February 14 21, 2014

Page 1

iot Publ r t a

ing ish

P

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GILLETTE, WY PERMIT NO. 5105

The Campbell 00 $1. County Observer

Subscribe Online at www.CampbellCountyObserver.net

Volume 4 • Issue 7

This Week’s Highlights

Haynes Launches Gubernatorial Bid

February 14 - 21, 2014

www.campbellcountyobserver.net

• Apps Wanted for Trustee Vacancy ................... Page 3 • Cole Sports......................... Page 8 • Bold Republic: Dear Gov…......................... Page 11 • Gov Mead’s Town Meeting .................... Page 13 • The Dinner Bell ............... Page 20

PINERIDGE “A ridge above the rest.”

Cleaning & Restoration

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Water, Fire & Mold Damage

Dusty Linder

307-660-7856 www.pineridgeclean.com

Need to market your business? This space could be yours!!

Call for details Anne Peterson 307.299.4662

June 17 - 24, 2011

“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!” Submitted by James Chilton - wyomingnews.com

nother Republican has entered Wyoming’s 2014 gubernatorial primary race. Dr. Taylor H. Haynes announced his campaign late Thursday, pledging to fight for the Wyoming and U.S. constitutions and to correct what he said are a state and nation headed in the wrong direction. Born in Shreveport, La., and raised on a produce farm, Haynes, 68, has an extensive and varied background in business, agriculture and medicine. A board-certified surgeon in adult and pediatric urology, Haynes originally moved to Cheyenne in 1984 to practice medicine. Now retired from the field, he and his wife, Beth, own Mountain Benefits Management Company, a third-party administrator of health benefits with locations in Cheyenne and Worland. Haynes also raises organic grassfed beef cattle on a ranch in Albany County, where he lives. He previously served as the president of the Laramie County Stock Growers Association, president of the Pole Mountain Grazing Association and vice president of Wyoming Stock Growers Association. He also served on the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees for 12 years. Haynes ran a truncated write-in campaign for governor in 2010, in which he received more than 14,000 votes. Since then, he said, he’s been gauging his support across the state and decided that Wyomingites were craving an alternative candidate. “You push a market and pull a market, and I am being pulled by demand statewide,” Haynes said in an inter-

view Friday. “That’s been the message coming to me from around the state. It’s about knowing the constitution and having some success in business, especially at the senior executive level.” Haynes said he has longstanding concerns about the direction the Legislature and governor’s office have been going during the last few years. He is especially critical of the passage of Senate File 104, the bill that stripped State Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill of most of her duties. Haynes said it was clear to him from the outset that SF 104 would be found unconstitutional, which it was on Jan. 28. “It was a pretty easy call if you’re looking at the Constitution; very easy call to make,” he said. But more than that, Haynes said he’s running because he believes Wyoming needs an executive willing to fight against what he sees as federal meddling in business that the state should be responsible for. He’s strongly against implementation of Common Core standards for education, arguing that the Common Core provides “cookie cutter” standards that “filter everybody into a single pathway.” He’s also in favor of looser regulation of business, particularly the natural resources sector that forms such a large part of Wyoming’s economy. “In Wyoming, we’re losing our natural resource base; it’s being cut off artificially,” he said. “The coal industry, we’ve lost over 1,700 jobs in the last 12 months; and the EPA, with the anti-haze movement and some of what

they’ve done across our country, have cost us jobs in coal. We have more coal than China, so that is a gift from God to sustain the people to live here and to share with our neighbors.” But while energy is a key concern for the state, Haynes said onerous regulations go far beyond that sector. He mentioned meeting a rancher on the campaign trail who managed a small gravel pit, selling the gravel to help pave driveways or create ornamental gardens in neighboring communities. “He was shut down by the EPA and (state Department of Environmental Quality) because he didn’t have a Porta Potty on the grounds,” Haynes said. “It’s those types of things I want to correct. I want to streamline our regulations so that the private sector can create jobs, and I want to do that in short order so we can avoid a state income tax.” Haynes is expected to face off in the August primary against Mead and Hill, though Mead hasn’t formally announced his re-election bid. He is expected to announce his intentions after the legislative session that begins Monday.

Nathan Phillips of Gillette, WY Named to Springfield College Dean’s List Springfield College has named Nathan Phillips of Gillette, WY (82718) to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2013 term. Phillips is studying Athletic Training. Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide as the Birthplace of Basketball® and for the guiding principles of its humanics philosophy-educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich

athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The col-

lege is ranked in the 2014 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities -- North Region” by U.S.News Media Group, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass. and at its School of Human Services campuses across the country.

State Board Approves Business Ready Grant Projects The Wyoming State Loan and Investment Board (SLIB) approved $20.5 million in Business Ready Community project requests this morning at its meeting in Cheyenne. At its January 23, meeting the Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors recommended the SLIB approve the following: • Laramie County: An $8 million grant and a $5 million loan from the Governor’s Business Ready Community Large Business Infrastructure Fund for the purchase and renovation of an existing 67,096-square-foot facility, and construction of a new 108,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for the recruitment of Magpul Industries. • Cheyenne: A $5 million Business Committed loan for 20,200 feet of rail infrastructure in the Swan Ranch Industrial Park. This project will facilitate the expansion of Searing Industries in Wyoming, and also provide the necessary connecting rail between the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) and Union Pa-

cific Railroad (UPRR) mainlines. In the interim, the Attorney General ruled that language in the 2012 budget footnote that created the Large Infrastructure Fund only allows for grants and not loans. With this information, the SLIB approved the following today: • Laramie County: A $13 million grant with contingencies that include a revenue recapture plan to provide at least $6,095,780 of recaptured funds back to the Wyoming Business Council for state economic development projects. • Cheyenne: A $2 million grant from the Governor’s Large Infrastructure Fund and a $3 million loan from the regular budget of the Business Ready Community Program. This also includes a revenue recapture plan to provide at least $2,351,987 of recaptured funds back to the Wyoming Business Council for state economic development projects. The SLIB also approved a $2.5 million loan to install infrastructure in the Platte River Commons Opportunity

Area located on the old Amoco Refinery property in Casper. At its December 2013 meeting, the Business Council Board of Directors recommended the SLIB approve a $3 million BRC grant and a $2 million BRC loan to the Amoco Reuse Agreement Joint Powers Board for the project. The Wyoming Business Council administers the Business Ready Community program, which provides the financing for publicly owned infrastructure that serves the needs of businesses and promotes economic development within Wyoming communities. The Business Council Board of Directors is required by statute to forward all BRC recommendations to the SLIB for final approval. The SLIB is made up of the five statewide elected officials: Gov. Matt Mead, Secretary of State Max Maxfield, State Treasurer Mark Gordon, State Auditor Cynthia Cloud, and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Cindy Hill.


Community

February 14 - 21, 2014

Campbell County Observer

CEO’s Share Tips with Local Students

ndy Fitzgerald, the CEO of Campbell County Memorial Hospital, served as part of a panel of CEOs and local industry leaders to share their experiences and insights into the business world with the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). The roundtable discussion, which was held on Wednesday night at the Gillette College Tech Center, served as a forum for the seven students from YEA! to talk one-on-one and ask questions to local CEOs about how they got their start in business. Susan Jerke, YEA! Instructor, who moderated the event, asked the students to formulate a question to present to the panel. Along with Fitzgerald the panel was comprised of John Pettyjohn, Safety and Human Resources for S&S Builders, LLC, Toni Bell, Vice President/Treasurer for Above The Line CPAs and Julie Simon, CEO for the Campbell County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to outlining their individual stories, each member of the panel provided a valuable piece of advice for the students about the business world. One of the topics discussed was technology, how entrepreneurs utilize new technology and how they turn it into profit. Bell described how her business had been moving forward with a paperless system, by scanning documents for a database of their clients. Additionally, she said her business has seen a

decrease in paper and ink costs, as well saving on storage space. Simon described the use of social media sites as marketing tools, which helps to attract new members and creates value for existing members. The panel also provided their views on what motivated them to become industry leaders and CEOs in the community. Pettyjohn stated he always wanted to be his own boss and searched to find an employer who would help him flourish in a leadership position. Fitzgerald agreed and added how important it was to research a company, its management and its reputation thoroughly before joining a company. The defining theme for the evening full of advice and encouragement, was best stated by Pettyjohn who stressed when managing other people and striving to become an effective leader, the example you set is of utmost importance, “It starts with you.” The next event for the YEA students will on March 20, 2014 for the Investor Panel, where they will be seeking out community leaders to become investors in their business ventures. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!™, is a groundbreaking educational program that takes students in grades six through twelve through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close cooperation with local leaders of industry, community members, and educators to develop ideas and objec-

tives, write business plans, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, develop their brand identity and much more! By the end of the class, students own and operate fully functioning businesses that can be carried on after graduation. Students learn to make a job--not just take a job! YEA!’s™ direct mission is to help students embrace their passion, energy, creativity and talents, launch a venture, and view entrepreneurship as synonymous with success and freedom. In 2008, YEA!™ “spun-off” from the University of Rochester, where it was formed in 2004 with support from the Kauffman Foundation, to create its own not-forprofit corporation, YEA! Inc., which is currently launching sites in colleges, universities and high schools across the country to provide comprehensive, exciting entrepreneurship education, leadership development and innovation training to youth between the ages of 11 and 18 years old in the United States thereby making the program available to students at a variety of geographical regions, and providing them with skills they need to succeed in the 21st Century.

City Offices Closed Monday

Find the Solution on Page 19

Bob Rohan is a cartoonist in Houston, Texas and has been drawing “Buffalo Gals” since 1995. He was awarded “Best Cowboy Cartoonist” in 2009 by The Academy of Western Artists Will Rogers Awards out of Gene Autry, Oklahoma.

City of Gillette offices will be closed on Monday, February 17th in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. There will be no solid waste and recycling pick up on Monday, February 17th. The city’s Solid Waste Division will pick up Monday and Tuesday’s trash and recycling on Tuesday, February 18th. Please have your roll-outs and recycling at the curb by 7 a.m. City offices will re-open on Tuesday, February 18th at 8 a.m.

“I am an American; free born and free bred, where I acknowledge no man as my superior, except for his own worth, or as my inferior, except for his own demerit.” ― President Theodore Roosevelt

Campbell County Observer

CampbellCountyObserver.net (307) 670-8980 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 • Gillette, WY 82716 (PP-1) Volume 4 Issue 7 The Campbell County Observer is published by Patriot Publishing L.L.C. in Gillette, WY every Friday. 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 • Gillette, WY 82716 Postmaster: Send address changes to 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 • Gillette, WY 82716 Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Nicholas De Laat - Publisher NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jeff Morrison - Editor (Local History Columnist) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com Lisa Sherman - Advertising Sales Rep LisaSherman@CampbellCountyObserver.com Bridget Storm - Advertising Sales Rep B.Storm@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Writers Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com James Grabrick (Where is This?) JamesGrabrick@CampbellCountyObserver.com Holly Galloway - Writer/Government H.Galloway@CampbellCountyObserver.com Tony Heidel - Writer/The Cole Sports Report Sports@CampbellCountyObserver.com Duke Taber - Writer/Comunity/Ad Design DukeTaber@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Weekly Weather Forecast

Saturday,

Sunday,

Monday,

Tuesday,

Wednesday,

Thursday,

Friday,

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

43/38

51/29

50/33

51/36

51/28

43/25

27/17

Precipitation: 20% Wind: W at 17

Precipitation: 10% Wind: WSW at 23

Precipitation: 0% Wind: WSW at 18

Precipitation: 0% Wind: SW at 13

Precipitation: 10% Wind: WSW at 17

Precipitation: 10% Wind: NW at 13

Precipitation: 30% Wind: NNW at 9

Weekly Weather Forecast Sponsored by

Dr. Daniel J. Morrison, DDS Dr. Amber Ide, DDS

We accept Delta Dental and Kid Care Chip.

307-682-3353 • 2


Community

Campbell County Observer

February 14 - 21, 2014

Applications Accepted to Fill Board of Trustees Vacancy he Campbell County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees is now accepting applications for a trustee to fill a vacancy following the resignation of Trustee Joe Hallock. Applications can be completed online or downloaded atwww.ccmh. net/trustees, or can be picked up at hospital Administration, located at 501 S. Burma Ave. Completed applications can be emailed using the online form, dropped off at hospital Administration, or mailed to CCMH

at P.O. Box 3011, Gillette, WY 82717-3011. Application deadline is Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 5 pm. The application asks about previous board experience, (if any), potential conflicts of interest, why the applicant is interested in serving, and what the applicant feels is the most important issue facing CCMH. According to Board policy, applications are sent to the trustees to review. If, after reviewing the ap-

plications, the Board can choose an applicant unanimously, the selection will be made. If the Board cannot make a unanimous selection, interviews with two to five candidates will be conducted. After the interviews, the Board will select a new member by majority vote of the quorum. The new trustee will serve out the remaining term of the member they replace, which in this case is November 2016.

Travel Scholarships Available for Downtown Revitalization Conference

The Wyoming Main Street Program is offering travel scholarships to a conference that will help participants revitalize and build vibrant commercial districts in Wyoming’s downtowns. Several scholarships are available for the National Main Streets Conference in Detroit, Mich., May 1720, 2014. The trip includes a Wyoming Main Streetsponsored Best Practices Workshop that will tour Main Street communities in Michigan, May 15-17, to learn how Main Street principles are being applied in other communities. The conference brings together people from communities of all sizes to network, discuss issues, and learn new ideas and solutions for growing and developing downtown revitalization programs. This year’s conference will focus on works in progress. The scholarships cover airfare to and from an applicant’s nearest airport and Detroit, conference registration fees, and lodging during the Best Practices

Workshop and conference. Scholarship applications are due to Wyoming Main Street no later than March. 3. Application packets must include a completed application form. The application may be found online at www.wyomingmainstreet.org. “The Best Practices Workshop is a great opportunity for not only our state’s designated Main Street programs to see what their counterparts in other states are doing, but for others interested in downtown revitalization to see what can be accomplished through this program” said Britta Mireley, Wyoming Main Street Program manager. “With the focus of this year’s Best Practices Workshop on Main Street’s Four-point Approach®, I believe our participants will be able to take a lot of knowledge home with them to implement in their own communities.” Scholarships will only be offered to individuals who are residents of a Wyoming municipality and associ-

ated with, or supported by, one of the following organizations: local government, downtown association or its equivalent, downtown merchants association, urban renewal authority, downtown development authority, chamber of commerce, historic preservation organization, or other community organizations intended to revitalize a historic downtown. Notification of scholarship awards will be made from the Wyoming Main Street staff on or around March. 5. Recipients are required to give a report to their local city/town council as well as the Wyoming Main Street Advisory Board about the information learned on the trip and how it will help their community. For more information, contact Wyoming Main Street Program manager Britta Mireley at 307.777.2934 orBritta. mireley@wyo.gov. The Wyoming Main Street Program is dedicated to providing Wyoming communities with oppor-

tunities to strengthen local pride and revitalize historic downtown districts by utilizing the Main Street Four Point Approach. This approach means Wyoming Main Street strives to help downtown business owners improve the appearance of downtowns, build cooperation between downtown groups, help downtowns market their unique qualities and strengthen the economic base of downtown. For more information on Wyoming Main Street, please visit www.wyomingmainstreet.org.

1103 E. Boxelder, Suite C Gillette, WY USA 82718

307-686-6666

Find the Solution on Page 19

In My Garden... By Kathy Hall Campbell County Master Gardener khgardenhelp@gmail.com Okay, I lost the battle of self-control. Two flats (72 cells each) of various peppers are sprouting and tomato seeds are set out ready to jump into the dirt! My shelves are filling up quick. After planting the tomatoes and eggplant I might get a little respite before delving into any more indoor starts as I have absolutely not had luck starting squash, melons and cukes indoors ultra-early. For me they need to stick to the 4-6 weeks maximum early start before planting in the garden. The rest…I do push the time frame. I make the excuse that I plant outdoors earlier than the normal Joe using low tunnels, frost blankets and numerous wall o waters which can extend your season up to 8 weeks but as I took inventory during one of the warmer days this winter I discovered to my horror that all my hundred plus wall o waters had been damaged by last summer’s hail. I had carefully drained, rinsed and folded them then I store them upside down (so they will dry and not collect any more water inside) in a large tree pot. These unfortunately had not found their way down to the garage and were still hanging out in the garden. Looks like all the bottoms had been chipped away. Thinking I better get organized I put in another order to replace them. I don’t know if you have ever priced these handy little season extenders but they are a bit expensive. I did go back to the supplier

that I have previously used. They sell them in large quantities, none of this three pack stuff for me so I purchased two lots of 50 each. I am stretching my horizons and one lot is red which is claimed to improve the growth of plants especially tomatoes so we will experiment a bit and see if I have these results. If you are interested in larger quantities I find them on eBay and now the supplier is also available on amazon. They are based out of Montana so I feel that I am shopping more ‘local’ and shipping is free! Through this means I am paying less than $3 each. Now that I have my season extender back in stock I am comfortable with my earlier than recommended planting schedule. For the serious gardener that wants to get more bang for his buck there are numerous season extender available to fit every style and budget. I use a variety of tricks to extend my growing season and am planning on adding a few new styles to my garden this spring. Season extension can be as basic as laying a sheet or blanket over your plants during chilly nights to get a week or two jump on the season to heated greenhouses that allow you to grow year round. Next week we will explore a few ways to stretch your garden season and grow more produce earlier. Until then…Happy gardening everyone!

3

Find the Solution on Page 19


February 14 - 21, 2014

Obituaries

BEVERLY JEAN FLORETTA

Memorial Service for Beverly Jean Floretta was be 2:00p.m. February 13, 2014 at Walker Funeral Home with Vicki Kissak officiating. Beverly Floretta passed away at her home on February 4, 2014. Beverly Jean Floretta was born on August 13, 1949 in San Diego, CA to Walter and Eva Woodward. In 1972 the family moved to Cheyenne where she graduated high school. After graduation Beverly began working in the computer and accounting industry. On September 14, 1968 she married Paul Floretta in Cheyenne, Wy. She and Paul moved to Sheridan in 1977 where she resided most of her life. In 2005 Beverly moved to Gillette to be close to her grandchildren. Beverly was a member of The 4-H Club, Credit Union and Wyoming State Snowmobile Association. Early in life she enjoyed snowmobiling with her husband and daughter along with friends. Her hobbies included spending time with her grandchildren playing cards, playing on the I-pad and building Legos with

them. Beverly loved to be outside whether she was gardening or just enjoying the scenery. She enjoyed her trips to Dairy Queen, loved reading and snuggling with her cat Jenny. Beverly loved to watch Nascar with no interruptions. Beverly is survived by her daughter Julie (Leon) Phelps of Gillette, WY; brother Buddy (Sally) Woodward of Colorado; her grandchildren Mason Martin Phelps and Madison Ruth Ann Phelps. She is preceded in death by her parents; Sister Jeannie; husband Paul Floretta of 25 years. A memorial has been established in Bev’s name. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent to www. walkerfuneralgillette.com

ALICE SALINAS

Memorial Service for Alice Salinas were held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 10, 2014 at Gillette Memorial Chapel in Gillette, Wyoming with Kenna Rose officiating. Alice Salinas passed away Saturday, February 1, 2014

Community enjoyed bowling; she was a secretary for a couple of bowling leagues. She received the bowling Meritorious Service Award in 1991 and continued to bowl after her husband’s passing in 1994. She also enjoyed sewing and making baby blankets for friends. She would also make different things to sell at the Senior Center bazaar. She was also on the Foundation Board for several years. She loved going to Deadwood, South Dakota and would sit for hours playing her pennies and nickels. She was a proud supporter of all her grandkids and followed them through their sports and growing up, later came the great-grandchildren which she supported as well. While living at Pioneer Manor, Alice looked forward to Mondays and Fridays when she could play Bingo. She also loved playing cards and scrabble with her family and friends. When she wasn’t playing bingo or cards you would find her with her book of “Find a Word” which she was still doing at the time of her death. Alice is survived by her four children; Alice Grace (Faustino) Dimas of Austin, Texas; Abel Robert (Andree) Salinas of San Antonio, Texas; James Douglas (Irma) Salinas of Austin, Texas; and Susan Cargal of Gillette, Wyoming. Sister Vickie Cadena of San Antonio, Texas; Sistersin-law Graciela Gonzales of Austin, Texas and Lucilla Gonzales of Crossville, Tennessee. Her grandchildren Denise and Andrew Dimas of Austin, Texas, Susie (Darrell) Cochran of San Antonio, Texas, Corrine (Juergen) Salinas-Jorg of Germany, Eric Salinas of San Antonio, Texas, James and Joey Salinas of Austin, Texas, Mike (Karen) Cook and Dustin (Brenda) Cargal of Gillette, Wyoming. Twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by

at Pioneer Manor of natural causes at the age of 96. Alice Mary (Gonzales) Salinas was born in Hebbronville, Texas on June 5, 1917 to Jim and Victoria (Almaraz) Gonzales; she was the fourth of ten children. Alice grew up in Hebbronville, helping her father run a dry goods store. At the age of 16 she met the love of her life, Abe Salinas; they were married on April 15, 1934. Their union lasted 62 years, when Abe passed away. In the early years of their marriage, Alice travelled with her husband to various states while he worked for Gulf Oil Company. When his crew disbanded in 1958, the family returned home to Texas. During this time, Alice was busy as a homemaker and mother raising their four children. Alice also decided to go back to beauty school in San Antonio, Texas, when work became hard to find for Abe. After completing beauty school the family moved to Wyoming in 1959, so that Abe could run a service station for Jack Adams. At this time, all but one of their children were grown. After getting the family settled, Alice went to work for Maude Lowery taking care of her hotels. While managing different hotels for Mrs. Lowery, Alice would bake and make candy at Christmas time, which she became known for and continued to make until she was 85. After years at the hotels, Alice worked at different Quick Shops for Gary Decker, and then she went to work at First National Bank where she worked until she was 74. Alice and her husband

Campbell Co. Fire Dept. February 5, 2014 - At 7:53 a.m. to Apple Blossom Way for an EMS assist. - At 8:01 a.m. to 4203 Hidden Valley Road for a carbon monoxide investigation. There were no elevated findings of carbon monoxide in the residence. - At 10:52 a.m. to 2721 South Douglas HWY for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD personnel were cancelled en route. - At 12:57 p.m. to Camplex for an EMS assist. - At 6:02 p.m. to 605 S. Garner Lake Rd for an automatic fire alarm, it was determined to be an alarm malfunction. - At 6:47 p.m. to E. 2nd St. for an EMS assist. - At 7:56 p.m. to 7129 Robin Dr. for an automatic fire alarm, units were cancelled prior to arrival as it was determined to be a frozen fire sprinkler line. - At 8:09 p.m. to S. Douglas Highway for an EMS assist. February 6, 2014 - At 3:12 a.m. to Whatta Rd. for an EMS assist. - At 6:31 a.m. to 2307 Wyoming Ave. for an automatic fire alarm, it was determined to be burnt food and all fire units were cancelled. - At 7:15 a.m. to 500 Ross Avenue for a natural gas smell inside the residence. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival did not detect any gas inside. - At 7:47 to Hidden Valley Road for an EMS assist. February 7, 2014 - At 10:14 a.m. to 1931 Harvest Moon Drive for an automatic fire alarm activation. - At 7:33 p.m. to Westhills Loop to assist the homeowner with his smoke detectors. - At 8:36 p.m. to mm135 East Bound I-90 for a vehicle fire. A CCSO deputy arrived to find a vehicle that had overheated, all units were cancelled.

