February 28 march 7, 2014 by C.C. Observer

iot Publ r t a

ing ish

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

The Campbell 00 $1. County Observer

Subscribe Online at www.CampbellCountyObserver.net February 28 - March 7, 2014

Volume 4 • Issue 9

This Week’s Carson “If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”Highlights Craig • Online Hunter Ed. Course Oﬀered ........ Page 3 Fundraiser

www.campbellcountyobserver.net

PINERIDGE “A ridge above the rest.”

Cleaning & Restoration

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Water, Fire & Mold Damage

Dusty Linder

307-660-7856 www.pineridgeclean.com

June 17 - 24, 2011

benefit and silent auction for Carson Craig will be held March 1, 2014, at the American Legion, starting at 6 PM. Cost is $15.00 per person with ages five and under free. Carson Craig, age three, has been diagnosed with Leukemia and Burkitt’s Lymphoma (an aggressive B Cell Lymphoma). Five weeks ago, Carson was transported to the ER where he was found to be going into acute kidney failure. Carson was then life-flighted to Denver and is currently at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center undergoing treatment. He recently had surgery for an abscess on his back and is too weak to walk. Carson will reside in Denver for six to nine months. Carson will remain hospitalized for a significant amount of time then will transfer to

• Hope’s Haven: Journey of Faith............. Pages 4 & 5 • Wyoming State Science Fair ............. Page 8 • Northern Rockies Skies for March ....... Page 9 the Ronald McDonald house where he will reside to continue treatment. His condition is curable just very difﬁcult. A fund for Carson has been created through Wells Fargo Bank, called Carson Strong. Donations can be made at any bank throughout the country.

• Cole Sports Report .......... Pages 10 & 11 • CCHS Speech and Debate Results....... Page 20

Pilots for Christ and Aero Angel Provide Critical Assistance to Rural Areas

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

Call for details Anne Peterson 307.299.4662

Individuals in Wyoming in need of critical expedient access to health care have two options available. Two separate organizations, Aero Angel and Pilots for Christ, are willing to help individuals in time of need. Aero Angel, based in Denver Colorado, ﬂies nationwide. Pilots for Christ ﬂies in Wyoming and surrounding areas. In remote areas of Wyoming, and even larger areas such as Denver, medical care can be crucial to those who have serious medical conditions. Finding the means to get to a medical facility, which can treat certain medical conditions in an expedient manner, is imperative. If the medical services an individual needs are thousands of miles away, successful treatment may be dependent on getting to the Doctor or Surgeon who can treat their condition. Aero Angel focuses on improving the lives of others in the Rocky Mountains and throughout the United States. Flights for children to special camps, as well as military members who are wounded, use a service dog, or have loss of limbs and need to travel to events, retreats, and reunions can be recipients of this service. A passenger on Aero Angel must meet a few physical conditions as it is unable to transport individuals on

stretchers. Aero Angel, a nonprofit organization, can quickly cover the entire country by flying long distances in high performance aircraft. These aircraft can be flown in the most severe weather conditions by professional pilots who follow the safety standards of most major airlines. An unpaid mission assistant accompanies the passengers during the flights. These flights are paid for by donations, not by the individuals who need the critical transport. Aero Angel has a low overhead costs, with 100% of the donations going directly to the flights. The board of directors, along with other staff, are volunteers who donate their time to help individuals in need. A more local organization flies closer to home and can collaborate with Aero Angels. This organization is called Pilots for Christ. Both organizations are non-profit, however they serve in different ways. Pilots for Christ International (PCI), is a non-profit organization. The Wyoming Chapter has a mission to help relocate patients and family members in need of emergency transportation and focuses on serving patents and family with cost and time concerns in Wyoming and surrounding areas.

According to the Pilots for Christ website, “We will use only honest and ethical means in serving those in need. We provide our services free of charge to any needy person, regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic identity.” William Starrs, of Parkesburg, Pennsylvania founded Pilots for Christ to dedicate a pilot’s love of flying to God. Pilots use their skills as missionary work in the areas in which they live. “Our Lords Air force,” is the message they deliver when they are flying. Pilots for Christ International has no paid staff and is run through volunteers. The organization does not own any aircraft; the aircraft used are those available to the individual pilots. Donations to Pilots for Christ are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3). General Information for Pilots for Christ International (PCI), The Wyoming Chapter ispci_wy@vcn. com or by phone at 307-622-7249 Donations to Aero Angel are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3). Contributions can be sent to Aero Angel, 1550 Larimer Street, Suite 899, Denver, Colorado 80202. For questions about contributions or flights email Aero Angel at mark@ aeroangel.org

New Representative Chosen By Holly Galloway ampbell County Commissioners recently chose a new representative for house district 52. Troy Mader, of rural Campbell County, is now in Cheyenne representing citizens from this district. Mader takes over the seat that Sue Wallis held until her untimely death in January. The commissioners spent nearly three hours publicly interviewing three applicants that were chosen by their district precinct men and women. The nominees were Anthony Johnson, Mader, and Janet Mader. An executive session was held directly afterwards, then a public vote was taken on the applicants. Four commissioners voted for Mader and one commissioner voted for Janet Mader. Each applicant was asked

a list of twenty questions that the commissioners had prepared. The applicants were given the questions a few minutes before the interview began. When asked what special talents or experience he had to be a good representative Mader responded that, “I know the district because I drove it as a County Sherriff Deputy.” Mader was born and raised in Campbell County and has lived here most of his life. When questioned about what he thought the most important subjects that will be for Wyoming during the next three years Mader said, “Budget, funding, and federal government encroachment on our state.” He is very upset about the EPA’s ruling that the city of Riverton is on Reservation land.

“Conservation is the wise and prudent use of natural resources,” Mader said. “We cannot survive without using the earth’s resources.” Education is another concern to Mader. He believes that Wyoming is top

in spending for each public school student, yet we are in the middle for outcomes. Building relationships, Mader said would be the number one thing he would do if he were appointed to this seat.

Photo by Holly Galloway

Community

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Campbell County Master Gardeners By Kathy Hall ust who are these Master Gardener’s and what do they do? This is something many wonder about but few really know. Let’s change that situation and get to know this group of dedicated people. Master Gardeners are a group of people with a love of plants and growing that have a strong desire to learn more about their fascination and share that knowledge. Master Gardener trainees receive educational training in horticulture from UW Extension Educators and learn about botany, soils, ﬂowers, trees, shrubs, lawns, vegetables, fruits, entomology, pesticide safety, and diagnosing plant problems. After completing their training they are required to give back to their community by donating at least 40 hours a year of their time educating, volunteering for projects or answering questions and addressing plant issues within their county. They are also required to complete ongoing education every year to enhance their knowledge base and skills. The Master Gardener’s offer many opportunities to the public for education throughout the year with several annual projects and activities. They have provided booths at the Gillette home show and do educational activities with several schools and children such as the Ag Expo and the Meadowlark Expo. Volunteers give workshops on tree planting and the group offers seminars on many horticulture topics. One such expo they have sponsored in conjunction with the City of Gillette is the Garden and Landscape Educational Expo coming up on May 31st. This daylong event will include several talks by nationally known gardening expert Melinda Myers. Other workshops and hands on events will be highlighted throughout the day as well as an indoor vendors and farmers market will be offered. These workshops are free to the public and we encourage anyone interested to come out and enjoy the speakers and learn how to deal with some of the issues that face us in our unique growing climate. The Master Gardeners are involved in much more than just educational expos and you can ﬁnd their handy work in our 3 community gardens (2 in Gillette and one in Wright). The MG assist in managing and overseeing these gardens and are eager to promote gardening in our communities and will gladly help any with questions or problems. The long established North Community Garden in Gillette is a statement to

the success of community gardening. This garden located across the street from the new fire department it is a sight to behold during the summer teaming with life and growing some impressive gardens. The much younger Prairie Community Garden located on the North side of the Gillette College tech center is still going through growing pains as the college and master gardeners continue to build, grow and expand this exciting newcomer. And of course there is our Coal Country Community Garden located in Wright directly behind the City Maintenance Shop off Hwy 387. This garden built by the City of Wright last spring and managed by a board of local gardeners and Master Gardeners is ready for another season of action. With extremely low fees it offers a place for those ‘land poor’ gardeners to practice their trade. Actually anyone could benefit from a plot at the garden from the first timer to the old pro. For the first timer growing in a community garden offers you the chance to learn from seasoned gardeners who are always more than happy to share their knowledge and lend a helping hand. This season we will also be offering a few raised beds especially for anyone with mobility issues. It is a great way to garden without the difficulty of bending. Plot applications for all three gardens are available now through the CC Extension office or locally at the Wright Town Hall. Master Gardeners are also responsible for the Gillette Farmers Market. The market provides a place for local growers and producers to sell their wares providing an excellent source of locally grown and crafted products that are healthy and fresh. Not only does this promote local businesses and growers but it reduces the environmental footprint of products and buts you in direct contact with the producer. Farmers markets take place weekly through the summer on Saturday mornings in the Gillette College Tech Center parking lot. With all the success in the past several years and the expanding market they are also expanding their season with several earlier spring markets and also later into the fall as well as a few winter markets in the works. What else do the Master Gardeners do? They put on an Herb Festival each summer highlighting

To submit ideas or your own articles go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net or email us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com

herbs, their uses and herbal foods and products. This summer the herb festival will be presented in conjunction with a July Farmers Market for your one stop convenience. Master Gardeners adopted another long standing event a few years back and are now the sponsors or the annual summer Garden Walk in Gillette. This activity for the public allows tours of several select landscapes on event day to show the creativity and abilities of outstanding gardeners in our challenging climate. I invite you to get to know your local Master Gardeners, call upon their services (always free to the public) and expertise with your gardening and landscape issues and questions. Attend some of the great educational expos and events to learn more about our area and horticulture and even volunteer to help. You can contact the local Master Gardeners through the County Extension Ofﬁce in the GAMB building on Gillette Avenue in Gillette or call Hannah Hopp (our extension horticulture and MG agent) 307-682-7281. She can put you in contact with a MG or give you more information on our events and activities.

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.

Campbell County Observer

CampbellCountyObserver.net (307) 670-8980 1001 S. Douglas Hwy. B-6 • Gillette, WY 82716 (PP-1) Volume 4 Issue 9 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,

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

7/-3

6/-8

16/-7

14/2

27/15

33/19

30/18

Precipitation: 50% Wind: ESE at 15

Precipitation: 30% Wind: NNE at 9

Precipitation: 30% Wind: N at 7

Precipitation: 0% Wind: SSW at 7

Precipitation: 0% Wind: SW at 11

Precipitation: 10% Wind: W at 11

Precipitation: 20% Wind: NW 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 28 - March 7, 2014

Game and Fish Offers Online Hunter Education Course yoming hunters needing to fill the state’s hunter education requirement will now have the option of taking a new state approved online hunter education course. The course brings new technologies and enhancements for students through Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc. and Hunter-ed.com. “The Hunter-ed.com course features interactive content, Wyoming specific content, and videos that are designed to be engaging while presenting important safety information,” said Game and Fish hunter education coordinator, Jim Dawson. “The lessons and these short videos cover safety topics such as hunting safety, firearm safety, hunting from a ground blind, effectiveness of blaze orange, and all topics required in a standard Wyoming hunter education course.” Dawson said that Hunter-ed.com’s Wyoming course will teach the same state-approved content that is used in traditional classes so students can expect a high-quality education online. “The new videos and the ability to take the course on multiple devices, including smartphones, make this a great option for those Wyoming students who have busy schedules and can’t make the traditional course, Dawson said.” Dawson emphasized that students will still need to complete the handson Internet Field Day before they can earn their hunter education card. Those considering obtaining their hunter education certification via the

online hunter education course should do the following: 1. Check the WGFD website to determine whether a traditional hunter education class or the new online hunter education course is right for them. http://wgfd.wyo.gov. 2. Complete the online hunter education course at hunter-ed.com/ Wyoming and print off a completion voucher. Students choosing the online hunter education course pay hunter-ed.com a fee of $19.50 to print a voucher. Students may need to pay up to $10 to the internet field day assessor to cover field day supplies. 3. Check the Course Listing Schedule to see which internet field day fits into personal schedules. The schedules for all hunter education classes are posted on http://wgfd.wyo.gov. 4. Register for an internet field day while on the WGFD’s website. Registration for all hunter education classes and internet field days now requires a sportsman identification number (SPID). Creation of a SPID asks for first name, last name, date of birth, last four digits of your social security number, Email, and home address. 5. Attendance at the Internet Field Day to complete the entrance exam, firearms handling assessment, and final exam. 6. Upon completion of Internet Field Day requirements a certificate of completion (valid for two weeks) is issued. A visit to the Game and Fish website after two weeks allow students to print a permanent hunter education card.

The Game and Fish will continue to offer the traditional hunter education classes taught by certified volunteers and Game and Fish employees. Game and Fish recommends that younger students participate in a traditional class as they will have the opportunity to engage with hands-on activities and create relationships with Game and Fish staff and knowledgeable hunter education instructors. Wyoming law requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1966 to complete hunter education prior to taking any wildlife with a firearm, with exceptions for those hunting on family lands or for those enrolled in the Hunter Mentor Program. Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., parent company of hunter-ed.com, is an official provider of recreational safety education materials for all 50 states. An American company based in Dallas, Texas, Kalkomey produces print and Internet courses that have provided official safety certification since 1995. Kalkomey offers safety courses in boating, hunting, bowhunting, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile operation. For more information, visit http://www.kalkomey.com/ For more information or to register for one of Wyoming’s hunter education courses, please visit the Game and Fish website at wgfd.wyo.gov and click on education. (Contact: Jim Dawson 307-4733400 or Joetta Osborne 307-7774538)

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

307-686-6666

Find the Solution on Page 19

Veterans Assistance in Crook, Campbell and Weston Counties

A state of Wyoming veterans service officer from the Wyoming Veterans Commission will conduct community outreach services in Wyoming cities throughout March. Brian Yeager is available to meet with veterans and their families to discuss state and federal veterans’ benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs claims, or VA healthcare. Yeager can also help veterans and their families apply for benefits, file claims or request healthcare. His office is staffed in Gillette, at 551 Running W. Drive, Suite 100, and he will also be available at the following locations: *Sundance - March 4, at the Crook County Courthouse, 309 E. Cleveland St.,

from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. *Newcastle - March 11, at the Department of Workforce Services, 2013 W. Main St., from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. *Hulett - March 18, at the Greater Hulett Community Center, 401 Sager St., from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. During periods of inclement weather, please check with the staff at the outreach locations to ensure the veterans service ofﬁcer will be available. Yeager, a former U.S. Marine, is available to meet with veterans and their families from Campbell, Crook and Weston counties in addition to the scheduled outreach. Please contact him at 307-6965048 for more information, or to schedule an appointment.

Penrose Place Apartments

in Sheridan, WY Great News for Seniors 62 Yrs of Age or Older Comfortable One-Bedroom Apartments Accepting Applications for Seniors

CALL 307-751-7110 307-672-0475 TTY (800) 877-9965

• Rent Based on Income, HUD 202 PRAC Program • On-Site Community Administrator • Off Street Parking • Mailboxes on Premises • Laundry Facility •Gas, Water, Sewer & Trash Pickup Paid by Penrose Place • Community Room Available for Social Gatherings and Meetings For More Information or Application: 1876 S. Sheridan Avenue • Sheridan, WY 82801 • 307-672-0475

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

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.

