer to the right. Doing so, however, caused Drew’s vehicle to go into a broadside slide across the westbound lanes where it rolled 2 ¼ times onto the right shoulder. During the rollover, Drew was totally ejected from the cab of the pickup. He was transported from the scene to Johnson County Memorial Hospital in Buffalo. Later that night, he was being transported by ground ambulance to Wyoming Medical Center in Casper when he died of his injuries. Drew was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, authorities say. We at the Campbell County Observer want to express that our hearts go out to Mr. Drew’s family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Intoxicated carnie hauled to jail By Paul Wallem-Basin Radio News The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 41-year old carnival worker Wednesday afternoon after he was released from his job for operating one of the rides while drunk. “A 41-year old was operating a Bear Affair ride at the county fair when he was relieved of his job due to his intoxicated state,” described Campbell County Undersheriff Scott Matheny. “He walked across the Garner Lake Road to High Plains Campground and was disoriented.” Matheny says the man was listed as a Gillette resident on the police report. “He’s staying at the High Plains Campground for the time being, but he travels all over the country,” Matheny notes. Matheny said the man reportedly blew a 0.3 on a portable breathalyzer. For comparison purposes, that is over three times the legal limit when operating a motor vehicle.
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Community What’s Going On? Friday, August 12
-WGSA Tournament, 23rd Mid Amateur,(All Day), Bell Nob Golf Course -2nd Annual City Tennis Tourney, (All Day), Rec. Center Field House, 682-8527 -Wyoming Nature Camp, 8 a.m., 1-6 Grades, Gillette College Tech. Center, (307)367-7007 -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Mark Twain 100 Years Later- Endowment Fundraiser, 5:15-7:30 p.m., CCPL -Couples Night, Gillette Golf Course, 5:30-6 p.m., 682-4774 -Artist Reception for Centennial Committee, 6-8 p.m., Camplex Heritage Center South Lobby, 682-8802 for tickets -Movies in the Park, 7:30 p.m., School of Rock, Camplex Park Shelter #3, $5children 4 & under FREE -Stone Monkey Band @ Jakes Tavern
Forbes ranks UW among nation’s best value colleges The University of Wyoming has been ranked as one of the best value colleges in the United States by Forbes. That might be news to some people. It wasn’t to Rob Dennis. “We take a lot of pride in knowing that we provide a tremendous value to our students, and we’re excited that Forbes is helping to spread the word,” says Dennis, UW’s associate director for admissions. “We offer the perfect combination of academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, robust scholarship programs and affordability that allows for a fantastic higher-education experience for our students.” In its annual rankings, released this week, Forbes has UW No. 10 on its list of “Best Colleges for the Money.” The four schools atop the rankings -- U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and Cooper Union (N.Y.) -- offer free tuition to all students. The “value” ranking, prepared exclusively for Forbes by the Center for College Affordability, measures the overall cost of each school relative to the quality of education. While UW Provost Myron Allen says people should be skeptical of oversimplified college rankings, he adds, “It’s gratifying to be recognized for providing a great
education at low cost to students.” Zach Taylor, a fifth-year political science major from Aurora, Colo., says UW’s affordability was a “huge influence” in his decision to head north for college. “It’s a top-of-the-line school but the price isn’t at the top of your budget,” says Taylor, who has become one of the school’s greatest proponents on social media. By early Thursday, he had shared news of UW’s Forbes ranking with family, friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter. “The value is in the opportunities you get here. I’ve had so many experiences as a student that my friends who stayed in Colorado to go to school haven’t seen.” One advantage that UW has over many schools, says Taylor, is that its smaller class sizes allow students to build stronger links with their professors. His relationship with one professor resulted in an invitation to dinner at the home of President Tom Buchanan. “That’s something you’re probably never going to get at a university other than Wyoming,” Taylor says. “It was an awesome experience.” The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy was fifth in the “value” rankings, followed by College of the Ozarks (Mo.), Berea College, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Saturday, August 13
-WGSA Tournament, 23rd Mid Amateur,(All Day), Bell Nob Golf Course -2nd Annual City Tennis Tourney, (All Day), Rec. Center Field House, 682-8527 -St. Matthews Church Tournament, Gillette Golf Club, 682-4774 -Trash to Trees, 8 a.m.- 12 p.m., Gillette College Tech. Center -Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m.12 p.m., Gillette College -AVA-Raku Class, 8 a.m.4 p.m., $125 Class Fee (all supplies included) 682-9133 to Pre-Register, August 27th is the Firing Day -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -Teen Chess Club, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -Smokin’ on the Prairie Charity BBQ Cook-off, 1 p.m., Knight’s of Columbus Hall -4th-6th Grade WiiPlay Saturday, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Tractor Pull, 1-4 p.m., Camplex Wrangler Arena -Annual Pig Roast/Potluck, 3 p.m., Spotted Horse -Car Racing; CLMA/ WDRA, 7 p.m., Gillette Thunder Speedway -Stone Monkey Band @ Jakes Tavern
Rapid Running Event needs more runners
Coming to Gillette on September 3rd is the Rapid Running organization. They are holding Gillette’s first ever half marathon. Only about three weeks off, there have only a little over 20 participants signed up for the challenge. In order for Gillette to have this event happen they need more runners to participate. This is not limited to the half marathon. There is also a 5K, and a one mile kid’s “fun run.” They were expecting about 200 participants but now are just striv-
ing to recruit anyone else to join in. The fact that Rapid Running chose Gillette as one of its many locations to stop and hold this event across the country is an honor. The people need to show them that we are up the challenge and that we are a great place to have on their map. The deadline to sign up is September 2nd. There will be a Health and Fitness expo on the 3rd and the running events will take place on the 4th. When signed
up, one will receive a chip timed, high quality running shirt, and a finisher medal, among other things. There is also a Participant’s Pasta Dinner the night before, hosted by Bootleggers. Please come and show your support so the people of Gillette can have many more events like this one come through our town. To sign up go to rapidrunning.com or active.com. There will be prizes given out, live music, and a generally great time to be had!
Register in Advance -WGSA Tournament, 23rd Mid Amateur,(All Day), Bell Nob Golf Course -2nd Annual City Tennis Tourney, (All Day), Rec. Center Field House, 682-8527 -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library
Monday, August 15
-AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls ages 8-12, Aug. 15-18, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $60 Fee, 682-9133 PreRegistration Required -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -AVA-Life Drawing Class, 7 p.m., 682-9133
Tuesday, August 16
-CCPL- Artist of the Month: Dara Corkery -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls ages 8-12, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $60 Fee, 682-9133 PreRegistration Required -Teen Card Game Club, 4-6 p.m., CCPL -All About Women Customer Appreciation Picnic in the Park, 5:30-9 p.m., Camplex Park Shelter #5, RSVP Gail 660-7663 or Janice 670-5595 -Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting: Tammy Hladky Center of Hope, 5:30 p.m., 905 N. Gurley Ave. -AVA-Adult Beginner Painting, 6:30 p.m., 682-9133
Wednesday, August 17
-Start of the Campbell County Citizens Exhibit @ the Rockpile Museum till Oct. 21 -Children’s Immunization Clinic, 8-11:30 a.m., Public Health -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -Senior Center- 1st Gold Bus, 9 a.m., 686-0804 -AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls ages 8-12, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $60 Fee, 682-9133 PreRegistration Required -Ribbon Cutting: College
Park Town Homes, 12:45 p.m., College Park Apartments -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Airport Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Fulkerson Airport Facility Conference Room
Thursday, August 18
-31st Annual International Surface Mine Rescue Competition, Aug. 18-20, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Gillette College Tech. Center -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls ages 8-12, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $60 Fee, 682-9133 PreRegistration Required -Senior Center Book Club, 10:45 a.m., 686-0804 -CC Cowgirls/Cowboys, 6:30 p.m., Camplex Wrangler Arena -AVA-Adult Intermediate Painting, 6:30 p.m., 6829133 -Outdoor Connections Geo-caching 101, 6:30 p.m., McManamen Park -Wine Dinner, 6:30 p.m., Skyline Grille, $75 per person -Teen Anime Club, 7-8:30 p.m., CCPL
Friday, August 19
-Energy Cup Challenge Golf Scramble, Bell Nob Golf Course, 686-0254 ext.1304 -Wyoming Junior Golf Day, 8 a.m., Kids 6-14, Rec. Center, 682-8527 -31st Annual International Surface Mine Rescue Competition, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Gillette College Tech. Center -Wright Annual Used Book Sale, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Wright Library -AVA- Little Tikes, 1011 a.m., $5 Fee, Ages 18 months- 6 yrs., 682-9133 -Senior Center Picnic, 12 p.m., 686-0804 -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Jesus Little Levi Rodeo, 5-8 p.m., Camplex Wrangler Arena -Jalan Crossland in Concert, 6-10 p.m., AVA, 6829133 -Ruff Cut @ Jake’s Tavern
BACK TO THE RACK CONSIGNMENTS Watch For Color Of The Day!!
Sunday, August 14
-Senior Center - CLOSED -CCPL- CLOSED -Jake’s Golf Scramble @ Jake’s Tavern -AVA- Floor Rug Class, $75 Class Fee, 682-9133 to
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Is Campbell County ready for another holiday? International Beer Day August 5th marked the fourth annual International Beer Day all over the world. Celebrations took place in the United States as well as in Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, The Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Turkey, and Venezuela. There were a total of 278 celebrations in 138 cities and 23 countries. There may have been many more that remained undocumented. International Beer Day was developed by a group of bar-owners in the year 2007. “A few years back a group of friends decided that there needed to be a day in celebration of all things beer, a day in thanks to the people who produce and provide our favorite beverage. So, we invented International Beer Day, convinced our local bar to celebrate on August 5th, made a little website for it, gave thanks to the beer industry, and had a good-ol’ time. Then we started receiving emails from people who had found the IBD website and held their own celebrations in England and South Africa. We knew then that we needed to take our celebration to the world.” Ever since, they have been working each year to bring the celebration to more and more people, and this year they added
over 100 celebrations! There is a lot of hard work to make this celebration “Epic.” There are many ways one can celebrate Beer Day. Mainly, the point is to express an appreciation for the beverage in any way. The gift of beer is a must, however. Whether it be buying someone a drink, or a case, the giving is important to the celebration. Many like to try new and exotic beers, local beers to show brewer appreciation, or have some sort of beer tasting. Other ways to celebrate include all-day happy hours, beer flights, trivia nights, other games (such as beer pong), beer/food pairings and beer gear giveaways. So, next year do not hesitate to take full advantage of a “holiday” centered around adults coming together for a good time and, perhaps, a new perspective on beer.
