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Leave Your Mark on Campbell County... Join our team of Wyoming‛s Best Stylists
The Campbell $1.00 County Observer
December 9 - 16, 2011
www.campbellcountyobserver.net
June 17 - 24, 2011
“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”
Local Foods Grass Fed Beef and Draft Horses Come to our website for all our available products. www.EZRocking-Ranch.com Owned by local Campbell County Rancher.
Conestoga 2nd and 3rd graders perform their Christmas musical at the Heritage Center. Describing how Christmas is celebrated around the world. They sang songs according to the country
that they had described. There are many more musicals from the various schools during the holiday season, please check our “what’s going on” to find out where to attend one.
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Five Roasts and twelve pounds of hamburger for a flat rate $150. All ranch raised beef! This is an approximate Savings of 10%!
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307-340-1108 • 307-340-0631
GALI Class of 2011-12 selling raffle tickets The Gillette Area Leadership Institute (G.A.L.I.) Class of 201112, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Campbell County, will be selling raffle tickets to raise funds to support the Gillette Area Leadership Institute Class of 2012-13. G.A.L.I. is a community leadership program offered to individuals who want to learn more about the diverse business and government entities throughout the area. The 9-month program’s curriculum includes visits to local agricultural, mining, educational, media, governmental, medical, judicial, and human service organizations throughout Campbell County. In order to complete the graduation requirements, each participant is required to attend two board meetings for an organization not affiliated with their own profession, complete four hours of community service and participate in an event to raise funds to support the next year’s institute. In order to accomplish the fund raising requirement, the Class of 2011-12 will be sponsoring a raffle of a bronze buffalo sculpture, sculpted by local artist Dr. Patrick Love. Raffle tickets are $10 and can be
purchased from any G.A.L.I. Class of 2011-12 member. The beautiful sculpture can be viewed at the following locations: • November 14-30: Campbell County Chamber of Commerce, 314 S. Gillette Ave. • December 5-16: City of Gillette Clerk’s Office, 201 E 5th St. • December 19-30: Collins Communications, 3795 Collins Rd.
• January 2-13: Powder River Dental, 1211 S. Douglas Hwy. • January 16-27: Powder River Dental, 805 S 4-J Rd. • January 30-February 10: Wells Fargo Bank, 500 S. Douglas Hwy. • February 13-24: Gillette Optometric Clinic, 609 4-J Ct. • February 27-March 9: Campbell
County Court House, 500 S. Gillette Ave. Drawing to be held March 18, 2012 at the NEWCA Home Show G.A.L.I. Class of 2011-12 Members include Laura Besler (First Interstate Bank), Cheryl Chitwood (Campbell County Government), Ashlie Coker (Daly, Davidson & Sorenson), Del Rae Cox (Campbell County Government), Joe Fischer (Gillette Optometric Clinic), Faith Harvey (Powder River Dental), Patrick Love (Powder River Dental), Shane Miller (Collins Communications), Jody Mills (First Interstate Bank), Ashlee Mills-Fischer (Gillette Optometric Clinic), Donna Morgan (YES House), C.J. Pond (Powder River Energy Corp.), Aaron Rodriguez (Wells Fargo Bank, NA), Connie Scigliano (Campbell County Government), Cindy Staskiewicz (City of Gillette), Taezia Storbeck (Powder River Dental), Bridget Vanderpool (Campbell County Memorial Hospital), Karissa Viergets (Campbell County Memorial Hospital), Tatyana Walker (YES House) and Lacy Woodard (Powder River Dental).
For subscriptions go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net
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Town of Wright Receives $550,000 in Grant Funding for New Visitors Center kiosks and an information desk. Wright Mayor Tim Albin says “this will be a nice addition to Wright” and added “with the partnership with WYDOT’s grant funding it will allow us to construct a new area that will be enjoyed by visitors as well as local residents who utilize the amenities at Panther Pond.” The existing Wright Visitors Center is staffed
by the Campbell County Convention and Visitors Bureau during the summer months. During 2011, over 1,100 people stopped at the center at Panther Pond. The project is currently in the design phase and construction will begin in spring 2012. The new facility is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2012.
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the project, an additional $250,000 in grant funds was awarded in final quarter of 2011. The new Wright Visitors Center will be located near the west end of Panther Pond, with a breezeway area that opens to the viewing deck onto the pond. The Center will be larger and more user friendly than the existing structure with several areas for displays, computer
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The Town of Wright has been awarded $550,000 in grant funds from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) to construction of a new Visitors Center at Panther Pond in Wright. WYDOT’s Transportation Enhancement Activities – Local (TEAL) Fund originally committed $300,000 during first quarter of 2010 for the first phase of the project. The second phase of
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United Express announces enhanced flight schedule from Gillette to Denver Service provided by SkyWest Airlines SkyWest Airlines is pleased to announce an enhanced United Express schedule for passengers at the Gillette-Campbell County airport (GCC), effective March 12, 2012. The new schedule, which provides a third daily roundtrip flight between Gillette and Denver International Airport, gives Gillette’s United Express customers more connecting opportunities to United’s hundreds of domestic and international departures from DIA. “The new schedule allows even more United customers to access Denver and beyond,” said Mike Thompson, SkyWest Airlines vice president Market Development. “We’re pleased to provide a third flight to the Gillette community and encourage customers to take advantage of this added flight to ensure its viability.” “We are excited about the additional flight that United Express will be offering beginning this March,” said GCC Airport Director Jay Lundell. “The airport has seen growth in passenger travel these past several months, and the additional flight will offer both business and leisure travelers more options when flying to and from the Gillette area. We are grateful to United and SkyWest for their continued support by providing reliable and affordable air service to our community.” The new flight schedule, effective March 12, 2012, is as follows*:
Gillette to Denver
quality customer service available in Gillette from the moment they check-in until they land at their destination. The three daily United Express flights, operated by SkyWest Airlines, from Gillette to Denver are aboard the 30-passenger Embraermanufactured EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft. The new flights are immediately available for booking. Remember, the best fares are always at www.united.com. About SkyWest Airlines: SkyWest Airlines is the world’s largest independently owned regional airline. With a fleet of 315 aircraft, SkyWest’s nearly 11,000 aviation professionals operate more than 1,600 flights each day to 161 destinations throughout North America. As a leading air service provider offering global access to millions of people each month, SkyWest partners with the world’s largest network carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. SkyWest is known for its industry-leading workforce, exceptional leadership team, and continued solid operational and economic performance. The airline is headquartered in St. George, Utah.
HEROES and HELPERS day A FREE Holistic Service Day provided to the community for Caregivers. Come and experience de-stressing and relaxation which promotes a relaxation response in the brain and increased circulation in the body to promote well-being and health.
• • • • • •
Denver to Gillette
Depart Arrive Depart Arrive 7:21 a.m. 9:05 a.m. 11:25 a.m. 12:48 p.m. 1:18 p.m. 5:10 p.m. 2:51 p.m. 6:43 p.m. 3:20 p.m. 7:12 p.m. 4:53 p.m. 8:45 p.m.
*Flight schedules are subject to change
Travelers will continue to experience the
Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Answer from last week Denise Langley
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Warm Beverages Served All services given in 20-30 minute lengths. For that special occasion or for the perfect gift try one of our Gourmet meats! • Turkey • Ham • Pheasant • Salmon
Saturday, December 10th, 2011 WPA Building in Camplex Park Starts at 10 am Ends at 2
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Can contact Hollie Kreul (307) 687-2049 for mor information Fri-Sat.
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Community COMING SOON!!!
Police say man punched, dragged female victim
Featured Crime
Destruction of Property (Nov. 20)
Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving several destructions of properties that occurred in the south western section of Gillette on 11-20-2011. A witness reported seeing a white four door full size pickup occupied by two younger males strike street and stop signs at Lexington and Shoshone. The passenger was seen getting out of the vehicle and picking up the street signs and leaving the stop sign. Several other signs were found to be run over in the same area of town. The tire tracks from the other locations were the same as the ones found at the first reported incident. The value of the signs is estimated at $1,800.00. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400 or the High School Crime Stoppers at 682-4185. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.
A 21-year old Gillette man was arrested Thursday after police charged him with two felonies and two misdemeanors. “Officers responded to a report of a man punching a woman and dragging her back into a residence while she was screaming for help,” explains Gillette Police Sergeant Dirk Blackmer. Police say the 20-year old female victim was transported taken by ambulance to the hospital where she was treated and released for possible neck and head injuries. A 1-year old was present during the incident, but police say the child was unharmed. Michael Andrews was charged with kidnapping and the strangulation of a household member, both felonies, along with misdemeanor battery and child endangerment. The incident occurred on the 3200 block of Echeta Road at about 8:39 p.m.
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Michael Andrews is charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors after police say he punched a woman and drug her back into a residence while she screamed for help.
Menacing message left for 9-year-old A 32-year old Gillette mother called the police Thursday after finding a disturbing message written on her daughter’s bedroom window at their home on Beaver Drive. “An unknown person had written a menacing statement in window chalk on the outside of her 9-year old daughter’s bedroom
BRN Photo by Nathan Kobielusz
An investigation revealed that the threat City of Gillette Mayor Tom Murphy received by telephone over the weekend was nothing more than a prank from a friend.
