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The Campbell $1.00 County Observer
www.campbellcountyobserver.net
June 17 - 24, 2011
“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”
Volume 2 • Issue 7
February 17 - 24, 2012
Gillette makes list of nation’s fastest growing small towns
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By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News
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.
To place a classified ad, email us at Classifieds@CampbellCountyObserver.com Include name, phone, e-mail and physical address. For more information go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net
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Many venders and businesses came to the Winterfest Trade show last weekend to show off their product to Campbell County Residents. Lasting Friday through Sunday, there were many out of town venders with crafts, to local venders promoting their businesses. Some of the local venders included Wyoming Sign and Design, Campbell County Fair, Beverage Broker Baskets, Basin Radio, Tidbits, Big Horn Design, Active Living Chiropractic, ABC Seamless, and many more.
Forbes Magazine has ranked Gillette as the seventh fastest growing small town in the nation. Using Census data between 2007 and 2010, Forbes says the population of Gillette and the surrounding area rose by 14 percent, from 40,433 to 46,133. Gillette just edged out three other Wyoming towns. Laramie followed in eighth place after its population increased from 32,227 to 36,299, a growth rate of 12.6 percent over the same period. Rock Springs finished thirteenth on the list with a growth rate of 11.5 percent, and Jackson came in fourteenth with a 10.98 percent growth in population. The fastest growing small town in America, according to Forbes, is The Villages, Florida. From 2007 to 2010, it has seen its population jump 29 percent, up from 72,246 to 93,420.
University of Wyoming fall semester graduates: Campbell County The University of Wyoming accorded degrees upon the following students from Campbell County at the completion of the 2011 fall semester. The following degrees may be included on this list: BA (Bachelor of Arts); BS (Bachelor of Science); BSAR (Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering); BSCE (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering); BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Students from Gillette are: Jaime Kay Carter (BA), Marci N. Christensen (BS), Jennifer Duran (BA), Zachary J. Field (BSCE), Jennifer Renee Gauthier (double BA), Alexandra G. Hullinger (BA), Logan Daly Krug (BS), Andrew D. Lervick (BS), Traci Lynn Morris (BSN), Troy Nellermoe (BS), Rochelle Tami Rice BSAR, Kristen Elizabeth Welch (BA) For more information about the University of Wyoming, visit www.uwyo.edu.
Campbell County Observer 5k Come join us on April 7th to help us celebrate our one year anniversary of publication! At 8:30 am at the Gillette College, we will be hosting a 5k run/walk to raise money for a Scholarship Fund at GC. Come join us for the run and we will be raffling off prizes for participants. Mark your calendars!
For subscriptions go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net
Community Wyoming Business Tips for Feb. 19 - 25 By Leonard Holler, WyomingEntrepreneur WSBDC regional director “Why would I need ‘key man insurance’ for my business?” Walt, Casper After reading a recent article, “Have You Insured Your Company’s Most Valuable Resource?”, by Dana Sydney of Dayton & Sydney, LLC, an insurance adviser, I would say there are several good reasons for the company to carry insurance on your key employees and yourself. Insuring a key person can spell the difference between the failure and survival of a business. Here are some of the benefits of providing life insurance on the unexpected loss of a key person in a company and a few things to keep in mind when purchasing “key person insurance.” The insurance can help a company survive the operational loss and financial strain that follows the death of a key employee or owner. -- Business loans or investments can be repaid. When a key person dies, especially an owner, a lender may have the right to call on existing loans. Life insurance proceeds can help pay off those loans or fund a buy/sell agreement. -- Credit can be main-
Pictures submitted by Kim Bjorklund
Children from John Paul II Catholic School enjoy their Valentine’s Party.
tained. At the death of a key person, lenders may become reluctant to lend new money to the business or refinance existing debts. Life insurance can help pay its bills from vendors in a timely manner in spite of death. -- A suitable replacement can be recruited and trained. It may take months before a qualified candidate is found and time to train them to the point where they are as competent as their predecessor. Insurance proceeds buy time for the business to regroup. -- The business is sheltered from lost sales and profits. Insurance could help offset dips in revenue that will probably occur, at least temporarily, when a key person dies. -- Stock can be repurchased. If the business is a corporation, common stock owned by the descendant’s heirs can be repurchased by the company with the insurance proceeds. This enables a surviving owner to buy out a deceased owner’s share of the company. Key person life insurance policy is owned by the business, pays the premiums and is the beneficiary. The premiums vary based on
the age, physical condition and health history of the insured. The need for key person insurance depends on a company’s structure, its continuation plans and the amount of financial hardship without that key person. Not all businesses need key person insurance. In large companies, there may be less likelihood that a single individual is indispensable to a company’s continued success. In oneperson firms, the business is not likely to survive without the principal no matter how much money is available. There are several valuation techniques that can be used to determine how much key person insurance is appropriate. No one method is best. Buying key person life insurance can be a relatively small expense and, hopefully, you never have to collect on it. But failure to invest in a key person policy and then have that person die can be an enormous expense. Your company may be able to absorb small expenses, but what about those bigger expenses created by the loss of a key person in the company?
This is a weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.
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
Wyoming joins $25 Billion joint State-Federal Mortgage Servicing Settlement on Foreclosure wrongs State may receive up to $10 million as part of the national settlement
The State of Wyoming on Thursday formally joined 48 other states in a landmark $25 billion joint federal-state agreement with the nation’s five largest mortgage servicers over foreclosure abuses and fraud, and unacceptable nationwide mortgage servicing practices. The proposed agreement provides up to $10 million in direct relief to Wyoming homeowners and addresses future mortgage loan servicing practices. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general announced the national settlement on Thursday in Washington, D.C. The state’s share of the settlement will be received in the following areas: • Wyoming’s borrowers will receive an estimated $2.94 million in benefits from loan term modifications and other direct relief. • Wyoming’s borrowers who lost their home to foreclosure from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2011 and encountered servicing abuse would qualify for $1.43 million in cash payments to borrowers, estimated to amount up to $1,800 for each affected borrower. • The value of refinanced loans to Wyoming’s underwater borrowers would be an estimated $2.94 million. • The state will receive a direct payment of approximately $2.7 million. The joint state-federal settlement is the result of a civil law enforcement investigation and initiative that includes state attorneys general and state banking regulators across the country, and nearly a dozen federal agencies. The settlement holds banks accountable for past mortgage servicing and foreclosure fraud and abuses and provides relief to homeowners. With the backing of a federal court order and the oversight of an independent monitor, the settlement aims to stop future fraud and abuse. Under the agreement, the five servicers have agreed to a $25 billion penalty under a joint state-national settlement structure. Nationally: • Servicers commit a minimum of $17 billion directly to borrowers through a series of national homeowner relief effort options, including principal reduction. Given
how the settlement is structured, servicers will actually provide up to an estimated $32 billion in direct homeowner relief. • Servicers commit $3 billion to a mortgage refinancing program for borrowers who are current, but owe more than their home is currently worth. • Servicers pay $5 billion to the states and federal government ($4.25 billion to the states and $750 million to the federal government). The state payments include funding for payments to borrowers for mortgage servicing abuse. • Homeowners receive comprehensive new protections from new mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure standards. • An independent monitor will ensure mortgage servicer compliance. • Government can pursue civil claims outside of the agreement, any criminal case; borrowers and investors can pursue individual, institutional or class action cases regardless of agreement. The settlement does not grant any immunity from criminal offenses and will not affect criminal prosecutions. The agreement does not prevent homeowners or investors from pursuing individual, institutional or class action civil cases against the five servicers. The pact also enables state attorneys general and federal agencies to investigate and pursue other aspects of the mortgage crisis, including securities cases. The final agreement, through a consent judgment, will be filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and will have the authority of a court order. Because of the complexity of the mortgage market and this agreement, which will span a three year period, in some cases participating mortgage servicers will contact borrowers directly regarding loan modification options. However, borrowers should contact their mortgage servicer to obtain more information about specific loan modification programs and whether they qualify under terms of this settlement. Settlement administrators or state attorneys general may also contact borrowers regarding certain aspects of the settlement. More information will be made available as the settlement programs are implemented.
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Bruce Dees reviews the master plan for the Field of Dreams project to a crowd of over 100 people Wednesday evening at Gillette College Presentation Hall.
Enthusiastic crowd hears plans for Field of Dreams By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio
Roughly 120 people filled the Gillette College Presentation Hall Wednesday evening to attend the final public meeting for the Field of Dreams master plan project. The presentation by Bruce Dees of Bruce Dees and Associates, the city’s consultant on the project, included detailed plans of the proposed project which includes a 10,000 seat indoor stadium, 13 Little League baseball fields, 4 Babe Ruth baseball fields, 8 Women’s Fast Pitch Softball fields, 4 soccer fields, 6 multi-purpose fields, a skate park, a BMX track, a dog park, a toboggan run, a hockey ice rink, basketball courts, and nine more holes added to Gillette Golf Course, among other aspects. Following the featured presentation, every member of the public was given the opportunity to express their opinion on the plans thus far. Support for the plans was overwhelming and only a few concerns were raised, most of which dealt with safety issues since so many children and vehicles are expected to be in the area. On the other hand, a few people said they were concerned about the cost of the Field of Dreams when everything is said and done. However, for everyone who brought up concerns over the cost of the project, several more countered by saying the Field of Dreams will bring money into the community, benefiting area hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Following the public comments, Dees spoke with Basin Radio Network on the next step for the master plan. “The next step is to finalize the plan based upon the comments tonight with the committee,” Dees explains. “We have one more ad hoc committee meeting and then we’ll finalize the report. The report will describe the process, each of the elements of the plan as well as the costs and the cost of maintenance.” When asked if Gillette’s population is large enough to utilize a 320-acre sports complex, Dees responded by saying his firm was charged to determine what facilities would be needed to support a population of 50,000, which he says is anticipated to happen by 2038. “The school district is building the stadium itself and they need a stadium,” says Dees. “They have plans to build a stadium. The only question is whether or not it will be covered.” City of Gillette public information officer Joe Lunne says it’s important to remember the Field of Dreams is being built to sustain a population of 50,000. In this regard, he says the aspects
of the plan approved by the city council will not be completed overnight. “The Field of Dreams is being built to accommodate a population of 50,000 people,” Lunne says. “So I don’t think there’s any perceived rush for the council to try and build this in one year. I don’t think that’s practical. They’re going to look at it and come up with how they want to phase this in and how quickly they want to get it built.” Lunne says the city council is going to have to approve the budget for building the Field of Dreams every year, and they will have to approve bids for anything that’s built on the site. “So they really hold the power on all of this, because yes they have to approve the plan, but they’re also going to have to approve all of the different construction and design contracts after the plan’s approved,” says Lunne. Along that note, construction and design costs are not the only expenses the Field of Dreams will incur. Once built, the facilities will require regular maintenance. When asked, Lunne said maintaining the Field of Dreams may require a new division within the City of Gillette. “I think there’s been some preliminary talk about how we would put staff at the Field of Dreams to maintain it,” Lunne explains. “I don’t know that would involve d a new division. It may. It may not. The idea is we will probably need one if not two people there permanently to staff the Field of Dreams.” At the same time, Lunne is remindful that many of the facilities that will be included in the Field of Dreams belong to other organizations other than the City of Gillette, such as the covered stadium, the Boys and Girls Club, and the BMX track. “Those are going to be those group’s areas and they will have to staff and take care of maintaining their facilities there on the Field of Dreams,” he says. In the end, Bruce Dees and his firm were not the only ones receiving praise Wednesday. After the presentation, Dees applauded the residents of Gillette. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with this community and the committee especially,” he describes. “Everyone in this community has been great to work with. And I appreciate the opportunity, and I also commend the city council to have the foresight to acquire that property in the first place and to do this planning now for future generations.” For those who are interested in the Field of Dreams project but were unable to attend the presentation Wednesday evening, Gillette Public Access
manager Geno Palazzari says copies of the meeting should be available on Monday. He says they are also planning on airing the meeting on public television at a time still to be determined. “We’ll have an announcement. It will be on GPA channel 31,” Palazzari says. The master plan for the Field of Dreams will be presented to the city council on February 27. “Council may have some ideas of their own, concerns, and want to discuss it but at some point they will vote on approving the plan,” Lunne adds. “By then we’ll have the estimated costs and some phasing ideas as well as some ways to help pay for this, looking at corporate sponsorships and things like that. So then we’ll start the phased approach and then we’ll start budgeting that based on the phasing.” The Field of Dreams consists of 320 acres of land
east of the Country Club Golf Course near Garner Lake Road and Boxelder Road that the City of Gillette purchased from the State of Wyoming at auction for $2.534 million on January 18, 2011. The purpose of the land is to develop it along recreational lines.