Find the Solution on Page 19

Community

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Hope’s Haven - Journey of Faith

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

y husband, Mark and I have created our family through adoption. When we started into the adoption process we heard stories of people waiting for years for a child and of failed adoptions. I think we heard more negative stories than we did positive stories about adoption. We filed our paperwork with the adoption agency in January 1997 and we thought we were in for a long wait. To our surprise the agency contacted us two months later to tell us that we had been chosen by a birthmother to parent her child. It was totally surreal. The whole process went smoothly and a month after the initial phone call we were the proud parents of a tiny baby girl. Through prayer we felt led by God to start the adoption process again in April 1999. My husband felt very secure that it was time to try and adopt again. I can’t say that I felt ready for another child but I did feel that God was calling us to add to our family through adoption again. The first adoption went so easily we assumed the second one would too. We were wrong. Our second adoption was a journey of faith and staying committed to something we felt God had called us to do. It was an emotional road, filled with joys, sorrows and times of discontentment. Psalms 37:24 says “though man my stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” After it was all said and done, it was easy to look back and see how God was right beside us and how He held our hand through every inch of our journey. We had chosen to use the same adoption agency we had used with our first adoption. We felt that they gave a great deal of care to the birthmothers. After our first adoption we realized how important that was and how much support the birthmother needs. The ladies that worked for the agency were Godly women that loved what they did and didn’t consider it work. The adoption process was slow. It wasn’t until March of 2000 (eleven months later) that a friend of ours who is

an attorney contacted us about a possible adoption. He had been contacted by a fellow attorney in another part of our state that was looking for a family for a young woman that wanted to place her baby for adoption. The young woman was looking for a family that lived in the country and had horses, we ﬁll the bill. Our friend wanted to know if we would be interested in pursuing the situation and we told him we were. We contacted the adoption agency to let them know that we were pursuing a situation with the attorney. We knew the baby was a boy and he was to be born in mid April. We had chosen the name Noah for him and waited anxiously for him to arrive. As mid April approached a very uneasy feeling come over me. I could no longer talk about ‘Noah’. The due date came and went and we did not heard anything. A week after the baby was due our attorney called to tell us that the young woman had decided to keep the baby after he was born. We were joyful for her but felt the loss of our child. At that point it has been a year since we had started on our quest to add to our family. Time seemed to drag on. Summer came and I found myself in an emotional turmoil. I can’t say that patience’s is my strong point. I seemed to lack a sense of peace in my life. One day I found myself reading Habakkuk 2:3, it says that at the appointed time whatever God has planned for you will come and even though it may take a while, we need to wait on it. That gave me strength to move forward and reminded me that God is faithful and in control. My husband was the steady one through the process. He knew that when the child we were supposed to adopt was ready, God would put us where we needed to be. In September the adoption agency contacted us. Our daughters’ birthmother had a baby that was six months old. She was living in an abusive situation and she and the baby needed to get out of it. She decided that she wanted us to take the baby. There were a lot of issues with the situation. First off, the birth father would not relinquish his rights, so we would not be able to adopt the child. The other concern with the situation was what would happen to the birthmother if she relinquished the baby. She had already experienced that grief of placing one child for adoption, now she was facing it with the second child, a baby that she had taken care of for six months. There was the fear that she may not be able to emotionally handle it. Mark and I agree to do whatever she asked even if it meant taking the child for a short time while she relocated and get on her feet. After about a week of decision making, the birth mother decided to keep the child. The adoption agency helped her ﬁnd some resources to better her situation. It was somewhat heartbreaking but we knew

that it would be best for her to keep the child. Thirteen years later I can easily say that she is a wonderful mother to that child and they have had a successful life together. As fall came, I felt discontent again. We had been in the holding pattern for a year and a half. Adoption can be a little bit of an emotional roller coaster, sometimes it’s hard to keep your emotions in check. I went through a spell where I prayed for God to take the desire of adopting another child away from me. It didn’t work, it only made me realize how much adoption was His plan not mine. I have anchored my life to these words from Psalm 37:4-7, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Him and He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn and the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still and wait patiently on the Lord.” To delight yourself in the Lord means to spend time in His word, the Bible. It means to take time to pray and time to be still and listen to Him. When we take time to know God and have that personal relationship with Him, He will show us the path He wants us to take. He will lay it on our hearts what He wants for us, Gods desires will become our desires. God’s will is perfect and when we follow it we will find peace and contentment like we have never known. Unfortunately, there is nowhere in these verses that say it will be easy and it will come when we want it to. I knew God had laid the desire on my heart to adopt another child and I could not walk away from what He was asking of me. These verses also revealed to me that I needed to wait and God would make His way shine. I remember being in a restaurant during this time of discontentment and listening to two ladies talk about a mutual friend of theirs. It seems their friend and her husband had been waiting to adopt a baby and one day out of blue, the social worker from the hospital called them and said a baby had been born and the birth mother needed someone to adopt it and wanted to know if they were interested. I wanted to say out loud ‘that never happens’, but I didn’t. I kept that thought to myself. I would soon find out that I was wrong about that, it can happen. The first part of December came and our friends John and Kay who had been in the adoption process were getting ready to fly out of state to meet with a birth mother that was ready to deliver and wanted them to adopt her baby. It was an exciting time. They left on their journey with the hope of returning home with their fourth child. Several days after they left we received a call from them letting us know that shortly after the baby was born the birth mother

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

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

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

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 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

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

New Life Wesleyan Church 682-5642 1000 Comanche Ave Gillette, WY Sun. 9:15 & 10:45 Church Of Christ 682-2528 1204 T-7 Ln Gillette, WY Sun. Bible Study 9am Sun. Worship 10am & 6pm

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

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

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

First Baptist Church 682-4816 501 S Gillette Ave Gillette, WY Sun. 10:45am Sunday School for All Ages at 9:30am

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

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

Christian Church 682-3316 100 E Flying Circle Dr Gillette, WY Sun 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

Cornerstone Church Of God 686-6429 406 S Brooks Ave Gillette, WY Sun. School 9:15am Worship 10:30 First Presbyterian Church 682-7264 511 Carey Ave Gillette, WY Sun. Sun. 10am Wed 6pm Adult Bible Study & P-K – 7th, 8th – 12th 6:30pm

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

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

Continued on Page 5 Jesus Christ of LDS 555 Wright Blvd. Wright, WY 9am Sun. Worship 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

Hope’s Haven...

decided to keep him. I can’t begin to describe the grief I felt for them. My heart ached for what they were facing. The memories of our own failed adoption months earlier flooded my mind. That night after we received the news from John and Kay about their adoption, I got on my knees to pray. I prayed that God would give them peace and comfort. I also prayed for Mark and I to see what God wanted from us. I asked God once again to take the desire of another child away, I did not feel I could go on with adoption because I was emotionally exhausted. Sometimes in moments when I’m not sure where to turn in the Bible for answers, I will pick it up and let it open to where it wants. That night I did that. I asked God to speak to me through His word and show me what He wanted me to know. My Bible fell open to 1 Samuel 1 and I began to read. The first book of Samuel tells about the birth of Samuel. Hannah, Samuels’s mother had tried for many years to conceive but was unable to. Hannah was faithful and prayed for many years for children. One day Hannah prayed to God, asking that He find favor in her and then she worshipped Him. The following day she conceived Samuel. I only felt more confused and asked God to show me what He was trying to tell me. The following morning, I picked up my daily devotional book and it took me to the story of Elizabeth being barren for many years and then in her old age God gave her a son. I knew that it was not a coincidence that I read these verses, but I was not sure what God was trying to tell me. Little did I know God was about to reveal something amazing and unimaginable.

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Continued from Page 4

Several days went by and I knew through God’s word that He was at work. I just didn’t know where or how until I found the message on the answering machine from the adoption agency. The agency wanted Mark and I to call them as soon as possible, so I did. There had been a baby boy born at 7:34 p.m. the previous evening. They explained the situation to us. The baby had been born by emergency C-section because he was in distress. They went on to tell us that the birth family had never intended on keeping the child, but they had never made an adoption plan for him either. The next morning we met our new son. He was perfect in every way. We brought our little boy home and started life as a family of four. We thought of adoption journey of faith was over and all was well. In adoption when the birthmother does not have health insurance it is the responsibility of the adoptive parents to pay for the birth. Our son’s birthmother did not have health insurance. At the time that he was born the adoption agency contacted the hospital and all the caregivers to get an estimate of what the cost was going to be so they could pass that information on to us. We felt comfortable with the cost and it was what we were expecting to pay. We had settled into life with a newborn and a three year old. Life was good. When our baby was six weeks old we received a call from the adoption agency. It is then that we found out our journey of faith was not over. It was also the real beginning of God showing us that He is in control and that His path is the perfect path. The call from the adoption agency was to tell us that they had received all the bills for our son’s birth and they were almost double what had been estimated. The caseworker

at the agency said that she was going to write letters to all the caregivers and explain the situation to them and see if they would reduce their fees. We felt pretty overwhelmed with the situation, but we got our feet underneath us and put our faith were it belonged. We knew that this was the child that God had chosen for us and He would make it all work out. Over the next few weeks we received calls and emails from the adoption agency updating us on the responses from the caregivers. It was totally amazing to see God at work. It ended up that the hospital reduced their bill by twenty ﬁve percent, the anesthesiologist and the OB/GYN took ﬁfty percent off their bills and the pediatrician decided that her bill should be thrown away. We were in totally amazed at the generosity. However, the good news about the medical bills was not over. The adoption agency had received a grant from a foundation out of North Carolina that helped adoptive families with medical expenses and they chose to give the grant to us. When it was all said and done our adoption expenses were less than we had anticipated. God was truly in control. This is just one of the many stories that I could tell of how God has walked with me in the storms of life. Isaiah 41:13 says “For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” God has a hold of our hand through the good and the bad and through the simple and the complex things in life. Hebrews 13:3 states that God will never leave us or forsake us. God can make anything come to pass. Life is truly a journey of faith. God Bless You, Kathy from Gillette, WY

The Campbell County Observer and our Sponsors are PROUD to show support of Powder River Basin Coal! WHAT COAL DID IN JUST Provided more than half the electricity for 3 billion people.... 10 times the population of the U.S.

Enables the production of 2.4 MILLION metric tons of steel.

Generated power equivalent to 1,340 nuclear power plants.

Fuels about 60% of China’s industrial sector.

Produced 23 TWh of electricity....more than gas, wind and hydro COMBINED. Provided over 40% of the power for 300 BILLION e-mails. 75 MILLION ”tweets” and the activation of 350,000 Androids.

2900 South Douglas Hwy • Gillette, WY 82717 Phone (307) 685-2702 • Fax (307) 685-2710 Toll Free (855) 685-2702 • www.thebank-gillette.com

SWEDE’S SPECIALTIES

Standing Tall For The Coal Industry!

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

307-686-0588

Phone: 307-685-3301

Proud Coal Supporters!

Home Brew has Natural Pro Biotics and No Preservatives AND its Less Expensive and Healthier!

www.majormetalservice.com

Check out our web site for a variety of products

5005 Rourke Ave. P.O. box 1655 Gillette, WY 82717

Coal Miners Rock!

6am-2am Monday Thru Friday Sunday 6am to 11pm Happy Hour Mon- Fri 6:30am to 8:00 am and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Supports The Coal Industry

Proudly Supports Coal!

www.swedesspecialties.com

Phone: (307) 682-5153 800-284-8182 Fax (307) 682-0356

Community

February 28 - March 7, 2014

In My Garden... By Kathy Hall Campbell County Master Gardener khgardenhelp@gmail.com h dear, I am experiencing major writers block this week. Normally I can talk or write for hours on anything green but today….it all seems white. Maybe I’ll start some more seed… When starting seed there are so many things you might want to know so I’ll try to address the basics. First you will need some supplies: 1) Seed; I assume by now you have either purchased or ordered you flower and vegetable seeds or have a plan on when you will get them. Fresh seed will germinate the best but if stored properly (cool, dry, dark) your seeds can stay viable for years. I am using some tomato and pepper seeds this year that are 5+ years old and only experiencing a small decrease in germination rates. 2) Container; anything can be used from that empty yogurt cup to the expensive grow system containers. Meet the requirement of the plants and they don’t care what you grow in. What requirements you may ask? Something that will hold adequate growing medium and drainage so don’t forget to poke a hole in the bottom of that yogurt cup! I have not used every possible container out there to start my seedlings but over the years I have tried quite a few and had discussions concerning many others so let’s look at some now. Plastic container ex. Yogurt cups, cottage cheese containers etc. These work quite well as long as you poke several holes in the bottom to allow good drainage. Their size is adequate to grow the seedling most times until it is ready to be transplanted in the garden. It is essential that you remove the container gently before transplanting as the roots cannot grow through the container and it will not decompose. Egg carton or eggshells in the cartons are something I have been asked about recently. If you are starting your seedlings in one or both of these plan on transplanting to a larger container rather quickly after they get their first true leaves. Egg cartons and shells are a bit small to consider growing in for any length of time. The idea that they are decomposable (paper cartons of course) and you can transplant directly without removing the carton or shell can be a bit deceiving. Yes they will decompose but not quickly enough for the plant thrive this season. I always break the shell or peel off the carton before transplanting. Do note that the rough and porous surface of paper cartons can be difficult to remove as the roots of the plant can actually attach

to the paper as they grow. Using the commercial 6 packs or pots that you purchase your bedding plants in from the store work well but depending on the size used (6pk vs 3”, 4” etc.) you may have to plan on transplanting seedlings to larger pots before their move outdoors. Make sure if you are reusing any pot or container to sterilize it before planting. Clean the container then soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. This will kill any pests or bacteria that can decimate your delicate seedlings. Peat pots or jiffy peat pellets have worked well for me in the past also. These can be direct planted without removing the pots when your seedlings are ready to make their move to the garden or larger pot. Peat pots are usually large enough that they can house your seedlings up until garden time but I have always moved my seedlings from the jiffy peat pellets to a larger container long before the weather allowed transplant. The pellets have the growing medium compressed within them already so they are ready for seed where the peat pots require a planting medium. I think that is one reason I like the pellets so much. They are quick and simple when starting large quantities of seeds. I can transplant a few at a time at a later date. I’ll end with my favorite of all, the paper pots. I make my own using a form I purchased and old newspapers. After cutting the paper into strips it wraps around the form then by folding under the bottom and twisting it in the base you create perfect little pot. These must be filled with a growing medium and are large enough I transplant my jiffy pellets into them directly. They can then, when the time is right, be planted directly into the garden without being removed as they decompose quickly. Other paper products can be used as well, paper towel, or toilet paper rolls can make decent starting pots by placing them in a tray and filling with soil. The roots will grow down and out of the bottom and it is a great way to recycle. If you are trying to stay on a budget see what you can find in your home for starting you seedlings. They really are not that picky as long as you give them what they need to grow. Next week we will talk about the other supplies required to get your garden growing early! Until then, Happy growing everybody! Guess my writer’s block is cured….

The Dinner Bell By Holly Galloway

Old man winter is not letting loose. A warm meal at the end of the work day feels good especially on cold days. I decided to have two main dish recipes for this column. Both of these recipes take little preparation time.

Sour Cream Enchiladas

Fill tortillas with whatever you like (meat, beans, cheese) 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 Container of Sour Cream ½ Can Milk 1 Can Green Chili Peppers, chopped Grated Cheese Heat the coup and milk. Remove from the heat and add the sour cream and chili peppers. Spread a small amount around in the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan. Place the Filled tortillas on top of the mixture. Then spread the rest of the mixture on top. Sprinkle the cheese all around the pan. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Easy Red Beans and Rice

1 pkg. smoked sausage, sliced 1 Can Kidney Beans 1 Can Diced Tomatoes 2 T. Chili Powder 2 C Minute Rice, uncooked Shredded Cheddar Cheese Cook sausage until browned. Add the beans, tomatoes and chili powder. Mix well. Stir in 2 cups water and bring it to a boil. Stir in the rice and shredded cheese. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer 5-7 minutes until the rice is cooked. If you have a good winter recipe you would like to share please email me at H.Galloway@CampbellCountyObserver. 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

Campbell County Observer

Community

Campbell County Observer

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Campbell Co. Fire Dept. February 19, 2014 - At 6:19 a.m. to 12664 N Highway 59 for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived on scene to find light smoke in the basement of the residence; the smoke was coming from a coal burning furnace. The coal hopper had run out of coal and the smoke filled the hopper and eventually the basement, no fire extension was found in the basement area. - At 8:53 a.m. to Adon Road for an EMS assist. - At 9:54 a.m. to Mountain Meadow Lane for an automatic fire alarm activation. Fire crews were cancelled while en route to the scene. - At 10:52 a.m. to Wyodak

Road, Wyodak Coal Mine for the report of a silo with smoke showing. Upon arrival personnel found that there had been a malfunction with a suppression system in one of the electrical buildings. There was no fire found. February 20, 2014 - At 1:46 p.m. to West Shoshone Avenue for an EMS assist. February 21, 2014 - At 7:03 a.m. to the Timber Creek Rd. for a oil tank pump house on fire, there was one worker injured in the fire. The fire was contained to the pump house with heat damage to one large oil tank. The cause is under investigation.