Mayor threat just friendly prank By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News An investigation revealed that the threat of bodily harm against City of Gillette Mayor Tom Murphy was nothing more than a misconstrued joke from a friend, according to Gillette Police Lieutenant Brent Wasson. The mayor told Basin Radio Network Tuesday that he and his wife received a threatening phone call over the weekend. As a precaution, more uniformed police officers than normal attended Monday evening’s city council meeting. Following the meeting, Murphy said rather than take any chances, they were playing it safe. “I would like to thank the Police Department for their quick and thorough investigation,” Mayor Murphy said in a statement released Wednesday morning. “While it is easy to judge an event like this in hindsight, I find it reassuring that Chief Hloucal and his staff responded accordingly. My family and I are grateful and appreciative of their efforts.” Murphy described the last few days as a “roller-coaster ride” and he’s happy that it has been resolved. “What’s unfortunate with all of this is that the work of the City Council and City Staff was over-shadowed this week by these events,” Murphy continued. “The City Council approved a new set of Financial Operating Policies; we amended the resolution to continue to plow residential streets based on citizen feedback; and a new ordinance that covers net metering passed second reading.” Wasson says no charges are pending in this case.
window,” explains Gillette Police Sergeant Dirk Blackmer. The message said, “I watch you sleep.” Blackmer said the case remains under investigation as of Friday morning.
4.5 miles north of the Airport on 14/16
Joke of the week Submitted by Brian Swardson Little Fred collected lots of money from trickor-treating and he went to the candy store to buy some chocolate. “You should give that money to someone on welfare,” said the sales girl. Fred thought for a moment and said, “No, I’ll buy the chocolate. You give the money to them.”
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The Campbell County Observer Staff CampbellCountyObserver.net (PP-1) Volume 1 Issue 35 The Campbell County Observer is published by Patriot Publishing L.L.C. in Gillette, WY every Friday. Postmaster: Send address changes to 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Writers Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Where is this picture taken? Answer from last week
COMING SOON!!!
Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Sandra Boehler (Charities/Fundraisers/Veterans Events) SandraBoehler@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Brittany Miller - Sales/Marketing BrittanyMiller@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Elizabeth Albin (Wright) ElizabethAlbin@campbellcountyobserver.com
Traci Jefferson - Sales/Marketing TraciJefferson@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Lin Stephens LinStephens@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Cyndee Stoneking - Sales/Marketing CyndeeStoneking@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Josh Uzarski (Science) JoshuaUzarski@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Ken De Laat (About Nothing) KennethDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Ken McCoy - Distribution Manager
“Juice” (Political Cartoonist) Juice@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Pattie Ladd - What’s Going On PattieLadd@CampbellCountyObserver.com Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com
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Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Community Governor Mead proposes reduction in ongoing spending while making important investments has more than doubled over the last ten years. While the State has accomplished a great deal during that decade, we see flat revenue projections ahead and we must recognize that the previous rate of growth is not sustainable.” Governor Mead’s proposal reserves $87 million dollars unappropriated from the state’s general fund available for legislative consideration and over $400 million that can go to savings. “This leaves significant funding to the discretion of the Legislature for that body to bring its thoughts and expertise to bear on the priorities of the State. Recognizing the
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our energy resources,” Governor Mead said. “I have incorporated several one-time recommendations based on budget requests,” Governor Mead wrote. “This strategy requires requests to be made and reviewed on a biennial basis, and it is a tool to reduce growth and increase transparency.” Governor Mead said this is especially important for spending on issues related to health care, given the uncertainty around the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Governor Mead confirmed that his continuing commitment to reducing the size of government and making it more efficient is long-term. “I believe this approach will achieve the transparency and accountability the public not only demands but is entitled to from state government without loss of important services. It further
supports investment in those arenas vital to the ongoing economic prosperity and quality of life we expect for Wyoming citizens.” Steps toward efficiency include the merger of two departments - Workforce Services and Employment - into a single department, realignment of the Department of Health and the Office of State Lands and Investments, and cost savings achieved by the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). Next steps are further consolidation of information technology services and staff within the OCIO, housed as a separate agency, and implementation of results of ongoing agency program reviews. To view the Governor’s letter to the Legislature and his budget you can go to:http://ai.state.wy.us/ budget/20132014Budget. aspx
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Let us introduce to you another one of our Campbell County Community Veterans. Jeff Raney enlisted in May of 1982 because “There were no jobs in the years of 81-82. I was working the oilfields offshore, and the jobs went away. Where better to go than the U.S. Army?” Jeff went in and out of the Army thereafter and finally retired in June of 1994. He was active duty from 82-86, and 91-92. He was in the reserves from 86-88, and joined the Texas National Guard in 1988, where he stayed until desert storm. During his time in, he was stationed in various places, including Germany, Fort Hood, Fort Stewert, and Fort Erwin. He was deployed to many regions including Grenada and Panama, where he was deployed after everything was over, and saw combat on the Czech Border during the Cold War. He also served at home during his stint in the Texas National Guard as border patrol. Mr. Raney had many memorable moments including “when my platoon maxed out an ARTEP (Army Training Evaluation Program), I was very proud. I think it was my proudest moment, I was a platoon sergeant at the time.” Getting out with an Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant E-6 promotable, Jeff opened up a firearms shop down in Texas. When he started his family, a wonderful and understanding wife and two beautiful children, he retired to stay at home and raise his kids. He still dabbles in the gun business, and as a matter of fact, you will find him at all the Gillette gun shows. He is also on the Sleepy Hollow Homeowners Board, and is involved with Republican Politics. “I am absolutely proud of what I did, and I think military service should be mandatory for every male in the U.S. If you don’t get out with a sense of accomplishment or pride, then they didn’t get raised with them in the first place.” He had one more thing to add, “God Bless Our Troops.” The Veteran of the Month is brought to you by Collins Communication
The Governor’s budget proposal puts one-time money towards local governments, highways and schools, including the community colleges and University of Wyoming. “This budget recommends investment in the programs that create opportunities – education, construction funds, highways, cities, towns and counties. We invest in initiatives aimed at protecting and improving quality of life,” Governor Mead wrote in a letter to Wyoming legislators. These funding recommendations include $168 million for cities, towns and counties, mostly for infrastructure projects and major maintenance, $15 million for landfill remediation or closure, $100 million for highways and roads, $21 million for the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust, $39.4 million for water projects, $15 million for mega data center and technology company incentives, $247 million for school capital construction projects, $55 million for University of Wyoming construction projects and $28.5 million for community college capital construction. Governor Mead’s proposal also sets an investment strategy for AML money already in Wyoming’s coffers to continue to add value to natural resources and energy. Much of this $45 million would go to the School of Energy Resources (SER) at the University of Wyoming. The funding would expand research and expertise, match donations to the SER, work on a CO2 pipeline infrastructure across the state, convert vehicles to run on natural gas, and continue research on carbon sequestration and enhanced oil recovery. “It is appropriate to direct this existing revenue for continued efforts to add value to
value of services the State provides also requires an acknowledgement that budget reductions should be done with careful consideration of the consequences. Therefore, I prefer to leave dollars on the table rather than have agencies, in a very short time period, being asked to make 5 to 8 percent across the board cuts,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead notes it is important to be cautious. “With projections showing that state revenue will flatten out over the coming years, with anticipated federal cuts, and with growing instability in other parts of the world, it is necessary to exercise restraint with ongoing spending. I believe my budget reflects our strong financial position now, while taking a measured approach going forward,” Governor Mead said. The budget proposal identifies the challenge of accurately counting the number of state employees. Governor Mead notes the varied names for employees. Some are part-time, some are contract, while some have other designations. “The state employee number needs to count everybody and express a straightforward total,” Governor Mead said. His budget increases employees by 28 due to 31 individuals moving from the status of University employees to state employees because of a change in the administration of the Casper Family Residency Program. Governor Mead took a conservative, but measured approach to spending control, which allowed him the flexibility to apply revenue to one-time initiatives that move Wyoming forward. “We must position ourselves strategically to take advantage of economic growth and development opportunities so that our state, now and in the future, can remain strong and become stronger,” Governor Mead said.
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Governor Matt Mead announced his first biennial budget today. That budget, for the 2013-14 biennium, strikes an important balance between fiscal restraint and capitalizing on opportunities to invest in services with significant impacts for local communities, highways and education. “Wyoming is financially strong and we have an opportunity to invest in our future while recognizing we must always be good stewards of public dollars,” Governor Mead said. To this end, he proposes a reduction in ongoing spending of over $17 million. “The standard budget in Wyoming
Anne Peterson
advertising sales manager annepeterson@campbell countyobserver.com (307) 299-4662
Community Governor Mead asks full court to review Roadless Rule decision Governor Matt Mead, today, directed the State of Wyoming to petition for a rehearing of the decision that upheld the Roadless Rule. Governor Mead would like the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to consider Wyoming’s arguments en banc. “This Rule has significant implications for Wyoming and our people,” Governor Mead said. “The case raises legal questions of exceptional importance and I believe it is necessary to have this decision reviewed by the entire Tenth Circuit.” The Petition for Rehearing says that the U.S. Forest Service violated
the Wilderness Act when it created de facto wilderness areas across approximately 59 million acres of the nation’s forests, including 3 million acres in Wyoming. In addition, the Petition states that the Forest Service radically altered the scope of the Roadless Rule without preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act; that the Forest Service circumvented the National Forest Management Act under the guise of nationwide rulemaking; that the Forest Service is required to evaluate forest use on a forest-by-for-
est basis rather than by national rule; and that the Forest Service predetermined the outcome of the Roadless Rule to satisfy a Presidential edict. “The creation of these de facto wilderness areas means the voice of the public and the State are stifled in managing the lands here,” Governor Mead said. “Not only does this prevent many uses of public land, but it also limits our ability to fight back against the bark beetles that are devastating our forests.” The Petition was filed with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals today.