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The Campbell County Observer Staff CampbellCountyObserver.net (PP-1) Volume 2 Issue 7 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
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
& presents
Razor City Cancer Run 2012 Ticket Sale Day Saturday, Feb. 18th 9-4 @ Action Motorsports Ticket Buyers get:
Free Food and Beverages served by Pokey’s Live Broadcast by KOAL Radio
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Razor City Cancer Run Drawing to be held at 6pm, June 9th, 2012 at Jakes Tavern Grand Prize: 2012 CanAm Commander XT1000 Limited
$5,000 in cash prizes $100 per ticket Only 400 tickets sold Need not be present to win. Vehicle supplied by Action Motorsports Ticket admits 2 for Ribeye dinner from Pokey’s BBQ & Smokehouse For more info contact: Chad 307-660-4790 • Ron 307-351-6638 • Chris 307-689-6115 4
Community John Lasham is providing free tax assistance to area seniors at the Campbell County Senior Center every Wednesday through April 11. Photo by Paul Wallem Basin Radio
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Tax assistance available at Senior Center By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News Tax assistance is available at the Campbell County Senior Center for those who need it. “Every year we have Jon Lasham come in,” explains Senior Center Activities Director Becky Huff. “He works with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).” Huff says they give prior-
ity to area seniors when it comes to the tax preparing service. Lasham says the VITA program has been running in Gillette for 20 years. “I’ve been doing it for nine,” he says. For local seniors who need help getting to the senior center for tax assistance, a donation from
a local bank has taken care of that. “This year we also got a contribution from Bank of the West,” Huff says. “Those monies will help pay for transportation for seniors getting to and from the center for tax purposes if they need a little assistance. So that is greatly appreciated.”
Lasham will be at the Campbell County Senior Center every Wednesday through April 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Reservations are required. If you would like to make a reservation for free tax assistance with Mr. Lasham, stop by the senior center or call them at 6860804.
City offices to be closed in observance of President’s Day please update your bookmarks. The City of Gillette encourages everyone who uses the website in their printed or electronic materials, such as web links, calendars, guides, mailing lists, flyers, etc. to please use the new domain name.
Email Changes
On that same day in February, all city email addresses will change due to the new domain name. To convert your address book to the new email address, just use the existing user name and add the new domain name. For instance, if Sting worked at
the City of Gillette his existing email address would be: sting@ci.gillette. wy.us * His user name is sting add @gillettewy.gov and you get: sting@gillettewy.gov *For the record, no one named Sting works for the City of Gillette, but you get the idea of how easy the email address changeover will be. For more information contact Public Information Officer Joe Lunne at (307) 686-5393.
February 8, 2012
February 9, 2012
- At 12:31 a.m. to 1299 Raymond Street for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival was advised that the alarm was caused by burnt popcorn. The building and alarm were checked and everything was found to be normal. - At 2:42 a.m. to Foothills Blvd for an EMS assist. - At 4:32 PM to South Highway 59 for an EMS Assist. - At 6:24 PM to Sako Dr. for a residential fire alarm, prior to our arrival all units were cancelled. The alarm was activated by steam.
February 10, 2012
- At 7:48 a.m. to the intersection of HWY 59 and Boxelder Road for a vehicle crash. CCFD cancelled en route when it was determined that no crash had occurred and only medical assistance was needed. - At 8:48 a.m. to Warrior Road for an EMS assist. - At 4:57 p.m. to South Douglas HWY for and EMS assist. - At 5:40 p.m. to 53 Adon Road for a chimney fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found the wall behind the fireplace in the residence smoldering. Firefighters removed paneling, insulation, and drywall from the wall and ceiling surrounding the fireplace and completely extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be improper installation of the fireplace. The
fireplace was installed too close to combustible paneling on the wall behind it and extreme heat from repeated use caused the paneling to catch fire. Damage was estimated at $10,000. The residence was insured at the time of the fire and inhabitable afterwards.
February 11, 2012
- At 3:02 PM to 66 Dull Knife Trail for an unknown detector problem. Firefighters arrived and replaced some batteries in a few smoke detectors and checked the home for carbon monoxide with nothing found. - At 5:33 PM to the field south of 4500 Running W. Drive for a report of hay bales on fire. Fire units arrived and were able to contain the fire to 10 large round bales with an additional 10 large round bales damaged by either smoke or fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, it is believed that it may have been started by juveniles in the area. The estimated value of the hay is between $500-$1000. - At 11:41 PM to the 300 block of Svalina Rd. for an EMS assist.
February 12, 2012
- At 1:43 a.m. to East HWY 14/16 for an EMS assist. - At 4:56 a.m. to East Sunset Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 10:55 a.m. to 225 Jicarilla Lane for an electrical smell. A circuit breaker was found to be faulty causing the smell. No damage occurred to the property. - At 12:27 p.m. to the 1000 block of Country Club Road for an EMS assist. - At 2:02 p.m. to Friday Street for an EMS assist. CCFD cancelled en route when the patient decided to go to CCMH-ER via a personally owned vehicle. - At 10:31 p.m. to East 2nd Street for an EMS assist.
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Campbell Co. Fire Dept. - At 3:14 AM to East 9th for a citizen assist. - At 10:40 AM to the area of Means Street for an EMS assist. - At 1:53 p.m. to West 2nd Street for an EMS assist. - At 4:27 p.m. to Quarter Horse Avenue for an EMS assist.
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City domain name to change
City offices will be closed on Monday, February 20th in observance of the Presidents Day Holiday. The Solid Waste division will run its normally scheduled routes that day. Please have your trash and recycling at the curb by 7 a.m. The City of Gillette’s web domain name will also change on Monday, February 20th to www.gillettewy.gov Please bookmark the new web name in your favorites on your internet browser - this change will affect all existing city pages, including the online bill pay page, employment page and public information page. If you use the City of Gillette’s website,
Drive-up located at corner of Garner Lake Rd. and Collins Rd.
February 13, 2012
1810 Gold Rd 307-682-9082 or 800-462-5673
- At 8:09 AM to 3251 FourJ Rd. for a fire alarm, upon arrival of fire units it was determined the alarm malfunctioned. - At 9:17 AM to the 700 block of W. 6th for an EMS assist. - At 9:31AM to the 4000 block of Butler Spaeth for an EMS assist. - At 1:57PM to the 700 block of N. Hwy 14/16 for a fire alarm, units were cancelled en-route. - At 3:41PM to the intersection Links Ln. and Clarion Dr. for an EMS assist. - At 4:39PM to the area of Skyline Dr. and the Little Store for a smoke report, nothing found. - At 5:32PM to the 100 block of Independence Dr. for an EMS assist. - At 5:56PM to the 1000 block of W. 2nd St. for a reported structure fire in an apartment. Firefighters arrived on scene and were able to extinguish the fire with a portable fire extinguisher and contain it to the kitchen area. The apartment was not occupied at the time of the fire and the apartment also suffered heavy water damage due to an unrelated broken waterline that was discovered by firefighters on scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. - At 5:58PM to the 800 block of Hannum Rd. for an EMS assist. - At 6:28PM to the 400 block of E. 2nd St. for an EMS assist.
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February 14, 2012
- At 9:12 PM to Interstate 90 near mile marker 146 for a report of an arcing power line, upon arrival nothing was found. All units returned to quarters.
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Community
Featured Crime Burglary (Oct. 13)
Left to right-Chris Kosmicki, Mysteri Kosmicki, Daren Wenzel, Michele Wenzel At High Plains Community Church on Valentine’s Day for a prime rib dinner catered by the Chophouse and for a great game show, the “oldiewed” game. Just like the TV. show, local couples tried to answer questions about their spouses as part of the event.
Special Meeting of the State Board of Land Commissioners nium and Associated Minerals Lease Form and to consider pending Uranium Lease Applications. Persons requiring special ADA accommodations should contact the Office of State Lands and Investments at 307-777-6629 prior to the meeting date to make arrangements. For current and updated
State Lands and Investments information, including the meeting agenda and board matters please visit our web site at http:// slf-web.state.wy.us/. The agenda for the upcoming Special board meeting will be posted on the State Lands’ website by close of business, Wednesday, February 15 , 2012.
Children’s Show con man gets 8-10 years in prison By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio A 46-year old Fort Collins man was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison for conning more than 100 Wyoming residents out of money that he said would be used to send disabled children to a magic show. On Tuesday, District Court Judge Nick Deegan sentenced Larry Magnus to 8-10 years in the Wyoming State Penitentiary. A jury found Magnus guilty of conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses on September 21, 2011 following a two and a half day jury trial. The investigation into this incident began on January 24, 2011, when Gillette business owner Kirby Carroll informed law enforcement that he had received several suspicious phone calls at his place of business, Carroll Brothers Construction, soliciting monetary donations for “The Gillette Children’s Show.” Kirby was told that the program raised money to send children to a children’s show. He was informed that a donation of $25 would help a couple of kids, $50 would help a few more, and $100 would help 11 kids. According to court documents, Carroll became skeptical and went online to search for The Gillette Children’s Show. When he came across the name Debra Magnus, Carroll conducted another online search where he discovered that Debra and Larry Magnus were each charged with a felony related to charitable organization fundraising in Colorado back in 2008. In addition, the police department fielded other calls from other area residents about donations to the fictitious children’s show as well. On March 10, 2011, a search warrant was served on the truck that Larry Magnus was driving after he was contacted by law enforcement. A search of the vehicle uncovered $550 worth of checks written out to “The Gillette Children’s Show,” $125 in cash, a bank deposit stamp, Gillette area maps, bank deposit slips for an account with Bank of the West, and numerous certificates of appreciation cards. Those appreciation cards were for 28
SWEDE’S SPECIALTIES 307-686-0588 Chad Ekberg Gillette WY Wine & Beer Brewing Supplies & much, much more! Check out our web site for a variety of products
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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 American-owned publisher that may print your work. Please feel free to contact us at anytime with your idea.
Pictured are left to right-Kristy Fairfield and Kaycee Westbrook
The State Board of Land Commissioners will hold a meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will convene in the Herschler Building, Room 1699 and is open to the public. The purpose of the Special meeting is to consider the New Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners State Lands Ura-
Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a Burglary that occurred at the American Legion between the hours of 00:38 am and 10:02 am on 10-13-11. An unknown person(s) forced entry into the American Legion causing approximately $500 in damage. Approximately $14,000 in cash was taken during the burglary. Suspects are believed to have had assistance and information specific to the American Legion prior to the burglary. 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.
Larry Magnus was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison on Tuesday for conning over 100 Wyoming residents out of money he said would be used to send disabled children to a magic show. individuals or businesses that previously pledged to make a donation to the bogus organization. Court records show the anticipated donations were $1,515. An arrest warrant was then issued for Larry’s wife, Debra Magnus, in June 2011. She eventually turned herself in last October and she faces the same charge.
Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer
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Community Veteran of the Month Submitted by Deb Fontes-Eric’s Mom
Senior Airman Eric Fontes was born and raised in Gillette, WY, and is a Wyoming Cowboy through and true. Joining the military is something Fontes had always thought about. Specifically, when one of his high school teachers wheeled a television into his classroom so he and his fellow classmates could watch what was going on during the September 11th attack. Hesitant at first, SrA Fontes’ cousin, SrA Joseph Brazil, convinced him to take the leap and he joined in February of 2008. Since then, he says, he has never looked back. SrA Fontes is a member of the 143d Airlift Wing’s Security Forces Squadron. His parents moved from Gillette to Rhoade Island while Eric was in middle school. In Security Forces the the 143rd handle everything from crowd control at the annual Air Show here at home to conducting outside the wire presence patrols in forward operating locations. SrA Fontes returned in October from a more than 6 month deployment with the 143d Security Forces Squadron. He was deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Fontes and his fellow Security Forces members from the 143d filled a lot of roles at Bagram. These included, Fly Away Security, Quick Response Force Teams that patrol for threats outside the wire, and also leadership operations. Fontes was tasked to Perimeter Defense and Response Duties protecting the personnel on base from direct and indirect attacks. SrA Fontes was recently hired as a full time Security Forces member at Quonset Air Guard Base. Prior to receiving his full time job he was studying to become a Fireman/EMT at CCRI. He says that when not working or studying his main passion is motorcycles; riding them and working on them.
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When asked about his deployment experience with the 143d Security Forces, SrA Fontes had this to say, “I wouldn’t ever change my decision about volunteering for this deployment. Even though some of our brothers and I were injured on this tour, the highs we collectively had as a group while in Afghanistan well outweigh the rough parts. We really learned what we were made of, as individuals and as a unit. I have never been prouder about being involved with the military than I am now. Words could never say how happy I am to have served with the group of men and women that I have. I think we all became closer than we ever thought possible and I have formed friendships that will last my entire life. After I was injured, my brothers and sisters pulled together to help me through a very rough time in my life and I will be forever grateful. I love you all so much. Thank You for the experience of a lifetime.” Thank you for your service!
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What’s Going On? Friday, February 17
-Stone Monkey Band @ Jakes Tavern -AVA: Little Tikes, 10 a.m. -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -K2 Focused Seminar: Budgeting in Excel, 1-3 p.m., K2 Technologies -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Kid’s Night Out, 6-9 p.m., Rec. Center -AVA: Uncorked! 7 p.m. -Open MIC Night, 7 p.m., Brothers Coffee -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Last Call Group, 10 p.m., 2910 S Douglas Hwy.
Saturday, February 18
-UMF Auction with Stone Monkey Band @ Jakes Tavern -AA- Discussion, 8:30 a.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -2012 Indoor Team Marathon, 9 a.m., Rec. Center, 682-8527 -4H Horse Clinic, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Cam-plex Barn 3 -Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m., CCPL -RCM Barrel Race, 10a.m.8 p.m., Cam-plex East Pavilion -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1 p.m., CCPL -Ducks Unlimited Banquet, 4:30 p.m., Cam-plex Wyoming Center, Todd Heslep 689-0555 -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Last Call Group, 10 p.m., 2910 S Douglas Hwy.
Sunday, February 19
-AA-Morning Spiritual, 10:15 a.m., 2910 S Douglas Hwy. -Senior Center- CLOSED -UMF Meeting @ Jakes Tavern
-WRCHA Club Clinic, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Cam-plex Barn 3 -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AVA: Hat Felting, 1-5 p.m. -Powder River Symphony: Birds, Bears & Other Animals!, 3 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
Monday, February 20
-NO SCHOOL -Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 12 noon, K2 Technologies -School’s Out Public Skate, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Cam-plex Spirit Hall -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Microsoft Word 2010 Level 1, 1-4 p.m., K2 Technologies -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
Tuesday, February 21
-HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab, 6881222 -Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 1, 9 a.m.- 12 noon, K2 Technologies -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Visually Imparted, 1 p.m., Senior Center, Pat Edwards 257-2949 -Microsoft Word 2010 Level 1, 1-4 p.m., K2 Technologies -AVA- Preschool Art, 2 p.m. -AVA- Grade School Pottery, 4 p.m. -Teen Card Game Club, 4 p.m., CCPL -Public Hearing on Elementary School Attendance Areas, 5 p.m., Hillcrest Gym -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30
p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AVA: Pottery with John Werbelow, 6:30-9 p.m. -AA-Beginners, 6:45 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Public Hearing on Elementary School Attendance Areas, 7 p.m., Sunflower Gym -CCSD 6-12 Orchestra Gala, 7 p.m., Cam-plex Wyoming Center -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
682-2808 -AVA- Homeschool Art, 2 p.m. -AVA- Grade School Kids Club, 4 p.m. -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Families & Jammies, Birth- 6th Grade, 6:30 p.m., CCPL -Teen Anime Club, 7 p.m., CCPL -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
Wednesday, Feb. 22
Friday, February 24
-Children’s Immunization Clinic, 8-11:30 a.m., Public Health -Senior Center- First Gold Bus, 9 a.m. -Microsoft Share Point Designer 2007, 9 a.m.- 12 noon, K2 Technologies -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -Storytime, All Ages, 11 a.m., WBL -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AVA- Early Release, 2-5 p.m. -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Planetarium Public Show: Astronaut, 7-7:45 p.m., 1000 Lakeway Rd., 682-4307 -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
-Facelift @ Jakes Tavern -Early Release- 1 p.m. Secondary, 1:30 p.m. Elementary -HTML 5 (New Class!) 9a.m.- 4 p.m., K2 Technologies -AVA: Little Tikes, 10 a.m. -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Early Release Gaming, 1 p.m., CCPL -Up in Arms Gun Show/ Flea Market, 3-7 p.m., Camplex Central Pavilion -Cabin Fever Reliever: Art in the Stacks, 5-8 p.m., CCPL -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Ring Wars, 7 p.m., Camplex Wyoming Center -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Last Call Group, 10 p.m., 2910 S Douglas Hwy.
Thursday, February 23
-HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab, 6881222 -Microsoft Share Point Designer 2007, 9 a.m.- 12 noon, K2 Technologies -Toddler Time, 18 months3 yr., 9:30 a.m., CCPL -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Senior Center: City of Gillette Sponsored Dinner, 12 p.m. -Ribbon Cutting: Celebration Station, 12:45-1:15 p.m., 501 S. Douglas Hwy. Ste. B,
Saturday, February 25
-Facelift @ Jakes Tavern -AA- Discussion, 8:30 a.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Up in Arms Gun Show/ Flea Market, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Cam-plex Central Pavilion -Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m., CCPL -RCM Barrel Race, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Cam-plex East Pavilion -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1 p.m., CCPL
7
-AVA: Uncorked! 1-3 p.m. -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Relay for Life: Bunko Fundraiser, 6:30 p.m., American Legion, 682-9857 -Gillette’s Got Talent, 7 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center, 682-8802 -Planetarium Public Show: Astronaut, 7-7:45 p.m., 1000 Lakeway Rd., 682-4307 -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Last Call Group, 10 p.m., 2910 S Douglas Hwy.
Sunday, February 26
-Senior Center- CLOSED -ABATE Meeting @ Jakes Tavern -Up in Arms Gun Show/ Flea Market, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., Cam-plex Central Pavilion -WRCHA Club Clinic, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Cam-plex Barn 3 -AA-Morning Spiritual, 10:15 a.m., 2910 S Douglas Hwy. -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab, 6881222 -Senior Center: Vet’s Breakfast, 8 a.m. -Microsoft Excel 2010 Level 2, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., K2 Technologies -Storytime, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AVA- Preschool Art, 2 p.m. -AVA- Grade School Pottery, 4 p.m. -Teen Card Game Club, 4 p.m., CCPL -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Green Drinks, 5:30-7 p.m., Pokey’s Smokehouse, 686-5228 -All About Women Business Meeting, 5:30-7 p.m., Brother’s Coffee -Wyoming Technology Business Center e2e: Going Global from Wyoming, 5:307 p.m., Gillette College -AA-Beginners, 6:45 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Hillcrest 3/4 Grade Program, 7 p.m., CCHS Auditorium -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
Monday, February 27
-K2 Focused Seminar: taming Your Email, 9 a.m.12 noon, K2 Technologies -AA- Mid-day Serenity, 12 noon, 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -Windows 7 Basic, 1-4 p.m., K2 Technologies -PAD Meeting, 4 p.m., CCHS South Music Room -AA-Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. -AVA: Painting with Nancy, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 682-9133 -AA-Hopefuls(BB), 8 p.m., 2910 S. Douglas Hwy.
Tuesday, February 28
-Brain Injury Group of Gillette, Carmen 680-5926 for Time and Location -HealthCHECK Testing,
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Community Weekly Trivia Question When was the Stamp Act passed on the American Colonies? Look in next week’s paper for the answer
Where is this picture taken? Answer from last week
A proposal would revise the attendance areas of seven elementary schools. This includes moving approximately 410 students from Pronghorn, Paintbrush and Sunflower Schools to the new Buffalo Ridge Elementary School.
Seven elementary schools face attendance area changes
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Lakeview. On Tuesday, Dr. Brown presented the proposed revisions to the Campbell County School District Board of Trustees. A final proposal will be taken to the School Board for their approval on February 28, and the established boundaries will be publicized before kindergarten registration begins in early March. In light of these proposed attendance area changes, the school district has scheduled four public hearings to receive input from patrons at clusters of elementary schools affected by the revisions. The dates and locations are as follows: • February 16 at 5 p.m. in the Conestoga Elementary School Library • February 16 at 7 p.m. in the Campbell County High School South Campus Commons • February 21 at 5 p.m. in the Hillcrest Elementary School Gym • February 21 at 7 p.m. in the Sunflower Elementary School Library In the meantime, Dr. Brown welcomes parents to contact their child’s school or the school district directly with any questions.
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Legislative Update The Wyoming House of Representatives worked on the redistricting bill today. The Corporations, Elections, and Political Subdivisions Committee has been meeting throughout the past year in communities across Wyoming in formulating a new redistricting plan for Wyoming. Every 10 years the Wyoming Legislature is required to adjust legislative districts to reflect the change in the census. Each legislative district needs to include essentially the same number of voters. Chairman Illoway of Cheyenne and his committee have done an outstanding job in listening to the voters of Wyoming and formulating a plan that
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from Paintbrush in the RC Ranch, South Park, and Town and Country area, and roughly 160 students from Sunflower in the area south of Donkey Creek between Enzi Drive and Highway 59 to Southern Drive. As well, about 70 students currently residing in the Nicholson Little Farm subdivision would attend Conestoga rather than Rozet Elementary School under the proposed changes. This change would also reduce their commute by approximately ten miles. Another significant change under consideration includes moving about 170 students in the Moon Shadow and Moon Meadow areas from Meadowlark to Sunflower. These changes would also require changes in transportation. The school district says students living more than 1.2 miles from school are typically provided district transportation. As a result of the proposed changes, some students previously busses to school may no longer have that option, and vice versa. The school district says exceptions will be made for students currently attending fourth or fifth grade to allow them to remain at their current school through sixth grade at the request of their parents or guardians. On the other hand, the elementary schools not involved in the planned boundary changes are 4-J, Cottonwood, Little Powder, Prairie Wind, Rawhide, Recluse, Wagonwheel, and
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By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News
School officials say about 500 students may be impacted by proposed changes to the attendance areas of seven elementary schools. The proposed changes coincide with the anticipated opening of Buffalo Ridge Elementary School this fall. The new school, located east of the Rec Center along Tanner Drive, is expected to have an attendance area of 410 students. Most of those students, according to the proposed changes, will be pulled from Paintbrush and Sunflower Elementary schools. Currently, the elementary schools under recommendation for revised attendance areas include Pronghorn, Paintbrush, Sunflower, Meadowlark, Hillcrest, Conestoga and Rozet, although impacts to the attendance areas of the latter two will be minimal. “We know that we’ll be moving some students from the Pronghorn area, Paintbrush area, and Sunflower area into the Buffalo Ridge area,” explains Associate Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Boyd Brown. “Then we’re also readjusting some of the Hillcrest and Meadowlark areas to get them to where they’re about the appropriate size and to increase the number of students in the proposed Sunflower area.” Under the proposed changes, Buffalo Ridge will acquire about 90 students from Pronghorn in the Remington Estates area, about 160 students
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was fair and equitable. Only one amendment was made to the plan, a small change involving the City of Cheyenne. The redistricting bill still has 2 more readings in the House, and thus more amendments could be made. Speaker Buchanan stated “I am very appreciative to Chairman Illoway and his committee for their diligent and thorough work on the redistricting plan. The redistricting plan is moving through the House of Representatives in an orderly manner and we look forward to further debate on this very important bill.”