- At 12:16 p.m. to George Washington Road for an EMS assist. - At 7:36 p.m. to Highway 50 for an EMS assist. February 22, 2014 - At 4:03 a.m. to S. Garner Lake Rd. for an EMS assist. - At 10:38 a.m. to the 2100 block of Daybreak Dr. for a CO detector activation, firefighters arrived and found no signs of CO in the residence. Firefighters on scene replaced the batteries in the combination smoke/CO detectors and reset the detectors. February 23, 2014 - At 11:58 a.m. to North Highway 14 16 near the airport for a two ve-

hicle accident with minor injuries. - At 12:01 p.m. to 401 E. Lakeway for a report of an electrical issue in the parking lot. Upon arrival they found an extension cord smoking in a puddle of water, the other end was plugged in, inside of a business that was locked. A company representative responded and the cord was unplugged. - At 4:25 p.m. to 904 Country Club (Candlewood Suites) for an automatic ﬁre alarm, pull station activation. The ﬂoors were searched, nothing found. The alarm system was reset and building re occupied. - At 7:24 p.m. to Adon Rd. for an EMS assist. - At 11:27 p.m. to Ariel for an

EMS assist. February 24, 2014 - At 11:57 a.m. to Newton Road for an EMS assist. - At 2:57 p.m. to Wagonhammer Lane for an EMS assist. - At 3:03 p.m. to Juniper Lane for an odor investigation inside of a building. The odor was determined to come from a glycol line that had broken. - At 5:57 p.m. to Limecreek Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 8:27 p.m. to 1000 West Lakeway Road for an automatic ﬁre alarm. CCFD determined the alarm was caused by a silk screening machine.

What’s Going On? COMMUNITY Friday, February 28, 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. - Dodgeball Tournament-Olivia Clyde Benefit at Cam-Plex Central Pavilion 5 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 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. -Van Gogh Kiddos at the AVA Community Center 10 a.m. -Dance Competition - Star Power Talent at Cam-Plex Heritage Center 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. - Team Roping - ACTRA Spring Fling at Cam-Plex East Pavilion 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. -GARF 18th Annual Chuckle for Charities at Cam-Plex Energy Hall 6 p.m. -Sage Hopper Radio Control Flying Club at flying field on Boxelder Road (East past Cam-plex, Fox Park and Equestrian Center Call Bob for details 299-8149 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2014 -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. -Dance Competition - Star Power Talent at Cam-Plex Heritage Center 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Team Roping - ACTRA Spring Fling at Cam-Plex East Pavilion 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2014 -Girl Scout Cookies Sales February 1st - April 13th -Teen Dungeons & Dragons at Campbell County Public Library 4 p.m. -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. -GILLETTE JAYCEES at Eagles Lodge downstairs meeting room 6 to 7 p.m. -CIVIL AIR PATROL ADULT at Campbell County Airport. Ages 18 and older. Call Patricia Clark at 464-1631 for details. 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. -CELIAC SUPPORT GROUP at Sunflower Elementary School. Meets first Monday of each month. For details, call Danette at 686-3815 or Mary Waba at 682-8683 7 p.m.

-Gillette High School Rodeo Club at Rec Center Powder River Room 7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014 -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. -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. -Razor City ToastMasters at City Hall police entrance Call Rita Mashak at 687-7165 or 682-2054 6:45 a.m. -CCHS Parent Advisory Council Meeting at Campbell County High School North Campus Library 7 p.m. - Gillette Rotary Club at Towers 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. -Pottery Planet at the AVA Community Center 4 p.m. -MEN OF THE MOOSE at Moose Lodge 7 p.m. -CAMPBELL COUNTY COMMITTEE ON DISABILITIES at Campbell County Memorial Hospital classrooms 4 p.m. -Gillette EAA(Experimental Aircraft Association) at the EAA hanger at the Gillette-Campbell County Airport. Call Bob Shock for Details 307-682-0933 -Campbell County Humane Society at the Humane Society Ofﬁce 305 Commerce Drive Unit 11S 6:30 p.m. -Gabriel Media Presentations at Cam-Plex Wyoming Center-Equality Hall Conference Rooms 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 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 W. Lakeway Rd. 7 p.m. -Homeschool Art at the AVA Community Center 1 p.m. -Story Time at Wright Branch Public Library 11:15 a.m. -Immunization Clinic at Campbell County Public Health Building 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. -Energy Capital Toastmasters at Campbell County Memorial Hospital Fifth Floor Classrooms 6:45 a.m. -American Legion Riders Windriders Chapter at American Legion 200 Rockpile Blvd. 7:30 p.m. -Gabriel Media Presentations at Cam-Plex Wyoming Center-Equality Hall Conference Rooms 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 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

GOVERNMENT

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. -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. -Energy Capitol Habitat For Humanity at the Gillette College for details call Mary Kelley 685-1231 5:30 p.m. -Civil Air Patrol Cadet at Campbell County Airport (ages 12 – 18 yrs) For Details call Patricia Clark 307-4641631 7 p.m. -Gillette Main Street Power Hour at the AVA Community Center 6 p.m. -Gabriel Media Presentations at Cam-Plex Wyoming Center-Equality Hall Conference Rooms 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. -Conestoga 1st & 2nd Grade School Program at Cam-Plex Heritage Center 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 1, 2014 -NACO Legislative Conference at Washington, DC Sunday, March 2, 2014 -NACO Legislative Conference at Washington, DC Monday, March 3, 2014 -NACO Legislative Conference at Washington, DC Tuesday, March 4, 2014 -Commissioners Meeting in Chambers 9 a.m. -Mayor’s Art Council Meeting at City Hall - 3rd Floor Conference Room 5 p.m. -City Council Meeting at Council Chambers 7 p.m. -Parks & Recreation Board Quarterly Meeting at Rec Center 4 p.m. -NACO Legislative Conference at Washington, DC Wednesday, March 5, 2014 -Joint Powers Lodging Tax Board at George Amos Memorial Building 2 p.m. -NACO Legislative Conference at Washington, DC

Friday, March 7, 2014 -Campbell County Libraries ClosedBoth Branches for in Service Day -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. -Dragonﬂy Wine Glass Charms with Sandi Aberle at the AVA Community Center 7 p.m. - Poles & Barrels Jackpot: Spring Kickoff Kohr/Caldwell at Cam-Plex East Pavilion 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 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. - Gillette’s Got Talent at Cam-Plex Heritage Center 7 p.m. -Dad & Daughter Ball at Cam-Plex Wyoming Center Equality Hall 6 p.m. - Poles & Barrels Jackpot: Spring Kickoff Kohr /Caldwell at Cam-Plex East Pavilion 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. -Roller Derby Bout: Mardi Brawl (Coal Miners’ Daughters) at Cam-Plex Central Pavilion 5 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS -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

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 .com -Ranch ocking Serving ND, MT andwwWY w.EZR

Carpet ress ExpDIRECT

FRE

The Cl Fr os Thing est T o Whole sale!

ds l Foo Loca d Beef e F LLC Grass ft Horses ra and D bsite

Call

www.EZRo e

Tile, Vinyl, Laminate and Carpet Come fotoroaullrowur uct rod able p anch Will meet or beat any advertisers price! avail ing-R Se ZRock

www.E

1211 South Douglas Hwy • M-F: 9-5:30, Sat: 11-4 locally-p loca ed by

307-257-4205

Own

.com

-Ranch

g Rockin

Z www.E

C pbell Visit us online at: www.Wyo Cam carpetexpressdirect.com

FRESH RAW MILK Free information on

Cow Shares

Call 682-4808

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

www.EZRocking-Ranch.com eb

rw to ou Come for all ourducts. ro le ab p anch.com avail g-R Rockin Z .E w ww

See our other locally-produced foods at local her. c ed by Own unty Ran Co ll e b p www.WyomingGrassFed.com Cam

We Lo Fres ve h Milk

ounty

Community

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Wyoming State Science Fair March 2-4 at UW ore than 300 students from 26 Wyoming schools will compete in the Wyoming State Science Fair March 2-4 at the University of Wyoming Union Ballroom. Student projects will be open for public viewing from 1-2:30 p.m. Monday, March 3. “We invite the public to stop by to ask questions or just to enjoy the work being done in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education throughout the state,” says Wyoming State Science Fair Coordinator Joy Johnson. “This year, we have also invited Future Farmers of America members to present special interest posters in the main Wyoming Union breezeway during the fair.” The State Science Fair encourages students in Wyoming grades 6-12 to plan, organize, research, prepare and present projects of their interest. The science fair provides an avenue for students to pursue and excel in personal science interests,

and motivates them to pursue careers in related ﬁelds. “They will have the opportunity to interact with real-world scientists and get a small taste of academic discourse when they come on campus,” Johnson says. Students with winning projects may receive various monetary and non-monetary prizes or scholarship awards from local community and campus sponsors. Five top winners have the opportunity to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The ISEF, the largest pre-college science competition, will take place in Los Angeles, Calif., in May. Seven regional fairs take place throughout the state in late January and February, with winning students and their projects advancing to the Wyoming State Science Fair. Almost 700 students from around the state competed in regional fairs this year, Johnson says. Students compete in 17 cat-

egories at the state science fair: animal science; behavioral and social sciences; biochemistry; cellular and molecular biology; chemistry; computers; earth and planetary sciences; engineering: electrical and mechanical engineering; engineering: materials and bioengineering; energy and transportation; environmental management; environmental sciences; mathematics; medicine and health sciences; microbiology; physics and astronomy; and plant sciences. Projects are judged by UW content experts, community professionals and specialists from relevant industries. More than 100 volunteer judges will evaluate student projects through personal interviews, interactions and peer reviews. “In addition to showcasing their work, students will have opportunities to participate in planetarium shows and demonstrations, campus laboratory and museum tours,” Johnson says. Students representing the

following schools will be at the Wyoming State Science Fair on the UW campus: Afﬂerbach Elementary School, Cheyenne; Big Horn High School; Big Horn Middle School; Big Piney Middle School; Burns Junior High School; Casper Classical Academy; Cody Middle School; Douglas Middle School; Dubois Middle School; Fort Washakie Middle School; Greybull Middle School; Greybull High School; Holy Name Catholic School, Sheridan; Johnson Junior High School, Cheyenne; Lander Middle School; Lander Valley High School; Lander Catholic Homeschool; Laramie Junior High School; Laramie Senior High School; Lingle/Fort Laramie Middle School; and Lingle/Fort Laramie High School. Also, Little Snake River Valley Middle School, Baggs; Meeteetse schools; Monroe Intermediate School, Green River; Natrona County High School, Casper; Newcastle Middle School; Newcastle High School;

Noah Webster Christian School, Cheyenne; Pinedale Middle School; Pinedale High School; Paradise Valley Christian School, Casper; Riverton High School; Sheridan Junior High School; and Sheridan High School. Also, Snowy Range Academy, Laramie; South High School, Cheyenne; Southeast Middle School, Yoder; Southeast High School, Yoder; Spring Creek Elementary School, Laramie; St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School, Casper; Star Lane Center, Casper; Tongue River Middle School, Dayton; Tongue River High School, Dayton; Torrington Middle School; Torrington High School; Upton Middle School; Wheatland Middle School; Wind River Middle School, Pavillion; and Wind River High School, Pavillion. For more information, contact Johnson, UW Science and Math Teaching Center assistant lecturer, at (307) 766-9863 or emailjjohnson@uwyo.edu.

Legislators Urge Public Comment Campbell County’s Legislative Delegation urges their constituents to make comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its rule for carbon emissions on new coal-ﬁred power plants. The comment period is open until March 10. Senators Hines, Von Flatern and Driskill join Representatives Lubnau, Blikre, Kasperik, Barlow and Mader are urging the public to submit comments supporting a carbon emission of 1800 pounds per megawatt hour. “I’m told the EPA, along with its environmental allies, desire to make the rule

at 1100 pounds per megawatt hour,” says Senator Ogden Driskill. “Coal industry analysts inform me only 1800 pounds per megawatt hour is the best obtainable at this time.” “So if the EPA sets this rule at its desired level, we probably won’t see another coal-ﬁred plant built in the U.S,” adds Senator Von Faltern. “It’s time for the people of Wyoming to try to retake control of their destinies,” concurs Speaker Lubnau. “Submitting a comment against EPA overreach is a great ﬁrst step.” This carbon rule applies to new coal-

ﬁred power plants only. Where this rule is set will affect the building of future coalﬁred power plants. Such plants would provide a market for Wyoming coal. If the rule is set at 1800 pounds per megawatt hour it makes the building of new plants feasible. Comments on the proposed Carbon Pollution Standards for New Power Plants must reference Docket ID: EPA-HQOAR-2013-0495. Comments must be sent by March 10. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods: Online through Regulations.gov: Follow

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” - Saint Augustine

Wyoming’s Geologic Wonderland Provides Energy for the Nation Wyoming provides the nation with reliable and cost efficient energy, while also responding to a constantly changing energy environment. The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) today released its annual energy report series highlighting the state’s energy trends in supply and demand. Wyoming oil continues its upward trend, natural gas has declined but could increase as new developments come online, the coal industry is in a state of flux, and uranium production has doubled in the last year. “From a geologic standpoint, the state is rich in the key energy resources that the nation relies on to support manufacturing, heat homes, and provide electricity,” says Tom Drean, director of the WSGS. The WSGS annual report series covers a range of topics on Wyoming’s energy resources, from the geologic formations where the fossil fuels were originally discovered, to technological advances in drilling and mining operations. The WSGS provides its energy reports each year to the Wyoming Legislature during its session. Copies are also available at the WSGS headquarters in Laramie as well as in downloadable pdfs on the agency’s website. “If Wyoming stopped producing coal, natural gas, and uranium, significant portions of the U.S. would go dark in a couple of months,” Drean says. Altogether, Wyoming’s energy resources produce about 10 quadrillion Btus (British thermal units) of energy each year. “This is a significant amount of energy,” Drean says. One Btu is approximately equivalent to the amount of heat created by burning one matchstick. A 20-minute shower takes approximately 44,000 Btus. A gallon of gasoline for a car contains about 125,000 Btus. Generating electricity, heating water, and providing for a variety of industrial processes all require different forms of energy.