February 8, 2014 - At 4:44 a.m. to Robin Dr for an Automatic Fire Alarm. Upon arrival the on scene property manager advised it was a broken fire sprinkler pipe (freeze/ thaw). He did not need any assistance, all units were cancelled. - At 5:17 p.m. to 2530 Whitetail Street for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival were informed by the homeowner that the alarm was caused by burnt food. - At approximately 6:30 p.m. to the 404 of South 4-J Road for a small fire in a residence that starting in the kitchen area from cooking. The fire was successfully extinguished by the home owners prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. Damage to the residence was estimated at approximately $5,000. - At 10:50 p.m. to the area of the Haight Road on HWY 59 for a single vehicle rollover crash. The occupants of the vehicle received minor injuries and did not require treatment; CCFD assisted with traffic control and disabling the vehicle’s electrical system. February 9, 2014 - At 4:37 a.m. to Van Brunt Court for an EMS assist. - At 6:32 a.m. to 2597 South Douglas HWY, Country Inn and Suites, for a smoke smell in the building. CCFD responded to the scene and checked the entire building but was unable to find any odors. - At 1:51 p.m. to 2300 S. Douglas Hwy. for an EMS assist. - At 3:21 p.m. to 600 W. Boxelder for an EMS assist. - At 4:15 p.m. to 32 Windflower Ln. for an EMS assist. - At 5:04 p.m. to the 600 block of E. 6th St. for an EMS assist. - At 8:03 p.m. to 112 Coal Train Rd. for an unknown type of fire, firefighters arrived to scene to find a large round hay bale on fire

near a structure. Firefighters extinguished the hay fire without any extension into the nearby structure, cause of fire was unavailable. - At 9:42 p.m. to the area of Partridge Rd. and Blackbird Rd. for a reported structure fire, while enroute it was discovered the fire was coming from some burn barrels that a homeowner had not advised the CCSO about. The homeowner was reminded to contact the Sheriff’s office whenever they burn garbage or other refuse. February 10, 2014 - At 8:22 a.m. to East Valley Drive for an EMS assist. - At 12:47 p.m to the area of 7th Street and Warren Avenue for a natural gas smell. CCFD monitored the atmosphere in the area and detected a presence of natural gas. The strongest concentrations were found at the intersection of 7th Street and Gillette Avenue. SourceGas was called to the scene and they determined there was a leak in an underground pipe. The scene was turned over to them for repairs to be made. - At 5:39 p.m. to 4706 South Douglas HWY, Rocky Mountain Discount Sports, for a vehicle on fire in the parking lot. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival was informed that the fire was put out by store employees. CCFD cooled off remaining hot spots and investigated the fire. It was determined that the fire was caused by an electrical malfunction in the engine compartment. No one was injured in the fire and the total damage was estimated at $5000. - At 2345 to 223 Hoadley Rd for a structure fire. CCFD responded to the scene to find a structure completely destroyed. CCFD remained on scene to overhaul the incident site. The fire remains under investigation. There were no injuries in the fire. Total damage is estimated at $35,000.

Campbell County Observer

her parents, her husband, brothers; Jim, Rudy and Richard, sisters; Grace and June. Two sisters and one brother who died in infancy and son-in-law Don. Memorial has been established to benefit the Pioneer Manor, Alzheimer’s Wing. Memorials and condolences can be sent to in Alice’s name to Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

JEFFERY AILTS

Funeral Services for Jeffrey Lynn Ailts was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 13, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church , Pastor Jared Tucher officiating. Burial followed at Mount Pisgah. Jeffrey Lynn Ailts, age 59, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Jeff Ailts, age 59, of Gillette, WY was surrounded by his family and all their love when he went home to Heaven on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Jeffrey Lynn Ailts was born on November 20, 1954 to Bernard & Sarah Ailts in Veblen, SD. He graduated in 1973 from Canby High School in Canby, MN. After high school graduation, he attended Canby Area Vocational & Technical Institute where he earned his welding certification. Throughout his working years, he worked in Casper, WY as a welder, on a dairy farm in Whitewood, SD with his brother-in-law, on a farm in Woonsocket, SD, and at

the coal mines in Gillette. When he was no longer able to work due to his cancer, gardening occupied his time and quickly became a favorite activity. He always made sure to plant plenty as he loved sharing his garden’s produce. On May 28, 1983, Jeffrey married the love of his life, Holly Sue Zwingelberg. From their marriage, they were blessed with four children: Jessica Lynne, Benjamin Jeffrey, Joshua Johnny, and Karissa Sue. One of his greatest joys was being “Pa” to Johnny & Olivia. Jeff was always a man willing to help others. He was always full of smiles, laughter, jokes, and pranks. He loved to make people laugh and easily lit up a room with his fun, loving personality and presence. Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Holly, daughter Jessica (Brandon), son Benjamin (Dixie), daughter Karissa, and grandchildren Johnny and Olivia. He is also survived by his mother Sarah, sister Phlayne, brother Brian (Shelley), and his father-inlaw & mother-in-law John & Audrey. Jeff is also survived by numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Jeff was preceded in death by his son Joshua, father Bernard, his grandparents, uncles, aunts, and a nephew. His family will remember him for his unconditional love, courage, devotion, wisdom, determination, and strength. He will be greatly missed because he made such a difference in the lives of others; he impacted the lives of all those he met. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in Jeffrey’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via our website at www.gillettememorialchapel.com

SWEDE’S SPECIALTIES with a full range of Beer and Wine Making Supplies, Badash Crystal, Ice Chips Candy, US Produced Bari Olive Oil, and lots more!

Orchard Breezn Wine Kits Regularly $90 Now $60 Save $30 Free Wine Making Lesson with purchase!

307-686-0588

If you are looking for a new hobby this year, this is for you! Enjoy the fruits of your labor and makes dandy gifts too. Check out our web site for a variety of products

www.swedesspecialties.com

HOW DO YOU MISS A BILLION DOLLARS? That’s how much was left behind when Americans prepared their own tax returns last year.

A billion dollars.

It’s your money. Get it back with Block.

200 W LAKEWAY ROAD GILLETTE, WY 82718 307-682-2206

HRBLOCK.COM

4

98 S MAIN BUFFALO, WY 82834 307-684-5125

1 Each tax situation is different and not everyone will receive a refund. In a 2013 H&R Block study of tax returns by people who did their own taxes, nearly half had differences, and approximately 40% of people with differences were entitled to a larger refund. OBTP#B13696 ©2013 HRB Tax Group, Inc.


ZRo www.E

February 14 - 21,locally-p 2014 local ed by

Community

Campbell County Observer

Senators Look to Wyoming to Change Culture of Congress n order to limit backroom dealmaking and stop Congress from passing bills with countless unrelated measures, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., are taking a page from the Wyoming Legislature’s handbook. Enzi and Barrasso introduced a bill recently that would require any legislation considered by the Senate to be limited to a single issue, the same rule the Wyoming Legislature is required to follow when drafting legislation.

“Too often Congress relies on brokering massive backroom deals without thinking about the unintended consequences. The more ‘comprehensive’ a bill is the more it ends up becoming incomprehensible,” said Enzi. “I learned in the Wyoming Legislature that one topic per bill is how you get things done. By following this example, we can inject a little common sense into Congress and curb the culture of deal-making.” “The Wyoming Legislature’s single topic bill rule is just one of the many

ways in which Wyoming gets it right,” said Barrasso. “Bills in Washington are often so massive and complex that they do more harm than good. If Congress would follow Wyoming’s lead, we could help solve a lot more problems for the American people.” Enzi and Barrasso’s bill S. RES. 351 would create a point of order against a bill or resolution that is not confined to a single issue. This point of order could only be overruled by a supermajority of 67 votes.

Ow ty R Coun www.Wyom pbell Cam n

m

nch.co

a king-R

ZRoc www.E

FRESH RAW MILK Free information on

Cow Shares

Call 682-4808

ds l Foo Loca d Beef e F s s Gras aft Horse r and D site

www.EZRocking-Ranch.com eb

rw to ou r Come for all ou ducts. ro om able p avail ing-Ranch.c k c o R Z .E w w w

We Lo Fres ve h Milk

See our other locally-produced foods at local her. c ed by Own unty Ran o ell C b p www.WyomingGrassFed.com Cam

What’s Going On?FRESH RAW MILK Friday, February 14, 2014

-Campbell County Rockpile Museum Traveling Exhibit “Please Give Us One More Boom”: Oil and Gas in Wyoming Open Now – February 28th -AA Midday Serenity Group 2910 S. Douglas 12pm -AA Out to Lunch Bunch Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 12pm -AA Happy Hour Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 5:30pm -AA Grupo Nuevo Milenio 6:45pm -AA Hopefuls Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 8pm -AA Last Call Group 10pm -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -Wright Alcoholics Anonymous at Park Community Center 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception for the Art of Love at the AVA Community Center 5 p.m. -CC Senior Center 11th Annual Prime Rib Dinner/ Silent Auction at Campbell County Senior Citizens Association, Inc. 701 Stocktrail Ave. 5 p.m. - CAM-PLEX Winter Western at the Cam-Plex Central & East Pavilion - Coors Pro Rodeo at the Cam-Plex 7 p.m. - Sweetheart Rodeo Barn Dance Featuring Chancey Williams & The Younger Band 9 p.m. -Judd Hoos at Jake’s Tavern

Saturday, February 15, 2014

-Girl Scout Cookies Sales February 1st - April 13th -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 5:30 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 6:45 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 8 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -PALS (People Actively Living Single) at Village Inn 10:30 a.m. -Teen Dungeons & Dragons at Campbell County Public Library 10 a.m. -Teen Open-Play Gaming at Campbell County Public Library 1 p.m. -Wii Play 4th -6th grade Saturday at Campbell County Public Library 1 p.m. -Daughters’ of the American Revolution Inyan Kara Chapter Call Megan at 307-689-1290 for details - Duck’s Unlimited Banquet at the Cam-Plex WYO Center Equality Hall 4:30 p.m.- 12 a.m. - CAM-PLEX Winter Western at the Cam-Plex Central & East Pavilion - Coors Pro Rodeo at the Cam-Plex 7 p.m. -Rodeo Barn Dance Featuring Chancey Williams & The Younger Band 9 p.m.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

-Campbell County Rockpile Museum Traveling Exhibit “Please Give Us One More Boom”: Oil and Gas in Wyoming Open Now – February 28th - Campbell County Public Library and Wright Branch Library Closed -AA Morning Spiritual Group 10:15 a.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous

2910 S. Douglas Hwy. Noon -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 5:30 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 8 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m -Hand Building & Essentials for Working with Clay at the AVA Community Center 1 p.m. - CAM-PLEX Winter Western at the Cam-Plex Central & East Pavilion -Melgaard Construction Bulls & Broncs at the CamPlex 1 p.m. -WBA Meeting at Jake’s Tavern

Monday, February 17, 2014

- Campbell County Public Library and Wright Branch Library Closed -Girl Scout Cookies Sales February 1st - April 13th -AA Out to Lunch Bunch 1302 Butcher Court Jacob’s Touch Cabinetry 12 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -AA Grupo Nuevo Milenio 6:45pm -Al-Anon at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 8 p.m. -A.M. Lion’s Club Perkin’s Restaurant 7 a.m. -Overeater’s Anonymous 1302 Butcher Court Jacob’s Touch Cabinetry 7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

-Campbell County Rockpile Museum Traveling Exhibit “Please Give Us One More Boom”: Oil and Gas in Wyoming Open Now – February 28th -Al-Anon at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 8 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -AA Grupo Nuevo Milenio 6:45pm -Gillette Rotary Club at Tower’s West Lodge 6 p.m. -Story Time 3 – 5 years at Campbell County Public Library 10:30 a.m. -Teen Card Club at Campbell County Public Library 4 p.m. -Adult Game Night Age 19 and up at Campbell County Public Library 6:30 p.m. -Razor City ToastMasters at City Hall police entrance For details Call Rita Mashak at 687-7165 or 682-2054 6:45 a.m. - Gillette Rotary Club at Towers West Lodge 6 p.m. -Pottery Planet at the AVA Community Center 4 p.m. -Men of the Moose at the Moose Lodge 7 p.m. -READY! FOR KINDERGARTEN For Parents of Current 3 or 4 Year Old Students at Lakeway Learning Center 525 W. Lakeway Rd. 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. - TSJH Winter Choir Concert at Cam-Plex Heritage Center 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

-AA Out to Lunch Bunch 1302 Butcher Court Jacob’s Touch Cabinetry 12 p.m. -AA Happy Hour Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 5:30pm -AA Grupo Nuevo Milenio 6:45pm -Gillette Noon Lions Club at Tower’s West Lodge 12 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000

COMMUNITY

tary gym 6 p.m. -Prairie Wind PTO Bingo for Books at Prairie Wind Elementary 7 p.m. - February Mixer: White’s Frontier Motors at 444 Skyline Dr. 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -Historic Gillette--- ALIVE! At Coffee Friends meeting room 4 p.m. -Wyoming Celtic Association at the Campbell County Library For details Call Robert McKinney at 680-5209 or John Nulle at 660-3758 7 p.m. -Powder River Motocross at the Campbell County Library For details Call Trish 686-2807 7 p.m. -NorthEast Wyoming Prospector Club at the Campbell County Library For details Call Lynnda at 686-1177 7:30 p.m. -Story Time 3 – 5 years at Campbell County Public Library 10:30 a.m. -Teen Early Release Party at Campbell County Public Library 1 p.m. -Teen Advisory Board at Campbell County Public Library 4 p.m. -Wright Branch Story time at Wright Library 11:15 a.m. -Homeschool Art at the AVA Community Center 1 p.m. -Gillette Elks Lodge #2825 at Towers West Lodge 7 p.m. -Jewel Rebekah Lodge at the Lodge Hall 202 E. Eighth St. 8 p.m. -Energy Capital Toastmasters at Campbell County Memorial Hospital Fifth Floor Classrooms 6:45 a.m.

Friday, February 21, 2014

-Campbell County Rockpile Museum Traveling Exhibit “Please Give Us One More Boom”: Oil and Gas in Wyoming Open Now – February 28th -AA Midday Serenity Group 2910 S. Douglas 12pm -AA Out to Lunch Bunch Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 12pm -AA Happy Hour Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 5:30pm -AA Grupo Nuevo Milenio 6:45pm -AA Hopefuls Group 2910 S. Douglas Hwy 8pm -AA Last Call Group 10pm -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -Wright Alcoholics Anonymous at Park Community Center 6:30 p.m. -Little Tikes at the AVA Community Center 10 a.m. -Uncorked Featuring Blanche Guernsey at the AVA Community Center 7 p.m. -Relay For Life Bunko Fundraiser at American Legion 200 Rockpile Blvd. 6:30 p.m. -Gun Show & Flea MarketUp in Arms at Cam-Plex Central Pavilion 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. -Hockey Tournament2014 Girls State (Hosted by: Gillette Girls Youth Hockey Assn.) at Cam-Plex Wyoming Center-Spirit Hall Ice Arena - Gillette College Rodeo Banquet at Cam-Plex Wyoming Center Frontier Hall 6 p.m. - ACTRA Friday Night Roping- Team Roping at Cam-Plex East Pavilion 6 p.m. -Ribbon Cutting: Summit ESP at 5817 S. Winland Dr. 12:45 p.m. -1:15 p.m. - Hexachord at Jake’s Tavern

Thursday, February 20, 2014

-AA Grupo Nuevo Milenio 6:45pm -Alcoholics Anonymous at the Vineyard 585 Westside Drive 7:30 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 6:30 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 8 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous at 7th and Kendrick 8 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -TOPS 104 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 1000 Commache Ave. 9:30 a.m. -TOPS 285 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 9:45 a.m. -Grief Share Support Group at 631 N. Commercial Drive 10 a.m. For details call Don Wright 682-9553 -Gillette Energy Rotary Club at Tower’s West Lodge 12 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 8 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous at 7th and Kendrick 8 p.m. -Peer Players: A Group for Teens 910 E. Third St. ,Suite I Call 686-8071 for Details -Doodlers Kid Club at the AVA Community Center 4 p.m. -Gillette Main Street Power Hour at the AVA Community Center 6 p.m. -Toddler Time 18 mos. – 3 yrs. at Campbell County Public Library 9:30 a.m. -Story Time 3 – 5 years at Campbell County Public Library 10:30 a.m. -Teen Minecraft Club at Campbell County Public Library 4 p.m. -Families and Jammies Birth thru 6th grade at Campbell County Public Library 6:30 p.m. -Anime Club at Campbell County Public Library 7 p.m. -Survivors of Suicide Support Group at Gillette College Room 153 and 155 6:30 p.m. -Wagonwheel PTO Carnival at Wagonwheel Elemen-

Saturday, February 22, 2014

- Steve Ray will be speaking at St. Matthew’s on Sat. Feb. 22, 6:45 PM - The Eucharist: You Are What You Eat (Steve clearly explains the Biblical basis for the Eucharist in the Old and New Testaments and the early Church. With humor and hard hitting facts, Steve will help you understand and defend the Blessed Sacrament.); at 8:00 PM - Mary, Real Girl and Woman of Mystery (By understanding the life of Mary, you can learn to understand and defend teachings on Mary’s perpetual virginity, her Motherhood of the Church, her Intercessory role and much more!) -Girl Scout Cookies Sales February 1st - April 13th -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 5:30 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 6:45 p.m. -Alcoholics Anonymous 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 8 p.m. -Serenity Seekers of Narcotics Anonymous at 2000 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m.

5

Free information on

Cow Shares

-PALS (People Actively Sunday, Living Single) at Village Inn February 23, 2014 10:30 a.m. -Campbell County Rock-Teen Dungeons & Drag- pile Museum Traveling Exom ons at g-RCampbell County hibit “Please Give Us One anch.c ckin ZRoLibrary .E Public 10 a.m. w More Boom”: Oil and Gas in w w -Teen Open-Play Gaming Wyoming Open Now at Campbell County Public –See February 28th our other Library 1 p.m. -AA Morning Spiritual locally-produced foods at -Wii Play 4th -6th grade Group 10:15 a.m. Saturday at Campbell www.WyomingGrassFed.com Coun-Alcoholics Anonymous ty Public Library 1 p.m. 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. Noon - Beginning Photography -Alcoholics Anonymous with Catherine Cardarelli at 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 5:30 s d o l Fo the AVA Community Loca d Beef Center p.m. 9 a.m. Grass Fe Horses -Alcoholics Anonymous raft Photogra- 2910 S. Douglas Hwy. 8 - Intermediate e and D it s b r we phy with Catherine p.m. to ou Cardarelome or all our cts. f li at the C AVA rodu -Serenity Seekers of NarpCommunity le m b o a .c avail ing-Ranch Center 1 p.m. cotics Anonymous at 2000 k c ZRo www.E & Flea Market-Gun Show W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m al y loc cher. Up in Arms at -Beginning Wheel Throwed bCam-Plex Own unty Ran Co Central Pavilion pbell 9 a.m. – 5 ing For Kids at the AVA ComCam p.m. munity Center 1 p.m. -Hockey Tournament-Gun Show & Flea Market2014 Girls State (Hosted by: Up in Arms at Cam-Plex Gillette Girls Youth Hockey Central Pavilion 9 a.m. – 3 Assn.) at Cam-Plex Wyo- p.m. ming Center-Spirit Hall Ice -Hockey TournamentArena 2014 Girls State (Hosted by: - 4-H Horse Clinic at Cam- Gillette Girls Youth Hockey Plex Barn 3 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Assn.) at Cam-Plex Wyo- Ringwars -MMA Fighting ming Center-Spirit Hall Ice at Cam-Plex Wyoming Cen- Arena ter Equality Hall 7 p.m. - Barrels & Poles - Pro - Gillette Open for Busi- Jackpots at Cam-Plex East ness-Miniature Golf Tourna- Pavilion 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. ment at South Fork Apart-Powder River Symphony ments, LLC 4500 Running at Cam-Plex Heritage CenW Dr. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ter 3 p.m. - Hexachord at Jake’s Tavern

Call 682-4808

www.EZRocking-Ranch.com

GOVERNMENT

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

-Commissioners Meeting in Chambers 9 a.m. -City Council Pre-Meeting at City Hall 3rd Floor Conference Room 6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. -City Council Meeting at Council Chambers 7 p.m.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

- Public Works & Utilities Advisory Committee at City Hall Engineering Conference Room 5:30 p.m.

