January 25-February 1, 2013

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The Campbell County Observer January 25 - February June 17 -1, 24,2013 2011

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The Wyoming Comprehensive Cancer Control Consortium (WCCCC) is inviting interested residents to participate in the 8th Annual Celebration of Hope at the Wyoming State Capitol on January 24.

During the celebration, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others involved with cancer-related efforts in Wyoming will gather at the state Capitol to celebrate hope, progress and Wyoming cancer survivors. This year’s celebration will focus on childhood cancer and “Camp Courage Wyoming.”

From 2001 through 2010, there were 218 cases of cancer, an average of 22 cases per year, diagnosed in children and adolescents in Wyoming.

“These numbers are small but the impact to families is not,” said Jessica Perez, Wyoming Comprehensive Cancer Control outreach specialist. “Because there are no cancer programs or hospitals in Wyoming equipped to handle these special cases, children must travel out of state to receive care and treatment.”

Camp Courage Wyoming was created to bring childhood cancer patients, their parents and siblings together to provide a Wyoming connection for families who travel around the country for specialized cancer treatment. The camp was born through a partnership between Jason’s Friends Foundation and the WCCCC. The camp was funded through the creation of a cancer survivor’s cookbook, corporate sponsorships and private donations of time and materials.

You can bet I’ve been getting a lot of calls, e-mail’s, and a lot of people stopping me in the hallways at work and on the sidewalks in town, asking me about what is going on with our state legislators and their spat with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Cindy Hill? Were the “good ol’ boys” in Cheyenne trying to run off the woman that we the people had elected to the job?

Was the state legislator actually thinking of changing an elected position into a position appointed by the Governor? Isn’t that unconstitutional?

Despite the fact that I work in the media and have access to elected officials in a way that most people do not, I had no answer. So with a little help I dug into the issue to get you some answers.

PART ONE: Why is Cindy Hill in trouble?

The short answer on this is that Mrs. Hill came to office (after we the people had elected her) with a few ideas of how to better train teachers to teach Wyoming students.

But in order to do this she needed money to fund the program.

Money comes from the legislators.

If Mrs. Hill wanted to start a new program she needed to submit a request, ask for help writing a bill, and the legislators will vote on if they will appropriate the money or not.

But Mrs. Hill did not ask.

Rather, she closed a department which she felt was not producing and was wasting money then moved that money into her new “Teacher to

Teacher” program.

The Legislature called Mrs. Hill out on this, and rightfully so. Checks and balances are set up in government for a reason. It is not a matter of whether or not her Teacher to Teacher program was a good it is a matter of how she went around the legislator to get her funding.

Mrs. Hill was asked to come to the legislature with proper requests for funding. They were willing to give her the benefit of the doubt and were willing to work with her on funding her program. Later, the legislators found that Mrs. Hill’s Teacher to Teacher program was still up and running, and funded, but simply under a new name with new reasoning as to where she was getting the money.

Again, I am over simplifying this because of the amount of space I have in this column.

There are other problems, such as reports that are to be given on the progress of education in Wyoming which have not been given and offices and responsibilities that were moved around which should have had legislative approval, by law, but did not.

I voted for Cindy Hill. I like her. I support her.

But as to the above offenses...

CINDY - YOU BLEW IT! I can understand why the Governor and State Legislators are shocked by your behavior and why they want to make some changes to your office.

PART TWO: So now we move on to --- what

sort of changes is the legislature offering? Are they suggesting that we remove an elected position and replace it with an appointed position?

At this point I find the solution that has been offered to be typical for government. It seems that their plan is to solve the problem by making it bigger.

The idea is to keep the elected office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, but to add an appointed office that splits the responsibilities.

Reading the bill (SF104) it seems to me that the appointed position will hold most of the power. During the debate one senator made this comment that this would, in effect, create a “two headed dragon,” in the Wyoming Department of Education.

I agree that there is a problem.

I agree that the problem goes far beyond those that are created by Cindy Hill.

I agree that some changes need to be made.

But from where I sit it seems that growing the office doubles the problems in the long run. If our Wyoming legislators and our governor would like to fix this problem might I humbly suggest that they find a way to discipline Mrs., Hill, hold a recall election, or impeach her, and replace here with someone who will strive to work with her elected counterparts across the street? Opening a new office with a new head and a new staff is not the solution that will solve the problems that our state education system now faces.

For subscriptions go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net

Community

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Obituaries

Concerns about federal government will be relayed If you have questions or concerns that you would like relayed to Washington DC, there will be a opportunity on January 24. DeAnna Kay, Denise Ebzery, and Matt Jones, Field Representatives for U.S. Senators Michael Enzi and John Barrasso and Congressman Cynthia Lummis are scheduled to hold “Office Hours” in Wright and Gillette at the following times and places:

Wright

Thursday, January 24, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Wright Town Hall

Gillette

Thursday, January 24, 2013 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

City Hall Community Room Area residents are encouraged to come to discuss issues or views, ques-

DEBRA MCGILLIS

Memorial service for Debra McGillis was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Walker Funeral Home, Gillette, WY with Pastor Ernie Bishop of The Church of Christ officiating.

Debra “Debbie” Marge McGillis, age 49, of Sheridan, Colorado passed away, due to a heart related event, at her home on January 11, 2013.

Debbie was born on October 3, 1963 in Gillette, WY the daughter of Bernard “Red” and Delores “Dee” (Whisler) McGillis.