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Report says narcotics cases rose in 2011
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By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News In 2011, the Gillette Police Department had a significant increase in the number of seizures of narcotics and paraphernalia, as well as narcotics cases investigated from the year before. In the department’s annual report released on Wednesday, the police department credits the increase on its heightened efforts toward detecting and enforcing narcotics crimes in the community. Illegal drugs, the report says, have been an area of concern that Gillette residents have consistently identified in the city’s annual survey and in the police department’s customer satisfaction survey. In total, narcotics related cases rose from 266 in 2010 to 339 in 2011, an increase of 27 percent. Last year, police seized 806 pieces of drug paraphernalia, up from 484 pieces the year before. Marijuana seizures increased by 8,500 grams to 11,249 grams last year, a 309 percent increase. Methamphetamine seizures increased by 42 percent, up from 43 grams to 61 grams in 2011. On a percentage basis, cocaine seizures had the most dramatic rise at 4,633, as police seized 14.2 grams of cocaine last year, up from a modest 0.3 grams in 2010.
The Gillette Police Department began tracking a relatively new drug called Spice in 2010. Spice is synthetic marijuana commonly marketed as incense. In recent years it has become a nationwide problem, and several Campbell County teens have been hospitalized as a result of using Spice. In the first year they tracked it, the Gillette Police Department seized 6 grams of Spice. Last year, they seized 101 grams, an increase of 1,583 percent from a year earlier. On the other hand, Alcohol related arrests were mostly flat. Driving under the influence arrests decreased from 409 to 396 last year, whereas drunk in public arrests increased from 175 to 186 over the same time period. Liquor law violations, which include minor in possession, minor consuming, and open container violations, increased 20 percent from 302 violations in 2010 to 363 violations last year. In its report, the Gillette Police Department says they will continue to be proactive in reducing crime and addressing quality of life issues in Gillette.
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8
Public Pulse Financial and Estate Planning for Family Forest Owners Webinar
Warden’s Corner
Wyoming State Forestry Divison
On Saturday, February 25, from 10:00am – noon, Wyoming State Forestry Division is hosting a free Financial and Estate Planning for Family Forest Owners webinar. If you plan to keep your land in the family or otherwise prevent its development, detailed planning is necessary. The webinar will highlight the im-
portance of estate planning options for family owned forestland. The topic will cover areas of the future of family forests lands, potential taxes and options for minimizing impacts and identifying potential problems and opportunities. Bill Hoover, Professor of Forestry, Purdue University and President of
Timber Tax, LCC will present the program highlights. The webinar is offered at the following locations, or you can watch from your home computer. Newcastle, 431 Delaware Avenue, Wyoming State Forestry Office Cheyenne, 5500 Bishop Blvd, Wyoming State Forestry Division Headquarters
Council will look at liquor license renewals By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News The Gillette City Council will consider renewing the city’s retail, restaurant, limited, and bar and grill liquor licenses following public comment at the city council meeting on February 21. “We have had some violations, which we’re bound to have, and the city council has asked Administrator [Carter] Napier to make some telephone calls and touch base with some of these owners,” explains Gillette Mayor Tom Murphy. “But I think the chief said it best is that the relationship that they have with these liquor license holders is a good one, and they don’t have anyone defiant in their noncompliance.” Gillette Chief of Police Jim Hloucal and Lieutenant Brent Wasson
provided the city council with a list of statistics Monday evening detailing everything from local alcohol compliance inspections to a spreadsheet that details calls and crimes reported for each business that sells alcoholic beverages over the last two years. Following Monday’s discussion, Murphy said he was pleased with the interaction between local liquor establishments and the Gillette Police Department. “The liquor license protocol were sets up I believe five years ago is when we started the process, and it enables a relationship between law enforcement inside the city and those establishments that enjoy a liquor license approved by the city every year,” Murphy says. “And that
relationship has I think proved to be a very good thing for the community. We have training offered. We have the PD working with the managers of liquor establishment, and I think that’s a good thing.” On February 21, the Gillette City Council will only look at renewing existing liquor licenses. They will not consider the three new applications for retail liquor licenses submitted by Pokey’s BBQ and Smokehouse, Old Chicago, and Jordan’s Fine Western Dining. The city council will consider those new applications on March 19. The next city council meeting will be on Tuesday, February 21, beginning at 7:00 p.m. inside the Council Chambers located at Gillette City Hall.
Wyoming’s wildlife habitat management areas provide crucial winter habitat for big game and provide year round habitat for many small game animals and game birds. These areas also provide important calving areas for elk in the spring and are closed to human presence during specific periods of the year. The Amsden Creek WHMA north of Dayton is closed to vehicles November 1 through May 31 and closed to human presence November 16 through April 30. The Kerns WHMA farther to the north near the Montana border is closed to vehicles November 1 through May 31 and closed to human presence November 16 through May 31. These areas are open to the public at all other times of the year and are great places to hunt and fish with your family.
Governor Mead says Wyoming is in a position of strength In his State of the State address Governor Matt Mead said Wyoming is in a strong position. He said the State should remain fiscally conservative while making important investments. In the address, which Governor Mead made before a Joint Session of the Wyoming Senate and House of Representatives, he expressed optimism about the State’s future. “We have small businesses that are thriving, teachers that are innovating, community colleges and a university that continue to advance. We have a citizenry that while small in numbers is big in spirit and accomplishment. Hardworking citizens in every sector make our state strong,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead did sound a note of caution and said continued fiscal restraint is necessary. He noted that natural gas prices have declined, decreasing the revenue for Wyoming. “National and global uncertainties and energy price fluctuations require us to redouble our efforts to keep the economic recovery going and growing in Wyoming. Jobs and the economy must remain top priorities,” Governor Mead said. He added that he has proposed a budget that slows the growth in government and does not include deep across-the-board cuts. Much of Governor Mead’s address focused on the budget for the next two years. He said it is
necessary to continue to invest in Wyoming. He is proposing $100 million for highways and $168 million for cities, towns and counties. “Our communities are a source of great pride, and we want them to have what they need to compete and to prosper. After all, it’s on Main Street where businesses grow and jobs are created, not in the Capitol building,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead mentioned technology and data centers as opportunities for economic growth. He supports another $15 million for infrastructure to support large data centers or tech companies. He also said Wyoming must continue to look for public-private partnerships to increase access to high speed broadband for citizens everywhere. Governor Mead supports consolidating information technology (IT) services in one agency in state government and said that Senate File 33 will move such consolidation forward. Education was another emphasis of Governor Mead’s State of the State. “In Wyoming we are blessed with wonderful natural resources. It is our people, however, that secure our future. We know every child is a blessing and the well-being of our children determines the well-being of our state. Providing the best education in a safe environment goes a long way to expanding our children’s horizons,” Governor Mead said. He called on the Legislature to pro-
Veterans to discuss VA clinic at Hot Springs, SD
vide direction to educators that is clear and pushed for Wyoming standards that set a high bar for students. “For Wyoming to continue to be strong we must ask, ‘What are those things that have made us strong and what must we do to nurture those areas?’” Governor Mead said. He stressed the importance of Wyoming’s energy, agriculture and tourism industries as well as the State’s small businesses. This session Governor Mead said it is important to pass funding to support tourism, put money into the Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust Fund and approve changes to Wyoming’s wolf management plan so the State has the opportunity to take over management of wolves. For the energy industry, Governor Mead said he supports additional funding for the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources, enhanced oil recovery and a move to allow Wyoming rather than the federal government to regulate greenhouse gases. “We want our mining and oil and gas industry to remain strong. To keep the
Weekly Trivia Question
energy sector strong, we must seek to ensure longevity for those industries and maximize the benefit of production. We should encourage value-added projects that in addition to adding value give us new technologies, new efficiencies, and cleaner uses of our raw products.” Governor Mead thanked those serving in the military and thanked the Wyoming National Guard and all the people who worked proactively to mitigate the damages during last year’s flooding. He also pointed out that in 2011, thanks to the work of many; Wyoming was named the best run state in the nation. “We must make certain that Wyoming’s legacy does not only have the title of the best managed state but that every child, every family and every business is managing the best, doing the best. Working together I know Wyoming can continue to be the best in title and in reality.”
What US President was not elected either President or Vice President? Look in next week’s paper for the answer
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The Wyoming Veterans Commission will host a town hall meeting to discuss proposed changes for the VA’s Hot Springs, SD clinic. Veterans and family members are invited to attend and learn more about the proposed changes. Many Wyoming Veterans use the VA’s Hot Springs, SD clinic. The meeting will be Friday, February 24th at 1pm at the USDA/Forest Service Building at 1225 Washington in Newcastle. Director Stephen DiStasio of the VA’s Black Hills Healthcare System will be in attendance to discuss the proposed changes to Hot Springs, SD clinic. For more information, contact Ms. Alisa Cochrane, State Veterans Service Officer, (307) 696-5048.
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Public Pulse Letters to the Editor
Bold Republic Weekly A Degree in Taxes? By Glenn Woods
So there I was, sipping on a cup of coffee, waiting for the last commercial to end before I went back on the air when something the lady said made me stop, in mid sip, and look up. “I have a master’s degree in TAXATION!” said the lady on the commercial. As the weather played, then the announcer and the music, I sat with my finger resting on the microphone button, thinking, and “You can get a master’s degree in that?” The very idea sent me on a rant for the next twenty minutes of my show. I mean, think about it, just how bad is our tax system in America that we actually need people to go take out a loan, so they can go to college, and spend who knows how many years studying the federal tax code to get a master’s degree in it? That led to the next question; can you get a doctorate degree in it? Then I had to wonder how bad it was that we actually needed people in America with master’s degrees in the Federal Tax code? This means that our system of collecting taxes has become so complicated that people will actually go and apply for a federal loan, then spend years in college studying a library of U.S. tax codes and law in order to try and help the rest of us through it. I suppose this lady in the commercial might have a nicely framed degree hanging on the wall of her office, but that does not mean that she is through going to school. Since the tax code goes through changes all year long this means that, in order to keep that degree on the wall, she has to go back to school, often, to keep up on the latest rules
and regulations, and who knows what else, coming out of congress and out of the office of the bureaucrats in the IRS. Come to think of it, I know very few people these days that actually fill out their own taxes. Lucky for me, I have a sister who is an accountant. The rest of you pay through the nose for one. Many of you file online with the help of computer programs, because you would never be able to figure it out on your own. Not unless you have a master’s degree that is. THREE DAYS LATER: Again, I stop in mid sip and I look up and what is playing on the air. Our news man Paul is telling the story of a local Gillette group that will be helping the elderly pay their taxes this year. A bus will show up at the old folks home and pick up grandma and grandpa, wheel chair, walker, oxygen tank and all, and haul their depends padded bottoms to where they can get help with their taxes. Now, before I go on, let me thank the folks at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) for doing this for our seniors. Also, thanks to Bank of the West for their generous contribution to make this possible. Help will be provided at the Campbell County Senior Center every Wednesday through April 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Reservations are required. If you would like to make a reservation for free tax assistance stop by the senior center or call them at 6860804. Also a special thanks to Mr. Jon Lasham who will be providing the help. Having said that --- Really? What the hell are we doing here? Has it gotten so bad that we need to offer this sort of help to our
seniors? Why can’t we just leave them alone already? I have a better idea. Something much less invasive. Have you heard about The Fair Tax? It’s a much simpler idea. Imagine - There is no IRS - and April 15th is just another day. The FairTax replaces all federal income and payroll based taxes with an integrated approach including a progressive national retail sales. The FairTax Act (HR 25, S 13) is nonpartisan legislation. It abolishes all federal personal and corporate income taxes, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, and self-employment taxes and replaces them with one simple, visible, federal retail sales tax administered primarily by existing state sales tax authorities. The FairTax taxes us only on what we choose to spend on new goods or services, not on what we earn. With a simple program like this we would not need degrees in Tax-ology, or whatever it’s called, nor would we need to haul grandma and grandpa on to a bus so they can see a tax-ologyexpert. In a time when everything had become far too complicated it would be nothing but a benefit to the entire nation to give America a break and simplify one of the most complicated, invasive, frustrating and oppressive problems that has ever come from our Federal Government. THE FEDERAL TAX CODE. Find out more, and how you can support this idea, at FairTax.org.