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Please remember from the Campbell County Observer staff: * Drinking while pregnant – Bad. * Designated Driver – Good. * Drinking to blackout – Bad. * Having sober friends around – Good. * Drinking and driving – Bad. * Taking a (free) Taxi home from the bar – Good. * Drinking and hitting loved ones – Bad. * Knowing when to stop – Good.
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University of Wyoming sets new record for private donations
I Buy Militaria Old Military Equipment
By Bill McCarthy - Cowboy State Free Press www.thewyonews.net Private donations to the University of Wyoming set a new record at $43.1 million for the fiscal year ending June 30. This is only the second time in the university’s 125year history that giving has surpassed $40 million. In fiscal year 2008, UW raised just over $43 million.
The fiscal 2011 total includes contributions of 24,018 donors and brings the UW five-year fundraising average to more than $38 million a year. The university’s endowment, managed by the University of Wyoming Foundation, now totals more than $303 million.
· Medals Gear · Field · Swords · Ammunition · Bayonets · Rifles · Pistols · Ordinance · Parts · Uniforms · Medals US · German · Japanese · British Italian · WW1 · WW2
In addition to the endowment, the UW Foundation manages cash, reserve balances, trusts and gifts. The assets add to public funding to provide the full spectrum of services of Wyoming’s only four-year, state-supported university.
Wyoming Liberty Fest It’s just two weeks until the 2011 Wyoming Liberty Fest! From the number of early registrations, it looks to be the largest number of attendees ever. We will gather at Lion Canyon Ranch near Lander, the same location as in 2009 and 2010. We’ll start Friday afternoon, Aug. 19 and go through Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21. The schedule of events will be similar to years past. If you aren’t familiar with the Wyoming Liberty Fest, it is simply a celebration of freedom. We gather together to talk about freedom, politics, guns and lots more. Most attendees camp at the ranch, although some stay in Lander at the Best Western Inn at Lander. If you do plan to stay at a hotel, make your reservation now. For the first time, all of the events will be held at the ranch. There will be no need to shuttle into Lander on Saturday. A new “Big Tent” will be where the meals are served, and will also serve as the center for daytime activities on Saturday. From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
on Saturday, join us in the Big Tent to hear from key Wyoming citizens about the state of liberty in Wyoming. You’ll hear speeches from Taylor Haynes, Glenn Woods, State Senator Cale Case, Anthony Bouchard and more. After the speeches, a gun clinic will be held in the Big Tent where you can bring your weapons and learn more about how to clean and care for them from experts. The gun range will be open Sunday morning for both pistol and rifle practice. Or if you just want to relax, feel free to do some fishing at the pond, or take a kayak a few times around the pond, or hike in the nearby Sinks Canyon State Park, or just kick back in the shade, enjoying your time with others who share your passion for liberty. The ever popular Soap Box Hero Contest will return Saturday night. This is a really fun event where anyone can stand up and say their piece. The rules are this - you put two bucks into the kitty and then you get to stand on the soap box and talk about anything liberty-related for three
minutes. We’ll have a maximum of 20 speakers. After each contestant gives his or her speech, the audience votes by secret ballot for the three best speakers. The votes are tallied and the three finalists are given five minutes to talk about anything - they can expand their original speech, or they can talk about anything else. Then a final vote is taken and the winner is given the title “Soap Box Hero Champion of 2011”, a nice crystal trophy to keep and the first prize money. So if you think you’re up to speaking in front of a crowd of knowledgable liberty-lovers, plan on giving it a try. Registration is $35 per adult, $15 for children age 13 to 18, and children 12 and under are free. The registration fee covers everything: a camp site at the ranch and four meals: Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. To find out more about The 2011 Wyoming Liberty Fest, check out our web site at www.wyominglibertyfest.org.
ANY MILITARY FROM ANY ERA
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Community Fair sponsorship to help department promote tobacco program As part of ongoing efforts to encourage people to stop their personal tobacco use, the Wyoming Department of Health has signed on as a sponsor of this year’s Wyoming State Fair. Tobacco use remains the world’s top cause of preventable death. “Nearly everybody, even those who smoke or chew, realizes tobacco use is not a good choice,” said Joseph D’Eufemia, tobacco program manager with the Wyoming Department of Health. “Too many Wyoming residents still have these habits.” About 20 percent of Wyoming adults smoke and just over 9 percent use smokeless tobacco. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wyoming is at the top among all states for smokeless tobacco use. According to the 2009
Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than 22 percent of Wyoming high school youth said they’d smoked in the past 30 days. In the same survey, more than 16 percent said they’d used smokeless tobacco. “There is a long history of tobacco use in our state,” D’Eufemia said. “Sometimes this unfortunate habit is passed down from one generation to the next.” “The state fair is attended by young people and families from all over Wyoming. We want to remind them that chewing tobacco is not a ‘safe’ alternative to smoking,” D’Eufemia said. Kathi Wilson, tobacco cessation coordinator with the Wyoming Department of Health, said the fair sponsorship is another opportunity to focus on helping people quit. “Our Wyoming Quit Tobacco Program is a wonderful resource,” she
said. “We recognize quitting isn’t easy and we want to help.” Wilson said studies have shown combining support such as coaching with medications is an effective way to help people succeed in quitting tobacco. Significant financial help with medications proven to help people quit, such as patches or other prescription choices, is available from the program. There is also free support from trained coaches. “With the program’s online option, many people also appreciate special options such as chat rooms, quit buddies and other support features,” Wilson said. To enroll, Wyoming residents can go online at wy.quitnet.com or call 1-800-Quit-Now. The Wyoming State Fair is scheduled this year for August 13-20 in Douglas.
White House roundtable meeting with rural leaders This week, Secretary Vilsack led a meeting in the Roosevelt Room at the White House with leaders of a host of rural organizations to discuss the White House Rural Council. The White House Rural Council, which was established by President Obama on June 9, 2011, will build on this Administration’s unprecedented efforts to spur job creation and economic growth in rural America. Along with Jon Carson, the Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Doug McKalip of the White House Domestic Policy Council, we discussed the Council’s efforts to improve coordination among federal agencies. We focused in on ways to help better leverage existing federal resources in rural America – and on how to facilitate private-public partnerships that can move the needle in building stronger rural communities. The meeting was a chance for me to listen to our rural partners on the issues that need to be addressed and discuss potential solutions. Some of
Search for Wyoming military death since the Vietnam War
The organizing committee for the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Park in Cody, is preparing to build the final portion of the memorial park. The new area will be dedicated to those who have served in the U.S. military since the Vietnam War and will be called the Freedom Memorial. Private donors have given generously to support the Memorial Park as well as significant contributions by Gov. Dave Freudenthal and the Wyoming legislature. Gov. Matt Mead and the Wyoming legislature appropriated $250,000 to complete the memorial. The Freedom Memo-
rial will consist of a central large monument with spokes radiating to obelisks representing the major conflicts since the Vietnam War. There will be room for expansion if needed. The large monument will list the names of those who died in military service from combat, accidents, illness, or other causes of death. Unfortunately, a comprehensive list of Wyoming residents who died in military service since the Vietnam War does not exist. The Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum, of Casper, has launched a search to ensure the
Freedom Memorial is as complete as possible. The Wyoming Military Department and Wyoming Veterans Commission have maintained lists since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; however these lists may not be completely accurate. “We are asking Wyoming folks to help us memorialize Wyoming veterans who have died in service. Please call today so we can have the most accurate listing possible,” said Herm Emmett, Wyoming Veterans Commission chairman. “This is a critical project as the Freedom Memorial is scheduled to be dedicated on Sept. 10, 2011.”
the key issues raised included the need to coordinate more with our federal partners on health care, broadband, and other critical infrastructure; how to increase the availability of capital and lending to rural businesses and families; efforts to remove barriers to young and beginning farmers; and strategies for establishing better partnerships with states, tribes, local governments and the private sector. Many of the leaders gathered also expressed appreciation for the renewed focus on rural America and the importance the White House has placed on these issues. These sorts of conversations were an important goal of the Rural Council. While the Obama administration has worked to drive innovation in rural America
and capitalize on emerging opportunities like renewable energy, local and regional food systems, and expanded broadband access, there is more work to be done. Partnering with leaders in rural America is the best way for government to help foster investment, support communities, and help rural businesses succeed, expand and create jobs. “I am proud to serve as the Chair of the White House Rural Council and look forward to all we can achieve with our partners both within and outside the Federal government to create more opportunity in rural communities so that they remain great places to live, work and raise a family.” Said Secretary Valsack Tom Vilsack is the Secretary of Agriculture.
Weekly Trivia Question What was Wyoming’s first newspaper? A. The Chugg Water Journal B. The Cheyenne Eagle C. The Daily Telegraph D. The Campbell Co. Observer Flip to page 6 for the answer
What’s Going On In Government? Monday, August 15
ATV accident sends teenager to hospital Mark Twain to visit Campbell Co. Public Library Spend an evening with one of America’s greatest humorists, Mark Twain, in a live performance by professional entertainer Dave Ehlert on Friday, August 12 at 5:15 p.m. at the Campbell County Public Library. A Branson, Missouri, favorite for years, Ehlert’s Mark Twain portrayal centers on his famous quotations, such as, “The only sure things are death and taxes... but at least death doesn’t get worse every year!” Twain’s life story wound around these quips, and he placed a strong emphasis on literacy: “One who can read, but won’t, has no advantage over one who can’t.”