Award Winning Tattoo Artist 308 S. Douglas Hwy • 307-670-3704

Bear’s Dry Cleaning Naturally Clean Dry Cleaning & Laundry Valet Service

Total Project Management Agriculture, Construction, Oilfield Jill Rasmussen

B.A.S; M.P.M. - Project Management

15 Years Experience

Outsource Solutions Call for information - No business is too small or large

Cell: 307-257-4594 Email: rasmussenjillian@yahoo.com Serving ND, MT and WY

Carpet ress ExpDIRECT

The Cl os Thing est Whole To sale! LLC

Tile, Vinyl, Laminate and Carpet Will meet or beat any advertisers price! 1211 South Douglas Hwy • M-F: 9-5:30, Sat: 11-4 us online at: carpetexpressdirect.com 307-257-4205 Visit

a


Community

February 14 - 21, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Hope’s Haven

Dear Readers, Welcome to “Hope’s Haven”. Hope: to believe, desire, or trust. Haven: any place of shelter and safety; refuge. “Hope’s Haven” is a column that will be filled with life testimonies from real people just like you. God’s grace, mercy and love will weave through each testimony that is printed in this column. The text of the articles submitted will be left in the writer’s original verbiage (we will spell check and do minimal grammar correction). If you would like to share the good news of how God’s grace has blessed your life please send your testimony to: praiseGod@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Faith, Hope and Love (Part 2 of 3)

“Love your neighbour as yourself.”Luke 10:39. We are looking at the Biblical meaning of love, and saw in the previous article that in answering a question put to him, Jesus said that the most important commandment was to love the Lord God with all ones heart, soul and mind. He continued to say that there was another commandment, which was also very important. It is to love your neighbour. Probably the best commentary on this verse is the account of the Good Samaritan. You will find it in Luke chapter 10 verses 25 - 37. In Jesus’ day, the Jews despised the Samaritans. Yet Jesus showed an instance where it was a Samaritan who had helped a Jew who had been robbed, beaten and left for dead along the roadside. He rescued him, and provided for him while he recovered from his injuries. The man’s fellow countrymen had ignored him in his time of need and merely passed by on the other side of the road. We learn from this account that love for your neighbour involves more than just feelings, kind words or good intentions. It could also mean care, cost and crossing social boundaries. And make no mistake about it; to love your neighbour in this manner is not easy. But it is the way that Jesus expects of his followers. “A new commandment I give you; love one another.” John 13:34 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than he who lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12, 13. In his teaching about love, Jesus said that we must love the Lord our God, and our neighbour as ourselves. There was one more commandment that He mentioned; it is that we must love one another. What is meant by “one another” is this; others who believe in Jesus. People who have truly put their faith and trust in Him, that His death on the cross and subsequent

Living Rock Church “Life of the Rock” 670-1518 1001 S. Douglas Hwy Bld B Sun. Service 9am & 10:45am Open Door Church 685-3337 111 E 2nd St Gillette, WY Sun. Worship 10am Wed. Worship 6:30pm www.gillette-church.com Grace Bible Church 686-1516 4000 Collins E Rd Gillette, WY Sun. School 9:00 Worship 10:00am Evening Service 6:00 PM

resurrection will pay the penalty for their sins and ensure that one day they will also rise from the dead and live forever. Anyone who has trusted Jesus in this way is part of the family of God and is a Brother or Sister in Christ. Jesus says that we must love them with the same kind of love that He had for us. That love went so far as to cost Jesus His life. And Jesus puts it to us that we should be prepared to demonstrate our love for our fellow believers in the same way if necessary. And even if we are not called upon to actually give our lives, it may be our time, or money, our concern and compassion that we must give. This is not easy, but it is the way of our Master. Blessings, Graham K. from Accrington UK

I was there, yet you did not see Me The times you did cry I wrapped you in My loving arms And wiped the tears from your eyes Every prayer - I heard, and answered Every cry for help - I came I cast down all your enemies And brought them all to shame You are My beloved son Whom I have set free I removed your chains of darkness Because you believed in Me I Am in you, and you in Me ~anonymous

Church Of Christ 682-2528 1204 T-7 Ln Gillette, WY Sun. Bible Study 9am Sun. Worship 10am & 6pm

Vineyard Christian Fellowship 686-2485 585 Westside Dr Gillette, WY 9 am - Men’s Study/Fellowship, 10 am - Vineyard Cafe Opens (Coffees/ Pastries), 10:30 am - Worship and the Word, 6 pm - Various Activities

Calvary Missionary Baptist Church 682-9779 600 Longmont St Gillette, WY Sun. School 10am Worship 11am 6PM

First Baptist Church 682-4816 501 S Gillette Ave Gillette, WY Sun. 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages at 9:30am Mike Morrison Ministries 685-2272 2 W McKenzie Rd, 82716 Gillette, WY Tuesday night Bible Study 7:00 - 9:00 Saturday Night 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Emanuel Southern Baptist Church 686-4132 1851 Chara Ave Gillette, WY High Plain Community Church 685-0044 3101 W Lakeway Rd Gillette, WY Sun. Worship 9am and 11am 7pm. Wed. Worship Trinity Lutheran Church 682-4886 1001 E 9th St Gillette, WY Sun. School 9:15am Sun. 8am and 10:30am Jericho Baptist Church 686-5626 211 S Brooks Ave Gillette, WY 10am Sun. School 11am Sun. Worship 6pm Sun. Worship 7pm Wed. Worship

First Presbyterian Church 682-7264 511 Carey Ave Gillette, WY Sun. 9:15am Children’s Church &Worship Wed 5:30 Christian Education

First Church Of The Nazarene 682-2562 3010 W 4J Rd Gillette, WY Sun. School 9:30am Worship: Sun. 10:45am Wed. Bible Study 6:30

Family Life Church 687-1083 480 State Highway 50 Gillette, WY Sun. 9am

First United Methodist Church 686-7339 2000 W Lakeway Rd Gillette, WY Sun. Contemplative Service 8am Sun. Blended Service 9:15-10:15 Sunday School 10:30

6

Questions call: Tiffany at 660-9483 Terry at 682-9438

Jesus Christ of LDS 555 Wright Blvd. Wright, WY 9am Sun. Worship

St Matthew’s Catholic Church 682-3319 1000 Butler Spaeth Rd Gillette, WY Sat 5:00pm Sun 9:00am & 11:00am Sun 5:00pm Spanish Mass

Cornerstone Church Of God 686-6429 406 S Brooks Ave Gillette, WY Sun. School 9:15am Worship 10:30

Bring a copy of child’s birth certificate

Gillette Christian Center 686-6680 6201 Swanson Rd Gillette, WY Sun. 7am Men’s Bible Study 9:30 Coffee Café Sun. Worship 10am 11:15am

First Assembly Of God-family 682-3308 601 Carey Ave Gillette, WY Sun. School 9:30 Sun. Worship 8am, 10:30am 6pm

Christian Church 682-3316 100 E Flying Circle Dr Gillette, WY Sun 10:30am

Feb. 19-20. 5:30pm-7:30pm South Campus Highschool

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 682-4296 804 Emerson Gillette, WY 10am Sunday

Antelope Valley Baptist Church 682-1602 2801 Antler Rd Gillette, WY

New Life Wesleyan Church 682-5642 1000 Comanche Ave Gillette, WY Sun. 9:15 & 10:45

Gillette Little League 2014 Season Signups

Roadway Alliance Church 687-7738 811 Hemlock Ave Gillette, WY Sun. Service: 10:15 am

Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran 686-4080 1010 W Beaver Dr Gillette, WY Service 9am

Central Baptist Church 682-2543 1170 Country Club Rd Gillette, WY Sun 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 9:30 Worship Service 10:00am 11:15am

Seventh-day Adventist Church 682-8465 901 Apricot St Gillette, WY Sabbath School: 09:30A Worship Service: 11:00A

Prince-peace Lutheran Church 682-4509 203 W Flying Circle Dr Gillette, WY Sat 5:00 p.m. Sun 9:00 a.m with Education following

Come Holy Spirit

The Words to Say I Love You

Westside Baptist Church 682-3505 604 W 10th St Gillette, WY Sun. Worship 8am Sunday School 9:30 Sun. Worship 10:45 Hispanic Service 6pm

Join us Sundays at 10:30 AM #3 Industrial Dr. Pine Haven Wy. 689-8326

Jesus Christ of LDS 2903 Aqllen Avel Gillette, WY 9am Sun. Worship 11am Sun. Worship Jesus Christ of LDS 1500 O’Hera Gillette, WY 9am Sun. Worship 11am Sun. Worship Westside Baptist Church 682-3505 604 W 10th St Gillette, WY Sun. Worship 8am & 10:45 Sun. School 9:30 Bible Study 6:00pm Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church 687-0074 1612 E Us Highway 14-16 Gillette, WY 82716 Sun. 10 to 11:30 Wed. 7pm to 8:30 pm Calvary Community Church 682-9553 631 N Commercial Dr Gillette, WY 82716 Sunday School 9:15 10:30 Worship 6:00pm Foundations Class Faith Community Church 682-7333 177 American Rd Gillette, WY 82716 Sunday School 9:45am Service 10:45am Wed Evening Study 7pm Prairie Wind Unitarian Universalists 686-4812 10am 2nd & 4th Sun at Lakeway Learning Center Wright Baptist Church 464-0464 225 Ranchero Dr Wright, WY 82732 Sun 9:30am Bible Study 10:45am Worship Service 6:00pm Evening Prayer & Discipleship St Francis on-the-Prairie 464-0028 357 Willowcreek Dr. Wright, WY 82732 Sun. 10am Wed. 5:30 Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 682-3319 624 Wright Blvd Wright, WY 82732 Sun 5:30pm


Community

Campbell County Observer

UW Awards Top Scholarship to 104 Wyoming Students

he University of Wyoming has presented its top academic scholarship, the Trustees’ Scholars Award, to 104 outstanding high school seniors from across Wyoming for 2014. The premier scholarship for Wyoming resident high school seniors covers the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for eight semesters at UW, starting with the fall 2014 semester. Recipients are evaluated on their academic excellence (high school grade-point average, ACT/SAT scores and curriculum rigor). For this year’s award winners -- whose application materials were due by Dec. 1 -- the average GPA is 3.98, and the average ACT score is 32. “The field of applicants for this scholarship is always impressive, but this year was particularly outstanding,” UW Admissions Director Shelley Dodd says. “We’re finding more and more Wyoming students are taking rigorous coursework in high school to prepare for college, and that effort is reflected in the measures of their academic performance.” To retain the scholarship all four years at UW, students must maintain full-time continuous enrollment (at least 12 semester hours) during the fall and spring semesters each year, along with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Recipients of the scholarship, listed by high schools they’re attending, are: • Burlington High School -- James Davidson. • Burns High School -- Wyatt Berg, Mimi Kreuzer, Elijah Childers. • Campbell County High School, Gillette -- Daniel Davis, Alex Germann, Conner Lofing, Jackson Moeller, Harrison Simmons. • Cheyenne Central High School

-- Emily Armitage, Kristina Edwards, Logan Fairbourn, Andrew Gorman, Madison Klopfer, Taylor Means, Kathryn Moncrief, Sarah Morton, Emily Robinette, Taylor Segrave. -- Cheyenne East High School -Emily Wood, Kimberly Eckles, Kameron Jensen, Shelby Lewis, Kyle Schumacher, Kayla Starr. • Cody High School -- Nathanial McMinn, Ethan Smith. • Cokeville High School -- Kaylie Moyes. • Douglas High School – Brooke Marcus, Shayla Williams. • Greybull High School -- Alexander Havener, Sabrina Heuschkel, Logan Jensen. • Jackson Hole High School -- Hannah Collins, Natalie Palmquist, William Frank, Brandon Kortum. • Kelly Walsh High School, Casper -- Brent Bihr, Zephaniah Connell, Gabriel Miller, Marcus Rieker. • Lander Valley High School -- Andrew Gramlich, Nicholas Merritt, Emily Schimelpfenig, Madeline Smithbaker. • Laramie High School -- Isaac Bryant, Ian Hammontree, Chris Huang, Calder Kempema, Emily Leduc, Jingyu Li, Max Machalek, Ann McInroy, Andie Saylor, Gabriel Selting, Slade Sheaffer, Cameron Skinner, Noah Snider, Lia Tan, Blake Wright. • Little Snake River Valley High School, Baggs -- Russell Todd. • Lovell High School -- Brandon Wolvington. • Natrona County High School, Casper -- Nathan Brown, Leslee Christopherson, Jacob Colman, Colby Coughenour, Audrey Haller, Rhett Watson. • Newcastle High School -- Lynnell Hanson. • Pinedale High School -- Baylee

Buchanan, Mark Fenn, Brookely Schamber, Valerie Vidal, Justin Lee. • Powell High School -- Mayson Easum, Emma Hanlin, Nicholas Tracy, Quinlan Wetzel. • Rawlins High School -- Alex Collier, Laurie DeMillard. • Riverton High School -- Autumn Hutson, Kathryn Thayer. • Rock Springs High School -- Jessica Fahlsing, Joshua Hansen, Jeffrey Johnson. • Sheridan High School -- Morgan Brenneman, Aaron Campbell, Gretchen Dougherty, Kameron Eckard, Alison Geary, Tyler Julian, Molly Ligocki, Sheridan McKinley, Cameron Ralston, Reed Ritterbusch. • Shoshoni High School -- Mark Ballou. • Star Valley High School, Afton -Dallin Call, Rachel McArthur. • Wheatland High School -- Sawyer Lawrence, Janissa Martinez. • Wind River High School, Pavillion -- Tia Hampton. • Home school -- Marie Ritschard and Abigail Wilkins, Cheyenne; Jacob Williams, Centennial. For more information about the UW Trustees’ Scholars Award, as well as other scholarship opportunities at UW, go tohttp://www.uwyo.edu/ admissions/scholarships/index.html.

Stephen Ray to Speak at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church

St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming presents Stephen Ray on Saturday, February 22, 2014. Ray will offer two programs “The Eucharist: You Are What You Eat” at 6:45 p.m. and “Mary, Real Girl and Woman of Mystery” at 8 p.m. The Eucharist: You Are What You Eat Steve clearly explains the Biblical basis for the Eucharist in the Old and New Testaments and the early Church. With humor and hard hitting facts, Steve will help you understand and defend the Blessed Sacrament. Mary, Real Girl and Woman of Mystery By understanding the life of Mary, you can learn to understand and defend teachings on Mary’s perpetual virginity, her Motherhood of the Church, her Intercessory role and much more! Steve and Janet Ray are the producers of the Catholic DVD series “The Footprints of God: The Story of Salvation from Abraham to Augustine” which are featured on EWTN and NETFLIX. Steve is the best selling author of numerous books including “Crossing the Tiber”, his story of conversion the Catholic Church. He is in great demand as a speaker for conferences and parishes around the world and is a regular guest on Catholic Answers Live, Ave Maria Radio, Relevant Radio, EWTN and many others. Steve and Janet have guided thousands of Pilgrims to Israel and other Biblical Lands. This event is sponsored by St. Matthew’s Council of Catholic Women, Knights of Columbus and donors.

allDimensions FITNESS CENTER 24 Hours • all 24 Four Hour Access • all Levels of Membership • all Smoothie Bar • all Customer Service • all Personal Training • all Nutritional Consultations

Janine Uttenhove, CCMH’s February 2014 Employee of the Month

718 N. Hwy 14/16 Gillette, WY 82716 (307) 682-5700 alldimensionsfitness.com

We Offer Payday Loans!

CCMH is proud of its employees! And, to show it, we’ve decided to showcase the employees who are recognized as Employees of the Month in the CCMH Health Connect Blog. These employees are nominated by patients, as well as CCMH leadership, physicians and staff. Campbell County Memorial Hospital would like to congratulate Janine Uttenhove, Pioneer Manor, as the employee of the month for February 2014. Janine has taken the time out of her busy schedule several times to transport patients and residents to Casper for appointments and surgeries. Janine goes out of her way to make sure our residents get the care they need and CCMH greatly appreciates all the time, patience, care and compassion she gives to each of our residents on these travels. Janine, thank you for going the extra mile to take care of the residents at Pioneer Manor.

We carry AR 15 parts! Confidential • Courteous • Convenient • Clean

Great Selection Of Jewelry We accept all 102 E. Lakeway Rd. (307) 686-5757 Hrs: Mon 12:00-5:30 Tue-Fri 9-5:30 Sat. 9-4 major credit cards.

CCMH Provider of the Month: Sara Hartsaw, MD, FAC At CCMH we are fortunate to have a medical staff most rural communities can only hope to experience. We enjoy the privilege of having a base of primary care physicians who are dedicated to our community and who provide excellent care to their patients. Additionally, our medical staff has a multitude of specialists you would not normally find in a smaller community such as Gillette and Campbell County and for that we are grateful. It does not matter if our medical staff member is in private practice, providing care in a clinic, in a surgery suite, in a resident’s room at Pioneer Manor or in a hospital room; we appreciate each of them for what they bring to our patients and community. We want to recognize our medical staff throughout the year by highlighting them and shining a spotlight on them so that you can see the person behind the name doctor. This month, CCMH recognizes one of our general surgeons, Dr. Sara L. Hartsaw. Dr. Hartsaw has practiced at CCMH for 24 years (privileged in 1990) and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Before I mention the details regarding Dr. Hartsaw’s practice, it is important to mention that she states her most proud accomplishment is being a mom to five responsible children. This is reflective

February 14 - 21, 2014

of Dr. Hartsaw’s nature and core value for family. She credits her father who was a physician with being her role model and the reason why she decided even before kindergarten that she wanted to be a doctor. She became a surgeon because she feels that through surgery, she can fix a patient’s problem, not just manage symptoms. “A chance to cut is a chance to heal,” she says. In her years as a surgeon, Dr. Hartsaw feels the biggest change she has seen for patients is the short amount of time patients spend in the hospital following surgical procedures. Her philosophy in working with her patients is to, “be nice, be polite, and have a plan to operate on everyone you meet.” Also worth noting is in April 2013, Dr. Hartsaw was commissioned as a Lt. Commander is the United States Naval Reserve. As a member of the Naval Reserves, Dr. Hartsaw will serve one weekend per month, and two full weeks a year, attached to the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif. Dr. Hartsaw also recently completed a basic training in Rhode Island, and even commented that she wished it was longer! Outside of her work life, Dr. Hartsaw enjoys traveling, cooking and again, being Mom. Dr. Hartsaw is in private practice at High Plains Surgical Associates.

7


February 14 - 21, 2014

Campbell County Observer

#1 In Sports Equipment In N.E. Wyoming!

Cole Sports Report Provided by Cole Sports

Located on the corner of Gillette Ave and 4th

Another Great Season for Energy Baseball By Jenni Bridges On February 19th and 20th Babe Ruth will hold sign-ups at the South High School campus from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Regular Babe Ruth players (13-15 years old) and Senior Babe Ruth players (16-18 years old) will be able to sign-up there. For Senior Babe Ruth this is just the 3rd season since the program was restarted by the Gillette Babe Ruth organization. The Manager is Bob Zigray who last year, in his first season, won the Wyoming state championship. Zigray had this to say when asked about this upcoming season. ”We lost some key players but we still have good players and good leaders. I fully expect to get back to last year’s level and defend Gillette’s state championship. We are hoping our new players will get excited about playing baseball and getting opportunities. This season Senior Babe Ruth will have two or three teams and we will be looking at more travel and going to Montana some. We are going to try to work out scheduling with other teams so Gillette can host one or two tournaments this year. Some teams could expect to get 30 to 35 games.” Zigray ended his interview with, “it will work out if they work hard.” The 2013 season started off slow but finished in dramatic fashion. For the first time since 1997, the Gillette Senior Babe Ruth Team has been crowned the Wyoming State Champions after going undefeated at the state tournament in Buffalo. The Gillette Energy’s semi-final game against Buffalo showed the team’s tenacity when they fought back after being down 6-0 at the bottom of the fourth inning. Gillette rallied to score five runs in the fourth inning with timely hits from Jacob Groombridge, Preston Fuller and Andrew Molder. They went on to score one more run in the fifth inning when Lars Jones stole home on a passed ball, tying the game at 6-6. The game went down to the wire when Buffalo was able to regain the lead, 7-6 at the top of the 7th inning with an unearned run. The Energy went back to work loading up the bases with a Wyatt Sather single. Dillon Kuhbacher then singled to bring in Lars Jones for the tying run. Preston Fuller then hit a deep SAC fly into left field, which allowed Jacob Groombridge to score the winning run, finishing the game with an 8-7 score. Austin Zigray had an outstanding pitching performance after coming in relief in the top of the second inning with one out

Gillette Wild Player Profile Submitted by Misty Kindt osh Beatty, a tender for Gillette Wild comes to us from Westminster, Colorado. Though he is in Avalanche country, his favorite team is the Flyers and he admires their goaltender Ron Hextall. When he’s not on the ice, Josh enjoys going to classrooms with his teammates and discussing hockey, teamwork, respect, and other core topics, reading, lifting, golf, and helping coach at Learn To Play and Learn To Skate programs. He is secretly a musician. Josh recalls his favorite memory to be playing in Montreal and his most embar-

rassing moment was being so rattled in Italy, that he broke a door. Eating spaghetti and watching Slapshot with his billet brothers is one thing he likes the most about Gillette, besides playing the game he knows and loves. “Everyone has the desire to win, but only champions have the desire to prepare.” Welcome to Gillette, Josh! Birthday: Jun 13, 1995 Hometown: Westminster, CO Position: G Height: 6-3 Weight: 200

and the bases loaded, allowing only one run in that inning. He then pitched four shut-out innings with only four hits while striking out four batters. He was aided by the outstanding defensive play in the field from the rest of the team, including first baseman, Hayden Brown’s chase down of a runner during a pick-off play during the fifth inning. The Energy then advanced to the championship game against the heavily favored Cody Roughnecks. In a turn-around from the previous game, Gillette jumped out to an early lead in the first inning with hits from Fuller and Zigray. Fuller scored the first run stealing home on a passed ball. Luke Sather then hit a huge double, clearing the runners on base and scoring two runs. Wyatt Sather followed up with an RBI and Kuhbacher singled to score two more runs, giving the Energy a 6-0 lead at the bottom of the 1st inning. Gillette then left five runners on base over the next three innings, and Cody went on to score three runs, bringing the score to 6-3. Kuhbacher was able to score in the fifth inning when Zigray hit a deep SAC fly to left field. Cody kept the pressure on, scoring two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Zigray then brought in another RBI to extend Gillette’s lead to 8-5. Cody was able to score one more run, but was unable to overcome the excellent defensive play of Gillette, and the Energy earned the title of state champions in the 8-6 win. The Energy had another excellent performance against Cody’s team of solid hitters with the pitcher/catcher tandem of Groombridge and Zigray. Groombridge pitched a complete game allowing only six hits while striking out four batters. He also kept Cody’s runners in check, including a smart pick off at first base in the third inning to keep the momentum going Gillette’s way. Although manager Bob Zigray was nearly speechless for the first time this season, he was able to attribute the championship performance to solid teamwork, commitment, and love of the game by all players and coaches which included: Coaches Jerry Fisher, Steven Zigray, Dan Bridges, Mike Leisy and JT Zigray and players Jarod Antonovich, Hayden Brown, Dale Bryant, Preston Fuller, Jacob Groombridge, Cody Johnson, Lars Jones, Dillon Kuhbacher, Kendal Mager, Daniel Merritt, Andrew Molder, Luke Sather, Wyatt Sather and Austin Zigray.

What’s Going On in Sports? Friday, February 14, 2014 -Camel Basketball (SO/JV) at Laramie 4 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. -Lady Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at home vs. Laramie 4 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. -Camel Swimming (SO/JV/V) at Laramie 4 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. -Gillette WILD Hockey at home vs. Bozeman 7:30 p.m. -Panthers Wrestling at home for N.E. Conference Duals 2 p.m. -Pronghorn Cross Country at USA Cross Country Championships in Boulder, CO Saturday, February 15, 2014 -Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at Cheyenne South 10 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. / 1 p.m. -Lady Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at home vs. Cheyenne South 10 a.m. / 11:45 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. -Camel Swimming (SO/JV/V) at Cheyenne South 10 a.m. / 11:45 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. -Eagles 9th Basketball at St. Thomas Moore 10 a.m./ 11:30 a.m. -Gillette WILD Hockey at home vs. Bozeman 7:30 p.m. -Panther JV/V Basketball at home vs. Tongue River 1 p.m. / 4 p.m. -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at home vs. Tongue River 1 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. -Panthers Jr. High Basketball at Newcastle for 7th Quad TBA -Panthers Jr. High Basketball at home for 8th Quad TBA -Pronghorn Men’s Basketball at home vs. Western Wyoming Community College 5 p.m. -Pronghorn Women’s Basketball at home vs. Western Wyoming Community College 3 p.m. -Lady Warriors 9th Basketball at home vs. N.C. Orange 10 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. -Warrior 7th /8th A Basketball at Dean Morgan 10 a.m.