Coal is the largest domestically produced source of energy in America and is used to generate more than half of the nation’s electricity. Wyoming is the top-coal producing state in the nation. In 2012, the state produced approximately 401 million tons. Although the Powder River Basin provides the lion’s share of all coal sales to U.S. markets, 2013 estimates indicate that the state’s production fell by 3.3 percent from 2012, from 401 million tons to 388 million tons. This drop is largely attributed to low natural gas prices that have resulted in many utilities switching from coal to natural gas-fired power plants. A decrease in demand for electricity nationwide was also noted as a factor. “The future use of Wyoming’s coal seems certain but the question is just how it will be used,” says Chris Carroll, coal geologist with the WSGS. “Compared to other coal deposits in the U.S., Wyoming’s coal is a low-cost, low-sulfur resource,” Carroll says. “What has already impacted Wyoming’s coal production are the more stringent limits on carbon dioxide power plant emissions from new coal-fired power plants which has led to fuel switching to natural gas,” he says. “However, if Wyoming can increase its export options, particularly to countries in Asia and India where demand for high-quality low-sulfur coal is increasing, production of the state’s coal could continue to grow,” he says. Carroll also noted that the inexpensive cost of mining Wyoming coal has led to lower U.S. electricity rates in general. “Coal-fired electric power is not subject to as much price volatility as natural gas.” There are a number of factors that determine whether an energy resource will increase or decline in production, including national demand, competition, and pricing. The same is true for Wyoming’s oil and gas resources. Oil is on track to continue to grow, while

natural gas remains in a steady decline. In 2012, more than 57.5 million barrels of oil were produced in Wyoming, and a total of 2.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (fifth nationally). “In 2013, there was a significant increase in oil production, especially in Converse, Campbell, and Laramie counties,” says Rachel Toner, oil and gas geologist at the WSGS. “We believe this increased production is primarily because of new drilling technology and the development of unconventional plays.” More than 63 million barrels of oil were produced from Wyoming reservoirs in 2013, up nearly 10 percent from 2012. However, natural gas production has declined by approximately 8 percent since 2012. The WSGS created and regularly updates a map with information on new oil and gas projects on federal lands in Wyoming. “This map is useful because it shows the locations and details of each new development project,” Toner says. “Many of the larger projects are targeting natural gas fields, and if developed could help offset Wyoming’s declining gas production.” Currently, 17 projects are in the federal permitting or early development phase. There are also a number of uranium projects soon to come out of federal environmental review processes. In 2011, the state had two active mines. That number doubled to four active mines in 2013. Final numbers for yellowcake production in 2013 will likely exceed 2.5 million pounds. “This number will increase as more mining operations come online this year,” says Robert Gregory, uranium geologist of the WSGS. “Nuclear power is becoming more attractive as an energy source because it is clean and over the long run, may be more reliable than other fossil fuel resources,” he says. The United States is currently a net importer of

the on-line instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: Comments may be sent by electronic mail (e-mail) to: a-and-r-Docket@ epa.gov. Fax: Fax your comments to: 202-5669744. Mail: Send your comments to: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20460 All comments must include Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0495.

uranium. Forecasts point to a large gap worldwide between primary supply and demand. “With new operations in Wyoming, the state could help ﬁll this gap when it comes to U.S. demand,” Gregory says. Wyoming has the largest uranium reserves in the U.S. This resource was concentrated in Wyoming’s basins by water carrying it from volcanic and granitic source rocks. Wyoming’s basins – vistas of low buttes and mesas with sparse vegetation – hold the state’s wealth in these energy resources. Along the edges of the basins are layers of sedimentary rock that contain, among other minerals, limestone, gypsum, and bentonite that are suitable for mining. Farther out in the basins are uranium deposits and coal ﬁelds, and the strata within the basins act as reservoirs for oil and gas. Wyoming’s basins are what many consider geologic wonders and continue to be viable sources for the nation’s energy needs.

Surplus Unlimited 801 Carlisle • 682-9451

Subscribe Now Mail this form, along with payment, to our office at 707 W. Third St. Gillette, WY 82716

26 Weeks - $25.00 52 Weeks - $50.00

Name Address Phone Number To Pay with a Credit/Debit Card, please call our office at (307) 670-8980 or visit our website at www.CampbellCountyObserver.com

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

PREFERRED PROVIDERS

• 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

Community

Campbell County Observer

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Visitors Coming to “Roam Free” in Wyo Surges to Record Highs

Severe Weather Class Scheduled he warmer weather in the past week may have you thinking Spring is just around the corner but the reality is some of the snowiest months of the year are still to come. However, if you’re thinking ahead to Thunderstorms, Hail and Tornadoes, you may want to mark down Thursday, April 10th on your calendar. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Susan Sanders of the National Weather Service’s Rapid City Forecast Ofﬁce will be conducting her annual two-hour training session in Gillette Thursday

night, April 10th beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Alan Mickelson Fire Training Center, 701 Larch Street in Gillette. Free of charge and open to the public, this annual training session sponsored by the Campbell County Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the National Weather Service has long been a favorite of weather watchers as well as those wanting to know more about what makes up the severe weather we experience during the spring, summer and fall in Wyoming. Historically these sessions have been

well attended so you might want to arrive a little early to ensure a parking space and seat. During the training, Sanders will show video clips and photos of some of severe weather from recent years within our region, discuss the elements they display which come together to create our severe weather and what to look for in cloud structures. The presentation will also include a discussion on storm safety, public warning and advisory systems and sources of information available to the general public.

Wyoming’s tourism economy continues to grow. A preliminary assessment of Wyoming’s travel and tourism impact shows a 4.6% growth in visitors to the state in 2013. Visitors to Wyoming increased from 8.67 million people in 2012 to 9.07 million people in 2013. This follows strong growth in the past three years, with total visitor volume increasing over 20% since 2009, which is twice that of the national average. The reports prepared for the Wyoming Ofﬁce of Tourism by Dean Runyan & Associatesand Strategic Marketing and Research Inc. indicate that the local and state tax revenues generated from travel rose 11.4% in 2013, reaching $143 million compared to $128 million in 2012. “We strongly support tourism and the growth in this industry shows Wyoming is taking the right approach. It is heartening to know so many people around the country and the world want to visit our state and enjoy its wonders. I look forward to a successful 2014,” Governor Matt Mead said. The Wyoming Ofﬁce of Tourism’s Executive Director Diane Shober says that the 2013 numbers are a positive sign for our state. “With the economy improving, people are starting to travel again and our research is showing that more people are making Wyoming their destination of choice. Our indications also show that our strategic marketing efforts continue to produce positive results,” Shober said.

Even with the overall per trip expenditures slightly down from last year, the increase in visitor volume has resulted in a 3% increase in total spending. According to the report, travel spending in the state surpassed the previous record of $3.1 billion in 2012, by climbing to nearly $3.2 billion in 2013. “The increases in spending are modest, but continue to trend in the right direction,” said Shober. The Wyoming Office of Tourism will continue to reach into major markets such as Chicago, Portland, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Denver and Salt Lake City this year through a series of print, TV, out of home, and digital media ads. “We have long deployed a strategy that includes traditional advertising and public relations. The addition of social media and a comprehensive digital strategy in recent years continues to yield impressive results. We are confident that 2014 will be another record year for visitation and generated revenue,” Shober added. The hospitality and tourism industry accounts for nearly 31,000 full and part time jobs in Wyoming. In 2013, 240 jobs were created by the industry and returned overall job numbers close to pre-recession levels. The leisure and hospitality industry now provides 12% of all jobs in Wyoming. “Job creation is vital to Wyoming’s economy so any jobs that can be added are greatly beneficial,” Shober said.

Pine Beetle Kill Slows in Wyoming Forests By Kelsey Dayton - wyoﬁle.com Results from the U.S. Forest Service’s recent aerial survey showing the slowing of the pine beetle epidemic in Wyoming isn’t necessarily good news. The slowdown is mostly attributable to the fact that many trees are already dead. “It’s not really a victory,” said Wyoming State Forester Bill Crapser. The U.S. Forest Service and Wyoming State Forestry Division recently released results of the annual aerial forest health survey in Wyoming, showing the spread of mountain pine beetles in the past year. One key trend is the insect’s activity “has slowed dramatically” expanding by only 29,000 new acres, primarily in the southern Wind River Range on high elevation ﬁve-needle pine trees, such as whitebark and lodgepole pines. The forest service began the aerial surveys in 1996 near the start of the mountain pine beetle epidemic, which has killed more than 3 million acres of trees in Wyoming so far. The information provides land managers current data to help guide management

strategies and prioritize work on forests, said Bob Cain, regional entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Region. “A lot of things are looking better because there are fewer hosts,” Cain said. Pine beetles are native insects, and outbreaks are a natural part of the regeneration of the forest. The outbreak provides a chance for the forests to come back healthier. Many western forests are the same age due to logging when the West was settled, Cain said. As the forests regrow, patch cutting can help diversify the ages of trees in the forest making them less susceptible to pine beetle outbreaks in the future. “Even though we’re losing old growth forests, it’s happened before,” he said. The difference is, it hasn’t happened at this level, noted Crapser. The pine beetle epidemic began in Wyoming in the late 1990s and by the mid-2000s it had expanded across the state. The insects transformed the landscape by 2008 and made many realize the

size of the epidemic was different than ever seen before, Crapser said. Thirty years ago, Crapser heard professors say pine beetles never attack trees smaller than 7 inches in diameter. In some areas the beetles have been found in trees with diameters as small as 3.5 inches, he said. The beetles also have moved into higher elevations. Historically whitebark pine trees weren’t threatened by beetles, but with drought and climate change the insects can survive at much higher elevations. Scientists have measured up to 90 percent mortality in lodgepole pines in some areas. “It will be a long time in those areas until you see solid lodgepole pine forests like we had,” said Crapser. Unfortunately, cold snaps like the ones that hit the state this winter rarely kill the pine beetles anymore because they are so short. It takes weeks of continuous 20- to 25 below zero weather to kill pine beetles, which produce a type of antifreeze to protect them in the winter.

While the Medicine Bow, Bridger Teton and Shoshone National Forests were hit hard by the beetles, one area that escaped the devastation is the Big Horn National Forest. This year only 320 acres in the forest were infected by beetles. “They have gorgeous trees,” Cain said. Forest managers are trying to understand why the area has stayed healthy while they also use past experience to protect the forest if beetle activity begins to pick up in that area. In the Black Hills, forest managers are suppressing pine beetles by thinning ponderosa pine, making the trees more vigorous. The strategy also spaces the trees farther apart thwarting the beetles from spreading tree-to-tree. The dead forests pose new management challenges, changing the ﬁre regime and wildlife patterns on forests, Crapser said. “We have to decide ‘What do we want our forests to look like 100 years from now and how do we get there?’” he said. Management tools include prescribed burns and salvage logging, he said. To

help paint that 100 year vision, Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead created a task force to recommend ways to improve forest health across the state. The U.S. Forest Service, according to a press release, has four 10-year contracts across the region to remove dead trees. In 2013, timber harvested from regional national forests totaled enough to construct 25,000 homes. “Restoring forest health and resiliency is a top regional priority and is guiding the work on the forests,” Dan Jiron, regional forester for the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. Forest Service, stated in the press release. The future for Wyoming forests isn’t all bleak. Even in areas where many of the pine trees are dead, undergrowth plants are still thriving and some subalpine spruce is growing. “There is a lot of green still there,” Crapser said. “The forest isn’t destroyed. It’s still a forest. It’s just a different forest than we’ve ever seen.”

Northern Rockies Skies for March: The Bright Stars of Winter A monthly look at the night skies of the northern Rocky Mountains, written by astronomers Ron Canterna, University of Wyoming; Jay Norris, Challis, Idaho Observatory; and Daryl Macomb, Boise State University. Winter is a great time to view some of the brightest stars in the night skies. Of the top 10 brightest stars, six can be seen in the early evening this month. Moreover, several in the top 20 also are visible. Here is the list (brightness rank, name, constellation) of bright stars in the March winter sky: 1, Sirius, Canis Major; 4, Arcturus, Bootes; 5, Capella, Aurigae; 6, Rigel, Orion; 7, Procyon, Canis Minoris; 9, Betelgeuse, Orion; 13, Aldebaran, Taurus; 16, Pollux, Gemini; 20, Regulus, Leo; and 22, Castor, Gemini. So, check your sky map for March and locate these bright wonders. Don’t get them confused with Jupiter, which lies in Gemini this month. See if you can pick out this giant planet. Planet Alert: Jupiter is on the meridian right after sunset in the constellation Gemini. Venus is the morning star. Mars rises around 11 p.m. and can be seen throughout the entire night. The big news, the ﬁrst day of spring is March 20. Let’s hope spring weather arrives. March Interest: Great Debates: The Gamma-Ray Burst Distance Scale From their discovery in 1967, until the mid-1990s, the distance scale to gammaray bursts (GRBs) was nearly unconstrained. Upwards of 100 theories had been proposed, placing the burst sources anywhere from the cometary Oort Cloud (assumed to exist beyond but attending our solar system) up to cosmological distances of billions of light-years.

Two years after this 1995 great debate, the ﬁrst visual counterpart for a GRB was discovered and real physics brought to bear on the issue. As foreseen by Paczynski, the cosmological distance scale was correct. A new satellite, Swift, dedicated to detecting GRBs and their X-ray and visible wavelength counterparts, was ﬂown.

The primary reason for this uncertainty was that gamma-ray telescopes had very poor angular resolution and, therefore, no connections had been made to objects detected in other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the visible, where astronomers understood the physics and, therefore, the objects’ distance scales. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the great debate on the distance scale of the universe (last month’s column), a debate on the GRB distance scale was held at the same venue as the 1920 debate, the Natural History Museum. By that time (1995), the distribution of GRB detections on the sky, being uniform, had effectively eliminated all possible scales except our Milky Way Galaxy’s halo and the much more immense scale, the universe at large. The proponents were Donald Lamb (University of Chicago) supporting the former, and the late Bohdan Paczynski (Princeton) arguing for the cosmological distance scale of the universe. Lamb’s position used physics, including several lines of evidence, now known to be spurious, that high-velocity neutron stars in the galaxy’s halo emitted GRBs during magnetic starquakes. Speciﬁcally, such magnetic neutron stars could emit repeated GRBs over time without destroying the star, and such repetitions were erroneously thought to have been detected. Paczynski’s argument was entirely geometrical and refrained from employing any speciﬁc physical model. Rather, his fundamental position was that all other uniform distributions known in astronomy were for objects at cosmological distances, and that any reasonable halo distribution would exhibit some degree of nonuniformity on the sky.

All of the more than 300 Swift GRBs detected with redshifts measured by ground-based instruments are found at cosmological distances, their progenitors being massive, rapidly rotating worn-out stellar cores that explode (only once) and are brieﬂy, for seconds, the most luminous objects in the universe.

February 28 - March 7, 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

Pronghorn Basketball Briefs Gillette vs. Casper College Women

• Pronghorns 66 Casper College 68

Men

• Pronghorns (11) 108 Casper College 100 • The #11 ranked Pronghorns (25-3, 141) clinch the North Conference Sub Region.

Gillette vs. Little Big Horn College Women:

• Pronghorns 69 Little Big Horn College 62

Men:

• Pronghorns (11) 103 Little Big Horn College 95 Region IX Tournament Starts on Saturday, March 1st. The Gillette College men’s basketball team moved up three spots to #11 in the national rankings this week.

Top 25 National Poll | February 19, 2014

Rank College 1 Indian Hills Community College 2 Vincennes University 3 McLennan Community College 4 Columbia State Community College 5 Trinity Valley Community College 6 College of Southern Idaho 7 South Plains College 8 Harcum College 9 Shelton State Community College 10 Northeastern Junior College 11 Gillette College 12 Southeastern Community College 13 Kilgore College 14 Northwest Florida State College 15 South Georgia Technical College 16 Hutchinson Community College 17 Southwest Tennessee Community College 18 North Platte Community College 19 Daytona State College 20 Chipola College 21 New Mexico Junior College 22 Salt Lake Community College 23 Iowa Western Community College 24 San Jacinto College-Central 25 Jones County Junior College

Record 26-2 25-2 25-2 22-2 23-3 26-3 23-4 24-2 22-3 24-3 24-3 23-5 21-4 21-5 22-4 22-5 19-3 23-4 23-4 20-5 22-5 23-5 23-6 21-4 17-4

Points 1st Votes Prev. 400 16 1 380 0 3 343 0 8 334 0 6 326 0 10 319 0 2 266 0 7 244 0 16 239 0 4 227 0 9 206 0 14 193 0 19 183 0 5 176 0 11 173 0 12 143 0 15 137 0 23 133 0 13 129 0 RV 114 0 21 94 0 17 75 0 RV 65 0 18 60 0 RV 51 0 20

Pronghorns host Casper College on Friday night (5:30 and 7:30 at south campus) Sophomore Night – ﬁnal home game of 2013-2014 season.

For advertising space and prices go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net or email us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com For Subscriptions visit our website at www.campbellcountyobserver.net/subscriptions

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*. 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.

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%.

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. 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 6. Advertise to Generate Trac. Con- can bring shoppers into the markettinuous trac to your business is the place, regardless of the economy. rst step toward sales increases and 10. Advertise to Maintain Employee expanding your customer base. The Morale. When advertising and promore people who contact your busimotion are suddenly cut or canceled, ness, the more possibilities you have your staff may become alarmed and to make the sale and sell additional demoralized. They may start false merchandise or services. For every rumors in an honest belief that your 100 items that shoppers plan to buy, business is in trouble. Positive adverthey make 30 unanticipated “in the tising boosts morale. It gives your staff store” purchases, an NRMA survey strong additional support. shows.

Campbell County Observer

February 28 - March 7, 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

SLCC Baseball Star Helps End Olympic Speedskating Medals Drought Submitted by Salt Lake Community College alt Lake Community College shortstop Eddy Alvarez helped the U.S. Speedskating team win silver Friday in the 5,000-meter short track relay. Russia took the gold while China ﬁnished third.