Warden’s Corner
What’s Going On? Friday, December 9
-Festival of Lights: Camplex Park -Chamber Singers Christmas Dinner 6:30pm at Chophouse -12 Days of Christmas: 4pm at Advocacy for Visual Arts Center -Pinnacle Bank Shop Local Drawing, 1708 W. Hwy. 1416, 682-0089 -Fun Kids Wish List Friday (all Day) Downtown Gillette -AVA-Twelve Days of Christmas, 4 p.m. -Jackdanny Band @ Jakes Tavern -Peabody Coal Safety Summit: Heritage Center (Private) -Anadarko Petroleum Holiday Banquet: Energy Hall (Private) -Holiday Lighting Contest AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm Last Call Group-10pm
Saturday, December 10
-Windcreek/Electrofab Holiday Dinner: Energy Hall (Private) -CCPL Teen Dungeons and Dragons-10am-1pm -CCPL 4th-6th grade Wii Play -CCPL Teen Open Play Video Gaming 1-4pm -Magna Energy Services Holiday Banquet: Central Pavilion (Private) -CCMH Banquet: Wyo Center Equality Hall (Private -Holiday Lighting Contest -Festival of Lights: Camplex Park AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Discussion-8:30 am Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm Last Call Group-10pm
Sunday, December 11
-WBA Meeting, 1 p.m., Jakes Tavern -One on One Computer Classes CCPL -Powder River Symphony: Heritage Center 3-4:30pm
-Holiday Lighting Contest AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Morning Spiritual-10:15 am Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm
Monday, December 12
-Wagonwheel 3rd and 4th grade Program: Heritage Center 7pm -Festival of Lights: Camplex Park -CCHS Christmas Dinners AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm
Tuesday, December 13
-Festival of Lights: Camplex Park -Kids Storytime CCPL: 10:30am -Santa Photo’s at Zip Printing 5:30-7pm -Gingerbread House Contest at Breanna’s Bakery 1pm -CCHS Christmas Dinners CCPL Teen Card Game Club 4-6pm -Meadowlark 1st and 2nd grade program: 7pm AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Beginners-6:45pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm AA-514 Bison Ave. Wright, WY Group-7pm
Wednesday, Dec. 14
-Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day -Kids Storytime CCPL: 10:30am -Wright Library-Storytime 11am -Wright Library After school special: Gingerbread Houses 101-3:15pm -Festival of Lights: Camplex Park -Legion Riders Meeting, 7 p.m., American Legion AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm
Thursday, December 15
Weekly Trivia Answer from Last Week What was the first newspaper published in America?? Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick was the title of the first multi-page newspaper published in the Americas. Before then, single-page newspapers, called broadsides, were published in the English colonies and printed in Cambridge in 1689. The first edition was published September 25, 1690, in Boston, Massachusetts, and was intended to be published monthly, “or, if any Glut of Occurrences happen, oftener.” It was printed by American Richard Pierce of Boston, and it was edited by Benjamin Harris, who had previously published a newspaper in London. The paper contained four six by ten inch pages, and filled only three of them. No second edition was printed, as the paper was shut down by the government. The Governor and Council, on Sept. 29th, 1690, issued an order as follows: “Whereas some have lately presumed to Print and Disperse a Pamphlet, Entitled, Publick Occurrences, both Forreign and Domestick: Boston, Thursday, September 25th,1690. Without the least Privity and Countenace of Authority. The Governor and Council having had the perusal of said Pamphlet, and finding that therein contained Reflections of a very high nature: As also sundry doubtful and uncertain Reports, do hereby manifest and declare their high Resentment and Disallowance of said Pamphlet, and Order that the same be Suppressed and called in; strictly forbidden any person or persons for the future to Set forth anything in Print without License first obtained from those that are or shall be appointed by the Government to grant the same.” (Discloser: You may notice that the spelling is wrong. Before an English dictionary came out, all men and women would spell according to how the words sound to them.)
-Rozet 1st and 2nd grade program: Heritage Center – 7pm -CCPL Toddler Time: 9:30am -CCPL Kids Story Time: 10:30am -Santa Photo’s at Zip Printing 5:30-7pm -CCHS Band Christmas Concert -Wright Library Kris Kringle Kraft Days 3-6pm -Wright Library YA Christmas Crafts and Cookies 3-6pm -CCPL Families and Jammies 6:30pm CCPL Adult anime 7-8:30pm -Yates Petroleum Christmas Party: Wyoming Center-Frontier Hall (Private) -Festival of Lights: Camplex Park AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm
-Breakfast with Santa @ Brothers Coffee, 9-11 a.m. -Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., CCPL -Stock Dog Trials, 10 a.m., Cam-plex Barn 3 -Rockpile Museum: Old Fashioned Christmas Crafts, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 682-5723 -Christmas Family Crafts Day: 10am at Rockpile museum -Gillette is the Place to Bee Holiday Promotion, 3rd Drawing, 12 p.m., Farmer’s CO-OP -4 – 6th Grade Wii-Play Saturdays, 1 – 4 p.m., CCPL -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1 – 4 p.m., CCPL -Festival of Lights: Camplex Park -WBA Christmas Party with Jackdanny Band @ Jakes Tavern, 6 p.m. AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Discussion-8:30 am Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm Last Call Group-10pm
Friday, December 16
Sunday, December 18
-Festival of Lights: Camplex Park - Early dismissal-all Campbell County Schools -Open Mic Night at Brothers Coffee -CCPL Teen Early Release Party 1-4pm AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm Last Call Group-10pm
-Powder River Symphony: Sounds of the Holidays, 3 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center, 682-8802 for tickets -Santa Photo’s at Teacher’s Corner 1-4pm -Festival of Lights: Camplex Park AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Morning Spiritual-10:15am Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm
Saturday, December 17
Monday, December 19
-Wyoming Day -ACT Testing, 8 a.m., TSJH -Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Downtown Gillette 11am-2pm -Breakfast and Photos with Santa at Brothers Coffee 9-11am -Gillette College: Kid Free Christmas Shopping, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Gillette College Tech. Center, 307-674-6446 ext. 4500 -Chamber Singers Christmas Dinner 6:30pm at Chophouse
-Festival of Lights: Camplex Park -CHRISTMAS BREAK AA-2910 S. Douglas Hwy Midday Serenity-12 noon Happy Hour-5:30pm Hopefuls (BB)-8pm
Bobcat season is in full swing and trappers should keep in mind that Game and Fish Commission Regulation requires them to check traps and snares regularly. Leg-hold traps must be checked once in each 72 hour period while quick-kill body grip traps as well as snares must be checked once each week. All wildlife that is caught shall be removed immediately by the owner of the traps and non-target catches shall be released unharmed. If the non-target catch is a big or trophy game animal, game bird, protected animal or raptor and it has been injured and may not live or is dead the trapper is required to notify a Department law enforcement officer. Additional regulations apply to trappers using snares so remember to consult your Furbearer/Trapping regulations that are available at any license selling agent.
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Public Pulse Campbell Co. Fire Dept. November 30, 2011
Submitted by Wyoming Liberty Group
There will now be four Political Parties in Wyoming
Wyoming voters will have more choices in the 2012 election. Besides independents who run, there will be candidates from four parties on the ballot. These are the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and now the Country Parties. The Wyoming Country Party today submitted petition signatures to the office of the Wyoming Secretary of State to become a fully ballot qualified political party in Wyoming. 6,387 signatures were submitted. 3,740 valid signatures are required. The Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s office must validate the signatures before the Wyoming Country Party is certified as a political party in Wyoming. Candidates nominated by a fully
ballot qualified political party are automatically placed on the November 2012 ballot without any requirement for gathering additional petition signatures. Such ballot access allows candidates to focus on winning the general election, instead of having to focus on just getting on the ballot, or in spending a lot of resources trying to beat an incumbent in the primary election. The Wyoming Country Party plans to hold its nominating convention in early summer of 2012. The platform of the Wyoming Country Party is focused on shrinking state government, on reducing state taxes, and on taking back control from the federal government for many functions that are constitutionally reserved to the states.
Being a fully-qualified political party will allow the Wyoming Country Party to nominate a full slate of candidates for county, state and federal partisan elections. However, a unique feature of the Wyoming Country Party is that the party will only nominate candidates to run against incumbents who have shown by their voting record to be supporters of higher taxes and bigger government. The Wyoming Country Party will not nominate candidates to run against incumbents who have voted for less government and less taxes. These rules are incorporated in the bylaws of the party. Please direct any questions to Don Wills, Wyoming Country Party chairman at 307-245-3140 or atchairman@wycountryparty.org.