Mr. Ehlert’s goal is to perform his version of Mark Twain for libraries across the country and to date he has performed as America’s Favorite Storyteller in 15 states, charming audiences with Twain’s humor and wisdom. This program is sponsored by First National Bank of Gillette; Susan McKay, CPA, LLC; and The Library Foundation, Inc. It is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Following this event, plan to attend the Campbell County Centennial Exhibit Gallery Opening at CamPlex Heritage Center Gallery.
By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News Shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday night, the Campbell County Fire Department and Campbell County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 4-wheeler accident along Moncrieffe Ridge Road. The accident involved two teenagers driving two separate 4-wheelers. One of the 4-wheelers rear-ended the other. “A 16-year old female stopped her 4-wheeler,” ex-
plained Campbell County undersheriff Scott Matheny. “He didn’t see that it was stopped and drove into the back of the other 4-wheeler.” According to Matheny, the 16-year old male was transported to the hospital with facial injuries. There was no update on his condition as of this morning. This crash is still under investigation.
-City Council Pre-Meeting, 6-7 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Tuesday, August 16
-Campbell County Economic Development Corporation Board, 7 a.m., CCEDC Board Room -Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Wednesday, August 17
-Campbell County Joint Powers Fire Board, 6 p.m., Fire Dept. Community Room, Station 1
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“A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.” - Edward Abbey
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8am-9pm Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm Sunday
Community Joke of the week
Submitted by William Ford Buskly
A man and his wife were sitting in the living room discussing a “Living Will” “Just so you know, I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.” His wife got up, unplugged the TV and threw out all the beer.
The Campbell County Observer Staff
Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jenna Flanery - Layout/Design Owen Clark - Ad Design OwenClark@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken McCoy - Distribution Manager Pattie Ladd - What’s Going On PattieLadd@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Writers
Study: State Budget in better condition than any other By Bill McCarthy - Cowboy State Free Press www.thewyonews.net Wyoming’s state budget is in better condition than any other in the nation. On Wednesday, the Chicago-based Institute for Truth in Accounting issued its full report on all 50 states’ assets and liabilities, including pension and retirement health-care obligations. Unlike most states, the difference between Wyoming’s assets – less capital and restricted assets – and all its obligations on-and-off the balance sheet exceed the state’s obligations. Wyoming’s liquid assets exceed the obligations by $15,100 per taxpayer, the non-partisan, non-profit Institute reported. Initial results of the independent budget analysis showed Wyoming as one of only four states capable of covering health-care and
pension promises to retired state-employees without incurring debt. More detailed results were issued Wednesday. The study determined that six states carried a burden of more than $20,000 for each taxpayer in the state. Those “Sinkhole States” are Connecticut – $41,200, New Jersey – $34,600, Illinois – $26,800, Hawaii – $25,000, Kentucky -$23,800, and Massachusetts – $20,100. The “taxpayer burden” represents the money needed to pay commitments the state has accumulated divided by the state’s taxpayers. Only Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming have assets available to pay their debt and obligations related to pension
and retirees’ health care. The analysis called those states plus South Dakota the “Sunshine States” because of their favorable budget positions. South Dakota taxpayers owe a $300 “taxpayer burden.” That is relatively low, the analysis says. Wyoming has promised to pay more than $3 billion in pension and health-care benefits to retirees. The study reviewed each state’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to offset assets against liabilities. Employee compensation packages include retirement benefits. Those benefits are earned each pay period and should be included in the current budget as a portion of current employee compensation costs, according to the
analysis authors. Most states handle many benefits on a “pay-as-yougo” basis. That hides the costs of the benefits from current budgets, pushing them into future budgets. “The lack of truth and transparency in state budget processes has concealed the accumulation of $1 trillion of outstanding bills,” the analysis says.
Burma Avenue
The Burma Avenue railroad crossing will be open Monday, August 15th. The contractor is working to have this crossing open as early as the evening of Friday, August 12th, but it will more likely be the morning of August 15th. This crossing has been closed for construction on two separate projects: the Stonepile Creek Sewer Interceptor project as well as the City’s Quiet Zones Project.
4th Avenue
4th Avenue between Greenwood Avenue and Fir Avenue will be closed from Monday, August 1st through Tuesday, August 12th while a contractor installs a water main to Wagonwheel Elementary School for additional fire suppression. This work is being done in conjunction with the Campbell County School District.
Garner Lake Road
Lane constriction on northbound Garner Lake Road will take place from Wednesday, August 3rd through Monday, August 22nd. This work is being done in conjunction with the Interstate Industrial Park Drainage Project and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.
Shalom Avenue
2nd Street
2nd Street will be restricted to two lanes (right lanes heading east and west on 2nd Street) at the alley between Ross Avenue and Warren Avenue from Friday, August 5th through Saturday, August 20th. Traffic Control Plan [PDF] This construction is for work related to the Stonepile Creek Sanitary Sewer project.
Alley Closures
The alley between Ross Avenue and Warren Avenue from 1st Street to 2nd Street will be closed from Friday, August 5th through Saturday, August 20th while crews install sewer line associated with the Stonepile Creek Sewer Interceptor Phase IIB project. The alley between Rohan and 4J from 3rd Street to 4th Street will be closed from Wednesday, August 3rd through Saturday, August 20th for the installation on Sanitary Sewer, in conjunction with the Stonepile
Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@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
SMOKIN’ CHARITY BARBEQUE COOKOFF
on the
PRAIRIE August 13th
Entry forms and tickets available at: Thunder Basin Ford Rain or shine at the Basins Radio Knights of Columbus Hall Cummins Rocky Mountain Mike‛s Hardware 4905 Hitt Blvd. Gillette, Wyoming
$20 Per Person, Kids 12 and Under Free Gates open at 1pm, People‛s Choice Award at 2pm
Burma Ave. open by Monday, Aug. 15 Shalom Avenue from 1850 Shalom Avenue to the intersection of Shalom Avenue and Chara Avenue will be closed from Monday, August 1st through Monday, August 15th for street reconstruction as part of the City of Gillette’s Pavement Management Schedule B, which is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.
Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Elizabeth Albin (Wright) ElizabethAlbin@campbellcountyobserver.com
Road Construction Updates Following are road construction updates courtesy of the City of Gillette.
Sandra Boehler (Charities/Fundraisers/Veterans Events) SandraBoehler@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Entry forms on the web at www.smokinontheprairie.com contact Randy Lang at (307) 689-6245
Creek Sewer Interceptor, Phase IIB project. This project is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.
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Par Drive will continue being under construction from Monday, August 8th through Friday, August 26th for construction activities, including: asphalt pavement repair, asphalt overlay and subgrade prep. This project is part of the 2011 Pavement Management Schedule A, and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.
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Enzi Drive Widening
The Enzi Drive widening project continues to progress. The contractor is finishing up the medians on Enzi Drive, and motorists will notice the signals at Enzi Drive and Sinclair Street begin flashing This project, funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax, will be ongoing throughout the Summer of 2011. This will widen Enzi Drive to five lanes from the Enzi Drive/ West 4J Road Intersection to just south of the Enzi Drive/Shoshone Avenue intersection. The project will also relocate the traffic signals at the Enzi Drive and Slate Street to the intersection of Enzi Drive and Sinclair Street - which will include a new entrance and exit to CCHS South Campus on Sinclair Street.
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Shirts can be purchassed at Monogramming Plus, Downtown Gillette
5
Community
Guernsey Reservoir Silt Run scheduled in August for all of us who camp and boat there At the request of downstream irrigation districts, the Bureau of Reclamation will initiate a late season silt run and begin draining Guernsey Reservoir beginning late afternoon of August 7. The reservoir will be empty by August 10 and expected to refill in late August. Conditions are expected to return to near normal conditions at Guernsey on August 27-28. Water levels are expected to remain normal with good boating conditions through late September. Persons with questions regarding reservations or water conditions at Guernsey State Park are urged to call 307-777-6323.
Spotlight is on energy industry as congressional delegates visit By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News It’s a big week in northeast Wyoming for the energy industry, as several congressional staffers will be visiting the region this week as part of a fact finding tour. The staffers will arrive today in Sheridan, and they will spend Wednesday touring various sites including the Lake DeSmet Lodge and the Visitor’s Information Center. On Thursday, the group will arrive in Gillette, where they will attend the dedication of the Dry Fork Station and tour the Cordero Rojo Mine and the Durham Buffalo Ranch. During Monday night’s city council workshop, City of Gillette Mayor Tom Murphy praised Wyoming State Senator Driskill and his family. The senator, who has helped contribute to the planning of the fact finding tour, was recently hit with a family tragedy last week when his brother was found dead in a septic tank at the KOA Campground near Devils Tower. Nevertheless, Driskill
has continued his efforts to help. “As is the nature of Wyoming people, Mr. Driskill is seeing to it that the items other than lunch at Driskill Ranch, all the other items will be attended as planned,” Murphy said. Driskill’s continuing help for Friday’s third leg of the tour speaks highly of the Driskill family, Murphy added. In all, Murphy hopes the fact finding tour will provide an education about the Wyoming way of life, showing congressional staffers that energy development and tourism can live side by side. The mayor even intends to show how effective the region’s reclamation procedures are at restoring the land. “I personally am going to ask them at one point, ‘Which side of the highway has been mined, and which side has not and please choose.’ We’ll have a secret ballot,” the mayor explains. “We’ll see how intuitive they are.”
Re-Districting
Here is what the redistricting looks like how it is currently proposed. There is still much work to be done, and the vote will not be until the Spring of 2012. Contact your local legislator with any questions.
Weekly Trivia Answer The Chugg Water Journal
“A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government.” - Edward Abbey
Contrary to popular belief, the newspaper published at Fort Bridger in 1863 known as the Daily Telegraph was not the first newspaper in Wyoming. An earlier paper was published by soldiers at Fort Laramie in 1849 called “The Chugg Water Journal.”