Dear Editor, The sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use and possession of firearms, weapons and ammunition shall be authorized, regulated and prohibited by the state, and regulation thereof is preempted by the state. Except as authorized by W.S. 15-1-103(a)(xviii), No city, town, county, political subdivision or any other entity shall authorize, regulate or prohibit the sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use, carrying or possession of firearms, weapons, accessories, components or ammunition except as specifically provided by this chapter. This section shall preempt all ordinances, resolutions, administrative rules and regulations enacted by a county, city, town, political subdivision or any other entity. Any such existing ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations are hereby declared without force or effect. This was HB60, which failed this morning (15th of Febuary). It failed, and I think it should be known who voted for and against it in our county. For-Representatives Blikre, Kasperik, and Wallis Against-Lubnau Thank you to the three that voted for freedom, and Mr. Lubnau...You have proven yourself a Rhino! You have lost my vote. John LaBeck From Editor Nicholas De Laat: John, I couldn’t agree with you more. The State Government should have more power over the citizens of the state than the Federal Government, and should also have more than the local governments. There is no reason why I need to learn all the individual laws of every little municipality while driving around Wyoming, and I believe (if my reading is correct) that the Casper firearm restriction is unconstitutional according to the State Constitution. A law-suite needs to be filed against them. I will defend Representative Lubnau however because there might have been something in the bill he didn’t like. I will ask him this week and (time provided) see if he will answer this letter with his own explanation, instead of my assumptions. Dear Editor, President Barack Obama’s call for shared responsibility is another political lie. The top 1 percent of all taxpayers in America pay 36.7 percent ($318 mil-
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
lion), while the bottom 50 percent pay 2.3 percent ($19 million). In terms of population, this means that approximately 1,380,000 families pay 37.7 percent of the nation’s income taxes while 68,991,000 families pay just 2 percent. On a per family basis, it’s $230,000 per family for the 1 percent and $282 per family for the bottom 50 percent. Where is the shared responsibility? The top 1 percent pay approximately 1,000 times more per family than the families in the bottom 50 percent. Do the top 1 percent get 1,000 times more services provided by the government? Calling on the top 1 percent to pay more taxes may be appropriate in some circumstances, where abuse is apparent, but as a general statement to say the top 1 percent must share the responsibility is a very untrue statement from the White House. It is precisely class warfare. The problem is spending, not taxes. Bruce Hughes From Editor Nicholas De Laat: Agreed. See Glenn Wood’s Column this week in the Campbell County Observer’s Public Pulse section. Dear Editor, In a time of economic uncertainty such as this, shouldn’t our government leaders be acting as fiscal conservatives instead of bleeding heart liberals looking to fulfill special interests? Wyoming has always been a fiscally conservative state, and I think the elected officials in Gillette and Campbell County had better think twice before backing an extravagance of the scope of “ The Field of Dreams!”. This is clearly an agenda brought forth by a minority special interest that intends to lean left and try to glean the pockets of the masses without giving them a chance to vote on it. Enough of this! The way it looks to me with current market conditions, King Coal is in for a few flat years, and wake up people-what do you think fuels the economic engines of this area? Let’s start acting like conservatives again and rethink this albatross. You can always spend money on fixing some of the potholes in every parking lot in town, you know the ones that swallow compact cars and bend tire rims! All I can say is the people behind this have no interest in pleasing anyone but their special interests. By Dan Curry From Editor Nicholas De Laat: I am a huge proponent of ZERO extra and unnecessary spending.
There are more public meetings coming, and the best way to fight what you believe is wrong is to show up and voice your opinion. Editor, on the field of dreams. It makes me very concerned they want to spend our money. How is spending this kind of money going to justify helping out a few businesses? I don’t know about everyone else but I work hard for my money and really don’t like paying the taxes that I already pay!! Do we not already have baseball fields, a bmx track, boys and girls club? Is there really a need to spend this kind of money on little league baseball? What’s wrong with the new fields they just completed off of Enzi drive?? By Jan Deterik From Editor Nicholas De Laat: I am also concerned. I hate paying taxes, though I realize that some are a necessity. We need Police, Fire, (some) administration, plows, and more. A friend of mine (Bob) had a good statement he told me last week. That is that “everyone wants to see their community improved, but drawing the line between what is necessary, what is wanted, and what is not needed can be very tricky.” I believe that anyone in a position working for the public should consider this: would you spend your personal money on this?
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Public Pulse Governors Mead and Hickenlooper to Co-Chair Sage-Grouse Task Force Governor Matt Mead has announced that Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey will join him in co-chairing a sagegrouse task force. The task force will examine ways states can provide management tools and habitat protections for the sage-grouse. The task force was created in December after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and officials from 10 states with habitat for the greater sagegrouse met in Wyoming and agreed to collaboratively identify actions that could preclude the need to list the sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act. “The goal of the Endangered Species Act is not to add to the list, but to protect the species so they never make it to the endangered species list,” Governor Mead said. “I appreciate Governor Hickenlooper, the nine other western governors and Director Abbey for their willingness to join us to create a state-led plan that will balance conservation of the sage-grouse
with development and job creation.” “We are pleased to join Gov. Mead in working with other Western states to find ways we can protect this majestic, iconic Western species,” Hickenlooper said. “This task force will work with federal agencies and existing groups to find strategies states can employ to keep this species vibrant and off the threatened and endangered species list. We have our work cut out for us, but we are optimistic we can make great strides with this effort.” The greater sage-grouse is a large, rounded-winged, ground-dwelling bird, up to 30 inches long and 2 feet tall, weighing from 2 to 5 pounds. The birds are found at elevations ranging from 4,000 to more than 9,000 feet and are highly dependent on sagebrush for cover and food. Currently, greater sage-grouse are found in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, eastern California, Nevada, Utah, western Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming and the Canadian provinces of Al-
berta and Saskatchewan and occupy approximately 56 percent of their historical range. After a thorough analysis of the best available scientific information, the Fish and Wildlife Service has concluded that the greater sage-grouse warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act. However, the Service has determined that proposing the species for protection is precluded by the need to take action on other species facing more immediate and severe extinction threats. In 2009 Wyoming instituted a stateled effort for Sage-Grouse Core Area Protection. This put in place conservation actions and commitments to meaningfully address both the continued viability of the sage-grouse and the need of westerners to enjoy multiple uses of their land and have reasonable predictability regarding regulatory requirements. This task force will consider this management tool and those of other states.
WyLiberty joins effort to stop forced Health Insurance Purchase under Obamacare
The Wyoming Liberty Group (WyLiberty ) today joins 17 public policy research organizations and a bipartisan group of 333 state legislators in a friend-of-the-court (amicus) brief urging the Supreme Court to affirm the ruling that Obamcare’s individual mandate exceeds Congress’s power to regulate interstate commerce. “The very notion that Congress could force people to purchase any good or service it likes throws the principle of limited government right out the window,” said Benjamin Barr, counsel with WyLiberty. “This brief brings sane limits to Congress’s
authority and refutes the idea that regulating inactivity is within its jurisdiction.” The brief argues against Obamacare’s individual mandate, the requirement that most Americans purchase qualifying health insurance or pay a tax beginning in 2014. Although Obamacare’s other requirements could remain in place if the individual mandate goes down, politically, Obamacare would be a dead letter because the individual mandate is considered Obamacare’s keystone. “We’ve worked to stop Obamacare
as it tries to creep into Wyoming through Health Insurance Exchanges while providing real solutions to lower health care costs without tyrannically forcing everyone into a bogus system that masquerades as a market,” said Steve Klein, WyLiberty staff attorney. “We believe this brief will remind the Supreme Court Justices that our founding principles are the very reason for the success of the American experiment and cannot be sacrificed.” Oral argument has been scheduled for March 26, 27, and 28, 2012 and a decision will issue this term.
Campbell County Senators and Representatives respond to State of Wyoming Bills S.J. No. 0001 Wildlife-property of the state Sponsored by HICKS A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing to amend the Wyoming Constitution to declare that all wildlife is the property of the state. SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. SJ0001 Wildlife-property of the state. Sponsored by: Senator(s) Hicks, Bebout, Driskill, Jennings, Landen and Martin and Representative(s) Brown, Burkhart, Jaggi, Lockhart, Moniz and Semlek A BILL for A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing to amend the Wyoming Constitution to declare that all wildlife is the property of the state. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING, two-thirds of all the members of the two houses, voting separately, concurring therein: Section 1. The following proposal to amend Wyoming Constitution by creating Article 1, Section 38 is proposed or submission to the electors of the State of Wyoming at the next general election for approval or rejection to become valid as a part of the Constitution if ratified by a majority of the electors at the election: Article 1, Section 38. Wildlife is property of the state. All wildlife in Wyoming is the property of the state. The state shall provide an adequate and flexible system for control, propagation, management, protection and regulation of all Wyoming wildlife. The determination and establishment of wildlife populations and their distribution shall be the responsibility of the state. Section 2. That the Secretary of State shall endorse the following statement on the proposed amendment: The adoption of this amendment would declare that all wildlife in Wyoming is the property of the state, that the state shall provide an adequate and flexible system for control, propagation, management, protection and regulation of all Wyoming wildlife; and that the determination and establishment of wildlife populations and their distribution shall be the responsibility of the state. H.B. No. 0022 Gold star license plates-expanded eligibility. Sponsored by: BLAKE AN ACT relating to specialty license plates; expanding eligibility
for the gold star license plate; and providing for an effective date. HOUSE BILL NO. HB0022 Gold star license plates-expanded eligibility. Sponsored by: Representative(s) Blake, Bonner, Buchanan, Goggles and Petersen and Senator(s) Cooper and Esquibel, F. A BILL for AN ACT relating to specialty license plates; expanding eligibility for the gold star license plate; and providing for an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming: Section 1. W.S. 31-2-229(a) is amended to read: 31-2-229. Special plates; gold star. (a) Any person required to register a vehicle in Wyoming pursuant to this article may apply to the Wyoming veteran’s commission for a statement of eligibility for distinctive gold star license plates for any motor vehicle that is not a commercial vehicle or multipurpose vehicle owned or leased by that person upon registration of the vehicle. Upon payment of the fee required in W.S. 31-3-102(a)(viii) by the department, the Wyoming veteran’s commission shall issue a written statement of eligibility for the gold star plate. Only parents, grandparents, or spouses, children or siblings of a member of the United States armed forces who died while in service or who died as a result of the service shall be eligible to receive the gold star plates. Application shall be made at least thirty (30) days before registration of the vehicle expires. Section 2. This act is effective July 1, 2012.
issues etc. At first blush I favor this resolution, but I will want to hear the testimony and see what amendments may be attached before I vote. HB0022 is a change in Statute to add to the list of those eligible to display the Gold Star Family Plate on their automobile. When you see a Gold Star Plate on a car or truck, you that the owner is someone who’s loved one gave the last full measure in the defense of the United States while in the military. Right now the parents, grandparents or spouse of a soldier or sailor who dies in war are eligible to display the Gold Stat Plate. HB0022 will expand that eligibility to children and brothers and sisters of the soldier or sailor who dies in defense or his or her country. It seems only right that siblings and children should be given the same right as the parents, grandparents and spouses. I was the Prime Sponsor of the original Gold Star Bill and I am a Co-Sponsor of this bill. Thank you, Representative Gregg Blikre Currently some people or entities own wildlife and that issue would need to settled before we passed any amendment that would conflict with ownership. Thank you, Senator John Hines
Photo courtesy of the City of Gillette
City of Gillette Sustainability Coordinator Michael Foote says Gillette will be the second municipality in the State of Wyoming to create an affiliate chapter of Keep America Beautiful.