Park County Woman pleads guilty to Medicaid Fraud
Wyoming Attorney General Greg Phillips announced that Melody Sell of Cody was convicted and sentenced to a suspended two to four year prison sentence. She was placed on four years of supervised probation for fraudulently billing Wyoming Medicaid for services she did not provide and ordered to pay $22,704.31 in restitution to Wyoming Medicaid. Sell provided rehabilitation services to developmentally disabled Wyoming Medicaid recipients through her business
Achieving Independence. Sell billed Wyoming Medicaid for a twelve month period in 2007-2008 certifying that she provided services for a client when that client was actually hospitalized or in the Park County Detention Center. Sell pleaded guilty to a felony Medicaid fraud charge and was ordered to pay restitution and fines, fees and assessments. “Medicaid provides medical care for many of the most vulnerable segments of Wyoming’s residents. Every dollar we can return to
Wyoming’s Medicaid program protects the system and benefits our neediest and most vulnerable citizens,” Christine Stickley Director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit said. The case was investigated by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General’s Office and prosecuted by the Park County Attorney’s Office. People convicted of Medicaid fraud may be excluded from future Medicaid participation. The Wyoming Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud
Control Unit investigates and prosecutes financial fraud by those providing healthcare services or goods to Medicaid patients. The unit also investigates and prosecutes instances of elder abuse or neglect. Anyone wishing to report suspicions regarding any of these concerns may contact the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in Cheyenne (307) 777-3444 or (800) 378-0345. Medicaid fraud information can also be found on the Attorney General’s web site: http://attorneygeneral.state.wy.us
US House of Representatives pass bill to amend Video Privacy Protection Act off 1988 The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill ( HR 2471) that would amend the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 to ease restrictions on sharing of video rental information. The bill is supported by Facebook, Netflix, the Center for Democracy and Technology and the Digital Media Association. The measure is opposed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center. The bill would allow a video service provider to “obtain a consumer’s in-
Submitted by Pamela Heisey
formed, written consent on an ongoing basis and that consent may be obtained through the Internet.” Current law treats disclosure regarding renting video tape cassettes and online streaming video identically. There are no such restrictions on disclosure of other media such as music. “Congress adopted the [Video Privacy Protection Act] in 1988 after failed Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork’s video rental history was published by the Washington City Paper during
confirmation hearings. The act outlaws the disclosure of video rentals unless the consumer gives consent, on a rental-by-rental basis,” according to David Kravets of Wired.com. Amongst All Lawmakers • The online computer services industry (e.g., Facebook, Netflix, and the Digital Media Association), which supported the bill, gave on average 73% more to House members who voted ‘YES’ ($2,644) than to House members who voted ‘NO’ ($1,525).
Wyo. Youth Challenge class graduates Dec. 10 The Wyoming National Guard Youth Challenge Program’s Class will graduate on Dec. 10, at 1 p.m., at the Eastern Wyoming College Auditorium, in Torrington. Twenty-two cadets have spent the last 5 1/2 months at the Youth Challenge residence program, located at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center. Core components of the program include academics, citizenship, life-coping skills, civic service, leadership and physical fitness. “This is a great class of cadets who prove hard work and a sense of pride goes a long way to finding success,” said Don Smith,
- At 9:26 AM to the area of Cameo Court for an EMS assist. - At 12:25 PM to the 600 block of Garner Lake Road for an EMS assist. - At 1:43 PM to the 6700 block of South HWY 59 for an EMS assist. - At 1:58 PM to North Antelope Rochelle Mine for an EMS assist. - At 2:03 PM to the 1500 block of Hilltop Road for a carbon monoxide call. - At 4:00 PM to the 400 block of Four J Road for a fire alarm. - At 4:20 PM to Four J Road for a vehicle vs. light pole. CCFD crews contained the fuel leakage. Now persons were injured. - At 5:10 PM to the 800 block of Nogales Way for an EMS assist. - At 7:42 PM to the area of Overbrook Rd. for a ruptured natural gas line. A vehicle slid off of Overbrook Rd. and struck a natural gas riser, CCFD crews plugged a 1 inch gas line that was leaking.
December 1, 2011
- At 1:22 PM to the 500 block of Church Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 2:43 PM to the 200 Block of West Warlow Drive for an EMS assist
December 2, 2011
- At 4:43 AM to the 900 block of South Gillette Avenue for a medical assist. - At 6:20 AM to the 4200 block of Hidden Valley Road for a medical assist. - At 10:18 AM to the 300 block of Osborne Ave for an EMS assist. - At 1:22 PM to the area of Elon Avenue for natural gas line that was accidentally hit by a construction company. CCFD crews along, with Source Gas officials, secured the scene and clamped off the line successfully. - At 2:58 PM to the area of 5600 Hannum Road for an EMS assist.
December 3, 2011
- At 9:43 AM to the 800 block of Beech Street for a medical assist. - At 10:01 AM to 900 South Butler Spaeth Road (Saint Matthews Church Building) to assist with resetting a fire alarm. - At 3:00 PM to the 1000 block of Camel Drive for a medical assist. - At 9:13 PM to the 800 block of East 5th Street for a medical assist.
December 4, 2011
- At 1:25 AM to 800 East 2nd Street (Central Kwik Shop) for a gasoline spill (approximately eight feet square area). Firefighters applied a petroleum eating enzyme along with floor dry. - At 1:47 AM to 150 West Hills Loop for a report of light smoke inside the residence. Firefighters arrived to find the home had been evacuated and light wood smoke inside the residence. Firefighters found an electric heater that slides under the base kitchen cabinet had started
What’s Going On In Government? Monday, December 12
Wyoming National Guard Youth Challenge director. “Wyoming Youth Challenge provides at-risk students a second chance at responsible citizenship by giving them the courage to change.” Applications for the next Youth Challenge class, beginning in January, are being accepted. For information about the Wyoming Youth Challenge Program, cadet applications, or information on becoming a mentor, visit the Web site at http://www.ngycp. org/state/wy or call the program at 307836-7500.
-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, December 13
-Campbell County Economic Development Corporation Board: 7am -Board of Examiners: 12:30pm
Wednesday, Dec. 14
Gillette Area Leadership Tour and Presentation -Annual Dinner with Local Legislators
the kitchen cabinet on fire. Firefighters extinguished the smoldering kitchen cabinet, utilized natural ventilation (through the doors) to clear the light smoke out, and checked the atmosphere of the home with a gas monitor for carbon monoxide (no elevated levels). The electrical breaker to the heater was shut off. The Occupant, Tom Stallings stated he woke up and smelled smoke and evacuated his family out of the home. The home’s smoke detector did not activate due to a dead battery. Preliminary fire damage is $1,000. - At 9:33 AM to Foothills Blvd. for an EMS assist. - At 10:41 AM to Desert Hills Circle for an EMS assist. - At 1:41 PM to Cotton Ave. for an EMS assist. - At 3:51 PM to D Court for an EMS assist. - At 5:07 PM to Turkey Track for an automatic fire alarm, units were cancelled and returned to service.
December 5, 2011
- At 12:43 AM to Avalon Ct. for a medical assist. - At 7:20 AM to 3200 block of Harder Drive for a medical assist. - At 7:56 AM to 10000 block of North Highway 14-16 for a medical assist. - At 8:57 AM to 309 West Timothy Street for a carbon monoxide alarm. No elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected inside the residence. - At 9:50 AM to the 2300 block of Rose Creek Drive for a medical assist. - At 10:12 AM to 3704 North Highway 14-16 for a two vehicle traffic accident resulting in one injury. The Highway was temporary shutdown in both directions until the accident debris could be cleaned up. - At 1:08 PM to the 2700 block of Cheryl Avenue for a medical assist. - At 3:20 PM to the southbound inside lane on South Douglas Highway for a two vehicle rear-end traffic accident. There were no injuries and firefighters applied floor dry to fluid leakage on the roadway. - At 7:47 PM to M&M Circle for a unknown type fire that turned out to be a debris fire. The cause of the fire is unknown. - At 8:35 PM to 515 Daisy Drive for a carbon monoxide detector activation. No elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected inside the residence.
December 6, 2011
- At 7: 42 AM to Running W Dr. for an EMS assist. - At 2:30 PM to Mohan for an EMS assist. - At 3:03 PM to Sage Valley Junior High for an automatic fire alarm, upon arrival it was determined that smoke from some maintenance operations had caused the alarm to activate, the building was checked and students were allowed to re occupy. - At 3:58 PM to Westover Rd. and Four J for a 2 vehicle accident with no injuries.
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Don’t go to the grave spending your life being careful, you should slide in sideways, body thoroughly used up, worn out, cigar in one hand and drink in the other saying “Woo Hoo…What a Ride!” -Nicholas De Laat
-Gillette City Council Pre-Meeting, 6-7 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -Gillette City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
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Community Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor, I cannot find a single candidate for President for the Republican Party. Romney is against gun-rights, Newt is for nationalized health care, Cain can’t stay out of the tabloids, and Ron Paul’s stance on overseas affairs is awful. No Obama is a terrible President. He believes in re-distribution of wealth, and a full Statist government. We need to get him out of office, and there in no-one on the Republican Ticket that can do it. I don’t know what to do. Voting third party is out, because that won’t help Obama getting voted out. In my opinion, in one hand you have dog waste, and the other cat waste. When is someone worthwhile going to run? Maybe someone from Wyoming? Joan Crosen From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Joan, Have you ever met anyone who is perfect? Let alone a politician? (Sorry Nick!) Every four years, during election time, you have to make a choice. I always tend to lay low during election season and not vote because, either way, they will do something to bring harm and I can never decide which of the two bad policies will hurt less. But that might, in turn, be doing even more harm! It’s a conundrum. With good always comes a little…or a lot of bad. The cold, hard fact is that ONE OF THESE PEOPLE WILL BE PRESIDENT. It’s going to happen. Do your research and find out who has the smallest con list or if their pros outweigh their cons. You have to dig down deep and find out what is most important to you. If you still find yourself unhappy, you can always run yourself but then there will be other people, just like you, who are not going to agree with all of your policies and call you cat waste.