The U.S. long track team did not win a medal in 12 events, while the short track team had not reached the podium through seven events prior to Friday. The 5,000 was Alvarez’s ﬁfth of ﬁve scheduled events during the

Olympics. The Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants moved to Utah to train at the world-renowned Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns. While in Utah he attended Salt Lake Community College and in 2011

walked on to the College’s baseball team as a shortstop, batting an impressive .303 and making the All-Conference team. Alvarez, 24, fought back from double knee surgery in 2012 to make the U.S. Olympic speed

Twin Spruce Basketball Submitted by Jannie Miller and scoring two points. The Warriors beat Moorcroft in their next game 3324. Franklin Ramirez was high scorer with eight points, four rebounds, and two steals. Wesley Brunelli scored seven points, pulled down ten rebounds, and had five steals. Corey White scored six points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Deven Dulany scored four points, five rebounds, and five steals. Joseph Merida had six rebounds and two points. Sheldon Hayter scored four points. The 8th grade boys B increased their record to 6-0 with a 59-18 win over Moorcroft Tues night. Sheldon Hayter led the team with 29 points, two assists, one steal and a block. Wesley Brunelli despite getting into foul trouble early finished with six points, nine rebounds, and one assist. Deven Dulany played fantastic defense yet again plus added in six points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Bryan Charles had five points and four steals. Franklin Ramirez scored three points, had six rebounds and three steals. Rico Delgrande had a good night on the boards pulling down eight rebounds, scoring a basket, and one assist. Casey Schreirer

scored three points and three steals. Joey Storm and Joseph Meridan each scored a basket. Joey had five rebounds, five steals and a block. Joseph also had five rebounds and an assist. The 8th grade boys B team was down 26-36 to start the 4th quarter against Sage Valley on Feb. 18th and made a valiant comeback, but fell short 40-41. Deven Dulany had an impressive game with his stifling defense as well as scoring 1five points, pulling down 16 rebounds, getting four steals, and two assists. Sheldon Hayter scored 10 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter comeback, and also had three rebounds and two steals. Jesse Moncada scored five points, five rebounds, and one steal. Joey Storm scored four points, three rebounds, and one steal. Wesley Brunelli added in a bucket and had five rebounds. Corey White scored a free throw, had four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Franklin Ramirez had four rebounds and two steals while Rico Delgrande had two rebounds and two steals. The Warriors are 7-2 so far this season.

Pronghorn Track Submitted by Christopher Kozlowski the 600m, Cody Jolovich, Zach Power, and Brielle Davis all set new PRs. Davis qualiﬁed for nationals, scored team points, and set a new school record. Bryce Parmely set new school records in the 60m and 200m. In the 800m, Makala Diggs takes All-Region honors, Kyle Dietsche scores team points. In the 1000m, Isaac Baca sets a new PR and scores team points. Brielle Davis wins the 1000m to become Region Champion and qualify for nationals. In the 3000m, Alejandro Garcia takes All-Region honors, Matt Jackson, Reanna Jereb, Myrissa Clark, and Ali Piaia score team points, and Nigel Christianson, Piaia, and Maria Owen set new PRs. Up next for the runners is the NJCAA Indoor Track National Championships in New York City on March 7-8.

$5,000.00

On the Purchase of Your 1st Home With This Coupon

Reid Drilling, Inc. • 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

1. Local weekly newspapers are the most trusted form of media! 2. Over 3 out of 4 readers spend more than 15 minutes reading their weekly Newspaper! 3. More people read a local weekly paper than any daily newspaper on any day! 4. Local weekly newspapers have a large readership profile because the whole family reads them. Each newspaper has many readers and each section targets different economic, social and age groups. All local weekly papers appeal to all sections! 5. Most people that read a weekly community newspaper do not read any other local paper, however most people who read other papers read a weekly newspaper as well. Why waste your advertising budget? Stay with the tried and tested - The Campbell County Observer.

iot Publ atr

ing ish

On Friday, the track team had a great Day one of the Indoor Track Region Championships. The meet was held in Storm Lake, IA and hosted by Buena Vista University. Mike Nelson, Alejandro Garcia, Matt Jackson, Reanna Jereb, and Myrissa Clark all qualiﬁed for nationals in the 5000m. All-Region honors for Reanna Jereb in that race, and new PRs in the 5000 from Kyle Dietsche, Bryce Parmely, and Nigel Christianson. Two school records were also set by Bryce Parmely in the shot put and long jump. Saturday saw the second and ﬁnal day of the meet with more great running by the Pronghorns: in the mile, Mike Nelson and Matt Jackson set new PRs, Makala Diggs takes All-Region honors, Reanna Jereb and Myrissa Clark score team points. In

“When he was young, I told Dale Jr. that hunting and racing are a lot alike. Holding that steering wheel and holding that riﬂe both mean you better be responsible.” - Dale Earnhardt

Why advertise in a weekly newspaper?

The 8th grade boys B team defeated Douglas on Thursday, February 20th 48-17. Sheldon Hayter was leading scorer with 13 while Deven Dulany and Casy Schrierer both scored nine. Dulany also had six steals and three rebounds. Joseph Merida and Franklin Ramirez were rebounding machines pulling down nine rebounds each. Ramirez also scored six points. Jesse Moncada had seven rebounds, two steals, and two points. Wesley Brunelli had seven steals, six rebounds and four points. Joey Storm hit a sweet 3-pointer and had four rebounds. Rico Delgrande had two steals and one block. The 8th boys B team competed in a quad in Moorcroft on Feb. 22. In the ﬁrst game, the Warriors lost to Upton 32-51. Corey White had his best game of the season scoring 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Deven Dulany scored four points, ﬁve rebounds, and two assists. Sheldon Hayter also scored four points and had four rebounds. Bryan Charles scored a bucket and had both a steal and a block. Jesse Moncada hit the boards pulling down seven rebounds

skating team. He said his plans are to give up speed skating after the Olympics to pursue baseball while returning to SLCC.

For all your advertising needs call us today! (307) 670-8980

What’s Going On in Sports? Friday, February 28, 2014

-Camel Basketball (V) at home vs. Sheridan 7:30 p.m. -Lady Camel Basketball (V) at home vs. Sheridan 5:30 p.m. -Camel Swimming (V) at home vs. Sheridan 7:30 p.m. -Camels Wrestling (JV//V) at State in Casper -Gillette WILD Hockey at home vs. Helena 7:30 p.m. -Panther JV/V Basketball at Cheyenne for Regionals TBA -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at Cheyenne for Regionals TBA -Panthers Wrestling at Casper for State Tournament 9 a.m.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

-Camel Basketball (SO/JV) at home vs. Kelly Walsh 11 a.m. / 12:45 p.m. -Lady Camel Basketball (SO/JV) at Kelly Walsh in Casper 11 a.m. / 12:45 p.m. -Camel Swimming (SO/JV) at Kelly Walsh in Casper 11 a.m. / 12:45 p.m. -Camels Wrestling (JV//V) at State in Casper -Panther JV/V Basketball at Cheyenne for Regionals TBA -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at Cheyenne for Regionals TBA -Panthers Wrestling at Casper for State Tournament 9 a.m.

-Pronghorn Women’s Basketball at North Site for Region IX Tourney -Warrior 7th /8th A Basketball at home vs. Sheridan 9 a.m. / 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

-Pronghorn Men’s Basketball at South Site for Region IX Tourney

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

-Panthers Jr. High Basketball at home vs. Hulett 4 p.m. / 5 p.m.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

-Camel Basketball (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -Lady Camel Basketball (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -Camel Swimming (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -Gillette WILD Hockey at home vs. Yellowstone 7 p.m. -Panther JV/V Basketball at Casper for State TBA -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at Casper for State TBA -Panthers Jr. High Basketball at Twin Spruce 4 p.m. / 5 p.m. -Pronghorn Cross Country at Indoor Nationals in New York, New York

Friday, March 7, 2014

-Camel Basketball (V) at Cheyenne

South for Regionals -Lady Camel Basketball (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -Camel Swimming (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -CCHS ITK State Meet at CCHS Fieldhouse -Panther JV/V Basketball at Casper for State TBA -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at Casper for State TBA -Pronghorn Cross Country at Indoor Nationals in New York, New York

Weekly Sports Trivia Question The late Dale Earnhardt holds the all-time record for the most runner-up ﬁnishes at the Daytona 500 with ﬁve. Who holds that record among active drivers? Look on Page 18 for the answer

Saturday, March 8, 2014

-Camel Basketball (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -Lady Camel Basketball (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -Camel Swimming (V) at Cheyenne South for Regionals -CCHS ITK State Meet at CCHS Fieldhouse -Panther JV/V Basketball at Casper for State TBA -Lady Panther JV/V Basketball at Casper for State TBA -Pronghorn Cross Country at Indoor Nationals in New York, New York -Warrior 8th A Basketball at Sheridan for N.E. Districts 9 a.m. -Warrior 7th A Basketball at Sage Valley for N.E. Districts 9 a.m.

"Supporting Campbell County Youth Since 1978"

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

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Comics

Campbell County Observer

Find the Solution on Page 17

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

Public Pulse They Are All Wrong

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Campbell County Observer

Fingers Being Pointed by Media and Government Officials, but the Three Fingers Pointing Back Are Being Ignored By Nicholas DeLaat n a recent editorial in the Gillette News Record, Mrs. Turner was right in stating that the report on Cindy Hill shows, “at best, an ignorance of the laws and duties of the office. At worst, it’s a misuse of public funds.” The question is: Is she the only one in the wrong? While the Federal Government has been a showcase lately, contending with reality TV for drama, the State of Wyoming Government must be feeling left behind. Our current drama, revolving around Cindy Hill, has not died down, but instead ramped up to more media coverage and more attention by the Legislature. But the question is who’s right? Members of the legislature won’t talk about it, and the media is currently only keeping up with Cindy herself. What you have heard recently from our State Politicians comes from left wing media or “Safe” radio, and most people are missing a crucial point. SF104, which stripped Superintendent Hill of most of her powers and allowed for a new position to be appointed by the Governor, flew through the House and the Senate faster than any bill I have ever witnessed. It did not even wait for the change-over date where the bills from the House and Senate swap roughly half way through. Governor Mead then signed it within a week. The speed of this bill should have told us one thing: Our elected officials were not being transparent with us, and there was something other than the good of the State at risk… Like that chess board of politics and power. Even in a small state like Wyoming, people in power do not like their boat rocked. After the bill got passed and signed, Mrs. Hill moved out of the Capital and into the State Museum (I know, the jokes are endless, but let’s keep this professional).

When I was in Cheyenne this year for the legislative session, I got to chat with her for a few hours, and listened to her explanation. I then talked to some of our Representatives and Senators from around the state about the situation. I formed my own opinion on the situation (as it was then), based on my conversations and later research. Now, our newspaper does not usually dive too deep into politics, but in light of hiring a new editor (Congratulations Jeff Morrison), changes including size, scope, and content are coming. More sports, more government, more positive community reporting, and now an editorial, at Jeff’s request, from the publisher every week. That being said, there was never a reason for me to perform too deep of research since the Observer never performed much Journalism. I do research anyway however, but that time and research is for personal reasons… like keeping informed. My conclusion then has remained the same now. Cindy Hill was right and wrong. So is the Governor, and so is our Legislature. How was Cindy Hill Right? She was using any resource in the books to create better education for our children, and no-one has disputed the results of those actions. Arapahoe Elementary is a perfect example, raising their 3-4th grade reading for PAWS from 18%-58% in one year. Name one other government ofﬁcial at a local, State, or Federal Level that has come even close to that. The way she directed it was not within the rules set forth by the Legislature however, and that is where she was wrong. Though I applaud her for bucking the government and their tied-down policies, and just taking the reins and doing things that produce results (which more of our ofﬁcials should

do instead of playing politics), the fact is, we elect our legislators to represent us in creating policies, and we also elect the Superintendent position to produce results within those parameters. If executive branch officials are not under the check and balance of the legislature, then they would have free reign to exact any laws, collect monies, and remove freedom at will. That is why we have this system in place, and we cannot move that system because one person bucked it for the right reasons, as most would buck it for the wrong. How as the Legislature right? By nipping the overstepping of bounds of an elected executive branch official in the butt. The Legislature is the representatives of the people, and are the only elected officials charged constitutionally with creating law. Where they were wrong was how they stopped this executive official. If she was doing wrong, an investigative committee should have been formed, and Mrs. Hill should have been impeached. If the allegations were correct, she would have been removed from office and the people of Wyoming would have voted in a new official to the most powerful education position in the State. Instead, they created a bill that expands government, strips the highest elected education position of its powers, and creates a new bureaucracy. And worst of all, our elected Legislature, who is supposed to represent the people in the form of a body of government, passed a bill to remove the voters at the state level. Yes we will still vote for Cindy’s position, but that position now has about the same power

(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)

Co-Existance Through Truth Submitted by Harlan Edmonds - Conservative Republicans of Wyoming If there is any liberal activity more essential than exaggerating the amount of “hate” among traditional Americans, I’d like to know what it is. It’s virtually impossible to argue with many of today’s liberals about anything without being accused of being a “hater,” especially when one’s convictions are grounded in Christianity. The Bible teaches us to expect this of course, but Christianity has figured so large in the creation and achievements of our country that the increasingly shrill and nasty attacks on this inheritance by the American Left can only be interpreted as rank hypocrisy. Just as those who incessantly accuse others of racism are invariably racists themselves, obsessed with securing race-based entitlements for their own preferred ethnic groups, so those liberals who are always blathering on about how we need to stamp out hatred are invariably its most strident practitioners. And who do they hate above all others? Christians. Never mind that the love of truth, justice and one’s fellow men are obligations of the Christian faith. Modern liberalism asserts that only liberals can fulfill these obligations and that historic Christianity stands squarely in their way. And so, Christians must be silenced by any means necessary—including lies, defamation and state-sponsored persecution. A perfect example of this mentality and its reliance on deception was seen in the national media blitz recently occasioned by the anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder near Laramie. The exceedingly fanciful narrative about it that began metastasizing across the liberal universe fifteen years ago has fruited into an annual progressive passion play in which Shepard is cast as the victim of an anti-gay “hate

crime” that perpetually exposes the intrinsic evils of Biblical morality, American society and Wyoming in particular. Lest we dare to doubt or forget, the perpetually aggrieved church of modern liberalism continues embellishing the myth, while the mainstream media keeps the anniversary holy by dutifully hectoring us all about how we have to embrace everything from homosexual indoctrination in schools, to gay “marriage,” to taxpayer funded treatments for STDs and sex change operations for unfulﬁlled prison inmates. It used to be that sex was a matter for the bedroom and religion was integral to every function of citizenship. But in the priggish PC dispensation of modern liberalism, public expressions of Christianity are denounced as obscene and offensive, while there is no sexual perversion too abominable to be publicly celebrated and shoved in the faces of children. Any dissent is denounced as “hate speech” that must be criminalized, especially when it is explicitly supported by Scripture. Few disputes so irrefutably illustrate how modern liberalism and Christianity differ. They are polar opposites in their origins, functions and ultimate purposes. Both cannot be equally right or true. And yet, coexistence is possible

to the extent that our irreconcilable differences do not descend into the savagery we see in so many other parts of the world. One of the ways we can promote such coexistence is to become servants of truth and right regardless of personal consequences, and to always give credit where it is due to anyone who does the same. With this in mind, I wish to recognize a self-described progressive. The editor of the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, Mr. D. Reed Eckhardt, recently published a review of “The Book of Matt: Hidden Truth about the Murder of Matthew Shepard” by Stephen Jimenez (Steerforth Press, 2013, 360 pages, $26.) After reading this investigative work, which points out how the martyred Mr. Shepard was deeply involved in a culture of drugs and sexual perversions with his supposedly “homophobic” attackers, Mr. Eckhardt frankly states that “it is no longer possible to believe the myth…” And then there is the book’s author, Stephen Jimenez. When asked by a reviewer at the New York Post why he dredged up such inconvenient facts, he refreshingly said “As a gay man, I felt it was a moral thing to do,” adding “I don’t think we have anything to lose from telling the truth.” Bravo. Both of these journalists have done a very

as I do in Washington D.C. Instead, that power will be appointed by the Governor through Executive Decision. What has the Governor done right through all of this? He has done a great job of keeping his name out of the situation and staying hands off. What has he done wrong? He signed the bill. So most were right and all were wrong, but have you met people who have never been wrong? I haven’t…but I have met people who keep doing wrong to try to fix a situation and ultimately make it worse. So for the Legislature and the Governor, I have a humble suggestion from little ol’ me to solve this drama. Repeal SF104 and give the citizens their voting rights back for the education of their children (our most precious commodity). Then impeach Cindy Hill. If the impeachment doesn’t go through, keep a closer eye on your officials. If the impeachment does go through, keep this newly appointed person in the (only one) superintendent position until the election. Then let the people decide, having our newly elected official take over for the temporary person filling in for the position. Who knows, maybe this person will run and win? As far as I know, we are still a DemocraticRepublic, and a government of the people. And regardless of who is right and who is wrong, who is pointing fingers at who, what personal problems you may have with the other official, or what political games you want to play; try doing what is right for the people of Wyoming, and removing voters rights is NEVER right. I am not taking sides, I am saying that right now you are all wrong.

courageous thing, and I fully expect they have been getting a taste of what Christian conservatives experience who dare to stand against the retrograde spirit of our age. I have seen ﬁrsthand examples of this in the form of Email dumps against Wyoming Representative Lynn Hutchings, the black conservative Christian who so eloquently stood against the homosexual agenda during the last legislative session. It would be impossible to surpass the ﬁlth, racism, misogyny and animal hatred directed at this heroic lady. But as long she and those like her on the right remain civil in their defense of the truth, and there are still those on the left willing to do the same, we can all look forward to peaceful coexistence, and certainly a better environment for winning converts to our respective sides. May the truest worldview prevail.