SIMPLY THE BEST WHERE THE NAME SAYS IT ALL MISTY PETERSON OWNER/STYLIST
SIMPLYTHEBESTGILLETTE@GMAIL.COM
601 E. 4TH STREET GILLETTE WY 82718
6
307-686-9251
Community Campbell Co. Fire Dept. August 3, 2011
- At 6:53 a.m. to 12th St. and South Highway 59 for a vehicle that was leaking oil. Crews applied floor dry to absorb the oil. - At 7:38 a.m. to 800 East Warlow Drive for an automatic fire alarm. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a light ballast for a fluorescent light overheating and smoking. Power was disconnected to the fixture and the scene was turned over to CCSD maintenance staff. - At 12:14 p.m. to the Bishop Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 3 acre fire burning in grass and sage brush. The fire was extinguished and the caused was determined to be lightning. - At 12:39 p.m. to the area of the OR Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a large, fast moving fire burning in grass and sage brush. The fire was attacked by CCFD firefighters and contained at approximately 114 acres. The cause was determined to be lightning. - At 12:51 p.m. to the area of the OR Road for a second grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival another large, fast moving fire was found burning in grass and sage brush. CCFD firefighters attacked the fire and contained it at 109 acres. The fire was caused by lightning. - At 3:26 p.m. to 16510 North HWY 59 for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 9 acre fire. The fire had been contained by the landowners and CCFD rural firefighters. It was completely extinguished and the cause was determined to be lightning. - At 6:59 p.m. to 1647 Pathfinder Circle for an automatic fire alarm. CCFD cancelled en route when it was determined to be a false alarm. - At 7:37 p.m. to 79 Gold Buckle Place for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined the fire to be a controlled burn that was not properly reported. No assistance was needed and the homeowners were advised of the reporting requirements for controlled burns. - At 8:31 p.m. to 806 North Gurley Avenue, #9, for a gas smell. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined that the vent on the propane tank was leaking. The tank and scene were turned over for repairs to the homeowner’s propane provider.
August 4, 2011
- At 2:24 a.m. to 800 North Burma Avenue for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined that the alarm was caused by a malfunction in the main annunciator panel. The panel was reset and the system was restored to normal operation. - At 9:52 AM to Knickerbocker for an EMS assist. - At 10:18 AM to the 2500 block of Daybreak Drive for an EMS assist. - At 10:33 AM to Sutherland Dr. for an EMS assist. - At 10:43 AM to CamPlex at the Wyoming Center for an automatic fire alarm, smoke from a vendor who was cooking set off a detector. - At 1:19 PM to 411 Four J Rd. for an automatic fire alarm, upon arrival it was determined that burnt food had set off the detector. - A 3:12 PM to an area South of Fairview Rd. along the tracks for a small grass fire that was started by a passing train. - At 4:00 PM to North Highway 59 near mile marker 149 for a 1 vehicle rollover. - A 7:54 PM to the Fortification Rd. for a grass fire, prior to our arrival the area received some rain and due darkness we were unable to find the fire. - At 10:44 PM to Meadow Rose for a natural gas smell,
upon arrival crews could smell a faint odor of gas so Source Gas was contacted and they took over the scene.
August 5, 2011
- At 3:06 AM to West Warlow for an EMS assist. - At 7:52 a.m. to 1000 Camel Drive for a gas leak inside the CCHS North Campus. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an oven in the kitchen with a pilot light out. SourceGas shut off the gas supply to the building and relit the pilot light. - At 10:55 a.m. to the area of the Olmstead Road on North HWY 59 for a timber fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival a single tree on fire. The tree was cut down and the fire extinguished. The fire was caused by lightning. - At 3:26 p.m. to 2577 South Douglas HWY for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined that a pull station had accidentally been activated. The alarm was reset and the hotel was reoccupied. - At 3:54 p.m. to the area of the intersection of the Haight and Hilight Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 10 acre fire. The fire was extinguished and the cause determined to be lightning. - At 4:12 p.m. to the area of 861 HWY 50 for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a large fast moving fire burning in grass and sage. CCFD, with the assistance of several privately owned water trucks and sprayer units, fought the fire and contained it to approximately 420 acres. The cause of the fire could not be determined but it was believed to be either lightning or a downed powerline. - At 4:21 p.m. to the area of Cordero and Bell Ayre Mine for a grass fire. This fire was determined to be the same fire as the one along the Haight Road. - At 4:46 p.m. to the area of the Hoe Creek Road and Hwy 59 for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the area and was unable to locate a fire. It was determined that smoke from a nearby fire was called in as a separate fire. - At 5:16 p.m. to the area of the Taylor Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a 15 acre fire burning in grass and sage brush. CCFD, along with several privately owned sprayers operated by citizens, attacked the fire and brought it under control at 150 acres. The fire threatened 1 structure but did not cause any damage to it. The cause of the fire was lightning. - At 5:23 p.m. to 1802 Nevada Street for a structure fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a mobile home and garage on fire. The fire was brought under control in approximately 1 hour and the investigation was still underway at press time. Damage is estimated at $80,000 and one occupant received burns during the fire. - At 5:31 p.m. to the area of 151 Spring Creek Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a 2 acre fire burning in grass and sage. The fire was attacked and extinguished. Cause information was not available at press time. - At 5:49 p.m. to the area of the Clarkelen Road for a grass fire. Size and cause information was unknown at press time. - At 6:21 p.m. to the area of Collins Ranch on the Collins Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and was able to contain the fire to 1 acre. The cause of the fire was lightning. - At 6:57 p.m. to the area of 1056 Hilight Road for a grass fire. Size and cause information was unknown at press time. - At 7:51 p.m. to the area of
the Hart Road and Olmstead Road intersection for a timber fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 6 acre fire burning in timber, grass, and sage brush. CCFD firefighters were still fighting the fire at press time. The cause of the fire was lightning. - At 9:57 p.m. to the area behind 408 South Douglas HWY for a dumpster fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a 3 yd dumpster on fire. The fire was extinguished and it was caused by hot ashes from a smoker being dumped into the dumpster. - At 10:43 p.m. to a vehicle fire at 106 North HWY 14-16. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a Ford Bronco with a smoldering fire underneath the hood. The fire was extinguished and the cause was determined to be a backfire in the carburetor. - At 10:47 p.m. to 5834 S Winland Drive for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD was cancelled en route by the alarm company who stated it was a false alarm. - At 11:46 p.m. to 605 S Garner Lake Road for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and no fire was found on arrival. The alarm system was checked and found to be malfunctioning.
mained on it overnight and will continue to work on extinguishing the fire today. The cause of the fire was lightning. - At 2:33 p.m. to Buckskin Mine for an unknown type of fire in their pit. CCFD was cancelled en route to the scene when mine personnel advised no assistance was needed. - At 3:27 p.m. to the area of Swanson Road for a smoke report. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a controlled burn that had not been properly reported by the land owner. CCFD advised him of reporting requirements for conducting controlled burns. - At 5:27 p.m. to South Douglas HWY for an EMS assist. - At 6:11 p.m. to the area of the Black and Yellow Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found 4 separate fires that had either been put out by rain or local landowners. All of the fires were caused by lightning and were less than 5 acres in size. - At 6:25 p.m. to 520 Wilderness Drive for a structure fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an electric smoker with a grease pail that had caught fire. The fire had been extinguished by the homeowner and a neighbor and only minor damage had been sustained to the grill. - At 6:51 p.m. to the area of the Kitty Gas Plant on Echeta Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a 5 acre fire burning in grass and sage brush. CCFD firefighters extinguished the fire and determined its cause to be lightning. - At 7:13 p.m. to the Antelope Road for a 2 vehicle collision with injuries. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival had to extricate occupants who were trapped in the vehicle. CCFD also assisted with care of the injured occupants. - At 7:19 p.m. to 912 west 8th Street for a pos-
August 6, 2011
- At 8:53 AM to the 8600 block of Andre Court for a medical assist. - At 3:49 PM to the 200 block of East Sunset Drive for a medical assist. - At 4:04 PM to the area of Lewis Road for a smoke report that turned out to be ash/dust that was blown into the air - At 4:43 PM to 1311 Heald Road for a grass fire that was contained to less than ½ an acre. The fire was caused by an arc from a powerline. - At 6:23 PM to East Boxelder Road (by Wendys) for an oil spill. A five gallon plastic bucket of oil spilled onto the Westbound inside lane of travel. Firefighters applied a hydrocarbon eating enzyme along with floor dry to the oil spill. It is unknown who caused the oil spill. - At 7:20 PM to Ranchette Drive for a medical assist. - At 8:06 PM to the American Ranch Road for a traffic accident involving a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a traffic sign. There were two injuries. - At 8:35 PM to Dawn Drive for a medical assist. - At 9:53 PM to the area behind 469 Highway 50 (Skyline Grill) for a grass fire that turned out to be a control burn
sible structure fire after the building was hit by lightning. CCFD responded to the scene and checked the building for fire but none was found. - At 7:39 p.m. to the area of 14000 Hwy 51 for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a small fire that had mostly been put out by rains. CCFD extinguished the fire and determined its cause to be lightning. - At 7:52 p.m. to 1575 Adon Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 5 acre fire burning in grass and sage brush. The fire was extinguished and its cause determined to be lightning. - At 8:35 p.m. to the area of the railroad tracks south of the Bishop Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the area but were unable to find a fire. CCFD believes the fire was extinguished by rains in the area.
- At 9:54 p.m. to Mountain Meadow Lane for an EMS assist.
August 8, 2011
- At 9:37 AM to the 1400 block of Michelle Street for an EMS assist. - At 12:06 PM for a grass fire along the railroad tracks by Garner Lake Road – no fire found. - At 5:02 PM to 1613 Pathfinder Circle for a fire alarm caused by a smoke detector going into alarm mode. Firefighters cancelled when it was learned that there was no fire and that cooking caused the detector to go into alarm. - At 9:19 PM to the Bishop Road (by Rozet) for a grass/ brush fire. Firefighters were able to contain the lightning caused fire to less than 2 acres in size. - At 9:24 PM to 111 Moncrieffe Ridge Road for a 4 wheeler accident with injury. One 4 wheeler had rearended another.