Dear Editor, IT’S CHRISTMAS SEASON! My favorite time of the year. I was wondering if you could tell your readers to get involved in the many events and charities around our County this holiday season. If you could pass along that message, that would be great! Cherril Williams via. Facebook From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Cherril, Thanks for writing in! For the past few weeks, past few months even, we have been writing articles about nearly every charity event we have come across. This is also my favorite time of year and I whole-heartedly agree that it is the time for giving. If you have been reading the paper and have seen us fall short in anyway, feel free to write in or e-mail us with every charity event that you have heard about. You may even write articles of your own about them for publishing! It is hard, with such a small staff, to cover every possible event, so the help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again.
Bold Republic Weekly I Hereby Resolve 2012 By Glenn Woods
The end of another year is almost upon us. I know I am a few weeks early, but I hate putting things off. It is time to make some New Year Resolutions. Honestly, I hate the very idea of “NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS.” Every year I resolve not to make any, yet, since that is a resolution in and of itself, I figure that I am always breaking my own resolution, merely by the act of making it. Such contradictions are the story of my life. I figure, this year, why not make it easy, I’ll resolve a few things that I know I can keep. Why make an unrealistic list? Look I know that New Year Resolutions are supposed to make you a better person. But I’m not sure that I can achieve that. I always fall miserably short of the mark. So, I’m just going for being a more efficient person. Why not just be better at what I already do? Ok, so, here we go ---1) Hereby resolve that any problems I have this year are my own and I am responsible for solving them. I will not blame others. It is fine to ask for help if I am really stuck and need a hand, but I refuse to be a burden on anyone else, for any reason. See - and you were worried. I’m thinking that I’m off to a good start here. 2) I will not demand what I have not earned. So - If I want healthcare, or housing, or a student loan, or money to pay rent, and so on, I have to go out and produce, create the wealth, and then earn the money through my own hard labor. I will not attempt to convince others that I am owed these things by some unseen “right.” I only have a right to what I have earned. In other words, I will not be an overbearing thief, or looter, demanding that something should be taken, by force, form others and given to me, like those who occupy wall street do. Since I mentioned Occupy Wall Street, I should make a resolution regarding them… 3) I promise not to use the same old tired insults on the people I disagree with when I host my daily radio show. For example, calling the Occupy kids a bunch of smelly spoiled brats is probably getting a little old. There are so many other things I can call them: How about flea bitten, unsanitary, un-house-broken, selfish, greedy, overbearing thieves. That’s a start anyway. I’ll make a list and keep it fresh. I think this is a good resolution. 3) I have always said that I do not suffer fools for long, or lightly. Frankly, I don’t have much patience for stupid at all. I never did. This, I believe, is a flaw in my personality. From now on I hereby resolve
to not suffer fools AT ALL! Not even for a second. Stupid will be treated as such, instantly. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Come now Glenn, be nice.” Ok, fine. Just to make you happy I’ve decided to use a series of creative insults when dealing with stupid. See if this works for you: “I’m thinking that a half-wit gave you a piece of his mind, and you held on to it.” “You know, I’m thinking that all of your ancestors must number in the millions; it’s hard to believe that many people are to blame for producing you.” “I’m guessing that any similarity between you and smart is purely coincidental!” “Are you always so stupid or is today a special occasion?” How am I doing so far? I’m trying to be more creative here so that when I am forced to call someone stupid I can at least make some people laugh, which is not quite as annoying. That’s considerate, --- right? I’m thinking this list is going well. Let’s move on. 4) I know that on my radio show I am continually ranting and raving against stupid politicians, and I’m sure that it annoys them to no end. Well, ok, that is not fair. I, hereby, resolve to spend more time harassing the pathetic losers who keep electing these stupid politicians. I mean, we all know that a politician can’t help himself. Stupid people are born stupid and it is permanent damage. So, how stupid do you have to be to be the people who continue to elect these stupid people? Maybe I have been picking on the wrong stupid, and for that I am sorry. 5) When I moved out to Wyoming I did not bring a television with me. I have now been here to years and I have not missed it one bit. Last week, I had a chance to sit and watch some television for the first time in two years. I hereby resolve not to do that again. That’s two hours of my life --- wasted. I could feel my brain rotting as I sat there. That fact that some bimbo named SNOOKI will make more money this year than I will see in my life time made me mad as hell. I actually lost sleep over it. 6) In the year 2012, I will spend more time, A) Hanging out with friends. B) Exploring Wyoming. C) Smoking good cigars. D) Discovering new things. E) Reading more. F) Writing more. 7) AL GORE IS A PUTZ --- I don’t say that enough. I promise to say that more. Yeah, these are good resolutions. I’m going to enjoy 2012.
Dear Editor, Regarding the recent mishaps attributed to drone usage misses the point. The real downside of Predator Drones is not their accuracy, collateral damage, violation of national boundaries nor the multitude of
other widely held concerns. It should be understood that “real” wars are dirty, ugly, bloody, exhausting and expensive! It is these factors that make going to war far less tempting. Utilizing drones is so simple, so sanitary and so inexpensive that employing them is so easy to justify. They are launched hundreds of miles from intended targets, guided and fired thousands of miles from those targets. It is little more than a home video game played in the friendly confines of a family game room. In that game room atmosphere the deterrents to “real” wars are not apparent. “Real” wars are in fact hard! “Video” wars are in fact far to easy to start and to play. Not unlike starting a forest fire that takes but a carelessly tossed (launched) cigarette to ignite. The extinguishing of a forest fire is dirty, ugly, bloody, exhausting and expensive! That is the real downside of the use of Predator Drones! It should be understood that it is far easier to start a war then to win a war! Gerald Schwartz From Editor Nicholas De Laat: Yes, video games are fake wars. But if we go to war, we should use the latest technology and strategies to win as swiftly as possible with minimal loss to American lives. It is as simple as that. There is no downside of Predator Drones, as instead of shooting down a pilot, you are shooting a machine. An American soldier did not lose his or her life. War is a big decision, and sometimes decided wrongly, but if you go, you go to fight and win…not to make people happy. You are wrong. Dear Editor, I would just like to submit a letter about all the local politicians. Do they think they are in Washington D.C.? They sure are acting like it. I would like to see just one of them fight to stop more rules and regulations, and stand up to the people that are above them instead of glad-handing them for more influence. That’s all. Mark Wellington From Editor Nicholas De Laat: Amen! Dear Editor, I own a local business in town and I was handing out fliers I printed off at the Camplex last week in the parking lot and the Cam-plex people told me to stop. Are they allowed to do that? “Wants to remain anonymous because of business reasons” via. E-mail From Editor Nicholas De Laat: Public facility, events put on by public entities, public parking lot, paid for by the public. Don’t see a problem here!
Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Answer from last week Greg Davis
Weekly Trivia Answer from Last Week Who was the main leader of the Boston Tea Party?
Samual Adams took a leading role in the events that led up to the famous Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773. In May 1773, the British Parliament passed the Tea Act, a tax law to help the struggling East India Company, one of Great Britain’s most important commercial institutions. News of the Tea Act set off a firestorm of protest in the colonies. The familiar “no taxation without representation” argument, along with the question of the extent of Parliament’s authority in the colonies, remained prominent. This iconic 1846 lithograph by Nathaniel Currier was entitled “The Destruction of Tea at Boston Harbor”; the phrase “Boston Tea Party” had not yet become standard. When the tea ship Dartmouth arrived in the Boston Harbor in late November, Adams wrote a circular letter calling for a mass meeting to be held at Faneuil Hall on November 29. Thousands of people arrived, so many that the meeting was moved to the larger Old South Meeting House. British law required the Dartmouth to unload and pay the duties within twenty days or customs officials could confiscate the cargo. The mass meeting passed a resolution, introduced by Adams, urging the captain of the Dartmouth to send the ship back without paying the import duty. Meanwhile, the meeting assigned twenty-five men to watch the ship and prevent the tea from being unloaded. Governor Hutchinson refused to grant permission for the Dartmouth to leave without paying the duty. Two more tea ships, the Eleanor and theBeaver, arrived in Boston Harbor. The fourth ship, the William was stranded near Cape Cod and never arrived to Boston. On December 16—the last day of the Dartmouth’s deadline—about 7,000 people had gathered around the Old South Meeting House. After receiving a report that Governor Hutchinson had again refused to let the ships leave, Adams announced that “This meeting can do nothing further to save the country.” According to a popular story, Adams’s statement was a prearranged signal for the “tea party” to begin That evening, a group of 30 to 130 men, some of them thinly disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded the three vessels and, over the course of three hours, dumped all 342 chests of tea into the water. Adams never revealed if he went to the wharf to witness the destruction of the tea. Whether or not he helped plan the event is unknown, but Adams immediately worked to publicize and defend it. He argued that the Tea Party was not the act of a lawless mob, but was instead a principled protest and the only remaining option the people had to defend their constitutional rights.