“The votes, actions, and results of modern Republicans tell us only that most of our local, state, and federal elected and non-elected ofﬁcials use the party name as a tool instead of a ideology, like going to church to look good in front of your community without believing in God.” - Nicholas De Laat

Surplus Unlimited 801 Carlisle • 682-9451

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

The American Legion 38th Annual Midwinter Jamboree

Grand Prize $5,000 Cash!

Prime Rib Dinner for 2 Saturday March 8th, 2014 Doors Open 6pm, Dinner at 7 Only 200 Tickets Available! $75.00 Per Ticket

Joke of the week There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk. “Only the Ten Commandments.” answered the lady. Joke of the Week provided by

Swede’s Specialties 307-686-0588

For all your beer/wine making equipment

Pick up your tickets at the American Legion Post 42 on 2nd Street in Gillette.

America Must Return to God

Dear Editor: By watching the daily news one can clearly see that America is getting farther away from God and still headed straight towards God’s judgment and ultimate destruction. Too many in America have said “there is no God.” One of the many reasons Americans have reached such a low point of unbelief, is because they were brought up in school systems which teaches man’s false idea that every living being started from a single cell and evolved into millions, or even billions, of species, including humans. Some have theorized humans evolved from ape like beings. But how a person, who is composed of 200, or 300 trillion highly specialized interrelated cells, can believe that it all started from a single cell, should be beyond belief. Actually, the single cell theory of evolution only proves Man’s folly. First, Man totally dismissed God’s legitimate claims that he, God, created Heaven and Earth and everything in them including the ﬁrst man, Adam. Second, Man refused to believe the documented biblical history of God dealing with mankind on Earth, where God again and again, demonstrated and proved his awesome supernatural powers. Among these demonstrations of power, were turning the rivers and waters in Egypt into blood, parting the Red Sea while millions of Israelites crossed on dry ground, and then drowning the very large pursuing Egyptian Army. After that God proved himself again and again by providing food and water for forty years while His chosen people wandered in the desert. In the Word of God, the Holy Bible, God showed his chosen people that he had complete control over Earth and the Heavens, because, he wanted them to be witnesses to the rest of the world. He wanted the people of the world to believe in Him so they would not perish. This world would be a much better place if people believed in the Living God and followed his just commandments. We would love each other like the brothers and sisters that we are, because, we are all His children. God gets no pleasure in his children going to hell. It is a great tragedy that so many in America are rejecting God and his Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross. Accepting Jesus and his sacriﬁce is a must to go to Heaven. America must return to God. Manuel Ybarra, Jr. Coalgate, OK

‘Dream’ of Discriminating Against Illegals

Dear Editor: The current “test run” for legalization is a new version of an old Ponzi scheme: President Obama pushes illegal aliens to the top of the pyramid and all of the valued legal guests and the American taxpayer get hosed. I consider myself a “dreamer” as well. I have always dreamed that we were a nation of laws and that violating those laws carried consequences. Little did I know that alien lawbreakers get rewards today and those law-abiding, valued legal guests get the shaft. You might think that the NAACP or the ambulance chasers at the ACLU would be crying discrimination. After all, isn’t it “discrimination” when one group is given special treatment to the detriment of another? The Obama administration is clearly guilty of discrimination against legal guests who have come to this country in the proper fashion and should be ﬁrst in line, not last. The gutless wonders of the GOP cower and hope that aiding and abetting this crime will win them the Hispanic vote. It won’t. This is a bad policy that will come back to haunt every member of Congress in ways they can only imagine in a nightmare. WILSON FARIS

Executive Orders are an Integral Obama Tool

Campbell County Observer

Letters to the Editor material support” to terrorists from entering the United States. The Supreme Court plans to review the constitutional limits of executive power, including the unprecedented number of Obama appointments made when Congress has been in recess. Although all presidents use executive orders, Mr. Obama is the ﬁrst president to publicly proclaim this maneuver as an ofﬁcial part of administration policy. The Supreme Court might have to take action to halt the nation’s slide down the slippery slope . DONALD A. MOSKOWITZ

Is the GOP Serious About Winning?

Dear Editor: As a conservative Republican, I cannot understand the logic of Speaker of the House John A. Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell concerning the national debt. We all know that if the United States keeps borrowing, we will end up like Greece and create a worldwide ﬁnancial crisis similar to the Great Depression. Why are the Republican leaders giving President Obama everything he wants in order to fund all of his liberal programs? Why can’t the Republican leadership stand up to Mr. Obama and challenge him on his abuse of power and all of the unilateral decisions he is making on the health care, immigration and national security issues facing our nation? The most critical national security issue facing our nation right now is the debt — because it will limit our military and domestic spending. Do the Republican leaders know something we don’t? If so, I would like to know their strategy and how they think they can lead the party to victory this year and in 2016. Right now, I and many other conservatives think GOP leaders are cowards and are ill-prepared to challenge the political left and Mr. Obama. This goes back to the 2008 and 2012 elections, where they failed to go after Mr. Obama on his record and his lack of leadership traits. Is the Republican leadership serious about winning elections and having a smaller federal government with less spending, less regulation and a free-enterprise environment for business? CHUCK FLOYD

Recent Article Begs Response

Dear Editor: It has been written in these pages that we need the leadership of Mike Enzi in the Senate. However, the problem is Mr. Enzi in relation to the times we live in. A look at the record of Mr. Enzi shows a man who is comfortable with a growing government. He is responsible for a major increase in the size of the Department of Agriculture, along with many new rules and regulations that affect us. He is a man who may be far too willing to cross the aisle and compromise with staunch liberals and their policies, a case in point is his proudly working with the late and much revered Edward Kennedy on matters of our children’s education. In these days our freedoms are under extensive, and in fact, exhaustive assault by a burgeoning government and its proponents who are tirelessly working to undermine our liberties. Do we really want someone representing us who is quick to compromise our rights? With regard to Obamacare, Mr. Enzi’s response has been tepid at best, but now in these times we need someone who is going to battle for us and our way of life. And currently, Mr. Enzi is on a campaign to create a tax on all internet sales and transactions. In Wyoming there are many of us who rely on the internet to obtain goods that cannot be found in any of our local stores and markets, a new tax on all goods is only detrimental to our personal ﬁnancial resources. Mr. Enzi is most probably a nice man. But we need someone who is bold, undaunted and valiant to represent us and ﬁght for our freedoms. Paul Garger

Wyoming’s Hypocrisy Keeping Businesses Away

Dear Editor: A friend of mine asked me to write a letter about the guns in schools issue and I told her I’m at a loss for words. I was thinking more about the governor’s state of the state speech. He tooted about Wyoming’s high marks for business friendly government policies to which I must ask, so where is everybody? Could it be that tilting the ﬁeld in favor of business is not enough when less than 20 percent of your adult population has a college education? Then I wondered if maybe companies can’t imagine operating in a state in which both parent and teacher can come to a parent/teacher conference with a sidearm. Remember, no one can bring a gun to a legislative committee meeting or into the House or Senate chambers in Cheyenne. Your own logs legislators, your own logs. KIMBERLY HOLLOWAY

Dear Editor: I’m still of the mind that we should turn it into a gun industry manufacturing industrial park. With I 90 going through here, and access to airports, along with the low business tax structure Wyoming has, this would be an ideal place for gun related product manufacturers to locate. Walt Campbell

Thank You for the Kind Words

Dear Editor : Today while legislating in Cheyenne I was handed a copy of an article you wrote about me last week and I wanted to say thank you for the kind words. It was unexpected and humbling. I also wanted to give you some additional information about one of the bills you mentioned in your article. In regards to HB75 – Motorcycles – passage through intersections, there is a bigger reason behind this bill than what you mentioned. While what you said about some motorcycles being air cooled is true, the bigger problem is that many of the trafﬁc sensors at stoplights can’t sense motorcycles. So if a motorcycle is at a light by itself, it can sit there indeﬁnitely without the light changing. This has been acknowledged by the DOT. That was the bigger motivation behind this bill. Again, thanks for the kind words you wrote about me, I hope that I will continue to serve in a manner that is worthy of your support. Wyoming State Representative Kendell Kroeker

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.

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

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

No Personal Financial Beneﬁt from Farm Bill Vote

Dear Editor: On Feb. 14 the Campbell County Observer printed a letter written by George Simonton of Cody implying that I have financially benefited from my recent vote in favor of the farm bill. Mr. Simonton cites my receipt of $14,289 in government benefits as proof. If I recall correctly, Lummis Livestock Company received powdered milk that the federal government was going to throw away to feed to our drought-stricken cows. As Mr. Simonton knows, this occurred sometime between 1996 and the end of 2002 -- at least seven years before I began to serve in Congress. Since my election to Congress, neither I nor Lummis Livestock Company LLC have received drought disaster payments, nor will we. I voted for the farm bill not because it was perfect, but because the forest health and the conservation provisions were acceptable to me, and because we had been wrangling over the legislation for roughly two years after the last farm bill had expired. I had, earlier in the farm bill process, supported an amendment which would allow only small farms access to farm programs, but the amendment failed. Finally, the farm bill is 80 percent nutrition programs (food stamps) and 20 percent farm programs. Food stamps were cut only 1 percent, despite the explosive growth in that program since President Obama took office. Direct payments to farmers were eliminated. Mr. Simonton is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts. Rep. CYNTHIA LUMMIS, R-Wyo

Response to Letter to the Editor: Time to Re-Visit the Field Of Dreams

Letters to the Editor

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

ing ish

Dear Editor: Presidents have long abused their powers by circumventing Congress with executive orders, which could be construed as unconstitutional in many cases. Presidential executive orders began with Herbert Hoover, proliferated with Dwight Eisenhower and have become commonplace presidential instruments. Over the past 60 years, approximately 3,200 executive orders have been enacted: 1,830 by Republicans and 1,370 by Democrats. President Obama is currently using executive orders to circumvent the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. He recently proclaimed, “When I can act on my own without Congress, I’m going to do so.” He ordered an increase in the minimum wage for federal contractors and extended the deadline for the implementation of elements of Obamacare for one year. He lifted a ban that automatically prohibited people who provided “limited

Public Pulse

February 28 - March 7, 2014

The Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Bold Republic Weekly

Capitalism - What it is NOT By Glenn Woods

ome time ago, I got a call on my radio show from a listener who was bothered by the automatic raises Congress gives itself every year. We discussed the sneaky way that Congress gives itself this raise, off the radar screen of the American Public. “Well,” he said, “that’s Capitalism.” “No it’s not,” I said. “Sure it is,” he said, “Anything for a buck.” “No,” I answered. “If that is what you think Capitalism is, you don’t know what Capitalism is.” I’m actually surprised by how many people in America today have no idea what Capitalism is, or how it works. So let’s take a moment to explain what Capitalism is, then we will look at all the things that it is not. WHAT IT IS: Say I have produced a coffee mug, and I would like to sell it. You are shopping for a coffee mug, and you like the one that I have produced. We haggle over a price. We agree on a price. I walk away happy that I’ve made a bit of a proﬁt, and you walk away happy that you got the coffee mug at such a great price. There. That is Capitalism. That’s it; nothing more.

If you did not like my coffee mug or did not like how much I was trying to charge you for it, you could walk away at any time. That is the freedom in the free-market equation. Under Capitalism there would be many companies out there selling coffee mugs. So, you would have a choice of styles, quality, and price. You are free to talk away from anything that you do not like for any reason you choose. There you go. Capitalism is that simple to explain. WHAT IT IS NOT: So let’s say that, as the maker of coffee mugs, I decide that I don’t like all of this competition out there, so I convince Government to pass laws regulating the quality and price of coffee mugs; maybe even regulating how many coffee mug manufacturers there can be in the country. What we have just done is limit the freedom of those people out there who want to enter the coffee mug market. We have also limited the many different types of mugs that are out there, in quality, style, and price. This means that if you want to buy a coffee mug you are now limited to only a few styles and there is not

much difference in price. That is not Capitalism. That is something else. Now let’s say that I convince the government to pass a law forcing you to buy at least one coffee mug a year. Once again, your freedom of choice as a consumer has been taken away. What if you don’t ever want to buy a coffee mug? Well, you’re going to have to buy one anyway under the new law. More freedom taken from you. Often, corporations, poli-

ticians, and bureaucrats work together to ﬁx market quality, quantity, and prices to beneﬁt those few who have political power. That is not Capitalism. That is something else. Congress giving itself a raise is not Capitalism. Embezzlement is not Capitalism. Robbing a bank is not Capitalism. Con artists are not capitalist. Burglars are not capitalist. Muggers are not capital-

ist. Government cronies are not capitalist. Capitalist do not use deceit. Capitalist do not rig the market. The maﬁa is not a capitalist organization. Government taking money from the taxpayers to “invest” in government projects is not Capitalism. Government choosing to slow down one industry so that another industry can succeed is not Capitalism.

In order for there to be true Capitalism, there needs to be true freedom. As a consumer you are allowed to make your own choices based on your own standards. For that matter, a company is allowed to set their own standards in order to win you over as a costumer. If you are reading this and thinking, “Wow, I guess American has not been a true capitalist nation in a long time,” you would be correct.

(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 R L L A C ONTH’S M S I H FOR T ! PROM O

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!

Wyoming Legislature Wraps Up Floor Debate on Budget By Gregory Nickerson - wyoﬁle.com Wyoming lawmakers have concluded the largest part of debate over the 2015-2016 budget. On Wednesday and Friday of last week legislators held two major rounds of budget deliberations, passing some 63 budget amendments in the House and 59 in the Senate. Both chambers’ amendments would put the budget in the red, according to revenue projections. “We spent more than I felt comfortable with,” said Sen. Eli Bebout (R-Riverton). He felt the budget didn’t adequately prepare for a projected slowdown in coal lease bonus revenue in 2017-2018. “Why put us in a position where we may have to deal with that in a few years? It would be a lot better to have a more sustained level of growth, or a reduction.” The amendments set the stage for a conference committee to balance the budget by ironing out the differences in the House and Senate version of the bill. The Senate starts from a position that spends signiﬁcantly more than the House. If General Fund revenue projections hold, the Senate budget would put the General Fund $34.6 million in the red. Sen. Bebout said a large portion of that spending comes from an amendment to provide $20 million in matching funds for the University of Wyoming and Community Colleges. The amendment, which was passed on Friday, would give $10 million to each

branch of the higher education system. The House finished debate by proposing spending $1.8 million more than projected revenue. That lower deficit is largely due to a budget balancing amendment that Joint Appropriations Committee co-chair Rep. Steve Harshman (R-Casper) introduced on Friday afternoon. The budget balancer reduces funds that the Joint Appropriations Committee intended to transfer to other accounts by some $18.5 million. In particular, Harshman’s amendment reduced General Funds for Water Development Account III ($5 million), the new School Foundation Program Reserve Account ($10 million), the firemen’s pension account ($3.4 million), and state facilities construction ($5 million). Rep. Harshman said the

lower spending coming out of the House was not designed to create an edge over the Senate in the upcoming negotiations. “On the House side, we’re not that wily. We don’t even think like that,” he said. When the conference committee sits down for negotiations this week, they will come bearing 18 “mirror” amendments that are nearly identical. Another group of amendments has only minor differences between the House and Senate versions. A ﬁnal set contains concepts that were adopted by only one of the chambers. The negotiations on “mirror” bills will likely come ﬁrst and go relatively smoothly. The more involved discussion will relate to amendments that only one chamber adopted. “It’s a workable budget,” said Bebout. ”I look forward to the conference committee with the House.”