Answer: Campbell County Courthouse, Front Entrance
Write for your community newspaper! Little League Games Band Concerts Plays Local Events If you are at one of your kid’s events and think it should be published, write an article, submit pictures with captions, and send it in to: OpenArticles@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Update:
The mobile home fire that occurred at 1802 Nevada Street on August 5, 2011 was determined to have been started by a discarded cigarette butt in a flower pot that contained organic matter that was sitting on an attached wooden deck.
Parking Lot Sale Aug. 13th 408 S. Douglas Hwy (Next to Pokey’s) 307-682-7828 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
August 7, 2011
- At 1:03 a.m. to 1215 Lawver Road for a grass fire - At 2:35 a.m. to Keeline Road for a grass fire - At 3:35 a.m. to the 900 block of West 8th Street for a medical assist - At 6:02 a.m. to the intersection of South Douglas Highway and Boxelder Road for a medical assist. - At 10:47 a.m. to WyoDak Mine for coal on fire in a crusher. CCFD responded to the scene and assisted mine personnel with washing down the crusher. - At 2:23 p.m. to the area of the Keeline Road in the Rochelle Hills for a timber fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found the fire burning in rugged terrain. It was burning in grass and timber was approximately 40 acres in size. Firefighters fought the fire throughout the day and were able to contain it to 62 acres. Approximately 27 people re-
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Community Tough Competition Brings Out the Stars Eight year old Hailee Merchen had happy tears at the Youth/Adult Talent Competition. She had performed sign language to “That’s What Friends Are For” in the Grades 2-3 category. Judges voted her category winner as she competed against Shaya Beck, Saranndon Madsen, and Alexis Poppleton. Hailee’s prize money totaled $300.00. Category winners won $50 in cash. All participants received a certificate and a Campbell County Centennial lapel pin. Chaylin Stephens won in the K-1 and danced to “Butterfly Kisses.” Alisa Roll, accompanied by Diana Rutz, sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” won the grade 4-6 category. Larissa Alvarado and Faith Milhouse performed in the 4-6 group. The competition level increased in the grade 7-9 category. Maria Acord (vocal solo), Electric City, a group of gymnasts from the Wyoming Academy of Gymnastics and Dance (Alissa Huddleston, Jolin Mills, Megan Volk, and Madison O’Dell), Matthew Mills (vocal solo/guitar), Kelsey Paige Nash (vocal solo) and a lyrical dance by Alissa Huddleston. Huddleston won the $50 category prize. Raleah Cisneros, Miss Campbell County 2011, walked away with the high school division with her presentation of the popular song “Imagine.” The toughest category of the night was the adult category. Jordan T. Smith, a local songwriter who has spent time in Nashville trying to get his break into the competitive world of country music, won this category with a song that he wrote called “Baby I’m Gone.” His competition included Paula Merchen (vocal solo), Missy Schillinger (vocal solo), Kiefer and Killeen Partridge (vocal duet), and Cyndi Rogers (vocal solo.)
Winners of the Campbell County Talent Show include (left to right in front, Alissa Huddleston (winner 7-9) Hailee Merchen (winner 2-3, overall winner), and Alisa Roll (winner 4-6); in back, Jordan T. Smith (winner adult) and Raleah Cisneros (10-12 winner). Chaylinn Stephens (K-1 winner) is not pictured.
Public Pulse
GUN TRADERS and
Surplus Unlimited
What are they doing? We are starting a segment on government that simply keeps track of what our officials are doing. This is informational only for better public knowledge. We would appreciate any input or ideas for our open article section or just simply e-mail us at newsandideas@campbellcountyobserver.com. This will not be every week, just as we find research. The first is State Senator John Hines and his sponsored bills during the fiscal year 2011.
801 Carlisle, Gillette, WY 82716 307-686-7519
We are opening back up.
STINSON CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C.
Sen. John Hines – R-Gillette Sponsered Bills in the 2011 Legislative session PASSED
* SF0103-Gillette Madison water project financing. Summery Effective Date: 2/22/2011 Catch Title: Gillette Madison water project financing. • Subject: Amends the funding for the Gillette Madison water project. Summary/Major Elements: • Gillette Madison water project is currently being funded with 2009 and 2010 appropriations and a loan/grant mix. • Bill also provides for 2011 funding including a $7 million project grant, a $25.4 million appropriation from AML funds, and a $16 million loan from the PMTF. • Bill also provides for future funding of the project for fiscal years 2012 through 2014. The future funding is subject to the governor’s recommendation. (future funding amounts total around $118 million)
development accounts I, II, and III and IV as defined by subsection (a) of this section shall be invested by the state treasurer and the interest earned shall be credited to the account. (f) Funds in water development account IV shall be reserved for any water project beyond the financial capabilities of water development account I, II or III as determined by the governor and the legislature. (g) There is transferred to the water development account IV created by paragraph (a)(iv) of this section effective July 1, 2011 fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000.00) from the budget reserve account to be expended for the Gillette Madison water project created under W.S. 99-3-1405. The funds shall not be appropriated for the project without legislative approval pursuant to W.S. 99-31405.
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* SF0129-Agricultural land-subdivisions. Agricultural land-subdivi* SF0128-Abandoned sions. vehicles-storage expenses Sponsored by: Effective Date: 7/1/2011 Senator(s) Hines and Catch Title: Abandoned Representative(s) Throne vehicles-storage expensA BILL for AN ACT relates. ing to ad valorem taxation; • Subject: Storage fee amending requirements for increase for abandoned classification of land as agvehicles. ricultural land; and provid• Summary/Major Eleing for an effective date. Senator John Hines ments: This bill increases Be It Enacted by the the default fee charged for Legislature of the State of the storage of abandoned Wyoming: vehicles from five dollars to ten dollars per Section 1. W.S. 39-13-103(b)(x)(B)(II) is day. amended to read: 39-13-103. Imposition. FAILED (b) Basis of tax. The following shall ap* SF0127-Gillette Madison water project. ply: Gillette Madison water project. (x) The following shall apply to agriculSponsored by: Senator(s) Hines tural land: 2011 STATE OF WYOMING A BILL for AN ACT relating to water de- 11LSO-0559 velopment; creating a new water DevelopSF0129 ment account IV as specified; specifying (B) Contiguous or noncontiguous parpurposes of the account and funding there- cels of land under one (1) operation owned for; and providing for an Effective date. or leased shall qualify for classification as Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the agricultural land if the land meets each of State of Wyoming: the following qualifications: Section 1. W.S. 41-2-124(a) by creating (II) The land is not part of a platted suba new Paragraph (iv), (b) and by creating division, except for: new subsections (f) and (g) is amended to (1) A parcel of thirty-five (35) acres or read: more which otherwise qualifies as agricul41-2-124. Accounts created; unexpend- tural land under this subparagraph; or ed balance. (2) A parcel which is operated by and (a) The following accounts are created: contiguous to one (1) qualifying operation (iv) Water development account IV into for an agricultural purpose under this subwhich shall be deposited revenues pursu- paragraph and which contains no nonagriant to law. 2011 STATE OF WYOMING cultural improvements installed after filing 11LSO-0195 of the subdivision plat. SF0127 Section 2. This act is effective July 1, (b) Any unexpended balance in water 2011.
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8
Public Pulse Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: I would like to thank the County Sheriff’s office. I got pulled over without tags last week and received help. My van had been broken for the past 2 years and I finally fixed it. So, I was driving to the courthouse from my home and got pulled over. The deputy did not give me a ticket, but followed me to the courthouse to make sure that I did not get pulled over. Way to protect and serve. Thank you very much, I am sorry I did not get your name. You are a good deputy for this community. Gene Ficks
Bold Republic Weekly Don’t try this at home By Glenn Woods
It is a dark place that I am about to go. Before one can attempt what I am about to attempt there must be years of hard training coupled with real life experience. This is not a place for the immature, or the faint of heart. First, I breathe slowly and relax my muscles. Bottle of aspirin at the ready. Then I ease myself with a large cup of coffee, and a scone. Yes, I said large coffee. I don’t care how hard the girl behind the counter chides me. I refuse to say VENTI! There is small, medium, and large. I don’t even know what VENTI means. Don’t care. Now, where was I? Oh yes. The Dark Place. We are about to dive deeply into the murky waters that are “LIBERAL THOUGHT!” If you don’t think that you can handle it, stop reading this now. If you want to give it a go, but are nervous, pour a stiff drink before you read the next paragraph. Ok… Here we go So, apparently the debt crises we are in is caused by over spending Republicans and the fact that the Democrats outspent the overspending Republicans is to be ignored. Apparently, the solution to overreaching big government programs, over spending, over borrowing, and over taxation, is to allow those programs to overreach even more, spend more, borrow even more, and tax even more. Because, apparently, government digging the hole deeper is the way out of the hole that government dug
us into. The Tea Party is made up of “RACIST Right Wing Radical Suicide Vest Bombers who want to BLOW UP THE COUNTRY!” (Did I miss anything?) Lord help us all that they have pointed out the mess that both the Republicans and Democrats have gotten us into. It is racist of the Tea Party to actually suggest that we live inside the boundaries set forth by the constitution. That we spend no more than the government takes in. That we do not borrow any more money. That we do not tax any more. OH --- and for the love of PETE can we read and understand the bills before we vote on them? Just a thought. But no, such thoughts are hateful and radical. Apparently, the Tea Party is responsible for America’s downgrade from a AAA credit rating, even though the Washington Establishment Politicians got exactly what they wanted when we last increased the debt limit, with their promise that if we raised said limit our credit rating would not fall. Apparently, all we have to do to get out of debt is print more money. But if that is true why do we need taxes? Why do we need to borrow money from China? If all we need to do is print more money they why don’t we just print more and not tax or borrow at all? These days working hard and becoming successful is to be damned, but slothfulness is to be rewarded by taking from those who have earned it and giving it to the slothful.
prevent companies from drilling and digging here in our own nation, then blame them for making too much profit and over tax them. OH and those cute little 5 year old girls selling lemonade form a card table on their front lawn… fine them $50 and shut them down. Send them home in tears. They must be evil or something. Let’s see… We are all to live under universal health care, even though it has failed everywhere in the world, without exception. It is the best idea for America. Ok --- I can’t go on. This is just too much. Please remember, thinking like this is not easy. I am a trained professional. I do this for a living. Thinking is this way is not natural. It causes fits of rage, hemorrhages, brain tumors, and more. If you made it this far into the article I suggest you take a strong drink, and then go play with your kids. Remember that this is still America. The inmates must not be allowed to run the asylum forever. This cannot be allowed.