To listen to Glenn Woods morning radio show tune in to 1270am KIML Gillette Monday through Friday from 6 - 10 a.m. www.boldrepublic.com
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Sports Report Gillette once again finishes on top in Billings By Ted Ripko - Basin Radio Sports
Twin Spruce Warrior Wrestling Submitted by Jeff Wagoner and Jeff Wasserburger On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the Twin Spruce Warrior Wrestling team dueled both Casper CY, and Douglas. The Warriors defeated Cy by a score of 68-18, and Douglas 60-18. Earning victories against CY were Kaleb Gossel, Austin Cunningham, Wyatt Rising, Dalton Mckinsey, Mason Bonar, Logan Wagoner, Logan “Big Country” Bulkley, Lane Barbour, Ariel Dixon, Ethan Allard, Colby Chandler, and Blake Griffin. Winning matches against Douglas were Kaleb Gossel, Michael Cunningham, Wyatt Rising, Mason Bonar, Logan Wagoner, Logan Bulkley, Johnny Ross, Lane Barbour, Zach “Clubber” Clark, Ethan Allard, Colby Chandler, Blake Griffin. Results from the Twin Spruce mixer involving Moorcroft, Wright, Newcastle, Sage Valley and Twin Spruce are pending.
Results from Sage Valley Dual Dec. 1
The Warrior Wrestling team had mixed results against Sage Valley. The A team was defeated 55-24. Earning victories for the Warriors were Wyatt Rising, Mason Bonar, Zach Clark, Zach Harbor, and Colby Chandler. Zach Harbor earned match of the night honors. In B team action, the Warriors were victorious in 29 out of 38 matches. Wrestlers earning victories include Tanner Potter (2), Dawson George, Jesse Austin, Zane Fichter (2), Fathan Dixon, Jose Ramirez (2),
Travis Tatkenhorst (2), Kurt Kremer, Hayden Niehoff, Wyatt Bulkley(2), Taylor Chope, Korbin “Dr. Phil” Vasser, Colter Adams, Tyson Keith, Dylan Kirkpatrick, Dallas Hartman, Pedro Mendez, Ethan Allard, Rhyse Wandler, Travis Gammon, Andrew Coleman, Colton “Lowdin” Sills, Coy Rumfelt, and Houston Taggart.
Results from Rapid City Central High School Dec. 3
Twin Spruce placed 48 out of 67 in the top five at the Rapid City Invitational Tournament, the toughest tournament that had 22 teams compete from as far as Pierre and the surrounding Dakota area. Bret “Pinner” Brumley earned match of the night honors with his pin of the highly favored wrestler from Pierre. Referee John Catlin was impressed at “Pinner’s” neverquit attitude. Wrestlers placing first in the tournament include Colter “Mad-man” Adams, “Big-game” Hunter Rawlins, Mason”Bad-boy” Bonar, Logan”Lowags” Wagoner , Gavin “Mega” Mills, Johnny “Hoss” Ross, Lane “Night-Train” Barbour, “Cowboy” Colby Chandler, and Blake “Biggun’s” Griffin. Placing second were Kaleb Gossel, Tanner Potter, Gabriel Guzman, Houston Taggart, Jeremy Hullinger, Rhys Wandler, Wyatt Rising, Logan Bulkley, Zach Clark, Ethan Allard, Corbin Vassar, and Brett Brumley. Wrestling finishing in third place
include Jesse Austin, Fathan Dixon, Wyat Bulkely, Colton Galambas, Dalton Mckinsey, Helaman Naumu, Daniel Gould, Dallas Hartman, Skyler Lewis, Tyson Keith, Ariel Dixon, Dylan Kirkpatrick, Travis Gammon, and Michael Cunningham. Austin Cunningham, Devon Belt, Jose Ramirez, and Tyler Anthony placed fourth. Placing fifth were Kolter Izatt, Alvin Ross, Zane Fichter, Kurt Kremer, Allen Hack, Andrew Coleman, Cody Switzer, Xavier Smith, Mike Essen, and Colton Sills.
Pronghorn Men’s Basketball Weekend Results: This past weekend the Gillette College Men’s Basketball Team traveled to Sheridan to play in the Sheridan College Holiday Inn Tournament. The men’s team went 1-1 bringing their overall record to 9-3.
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Friday resulted in Eastern Wyo College 84 vs. Gillette College 74; George Edwards led all scorers with 15 points. Saturday night, Midwest Elite 91 vs. Gillette College 95 – Kashaune McKinney had 34 points including 6 three point baskets and George Edwards had 25 points and 12 rebounds. This coming weekend will be the last games of the 2011 calendar year. On Friday they will travel to Dawson College for the first conference game of the season and Saturday night they travel to Williston, ND to play Williston College. Pronghorn Clothing Order Deadline – December 15th: December 15th is the deadline for 2011-12 Pronghorn Clothing Orders. If you have not ordered your Pronghorn Booster Club Clothing, please do so by December 15th.
What’s Going On In Sports? Friday, December 9
-CCHS GBB/BBB Camel Tournament, North/South Campus -CCHS Wrestling (JV) Lusk Invite, Lusk -CCHS Wrestling (V) Rapid City Invite, Rapid City -WJSH Coal Miners Classic, Wright/ Glenrock -Panthers Boys Basketball at home -Panthers Girls Basketball at Hanna -Panthers Wrestling at Custer -WJSH Wrestling @ Lusk, 12 p.m. -CCHS BSW Casper Relay, 1 p.m., Kelly Walsh High -Gillette WILD vs. Helena, 7:35 p.m., Helena Ice arena -Open Skate-Spirit Arena 8:30-11pm
Saturday, December 10
-CCHS GBB/BBB Camel Tournament, North/South Campus -CCHS Wrestling (JV) Lusk Invite, Lusk -CCHS Wrestling (V) Rapid City Invite, Rapid City -WJSH Coal Miners Classic, Wright/ Glenrock -WJSH Wrestling @ Lusk, 9 a.m.
-CCHS BSW Gillette Pentathlon, 9 a.m., Aquatic Center -Gillette WILD vs. Great Falls, 7:30 p.m., Great Falls -Open Skate Spirit Arena 5-8pm
Sunday, December 11
-Open Skate Spirit Arena 3-6pm
Tuesday, December 13
-6pm Camel Wrestling in Sundance
Thursday, December 15
-Camel Girls Basketball in Green River (Tournament) 12pm -Camel Boys Basketball -Flaming Gorge Invite-Green River (Tournament) -6pm Camel Wrestling in Gillette, WY
Friday, December 16
-Camel Girls Basketball in Green River (Tournament) 12pm -Camel Boys Basketball -Flaming Gorge Invite-Green River (Tournament) -Camel Boys Swimming and Diving comp. in Riverton -Panthers Boys Basketball Tournament at Home in
a row that he has topped $300,000. He has won 16 championships and is tied for second place in career wins, tied with Jim Shoulders and behind Guy Allen, who holds 19.
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Submitted by Ruth Benson ished with 25 points, on 11-16 shooting. Alex Ward chipped in 15 points and Kim Caywood finished with a double-double, 11 points 10 rebounds. With these wins the Pronghorn women have now won 5 in a row and improved their record to 6-5. They play on the road this weekend: Friday, December 9 in Glendive, MT against Dawson Community College and Saturday, December 10, Willston State College at Williston, ND.
Olson, Dani Fischer, Burke Burgess, Lukas Poloncic and Kris Miller. Olson also won the award for most outstanding wrestler as he took down the defending Class AA Montana State Champion, Ben Sulser, 4-2 in the finals. All 13 Gillette wrestlers finished in the top 6 as they earned one runner up and three 3rd place finishes. Next up for the Camels they have their first home dual of the season Tuesday against Kelly Walsh. The JV squads will get things started at 5pm with the varsity wrestlers going at 7pm.