-Warrior 7th /8th A Basketball at CY 12 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2014 -Panthers Jr. High Basketball at home vs. Upton 4 p.m. / 5 p.m. -Warrior 7th /8th A Basketball at Sage Valley 4 p.m. / 5:15 p.m. -Warrior 7th /8th B Basketball at Sage Valley 4 p.m. / 5:15 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2014 -Eagles 9th Basketball Conference First Round TBA -Lady Eagles 9th Basketball Conference Tourney TBA -Gillette WILD Hockey at home vs. Billings 7:30 p.m. -Panther JV/V Basketball at Hulett 3:30 p.m. / 6 p.m. -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at Hulett 3:30 p.m. / 5 p.m. -Pronghorn Cross Country at Indoor Regionals in Storm Lake, IA -Warriors 9th Basketball at home for Geldien Conference 4 p.m. -Lady Warriors 9th Basketball at home for Geldien Conference 4 p.m. -Warrior 7th /8th A Basketball at Douglas 4 p.m. / 5:15 p.m. -Warrior 7th /8th B Basketball at home vs. Douglas 4 p.m. / 5:15 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2014 -Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at home vs. Cheyenne East 4 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. -Lady Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at Cheyenne East 4 p.m. / 5:30 p.m. / 7 p.m. -Camel Swimming (SO/JV/V) at home vs. Cheyenne East 4 p.m. / 5:45 p.m. / 7:30 p.m. -Camels Wrestling (JV//V) at Regionals in Sheridan, WY -Gillette WILD Hockey at Yellowstone 7:30 p.m. -Panther JV/V Basketball at home vs. Lusk 4:30 p.m. / 6 p.m. -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at home vs. Lusk 4:30 p.m. / 7 p.m.

-Panther Developmental Basketball at home vs. Lusk 3 p.m. -Lady Panther Developmental Basketball at home vs. Lusk 3 p.m. -Panthers Wrestling at Lusk for Regional Tournament TBA -Pronghorn Men’s Basketball at home vs. Casper College 7:30 p.m. -Pronghorn Women’s Basketball at home vs. Casper College 5:30 p.m. -Pronghorn Cross Country at Indoor Regionals in Storm Lake, IA Saturday, February 22, 2014 -Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at home vs. Cheyenne Central 10 a.m. / 11:45 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. -Lady Camel Basketball (SO/JV/V) at Cheyenne Central 10 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. / 1 p.m. -Camel Swimming (SO/JV/V) at home vs. Cheyenne Central 10 a.m. / 11:45 a.m. / 1:30 p.m. -Camels Wrestling (JV//V) at Regionals in Sheridan, WY -Eagles 9th A Basketball at Natrona for Conference Finals TBA -Lady Eagles 9th Basketball at Natrona for Conference Tourney TBA -Panthers Jr. High Basketball at Moorcroft for 7th and 8th Quad 9 a.m. -Panthers Wrestling at Lusk for Regional Tournament TBA -Pronghorn Men’s Basketball at Little Big Horn College at Crow Agency, MT 5 p.m. -Pronghorn Women’s Basketball at Little Big Horn College at Crow Agency, MT 3 p.m. -Pronghorn Cross Country at Indoor Regionals in Storm Lake, IA -Warriors 9th Basketball at Casper for Conference Tourney TBA -Lady Warriors 9th Basketball at Casper for Conference Tourney TBA -Warrior 7th /8th B Basketball at Moorcroft for 7th and 8th Quad 9 a.m. / 12 p.m.

8

“A lot of late nights in the gym, a lot of early mornings, especially when your friends are going out, you’re going to the gym, those are the sacrifices that you have to make if you want to be an NBA basketball player.” – Jason Kidd

Surplus Unlimited 801 Carlisle • 682-9451

Weekly Sports Trivia Question Who holds the NBA record for most points in a single game? Look on Page 18 for the answer

"Supporting Campbell County Youth Since 1978"

307-682-4522 • proffice@vcn.com 310 S. Gillette Avenue www.powderriverofficesupply.com


Campbell County Observer

February 14 - 21, 2014

#1 In Sports Equipment In N.E. Wyoming!

Cole Sports Report Provided by Cole Sports

Located on the corner of Gillette Ave and 4th

Pronghorn Basketball Briefs Women:

• Pronghorns 76 Central Wyoming College 62 • Pronghorns 61 Miles Community College 71 Men:

• Pronghorns 87 Central Wyoming College 75 • Pronghorns (19) 68 Miles Community College 55

Quality Musical Instruments A Pleasure An Investment

Address: 500 O-R Drive Gillette Wy. 82718

Phone: 307-682-9808 @ 4J and I-90

Hours: M-F 9-6 Sat 9-4

Reid Drilling, Inc. Photo by Clint Burton

Purple Squirts

Gillette Wild Hockey Round-Up By Tony Heidel his week, the girls went to Cheyenne and let a 3 - 1 lead slip away in the 3rd period. The Wild’s first game ended in a 3 - 3 tie. Scoring for Gillette were Mercedes Stilson, Kylie Shields, and Samantha Sturgeon. In the second game the Wild won 6 - 1 with Alyssa Johnson scoring half of the ladies goals. Kristen Lopez, Kassi Tennant, and Jenni Johnson picked up the other three goals. The Bantams went to Casper and played to a 1 - 1 tie in the first game. Christopher Mingus had Gillette’s only goal late in the 3rd period. In the second game the Wild won 4 - 2 with two goals by Parker Delong and one each from Christopher Mingus and Hunter Peterson. The White team in the Pee Wee Division beat the Riverton River Rats 9 - 1 with seven of the goals coming in the 1st period. Dawson Mccuin led the scoring with a hat trick with Brody Richardson following with two. Hudson Peterson, Rowdy Morman, Damon Hauck, and Turner Eiland also put points on the board for the Wild. In the second game Gillette won again with a score of 8 - 2. This time it was Stratton Khor with the hat trick. Brody Richardson got two goals again with Turner Eiland, Mason Powell, and Brennon Lubken

Parker DeLong

each with one. The Purple Pee Wee team played a winless Riverton team and won the first game 10 - 1. The Wild were led by Bode Rivenes, Corbin Conzelman, and Braxton Bundy with two goals each. Tanner Richards, Hayden Morris, Dillion Sigman, and Weston Mills all found the net. In the second game Gillette won 8 - 0 with Montgomery Haddix and Corbin Conzelman with two goals apiece. Also with goals in the game were Braxton Bundy, Dillon Sigman, Bode Rivenes, and Cade Clough. In the High School Division the Wild got back to the “Win” column by beating Cheyenne 8 - 7 despite a late push by the Capitals. Tyler Tennant led Gillette with four goals. Putting in two goals was Caleb Pettigrew with Breydan Taylor and Dylon Lara accounting for the other two. The second game was all Wild winning 7 - 0. Tyler Tennant added three more goals to his weekend total. Caleb Pettigrew got two goals again with Derek Hooker and Kolton Horton finding the net. In the Squirts Division, White had four games with Cheyenne starting with the Capitals Blue team. Gillette won 4 - 2 with a hat trick from Braxton Bundy and one goal from Ian Bullard. In their second game White

• Mineral Exploration Drilling • Coring • Monitor Wells

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.

~ Thomas Jefferson

PO Box 236 • Wright Wy • 307-464-0035

won again 7 - 5. The duo of Bundy and Bullard each scored twice. The other three goals came from Dagen Geis, Davin Doll, and Stratton Kohr. Next for the White team was Cheyenne’s Gold team winning 6 - 1. Bundy lead the scoring with a hat trick with one goal each from Ian Bullard, Aiden Fluharty, and Dagen Geis. In the final game against Gold, Cheyenne took the edge in shots and came away with a tie 3 to 3. Bryson Apodaca scored two goals with Ian Bullard getting the third one. The Purple team started out with Cheyenne Gold and won 9 - 2. Hudson Petersons set the pace early with three goals. Close behind was Ryan Jordan with two goals and with one each were Brady Tompkins, Alexis Poppleton, Josh Tays, and Jaedian Neal. Against Blue they won 5 - 4 with Ryan Jordan taking over in scoring a hat trick of his own. Hudson Peterson and Alexis Poppleton each scored one goal for Gillette. Then in Purple’s final regular season game they beat Blue 6 to 2. Jaedian Neal led the scoring with two goals followed by goals from Brady Tompkins, Daniil Prigarin, Josh Tays, and Zeb Rankin. This win capped off a 16-0 season for the Gillette Wild Purple Squirts team. Congratulations!

Photo by Clint Burton

9

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

We Fix Computers *FREE In-House Diagnostic *On-Site & Remote Assistance *No contract required *Electronic Waste Disposal System cleanup~data transfer~networking~parts replacement

PC SALES & SERV ICE 307-682-TECH (8324) www.protechcs.com 401 E Lakeway RD B-1 Gillette WY


February 14 - 21, 2014

Comics

Campbell County Observer

Find the Solution on Page 19

For advertising space and prices go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net or email us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com 10


Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

February 14 - 21, 2014

Bold Republic Weekly

An Open Letter to Governor Mead By Glenn Woods

ast Monday, I sat in my radio studio watching your State of the State address for Wyoming. In this open letter I wanted to focus on one aspect of your speech regarding that all important issue, ‘the Proper Role of Government.’ While it is admirable that Wyoming has a surplus, and that State government in Wyoming has shed around 300 employees, the State government is still doing far more than it should. Governor Mead, as soon as I heard you say, “we are in a great position to invest,” I knew to brace myself for a list of spending projects. Your budget proposal recommends $179 million for local government, to be spread across the state. I would agree with you that we should spend what we need to spend on things like filling potholes and police protection - which falls into the arena of the proper role of government. But many local towns across the state will spend that money on wasteful “beautification” projects, parks and recreation projects that should have been handled by the private sector, and attempts to bring tourism to cities that are not, and will never be, tourist centers, like Gillette. Governor, I’d like to know what you mean when you speak of spending money on a “unified network” for our state. If we are talking about subsidizing the internet, please stop right there. While it may be fine to provide better internet service

to our schools, I might remind you that this state, as well as this nation and the rest of the world, have a lousy record when it comes to subsidized anything. Money pits are like sinkholes. The more water that runs through a sink hole the bigger it gets. The more money that runs through a money hole, the bigger the hole gets. There is a reason that internet and telephone companies have not moved out into the most rural areas of Wyoming. It is because spending so much money on a small population that is so far out away from civilization is not sustainable. If the private sector is not interested in running internet way out there then the government should take that as reason enough not to waste tax payer money on it. As for the argument, “but what of the people who live way out there?”, they made their choice. If they want better internet and cell phone service then they can move closer to a real town. Governor Mead, in your speech you said that you wanted to improve the state’s strategies for dealing with homelessness in the state. Most people misunderstand when they hear me say that it is not the government’s responsibility to look out for the homeless. When I say such a thing they get the idea that I do not care about homeless people. Nothing could be further from the truth. What is true is that government had a very poor track record when it comes to efficiently spending tax payer’s money to solve

problems such as homelessness. These problems are best handled, on the local level, by church and civic organizations. When I choose to take money from my wallet, and give it to a local church, almost every penny of it goes to the people who are in need. But when money is taken from me without my consent and spent on a government program, most of that money is eaten up by the bureaucracy, and very little of it actually gets to the people in need. What I am in favor of is going with what works, and what works in the most efficient way. Governor Mead, your $15 million dollar proposal for carbon capture, carbon sequestration research, beyond enhanced oil recovery, is $15million dollars that Wyoming can save by

not concerning ourselves with something that the private sector is already working on. We all know that the sequestration part of the project, for the purposes of ending climate change, is based on junk science. As for using carbon to help recover more oil, the energy industry is already working on it on its own dime. Why spend tax payer money on something that the private sector is already exploring? Innovation does not come from government. Innovation comes from entrepreneurs seeking to make or maximize their profits. As with helping people in need, government has a long history of wasting money with little result to show for it. While I appreciate that the private sector has agreed to bring in matching funds for Wyoming’s energy re-

search, I’ll point out, again, that the private sector was already spending money on research, on its own. Let’s leave such projects to those who choose to risk their own money rather than taking money from the public for more failed government experiments. Finally Governor Mead, you said that you wanted to spend more money on tourism. Here again, while I understand your interest in growing the Wyoming economy by advertising the state’s tourist industry to the rest of the nation, this is something that is best left to the private sector. Hotels and resorts, as well as the many industries that serve and entertain tourist in this state, already pool their own money to advertise across the nation. Those companies that do

not should be encouraged to do so. But to take money from the people to advertise, rather than asking, is against the Wyoming principal of freedom and property rights. In this case, the property that we speak of is they money that belongs in the pockets of the individuals who earned it, or in the accounts of the companies that earned it. Wyoming government could be, and should be, a lot smaller that it is now. If you, Governor Mead, wish to get involved in all the projects that you say you wish to fund, I would plead with you to do it on your own time, with money that was handed to you by people who have reached into their own pockets voluntarily.

(Have your own opinion on the issue? Write us a letter to the editor at: 1001 S. Douglas Hwy B-6 Gillette, WY 82716 or email one at: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com)

Bold Republic Column Sponsored By:

Randy the Builder 307-682-7598

Your home town builder building dreams since 1971.

ANDY CALL R ONTH’S IS M FOR TH M O! PRO

Glenn Woods is a newspaper columnist and Radio Talk Show Host. You can find him back on the air LIVE on 103.1 FM or 1450 AM. Can’t listen right away or not in the signal range? Go to BoldRepublic.com to watch the show live or listen after!

Enzi: Exemption for Businesses Proves Obamacare is Crushing the Economy U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., issued the following statement concerning the Obama Administration making another unilateral decision to exempt businesses from unpopular requirements of Obamacare. “For someone who likes to tout the Affordable Care Act as his signature domestic achievement, President Obama seems to only want it to apply when he feels like it. The recent announcement is another acknowl-

edgement of the inherent flaws in the health care law and another reason that we should repeal and replace it with more market-oriented, step-bystep reforms that provide coverage, reward quality, and improve access to health care. “The Administration continues to pretend that the health care law isn’t hurting our economy and undermining incentives for employment, but the American people know better. This

delay is just the latest sign of what the true effects of the law will be. Rather than making another purely political decision that punts unpopular provisions until after the next election, the Administration should finally admit that the law needs to be scrapped. I have offered up a number of ideas for true health care reform, including my Ten Steps plan, and I applaud my colleagues in the Senate who have done so as well.”

Rocky Mountain

DISCOUNT SPORTS hing Ice Fis ere! ies H Suppl

8am-9pm Mon.-Sat. 9am-6pm Sunday 4706 S. Douglas Hwy. Gillette, WY 82718 Ph: 307-686-0221 Fx: 307-686-0265

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

Joke of the week Ole Olson is on his deathbed, knows the end is near, he is with his nurse, his wife, his daughter and two sons. “So”, he says to them, “My oldest son Swen, I want you to take the Minnetonka houses. My daughter Lena, take the apartments over in Edina. My son Rasmus, I want you to take the offices over on Hennepin. And Gunhild, My dear wife, please take all the residential buildings downtown.” The nurse is just blown away by all this, and as Ole slips away, she says, “Mrs. Olson, your husband must have been such a hardworking man to have accumulated all this property.” Gunhild replies, “Property? ... The idiot had a paper route!” Joke of the Week provided by

Swede’s Specialties 307-686-0588

For all your beer/wine making equipment

11


February 14 - 21, 2014

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Dead Bills Pile up in Budget Session Boneyard Submitted by Gregory Nickerson - wyofile.com n Wyoming’s short 20-day budget session bills must receive a twothirds vote to be introduced. In the House, that number is 40 out of 60 votes, while in the Senate it stands at 20 out of 30 votes. Read on for a summary of bills that didn’t pass the bar by the second day of the session.

In the House

The House had killed 11 bills by the end of Tuesday, February 11. Legislation sponsored by Rep. James Byrd (D-Cheyenne), Rep. Lee Filer (R-Cheyenne), Rep. Eric Barlow (R-Gillette) failed to gain the twothirds vote needed for introduction. Two of Rep. Byrd’s bills would have increased the minimum wage, and reduced penalties for marijuana possession. When the latter bill failed, House Speaker Rep. Tom Lubnau (R-Gillette) quipped that it had, “gone up in smoke.” The social media accounts of legislative press corps lit up in response to the joke. Many legislative followers use the Twitter hashtag #wyleg to follow the session. See the latest here. Byrd’s other bills would have allowed employees to be paid for accrued vacation time when they leave a job, and eliminated the requirement that attendance officers file complaints in court against parents

Football is Over, so on to Elections

Dear Editor,

Citizens! Now that the football season has ended perhaps it is time to move on to the election season. If we put a similar amount of time, energy and money into selecting and electing reasonable candidates to public office as we do into watching football we would be ahead of where we are now. So start soon and don’t let up until the super election in November of 2014. KEITH GOODENOUGH

Gay Marriage: a Good Move by Attorney General Eric Holder

Dear Editor, It is refreshing to see that as a society we are moving beyond our obsession with social issues. And it’s even more refreshing moving in the direction of acceptance and respect for the fact that people do not fit in one limited category, and that they are as diverse as the natural environment that surrounds us. I fully support Attorney General Eric Holder’s decision to extend full federal benefits to same-sex couples regardless of where they are married [“More good news for LGBT equality,” Opinion, Feb. 12]. Those states that continue to deny same-sex marriages are doing great harm to their citizens. Human beings do not live forever, so to deny basic rights mean millions go through life suffering at the hands of narrow-minded bigots who only have their own selfish interests in mind. George Whitaker

Obama Still Refusing to Heed America

Dear Editor, I watched the Bill O’Reilly interview with President Obama on Sunday and was amazed at the how the president continued to lie to the American public. Mr. Obama must think that Americans are either stupid or blind followers. He didn’t answer a single yes-or-no question about Benghazi, the IRS scandal, the Obamacare failure, unemployment or any other failure that resulted from his liberal policies. He talked around the issues and then blamed Mr. O’Reilly and Fox News for misinforming the public. Mr. Obama is a big-government, taxand-spend liberal socialist through and through. He blames others, never takes responsibility or fires anyone for misconduct or fraud, and is using his executive privileges to push our county into an autocratic society. We, the American people, have to stand up to him — and Congress must limit his tactics. Mr. Obama never tells the truth and is not concerned with the American taxpayer. He cares only about his Democratic power grab. CHUCK FLOYD

Service Members Used as Political Tools

Dear Editor, Reflecting on the long ovation given to the Army Ranger during President Obama’s recent State of the Union address caused me to remember an incident described in one of the histories I read about Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. In that instance, following a Stalin speech given to a large body, everyone rose to offer a standing ovation. However, there was an increasing anxiety among the attendees. They thought that whoever first decided to stop clapping and sit down would be shipped off to the gulag. That apprehen-

whose children are truant. Rep. Barlow’s bill would have lowered the coal severance tax and imposed a tax on natural gas flaring. Rep. Filer’s bills would have changed requirements for posting speed control signs in front of schools, and designated chocolate chip as the state cookie. The cookie bill failed to be introduced by a single vote. • Bill ## Bill Sponsor Bill Title Date of Action, Action Taken, # of Ayes and Nays • HB0016 CORPORATIONS Misclassification of employees-penalties. 10-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 32-26-1-1-0 • HB0017 CORPORATIONS Exterior residential storm damage repair 10-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 34-24-1-1-0 • HB0031 TRAVEL Game and fish-fees. 10-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 26-32-11-0 • HB0045 Byrd Minimum wage. * 11-Feb14 H Failed Introduction 9-51-0-0-0 • HB0049 Byrd Marihuana possession. * 11-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 15-45-0-00 • HB0052 TRANSPORTATION National guard funding-maintenance. * 11-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 22-37-1-0-0 • HB0057 Byrd Collection of unpaid wages. * 11-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 1148-1-0-0

• HB0058 Byrd Failure to attend school. * 11-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 10-50-00-0 • HB0066 Barlow Severance tax. * 11Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 21-38-1-0-0 • HB0067 Filer School zone traffic control device. * 11-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 30-30-0-0-0 • HB0068 Filer State cookie. * 11-Feb-14 H Failed Introduction 39-20-1-0-0 The following bills failed the Senate, including three measures from Sen. Bruce Burns (R-Big Horn), Sen. Leslie Nutting (R-Cheyenne), and Sen. Chris Rothfuss (D-Laramie). Sen. Burns’ bill would have allowed death penalty executions by firing squad in Wyoming in cases where drugs for lethal injections could not be obtained. He explained that some states have trouble acquiring drugs for lethal injection, causing them to use a secondary method. Wyoming’s secondary method of execution is the gas chamber, but the state currently does not have a functioning gas chamber. Sen. Burns thought that firing squad more practical than methods of execution like hanging or electrocution. The bill received only 13 of 20 votes needed for introduction. Sen. Nutting’s bill would have provided for a study of security issues at Wyoming institutions of higher education, and the

Letters to the Editor

sion was realized. The parallel I draw is that, to this administration, our servicemen are theatrical props used to further perpetual public employment. I think there is little genuine appreciation; instead, there is recognition that those who serve provide utility to a political class that never served. In this case, each legislator understood there were numerous cameras scanning the joint session, hoping to photograph a member of Congress sitting passively while surrounded by peers still standing and clapping. The true attitude of politicians was demonstrated in the recent government shutdown. Remember how the U.S. National Park Service erected barricades to prevent those in their 80s and 90s, who took Honor Flights, from visiting the World War II and Iwo Jima memorials? The Department of Defense suspended death benefits to families of troops killed in Afghanistan. The Veterans Administration announced that soon payments for health and disability benefits would be suspended. Independent of party, recently politicians have shown that they consider those who serve to be a distasteful (or at least embarrassing) constituency. NOLAN NELSON

IRS Bonus Idea is Laughable

Dear Editor, New Internal Revenue Service Commissioner John Koskinen wants to pay bonuses to employees at the IRS. If he wants to pay them, fine — let him take the money out of his own pocket, not mine. I am broke. Not only does Mr. Koskinen want to give IRS employees bonuses, his reasoning is absurd. “To retain current employees” is a typical, illogical political statement. First, why would these employees want to leave the government’s employ? They have a guaranteed job for life, can’t get fired, have fantastic benefits and a good salary. If they left, where would they go? There are no other jobs with this kind of security. Now, Mr. Koskinen wants to give these workers a bonus for doing their job. Or perhaps this is an “I scratch your back, you scratch mine” move. There are so many people being paid to work in government, I don’t think anyone really knows what they are doing. What would happen if a real business manager were assigned to the commissioner’s job. Would he want to pay “bonuses” to these people? It is unbelievable what we taxpayers are putting up with. Mr. Koskinen should be removed from his position for suggesting this. RENNY GAZY