For some reason, don’t ask me why, it seems that all this time it has been the poor who provides jobs, and not the rich. Rich people need to have all of their wealth seized and given to the poor. (Take a break. Down a fist full of aspirin.) It seems that people who have graduated from major Ivy League colleges with impressive degrees but have no real experience beyond the walls of academia know more than the people who spend every day out in the real world living what the Ivy Leaguers have only theorized about. For some reason, when these Ivy League theoreticians get something wrong, and they are always getting something wrong, the solution is to laud over them as if they are geniuses, give them promotions, raises, and lavish them with awards. But those of us in the real world are to be chastised, even, and especially, when we are right. For some reason, when the fraud, lies and deceit of “Climate Scientist” is pointed out those who point it out are the ones who need to be investigated. Strange, but we are now to think of it as racist when someone points out that being an illegal alien has always been ---- ILLEGAL! (Don’t look at me like that I’m not making this stuff up. All of what I’m writing here as actually been said.) Now, where was I? OH yes. STRANGLY - the way to energy independence is to throw up as many roadblocks as possible to
From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Gene, Thank you so much for your letter! Too often to authority figures get placed in a category of being bad people but we have to remember that they are just that, people! In fact, they are extraordinary people who put their lives on the line for us every day. I strongly believe in that the only reason to dislike police or sheriffs is if you are doing something wrong, and in that case, they are not the ones to be disliked. They are here to protect and serve and I am so glad that this sheriff left an impression of kindness on you. He is just the kind of person we want around watching our backs’. I sincerely hope that he reads our paper and gets the pat on the back that he deserves. Dear Editor: I can’t believe that they are putting another giant flower pot up in the City. Good thing we voted for a tax hike. Why are these guys still in office? Are people that afraid to vote out incumbent? Gerald Forseburge From Editor Nick De Laat: Go to the City Council Meetings and the County Commishiner meetings. They listen to you, but when there is no-one showing up to voice their concerns, how are they supposed to know? I keep telling peo-
ple to get involved, and I will say this again. Get involved. If you sign up on both local government’s e-mail list you will receive the meeting agenda’s before every meeting. Then you can find the issues that concern you and do something about them. Dear Editor: More taxes. Tax cigarettes, alcohol, gas, and everything. We need more money. Now they are trying to tax pop and junk food for “our health.” Every campaign in the last election from Federal down to our local politicians here campaigned on lowering taxes. This has not even been attempted. They all lied. Remember that when you vote in the same people during the next election. Right now, over 50% of our hard earned money ultimately goes to taxes one way or another. I am sick of being looted. Frank Williamson From Editor Nicholas De Laat: I sincerely hope that you are not just complaining, but going out and doing something about it all. Letters to the editor help, because people read them and may want to get involved because of them. It also helps polititions who (hopefully) are reading the paper to get the voice of the people they represent. I personally agree, we are taxed too much, and from too many places. If we did not have such a tax burden, then we could use our money for better purposes; me for example, expanding my company quicker and hiring more people. We do need some taxes, but I believe minimizing them is the key to allow our free market to expand. In many cases, governments take on much more than they should. The key is to keep writing letters, contact your Representative or Senator, and get involved as much as possible. This includes educating yourself on how things work, there is much more to it all than just a simple answer.
Empire Guesthouse Need a weekend getaway? Come to the Empire Guesthouse in Pine Haven, 5 minutes to Keyhole Reservoir, fully furnished cabins. We also sell bait, tackle, camping, swimming, boating supplies. Now serving Food on our Patio Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 11:00 a.m.
More information at empireguesthouse.com 307-756-3454.
The Sports Bar Cruz Nights are back! We have a “Celebrity Chef” each Wednesday! The Chef DRINKS FOR FREE!!! Please allow us to care cab you home for this one.
SPORTS BAR Bike groups that host one large event each year with The Sports Bar will have two separate evenings to raise money. The final Cruz Night will be donated to our favorite “non bikers” charity, The Boys and Girls Club of Campbell County.
To listen to Glenn Woods morning radio show tune in to 1270am KIML Gillette Monday through Friday from 6 - 10 a.m.
July 20 - Second Brigade July 27 - CMA Aug. 3 - BACCA Aug. 10 - Elite Flys Aug. 17 - UMF Aug. 24 - WBA Aug. 31 - Boys & Girls Club of Campbell County
We want to get it Write. Oops we mean Right. The Observer strives to make news reports fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, Contact us at nicholasdelaat@campbellcountyobserver.com
1400 n. us hwy 14-16
To be in compliance with county ordinances we ask that patrons do not “burn out” when approaching the highway,!!!
9
Sports Report What’s Going On In Sports?
Saturday, August 13
-Roughriders @ American Legion World Series, Shelby, NC, TBA
Sunday, August 14
-Roughriders @ American Legion World Series, Shelby, NC, TBA
Monday, August 15
Photo by John Lacek
Riders fall baseball program to begin Aug. 22 By Ted Ripko - Basin Radio Sports The Riders Baseball program will begin its annual Fall Baseball Program on Monday, August 22 at 6:00. There will be a parent/
player information meeting to start off with at 6:00 on August 22 at Roughrider Stadium. Practice will then follow.
The program is open to all players with birth-years between 1993-1998. Cost to play in the Fall Ball Program is $75.00.
To sign up please call or text Coach Perleberg at 307-689-4542.
-Roughriders @ American Legion World Series, Shelby, NC, TBA -CCHS Marching Band Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., North Campus -Gillette WILD Hockey PreRegistration, 6-8 p.m., Rec. Center -CCHS Cross CountryTime Trials, JV/V, 6 p.m., Camplex Park
Gillette Thunder Speedway 2011 Race Schedule
August 13 - Regular Race 20 - Regular Race, DIRTCAR Late Models, NAPA NIGHT 27 - Season Ponts Championships September 03 - Closed 08 thru 10 - East/West Clash, Sprint Cars
IMCA MODIFIEDS - Main Event
Finish Start Car Driver 1 7 12 Danny Allen 2 2 6 Jeff Gorsuch 3 6 2 Marty Erivez 4 3 99G Galen Guzenhauser 5 5 C4 Toby Smith 6 4 01 Jason Snyder 7 8 8W John Smith
Thunder Stock - Main Event Finish Start Car 1 5 80 2 7 13S 3 8 80P 4 6 S16 5 4 01 6 3 6 7 2 39 8 1 13T
Driver Chad Horst Seth Cavanaugh Duane Haines Teresa Schuler Brittni Snyder Chris Russell Mark Brandt Austin Long
Thunder Stock - Heat 2 Finish Start Car 1 4 80P 2 1 39 3 3 S16 4 2 01
Driver Duane Haines Mark Brandt Teresa Schuler Brittni Snyder
Thunder Stock - Heat 1 Finish Start Car 1 1 13T 2 4 13S 3 3 80 4 2 6
Driver Austin Long Seth Cavanaugh Chad Horst Chris Russell
Hometown Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy Casper , Wy Gillette , W Gillette , W , Wy
Race Points 75.00 70.00 65.00 60.00 55.00 50.00 48.00
Hometown Gillette , W Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy Wright , Wy Gillette , W Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy
Race Points 35.00 33.00 32.00 31.00 30.00 29.00 28.00 27.00
Hometown Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy Wright , Wy Gillette , W
Race Points 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00
Hometown Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy Gillette , W -
Race Points 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00
Finish Start Car 1 3 2J 2 1 26 3 4 14 4 5 23DB 5 2 36
Finish Start Car 1 1 17 2 2 27 3 4 31 4 6 1* 5 5 10J 6 3 2
Driver Troy Leiker Scotty Fischer Kyle Harkin Scott Edwards Scott Joslyn Nick Slocum
Race Points 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00
Driver Hometown Race Points Jerry Martin Moorcroft, Wy 10.00 Ray Nash Evansvile , Wy 9.00 Kenny Bell Gillette , W 8.00 Maklain Harrison Gillette , Wy 7.00 Eric Slocum Gillette , Wy 6.00
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points 1 2 307 Tom Manning Gillette , Wy 35.00 2 3 70X Steve Schickentanz Casper , Wy 33.00 3 10 10 Todd Mccoy Gillette , Wy 32.00 4 7 50 Wade Manning Gillette , Wy 31.00 5 4 00 Benjie Bayne Casper , Wy 30.00 6 1 42 Dakota Estrada Cheyenne , Wy 29.00 7 5 55 Duane Manning Gillette , Wy 28.00 8 6 33 Robert Harley Casper , Wy 0.00 9 8 27 Gene Eckman Casper , Wy 0.00 10 9 15 Adam Blair Gillette , W 0.00
Mod Four - Heat 2
Finish Start Car 1 2 307 2 5 55 3 4 50 4 3 00 5 1 27
Driver Tom Manning Duane Manning Wade Manning Benjie Bayne Gene Eckman
Hometown Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy Gillette , Wy Casper , Wy Casper , Wy
Race Points 10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00
Mod Four - Heat 1
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Race Points 1 2 70X Steve Schickentanz Casper , Wy 10.00 2 4 10 Todd Mccoy Gillette , Wy 9.00 3 1 42 Dakota Estrada Cheyenne , Wy 8.00 4 5 33 Robert Harley Casper , Wy 7.00 5 3 15 Adam Blair Gillette , W 0.00
Thursday, August 18
-CCHS Marching Band Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., North Campus -CCSD Academies Picnic, 6-8 p.m., City Park
Friday, August 19
-CCHS Marching Band Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., North Campus -CCHS Golf- Powell Invite JV/V, TBA
“I think Little League is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.” - Yogi Berra
iot Publ atr
Patriot Publishing is a small publishing business starting up right here in Wyoming. We not only publish the Campbell County Observer and calendars, but anything in print. We will soon also have a monthly publication that we think you will enjoy. If you have a book and can’t get a major company to publish you, we are a new and Americanowned publisher that may print your work. Please feel free to contact us at anytime with your idea.