Brazile attains ninth All-Around Rodeo win Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas attained his ninth allaround championship during the fourth round of the National Finals Rodeo, a new record. He has earned a staggering $305,582 this season. This is, however, the sixth season in
Pronghorn Basketball weekend results Over the past weekend the Pronghorn women’s basketball team traveled to Northwest College in Powell, WY to play two games and came out with two wins. In the first game, led by Iesha Greer’s 27 points, the Pronghorns defeated the East Idaho All-Stars 87-67. Greer shot 12-17 from the field and had 5 boards. Also leading the way was Jess Davis, who finished with 17 points, 5-9 from 3. In the second game the Pronghorns took on Snow College, who was previously ranked 21st in the country in the national polls. After a back and forth first half, which found the Pronghorns down 10, Gillette fought back and tied it to put the game into overtime and eventually came away with a victory 82-78. Leading the way in that game was Jordan Scott-Benson, who fin-
For the third year in a row and the fifth time in the last six years, the Gillette Camel wrestlers went up to Montana and came away champions of the Billings Invite. The Camels racked up 255.5 team points despite having open slots in two weight classes. Billings Senior was second with 238 and Billings Skyview third with 220.5. Defending state A champion Laurel was fourth with 205.5 and Billings West fifth with 177. Five of the thirteen Camel wrestlers competing came away with individual championships. They are Tanner
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Sports Report Pronghorn Women keep winning, Men split By Vic Wright - Basin Radio The Gillette College Pronghorn Women keep on winning as the team defeated Snow College Saturday afternoon, 82-78 in overtime. The Pronghorns were able to win their fifth straight game, thanks to the strong performance by Jordan Scott-Benson, Alex Ward and Kim Caywood. Scott-Benson led the team on the scoreboard with 25 points. Ward would be second in scoring with 15 points and Caywood finished with a double-double. Kim had 10 rebounds and 11 points, but more importantly, two of her points were free throws with only 30 seconds to go in regulation. The Pronghorns were down by 10 to start the second half. That didn’t keep them down, as the team made 61 percent of its shots from the field and 68 percent from the free throw line in the second stanza. The team’s defense was able to hold Snow College to only 39 percent from the floor in the second half. In overtime, Gillette College squeaked by Snow College 128. It was the second game in a
row that Gillette College didn’t have the services of Elisha Hensey, as she sat out due to an ankle sprain she suffered in practice last Monday. According to Head Coach Will Rider, Hensey is day-to-day, as her ankle is still sensitive with three games on schedule this coming week. Nonetheless, the Northwest College Tournament for the Pronghorns was a motivator and confidence builder. In Friday afternoon’s game, Jessica Davis played strong off the bench, scoring 17 points; 15 of the points were threes. KeKe Wright also had a double-double from the bench in Friday’s game. With great performances by JSB and Freshmen Ward and Caywood in Saturday’s match up, the team is starting to show its depth. That is something the team will need, as it gets ready for Region IX play. Iesha Greer and Jordyn Croft had nine points each on the afternoon. Christina Davis contributed with eight, and Diarra Carrington and KeKe Wright had three and two, respectively. The Pronghorns will take their 6-5 record to Colorado
on Wednesday against the Air Force Academy Prep School at 5:00pm. As for the men’s team, the Pronghorns went 1-1 on the weekend at the Holiday Inn Tournament at Sheridan College. They lost to Eastern Wyoming College Friday night, 84-74. Saturday, the team played the Wyoming Stars and with Joe Kittell and Theo Donley at the coaching helm for the second time in as many games, Gillette College came away with a 95-91 victory. Kash McKinney led the team with had 34 points and tied the school record with six threepointers. George Edwards sank 25 points and finished with 12 rebounds in the game. Also scoring double digits on the night was Matt Strickland with ten. The guys will play their next game against Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT on Friday at 7:30pm. In that game, Head Coach Shawn Neary and Freshmen Asante Smiter and Tony Lowry Jr. will be eligible to participate after all three served a two-game suspension.
Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio
Kim Caywood scored 11 points and 10 rebounds against Snow College Saturday. Her last two points came from free throws with 30-seconds remaining in the game. “Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates.” - Magic Johnson
Classifieds Help Wanted
Homes for Sale
Camping/Fishing
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.
Minnows, crawlers, leeches, fishing tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire Guesthouse & RV Park 307756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com
Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 6701925.
1997 32ft. Class A Motor Home. Sleeps 6, Only 31,000 Miles. Asking $17,000. Call (307) 660-7520.
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 670-8980. State Wide Sales people. Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper. Call 307-299-4662 Delivery Driver wanted. Retired? Want a little walking around cash? Work one day per week delivering the Campbell County Observer to people’s homes. Contact the Campbell County Observer at (307) 670-8980. Website/ad designer wanted. Must be familiar with building/maintaining websites and website advertising design. Commission and base salary pay. Call the Cowboy State Free Press at 307-670-8980
Business Opportunities Health problems? Try doTERRA certified pure essential oils. 307-680-0363. www. myvoffice.com/healingisbelieving
Merchandise 1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 687-1087 Spyder Semi-auto paint ball gun. cal..68 Special Edition. Only used twice! New $300 For you $175 plus two canisters. Call 680-1302 If you are interested in purchasing Nutrient Rich Ranch Raised Beef grown locally, call 307-340-1108. Great Jerky http://www.rberlinger.jerkydirect.com/ My First Computer hardly used. Asking $15. Call 605 - 545 – 1188 Five roasts and twelve pounds of hamburger for a flat rate. $150.00. All ranch raised beef. This is an approximate savings of 10% on the total. Contact Jason Walker at 307-686-0577
Gorgeous land home package set up in Wright. 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, hickory cabinets throughout, front porch, central air, and much more. Financing available. For a personal showing call (307) 687-0333 40+ Acres 2 miles south of Wright 1999 Atlantic Oak Modular. $250,000 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 FSBO 2,688 SF home on corner lot with fenced back yard. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, upgraded kitchen, finished walkout basement, oversized garage. $259,000. 307-680-9180.
Apartments for Rent 1-5 bedroom units available for rent. Please contact Real Estate Systems of Gillette Inc at 307-682-0964 for all the updated details. Spacious & new, 1, 2, &3 bdrm affordable apartments available now! Call 6858066. Washer and dryer in every unit. Private sunny patio or balcony. Special move-in rate, 1 bdrm: $694, 2 bdrm: $777, 3 bdrm: $888. Move in now and deduct $ 200 off first month while special lasts. Call Konnie or Celeste at Highland Properties 685-8066.
Toy Parts & Accessories Stock pipes for Sportster. 500mi. Stock pices for Dyna Wide Glide. 1500mi. Email baxtersmom62@gmail.com for info. Harley Accessories for sale. Call 307-670-8980. Ask for Tammy.
Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.) Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.
Autos, Trucks and Vans 1981 Harley Davidson FXBSturgis, 1st dual-belt drive to commemorate Hill-Climb @ Sturgis, Jack-Pine Gypsies rally started in ‘41, 50th anniversary model. 12K on straight-up original paint, new Moetzler’s driven-by beefed Shovel, 102hp at wheel. Perfect in every aspect, serious inquiries only, loan is $15K and value of over 25K. Ben 680.7464, 3-other older bikes and this has to go to the right person!
Campers & Motor Homes
2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532.
Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees. All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 6601007.
‘76 Electra-Glide would consider trade on Pan or Knuck if ya know of anyone, ‘81 sent it to LA-S&S, 11.5to1 and dual-plugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464.
5th wheel camper for sale. Call Skip (307) 680-0073
2003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS (White) with 137,000 mi; $6500. Call 307 - 689 – 0966
Guns for Sale
1983 Ventura (Chevy) for sale. WORKING WET BAR. Closet, fold down rear seat bed, caption swivel chairs. Great shape. Needs carburetor adjustment. Newly rebuilt Transmission, 400 Turbo. $4,000.00. Call 307670-2037.
.38 Colt detective’s special. $525.00 obo Call (307) 6827864 .380 Smith and Weston Bodyguard. Built in laser site. $450.00 firm. Trades possible. Call (307) 6827864. 1903 Springfield. 30o6 Cal. U.S. Military. $700 obo. Call (307) 682-7864
2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 1986 Toyota Tercel 4x4. $1050.00. Call 307-2995918
Wanted to Buy I Buy Militaria. Swords, uniforms, bayonets, medals, guns/parts, field gear. 6827864
Services Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520
Newspaper vending machines. Contact us at: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com
Auto insurance preferred and SR-22’s. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 Motorcycle and ATV insurance. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520
WILL PAY CASH FOR CAMPERS. Call Scott (307) 680-0854. Manual Transmission for 93’ Chevy Pickup 4wd. Must be in good shape. Call 2572306.
Heavy Equipment/ Trailers
Sporting Goods
Pets
Like new Horizon Elliptical. $300 obo. Call 299-7058 for more info.
Welsh Corgi Puppies. 3 females, and two males. 682-2598
Home Appliances/ Furnshings
Personals
Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967. Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967
Interested in founding a Sherlock Holmes Society in Gillette? Contact gillettesherlockians@gmail. com for info.
Chest Freezer. $100. 307299-5918 Three antique pressedbacked oak chairs. Excellent condition. $85 each. 6820042 Storage Unit Sale!!!!! Home stereo, car speakers, 2 dressers, mattress and box spring sets $20, chests, coffee table, chairs, end tables and much more. Call (307) 682-7864
Miscellaneous Exterior door with window, interior light fixtures, and computer supplies. E-mail Corsair115@yahoo.com
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6x10 trailer. Great shape, fits your biggest Harley. $1,400 obo. 299-4967. 1981 Circle J 4-horse Horse Trailer. New floor, paint and wiring. $2500 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374
Looking for a public water system operator for sampling, monitoring and maintenance of water systems. Must be able to obtain a level 1 water license within one year. Will train highly motivated individual. Clean driving record, drug testing and background check. Wages are DOE. E-mail resume to therese@waterguywyoming.com or fax to 303-686-4044.