Gillette will join Keep America Beautiful By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News Gillette will soon create its own affiliate chapter of the Keep America Beautiful network. According to Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Gillette Michael Foote, the affiliate chapter will be called “Keep Gillette Beautiful” and it will offer many benefits to the community. “Benefits are connecting to a national network for education and a variety of materials to be able to glean some of the lessons learned from other communities and be able to adopt those here,” Foote explains. “And I think one of the more exciting things is that we will be able to apply for grant monies through a variety of their national sponsors.” Initially, there is a $3,000 certification fee to create a local affiliate, according to Foote. “That is what allows us to bring in a trainer for two sessions to get us certified and trained on how to conduct some of the tasks that we’ll have at hand to be certified,” Foote says.
What’s Going On In Government? Tuesday, February 21
-City Council Pre-Meeting, 6 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Wednesday, February 22
-Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Thursday, February 23
-Parks & Beautification Board, 5:30 p.m., 2nd Floor Community Conference Room, City Hall
Monday, February 27
-City Council Work Session, 6 p.m., 2nd Floor Community Conference Room, City Hall -Wright Town Council Workshop, 7 p.m., Council Room, Town Hall -Wright Town Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Council Room, Town Hall
The Winner of The Greatest Lips Valentine Contest is:
Tammy Eldridge
Responses from your Representatives and Senators
Hello Campbell County, Senate Joint Resolution is a resolution to call for a Constitutional Amendment that declares that all wildlife is the property of the state and that it will be the responsibility of the state to manage that wildlife. This is pretty much how things are done now by statute so if the people voted to put this into the Constitution it would be another way in which to assert the rights of the state as it relates to the federal government. This bill starts in the Senate so I will be interested to hear the discussions over there and also to see how things shake out as to discussions on liability
“From that point forward the annual renewal will be $200. So when you think about the amount of grant money that will be available to us, $200 will be an extremely nominal fee to keep this going.” Foote points out several examples of where Gillette has already taken a proactive approach to sustainability. He notes local school participation in Recycle-Bowl, the Gillette College’s participation in Recycle-Mania, and Trash to Trees which is Gillette’s own version of the Great American Cleanup. “So we’re doing a number of things already so the exciting part is we don’t have to do a lot more to take part in this national movement,” says Foote. “And then what we’ll do in the future is just look for other interesting opportunities for us to take part in.” Around the nation, Keep American Beautiful has 604 affiliates in 42 states, along with 23 state affiliates. Casper is the only other Wyoming affiliate.
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Comics
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Solutions from last week
“To dwell on the problems you face only wastes time. Recognize those problems, analyze them, and fix them accordingly. That is how you move forward.” – Nicholas De Laat
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Sports Report
The Gillette Edge U19 Boys team, coached by Chris McMackin (left) received t-shirts for their first place finish.
The Gillette Edge U19 Boys team finished in second place. They are coached by Chris McMackin and Laurie Christenson is the manager.
Photos submitted by John Lacek
Gillette Edge soccer results Submitted by Dan King
Coed U10 U10 Division
Bracket A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - BLACK GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS MILLER GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS MILLER
7 9 19
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS CORNACCHIO CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - BLACK GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS CORNACCHIO
0 7 0
Sunday, February 12, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS MILLER 11 CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - RED 2 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS CORNACCHIO 0 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS MILLER 11
Dan King - Gillette Edge Club President
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS PURPLE - CORNACCHIO CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - BLACK GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 GIRLS ROSWADOVSKI CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - BLACK
Team 1: GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS MILLER (WY) 2: CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - BLACK (WY) 3: GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS CORNACCHIO (WY)
Bracket B
MP 2 2 2
W 2 1 0
D 0 0 0
L 0 1 2
GF 28 14 0
4 4 1 2
GA Pts 7 6 9 3 2 0
Saturday, February 11, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 GIRLS ROSWADOVSKI 2 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS PURPLE - CORNACCHIO 4 CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - RED 5 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS PURPLE - CORNACCHIO 3 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 GIRLS ROSWADOVSKI 0 CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - RED 15
Sunday, February 12, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS MILLER CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - RED GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS CORNACCHIO
11 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS PURPLE - CORNACCHIO 4 2 CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - BLACK 4 0 GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 GIRLS ROSWADOVSKI 1
Team 1: CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B - RED (WY) 2: GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS PURPLE - CORNACCHIO (WY) 3: GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 GIRLS ROSWADOVSKI (WY)
Semi-Finals A
Christina Lacek at goal Girls U12
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS
Consolation
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 GIRL
Final
GILLETTE EDGE SC U10 BOYS CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B -
11 4
MP 2 2 2
W 2 1 0
D 0 0 0
L 0 1 2
GF 20 7 2
Semi-Finals B
CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B CASPER SC BLADES 00/02B -
GA 3 7 19
Pts 6 3 0
2 4
0 1 11 2
Coed U14 U14 Coed
Bracket A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE U14 GIRLS JUREWICZ CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPARKZ-WADDELL & REED GILLETTE EDGE U14 GIRLS JUREWICZ BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPARKZ-WADDELL & REED GILLETTE EDGE U14 GIRLS JUREWICZ BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPARKZ-WADDELL & REED
5 11 6 3 4 4 13
CASPER SC BLADES 97/98G GILLETTE EDGE SC U14 BOYS MAHYLIS CASPER SC BLADES 97/98G CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B GILLETTE EDGE SC U14 BOYS MAHYLIS GILLETTE EDGE SC U14 BOYS MAHYLIS
Sunday, February 12, 2012
BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPARKZ-WADDELL & REED CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B GILLETTE EDGE SC U14 BOYS MAHYLIS BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPARKZ-WADDELL & REED
4 8 16 5
Team 1: BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPARKZ-WADDELL & REED (SD) 2: CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B (WY) 3: GILLETTE EDGE SC U14 BOYS MAHYLIS (WY) 4: GILLETTE EDGE U14 GIRLS JUREWICZ (WY) 5: CASPER SC BLADES 97/98G (WY)
Emily Jarvis Gillette U12 girls edge player
Final
BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER SPAR CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B
14
5 3
GILLETTE EDGE U14 GIRLS JUREWICZ CASPER SC BLADES 97/98G CASPER SC BLADES 97/98G CASPER SC BLADES 97/98B MP 4 4 4 4 4
W 4 2 2 1 0
D 0 1 0 1 0
L 0 1 2 2 4
GF 27 23 28 15 6
GA Pts 7 12 11 7 33 6 13 4 35 0
1 4 0 3 1 5 3 3 0 5 3
Sports Report Mens U19 High School Boys Bracket A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN LEAD DEADWOOD DOODS LANDER STRIKERS SOCCER LANDER 6 V 6 LANDER STRIKERS SOCCER LANDER 6 V 6 LEAD DEADWOOD DOODS
7 5 0 0 8
CASPER BLADES STAR LANERS GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN 2 GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN 2 CASPER BLADES STAR LANERS
Sunday, February 12, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN LANDER STRIKERS SOCCER LANDER 6 V 6 LEAD DEADWOOD DOODS GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN 2 LEAD DEADWOOD DOODS GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN 2
5 0 4 4 6 2
GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN 2 CASPER BLADES STAR LANERS GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN CASPER BLADES STAR LANERS LANDER STRIKERS SOCCER LANDER 6 V 6 GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN
Team 1: GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN 2 (WY) 2: GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS MCMACKIN (WY) 3: LEAD DEADWOOD DOODS (SD) 4: CASPER BLADES STAR LANERS (WY) 5: LANDER STRIKERS SOCCER LANDER 6 V 6 (WY) Final GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS GILLETTE EDGE SC HS BOYS
MP 4 4 4 4 4
W 4 2 2 1 0
D 0 1 1 0 0
L 0 1 1 3 4
GF 23 21 23 17 0
3 7 5 6 7 6 4 4 3 0 3
GA Pts 13 12 13 7 18 7 19 3 21 0
Photos submitted by John Lacek
Michelle McGeary U19 Riverter Player having some control issues.
2 3
Womens U19 High School Girls Bracket A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
JOHNSON COUNTY INDOOR-GIRLS HS GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED CASPER SC BLADES U18 JOHNSON COUNTY INDOOR-GIRLS HS GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED JOHNSON COUNTY INDOOR-GIRLS HS
3 5 1 2 15 6 4
CASPER SC CASPER U16G BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON KICKS CASPER SC CASPER U16G BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON KICKS CASPER SC BLADES U18 CASPER SC CASPER U16G CASPER SC BLADES U18
3 2 3 13 1 3 2
Sunday, February 12, 2012
CASPER SC BLADES U18 CASPER SC CASPER U16G JOHNSON COUNTY INDOOR-GIRLS HS GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED
5 2 3 11
BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON KICKS BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON KICKS GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON KICKS
Team 1: GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED (WY) 2: BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON KICKS (SD) 3: CASPER SC CASPER U16G (WY) 4: JOHNSON COUNTY INDOOR-GIRLS HS (WY) 5: CASPER SC BLADES U18 (WY) Final GILLETTE EDGE GC UNITED BELLE FOURCHE SOCCER NEON
MP 4 4 4 4 4
W 4 3 1 1 0
D 0 0 1 1 0
L 0 1 2 2 4
GF 40 26 11 12 9
8 3 14 2
GA Pts 9 12 14 9 13 4 32 4 30 0
Ashton Peterson (right) sprinting for the soccer ball.