Are you paying $1,000 a month rent or more? Own a home for less than you rent! Come see us at
Home Team Associates
Driver Hometown Race Points Troy Leiker Gillette , Wy 35.00 Jerry Martin Moorcroft, Wy 33.00 Scotty Fischer Gillette , W 32.00 Scott Edwards Gillette , Wy 31.00 Scott Joslyn Gillette , Wy 30.00 Kenny Bell Gillette , W 29.00 Ray Nash Evansvile , Wy 28.00 Kyle Harkin Hermosa , Sd 27.00 Boyd Abelseth Gillette , W 26.00 Cannon Slawson Gillette , Wy 25.00 Nick Slocum Evansville , Wy 24.00 Maklain Harrison Gillette , Wy 23.00 Ernie Acuna Gillette , Wy 22.00 Eric Slocum Gillette , Wy 21.00 Kelly Blixt Clancy , Mt 20.00 Rob Hoffman Gillette , Wy 19.00
Midwest Mod - Heat 3
Hometown Gillette , Wy Gillette , W Gillette , Wy Clancy , Mt Gillette , Wy
-CCHS Marching Band Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., North Campus
Mod Four - Main Event
Midwest Mod - Main Event Finish Start Car 1 9 17 2 4 2J 3 6 27 4 12 1* 5 14 10J 6 8 14 7 1 26 8 3 31 9 5 76 10 13 28S 11 15 2 12 10 23DB 13 2 23 14 16 36 15 11 47 16 7 34H
Driver Rob Hoffman Boyd Abelseth Ernie Acuna Kelly Blixt Cannon Slawson
Wednesday, August 17
ing ish
Driver Hometown Race Points Eddie Kirchoff Gillette , Wy 40.00 Danny Allen 39.00 Justin Elmer Buffalo , W 38.00 Zane Devilbiss Farmington , Nm 37.00 Byran Bettchor Sheridan , Wy 36.00 Justen Yeager Greenriver , Wy 35.00 Jeff Cooper Riverton , W 34.00 Anthony Miller Gillette , Wy 33.00 Randy Dolberg 32.00 Brian Brennan Rozet , Wy 31.00
LIMITED LATE MODEL - Main Event
Finish Start Car 1 2 34H 2 4 76 3 3 23 4 1 47 5 5 28S
Midwest Mod - Heat 1
Standings
Finish Start Car 1 7 E5K 2 2 7 3 4 4E 4 10 18Z 5 6 71 6 8 33Y 7 1 02 8 3 55M 9 9 8 10 5 3B
Midwest Mod - Heat 2
Tuesday, August 16
-Roughriders @ American Legion World Series, Shelby, NC, TBA -CCHS Marching Band Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., North Campus -Gillette WILD Hockey PreRegistration, 6-8 p.m., Rec. Center
P
Friday, August 12
-Roughriders @ American Legion World Series, Shelby, NC, TBA -CCHS Marching Band Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., North Campus
We give you the personal confidence of locally owned and locally operated.
·
(307) 687-7070 2800 S. 4J Road Gillette, WY 82718
Hometown Race Points Gillette , Wy 10.00 Gillette , W 9.00 Hermosa , Sd 8.00 Gillette , Wy 7.00 Gillette , Wy 6.00 Evansville , Wy 5.00
10
Our Roots Who will be the next GOP candidate for President?
Escape from Alcatraz Prison By Mike Borda It was June 1962. Around the world, President John F. Kennedy was giving commencement speeches at prestigious colleges such as Yale and West Point. The World Cup was underway in Chile, and civil war was raging in Algeria. However, to three men this all meant nothing. To them, there was only one goal, and they would do whatever it took to complete it. The men were Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris. The goal: Escape from the Alcatraz Prison. The men came from very different parts of the country, but managed to find themselves on the same island after very similar careers. Clarence and John Anglin were born in Donalsonville, Georgia. It was a typical southern small town, where the boys worked as farmers in their early years. However, by the mid 1950’s they had started robbing banks, and were caught soon after. Frank Morris, born in Washington D.C., started his career out small; with a handful of drug charges before moving up to armed robbery. This charge would ultimately send him to Alcatraz, though not before IQ testing determined he was in the top 3% of humans in regards to intelligence. The men met first, however, at Atlanta Penitentiary, in the late 1950’s. It was perhaps this chance meeting that set the stage for one of the most dramatic prison escape attempts in history.
When they found themselves on Alcatraz, it was not long before they began to devise the plan. The three men, along with a fourth participant, Allen West, began cutting through the walls of their cells. They took turns each night, letting one man dig while the others kept a look out. While this was ongoing, they also began carving dummy heads out of prison materials such as scraped cement, soap, and actual hair. The next part of the plan involved taking raincoats, cutting the seams, and refashioning them into a working raft and flotation devices. After all the preparation was complete, they began loosening the ventilator grill on top of their cell house, so that they had a way onto the outside of the building. As it turns out, West could not get far enough into his wall to ensure a quick escape to the vent, and it would be his downfall in the plot. The night of June 11, 1962, Morris announced it
was time. The men laid the dummy heads onto their cots, with the covers pulled up, and left their cells. Morris and the Anglin brothers quickly made their way onto the roof, where they then climbed down, and inflated their raft. West, however, was too slow in escaping his cell, and by the time he got to the roof had completely lost sight of the others. Figuring they had already taken the raft, leaving him no way off the island, he went back to his cell. Meanwhile, the three men were on their way off Alcatraz and into history. The only question that remains, however, is this: Did they make it? No one knows for sure. West testified that their plan was to go to nearby Angel Island, then proceed to the mainland where they would steal a car and go their separate ways. However, no evidence of a camp was ever found on Angel Island, and no car thefts were reported on the mainland in the days fol-
Ron Paul 50.67% (38 votes) Herman Cain 16% (12 votes) Mitt Romney 9.33% (7 votes) Newt Gingrich 4% (3 votes) Jim McMillan 4% (3 votes) Roy Moore 2.67% (2 votes) Michele Bachmann 2.67% (2 votes) Andy Martin 2.67% (2 votes) Vern Wuensche 1.33% (1 votes) Buddy Roemer 1.33% (1 votes) Tim Pawlenty 1.33% (1 votes) John Greenspon 1.33% (1 votes) Jon Huntsman 1.33% (1 votes) Thadd McCotter 1.33% (1 votes) Rick Santorum 0% (0 votes) Gary Johnson 0% (0 votes) Fred Karger 0% (0 votes)
Visit www.campbellcountyobserver.com to vote in our Poll of the Week
lowing the escape. Making things even more interesting, no raft, paddles, or bodies have ever been discovered either. Did they perish in the water, or did they succeed so astoundingly that the even the FBI’s top experts could not find them? One thing we know for certain is that they did succeed in something: They succeeded in creating a mystery that will entertain the minds of generations to come.
Joke of the week Submitted by Gale Jennings
Late one night a mugger, wearing a ski mask, jumped into a path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs “give me your money,” he demanded. Indignant, the affluent man replied, “you can’t do this – I am a United States congressman!” “In that case,” replied the mugger, “give me MY money.”
From the Campbell County Observer Staff: Congratulations to Mike Borda and his wife Page for the great news they received. They will be adding their first new addition to their family. Best wishes from all of us Mike and Page! As you know, Mike has been with us since the first issue, and has done a great job at the American “Our Roots” section. What he doesn’t know, is that now he will have more time for research during those long nightly hours of rocking a crying baby!
“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it always to be kept alive.” - Thomas Jefferson - 2nd President of the United States
Classifieds Help Wanted
Homes for Sale
Heavy Equipment/Trailers
Toys (ATV’s, Boats, etc.)
Cook needed at Lu La Bells. Motivated and Energetic. Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells.
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.
6x10 trailer. Great shape, fits your biggest Harley. $1,400 obo. 299-4967.
Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.
Local journalists wanted. Always wanted to try? Must be 16 yrs of age. Contact us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com Advertising Sales for our weekly paper. Great commission rate, set your own hours. Contact 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. Sports writers, event writers wanted. Gillette, Write, Recluse, Rozet. Call 6708980.
Home Appliances/ Furnishings Small washer. Needs new belt, $25. Email USSailorPatriot@gmail.com Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967. Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967
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.
Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 670-1925.
Apartments for Rent
Camping/Fishing
Minnows, crawlers, leeches, fishing tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Lost & Found Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire FOUND: one large trampoline. Currently Guesthouse & RV Park 307-756-3454. located at 5350B M&M circle. If yours, www.empireguesthouse.com please pick up any day any time. If not yours, do not trespass.
Campers & Motor Homes
1-5 bedroom units available for rent. Please contact Real Estate Systems of Gillette Inc at 307-682-0964 for all the updated details.
Autos, Trucks and Vans 1981 Harley Davidson FXB-Sturgis, 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!
2006 Cabella’s “Lowes Sun Cruizer” 20 ft. Pontoon 95 HP Mercury Outboard Motor (less than 50 hrs). Good Condition. Call 680-2982 or 696-7512.
1997 32ft. Class A Motor Home. Sleeps 6, Only 31,000 Miles. Asking $17,000. Call (307) 660-7520. Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees. All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 660-1007.
Toy Parts & Accessories Stock pipes for Sportster. 500mi. Stock pices for Dyna Wide Glide. 1500mi. Email baxtersmom62@gmail.com for info.