Stop Bankrolling Illegal’s on Taxpayer Dime

any member of Congress who supports measures that help illegals at the expense of U.S. taxpayers. Let these politicians fear for their next meal for a while — and tell them clearly, “Americans first.” KEVIN AVERA

Hill addresses concerns of Supreme Court ruling

Dear Editor, Since the ruling of the Supreme Court in Powers & Hill v. Mead on January 28, 2014, I have become aware of concerns expressed by some legislators that seem founded in speculation, hyperbole, and rumor. The purpose of this letter is to allay those concerns. I shall attempt to address them collectively and then I invite any of you to personally visit with me if I you wish to discuss them further. 1. Departmental work. The Wyoming Department of Education has before it a considerable amount of work as assigned to it by this body. As always, I will ensure that the WDE follows legislative directives and completes this work in a timely manner. In addition, my office and the WDE are tasked with assisting schools and districts in providing excellence in student instruction. I will continue to work with WDE staff to accomplish our mutual goals. Suggesting that the reversal of SF104 will result in a “mass exodus” of WDE staff or that individuals should be worried about retaliation is simply unfounded and seems designed to alarm and incite the many good employees of the Department. 2. Accountability. I agree that it is fair for the state and its residents to seek reasonable accountability of all entities using state resources and this certainly includes local school districts. Accountability takes many forms but it is fair to compare school and district performance as measured by methods we agree are limited and sensible, minimally intrusive upon the student learning experience, and validly designed to provide reliable and consistent data. 3. Standards. I urge you to encourage the state board of education to adopt content and performance standards only after full and thorough consultation with constituents, including educators and parents, and to resist the urge to adopt national standards, especially when those standards conflict with Wyoming values. 4. Local Control. I believe in local control of schools and districts. I assert that local leadership can design the most appropriate solutions for local education if those leaders are provided with adequate funds, consistent information, and sufficient latitude. In that regard, I urge you to consider the legislature’s role in funding of schools and in providing local leaders the tools to address problems and to craft local solutions. I will continue to work with our dedicated staff of the WDE to provide relevant information. I also view the WDE

Dear Editor, Am I alone in seeing the travesty that is occurring in Washington today? The president and Congress are working on moving forward with so-called “immigration reform” and a revised Dream Act, yet they have absolutely stonewalled any extension for long-term unemployment benefits. They seek to cut food stamps for needy families, yet increase benefits for illegals. Balancing the budget on the backs of poor Americans while moving to open our borders to even more illegal immigrants is unacceptable. If the budget is to be balanced, we must end aid to those entering our country illegally, not increase such benefits. This just hurts decent, hardworking American citizens. It is time we sent the message to legislators that we will vote out of office

12

creation of a report to be presented to the Joint Education Committee later this year. That bill received only 11 votes of the 20 needed to survive. Sen. Rothfuss’ bill would have allowed open primary elections, in which a member of any political party could vote in another party’s primary election. He advocated the bill as a way to avoid the development of partisan gridlock of the kind seen in Congress. Democrats in Wyoming are a distinct minority, and some members of that party elect to change their registrations to vote in primaries for favored Republican candidates. Some Republicans take a dim view of the practice. The bill received only 8 votes of the 20 required for introduction. • Bill ## Bill Sponsor Bill Title Date of Action, Action Taken, # of Ayes and Nays • SF0037 JUDICIARY Penalties for misdemeanor offenses. * 11-Feb-14 S Failed Introduction 18-12-0-0-0 • SF0049 Burns Death penalty-execution. * 11-Feb-14 S Failed Introduction 1713-0-0-0 • SF0073 Nutting Campus security study. * 11-Feb-14 S Failed Introduction 11-19-00-0 • SF0077 Rothfuss Open primary elections. * 11-Feb-14 S Failed Introduction 8-22-0-0-0

as a resource from which districts may seek assistance on special or unique problems, professional development for leaders and staff, and fair and proper distribution of state funds. 5. Continued Cooperation among branches of government. I agree with the court’s conclusions that power vested in government by the people is appropriately divided among the branches of government and I will always seek cooperation with the legislative branch in fulfilling my duties just as I expect to cooperate in the completion of your duties. This requires open, honest and fair communication on the part of all concerned. I look forward to continuing our work to improve the Wyoming educational system. Cindy Hill Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Crime, Poverty, and Marijuana

Dear Editor, In the rush to decriminalize, legalize and accept marijuana into society as just another harmless social activity, we may be creating massive problems for the future. Clearly, nothing said here is going to change the minds of those who think that marijuana is no worse than alcohol, tobacco or too much sugar, but even if that were true, why would we want to add another unhealthy product to the list? One problem, however, is that this belief is contrary to all of the science. The minimum dangers, according to most of the research, are as follows: addiction, heart and lung complications (the jury is out on a connection to lung cancer, though), mental illness, car accidents, IQ loss and poor academic performance, poor job performance and loss of quality of life. The research is out there for legislators, teachers, parents and anyone interested in knowing the truth before making decisions about the use of marijuana. Other countries have tried decriminalization or legalization; let us hear from them on their results. A second problem is that the media coverage of the issue seems to leave out the science. In the majority of mainstreammedia stories on the subject, there is at most a brief reference to the science or opposition views, but there is rarely indepth discussion or presentation of facts, leaving most of us just hearing the “it’s not dangerous” refrain. Then there’s the crime. We have seen the costs of marijuana rise significantly in those areas where it has been legalized. Put that together with the high rate of school dropouts, youth unemployment and continued poverty in inner cities — and then form your own conclusions about what comes next. ROBERT A. POGGI

Letters to the Editor Letters and responses to letters can be posted to: Attn: Editor Campbell County Observer 1001 S. Douglas Highway B6 Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or by e-mail: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com All letters must be under 250 words and must be signed with a valid name and telephone number. We reserve the right to not publish any letter for any reason. We will call you before printing your letter for verification that you wrote it for two reasons. The first is that we do not want to print a letter that has the wrong name on it, and the other is that it is the position of this newspaper that any public opinions or writings where the source is hidden is not worth being printed.


Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

February 14 - 21, 2014

Finally, a Representative That Wyoming Can be Proud of By Nicholas DeLaat he people of the great state of Wyoming are very proud people - as well they should be. Its residents are some of the freest people in the United States and the world. In the last decade however, the Cowboy State has seen major declines in that freedom caused by an enormous growth of State Government. Last year, there were over 500 bills introduced during the general legislative session. This year, we are already over 250 bills (with more coming) introduced during this 30 day budget session. Question: Are there over 750 things wrong with our state in three years? Answer: Of course not. Of all the bills introduced during the last two sessions, only 2.3% (by my judgment, mind you) have been to shrink government. That means of all the bills in the last two years that our elected officials (the majority of them Republican) have introduced, 97.7% of those bills grew the size, scope, spending, influence, taxation, and reach of our state government. Small government ideals by our elected legislators as a group. Well, I go by the numbers and actions not the words said during campaign season or at county and state caucuses. Realizing that the federal government will never fix itself, I have turned my attention to our state government. The reason is, they are the last hope to fix the federal government. If our current Wyoming Legislators can stop thinking about control, stop looking at what other states are doing, and actually work on bills that are based on free market, low taxation, ease of business, more freedom to citizens, and hard hitting politics to the federal government we can show other like-minded states a system that works and is sustainable. These states will then start looking at us. The result can be a group of state governments banding together to fix the federal government, as they have the power to overturn any federal law, create a constitutional amendment, and overturn executive orders. I will not get into the specifics of this goal of mine now, as that will be an issue in a future editorial. Unfortunately, we do not have legislators that have interest in picking that fight. Or do we?

Let me introduce to you a state legislator that Wyoming citizens can be proud of: Representative Kendell Kroeker of Natrona County in House District 35. Elected in the 2010 election, Rep. Kroeker has made waves at the disdain of the powers that be. Kroeker has consitently introduced bills that specifically put freedom in the hands of Wyoming Citizens and attempt to shrink the size and authority of the State of Wyoming. To show you, I will go over the bills he has introduced this year. H.B. No. 0074 Elections-ballot access. Sponsored by: KROEKER AN ACT relating to elections; decreasing requirements for minor political party status; and providing for an effective date. This is a great bill that will allow other political parties easier access to the ballad. Currently, Wyoming is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to the accessibility to ballot access by minor parties. This bill would help minor parties that exist currently in Wyoming (Libertarian and Constitution Parties), and new parties that could rise the ranks by citizens disgruntled with the two party system, or in Wyoming’s case, the one party system. This would also give politicians the ability to run for a party that represents their ideals instead of the current system of just running for the Republican Party simply to get elected. This is a freedom bill, as allows people to not be trapped in the two current dysfunctional parties and create one that may work. Also, the more options available to voters, the better for the voter to vote for the person… not the party they want. Any Legislator who votes against this bill only wants to limit the individual voters options in order to maintain higher control over elections. H.B. No. 0075 Motorcycles-passage through intersections. Sponsored by: KROEKER AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; allowing motorcycles to stop and proceed through traffic control signals as specified; and providing for an effective date. Though the argument against this bill will

be that we need uniform traffic laws for every motor vehicle, individual circumstance and common sense (I know there is nothing common about sense) should prevail with this one. Most of the nicest and most expensive motorcycles are have air cooled engines. This means that when you’re riding your motorcycle, the moving air created from the speed of the bike is what cools the engine. The more frequently your engine runs hot, the shorter it lasts before blowing up. The open road is shrinking and more stop lights are being added every year. When a motorcycle is not moving it is burning up. To let them go through a stop light if oncoming traffic is clear only makes sense. If legislators vote against this bill, it means that they believe the basic rules do not give way to circumstances of common sense and those rules takes precedence over the individual operation of someone’s expensive piece of property. H.B. No. 0076 Property forfeitures and seizures. Sponsored by: KROEKER AN ACT relating to forfeitures and seizures; removing forfeiture of property that is not used in a violation of the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act as specified; specifying the burden of proof for forfeiture of property; specifying the disposition of forfeited property; prohibiting law enforcement agencies from accepting property forfeited by other jurisdictions; requiring a report; repealing conflicting provisions; and providing for an effective date. This bill has to do with something that is the founding principal right of our country, but is currently ignored and controlled more and more every year by governments, property rights. Property rights are under attack in almost every bill introduced, and this bill tries to limit those attacks on the property of free citizens. For a legislator to vote against this bill is simply to tell his or her constituents that they believe that government ultimately has authority over a person’s property, and without individual property rights (not just land but money, products, services…) there can be no freedom. H.B. No. 0077 Student religious liberties. Sponsored by: KROEKER AN ACT relating to education; providing for voluntary student expression of religious expression of religious viewpoints in public schools; specifying requirements for school districts; and providing for an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature Whether you are Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, Atheist, or any other religion, you should agree with this bill. Regardless of what religion you are, if you are really an American you must believe in freedom and the Constitution. The First Amendment has in it: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The State Constitution states: “The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination or preference shall be forever guaranteed in this state.” Why this had to be made a bill in the first place I don’t know, as any bill limiting the

exercise of religion seems to me to be unconstitutional according to both constitutions. But there is an attack on students expressing religion in public schools. Does that mean that if they don’t answer Darwinism questions correctly that they can fight the scientific answer based on religion? No. What it means is that the schools, individuals, voters, or governments do not have the right to stop them from praying before a meal of they are Christian, or initiate the five prayers per day if they are Muslim. Other religions including still practiced Native American religions, Hindu mealtime ceremonies, and more. It is not the government’s right to take away our freedom to worship. Any legislator that votes against this bill simply does not believe in both constitutions. H.B. No. 0094 Restoring constitutional governance act. Sponsored by: KROEKER AN ACT relating to criminal law; prohibiting enforcement of federal law as specified; providing legislative declaration that Wyoming is not a battlefield; providing definitions; providing penalties; and providing for an effective date. This is a bill that is a little ridiculous to some, but one everyone should read in its entirety. We all know the Federal Government is growing out of control. This bill basically tells the federal government that Wyoming will respond if her citizens start being attacked by killing, removal of private property, or placed under arrest and detention by federal agencies acting under “acts of war” against the citizens it represents. Unless checked, if federal power keeps growing at the rate it currently is, we will soon come to the day when this bill may be needed. Why not pass it now if only as a message being sent to the president, the heads of the agencies, and federal legislators. If state legislators vote against this bill (which I understand that there is very little Wyoming could do to enforce it), they will be casting their vote in favor of not being willing to protect her citizens basic rights and freedoms, which is their primary job. While we are all losing hope (for good reasons) in the federal government, we need to rely more on our state government’s elected officials to have the courage to stand up for us. Representative Kendell Kroeker has given us a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel. He is fighting without a thought of gaining allies and maneuvering, self-preservation, or political career safe zones. He is a Wyoming Legislator that all the citizens of Wyoming should be proud of, and he could probably use our support. This November I will be looking at which other of our state legislators currently in office, through their past bill sponsorships and voting records are part of our future solution or not. If not, I will be looking for candidates that have the courage to be part of that solution because that is what we need now more than ever before what is left of our rights get taken from us…courage. Voting in the same ol’ because it’s safe is contributing to the problem. Voting for people like Kendell, well that is obviously a solution.

(Have your own opinion on the issue? Write us a letter to the editor at: 1001 S. Douglas Hwy B-6 Gillette, WY 82716 or email one at: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com)

Governor Mead Holds a Town Meeting By Holly Galloway

Governor Matt Mead was in our area recently touring elementary schools and holding town meetings. During a town meeting held in Newcastle at the City Hall he spoke and took questions and comments from the public. When asked if he was running for reelection he declined to answer. He will make an announcement in March after the legislative session concludes. Education concerns were asked by numerous attendees. One member of the group attending noted that her high school in South Dakota where she attended had a technical school very close by. Many students who were not college bound were able to take classes there during the school day to get a head start on their careers. Mead told about some Casper businesses

who have, “… approached the High Schools about getting apprentices, but the schools have so far refused to participate in this and have not sent any students to the businesses.” He feels that this is something that needs to be looked at more closely. A former principal in public education talked a great deal about how restrictive the state of Wyoming has made education for the secondary grades. A Newcastle resident asked, “When you became Governor did you take an oath to uphold the Wyoming State constitution?” The Governor replied with one word, “Yes.” When asked by another resident about what the governor was going to do to help the coal industry, Mead answered, “Globally, the middle class is growing

and estimates are that we will need to double our coal use to accommodate this population. Coal is the fastest energy source being used worldwide.” When asked about the recent State Supreme Court decision on the unconstitutionality of the legislative decision to remove Cindy Hill from the head of the Wyoming Department of Education, Mead said “We’ve got a lot of work to do in short order; you can’t have two heads, it is now remanded to the district court to make whatever ruling they will make.” This decision should come out quickly. (The very next day Mead asked the State Supreme Court to rehear this again. This is something that has to be done within fifteen days of a Supreme Court ruling.)

13


Public Pulse

February 14 - 21, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Wyoming Budget Keeps Cuts, Boosts Salaries and Local Government Submitted by Gregory Nickerson – wyofile.com he opening gavel of the Wyoming Legislature this week kicks off 20 days of debate on the budget that will fund the next two years of state government. The $3.34 billion General Fund spending proposal keeps executive branch spending essentially flat. It does so by maintaining cuts from the 2013 session, then adding new spending on people, local government and infrastructure. The draft budget offers $80.9 million in salary raises for state employees and educators — the first major salary adjustment since 2009. It would also provide $10.1 million to address a backlog of individuals awaiting care related to disabilities and brain injuries. Further, the budget would provide $150 million in aid to local governments, and spend more than $632 million in construction for K-12 schools, community colleges, the University of Wyoming, and a unified technology network. (See this WyoFile legislative feature for more on capital construction funding.) “We will not change our ways — we will keep our fiscally disciplined approach — but we will exhibit the wisdom, born from experience, to ‘pay it forward’ at a time when we can responsibly do so,” wrote Gov. Mead in his budget message. In the 2013 session, lawmakers cut ongoing spending in select agencies by 6.5 percent. Most of those cuts will carry forward at the same level into 20152016, to the tune of $124 million. The continuing cuts will have the biggest effect on agencies that spend the lion’s share of General Fund money. For example, Mead’s current spending proposal for the Department of Health started out $38 million below the 20132014 budget. The subsequent addition of $30 million in federally mandated Medicaid expansion and other exception requests then erased the cuts. The University of Wyoming block grant will start out $20 million below 20132014 levels. The Community College Commission budget proposal is down $34 million below the last funding cycle, and the Department of Corrections is down $7 million. Those cuts will continue in 20152016, freeing up money for uses that Gov. Mead and the Joint Appropriations Committee (JAC) considered high priorities. Though a tiny dollar amount compared to the total budget, the JAC’s proposal to cover about $2 million in non-game species funding to the Game & Fish Department could help that agency remain solvent. Separate legislation to generate more revenue for the Game & Fish Department by increasing license fees by 10 percent died on the first day of the session when it failed a vote of introduction. A separate measure, Senate File 45, would transfer some of the $4.7 million in Game and Fish employee insurance costs, plus grizzly management costs, out of the agency budget into the General Fund. The senate approved introduction of this bill. Additionally, lawmakers will consider two bills for the optional expansion of Medicaid. The “Medicaid Fit” bill would spend $156 million in Federal Funds to expand Medicaid to 17,600 individuals, while reducing Wyoming’s General Fund expenditures by $34.68 million.

Mead’s 2015-2016 draft budget is roughly $8.389 billion. Most of the attention in this session will focus on the $3.34 billion General Fund proposal, which pays for the majority of state programs. That’s because lawmakers have the most control over General Fund spending. Other major portions of the budget — like $2.072 billion in spending for the state’s K-12 schools — come in the form of block grants, meaning lawmakers don’t debate the particulars. The proposed $2.0782 billion in school spending for 2015-2016 comes in two parts. The School Foundation Program budget proposes $1.66 billion for operating K-12 schools, while the School Capital Construction Account is budgeted at $412 million for school construction and major maintenance. Together, the General Fund proposal and the K-12 school funding add up to $5.4 billion. The state will then spend another $3.4 billion, with almost half of that coming from federal funds. The remainder comes mostly from internal funds, enterprise funds, special revenue, highway funds, agency funds, and tobacco funds.

Projected Revenue

If all of the $8.389 billion in Wyoming’s draft budget came from taxes paid by individuals, every man woman and child in Wyoming would pay $14,399 to fund state government. That tax burden is greatly reduced by the presence of Wyoming’s mineral industries. The most recent revenue projections from Wyoming’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) came out in January. In that report, CREG estimated that extraction of publiclyowned minerals will contribute $1.87 billion in severance taxes, and $2.019 billion in Federal Mineral Royalties and Coal Lease Bonuses in the 2015-2016 biennium. Together, those revenue streams could add up to roughly 46 percent of the projected funds available to Wyoming government and K-12 schools. For the General Fund/Budget Reserve Account only, the mineral revenue could contribute 50 percent of funds in the next budget cycle. The other major revenue streams for Wyoming’s General Fund include Sales and Use Taxes. That category is projected to contribute $1.055 billion (29.7 percent) of General Fund revenue for 20152016. Income from the Permanent Mineral Trust Fund and investments will contribute about 12.9 percent of General Fund revenue, according to projections. Money from other sources could contribute about 7.2 percent of General Fund dollars.

Saving for Schools

Much of Wyoming’s construction money for K-12 schools comes from Coal Lease Bonuses. Some lawmakers are worried that the historically strong revenue stream may weaken, given two failed federal coal lease auctions in 2013 spurred by market and national policy realities. Lawmakers responded by creating a new School Foundation Reserve Account, which would provide for liquid savings that could be used to cover shortfalls in school funding. The JAC has proposed putting $100 million in the fund this year. “In two years the school fund is going to be under water,” said Rep. Steve Harshman (R-Casper), who co-chairs the Joint Appropriations Committee. “With school funds and capcon, we have to find a solution

to it. Part of it is to save a little bit for the downfall and hopefully we get a change in Washington and we can export coal to Asia.”

Money for Raises

Gov. Mead proposed $88 million in raises for state employees and educators. The Joint Appropriations Committee reduced that proposal to $80 million during its January meetings. The current JAC proposal includes $39 million in raises for executive branch and judicial employees. That includes 2 percent raises in both 2015 and 2016 for state workers and University of Wyoming employees. That group would also have recent retirement cost increases covered by the state. Community college employees would receive a single 2 percent raise estimated to cost $3.65 million. The JAC also approved $41.3 million in increased compensation for the K-12 system. About $29 million of that would go toward an external cost adjustment to pay for supplies, utilities, and salary increases. Another $12.3 million would cover recent increases in retirement costs for the state’s roughly 10,000 K-12 employees. For more on the state employee raises, read this WyoFile feature.

Local Government

One of Gov. Mead’s top priorities for the 2014 session is his proposal to provide $175 million in funding to local governments, with 40 percent of that for infrastructure and 60 percent for operations. “Infrastructure is another form of savings and it does not fluctuate with the market,” Mead wrote in his budget message. “It supports local communities, commerce, industry, education and citizens. Infrastructure projects … are long-term investments that return dividends to the State in real and diverse ways.” The Joint Appropriations Committee approved $150 million in aid to city and county governments, plus $25 million in additional funds should the federal government eliminate Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) money in its Farm Bill. In its present form, the federal Farm Bill includes the PILT money, so the JAC proposal for local aid stands at $150 million for 2015, and another $25 million more for 2016 not contingent on the PILT funds. “I am really worried about not providing the resources to our counties and cities to enable them to take care of the infrastructure,” said Senate Minority leader John Hastert (D-Green River), who is a member of the JAC. Many of us have said that the government closest to the people should be the one that governs and certainly the city councils and commissioners are right there on the front lines.”

large amount of federal funding. Gov. Mead recommended $794 million in federal money for the agency in 2015-2016. The total budget for the agency, including General Fund, Federal Funds, and other funds is $1.949 billion. The major changes to the Department of Health budget this year include roughly $30 million in costs associated with mandatory expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. That money will be matched by $34 million in additional federal funds. Additionally, the department budget includes $10.1 million to reduce the number of individuals on the waiting list for disability and Acquired Brain Injury waivers. That money would provide services to 172 of 234 adults, and 115 of 298 children on the disability waiver waiting list. It would also offer care for 51 of 74 individuals waiting for the Acquired Brain Injury waiver. The JAC approved mandatory Medicaid expansion and waiver proposals, along with $2.7 million in funding for immunizations. “Most of what we asked for was approved,” said Department of Health spokesperson Kim Deti. She acknowledged there will be significant discussion during the session about Medicaid expansion and the waiver programs. The legislature will also consider funding a study of capital construction projects at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston, the Wyoming Veterans Home in Buffalo, and the Wyoming Life Resource Center in Lander. The budget proposal for the state’s flagship university for 2015-2016 is $409 million in General Fund money. That starting point is $20 million below the 2013-2014 biennium level of $429 million. Appropriations that come with legislative instructions on how the money should be spent reduce the university’s amount of flexible block grant money to $359 million for the upcoming budget cycle. The Joint Appropriations Committee proposal for the university includes more than $10 million in salary raises. The raises come on the heels of four years without raises — a period when the university lost 90 faculty members, many of them to peer institutions offering higher pay. The JAC also approved $20 million for changes at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which includes money for the High-Bay research facility, and pro-

Wyoming’s Five Biggest General Fund Agencies

More than $2 billion of the proposed spending for 2015-2016 would go to five agencies that form the majority of Wyoming’s General Fund budget. These agencies took the largest cuts in the 2013 session, but they also provide bulk of government services to Wyoming’s people.