1981 Circle J 4-horse Horse Trailer. New floor, paint and wiring done in shop class 2 years ago. No rust only used once since redone. $2500 or OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374
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Our Roots The War of 1812 By Mike Borda Given all the success the United States has had in international conflicts, it is sometimes a difficult task to think of situations in which we have not emerged the clear victor. However, situations like Vietnam remind us that even though we are the greatest nation in the world by today’s standards, we are not invincible. One conflict in particular though, should make us always remember that fact. The year was 1812, and although we had gained our independence, we were still not accepted by the world’s powers. Great Britain, specifically, was not inclined to help us in any way. In one of the first acts of provocation, the British Empire put into effect trade restrictions in the Atlantic designed to stop American trade with another of its rivals, France. Later, British ships began capturing American sailors and imprisoning them. For a nation still striving to establish itself, this was something that could not be allowed. However, it was not only British actions led to the war. America was also doing some of the provoking by expanding our frontier farther and farther west into Indian territories that had allied themselves with Britain during the American Revo-
lution. For Britain, a county who had just lost a war to America, the expanding United States only served to enrage the military. The war became official on June 1, 1812 when President James Madison called on Congress for its approval. It was approved 17 days later. Although there were many causes for the war, and many events leading up to it, neither country was particularly prepared for the war itself. The United States was still trying to gather itself after the Revolution, and drafting an Army was not high on the list of goals. Britain, on the other hand, was already fighting wars on the European continent. However, both sides were left with little choice. By the second month of the war, America was already beginning the invasion of Canada, but this effort across from Detroit proved unsuccessful, and they had to retreat, and eventually cede most of the Michigan territory. In the coming months, both sides won battles on the American-Canadian border, amounting to little more than seasonal border shifting. The largest blow of the war came from the British, who in August of 1814 invaded the east coast and
Reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic. burned down Washington D.C., including the White House and U.S. Capitol. This was a huge hit to the American military ego, and many anticipated the war would end in disaster. The troops were able to regroup in other regions, however. Future President Andrew Jackson earned his fame in early 1815, when his troops in New Orleans defended against a British invasion, largely halting the Empire’s operations in the Gulf of Mexico. After three years of war, the situations around the world had drastically changed. With Napoleon’s defeat in 1814 on the European front, the British and French ceased their hostilities. This led to the freeing of imprisoned American
sailors, now that they were not viewed as working with a British enemy. There was still no clear leader in the conflict, and on December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812. Without this conflict, history might be far different. Although it is impossible to measure, the impact of the British burning of Washington has undoubtedly been dramatic. Our country learned early on that although we are free, and although we are strong, we are not invincible. We found new leaders, and we learned that international relations do not always go how we want them to go. It was a conflict we must never forget, even though we were not the victor.
The Black Robed Ambassador of the Plains By Jeff Morrison
In 1867 the United States Department of the Interior sought to establish a lasting peace between the United States and the native tribes of the northern plains, who they had been in a constant state of armed conflict with for over a decade. Persuaded in small part by a congressional study of uprisings and wars in the west, and in large part by the recent conflict known as Red Cloud’s War, the Secretary of the Interior and Indian Affairs solicited the aid of the one white man with enough influence to bring the various hostile factions to the peace table without losing his hair in the process – a Belgian-born Jesuit missionary named Pierre-Jean De Smet. At age 66, De Smet was no longer a young man and was in poor health. Even if the Indians didn’t kill him, the hardships of a journey into the Powder River country would likely prove fatal. He had every reason to turn the Secretary down. But for Father De Smet, who had dedicated his life’s work to ministry among the tribes of the American west and northwest; refusal was not even a consideration. “I accepted the commission,” De Smet later wrote, “there being nothing in it contrary to my duties as a missionary, and with the distinct understanding that I shall not accept any remuneration for my services. I prefer to be altogether independent in money matters, as my only object is to be of use to the whites and still more to the poor Indians.” De Smet was familiar with both the Indians he would be seeking and the country through which he would be searching for them. Having begun his missionary travels in 1840, De Smet had by this time crossed and recrossed the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, and had seen more of the area that would become Wyoming, Montana and Idaho than most of the famed “frontier scouts” employed by the army put together. Even more remarkable was the fact that he had made friends of every Indian village he encountered, all the while traveling unarmed and typically escorted only by a few mountain men he hired for guides or else by an “honor guard” of Indians between villages and settlements. In 1840 he journeyed west from his mission in Iowa to the Green River in southwest Wyoming, where he performed the first Catholic mass in Wyoming. Afterwards he went north to meet with the Flathead In-
dians in Montana, who had requested that a “Black Robe” be sent to give them “religious instruction”. These Indians had been evangelized by Catholic French Canadian and Iroquois trappers. A year after this preliminary meeting, De Smet accompanied the first ever wagon train to travel from the Missouri to California as far as western Wyoming, then turned north to the Bitter Root Valley in Montana where he established the mission of St. Mary’s. For the next two and a half decades, De Smet travelled back and forth between his nominal headquarters in St. Louis and the missions he established among the Flatheads - St. Mary’s being the first, then later St. Ignatius in the Flathead Valley. During his journeys to and from, he became acquainted with most of the tribes between St. Louis and Vancouver. His many excursions took him north into Canada and as far south as Utah on one occasion. The well-travelled Jesuit even managed to make several sojourns to Europe during this same time period. An example of a typical first meeting of a new tribe happened on the return from one of his first expeditions. He and his Canadian voyageur guide had just stopped for a noon meal along the western bank of the Missouri. Unknown to them, they had been followed for quite some time by a war band of Blackfeet Sioux. The Indians surprised the two, but Father De Smet quickly stretched out a hand in welcome to who he perceived to be the leader. Taking in De Smet’s long frock and missionary cross, the Indian addressed the Canadian guide, “I have never seen such a man in my life. Who is he?” The guide answered, “It is the man who talks to the Great Spirit. It is a chief Blackgown of the Frenchmen.” The warrior’s demeanor changed immediately. He told his followers to put away their weapons and they shook hands with De Smet and joined the two for lunch. Such was the influence and reputation of De Smet among both Indians and whites alike, that he was often asked by the army to accompany them to serve as a liaison during their campaigns. De Smet was wise enough to know that his credibility and very survival among the Indians was largely due to the fact that he was not connected with the U. S. Military in any way, and he declined the requests accordingly.
Ironically, it was at the request of the army that he played a prominent role in convincing several bands of Indians to sign the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851. It was the violation of that treaty - particularly the compensations due for travel through Indian hunting reserves - which brought about Red Cloud’s War and ultimately led to the need for Father Pierre Jean De Smet to once again induce the Indians to sign another peace treaty. It was understandable that most people involved were pessimistic about his chances for success. De Smet was preceded in his quest by both his reputation and Indian envoys he sent ahead to the hostile camps. He left Fort Rice on June 3rd, 1868 for the upper Powder River Basin with an entourage consisting of one interpreter and 80 Indians representing nearly every Sioux band. They went along to not only persuade the hostile factions to listen to the De Smet, but to protect him should the need arise. Again he sent out envoys to search for the hostile camps. On the 16th, the scouts returned with good news. The main camp was three days away, at the mouth of Powder River where it empties into the Yellowstone, at presentday Terry Montana, and the Black –robe would be welcomed into the camp. De Smet and his party arrived at the village on the 19th and were greeted by nearly 5,000 indians. Among them was an old friend De Smet had first met in 1848 – Sitting Bull, now a prominent medicine man and chief among the Hunkpapa had prepared a tipi for De Smet. He was told by Sitting Bull or one of the other chiefs present at the camp that, “If it had been any other man than you, Black-robe, this day would have been his last.” After a four hour council, in which all the major chiefs and De Smet each gave a speech, it was decided that a deputation of chiefs would return to Fort Rice with the missionary. They arrived back at the fort on June 30th, and the chiefs signed a copy of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 two days later. His dangerous mission over, De Smet returned to his duties in St. Louis. The peace commission, in recognition of De Smet’s contributions sent him a letter which said, “We are well aware that our thanks
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can be of little worth to you, and that you will find your true reward for your labors and for the dangers and privations which you have encountered in the consciousness that you have done much to promote peace on earth and good will to men.” The Treaty of 1868, ensured a vast tract of land extending from the Missouri in eastern Nebraska to the Big Horn Mountains, including the Black Hills and the Powder River Basin, would belong to the tribes of the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne. It lasted barely six years, when gold was discovered in the Black Hills. White infringements on tribal lands, coupled with wide-spread corruption among agency officials escalated into another Indian crisis. So in 1876, another man, at the behest of the military, undertook another journey in search of hostile bands. George Custer also found the village of Sitting Bull, but he got an altogether different welcome than that of Pierre Jean De Smet. Father De Smet did not live to see the failure of the treaty he risked his life and reputation to secure. On May 23, 1873, De Smet succumbed to one of a variety of illnesses he had suffered from for most of his career. He was buried in St. Louis after one of the largest funerals the city had ever seen. Trailblazer John Bidwell, after traveling across the plains with De Smet from St. Louis to western Wyoming said of the Jesuit, “He (Pierre-Jean De Smet) was genial, of fine presence, and one of the saintliest men I have ever known, and I cannot wonder that the Indians were made to believe him divinely protected. He was a man of great kindness and great affability under all circumstances.”
“The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals, and whether the attack be made by the government herself or by those who abuse her power, its obligation is not the less strong.” - James Monroe
Elizabeth Jones Agency 1001 S. Douglas Hwy., Suite 184 Gillette, WY 82716 Office (307) 682-6520 Fax (307) 682-3536
Elizabeth (Betsy) Jones, Agent CPIW, DAE, LUTCF
www.farmersunioninsurance.com/ejones ejones@vcn.com