Weekly Trivia Question The Sholes and Glidden typewriter, which introduced the world to the QWERTY keyboard design, ﬁrst appeared in 1873 and was manufactured by what American ﬁrearms manufacturer? Look on Page 18 for the answer

Public Pulse

February 28 - March 7, 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 House of Representatives H.B. No. 0130 Cigarette taxes. Sponsored by: DAVISON. AN ACT relating to tobacco taxes; increasing taxes on cigarettes; providing for distribution of increased taxes as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0131 Unclaimed property-abandonment and definitions. Sponsored by: PETROFF. AN ACT relating to unclaimed property; including electronic gift cards in the definition of intangible property; extending the period for abandonment of gift certificates, electronic gift cards and credit memos; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0132 Sales and use tax distributions. Sponsored by: PETROFF. AN ACT relating to taxation and revenue; modifying distribution of sales and use taxes as specified; repealing obsolete provisions; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0133 Attorney general-removal process. Sponsored by: GAY. AN ACT relating to administration of the government; specifying the process for removal of the attorney general; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0134 Death penalty repeal. Sponsored by: WATT. AN ACT relating to crimes and offenses and criminal procedure; repealing the death penalty; repealing procedures related to imposition and execution of death sentences; amending related provisions; providing applicability; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0135 Small business investment creditnumber of employees. Sponsored by: STUBSON. AN ACT relating to the small business investment credit program; increasing the maximum number of employees for a qualified business; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0136 Remedial classes. Sponsored by: HARSHMAN. AN ACT relating to education; prohibiting the university and community colleges from requiring remedial classes as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0137 County road construction-competitive bidding. Sponsored by: HUNT. AN ACT relating to county road construction; increasing limit of projects not requiring competitive bidding; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0138 Governmental immunity-waiver for hospital employees. Sponsored by: CONNOLLY. AN ACT relating to governmental immunity; providing a waiver of governmental immunity for damages caused by a violation of whistleblower statutes for medical facilities; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0139 Workers’ compensation-mental injury. Sponsored by: WATT. AN ACT relating to workers’ compensation; removing limitation on the award of mental injury awards; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0140 Complimentary hunting licensespersons with disabilities. Sponsored by: KIRKBRIDE. AN ACT relating to game and fish; dedicating a portion of complimentary antelope licenses distributed to organizations dedicated to providing hunting opportunities to individuals with disabilities as specified; providing for recoupment of fees for those licenses; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0141 Collection costs for debts owed to the state. Sponsored by: BURKHART. AN ACT relating to the collection of debts due the state or other governmental entities; providing a fee for collection costs when the state or governmental entity employs a collection agency to recover debts due the state; amending existing statutes; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0142 Firefighter collective bargaining-nonbinding arbitration. Sponsored by: NICHOLAS,B. AN ACT relating to collective bargaining with firefighters and local governments; modifying definitions; providing for nonbinding arbitration; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0143 Health information study. Sponsored by: BARLOW. AN ACT relating to public health; creating a joint legislative and executive task force to study the creation of an integrated health information system as specified; providing appropriations; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0144 Shopping cart stowage obligations. Sponsored by: ESQUIBEL,K. AN ACT relating to public safety and welfare; authorizing the regulation of push carts as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0145 Streamlined sales tax amendments. Sponsored by: MADDEN. AN ACT relating to use tax; specifying that a taxable event occurs for the person making first use of taxable services in this state; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0146 Study of state human resource positions. Sponsored by: SOMMERS. AN ACT relating to administration of government; providing for a study of state executive department human resource positions, as specified; providing for a report; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0147 Infrastructure authority-energy transmission. Sponsored by: MILLER. AN ACT relating to the Wyoming infrastructure authority; expanding facilities authorized under the authority to include energy transmission facilities, including coal distribution facilities and ports; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0148 Limited partnership-certificates. Sponsored by: BROWN. AN ACT relating to limited partnerships; clarifying requirements for certificates of partnership and certificates of continuance; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0149 Correctional industries. Sponsored by: BURKHART. AN ACT relating to prison industries; providing for adherence to federal program standards for prison industry programs as specified; providing for limitations of competition by prison industry programs as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0150 Classification of human resources manager. Sponsored by: THRONE. AN ACT relating to state employment; providing that human resource managers in all state agencies are permanent employees as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0151 Malt beverage tax increase. Sponsored by: GOGGLES. AN ACT relating to taxation; increasing a tax on malt beverages as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0152 Water research. Sponsored by: SEMLEK. AN ACT relating to water; providing funding for water research; providing appropriations; and providing for

an effective date. H.B. No. 0153 Special nonresident hunting license draw. Sponsored by: KRONE. AN ACT relating to game and fish; increasing percentage of nonresident elk, deer and antelope licenses available through a special drawing; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0154 Exemption for gratuities. Sponsored by: PETROFF. AN ACT relating to sales tax; providing a sales tax exemption for gratuities as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0155 Electronic citation fees. Sponsored by: BAKER. AN ACT relating to criminal court case fees; providing for collection of electronic citation fees in municipal courts as specified; providing for establishment and maintenance of municipal electronic citation systems; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0156 Brewery and microbrewery licensesdefinition. Sponsored by: PETROFF. AN ACT relating to alcoholic beverages; amending the definition of brewery and microbrewery to allow microbreweries to produce a larger quantity of malt beverages; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0157 Tourism promotion. Sponsored by: BLEVINS. AN ACT relating to tourism; authorizing the Wyoming awards card program; authorizing agreements between the department of state parks and cultural resources and participating merchants; creating an account; providing for a continuous appropriation; providing for rulemaking; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0158 Indecency. Sponsored by: JAGGI. AN ACT relating to crimes and punishment; amending the elements of public indecency; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0159 Workplace safety grant program. Sponsored by: THRONE. AN ACT relating to the department of workforce services; amending requirements for participation in the workplace safety contract program as specified; amending a reporting requirement; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0160 Commission on federalism. Sponsored by: HALVERSON. AN ACT relating to the legislature; establishing the commission on federalism; providing duties and powers; requiring a report; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0161 Medicaid expansion-2. Sponsored by: BARLOW. AN ACT relating to Medicaid; providing for expansion of coverage to low income persons as specified; authorizing negotiation for a Medicaid demonstration waiver; providing waiver requirements as specified; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0162 Education-content and performance standards. Sponsored by: TEETERS. AN ACT relating to education content and performance standards; modifying the process for revision of the content and performance standards; requiring the legislature to adopt content and performance standards as specified; and providing for effective dates. H.B. No. 0163 Game and fish-restitution values. Sponsored by: GINGERY. AN ACT relating to game and fish; providing restitution values for wildlife violations; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0164 Wind River Reservation boundaries. Sponsored by: MILLER. AN ACT relating to the Wind River Indian Reservation; specifying the boundaries of the reservation; requiring state maps to show boundaries as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0165 Game road kill. Sponsored by: ZWONITZ,DN. AN ACT relating to game and fish; providing for rules and regulations to authorize the collection of road killed animals; providing restrictions; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0166 Federal health care reform-prohibition. Sponsored by: BAKER. AN ACT relating to health care; providing findings; prohibiting the state of Wyoming from enforcing unconstitutional provisions of federal health care law; prohibiting participation in health care insurance market places as specified; prohibiting the enforcement of health insurance contracts as specified; granting rights and powers to the attorney general as specified; prohibiting involuntary visitations under federal law as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0167 Lifesaver program. Sponsored by: ESQUIBEL,K. AN ACT relating to public health; creating a lifesaver program; specifying program components; authorizing rulemaking; authorizing grants as specified; providing appropriations and a continuous appropriation; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0168 Stop common core initiatives in Wyoming. Sponsored by: JAGGI. AN ACT relating to public schools; imposing criteria on the adoption of state education program and student content and performance standards; requiring adherence to process and guidelines; prohibiting the enforcement of specified rules and regulations of the Wyoming department of education; prohibiting participation in standards and assessment activities originating out-of-state by state board members, official and other

agencies representing public schools; prohibiting sharing of educational data; requiring the legislative service office to make conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0169 Medicaid waiver programs-case management system. Sponsored by: DAVISON. AN ACT relating to Medicaid waiver programs; repealing provision requiring case management system that is free of conflicts of interest; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0170 State agricultural fuel tax refund. Sponsored by: MONIZ. AN ACT relating to taxation; providing that the department of transportation shall provide for alternative documentation to receive a state agricultural fuel tax refund as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0171 Automobile title loans. Sponsored by: KRONE. AN ACT relating to the Uniform Consumer Credit Code; providing definitions; requiring licensure; authorizing special motor vehicle title loans; specifying the terms of a special motor vehicle title loan; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0172 Impact assistance to local governments. Sponsored by: THRONE. AN ACT relating to cities, towns and counties; creating a program to provide assistance to local governments impacted by energy development as specified; providing authority to the state loan and investment board to issue grants to local governments to address the effects of industrial projects or energy development; providing authority for the office of state lands and investments to administer the program; granting rulemaking authority; providing definitions; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0173 Schools-administration of epinephrine. Sponsored by: THRONE. AN ACT relating to schools; authorizing the administration and storage of medication required for potentially life threatening conditions; imposing requirements; providing guidelines; delegating duties to the department of education and department of health; providing exceptions to liability; providing definitions; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0174 Merit career-technical scholarships. Sponsored by: HUNT. AN ACT relating to careertechnical education; establishing a merit career-technical education student scholarship endowment fund and an expenditure account; providing funding for future scholarships; providing for a committee to study and prepare plans for implementation of a career-technical education student scholarship program; providing an appropriation and for redistribution of federal coal lease bonus revenues; and providing for effective dates. H.B. No. 0175 Transfer on death deed. Sponsored by: BROWN. AN ACT relating to nontestamentary transfer on death of real property; amending and clarifying manner of proving death and transfer of ownership; and providing for an effective date.

Continued on Page 17

Weekly Constitution Study

Every week, the Observer prints one article, paragraph, or section of either the U.S. or State Constitution for your information. Wyoming State Constitution, Article 1, Section 26. Treason

Treason against the state shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, or in giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court; nor shall any person be attained of treason by the legislature. Auto • Home • Life • Business

Lyle L. Austin, LUTCF

Insurance Agent Austin Insurance Agency

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

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Legislative Update... H.B. No. 0176 Vacancies in office. Sponsored by: ZWONITZ,DN. AN ACT relating to vacancies in office; removing state and county party central committees from process of filling vacancies in statewide and county elective offices as specified; providing for management council submission of qualified nominees for vacancies in office of United States senator or in any state office other than the office of justice of the supreme court and the office of district court judge; providing for boards of county commissioners to fill vacancies in county elective offices as specified; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0177 Federal lands-tax lien. Sponsored by: MILLER. AN ACT relating to taxation and revenue; providing for a tax lien upon federal lands when a payment in lieu of taxes is not received by a county as specified; providing procedures; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0178 Computer trespass. Sponsored by: NICHOLAS,B. AN ACT relating to offenses against computer property; creating the criminal offense of computer trespass; specifying elements of the offense and penalties; providing a civil cause of action for computer trespass; and providing for an effective date. H.B. No. 0179 Privacy in education. Sponsored by: HUTCHINGS. AN ACT relating to public education; providing for consent prior to collection, storage, access or sharing of student’s educational or personal information; providing for retention of consents; providing for penalties; and providing for effective dates. H.J. No. 0001 Support of Taiwan. Sponsored by: BYRD. A JOINT RESOLUTION requesting Congress to support Taiwan’s participation in appropriate international organizations and to resume free trade talks with Taiwan. H.J. No. 0002 Support of Azerbaijan. Sponsored by: ZWONITZ,DN. A JOINT RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of strategic partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan. H.J. No. 0003 Pledge of Allegiance-commemoration. Sponsored by: HUTCHINGS. A JOINT RESOLUTION to commemorate the year 2014 as the sixtieth anniversary of the addition of the phrase “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and to highlight its legacy to Wyoming citizens and all Americans as a reminder that America was founded on Christian principles. H.J. No. 0004 Textbooks. Sponsored by: HUNT. A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing to amend the Wyoming Constitution to clarify that only local school district boards may prescribe textbooks and curriculum and that the legislature, state agencies and the state superintendent of

ming will be one of the first states to put in a unified network, increasing connectivity across our state with the next generation of technology.” Governor Mead spoke directly with the Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell; the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy; Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz; Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel; Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “I met directly with the directors of federal agencies that impact Wyoming. We do not always see eye to eye but I believe having an open dialogue is necessary,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead is one of ten members of the Council of Governors. This Council is appointed by the President and is charged with working with key federal officials on matters related

Continued from Page 16

public instruction shall not infringe on local authority in the employment of personnel. H.J. No. 0005 Moose-Wilson roadway. Sponsored by: NICHOLAS,B. A JOINT RESOLUTION to the United States secretary of the interior, the director of the national park service and the superintendent of Grand Teton National Park relating to maintenance of the Moose-Wilson road. Bills introduced so far in the Wyoming Senate S.F. No. 0110 Water-change of use. Sponsored by: HINES. AN ACT relating to water rights; authorizing a change of place of use for a water right holder as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0111 Firearm background checks-mental health records. Sponsored by: EMERICH. AN ACT relating to public safety; requiring the division of criminal investigation to collect and disclose specified mental health information relevant to firearm background checks; imposing a duty upon state agencies to report specified mental health information; providing for limited liability as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0112 Penalties for misclassification of employees. Sponsored by: JOHNSON. AN ACT relating to workers’ compensation and unemployment; clarifying penalties for misclassification of employees; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0113 Task force on expansion of natural gas service. Sponsored by: HICKS. AN ACT relating to natural gas; creating the task force for the expansion of natural gas service to rural and underserved cities and towns; requiring a report; providing an appropriation; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0114 Hospitalization of mentally ill persons. Sponsored by: DOCKSTADER. AN ACT relating to hospitalization of mentally ill patients; providing for convalescent status of formerly hospitalized patients; requiring the state hospital to maintain capacity to treat persons detained for mental illness on an emergency or involuntary basis; requiring a preliminary examination be done by a different examiner than the one who initiated the detention; requiring action within seventy-two hours of the preliminary examination; providing for notification and action by county attorneys; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0115 Warrantless searches-repeal. Sponsored by: DRISKILL. AN ACT relating to game and fish; repealing provision relating to warrantless searches; and providing for an effective date.

S.F. No. 0116 Expungement of felonies. Sponsored by: BURNS. AN ACT relating to criminal procedure; amending or repealing provisions enumerating crimes for which expungement of felonies is not allowed as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0117 Summary probate proceedings. Sponsored by: PERKINS. AN ACT relating to the Wyoming Probate Code; providing requirements and procedures for distribution of property by affidavit and summary procedures for distribution of property; providing a definition; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0118 Medicaid-staged expansion. Sponsored by: ROTHFUSS. AN ACT relating to Medicaid; providing for expansion of coverage to low income persons as specified; authorizing a Medicaid demonstration waiver; providing waiver requirements as specified; creating the healthcare reserve account; providing for transfer of appropriated funds as specified; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0119 Education-mandatory kindergarten. Sponsored by: BARNARD. AN ACT relating to kindergarten; requiring attendance of kindergarten for all children; modifying the mandatory age for attendance; and providing for an effective date. S.F. No. 0120 Correctional healthcare costs. Sponsored by: HASTERT. AN ACT relating to medical assistance and services; providing for the implementation of a clinical code editing system and an audit and recovery service for correctional healthcare services; providing for contracts for the provision of services; and providing for an effective date.