11 2
Girls U12 Girls Bracket A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES
6 9 3
SYSA ORANGE CRUSH SYSA ORANGE CRUSH GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE
4 1 5
Sunday, February 12, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT SYSA ORANGE CRUSH GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE
11 5 8 6
GILLETTE EDGE U10 EDGE PURPLE RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 GIRLS BAUMGARTNER RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT
Team 1: GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE (WY) 2: RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES (SD) 3: SYSA ORANGE CRUSH (SD)
Bracket B
MP 2 2 2
W 2 1 0
D 0 0 0
L 0 1 2
GF 14 9 5
1 4 1 0
GA Pts 4 6 9 3 15 0
Brittney Lacek (left) and Shelby Jurewicz (right) of The Riverters.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT 6 GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 GIRLS BAUMGARTNER 3 RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT 7
GILLETTE EDGE U10 EDGE PURPLE 1 GILLETTE EDGE U10 EDGE PURPLE 6 GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 GIRLS BAUMGARTNER 3
Sunday, February 12, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT SYSA ORANGE CRUSH GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE WHITE
11 5 8 6
GILLETTE EDGE U10 EDGE PURPLE RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 GIRLS BAUMGARTNER RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT
Team 1: RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES TNT (SD) 2: GILLETTE EDGE U10 EDGE PURPLE (WY) 3: GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 GIRLS BAUMGARTNER (WY)
Semi-Finals A
GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS E GILLETTE EDGE U10 EDGE PU
Semi-Finals B
RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES
MP 2 2 2
W 2 1 0
D 0 0 0
L 0 1 2
GF 13 7 6
1 4 1 0
Gillette U10 Boys player
GA Pts 4 6 9 3 13 0
11 1 5 4
Consolation
SYSA ORANGE CRUSH (SD) 8 GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 GIRL
Final
GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS E RCYSL CHALLENGE DYNAMITES
1 6 0
Coed U12 U12 Coed Bracket A
Saturday, February 11, 2012
GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 BOYS MILLIRON CASPER SC BLADES U12B-BLACK GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 BOYS MILLIRON CASPER SC BLADES U12B-BLACK GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 BOYS MILLIRON GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE PURPLE CASPER SC BLADES U12B-BLACK
5 6 4 6 1 5
CASPER SC BLADES 99/00B GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE PURPLE GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE PURPLE CASPER SC BLADES 99/00B CASPER SC BLADES U12B-BLACK CASPER SC BLADES 99/00B
Sunday, February 12, 2012 9
Team 1: CASPER SC BLADES U12B-BLACK (WY) 2: CASPER SC BLADES 99/00B (WY) 3: GILLETTE EDGE U12 GIRLS EDGE PURPLE (WY) 4: GILLETTE EDGE SC U12 BOYS MILLIRON (WY) Final CASPER SC BLADES U12B-BLA CASPER SC BLADES 99/00B
Karen Storie going up vertical after a shot for a goal on net.
CASPER SC BLADES 99/00B MP 3 3 3 3
W 3 2 1 0
D 0 0 0 0
L 0 1 2 3
GF 17 20 15 10
9 4 6 5 5 6 4
GA Pts 10 9 16 6 16 3 20 0
9 4
Brittney Lacek (right) ямБghting for the soccer ball.
15
Sports Report Fouls costly as Pronghorn Men lose to Western
Bulldogs tryouts for 9-12 year olds begin Feb. 20
By Vic Wright - Basin Radio The Pronghorn men (14-10, 5-6) could not hold on to a three-point halftime lead, as Western Wyoming Community College (19-6, 7-5) made 16 of its 21 attempts from the charity stripe in the second half. The Mustangs were victorious in the 81-75 contest. Gillette College was called for 22 fouls, twice as many as Western Wyoming CC. Every Mustang that made it to the free throw line, made 70 percent or more of their opportunities there. The Pronghorns had a better field goal percentage than the Mustangs, but were outdone beyond the arc as Western sank three more treys than Gillette. It was another stellar night for George Edwards, as he had the game high of 25 points. However, Kash McKinney was the only other Pronghorn to finish in double digits with ten points, compared to four Mustangs that had 12 or more points. Ian Matos led the Mustangs with 19 points. Gillette College will face a Little Big Horn team that it crushed in Montana on Jan. 14th by a score of 123-79. Like the women’s team, Little Big Horn’s men’s squad is in the basement in the Region IX. The two teams will face each other at the South Campus at 7:30pm.
Pronghorns Scoring Summary George Edwards-25 Kash McKinney-10 Kalen Foreman-9 Reece Maxwell-8 James Hunter-8 Matt Strickland-8 Asante Smiter-4 Lucas Reller-3
Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio
Despite a stellar performance by George Edwards, who led the Pronghorns with a game-high 25 points, Gillette College fell to the Mustangs 81-75 Saturday night.
Tryouts for the Bulldogs Baseball travel teams run from February 20 to 23. The teams will be assembled through a tryout process at the Volunteer Fieldhouse at Legion Field. These teams are set up for players that want to play more baseball and travel to some competitive tournaments. The players still play Little League baseball along with Bulldogs baseball. There are three age divisions: 9-10 year old, 11 year old, and 12 year old. The 9-10 year old team will go to 3 tournaments, the 11 year old team to 4 tournaments and the 12 year old team to 5 tournaments throughout the summer. The age of the player is determined by his age on May 1. There will be a $25 nonrefundable tryout fee. Players need a glove, bat, and regular tennis shoes for the tryout. There will be a short parent meeting for the appropriate age group at 6:15 p.m. right before each tryout begins. These will be the only tryouts for the 2012 teams, so all players need to attend. These are not Little League tryouts; this is for the Bulldogs travel teams. To sign up for tryouts please contact Brad Harris at 660-2717 or Nate Perleberg at 689-4542. Tryout times are as follows: Monday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m.—9 to 10 year old tryouts Tuesday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.—11 year old tryouts Wednesday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m.—12 year old tryouts
What’s Going On In Sports? Friday, February 17
-CCHS WRE (JV/V) Regionals, CCHS South Campus -WJSH B/G BB vs. Lusk, Wright -WJSH WRE Regionals, Saratoga -CCHS BBB (SO/JV/V) vs. Cheyenne Central, 4 p.m., CCHS North Campus -CCHS GBB (SO/JV/V) @ Cheyenne Central, 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 18
-CCHS WRE (JV/V) Regionals, CCHS South Campus -WJSH WRE Regionals, Saratoga -CCHS BBB (SO/JV/V) vs. Cheyenne East, 10 a.m., CCHS North Campus -CCHS GBB (SO/JV/V) @ Cheyenne East, 10 a.m. -Gillette College WBB vs. CWC, 6 p.m., CCHS South Campus -Gillette College MBB vs. CWC, 8 p.m., CCHS South Campus
Monday, February 20
-CCHS BBB (SO/JV) vs. Rapid City Stevens, 4 p.m., CCHS North Campus -CCHS GBB (SO/JV) @ Rapid City Stevens, 4 p.m. Photo by Nathan Kobielusz - Basin Radio
Tuesday, February 21
-CCSD Strings Gala Concert, 7 p.m., Cam-plex Wyoming Center
Wednesday, Feb. 22
-Gillette College WBB @ Casper College, 5:30 p.m. -Gillette College MBB @ Casper College, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 23 -WJSH B/G BB Regionals, Torrington -CCHS GBB (SO/JV/V) vs. Sheridan, 4 p.m. -TSJH Choir Concert, 7 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center
-WJSH B/G BB Regionals, Torrington -WJSH State WRE, Casper -Gillette College WBB @ Northwest College, 3 p.m. -Gillette College MBB @ Northwest College, 5 p.m. -Gillette WILD vs. Great Falls, 8 p.m., Cam-plex Spirit Hall
Tuesday, February 28
-Gillette College WBB vs. Sheridan College, 5:30 p.m., CCHS South Campus -Gillette College MBB vs. Sheridan College, 7:30 p.m., CCHS South Campus
Friday, February 24
-CCHS BSW, Aquatic Center -CCHS WRE (V) State, Casper -WJSH B/G BB Regionals, Torrington -WJSH State WRE, Casper -CCHS BBB (SO/JV/V) @ Sheridan, 4 p.m. -Gillette WILD vs. Great Falls, 8 p.m., Cam-plex Spirit Hall
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-CCHS BSW, Aquatic Center -CCHS WRE (V) State, Casper
Alex Ward led the Pronghorns on the scoreboard with 17 points.
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“Bottom Drops Out” on Offense; Pronghorn Women fall to Western By Vic Wright - Basin Radio It started out to be a positive game for the Pronghorns (15-10, 7-4), but the offense fell apart with ten minutes to go in the game, as Western Wyoming Community College (19-4, 8-4) came away with a 89-76 victory. Gillette College was up at halftime, 4746. With ten minutes to go in the game, the Pronghorns had a ten-point lead. That’s when things changed. As Head Coach Will Rider stated in an email, “[We were] up by ten with ten minutes to go and [the] bottom drops out on our offense.” From that point on, the Lady Mustangs went from down by ten, to up by 13 at the end of the game. The Lady Mustangs were able to do this with their success from the free throw line in the second half, as they were 13 of 15 in the second stanza. Gillette College didn’t even have an opportunity to get to the free throw line in the second half. The Pronghorns turned the ball over 26 times, ten more than Western Wyoming did. The Lady Mustangs also had 13 steals to Gillette’s eight.
Alex Ward led the Pronghorns on the scoreboard with 17 points. Shanna Halalilo of the Lady Mustangs had the game high of 24 points. The loss ends the Gillette College’s 3-game win streak. The Pronghorn women will look to rebound quickly, as they return home to take on Little Big Horn College Wednesday night at 5:30pm. Little Big Horn is at the bottom of Region IX. The Pronghorns defeated the Lady Rams, 88-46, on the road on Jan. 14th.
Pronghorn Scoring Summary Alex Ward-17 Diarra Carrington-14 KeKe Wright-10 Elisha Hensey-10 Jessica Davis-6 Jordan Scott-Benson-6 Iesha Greer-4 Jordyn Croft-4 Christina Davis-4 Anastasia Champlin-1
307-670-9426 2 LOCATIONS • 110 E. Lakeway Rd. Gillette WY • 105 Wright Blvd. Wright WY
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Sports Report Peak wrestlers have great showing at Wild Wild West tourney Submitted by Jannie Miller Twenty-six wrestlers from the Peak Wrestling club participated in the Rocky Mountain National Wild Wild West Tournament held in Gillette at Cam-plex on February 11. Over 700 wrestlers came to Gillette from Montana, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, and Colorado to compete in this event. Peak Wrestling had an impressive showing with 16 of their 26 wrestlers placing the top six in their brackets. Taylor Jeffries brought home the lone championship in the 15 and under 116 lb division while Josh Macy and Trevor Jeffries both placed 2nd. Tristan Wornkey, Warren Carr, Brady Vogel, and Taylor Jeffries, who doubled bracketed, placed 3rd. Mason Drube, Trevor Jeffries, who also double bracketed, Hunter Rawlings, Britten Grey, Drayson Hladky, and Lane Barbour all placed 4th. Mason Miller doubled bracketed and placed 5th in 10 and under 61 lb and 6th in 10 and under 65 lb. Dalton Macy placed 6th as well. In the rookie division, Brady Carlson placed 5th. Nate Delgrande weighed in at 57 and had to wrestle in the 70 lb division, but still placed 3rd. Jacoby Garcia also gave up several pounds wrestling in the 120 lb division and placed 5th.
Six and under 52 lb - Mason Drube - 4th place 8 and under 78 lb - Tristan Wornkey - 3rd place 10 and under 61 lb- Mason Miller - 5th place 10 and under 65 lb- Mason Miller - 6th place 10 and under 77 lb- Josh Macy - 2nd place 10 and under 81 lb- Warren Carr - 3rd place 12 and under 82 lb - Trevor Jeffries - 4th place 12 and under 86 lb - Trevor Jeffries - 2nd place 12 and under 86 lb - Dalton Macy - 6th place 12 and under 90 lb - Hunter Rawlings 4th place 12 and under 106 lb - Britten Grey - 4th place 15 and under 109 lb - Brady Vogel - 3rd place 15 and under 116 lb - Taylor Jeffries - 1st place 15 and under 123 lb - Taylor Jeffries - 3rd place 15 and under 123 lb - Drayson Hladky 4th place 15 and under 137 lb - Lane Barbour 4th place 7-9 Rookie 60 lb - Brady Carlson - 5th place 10-12 Rookie 70 lb - Nathan Delgrande 3rd place 10-12 Rookie 120 - Jacoby Garcia - 5th place
“The 1st period is won by the best technician. The 2nd period is won by the kid in the best shape. The 3rd period is won by the kid with the biggest heart.” - Dan Gable
Photo submitted by Jannie Miller
Taylor and Trevor Jeffries are pictured here in a 2011 photo from the Asics/USAW Folkstyle Nationals tournament in Iowa.