Health

The Wyoming Department of Health receives more General Fund money than any other agency. The proposed General Fund appropriation for the agency is $953 million. A large portion of that, $597 million, is the state’s share of the Medicaid program. The Department of Health also receives a

PREFERRED PROVIDERS

The Big Picture

The grand total for Gov.

University of Wyoming

14

grammatic changes in the engineering school. In addition, the JAC approved $5 million to complete the renovation of the Arena Auditorium, and $1 million for Wyoming Public Media, which operates the state’s National Public Radio affiliate stations. The committee also approved funds for classroom renovations, a wireless backbone for the campus.

Corrections

Wyoming’s Department of Corrections system has the capacity to house 2,433 inmates. The Department employs some 1,286 people at its major prisons in Rawlins, Torrington, Lusk, and its Honor Farms in Riverton and Newcastle. The proposed department budget for 2015-2016 is $301.5 million, with $288 million coming from the General Fund. The JAC denied Gov. Mead’s recommendation for $11.5 to expand the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution in Torrington by 144 beds, citing a need for further study. For more, read this piece by Joan Barron of the Casper StarTribune.

Community Colleges

Wyoming operates seven community college districts that serve more than 18,000 full-time students, nearly twice as many students as the University of Wyoming. The Wyoming Community College Commission oversees the budget for the colleges, though each college operates under its own block grant. Gov. Mead proposed $242 million for the Community College Commission in 2015-2016, some $34 million less than the previous funding cycle. The JAC recommended $9 million in funding for enrollment growth, an exception request that Gov. Mead denied. The JAC’s other major changes to the funding for community colleges came in the realm of capital construction. The Commission submitted a list of 12 prioritized projects at 10 locations to the Department of Administration (A&I), which manages funding of construction at the colleges. A&I subsequently forwarded the list of projects to the State Building Commission, which voted to forward all the projects during a meeting that Gov. Mead did not attend. When the proposal arrived on Gov. Mead’s desk, he recommended state funding for just two projects. He recommended $22.9 million for a tech center at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, and

$3.8 million for the Lancer Hall dormitory expansion. He also proposed $7 million in state funds for a technical education center at Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne. “Community colleges continue to be a significant part of Wyoming’s higher education system,” Gov. Mead wrote in his budget message. “I want to continue to support capital construction projects at our community colleges. They are difficult to prioritize and the Legislature and others might have different ideas.” In meetings last month, the JAC added $11 million for a joint UW/LCCC building in Cheyenne. The committee also approved state funds equal to 21 percent of the total cost of the following projects: Sheridan College Science/Ag/Culinary Center, $13 million total cost (JAC approved $2.7 million in General Fund dollars and $10.3 million in local revenue) Riverton Student Success Center, Central Wyoming College, $4.9 million total cost (JAC approved $1 million from General Fund and $4 million in local revenue) Gillette Activity Center, $18.9 million total cost (JAC approved $4.2 from the General Fund and $14.7 million from local sources.) The JAC’s recommendation for partial state match of these projects means that each college will have to find its own local funding to complete the project, most likely through fundraising or a bond issue. “We don’t know what logic was followed in terms about determining the state versus local match,” said Community College Commission Director Jim Rose. “Its one of those difficult problems because on the one hand you’ve been granted state funds. At the same time it’s not the amount that you thought you needed.”

Department of Family Services

Wyoming’s Department of Family Services employs 695 people, and has a proposed budget of $295 million ($170 million General Fund, $114 million federal funds, $10 million other funds). This year, the agency’s largest request was $13 million for construction of a new classroom building at the Wyoming Boys School. Some classes are held in a former dormitory built in 1965. The JAC approved the request, along with $6.9

Continued on Page 15

HealthSource & Progressive Rehabilitation

e c n a r u s In d e t p e c c A

Stop in today and meet our staff: Wacey Coleman • Lesley Moser Sandra McIntosh • Jasmin Havelka Dr. Ashley Latva • Dr. Matt Arnio Dr. Bob McIntosh

307-670-9426

thebackdoctor@live.com

110 E Lakeway Rd. Ste., 1000 Gillette WY, 82718

Services Provided

• Chiropractic Manipulation • Dynamic Rehabilitation • DOT & Occupational Testing • Trigger Point Therapy

• Electric Muscle Stimulation • Ultrasound Therapy • Cervical Traction

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8-5, Tuesdays 1-5, Fridays 8-1, Saturdays 10am-Noon


Public Pulse

Wyoming Budget....

Department of Transportation After the state Department of Health, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WyDOT) spends more money than any other agency, approximately $1.2 billion per biennium. In terms of employee count, the 2,000 workers who maintain and patrol Wyoming’s roads significantly outnumber the Department of Health’s 1,460 employees. However, only a small portion of WyDOT’s $627 million budget for 2014 is under legislative control. That’s because the department directly receives federal funds and other user

fees to maintain U.S. highways in Wyoming, bypassing Wyoming’s General Fund. In the 2013-2014 biennium, the legislature approved $85 million in General Fund money for WyDOT. This year, the department requested $117 million dollars from the General Fund. Gov. Mead subsequently denied $52 million of that amount on grounds that the gas tax passed last year would provide enough funds for maintenance. That leaves the department with $65 million in proposed General Fund spending going into the session. While legislative appropriations to WyDOT may be minimal in the context of the overall agency budget, they can help when the other revenue sources fall short. WyDOT’s long-term plan indicates that it needs an additional $269 million in funds each biennium to maintain Wyoming’s roads in their current condition. Even with the $95 million in revenue from the gas tax, WyDOT projects a $128 million shortfall in the coming biennium. “The legislature and the

governor are real hesitant about putting general fund money into highways,” said Rep. Steve Harshman (RCasper). Though lawmakers put General Fund money toward roads during the recent boom, he doesn’t think that policy is sustainable. “It’s a deal where you can’t continue that. It will eat you alive.” An “Enviable” Position While Wyoming may experience decreased revenue from coal production and an uncertain natural gas market in coming years, the state remains in good fiscal shape. With $17 billion in investments, the state has the potential to receive major investment windfalls. Last summer, the state received $346 million in capital gains from investments, putting $132 million of that into savings. Even with other deposits, the state had more than $150 million in un-budgeted money for the General Fund and the Strategic Projects and Investments Account. For now, the budget for 2015-2016 comes in below projected revenues, leaving legislators to debate

over how much to put into permanent savings versus infrastructure or other projects. One of the key debates of the past few sessions has shifted to how much money to put in permanent savings in comparison to savings that can be spent, like the rainy day account. In this session, the state is poised to increase spending on people, while contributing significant amounts to local governments and capital construction projects. Still, the Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund is set to grow by almost $700 million dollars, getting the fund closer to some lawmakers’ goal of an $8 billion balance by 2018. “Wyoming is in the enviable position of being able to ask how much we should save (in dollars and infrastructure investment) and how much we should spend,” wrote Gov. Mead in his budget message. “It is a budget that continues to guard against the explosive growth of the last decade …”

Governor Mead’s State of State:

Wyoming’s Strength Means Opportunity Governor Matt Mead delivered his fourth State of the State address to a Joint Session of the 62ndWyoming Legislature today. Governor Mead announced that Wyoming is strong and in a position to invest in its communities, its people and its future. “Nine days after I took office, in my first State of the State address, I talked about the importance of economic growth and diversification. Talk turned quickly to action, and we have, in fact been growing and diversifying our economy,” Governor Mead said. “For example, we have growth in manufacturing and growth in data centers and growth in other technology-related businesses.” Governor Mead highlighted the state’s progress over the last three years, including: • A state energy strategy, which is being implemented. • Consistent support for local governments. • Improved infrastructure - roads, schools, water projects and other facilities. • Major broadband expansion – 700% growth in access for students last year. • A pro-business environment. • An increase in jobs and a decrease in the unemployment rate. • The third lowest rate of

poverty in the nation. • Government efficiency measures. “We speak about our state rankings, successes and dynamic businesses not to boast but because such things benefit our citizens,” Governor Mead said. “We speak about them because they mean more jobs. We speak about them because fiscal stability and economic growth give Wyoming the resources available to address needs of our citizens.” Governor Mead’s proposed budget is nearly flat and makes significant investments in infrastructure. It includes: increased support for local governments; technology infrastructure called a unified network; additional funds for school and courtroom security; enhanced services for the elderly and developmentally disabled; improving state facilities - schools, the State Hospital, the Veterans’ Home, the Boys’ School and the Life Resource Center; pay raises for teachers, UW, community colleges and other state employees; and funding for medical homes, immunization, and 211 services. Governor Mead supports Wyoming’s ongoing investment in education. The state is a national leader in school funding. “Our kids, teachers, communities, and state deserve the best in education. We must

keep our focus on improvement, and we will,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead expressed his desire to continue to support Wyoming’s leading industries – energy, tourism and agriculture and said he will look for ways to continue to promote them in the coming years. He also emphasized the importance of water and discussed his goal to develop a Wyoming water strategy based on citizen feedback. “Now is the time to put projects on the ground,” Governor Mead said. “Water projects are expensive, take time, and the permitting is difficult. They are easy to put off until tomorrow, but I submit today is the day to begin. We must all begin to push for water projects – big and small, for ag, industry, wildlife and other purposes. It will be a great legacy of this Legislature to say we did all we can to protect Wyoming water.” Governor Mead acknowledged that it is important for those in public office to take on the difficult questions and make the tough decisions. “In Wyoming, we have inherited a great legacy to safeguard and to improve upon. We can do both. In Wyoming we still believe in the American dream and want more opportunities for all our citizens. We can pursue that goal too,” Governor

Mead said. “We are in an enviable position and the time is right to invest in our state, our people, and our future.” In his State of the State Governor Mead paid tribute to the 79 Wyoming service members who died serving the country since 9/11 and recognized those serving overseas. He recognized the contributions of all those in uniform, thanking the Wyoming National Guard, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters and medical personnel. He also recognized individual citizens representing the many who inspire us each year. Governor Mead’s State of the State address is available here in print. Video and audio versions will be available later here.

Why Is It? (a/k/a The Advertising Poem) A man wakes up after sleeping under an advertised blanket, on an advertised mattress, pulls off advertised pajamas, bathes in an advertised shower, shaves with an advertised razor, brushes his teeth with advertised toothpaste, washes with advertised soap, puts on advertised clothes, drinks a cup of advertised coffee, drives to work in an advertised car, and then, refuses to advertise, iot Publ believing it doesn’t pay. atr Later when business is poor, he advertises it for sale. Why is it?

Weekly Constitution Study

Every week, the Observer prints one article, paragraph, or section of either the U.S. or State Constitution for your information. United States Constitution, Article 2 - The Executive Branch Section 1 - The President The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. (The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not lie an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted.The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; a quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two-thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be theVice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice-President.) (This clause in parentheses was superseded by the 12th Amendment.) The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States. No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty-five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. (In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability,both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.) (This clause in parentheses has been modified by the 20th and 25th Amendments.) The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them. Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Auto • Home • Life • Business

Lyle L. Austin, LUTCF

Insurance Agent Austin Insurance Agency

15

ing ish

million for the Wyoming Eligibility System, which would enable prospective clients to sign up for services online. Department of Family Services spokesperson Tony Lewis says the Wyoming Eligibility System represents a major improvement over former system, which was designed decades ago. “There will still be some interviewing and communications, but it makes it so much more accessible,” Lewis said.

Continued from Page 14

February 14 - 21, 2014

P

Campbell County Observer

201 W Lakeway Rd, Ste 1002 Gillette, WY 82718 Bus: 307-686-5002 800-734-5004 Fax: 307686-2452 laustin@farmersagent.com


Public Pulse

February 14 - 21, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Legislative Update hat Bills are up during this year’s Wyoming Legislative Session? Every week, the Campbell County Observer will keep you up to date on new bills introduced throughout this year’s legislative session. Below is the initial list. If you would like to read the entire bill, go to http://legisweb. state.wy.us/2014/billindex/BillCrossRef.aspx?type=ALL This website us updated daily before and during the legislative sessions. Remember, your government is only as powerful as you let it be, and to inform yourself is to create a just government. Also on the Legislative website is contact information for your local Senator or Representative. Bills introduced so far in the Wyoming Senate S.J. No. 0002 State superintendent of public instruction. Sponsored by: BURNS. A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing to amend the Wyoming Constitution relating to the superintendent of public instruction; eliminating the elected status of the state superintendent on and after January 5, 2019; providing for supervision of public schools by the governor through appointed cabinet officer; designating the appointed officer as ex officio member of University of Wyoming board of trustees; removing the state superintendent from the board of land commissioners on and after January 5, 2019. S.J. No. 0001 Regulation of carbon dioxide emissions. Sponsored by: ANDRSON,JD. A JOINT RESOLUTION requesting Congress to require the federal Environmental Protection Agency to respect the primacy of Wyoming in developing guidelines for regulating carbon dioxide emissions. S.F. No. 0056 State engineer-fees. Sponsored by: GEIS. AN ACT relating to the state engineer; authorizing the state engineer to increase the deposit of certain fees for wells and groundwater developments into the water well contractors account as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0057 Reduction of boards and commissions. Sponsored by: Management Audit Committee. AN ACT relating to boards and commissions; repealing the advisory council for innovative education, the governor’s food safety council, and the Wyoming education, planning and coordination council; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0058 National guard service-governor’s authority. Sponsored by: Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to the governor’s authority; granting the governor the authority to call national guard members into specified types of federal service; providing time limits as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0059 Specific service signage on highways. Sponsored by: Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to highway signage; amending statutes related to the Wyoming department of transportation’s program for specific service signage; requiring a competitive bid process; allowing contracted entities to administer the program; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0060 VIN inspection authority-game and fish. Sponsored by: Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to the titling of vehicles; granting authority to the game and fish to perform vehicle identification number inspections as specified; authorizing a fee for VIN inspections performed by game and fish law enforcement personnel; directing the deposit of the fee; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0061 Veterans-resident tuition provisions.

Sponsored by: Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to education; providing for resident tuition for military veterans at the University of Wyoming and community colleges as specified; providing a definition; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0062 WCCC director-ex-officio memberships. Sponsored by: COE. AN ACT relating to education; requiring the director of the Wyoming community college commission to serve on the University of Wyoming board of trustees and the state board of education in an ex-officio capacity; and providing for effective dates. S.F. No. 0063 Sexual assault protection orders. Sponsored by: HASTERT. AN ACT relating to public health and safety; creating the Sexual Assault Protection Order Act; providing for injunction protection for victims of sexual assault; providing definitions; providing for petitions without court costs to the petitioner; providing for ex parte temporary and final protection orders; providing a criminal penalty for violation of protection orders; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0064 Public health nursing. Sponsored by: Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to public health; providing for the division of responsibilities and financial obligations between the state and local governments; providing options for the management of public health nursing responsibilities at the county and other local levels; giving options to county commissioners to choose how to work with the state in organizing public health nursing and related public health functions; providing for a task force; providing for reports; providing a sunset date; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0065 Substance abuse grant program. Sponsored by: PETERSON. AN ACT relating to the department of health; establishing the substance abuse grant program to be administered by the department of health; providing rulemaking authority; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0066 Omnibus water bill-construction. Sponsored by: Select Water Committee. AN ACT relating to water development projects; providing for construction of dams and reservoirs; authorizing construction of designated water projects; describing projects; specifying terms and conditions of funding for projects; providing appropriations; modifying project descriptions and terms of appropriations for various specified prior projects; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0067 Administrative rules-streamlining. Sponsored by: Management Council. AN ACT relating to administrative procedure; amending and clarifying specified requirements for the adoption of rules; providing for authority to repeal obsolete rules; providing for the preparation and adoption of certain uniform rules; providing for exceptions; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0068 Obsolete laws. Sponsored by: Management Council. AN ACT relating to the general revision of laws; amending archaic and obsolete provisions; conforming provisions to previous enactments; repealing fully executed and otherwise archaic or obsolete provisions; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0069 Simulcasting permits. Sponsored by: SCHIFFER. AN ACT relating to simulcasting; requiring submission of agreements between the permittee and the horsemen’s association as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0070 State appropriations-lapsing of funds. Sponsored by: Management Audit Committee. AN ACT relating to administration of government; specifying

Pot Bill is D.O.A. and not for the manufacture or sale. The report goes on to say that Wyoming spends more than $9 million a year enforcing its marijuana laws. Byrd added that his proposal would not go as far as Colorado or Washington, the two states that have recently legalized marijuana for possession and sales. “Keep in mind this is not legalizing marijuana,” he said. “It is only reducing the penalty for small amounts.” But several lawmakers raised concerns that lowering the penalty could lead to consequences for the state. “What’s going on to the south of us with its all-cash business and the cartels moving in, this is a real serious issue,” said Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper. “I would vote no on this, I would say no to this, and I would send the right messages to our kids.” Rep. Mike Greear, RWorland, also spoke in opposition to the bill. “Are we going to penalize our kids more for having a cigarette than walking around with an ounce of marijuana in their pocket?” he asked. Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, RCheyenne, said he did not necessarily support the bill’s proposed fines. But he supported the introduction vote so lawmakers could look at the state’s high penalties related to the possession of marijuana. He said the issue has increased in importance since Jan. 1, when Colo-

Continued on Page 17

Featured Crime Burglary (January 24-26)

Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a burglary that occurred sometime between January 24, 2014 and January 26, 2014 at Three River Well Service, located at 874 State Highway 50. Unknown suspect(s) entered an enclosed railroad box type storage trailer and stole approximately 60 semi tractor and trailer tires which were recap type valued at $400.00 each, totaling approximately $18,000.00; 4 to 6 new steering tires valued at approximately $600.00 each, with a total value of $3,600.00; Approximately 300 gallons of #1 Diesel was also stolen with an approximate value of $1,140.00. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Submitted by Trevor Brown - Wyoming Tribune Eagle Re-Printed with the expressed written permission of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle State lawmakers handily rejected a proposal Tuesday to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The Wyoming House of Representatives voted down the measure that would have created a civil penalty of $100 for those found with up to an ounce of marijuana and $50 for those with up to a half ounce. The proposal failed on a 45-15 introduction vote. All non-budget bills require a two-thirds vote of support for introduction in a budget session, but House Bill 49 didn’t even get a majority. Rep. James Byrd, DCheyenne, who sponsored the bill, said reducing the penalty would save the state money and take pressure off of its jail system. “The reason for this is the incarceration rate that we have related to (marijuana arrests),” he said. “Basically this is a problem, and one of the ways to alleviate this problem is to enact this and make it a civil penalty.” Possession of up to three ounces of marijuana in Wyoming is a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine. Possession of more than 3 ounces is a felony, punishable by up to five years and a $10,000 fine. The American Civil Liberties Union recently reported that 2,254 people were arrested on marijuana charges in 2010 in Wyoming. Of those arrests, 93 percent were only for possession

appropriated funds or authorizations which may be carried into a subsequent fiscal biennium; specifying process; imposing reporting requirements; defining terms; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0071 Reversion of appropriations. Sponsored by: Management Audit Committee. AN ACT relating to administration of government; modifying provisions relating to the reversion of appropriated funds; excluding appropriations for certain purposes from reversion provisions; requiring certification; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0072 Burglary. Sponsored by: CASE. AN ACT relating to crimes and offenses; modifying penalties and other provisions relating to the offense of burglary; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0073 Campus security study. Sponsored by: NUTTING. AN ACT relating to public safety; providing for a study of security at Wyoming’s institutions of higher education; requiring a report; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0074 Unemployment insurance coveragefiduciaries. Sponsored by: LANDEN. AN ACT relating to unemployment compensation; providing an exception to the definition of employment for certain persons acting as fiduciaries; amending a definition; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0075 Environmental protection agency actions-2. Sponsored by: BEBOUT. AN ACT relating to authority of the federal government; recognizing the constitutional limitations on rulemaking authority of federal agencies and specifically the environmental protection agency; providing legislative findings in relation to those

rado began allowing retail sales of marijuana. And he said Laramie and Albany counties are particularly impacted because of their proximity to Wyoming’s neighbor to the south. “This is a serious issue in the last month, and it’s spreading,” he said. “A lot of our kids already have it, and so while I don’t technically support the bill, I do support its introduction so we can amend it and look at this, because it is not going away.” The vote came a day after dozens of protesters rallied outside of the Capitol for the legalization of marijuana. Wyoming NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), which sponsored the rally, is pushing a ballot initiative for the 2016 election that would seek to legalize the drug in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Public Service Commission (Commission) has given MontanaDakota Utilities Co. (MDU) authority to pass on to its customers through its Commodity Balancing Account (CBA) an increase in its wholesale natural gas commodity of $0.663 per dekatherm (Dth) to its Residential, Firm General Service, and Small and Large Interruptible customers, and an increase of $0.671 per Dth for Seasonal customers through its CBA, effective on and after February 1, 2014. The proposed pass-on increases for all classes of customers are attributable to a projected wholesale gas cost increase to $5.163 per Dth. The proposed change in rates is subject to notice, protest, intervention, refund, opportunity for hearing and such other orders as the Commission may deem appropriate. The average Residential, and Firm General Service customers using approximately 13.1 Dth in February 2014 may expect a monthly gas bill increase of approximately $8.69 or 10.79%, before taxes. Actual bills will vary with usage. The proposed retail rate increases result in a projected dollar-for-dollar increase in the Company’s February 2014 revenues of approximately $224,757 using projected sales volumes. The increases do not change the Company’s authorized rate of return. Under Commission Rule §§ 249 and 250 a utility may apply to pass on to its customers known or prospective wholesale commodity cost increases or decreases on a dollar-for-dollar basis and subject to public notice, opportunity for hearing and refund. MDU’s application is on file at the Commission’s offices in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and in the Company’s Sheridan, Wyoming, business office, and may be inspected by any interested person during regular business hours. Anyone who wants to file an intervention petition, request for a public hearing, or a statement, public comment or protest in this matter must file in writing with the Commission on or before March 4, 2014. A proposed intervention or request for hearing must set forth the grounds under which they are made and the position and interest of the petitioner in this proceeding. If you want to intervene in this matter or request a public hearing that you will attend, or want to make a statement, a protest or a public comment, and you require reasonable accommodation for a disability, please contact the Commission at (307) 777-7427, or write to the Commission at 2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 300, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002, to make arrangements. Communications impaired persons may also contact the Commission by accessing Wyoming Relay at 711. Please mention Docket No. 30013-285-GP-14 in your communications.