Rocky Mountain

DISCOUNT SPORTS

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

hing Ice Fis ere! ies H Suppl

We Offer Payday Loans!

Governor Characterizes Washington Trip as “Productive”

Governor Matt Mead met with his fellow Governors, members of the President’s Cabinet and the Council of Governors in Washington, DC. From February 21st to 24th the National Governors, Western Governors’ and Republican Governors Associations held their winter meetings in Washington. Governor Mead also visited with the President at the White House. “As I say often, I believe strongly in states’ rights and with those rights come states’ responsibilities,” Governor Mead said. “The Governors from across the nation take their responsibilities seriously. We continue to innovate and provide leadership in many arenas. I shared our success in developing a Wyoming energy strategy, which is being implemented. I spoke about our work to create more opportunities by expanding infrastructure and access to broadband. Wyo-

February 28 - March 7, 2014

to the National Guard and homeland defense. The Council met Monday. “I, along with several other Governors, asked the President to support the current size and structure of the National Guard. The Guard has taken on a more signiﬁcant role in national defense since 9/11 and it plays an important role in civil emergencies,” Governor Mead said.

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

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

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

Giving away a case of domestic beer every Friday! Receive one ticket per day! Must be 21 to enter! Open 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mon. - Sat. Noon to 10 p.m. Sun. 365 Days a Year

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.

Classiﬁeds

February 28 - March 7, 2014

Help Wanted

Miscellaneous

Camping/Fishing

*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

Have you heard the Buzz lately?

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

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

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.

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.

Clerical Personnel needed to help reduce my work load. Computer skills needed and should be well organized and will be well paid. Interested person(s) Should please contact: marcscott17@hotmail.com for more info and wages. Full Time Flooring Installers wanted. Must have experience. Bring resumes in to Carpet Express Direct on Hwy. 59 next to the Prime Rib Restaurant. 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)

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

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. HONDA 1988 GL1500 MOTORBIKE FOR FREE IF INTERESTED CONTACT:(petermaris@live. com) if interested 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 Two energetic women are looking for homes to clean. Reasonable rates. If interested call (307) 299-4660 or (307) 257-4816 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!”

07’ Prowler 5th wheel. 2slides. 32ft with extras. Call 307-672-8766 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 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! International Tractor 300 Utility For Sale. $2000 Artic Cat 4X4 2001For Sale. $2000 Call Bill 307 - 660 – 8563.

Campbell County Observer

Legal Notices STATE OF WYOMING COUNTY OF CAMPBELL ss. IN THE DISTRICT COURT SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT PROBATE NO. 7750 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EILEEN MARY MITCHUM a/k/a “EILEEN F. MITCHUM” and “EILEEN MARY FOLEY MITCHUM” Deceased. NOTICE OF PROBATE Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of W.S. § 2-1-205, 1977, as amended, a Verified Petition for Decree of Distribution has been filed in the District Court, Sixth Judicial District, Probate No. 7750, Campbell County, Wyoming, for a Decree of Distribution, by which the Petitioner thereunder, Douglas L. Mitchum, seeks to have set over unto Douglas L. Mitchum, Colleen Facinelli, and Sharon Mitchum, all right, title, and interest in and to the real property owned by the Decedent, Eilieen Mary Mitchum, as of the date of her death, June 29, 2009, such property being situate within Campbell County, Wyoming, and as more particularly described in the Verified Petition for Decree of Distribution. The District Court, Sixth Judicial District, Campbell County, Wyoming, shall consider the matter after publication of this Notice once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks. Following thirty (30) days of the first date of publication of this

notice, should no Creditor’s Claims be filed, Petitioner shall submit a proposed Decree of Distribution to the Court for consideration and execution. Individuals having claims against the Decedent or her estate are required to immediately file an objection to the distribution of the identified asset in the office of the Clerk of said Court, located at 500 South Gillette Avenue, Suite 2600, Gillette, WY 82716. If such objections are not so filed, and if it appears that the facts as stated in the Verified Petition for Decree of Distribution are not in dispute, the Court may enter its Decree establishing that Douglas L. Mitchum, Colleen Facinelli, and Sharon Mitchum shall succeed to the right, title, and interest held by the Decedent in and to the identified real property. NANCY RATCLIFF Clerk of the District Court 3/7/14 ***

For advertising space and prices go to www.campbell countyobserver.net or email us at Advertisement@ CampbellCounty Observer.net

Weekly Sports Trivia Answer The late Dale Earnhardt holds the all-time record for the most runner-up ﬁnishes at the Daytona 500 with ﬁve. Who holds that record among active drivers?

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

This year’s Daytona winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who has placed second four times.

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

Weekly Trivia Answer

The Sholes and Glidden typewriter, which introduced the world to t he QWERTY keyboard design, ﬁrst appeared in 1873 and was manufactured by what American ﬁrearms manufacturer?

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

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

The Remington Arms Company

The S&G was a decorative machine, boasting painted ﬂowers and decals. It looked rather like a sewing machine, as it was manufactured by the sewing machine department of the Remington arms company. The Sholes & Glidden had limited success, but its successor, the Remington, soon became a dominant presence in the industry.

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 28 - March 7, 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.

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 28 - March 7, 2014

Campbell County Observer

CCHS Speech and Debate Results he Campbell County High School Speech and Debate team traveled to Buffalo for the Buffalo High School Speech and Debate Tournament the weekend of February 21st-22nd. The team had an extremely successful weekend, with six of our eight competitors bringing home trophies. Lucas Davis won Lincoln Douglas

Debate, and also brought home a 4th place in Original Oratory. Taylor Mowery won ﬁrst place in Original Oratory, and she also made it to quarter ﬁnals in Public Forum debate with her partner, Taylor Reisland. Rebecca Gray placed 5th overall in Humourous Interpretation, and she and her Duet partner, Blake London,

also placed ﬁfth. Victoria Jones placed sixth in Original Oratory. Also competing in Buffalo this weekend was Laurel Blake and Keifer Schlekeway. The speech and debate team is busily preparing for their tournament in Cheyenne this weekend.

Investigators Believe Shooting Victim was Attempting Abduction

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce has released more information in the investigation of Wednesday night’s fatal shooting in Wright. Investigator Gary Sams said the evidence shows 48-year-old Sammy Micheal Fears of Casper, WY, was attempting to abduct an adult female when he was shot by a 15-year-old boy. Sams said law enforcement records

in Casper and Utah show a lengthy history of alleged domestic violence between the adult woman and Fears. Fears died on the way to Campbell Count Memorial Hospital. Sams said his ofﬁce does not have a pathology report at this time. Sams said today that no arrest has been made. Sams said once the report is ﬁnished, it will be forwarded to the Campbell County

Attorney’s Ofﬁce for review of the case. Sams said the 15-year-old male was not related to the adults, but the three individuals were all familiar to each other. Sams said more information will be released after the pathology report is completed. Sams said they are also awaiting a toxicology report.

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

“That’s all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history.” - William McKinley

$5,000.00

On the Purchase of Your 1st Home With This Coupon

Frederick W. Benteen By Jeff Morrison

he most famous battle during the period of the Old West collectively known as “the Indian Wars” was the Battle of the Little Big Horn. It was both the greatest victory of the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho in their war to maintain an ancient way of life and freedom to choose their own destiny, and the greatest defeat the United States military suffered during a half-century of armed conflict collectively referred to as the “Indian Wars”. One of the most interesting and controversial participants of the battle was Captain Frederick W. Benteen, who has been branded both a hero and a villain for his actions that day in 1876. Frederick Benteen was born on August 24th, 1834 in Petersburg, Virginia. His family later moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1849. On September 1, 1861, Benteen joined the Union army as a 1st Lieutenant in the 1st Missouri Volunteer Cavalry. This did not sit well with his father, Theodore Benteen, who was loyal to the Confederacy. He sent his son off to war with the admonition that he hoped Frederick would be killed by the first bullet, preferably fired by a relative. By August of 1862, Benteen, now a captain, captured several blockade running steamboats on the Mississippi. One such boat, the Fair Play, listed among its crew a chief engineer named Theodore C. Benteen. Most of the crew was released shortly after the boats capture, but Chief Engineer Benteen found himself cooling his heels in a federal prison camp until the war’s end. It is presumed that Captain Benteen had the imprisonment prolonged to keep his father out of harm’s way. Benteen fought in several major engagements during the Civil War, including: Westport, Pea Ridge, Vicksburg and Mine Creek. By war’s end he would achieve the brevetted rank of lieutenant colonel and command of the 10th Missouri Cavalry. After the war, Colonel Benteen served briefly as commander of the 138th Colored Volunteers, which was mustered out of service in 1866. He was then accepted into the regular army with the rank of captain, and assigned to the newly formed 7th Cavalry. He served in the 7th with distinction for the next 16 years. Benteen was well liked by his men, and held in high respect by his fellow officers. One of these was a young lieutenant named Hugh Scott, who would one day become the Army Chief of Staff. He wrote, “I found my model early in Captain Benteen, the idol of the Seventh Cavalry on the upper Missouri in 1877, who governed mainly by suggestion; in all the years I knew him, I never once heard him raise his voice to enforce his purpose.” In sharp contrast to this command style was Benteen’s new lieutenant colonel, George Armstrong Custer. Benteen formed an unfavorable opinion of the “Boy General” at their first meeting. That opinion continued to erode as time went on, even after Custer’s death in 1876. Benteen later admitted, “I am only too proud to say I despised him.” From Benteen’s perspective, Custer

had a bad habit of doing the wrong thing. Some of Benteen’s troopers went across the river to buy groceries in town without permission and Custer punished them as severely as if they had been outright deserters. Custer once asked Benteen for a loan of $100 and neglected to pay it back for over a year. Shortly after the death of one of Benteen’s children, Custer refused to give him a leave of absence to be with his wife who was gravely ill. Not that Benteen was without his faults. He had a knack for letting his opinion be known regardless of the consequences. And he had a strong opinion about literally everyone. He once slapped Major Marcus Reno in front of a group of officers and challenged him to a duel. The friction between Custer and Benteen came to a boil shortly after the battle of the Washita in present day Oklahoma. Sometime during the battle, Major Joel Elliot and 19 troopers separated from the rest of the command in pursuit of some fleeing Indians. Custer chose to withdraw after the capture of the Cheyenne village, leaving Elliot to his fate. The bodies of Major Elliot and his command were found several days later. Joel Elliot had served with Benteen during the Civil War and was his good friend. Later that year, an anonymous letter surfaced in the papers. It was a scathing rebuke of Custer and his indifference to the whereabouts of Elliot during the battle. Knowing that the letter had to have been written by an officer of the 7th, Custer was livid and summoned his officers to a meeting in which he challenged the officer to step forward to be horse-whipped. Benteen immediately stepped forward and claimed authorship. Custer was dumbfounded. He dismissed the other officers and told Benteen they would speak of the matter further. It was never mentioned again. Custer’s reluctance to revisit this issue may have been an attempt to bury the hatchet between them. If so, it speaks well for him. Unfortunately it just added to Benteen’s scorn. The officers of the 7th were already divided between those who were among Lt. Col. Custer’s “inner circle” and those who were ever destined to draw the worst details and duties in the regiment. Benteen’s notso-discreet loathing of the regimental commander just made that gulf wider. In 1874, Custer was ordered to lead a “scientific” expedition through the Black Hills, which was strictly off-limits to white men by treaty. Word was promptly leaked to the press about gold discovered on the expedition. The resulting stampede into the Black Hills by gold prospectors, coupled with systemic corruption of Indian agencies throughout the west, helped set the stage for the Sioux War of 1876 and the Little Big Horn. Captain Benteen, and the three-company “wing” of cavalry he commanded, did not participate in the opening round of the battle. Just prior to reaching the valley, Benteen was sent on what he would later call a “pointless” reconnaissance of the hills and ravines to the south. Custer then divided his force

some more, giving Captain MacDougall command of the pack train and 130 men; Major Reno was given command of three companies, while Custer retained command of five companies - a little less than half the regiment. Custer instructed Reno to cross the river, attack the front of the largest Indian village any white man had ever seen and Custer would support him with “the whole outfit”. The attack had barely begun when Custer rode north, taking his five companies with him. They would not live to see the sunset. After several miles, Benteen decided he’d tired his horses enough on his wild goose chase and turned north with the idea of catching back up to the rest of the regiment. He stopped to let the men water their mounts when they reached the creek they had been following all morning. Shortly after resuming their march, a rider came from Custer’s command with orders to hurry up the pack train. Benteen directed him rearward to the creek crossing where the pack animals had showed up just as they were leaving. A second rider, a trumpeter from Benteen’s own company H, showed up a few minutes later, bearing Custer’s last written command. “Benteen. Come on. Big village. Be quick, bring packs…” Captain Benteen rode on, but instead if finding Custer, he found a highly demoralized Major Reno and what was left his three companies, taking refuge on the high bluffs after a disastrous mauling by the angry inhabitants of the village they had attacked. Benteen decided to wait for the pack train and give assistance to Reno. That decision most likely save the lives of half the regiment and possibly sealed the fate of the other half. While Benteen effectively took command of the soldiers on the hill, Custer and his command were dying a few miles away. An attempt to ride in the direction of Custer’s advance was quickly repulsed by Indians and they were forced to dig in. And so began a two-day siege on the bluffs. The combined force of Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho numbered somewhere between 2,000 and 5,000, while the remnant of the 7th Cavalry numbered about 300. It was during dire situations like this where Captain Benteen was at his best. “…I think in desperate fighting Benteen is one of the bravest men I ever saw in a fight,” Scout George Herendeen later said in an interview. “I think Captain Benteen saved the fight on the hill.” William O. Taylor, another trooper who survived the ordeal recalled, “All this time Captain Benteen was in full view of the Indians, making no effort whatever to seek any shelter. You could

see the bullets throwing up dust as they struck all around him while he, as calmly as if on parade, came down to our lines and, after his errand, returned in the same manner carrying in his hand a carbine, with which I observed him measuring the distance from his foot to a point where a bullet had just entered the ground in his front less than two feet away.” The next morning, Benteen led a charge down the hill to the river which took the Indians totally by surprise. This action cleared that part of the bluffs and allowed the soldiers to bring water to the wounded. Unable to dislodge the stubborn soldiers from their hill, the Indians broke camp and dispersed just before the arrival of Generals Terry and Gibbon with the Montana Column. It was Captain Benteen who surveyed the aftermath of Custer’s “Last Stand” and identified the body of his long time nemesis. Benteen served six more years with the 7th, seeing action again the next summer at Canyon Creek, near Billings, during the Nez Pierce War. In 1882 he was promoted to major and transferred to the 9th Cavalry, one of the “Buffalo Soldier” regiments, an assignment he had reputedly turned down in 1866 to join the 7th Cavalry. During his service with the 9th, which lasted until 1887, he would be posted in Kansas, Utah and Fort McKinney, just outside present day Buffalo, Wyoming. The Little Big Horn continued to haunt Benteen to the end of his life, as it did most of the survivors of the battle. He became more belligerent toward his colleagues and insubordinate with his superiors. He drank more frequently. In 1887 he was suspended from the army for one year for drunkenness on duty and conduct unbecoming an officer. Shortly after his return to active duty he chose to retire due to poor health. He was brevetted with the rank of brigadier general in 1890 for gallantry in action at the Little Big Horn and Canyon Creek. He died in 1898. Frederick Benteen was considered one of the best military officers of the post-Civil War/pre-World War I army. He was at his best when under fire, but during peace times he became his own worst enemy. He’s in good company. The same could be said of George Patton, Douglas MacArthur, Ulysses S. Grant and, ironically, George Armstrong Custer. The best summation of Benteen’s life he made himself in writing to a friend late in life. “I’ve been a loser in a way, all my life by rubbing a bit against the angles--or hair—of folks, instead of going with their whims; but I couldn’t go otherwise--’twould be against the grain of myself.”

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