Classifieds Help Wanted Cook needed at Lu La Bells. Motivated and Energetic. Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells. Are you a friendly outgoing individual? Do you connect with people casually? Are you looking for supplemental income? Do you need to be in charge of your own hours? We are looking for an independent contractor for commissioned based ad sales. For more information call Sandra at 307-689-0028 or email at campbellcountytidbits@yahoo.com 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
Work Wanted Skidsteer with Operator. For all your Snow Removal and Dirt needs. Call Ken at 307680-5947 Weekly house cleaning-$50.00 per week. Windows, floors, dusting, bathrooms, etc. Call 670-2037.
Campers & Motor Homes 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) 6601007. 5th wheel camper for sale. Call Skip (307) 680-0073
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.
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 Two place aluminum snowmobile trailer. $1,600. 307689-0202
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. Manual Transmission for 93’ Chevy Pickup 4wd. Must be in good shape. Call 2572306.
Guns for Sale .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
Business Opportunities Health problems? Try doTERRA certified pure essential oils. 307-680-0363. www. myvoffice.com/healingisbelieving
Homes for Sale
Services
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.
Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520
Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 6701925. Gorgeous land home package set up in Wright. 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, hickory cabinets throughout, front porch, central air, and much more. Financing available. For a personal showing call (307) 687-0333 40+ Acres 2 miles south of Wright 1999 Atlantic Oak Modular. $250,000 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 Ranchett for rent. 20mi. south on Hwy 59. Three Bed, 2 bath. 2.5 car heated garage on 94 acres. $1,600.00 per month.689-2338 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.
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
Produce for Sale Fresh local “Free Range” eggs. All natural, no animal by-products. No antibiotics. $3/Doz. 257-9049
Home Appliances/ Furnshings Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967. Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967 Three antique pressedbacked oak chairs. Excellent condition. $85 each. 6820042 Storage Unit Sale!!!!! Home stereo, car speakers, 2 dressers, mattress and box spring sets $20, chests, coffee table, chairs, end tables and much more. Call (307) 682-7864
Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.)
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.
Personals Interested in founding a Sherlock Holmes Society in Gillette? Contact gillettesherlockians@gmail. com for info.
Heavy Equipment/ Trailers
Camping/Fishing
1981 Circle J 4-horse Horse Trailer. New floor, paint and wiring. $2500 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 1981 Circle J 4-horse Horse Trailer. New floor, paint and wiring done in shop class 2 years ago. No rust only used once since redone. $2500 or OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374
Autos, Trucks and Vans
1986 Toyota Tercel 4x4. $1050.00. Call 307-2995918
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.
Chopper - Custom built frame, s&s engine, carb, etc. 80ci. Evolution engine. Wide glide front end. Low. Torn apart down to frame. Have all parts, could be built in two days with under $200.00. Asking $5,500 or best offer. Price:$5,500obo. Contact: 307-670-2037 1993 Chevy 1500 4x4 350 Engine, runs great. 5 spd. manual, transmission needs rebuilt. Transfer case in great condition. No other problems other than transmission. Asking $2,000 or best offer. Price: $2,000obo. Contact: 307-670-2037 2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 1982 Chevy Ventura Van. 350 Engine, 400 Turbo newly rebuilt transmission. Interior in GREAT shape, has a working electric wet bar and built in cooler in back. Carb. needs re-jetted, other than that there are no problems. Must see. Asking $3,500 or best offer. Price:$3,500obo. Contact: 307-670-8980
For Rent 2 Bedroom Duplex, with one car garage, washer/dryer, no pets. $700rent/$700deposit. 307-689-0202
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
‘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. 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!
2003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS (White) with 137,000 mi; $6500. Call 307 - 689 – 0966 2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532.
Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.
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.
6x10 trailer. Great shape, fits your biggest Harley. $1,400 obo. 299-4967.
Autos, Trucks and Vans
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Our Roots Valentine’s Day has a truly rich history By Mike Borda Valentine’s Day has come and gone once again, and I hope it was a good one for all. However, it is important to remember for next year that although it is meant to be a day of love, history has shown that like any other day, many events both good and bad have transpired. The following are two of the more memorable February 14 happenings. February 14, 1779 – The Battle of Kettle Creek During the American Revolution, while most of the fighting was contained to New England, there were also influential battles in the southern colonies. During 1779, the British had sent troops to Georgia to establish a southern presence. After capturing Augusta and Savannah, the Colonists knew they had to respond. They did so at Kettle Creek. While no actual Continental or British soldiers fought in this battle, it was important nonetheless. Militiamen from South Carolina and Georgia raced together to catch up to British loyalists, who were marching to join the Royal army. The Americans caught up on Valentine’s Day, and a battle ensued, resulting in a Patriot victory. This was one of the few southern victories for the United States, and crucial to the moral of the men. February 14, 1929 – Saint Valentine’s Day massacre The early part of our century was a boom time for Chicago. However, with that boom in the legitimate economy also came a dramatic rise in crime, specifically organized crime. Two main gangs separated themselves and the city during the late 20’s. The North Side gang, led at that time by George “Bugs” Moran, and the South Side gang, led by Al Capone. The two
sides had many encounters over the years, but none more famous than this Valentine’s Day get-together. On that day, the South Side gang had information that many of the Moran’s top members, including Moran himself, would be going to the SMC Cartage building. Using this information, they hired several men to commit an act that would go down in legend. Dressed like Police Officers, the hired guns entered the warehouse and pretended to be doing an investigation. This was common during that time, and the gangs were often frisked before paying the police and proceeding on their way. The Moran gang members were asked to line up against a wall. They did so, and when they did the “officers” backed up, and two other men stepped up with Thompson sub-machine guns, killing all seven North Side men. One of the only things that went wrong, however, was that Moran was not among the victims. The South Side lookout most likely mistook another gang member with similar physical characteristics for Moran, and no one could tell the difference until it was too late. In the end, no one would ever come to justice for the killings, but the public outcry over the violence eventually led to the end of the mobster era in Chicago. Valentine’s Day has a truly rich history, and the Battle of Kettle Creek and the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre exemplify this. In today’s world, however, we can only hope that the spirit of love makes future important happenings on February 14 far more positive than those that have come before, while not letting us forget the lessons to be learned from the past.
“For myself, therefore, I desire to declare that the principle that will govern me in the high duty to which my country calls me is a strict adherence to the letter and spirit of the Constitution as it was designed by those who framed it.” - Martin Van Buren
Shonsey’s Last Feud By Jeff Morrison
A little over a year after 45 armed men invaded the Powder River Basin with a “death list” of the accused cattle rustlers they planned to execute, the final three shots of the Johnson County War were fired by a man who played a key role in starting the range war to begin with. On May 22, 1893, Mike Shonsey shot and killed Dudley Champion in what was ruled self-defense. Not only was it the last death of a range war, but the incident was the end to a personal feud between Shonsey and the Champion brothers. Born in Canada to Irish immigrant parents in 1866, Mike Shonsey was raised in Ohio and came west to Wyoming Territory while still a teen-ager. He began his cowboy career with the Guthrie ranch in 1885. His natural talent with horses and cattle were soon noticed by his employers and it wasn’t long before young Shonsey was promoted to roundup wagon boss and then foreman of the CY outfit which was owned by the Carey brothers. Shonsey also developed an acute dislike of Texas cowboys – no one knows why. Perhaps it was because he was from Ohio and felt a bit out of place, or perhaps his feelings tended to echo those of his cattle baron bosses to whom he remained ever loyal. But no matter what the reason, there were plenty of people to focus his angst on, because the rangeland of northeast Wyoming in the late 1800s was teeming with Texas cowboys. Shonsey managed to get into personal quarrels with most of them. Even before he took a job as foreman for the EK outfit in the heart of Powder River country in 1891, Shonsey had managed to get into a fist-fight with Jack Flagg of the Hat outfit. After his arrival, it didn’t take him very long to get into a feud with Nate Champion. Champion had asked Shonsey if it would be all right to sort some of his cattle out of a herd of EK cows. Shonsey told him he would sort them out himself and have them ready for Champion to pick up in a couple
days. As soon as Champion was out of sight, for no particular reason Shonsey gathered out Champion’s cattle and scattered them all over the range. The next time Champion came to get his cattle, he didn’t ask. Instead he rode into Shonsey’s herd and sorted out what he wanted, all but daring the Irish cowboy to go for his gun. Shonsey wisely kept his hands in plain sight and let Champion continue gathering cattle. Mike Shonsey was many things, but stupid wasn’t one of them. He knew that a one on one gunfight with Nate Champion would result in an untimely death. Besides, direct confrontation was not Shonsey’s style. Many years later it was revealed that while in the employ of the EK outfit, Shonsey was also a paid spy for the Wyoming Stock Growers Association who were planning to rid northeast Wyoming of all the undesirable occupants they labeled “rustler”. On the top of their list of intended victims were Nate Champion and Jack Flagg. In the ensuing “invasion”, Shonsey played a key role in the deaths of Nate Champion and Nick Ray. The night before his cabin was surrounded by 45 regulators who eventually killed both cowboys, Champion and Ray were visited by an unusual dinner guest: Mike Shonsey. After enjoying their hospitality, Shonsey continued on his way to find the advancing army of regulators and promptly told them where to find the two “rustlers.” In the aftermath of the failed invasion, all the surviving regulators were taken to Cheyenne to stand trial. The trial turned out to be a sham and all of the invaders were eventually released due to a “lack of evidence”, but not before the expense of their incarceration had bankrupted Johnson County. During this time one of the frequent visitors to the capital was Dudley Champion, Nate’s younger brother, who was keeping apprised of any breaking developments in his search for justice for his murdered sibling. The fact that no one answered for his brother’s death
did not sit well with Dud Champion. He vowed to get even with anyone connected to the invaders in general, and Mike Shonsey in particular. Shonsey and another regulator, Joe Elliot, had gone to Montana after their release, having been advised in Gillette that there would be violence if they stayed. But Shonsey returned later, and by May, 1893 was once again in northeast Wyoming, working as foreman of Guthrie and Hord’s 77 outfit on Lance Creek, about twenty miles northwest of Lusk. Champion, who had remained in the Powder River area since his brother’s death, turned up in the Lance Creek area on May 22. The stage was set for the final showdown in the ChampionShonsey feud. Unbiased details about what transpired between the two on that fateful evening are impossible to find. The newspapers of the day are tainted by embellishments and fabrications that differ from publication to publication depending on the side each paper took concerning the Johnson County War. Even the quoted testimony of Dave Matthews, the lone witness to the affair, is contradictory and seems to have been liberally “edited”. The most plausible version of the shooting goes something like this: Dave Matthews was in charge of a Texas trail herd moving through the Lance Creek area. On May 22, a lone rider, who turned out to be Dudley
Champion approached claiming to be looking for work. He travelled along with the chuck wagon as they were preparing to make camp for the night. Another rider approached and Matthews rode out to meet the newcomer. This turned out to be Mike Shonsey who had come to inquire about how long the drovers planned to be on the 77 range. As Matthews and Shonsey were talking, Champion rode up from the wagon and called, “Hello Mike.” Shonsey immediately pulled his pistol and answered “Hello Dud. I understand you have reported all over the country your intention to shoot me on sight.” “Now hold on,” Champion protested, but was bringing out his own pistol when he said it. Shonsey shot once and after Champion hit the dirt, he shot him twice more. All this while, Champion seemed to be struggling to return fire. Satisfied that he had killed
Dudley Champion, Shonsey rode away. Matthews noticed that Champion was still breathing, however and went to the mortally wounded cowboy. Champion shared a few more words with Matthews before dying, explaining that he couldn’t cock his gun. Matthews discovered it was fouled with dirt. Although much closer to Lusk, Shonsey rode sixty some miles to the cattle-baron-friendly town of Douglas to surrender to authorities. A few days later he was exonerated by a coroner’s jury who ruled the killing was done in self-defense. Shonsey wasn’t taking any chances that more of Champion’s friends might come looking for revenge, and quit Wyoming Territory for good. He eventually settled in Nebraska where he became a model citizen. He died there in 1954. At the time he was the last surviving participant in the Johnson County War.
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