HOME OF THE ADULT DAYCARE CENTER 302 E 2nd • Gillette • (307) 682-9442

WHY CHOP HOLES WHEN I CAN GET THIS STUFF FROM JACKS

16

Michelob Michelob Light Case $27.00 12 Pks $14.50 (Cans or Bottles - Tax included) Open 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mon. - Sat. Noon to 10 p.m. Sun. 365 Days a Year


Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Legislative Update... limitations; specifying the policy of the state in regard to actions of the environmental protection agency; authorizing the attorney general to take actions; authorizing and prioritizing the use of federal natural resource policy account funds; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0076 Unemployment insurance-worker misconduct. Sponsored by: Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to unemployment compensation; codifying existing case law; defining misconduct connected with work for purposes of disqualification from benefit entitlement; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0077 Open primary elections. Sponsored by: ROTHFUSS. AN ACT relating to elections; providing for primary elections allowing any voter to vote for any candidate running; amending definitions relating to qualifications of political parties; eliminating election of precinct committeemen and committeewomen at primary elections; providing for advancement to the general election; providing for filling of vacancies in nomination; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0078 The Jason Flatt Act-2. Sponsored by: Joint Education Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to school districts; requiring suicide prevention education for teachers and school administrators; and providing for effective dates. S.F. No. 0079 Education-student data security-2. Sponsored by: Select Committee on Statewide Education Accountability. AN ACT relating to education; requiring a data security plan for education data; accordingly imposing duties; requiring reporting; and providing for effective dates. S.F. No. 0080 Real estate licensure-revisions. Sponsored by: ANDRSON,JL. AN ACT relating to real estate licensure; amending provisions regarding violations of the real estate licensure statutes; amending requirements for designated real estate licensees; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0081 Employer access to social media accounts. Sponsored by: CHRISTENSE. AN ACT relating to labor and employment; prohibiting an employer from requesting or requiring access to a social media account of an employee or prospective employee; providing a definition; providing exceptions; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0082 2014 large project funding. Sponsored by: Select Natural Resource Funding Committee. AN ACT relating to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Funding Act; providing for funding of large projects under that act; specifying large projects approved for funding in 2014; amending funding and timing for specified previously approved large projects; requiring specified conservation easements to include the state of Wyoming as a third party beneficiary as specified; requiring certifications regarding kickbacks and gifts; providing appropriations; providing for reversion of funds; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0083 Oil and gas operations-bonding requirement. Sponsored by: ANDRSON,JD. AN ACT relating to oil and gas; increasing minimum surety bond or other guaranty required for entry upon land for oil and gas operations; setting a minimum blanket bond amount for entry upon land for oil and gas operations; specifying applicability; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0084 Child support payment. Sponsored by: ROSS. AN ACT relating to domestic relations and child support; clarifying daily support obligation; clarifying notice to payor may be delivered electronically as specified; amending provisions relating to driver’s license suspension; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0085 Trespassing to collect data. Sponsored by: HICKS. AN ACT relating to crimes and offenses; creating the offense of trespassing to collect data as specified; creating a presumption; providing penalties; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0086 Obstructing roads and highways. Sponsored by: DOCKSTADER. AN ACT relating to roads and highways; providing that no person shall obstruct or injure a public easement or right-of-way; providing a penalty; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0087 Public records preservation. Sponsored by: MEIER. AN ACT relating to public records; prohibiting use of automatic electronic record deletion software; providing conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0088 Medicaid expansion-insurance pool. Sponsored by: Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee. AN ACT relating to Medicaid; creating the Healthcare Independence Act of 2014; authorizing a private insurance option within the Medicaid program; authorizing payment or subsidy of health insurance premiums for Medicaid clients as specified; declaring legislative intent; providing definitions; providing eligibility criteria for clients and insurers; providing for a continuous appropriation; providing a sunset date; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0089 Health professionals-Medicaid billing. Sponsored by: LANDEN. AN ACT relating to Medicaid; providing that mental health services provided by specified licensed professionals are authorized under the act; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0090 Hospital licensing. Sponsored by: SCOTT. AN ACT relating to hospital licensing; requiring licensed hospitals to treat Medicare and Medicaid patients as specified; providing for nonrenewal of licenses; providing for applicability and grace periods; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0091 Digital information privacy-task force. Sponsored by: ROTHFUSS. AN ACT relating to the administration of government and privacy; creating a task force; providing for a study of privacy rights in relation to digital information technology; providing privacy related principles for the task force study; requiring a report; providing appropriations; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0092 WCCC director-ex-officio memberships-2. Sponsored by: COE. AN ACT relating to education; requiring the director of the Wyoming community college commission to serve on the University of Wyoming board of trustees and the state board of education in an ex-officio capacity; and providing for effective dates. S.F. No. 0093 Agricultural gas tax refund. Sponsored by: HINES. AN ACT relating to fuel tax; amending the time for application for an agricultural gas tax refund; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0094 Game and fish-resident preference points. Sponsored by: DRISKILL. AN ACT relating to game and fish; requiring preference point programs for resident antelope, deer and elk licenses; providing for fees; providing for rulemaking; and providing for an effective date.

February 14 - 21, 2014

Continued from Page 16

S.F. No. 0095 Constitutional convention select committee. Sponsored by: HICKS. AN ACT relating to the administration of government and privacy; creating a select committee; providing for a study of requests for a constitutional convention by the several states; requiring a report; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0096 Workforce services-independent contractors. Sponsored by: SCOTT. AN ACT relating to labor and employment; amending the definition of independent contractor for purposes of unemployment compensation and workers’ compensation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0097 Appropriation to Wyoming business council. Sponsored by: COE. AN ACT relating to economic development; providing for a loan for an economic development project as specified; requiring matching funds; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0098 State board of education-membership. Sponsored by: MEIER. AN ACT relating to the state board of education; providing for the election of members; modifying the appointment of members; providing conforming amendments; prescribing transition of terms of service; and providing for effective dates. S.F. No. 0099 Pooling order operator. Sponsored by: PERKINS. AN ACT relating to oil and gas; providing for designation of the operator under a pooling order; providing rulemaking authority; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0100 Business ready community program modifications. Sponsored by: NICHOLAS,P. AN ACT relating to the business ready community program; recapturing funds associated with grants under the program; requiring reporting; modifying rulemaking authority; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0101 License plate vehicle indicator. Sponsored by: VON FLATER. AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; amending specifications for license plates and special license plates; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0102 State high school sports-playoffs. Sponsored by: PETERSON. AN ACT relating to educational extracurricular activities; specifying requirements for high school sports playoffs; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0103 State buildings-construction. Sponsored by: Management Council. AN ACT relating to administration of government; providing for the rehabilitation and restoration of the capitol building and the remodeling and construction of other state properties; codifying and continuing a task force; specifying process and duties relating to specified capital construction projects; providing for reports; transferring unexpended appropriations and making other appropriations; providing for interfund borrowing and repayment of borrowed funds; amending, conforming or repealing related provisions; authorizing positions; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0104 Permanent mineral trust fund protection. Sponsored by: MEIER. AN ACT relating to public funds; providing for transfer of funds to offset realized capital losses in the permanent Wyoming mineral trust fund; requiring a report; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0105 Hospital licensing-moratorium. Sponsored by: CRAFT. AN ACT relating to hospital licensing; providing for a temporary moratorium on new hospital licensing; providing for a study, report and legislative recommendations; providing for review of the moratorium and hospital access issues by an interim committee as specified; providing for a sunset date on the moratorium; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0106 State education administration. Sponsored by: Management Council. AN ACT relating to public education; providing for a process to address a 2014 Supreme Court decision relating to the structure

and oversight of the state’s public school system; requiring a legislative study; providing for the delegation of powers and duties relating to the administration of the state’s school system; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0107 Certificates of insurance. Sponsored by: BEBOUT. AN ACT relating to insurance; requiring language to be included in a certificate of insurance; providing definitions; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0108 Obamacare relief. Sponsored by: SCOTT. AN ACT relating to healthcare coverage; protecting the public health from lack of healthcare coverage as specified; providing relief for people deprived of affordable healthcare coverage by the federal law and regulations known as “Obamacare” or as “The Affordable Care Act”; providing for the necessary healthcare support of the poor as specified: providing as specified health coverage for people who cannot otherwise obtain it on an affordable basis; creating the Obamacare temporary relief program and expanding the coverage options under the Wyoming Health Insurance Pool Act; creating the Wyoming temporary medical welfare program; creating the Wyoming small business healthcare relief program and modifying the definition of small business for insurance purposes; modifying the sunset dates for the Wyoming health insurance pool and programs within the pool; providing a sunset date for this act; providing enrollees must be given written notice that the coverage offered, while legal, does not comply with the federal law applying to insurance coverage; redirecting existing appropriations and revenue flows; amending a prior appropriation; providing appropriations; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0109 Freedom of teachers in protecting students. Sponsored by: BARNARD. AN ACT relating to school safety and security; allowing possession of firearms by teachers on school property; creating a process for school districts to approve possession of firearms on school property; creating a process for revocation of permission to carry firearms on school property; requiring minimum qualifications for application; requiring training; providing rulemaking authority to school districts; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

“An elected official should never look at a situation with the thought of income, profit, or benefits for the government entity he or she represents, the only benefit should be to the people.” -Nicholas De Laat

Surplus Unlimited 801 Carlisle • 682-9451

Weekly Trivia Question Who placed the first ever newspaper advertisement asking for Fur Trappers?

Look on Page 18 for the answer

Contact Us to Enroll! 307-686-1392 510 Wall Street Ct • Gillette, WY www.hcsgillette.org

10 Reasons to Advertise

1. Advertise to Reach New Customers. Your market changes constantly. New families in the area mean new customers to reach. People earn more money, which means changes in lifestyles and buying habits. The shopper who wouldn’t consider your business a few years ago may be a prime customer now. Remember...20% of families will move this year, 5 million people will be married and 4 million babies will be born*.

6. Advertise to Generate Trac. Continuous trac to your business is the rst step toward sales increases and expanding your customer base. The more people who contact your business, the more possibilities you have to make the sale and sell additional merchandise or services. For every 100 items that shoppers plan to buy, they make 30 unanticipated “in the store” purchases, an NRMA survey shows.

2. Advertise continuously. Consumers don’t have the loyalty they once did. You must advertise to keep pace with your competition. The National Retail Merchants Association states: “Mobility and non-loyalty are rampant. Businesses must promote to get former customers to return and to seek new ones.

7. Advertise to Make More Sales. Advertising works! Businesses that succeed are usually strong, steady advertisers. Look around. You’ll nd the most aggressive and consistent advertisers in your market are the most successful.

3. Advertise to Remain With Shoppers Through the Buying Process. Many people postpone buying decisions. They often go from store to store comparing prices, quality and service. Advertising must reach them steadily through the entire decision-making process. Your name must be fresh in their minds when they ultimately decide to buy. 4. Advertise Because Your Competition is Advertising. There are only so many consumers in the market who are ready to buy at any one time. You’ll need to advertise to keep regular customers and to counterbalance the advertising of your competition. You must advertise to keep your share of customers or you will lose them to the more aggressive competitors. 5. Advertise Because it Pays O Over a Long Period. Advertising gives you a long-term advantage over competitors who cut back or cancel advertising. A ve-year survey of more than 3,000 companies found...Advertisers who maintain or expand advertising over a ve-year period see their sales increase an average of 100%. Companies, which cut advertising, averaged sales decreases of 45%.

17

8. Advertise Because There is Always Business to Generate. Your doors are open. Sta are on the payroll. Even the slowest days produce sales. As long as you’re in business, you’ve got overhead to meet and new people to reach. Advertising can generate customers now...and in the future. 9. Advertise to Keep a Healthy Positive Image. In a competitive market, rumors and bad news travel fast. Advertising corrects misleading gossip, punctures “overstated” bad news. Advertising that is vigorous and positive can bring shoppers into the marketplace, regardless of the economy. 10. Advertise to Maintain Employee Morale. When advertising and promotion are suddenly cut or canceled, your staff may become alarmed and demoralized. They may start false rumors in an honest belief that your business is in trouble. Positive advertising boosts morale. It gives your staff strong additional support.


Classifieds

February 14 - 21, 2014

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Camping/Fishing

Miscellaneous

*Immediate Openings!* Are you looking to join a fast paced, growing company? Are you ready to earn the income you know you’re worth? Are you outgoing and enjoy meeting new people? Do you enjoy sales and have sales experience? Do you enjoy leading and helping others to succeed? If so, this is the career for you! We have openings that provide print, website, and radio advertising as well as marketing solutions to businesses. We focus primarily on smaller communities, providing personalized, in-depth information specific to each coverage area. It is our goal to ensure that every customer has a positive experience, from the initial sale to final publication. We are looking for a few highly motivated and passionate individuals that will provide exemplary customer service and sales expertise to keep our clients happy and keep our company growing! If interested, please email cover letter and resume to CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com for an interview.

Transportation assistants NEEDED! Up to $25/hr. For a complete job description & application, please apply via e-mail: lori.delucia.hr@rsithr. info

Camper spot for rent $300 per month in Silver Hills 307680-8838

Have you heard the Buzz lately?

Full Time Flooring Installers wanted. Must have experience. Bring resumes in to Carpet Express Direct on Hwy. 59 next to the Prime Rib Restaurant.

1994 Southwind by Fleetwood 34 foot Class A Coach Rear Engine Turbo Diesel Cummins, 230 HP, Motor Home in good condition. 180,000 miles on original Cummins Diesel 33H Engine. Three captain’s chairs including driver. Couch makes into a full bed. Full kitchen, stove with oven, microwave. Dining area. Propane or electric refrigerator/ freezer. Lots of storage. Rear bedroom with queen bed. Bathroom with shower. Dish portable satellite TV setup and small flatscreen TV goes with it. Trailer receiver hitch. Lost my husband in December and don’t have any use for it. Would like to sell fast. Make me an offer. 307 682 4808. sue.wallis52@gmail. com http://wyoming.craigslist.org/rvs/3965643910. html

30 yr company is looking a motivated individual for an established delivery route in the N.E. Wyoming Area. Overnight travel, weekly pay. Commission based ($600$1,000) per week. Be your own Boss! Call Dan at 970461-2436 to apply Rocky Mt Merchandising is looking for dependable, outgoing person to execute four in store demos in Sept showing the features and benefits of the Straight Talk Cell phone. Must commit to all four Saturdays from 10:00-4:00. Email Jackie@ rockymm.com or call 800723-9008 Looking for CDL to work in North Dakota full time. Call 307-670-3629. Hiring Newspaper Journalist. Government/Politics. Work at Home. Must be able to perform advanced research, and write unbias. Must be able to attend government meetings and conduct interviews professionally. Pays per article/Part Time. Please send Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Sample to CampbellCountyObserver@ gmail.com. Hiring Newspaper Sports Writer. Must be able to attend Campbell County Sports games at all levels and various sports. Can write in a bias/home team manner. Must also be able to take photographs of covered games, get information from coaches, and retrieve stats. Much of the work is performed Home. Pays per article/Part Time position. Please send Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Sample to CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com. Summer Job - Age 14 and up. Newspaper Subscription Sales. Pays $5.00 for every 6-month subscription sold and $10.00 for every year subscription sold. Perfect for summer money. Extra bonuses for 100 subscriptions sold (Pizza Party at Godfathers with friends/family) and more. Email the Campbell County Observer at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com State Wide Sales people. Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper. Call 307-299-4662 Help Wanted. Warehouse Manager. Monday-Friday, flexible schedule. Inventory management and warehouse upkeep. $10/hr, doe. Apply at Carpet Express Direct on Hwy. 59. Clerical Personnel needed to enhance my level of work. Computer skills needed and should be well organized and will be well paid. Interested person(s) Should please contact:alexben17@hotmail.com for more info and wages. Are you a motivated animal lover? Gillette’s newest veterinary hospital is in need of a fabulous part-time (with potential full time) receptionist to join our TEAM! We love upbeat attitudes, big smiles, and a willingness to please the client while keeping all of the important details in check. Inquires please email your cover letter and resume to info@redhillsvet. com Please have these items submitted by January 26, 2014.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED TO WORK ON BEHALF OF OUR COMPANY. 18YRS OR ABOVE NEEDED AND YOU MUST HAVE COMPUTER SKILLS.ACCOUNTING EXPERIENCE NOT NEEDED ANY JOB EXPERIENCE NEEDED YOU WILL EARN UP TO $3,000 MONTHLY CONTACT US At:(eric.robert32@yahoo. com) Temporary Help Wanted. J&G General Construction, home improvement company is looking for a temporary construction laborer. Experience preferred but not necessary. Could turn into full time position depending on devotion, responsibility, and skill. Call James (307) 2574441 to set up an interview.

Child Care Child Care in Sleepy Hollow. Room for 2 children. $20 per day per child. Call 307-2572306. Licensed daycare now open. Spots available full-time and before and after school. Close to Rozet school and the post office. Monday through Friday 6:30am to 6pm. Ages 3 and up. Call 307-299-1915 In a Pinch?? Back up Daycare service call 307-6807948

Nanny Wanted A nanny needed urgently to take care of a family ,duties are taking care of thier infant twins and light housework,pay is set at $500 weekly ,email gilbertjohnson35@gmail.com if interested.

Merchandise 1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 687-1087 Large Underground Tank. 307-680-8838

Fuel

Large and Small Band Saws call for info. 307-680-8838 18v Dewalt tools - sawzall, hammer drill, one battery and one charger. $150 obo. call (307)299-1382 Exterior door with window, interior light fixtures, and computer supplies. E-mail Corsair115@yahoo.com “As the economy worsens, don’t rely on government... rely on us to sell or trade. $0.25 per word per week. Stop in or go to www. CampbellCountyObserver. net. Refrigerator (white) Great condition $100 307-2995918 Blue Dual Reclining Sofa. Good shape $100 Call 6802982. Can text photo if you like. Spyder Semi-auto paint ball gun. cal..68 Special Edition. Only used twice! New $300 For you $175 plus two canisters. Call 680-1302 If you are interested in purchasing Nutrient Rich Ranch Raised Beef grown locally, call 307-340-1108. Great Jerky http://www.rberlinger.jerkydirect.com/ For sale: whirlpool refrigerator, brand new patio propane heater, still in box Cabela’s shower tent, large dining room dark blue/red rooster rug, 10” wet tile saw, treadmill. Call 682-6353. Kojac series One, two and three dvd $65.00 $98 value 307 - 670 - 1887 Two place aluminum snowmobile trailer. $1,600. 307689-0202 Used Engine. FI 1600cc 1975 VW. Complete w/generator. 68K mi., New Heater Boxes $1,000.00. Call Jim at 307-257-3277

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

07’ Prowler 5th wheel. 2slides. 32ft with extras. Call 307-672-8766

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

For Rent 2 Bedroom Duplex, with one car garage, washer/dryer, no pets. $700rent/$700deposit. 307-689-0202 Office and Retail space for rent Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100 For Rent Single Bedroom House in Silver Hills 307680-8838. C2-12-4h Room for Rent. Nice Room for Rent for one responsible person. $480.00 per month. 689-9358.

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.) 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! Free 2008 Honda CBR1000RR. Wonderful bike. Runs Perfectly. I hate that I have to part with it but it’s time for me to do other things. Oil has been changed Regularly. Paint is in excellent condition. ery few mods done to it. I just gae it a K and N Air Filter and Oil Filter, and mode the license plate farther under the back seat email(pakerjackie@yahoo. com) if interested International Tractor 300 Utility For Sale. $2000 Artic Cat 4X4 2001For Sale. $2000 Call Bill 307 - 660 – 8563. 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: 307-670-2733 2013 Custom Harley Hardtail Bobber all new $9,500. Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100 2010 Polaris 550 eps with less than 100 miles, books for $8,000. make and offer. Call Steve Terry at 307-2992992 16ft Sea Nymph Fishing Boat, 50 hp outboard Merc, trolling motor, just serviced at wyoming marine $2,500 O.B. O 307-299-4662 or307-6220825

Bring your catch by the Empire Guesthouse for photographs which may be published in this newspaper with our fishing reports. Along with that, the Guesthouse staff will be awarding monthly prizes for those that let us photograph them and their catch. It doesn’t have to be a trophy to enter and there will be special prizes for those 12 and under. Carp shooters are also welcome to enter. Check with the Guesthouse for more details. What are you looking at? Others could be looking at your ad for only $0.25 per word per week. Go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net ACE will reduce your appetite and give you energy. The natural way to lose weight. www.facebook.com/AcePill 660-2974

Scams THESE ARE KNOWN SCAMS GOING THROUGH NEWSPAPERS AT THE MOMENT. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE ADS IN ANY NEWSPAPER. Help Wanted- Office/Clerical; PT Clerical Person needed from 11:00AM To 3:00PM, Monday-Friday, $900.00 weekly.Computer skills are a must. Need to be detail oriented, possess good customer service skills, some cash & items handling skills,Must be able to do Lil errand. Apply @ nicoledevlin Linkahead,Email: nicoledevlin150@gmail.com

Services Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 Mobilehome handyman is the business for all your home maintenance and repairs we do skirting decks windows doors freeze ups re-levels and much more 30 years experience call Rick.@ (307)281-1457 RV Winterization starting at $99.95 at YOUR house. Call Randy at 307-660-3091 (b340-tfnh) Tree Trimming and removal. Certified Arborist! No job too big or small. Experienced, licensed, bonded and insured. Veteran owned and operated for 13 years. Top Notch Tree Service 970-556-5000 Spring Cleaning Special! Any purchase over $200 prior to 5-31-13 Will have the choice of: Free couch cleaning (up tp 8ft. long) or Free 1 year warranty on oil/water based spots. www.pineridgeclean. com 307-660-7856 find us on Facebook Want To Get in Shape?Like to have Fun? Learn The Graceful moves of American Oriental Belly Dancing! The 3rd Sunday of every month. Call Leanna Tabatt 307-6808457 Looking to buy a new computer? Why waste the money? “Your Computer Store” has refurbished towers and laptops rebuilt right here in our store. Plenty of memory, disc space, and advice. Come by and see our inventory at “Your Computer Store,” where YOU come first! 802 E. Third St next to Ice Cream Land “Did you see this? Than it worked. Go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net to list your ad today!” Computers have become like cars, and they need repaired. Want the best quality repair work in N.E. Wyoming? Bring your computer to “Your Computer Store.” Quality work at a quality price. “Your Computer Store,” where YOU COME FIRST 802 E. Third street next to Ice Cream Land. 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

Empire Guesthouse, RV Park & General Store Pine Haven, Wyoming 82721 307-756-3454/307-670-0428 http://www.empireguesthouse.com/

18

Campbell County Observer

Weekly Sports Trivia Answer Who holds the NBA record for most points in a single game? 100pts - Wilt Chamberlain Philadelphia vs. New York at Hershey, PA March 2, 1962

Wilt Chamberlain set the single-game scoring record in the National Basketball Association (NBA) by scoring 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169–147 win over the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962, at Hershey Sports Arena in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It is widely considered one of the greatest records in basketball. Chamberlain set five other league records that game including most free throws made, a notable achievement for the poor free throw shooter. The teams broke the record for most combined points in a game (316). That season, Chamberlain averaged a record 50.4 points per game, and he had broken the NBA single-game scoring record (71) earlier in the season in December with 78 points. The third-year center had already set season scoring records in his first two seasons. In the fourth quarter, the Knicks began fouling other players to keep the ball away from Chamberlain, and they also became deliberate on offense to reduce the number of possessions for Philadelphia. The Warriors countered by committing fouls of their own to get the ball back. The game was not televised, and no video footage of the game exists; there are only audio recordings of the game’s fourth quarter. The NBA was not yet a major sports league and struggled to compete against college basketball. The attendance at this game was over half of capacity, and there were no members of the New York press at the game.