2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532. ‘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 dualplugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464. 1994 Ford Ranger. Black. With Topper. Runs Good. 85k Miles. 2300 obo. Call 307-299-0223
11
Sporting Goods Like new Horizon Elliptical. $300 obo. Call 299-7058 for more info.
Personals Interested in founding a Sherlock Holmes Society in Gillette? Contact gillettesherlockians@gmail.com for info.
Pets Welsh Corgi Puppies. 3 females, and two males. 682-2598
- LIMITED TIME ONLY -
Free Classified Ad - 10 words or less (Private ownership only - No businesses) For more details visit www.campbellcountyobserver.com or call (307)
670-8980
Our Roots The Great Scout and His Publicist By Jeff Morrison Behind every larger-thanlife Western Hero there was the person who made them into the household name they are today. It simply was not enough to have braved a raging blizzard to save a wagon train, to kill a grizzly bear with one’s bare hands, or to fight off 1,000 savage Indians single-handedly for ten days. Without a diligent scribe to document those heroic moments for the masses, those deeds would be mostly unheard of and certainly forgotten within one’s lifetime. And so, a cottage industry of image-makers to the frontiersmen was born, and the exploits of everyone from Davy Crocket to Billy the Kid were packaged for posterity by writers with a flair for the dramatic and a nose for a good adventure yarn. Actual facts were, of course, optional. Their operational credo: Never let the Truth get in the way of a good Story! Just about every icon of the Old West had a publicist, either official or unofficial. Calamity Jane had Edward Wheeler; Buffalo Bill had Ned Buntline; George A. Custer had George A. Custer. Occasionally the legend overcame the actual person it was based on and that person, in turn, found themselves pressured into living up to their own image ever after. Even lesser known personages of the west were caught up in trying to cash-in on their life-stories. Often, for them and their publicists, the chance to sell their experiences represented not only lasting fame, but a retirement pension when their adventuring days were behind them. Such was the case for Frank Grouard and Joe DeBarthe. Grouard, a military scout for most of his adult life, and DeBarthe, a playwright, drama critic and composer, turned newspaper pioneer and editor, first met in 1887 at Fort Washakie, where Grouard was posted at the time. Almost immediately DeBarthe floated the idea of writing a biography which Grouard rejected just as quickly. By 1891, however, fate brought the two men together again in Buffalo Wyoming, where DeBarthe had become part-owner and Editor of the Buffalo Bulletin, and Grouard was serving as chief of scouts at Fort McKinney. This time Grouard reluctantly agreed to tell DeBarthe the story
of his life for the purpose of publication and profit. And the rest is History… or at least a rip-roaring adventure tale. The book that resulted, “The Life and Adventures of Frank Grouard, Chief of Scouts, U. S. A.”, was published in 1894. The story it tells is entertaining and full of lesser-known factoids of many Old West personages, or as it would be characterized by book revues today, “a real page-turning thrill-ride from cover to cover.” There is just one problem. Probably a good 70 percent of it is pure bunk. It is sad, really, because Frank Grouard really saw and experienced enough real-life adventures to produce a great work of historical literature. But, in their zeal to tell the life story of one of the more interesting, and important players in the Indian wars of the northern plains, DeBarthe, either with or without the complicity of Frank Grouard, wrote a book filled with whoppers. Because of the inaccuracies contained in the book, rather than achieving the intended goal of immortalizing its subject matter, it has had the opposite effect over time. Nothing contained within its pages can be taken at face value. The true parts are so overshadowed by the blatant falsehoods and highly improbable events that they are rejected as well. Here are a few of the highlights: Born in 1850, Grouard, according to himself, was the second son of a Mormon missionary father, and a Polynesian mother. So the story goes, shortly after moving to America, his mother became ill and returned to the islands, leaving young Frank and his brother in the care of relatives, who raised the boys in Utah. This was later disputed by Grouard’s brother-in-law, Billy Garnett, who believed Grouard to the son of a Hunkpapa Sioux woman and an African-American man; and two years after Grouards death a woman came forward claiming to be Frank’s half-sister and that his real name was Walter Brazeau. Actually, the best evidence is that, in this one thing at least, Grouard was telling the truth. During the publication of the book, Grouard was reunited with his missionary father in Sheridan Wyoming. His father said that he had heard that Frank had been captured
by Indians and believed dead in 1876, but learned of the publication of the book and, when he realized he was still living, made arrangements (probably through DeBarthe)for a reunion. When he was 15, Grouard began hauling freight between Salt Lake City Utah and Helena Montana. Somewhere around this time, Grouard claimed he was with Liver Eating Johnson, better known to us as Jeremiah Johnson, when he received his nickname. According to Grouard, and contrary to the official version, Johnson became frustrated at an antelope he was shooting at and vowed to eat its liver raw if he ever managed to kill it, eventually making good on his threat. Interesting, if true, and certainly more familyfriendly than eating the livers of fallen Crow enemies in revenge for the death of his wife. Grouard was captured by Black Feet Indians and later abandoned in some woods where he was found by Sioux. He was adopted by Sitting Bull but later moved to Crazy Horse’s camp and became friends with the war chief, who Grouard described as “the bravest man I ever met.” That, of course, is according to the biography. Another possibility is that he was sold to the Sioux and Sitting Bull assumed he was Indian due to his dark skin and spared his life. In any case he escaped and found his way to Camp Robinson in Nebraska where he became employed as a scout for General Crook. Crook came to rely heavily on his new scout, and Grouard would serve with distinction during the Sioux war of 1876, during several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of the Rose Bud. On one such occasion, Grouard and fellow scout, “Big Bat” Pourier, during an armed reconnaissance on July 5, ran into a large war party of Cheyenne, moving south from the Little Big Horn valley where they had participated in the battle with the 7th Cavalry that resulted in the deaths of General Custer and his immediate command. Heavily outgunned and outnumbered, Grouard and Pourier convinced the lieutenant in charge of the scout not to fight but to abandon their horses and hike into the Big Horn mountains via a box canyon and thereby sneak back to Crook’s encampment near present day Sheridan. They returned without losing a man. Fortunately, this deed was recorded by a correspondent, John F. Finerty, who rode with them and not DeBarthe. Ironically, this story contradicts one of the more sensational claims made in Grouard’s biography. Finerty correctly stated that on July 5th, no word of Custer’s defeat had reached General Crook’s camp. However, Grouard claims to have seen smoke signals around 9 or 10 in the morning of June 25th and deduced from them that Indians were engaged in a fight with troops and were winning. The officers scoffed at the idea that he could learn all this from the smoke, so he decided to prove it. These smoke signals must have been prophetic as well as informative. The 7th had not even reached the Little Big Horn Valley at 10 a.m. on the 25th and they would not engage the Indian camp until 3 p.m. Never the less, according to Grouard he rode from Crook’s encampment on
Little Goose Creek to the Little Big Horn battlefield, a distance of over 40 miles, arriving around 11:30 p.m. He then managed to find the trail where Custer divided his command into four parts and miraculously followed the trail Custer took, somehow missing Major Reno and the seven companies dug in on the ridge on the way, and found the dead bodies of Custer’s command in the dark. He then proceeded to return, again missing Reno, and was chased by Indians all 40 miles back to camp. Apparently he forgot to mention all this to General Crook. To relate all of the imaginative, albeit false, claims made by Grouard, speaking through DeBarthe, would take far more space than is available here. But of all these stories, there is one Grouard, with his amazingly detailed memories, seems to have completely forgotten. During the Nez Pierce campaign in 1877, Grouard, along with a few other interpreters, was asked to speak to Crazy Horse and other chiefs about scouting for the army against the Nez Pierce. During the discussions, Crazy Horse told Grouard that he would go and “fight until all the Nez Pierce were wiped out”, which Grouard, whether accidently or deliberately is not known, translated as “fight until all the white men are wiped out”. He was immediately challenged by the other interpreters, one of which was his brotherin-law, Billy Garnett. He became indignant and left the council and later tried to back-pedal on the inter-
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pretation when it resulted in Crazy Horse’s arrest and death after the chief panicked and tried to run while being led to the guard house at Fort Robinson. Whatever fortune Joe DeBarthe and Frank Grouard envisioned coming out of the proceeds of the biography, not much materialized. Joe DeBarthe left the Bulletin on the same week as the Johnson County War; he resurfaced in Sheridan where he became editor of the Sheridan Enterprise. By 1909, however, his proper-
ties in the Big Horn basin and in Sheridan were being sold at public auction for unpaid tax debt. Frank Grouard remained at Fort McKinney until his failing eyesight forced him to retire. Army pensions were non-existent for civilian contractors in the 1890s and it wasn’t long before Grouard was scraping for a living as a day laborer. In 1905 he was hospitalized in St. Joseph Missouri and died that fall of pneumonia. He was 55 years old, and dead broke.
Hold the Date! e2e Gillette, August 24, 2011 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Clarion Inn & Convention Center 2009 S. Douglas Hwy. Gillette, WY 82718
e2e welcomes Fred Dowd, Senior Partner at Dowd-Rudkin, LLC.
“Work Smarter, Not Harder”
We have all heard this phrase before but can this really be accomplished? Fred Dowd, Senior Partner at DowdRudkin LLC, will tackle this topic as well as share experiences from his remarkable career in investment management. He has developed some creative techniques to help employees balance their work and family life while increasing productivity. Fred is an accomplished money manager who ranked in the top 2% nationally from 1985 to 2005 only behind the likes of Warren Buffett. Recently, Mr. Dowd started a “boutique investment” firm with Reed Rudkin, recent UW College of Business graduate, in Buffalo, WY. Their goal is work closely with clients to build wealth using Mr. Dowd’s proven approach.
Hot hors d’oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided. To learn more and to let us know if you can attend: Please call 307-766-6395 Event fee included with e2e membership. For e2e membership information contact WTBC at 307-766-6395 or visit http://www.uwyo.edu/wtbc/join.html