Weekly Trivia Answer

Who placed the first ever newspaper advertisement asking for Fur Trappers?

William Ashley

Missouri Lieutenant Governor William Ashley places an advertisement in the Missouri Gazette and Public Advisor seeking 100 “enterprising young men” to engage in fur trading on the Upper Missouri. A Virginia native, Ashley had moved to Missouri just after President Thomas Jefferson concluded the Louisiana Purchase from France, which made the region American territory. Young and eager to make a name for himself, he entered into a partnership with Andrew Henry to begin manufacturing gunpowder and lead, two commodities that were in short supply in the new nation. During the War of 1812, Ashley’s business prospered, and he also joined the Missouri militia, where he eventually earned the rank of general. When Missouri became a state in 1822, he used his business and military fame to win election as lieutenant governor. Casting about for opportunities to enrich both Missouri and his own pocketbook, Ashley realized that St. Louis was ideally situated to exploit the fur trade on the upper Missouri River. Ashley recruited his old friend Henry as a partner, and the two men placed their famous advertisement asking for robust, adventurous young men to come west to join a fur trapping expedition up the Missouri. Among the scores who responded and came to St. Louis were such future legendary mountain men as Jedediah Smith and Jim Bridger, as well as the famous river man Mike Fink. In time, these men and dozens of others would uncover many of the geographic mysteries of the Far West. In 1822, Ashley and a small band of his fur trappers built a trading post on the Yellowstone River of Montana in order to expand outward from the Missouri River. Arikara Indians, though, were deeply hostile to Ashley’s attempts to undercut their long-standing position as middlemen in the fur trade. Arikara attacks eventually forced the men to abandon the Yellowstone post. Out of desperation, Ashley hit on a new strategy: instead of building central permanent forts along the major rivers, he decided to send his trappers overland in small groups traveling by horseback. By avoiding the river arteries, the trappers could both escape detection by hostile Indians and develop untapped new fur regions. Almost by accident, Ashley invented the famous “rendezvous” system that revolutionized the American fur trade. In order for the trappers to obtain necessary supplies and deliver their furs, Ashley told the trappers to meet with him in a large meadow near the Henry’s Fork of Wyoming’s Green River in the early summer of 1825. This first fur trapper rendezvous proved a huge success. Ashley took home a tidy profit for his efforts, while the fur trappers not only had an opportunity to trade for supplies, but a chance to enjoy a few weeks of often drunken socializing. After organizing a second highly profitable rendezvous in 1826, Ashley decided to sell out. His rendezvous system, though, continued to be used by others, and eventually became the foundation for the powerful Rocky Mountain Fur Company. With plenty of money in the bank, Ashley was able to return to his first love, politics. He won election to Congress three times and once to the Senate, where he helped further the interests of the western land that had made him rich.

Contact Us to Enroll! 307-686-1392 510 Wall Street Ct • Gillette, WY www.hcsgillette.org


Classifieds

Campbell County Observer

Guns for Sale Wyoming Mountaineers now offers easy payment plans on any in stock firearm. Your debit card is your line of credit. Purchase any firearm that is in stock making 4 payments weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Processing fee and payment plan fee apply. Call Wyoming Mountaineers for more details. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad. Get a piece of history. Mosin Nagant Russian M91/30 Surplus Rifle. Very good to Excellent condition 7.62X54 Caliber. These are a very accurate rifle shooting 4” groups at 1000 yards. Open sights are adjustable to yardage with a push of a button. Great gun for hunting deer or elk very cheap ammo available for target practice. Comes with military issue sling, sling pouches, bayonet, and cleaning tools. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. 1903 Springfield. 30o6 Cal. U.S. Military. $700 obo. Call (307) 682-7864 A friend of mine called the other day and tells me he has 2 friends that are looking for some AR-15’s do I have any? I told him yes I do, They are M4 style scope ready models and priced at $695.00. Great, he says, They will be right over. They never showed up so a few days later I asked him if his friends were still interested. He told me nope, they bought them online for $1500.00. So, here they come with UPS, I still made my $15.00 for the transfer but while they were there they looked at the rifles I had in stock and discovered they were the same models they ordered with the same features and they could have bought 2 from me for the same price they paid for one they ordered. Don’t let this happen to you, Any gun, Any models, Any features can be ordered or built for a lower cost. Call for a free quote. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today. Before you buy, make a call to get a quote. We can order any gun you are looking at and just may be able to save you a ton of money. Call for a free quote. $15.00 FFL Transfer Fee on all internet purchases. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad. Gunsmithing Special of the week. Electrolysis Barrel Cleaning. Increase the accuracy of your firearm, get ready for hunting season or a summer of shooting fun. Most cleanings complete overnight and your gun is ready the next day. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. With the current controversy of gun control you can expect changes. One of these changes will be permanently attached low capacity magazines. Make your current guns compliant to this regulation. Call for quotes on all your gunsmithing needs. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today. Chinese Type 53 Carbines 7.62X54R. These guns have been fully restored and are excellent shooters. They are a shorter model of the Mossin Naugant making them easy to carry through the brush and trees. Large caliber with plenty of take down power for the largest and most dangerous game. Ammo is still available and still very reasonably priced. This gun comes with a fold down bayonet permanently attached. Adjustable sights on an elevation ramp rear sight makes this package very versatile. permanently attached floor plate magazine holds 5 rounds with one additional one in the chamber. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today.

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

Autos, Trucks and Vans

Apartments for Rent

‘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.

1-5 bedroom units available for rent. Please contact Real Estate Systems of Gillette Inc at 307-682-0964 for all the updated details.

05’ GMC Duramax Extend Cab. 52,550 mi. Call 307672-8766 2008 Dodge Charger AWD Hemi, loaded Black $18,000 books for $22,500 Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100. 2006 Dodge Mega Cab 4x4 Laramie 102,000 miles $16,000 307-689-7290 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. Black. Leather interior. Good condition. 87,400mi. Power everything. Front wheel drive. New tires. Call Charlene 307-660-7316. 1993 Chrysler LHS for sale or trade. Needs tie-rod and alignment. Runs good. $1,500.00 OBO. Email KevlarGrease@gmail.com 1994 Plymouth Voyager for sale or trade. Runs/ looks great. 188,000 miles. $2,000.00 OBO. Email KevlarGrease@gmail.com 2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532. 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 1/2 Ton Pickup. New tires, ext. cab, long bed. 148,000 mi. One owner. 307-6700858 or 303-250-4096 97’ Chevy Long Box Extended Cab. ¾ Ton, selling for Parts. $1,000 OBO. 307680-7431 1982 Chevy Ventura Van. 350 Engine, 400 Turbo newly rebuilt transmission. Interior in GREAT shape, has a working electric wet bar and built in cooler in back. Carb. needs re-jetted, other than that there are no problems. Must see. Asking $3,500 or best offer. Price:$3,500obo. Contact: 307-670-8980

Wanted to Buy I Buy Militaria. Swords, uniforms, bayonets, medals, guns/parts, field gear. 6827864 Wanted: Old Batteries. Call 307-670-1675. D4-30-8P WILL PAY CASH FOR CAMPERS. Call Scott (307) 680-0854.

Homes for Sale 2010 Fairmont 16x80 mobile Home. 3 bed-2 bath. Central Air, 10x10 deck, 500gl propane tank, and all utilities. Excellent condition. $30,000 OBO. Please call after 5pm. 605-209-7584. Home For Sale By Owner. Great Horse Property for sale, in Buffalo Wyoming. 11.5 acres with three bedroom, 3 bath home with 2 car attached garage, afull length covered redwood deck and walk out basement, irrigated pastures, bite corrals, Cleary Barn, and much more.Call 307-684-5844 after 5p.m. for appointment

February 14 - 21, 2014

Executive Director Position

2 Bedroom apartment $650 per month, $650 security, $650 last months. Above Gillette Cheese House. No pets, no smoking, laundry facilities available 685-6449 Criminal background check and renters insurance Required Immaculate 1-2 bedroom apartments, fresh paint, and new flooring. (no pets). Call for move-in special starting at $595 307-686-6488 Apartment for Rent in WindRidge Appts. Water/Trash/ Washer/Dryer. Air and Heat. 3bs/2bth. Must qualify for low income housing. $740.00/ mo. Call 307-685-8066 Foothills View Apartments Hot Move In Special! Cool, Clean, Quiet Apartments. A/C, 2 Bdrm. $695 1Bdrm. $595. Showing anytime Call 307-686-6488 C3-28-2v Apartments for rent. Foothills View Apartments. Clean and Quiet. One and Two bedroom units starting at $595.00. Call for showing andmove in special 307-6866488 (c3-42-3v) 2 bedroom apartment $675 per month, $675 security, $675 last months rent. Above Gillette Cheese House no pets, no smoking laundry \ facilities available 685-6449 Criminal Background check and renters insurance required. 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.

Pets 2 AKC Registered male and female English Bulldogs free to a new good home, They have current shorts and play along with children and other animals. contact (billingsjeff151@yahoo.com) for more information.

Business Opportunities Looking for investor in local business. Call for Details. 307-257-2306. Exciting career available Now! No weekends, holidays, or nights. Unlimited income potential. 20% commission plus gas allowance selling print advertising. Call Anne Peterson (advertising manager) at (307) 299-4662 or email AnnePeterson@ CampbellCountyObserver. com Health problems? Try doTERRA certified pure essential oils. 307-680-0363. www. myvoffice.com/healingisbelieving

Subscription Sales

Part Time. Newspaper Subscription Sales. Pays $5.00 for every 6-month subscription sold and $10.00 for every year subscription sold. Perfect for supplemental income. Extra bonuses for every 100 subscriptions sold. Apply in person at the Campbell county Observer office at 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 (Behind Subway) in Gillette.

Part time Help Wanted

Newspaper Delivery Route 7-days per week. 3am-6am. Gillette Area. Must have own vehicle and vehicle insurance. Pays 23 cents per paper. Good average income per month plus tips. Great supplemental income. Must be able to do route EVERY DAY. Must be reliable. Apply in person at the Campbell county Observer office at 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 (Behind Subway) in Gillette.

Part Time Writers Wanted

Sports/Community/Government writers wanted. Part time. Starts $10 per article, with raise after 3 months. Must have own camera. Apply in person at the Campbell county Observer office at 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 (Behind Subway) in Gillette.

19

Campbell County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) CCEDC is a non-profit corporation head quartered in Gillette, Wyoming providing support and guidance to its county, local government and agencies. The ideal candidate for this position will have: • Considerable experience in economic, business and community development. • Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals in all areas of business and professional organizations and the general public • Ability to establish working relationships with other organizations and economic development practitioners is vital. • Preferred candidate will have experience in economic development and a combination of education and experience commensurate with a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, marketing, or related field. Salary is based on experience and noted successes and ranges from 85k – 115k. Position will be open until filled. When applying please include a list of success with your resume. Please send all inquiries and resumes to: ccedc@ccedc.net. Contact Mary Melaragno for complete job description.

Advertising Sales/Marketing *Immediate Openings!*/Full Time

Are you looking to join a fast paced, growing company? Are you ready to earn the income you know you’re worth? Are you outgoing and enjoy meeting new people? Do you enjoy sales and have sales experience? Do you enjoy leading and helping others to succeed? If so, this is the career for you! If you are experienced in Print or Radio Advertising Sales, think of this. What if you could sell both with the time it takes to see one client? Imagine the income potential. The Campbell County Observer and American Standard Media has teamed up to create openings that provide newspaper, magazine, website, and radio advertising as well as marketing solutions to businesses. We focus primarily on smaller communities, providing personalized, in-depth information specific to each coverage area. It is our goal to ensure that every customer has a positive experience, from the initial sale to final publication. We are looking for a few highly motivated and passionate individuals that will provide exemplary customer service and sales expertise to keep our clients happy and keep our company growing! Apply in person at the Campbell county Observer office at 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 (Behind Subway) in Gillette or email resume and cover letter to CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com 20% Commission for Newspaper/magazine, and Syndicated Radio Show. $500 bonus monthly for newspaper if sold $10,5K+, $200 Team Bonus for $16,5+, $500 Bonus for 6 magazines yearly for $5,5K+, and Team $200 Bonus for $10,5K+ per magazine. Christmas Bonus for Syndicated Radio Talk Show of 2% of total commissions. Future 24hr. news talk radio station will pay 15% commission plus $500 bonus when $45K in sales per month is reached.

Solutions from this week


Our Roots

February 14 - 21, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Postal Reform Bill Helps Protect Rural Post Offices

The Dinner Bell By Holly Galloway itamin C is vital for our health. Our bodies need it, yet will not store it so we need to replenish it daily. I found a recipe for homemade tomato soup that is delicious. It is a two-step process, so a little more preparation time is needed.

Roasted Tomato Soup

15 Large Ripe Tomatos 2+1/4 C. Olive Oil 8 Garlic Cloves, minced 1 Large Onion, chopped 2 C. Water 1 tsp. Salt ½ tsp. Pepper 1 C. Whip Cream Place the tomatos in a 9x14 pan. Mix 2 cups olive oil and the minced garlic together and drizzle over the tomatoes. Bake these at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until they are done. Let them cool, and then peel them. In large sauce pan sauté chopped onion in ¼ C olive oil. Add tomatoes, water, salt and pepper. Bring this to a boil then let it simmer for 30 minutes. Let it cool slightly. It may take two batches, but blend this, then return it to the sauce pan. Stir in the cream and heat. Enjoy! For dessert this week I thought I would share a gluten free recipe that I enjoy. Celiac disease can be very manageable. This pie is an easy and delicious change for dessert.

Ricotta Pie

Crust 1 ½ C Almond or Hazelnut Flour 3 T. Melted Butter Spray the bottom of a pie pan. Combine the flour with the melted butter. Press this firmly into the bottom of the pie pan, then bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. While that is baking, the filling can be made. Filling 4 Eggs 16 ounce whole milk Ricotta Cheese ½ C. Sugar 1 tsp. Lemon Zest (lemon peel shredded on the tiny part of your shredder) ¼ tsp Salt Whisk the eggs well, and then add remaining ingredients. Combine well. Pour this into the pie pan that has the crust and bake for 50 minutes at 325 degrees.

The Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) passed legislation today that would help the United States Postal Service (USPS) change with the times. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the bill would help protect rural post offices from closing, restructure postal rates and maintain Second Amendment rights. Enzi, who voted in favor of the final bill, believes that the legislation goes a long way to make the postal service viable by injecting competition into its business plan and helping get the Postal Service’s costs under control, while ensuring that customers in rural states can still rely on service. The committee unanimously adopted Enzi’s amendment that would provide communities with the opportunity to present better ideas to the Postal Service to address costs and keep community post offices open. According to Enzi, the last time postal reform was on the agenda, a list of post offices being considered for closure was presented without any discussion or

idea of the costs associated with running those locations. Enzi’s amendment would require the USPS to give communities 60 days to develop an alternative proposal for providing postal services to the community before any location can be closed. “Any business is supposed to look at all of its costs every year, all the time,” said Enzi. “The postal service should be no different. All of the employees and all of the people in the community should know the cost of running their post office and the cost of the individual jobs. That way the people who rely on the service can share their ideas for maintaining it while reducing costs at the same time.” Enzi’s amendment requires the USPS to provide relevant information on the costs associated with its operations to postal customers and local governments, while providing the opportunity for ideas and plans for possible changes to be heard. The committee voted unanimously to include an amendment in the bill that would allow individuals to carry firearms in parking

lots of post offices in accordance with state and local laws. The postal service now has rules against any firearms anywhere on postal property and individuals are being prosecuted. Enzi was disappointed that the committee voted down Senator Rand Paul’s, R-Ky., amendment that would have expanded the right to carry a firearm on all postal property. “Imaginary lines should not take away our Constitutional rights,” said Enzi. Despite the controversy over reforming postal rates the committee was able to come to a bipartisan agree-

ment that would avoid drastic rate increases. The amendment, which Enzi voted in favor of, gives the Postal Service more flexibility in designing its rate system starting in 2017, while preserving the role of the Postal Regulatory Commission in overseeing that process. Enzi was pleased that both Republican and Democratic amendments were considered in the committee through regular order. The postal reform bill is now headed to the full Senate for consideration.

“Today we are engaged in a deadly global struggle for those who would intimidate, torture, and murder people for exercising the most basic freedoms. If we are to win this struggle and spread those freedoms, we must keep our own moral compass pointed in a true direction.” - President Barack Obama

Need to market your business? This space could be yours!!

Call for details Anne Peterson 307.299.4662

A First Class Flouring Mill By Jeff Morrison

Update: Since this article first appeared in the Observer, the Toomey Mill was completely removed from the site. I was surprised that the original stone structure was not saved, as originally planned, and asked around. I was told that it was taken apart one stone at a time, and that the stones were numbered. One person thought that the stones had been taken to Devil’s Tower where it will presumably be reassembled at some point. I have been unable to officially confirm this however. - JM Shortly after the turn of the twentieth century, dry land farmers in northeast Wyoming were in need of a reliable market for their goods. Getting a profit from wheat crops was not only a matter of having a good yield and a good market price, but the cost of shipping the produce to market had to be factored in as well. A closer market meant a lower shipping cost and better profits. In January 1905, George C. Getchell presented plans to the Newcastle Commercial Club to “erect and equip a first class flouring mill” in the booming Wyoming town. Getchell and the club membership knew that a community that could build a commercial milling operation would instantly become the major center of the farming industry in the region. The plans for a 100 barrel mill were finalized that March and construction began in early summer. The mill was ready and opened in time for harvest season in early September, earning Getchell a $3,000 bonus for a prompt delivery date. The three-story mill, built of timber and stone quarried north of town, housed a variety of milling machinery powered by a 70 horse-power, coalfired electrical generator. As it turned out, the generator could not only produce enough electricity to run the mill, but an ample

surplus of generated power could be used for other purposes. Getchell was granted a contract to supply electricity for the Newcastle street lights the same week as the opening of the mill. His new enterprise was officially named The Newcastle Milling Company and Electric Light Plant. The mill produced a variety of flour products, seed and livestock feed. Nearby acreage was turned into a feed-lot. The operation not only serviced local farmers but the greater northeastern Wyoming area as well, thanks to the proximity of the railroad. By 1907 a siding had been constructed to bring grain cars directly to the site and the mill had a capacity of 65 barrels in a 24 hour period. Most of the flour produced at this time was sold under contract to an Omaha grocery firm. The mill had also become one of the major employers in Newcastle and would remain so for many decades to come. Late in 1907, the day-today operations were taken over by A. C. Church, formerly of the Sundance Milling Company, who leased the mill in November. Church changed the name to The Newcastle Roller Mills in 1909 and began heavy advertising of “White Satin Flour” which had been a product of the mill since before he took over. In the next ten

years he would expand the market for White Satin to include grocers and bakeries as far as 200 miles away. Church eventually bought the mill outright and continued to produce and promote flour products for more than a decade, outlasting a brief partnership with F. O. Yeats along the way. In the fall of 1919, Church sold the Newcastle Roller Mills to a Spearfish, South Dakota pioneer, D. J. Toomey, who renamed the business the D. J. Toomey Produce Company. At the time of this purchase, the operation was the largest flour mill in Wyoming, producing 80 barrels per day. Under Toomey’s management, the mill began a period of physical expansion which continued until 1947. In 1920 he contracted a Kansas City construction firm to build a concrete grain elevator which had first been proposed by his predecessor, A. C. Church, and had been in the planning stages just prior to Toomey’s purchase of the property. Over the next threeplus decades the original building was expanded to include a warehouse and offices plus two wooden silos behind the elevator. D. J. Toomey turned the daily operations over to his son, Howard, who managed the family business until his death in

1964. Under his leadership the mill officially became Toomey’s Mills, and gained international notoriety. At some point Howard began developing selfrising flour mixtures. Using family friends as an unofficial “focus group”, Toomey perfected recipes for flapjacks and later biscuits. At this time, prepackaged flapjack mixes were rare. After he perfected his flapjack mixture, so the story goes, Toomey asked a local restaurant manager to try it out on his customers. The manager was reluctant to feed his customers an un-proven product until Toomey agreed to let him try a case for free. When Toomey later returned to see how the customers liked the mix, the manager promptly ordered another case. Toomey’s Flapjack Flour and Toomey’s Biscuit Mix were huge successes for the mill. Their

20

distinctive yellow boxes with bright red lettering became familiar sights in homes and restaurants all over the Midwest and West Coast during the mid-20th century. The packaging has since become collector’s items. Milling operations ended at Toomey’s Mills in 1965. The buildings and all the milling equipment they contained were left abandoned for the next ten years. In 1974 the property was bought by two couples, Tom and Judith Mitich, and Cable and Vera Jones, who began converted the milling portion into a restaurant. As renovations proceeded, most of the original milling equipment was found in place and intact, as if ready to begin turning out flour once again. Once the largest flour mill in Wyoming, the aging building began a new era of existence when it reopened as a restaurant called “The Old Mill Inn”.

Doug and Larita Brown purchased the property in 1995 and continued with the renovations and improvements. In 2008, the structures that comprised Toomey’s Mills were added to the National Register of Historic Places. Although George Getchell’s “first class flouring mill” has survived for 117 years, it’s not likely to survive another five years. In 2011, the property and buildings were sold to Maverick, Inc. with plans to tear down part of the main building, including most – if not all – of the original 1905 mill, to make way for a gas station and convenience store. Despite the efforts made by the Weston County Historical Society and the Weston County Historic Preservation Board to prevent its destruction, the future of this historic landmark remains very much in doubt.

The Local “Our Roots” Column is sponsored by

· Auto · Preferred · SR22’s · Home · Renters · Life · Health

Elizabeth Jones Agency 1001 S. Douglas Hwy., Suite 184 Gillette, WY 82716 Office (307) 682-6520 Fax (307) 682-3536

Elizabeth (Betsy) Jones, Agent CPIW, DAE, LUTCF

www.farmersunioninsurance.com/ejones ejones@vcn.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.