Her early childhood was spent in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Montana before returning to Gillette in 1969. She attended school in Gillette and graduated from CCHS. Debbie also graduated from Denver Technical College and worked for various companies in the Denver area that needed a quality computer programmer. She moved to Denver when she was 32 and resided there until she passed away. She loved living in the Denver area and made several close friends. She enjoyed traveling around the Rocky Mountain region and taking family and friends on pulsepounding drives to show off her local knowledge. Deb was a unique spirit with a sometimes wicked sense of humor, an infectious laugh, a penetrating wit, and a big loving heart.

Debbie is survived by her mom, Delores McGillis of Gillette, WY; her brothers David (Gay) McGillis of Vandenberg, AFB. CA; and Leonard McGillis of Gillette, WY; nieces April McGillis of Laramie, WY; and Heather McGillis of Vandenberg, AFB. CA; aunts, Barbara Whisler of Sheridan, WY; and Pat Grace of Rozet, WY; uncles, Don Whisler of Gillette, WY and Don McGillis of Choteau, MT; several cousins; and Devo her beloved rescue dog.

She was preceded in

tions or concerns regarding the federal government.

These comments and concerns will be relayed to Senator Enzi, Senator Barrasso and Congressman Lummis.

If residents are unable to attend at that time, but would like information or assistance, please contact these offices: Enzi 682-6268 Barrasso 672-6456 Lummis 673-4608

Organ Donors may someday save lives Submitted by Wyoming Department of Health Signing up to be an organ and tissue donor is a generous way to perhaps someday help save or transform other lives, according to a Wyoming Department of Health representative.

“The easy act of marking “yes” when asked about organ and tissue donation on your driver’s license form can dramatically impact others’ lives,” said Cherame Serrano, Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares program manager with the Wyoming Department of Health. “One donor can help change up to eight lives through organ donation and help heal more than 100 people through tissue donation.”

Serrano said currently about 150 Wyoming residents are waiting for transplants.

Residents can check their licenses to see if they are included in the donor registry. Most Wyoming licenses have a small red heart symbol in the upper right hand area to indicate someone wishes to be a donor.

Wyoming remained 4th in the nation with 59.1 percent of individuals with driver licenses and ID cards joining the donor registry in 2011.

“While it’s great that Wyoming has been in the top five for many years, we’d like to see the rate go even higher,” Serrano said.

How to become a designated organ donor in Wyoming: • Sign up with the Wyoming Department of Transportation when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or ID card • Register online at http:// www.donatelifewyoming. org/ • Request and return a mail-in registration form.

Forms can be requested by calling 307-777-3527 or by mail from Wyoming Cares/ Wyoming Shares, 6101 Yellowstone Rd, Suite 420, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

Wyoming is a first person consent state, meaning that residents registering as donors are making an advanced directive to be honored at the time of

death. “If you are eligible to be a donor, your family will be informed of your decision at the time of your death and will be asked to provide information about your history,” Serrano said.

“Organ, eye and tissue donation are considered only after you are deceased,” Serrano said. “If you are sick or injured, the top priority is to save your life.” There are no extra costs to the donor or the donor’s family for organ or tissue donation, and those wishing to only donate certain organs and/or tissue may list restrictions.

Serrano noted all major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation as an unselfish act of charity and an open casket funeral remains possible for organ, eye and tissue donors.

The Wyoming Department of Health’s Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares Program helps promote organ donation in the state, together with a number of partner organizations.

University of Wyoming Honor Roll

The University of Wyoming lists the following students from Campbell County on the 2012 fall semester academic Dean’s and Dean’s Freshman Honor Roll.

The honor roll consists of regularly enrolled undergraduates above freshman standing who earned a 3.4 or better grade point average, and freshmen who have earned a 3.25 or better grade point average.

To be eligible, students must have been enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours taken for letter grades.

For more information about the University of Wyoming, visit www.uwyo.edu.

Students are: Gillette: Cody Tanner Anderson, Sasha M. Andrie, Kaylyn Brook Bahnson, Trey J. Barlow, John Andrew Beitler, Brooke Ann Benson, Kari Jo Borchgrevink, Shaylie Christine Brown, Morgan S. Carlson, Kaia E. Christofferson, Matthew Jordan Christofferson, Raleah Chantelle Cisneros, Gage Hunter Clark, Zara R. Coulter, Audra Jean Destefano, Jayna Lynn Dooley, Murphy James Dutcher, Anthony Ray Fleak, Cody Allan Friedlan, Jackson Douglas Fry, Colin S. Fulton, Joshua John Geiser, Ashley Rachelle Golden, Hannah Mary Gorman, Thayne M. Hardy, Jacob Lee Hatfield, Melanie Rose Hays, Taylour Jourdan Hinshaw, Jami Hitt, Nicole Marie Hoffmann, Koryn Herrera Jankord, Derrek Alton Jerred, Jacoby Daniel Johnson, Jordan Alise Johnson, Levi J. Kissack, Megan Michelle Klein, Kelsey Nicole Lunberg, Stephanie Grace Matsunaga, Lindsey N. McGee, Taylor McInerney, Robert Riley Meyer, Hannah Margery Miller, Kyla

death by her father, Bernard “Red” McGillis, her paternal and maternal grandparents, aunts, and dear friends.

The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers. Donations will be given to various organizations Deb was fond of such as Freedom Service Dogs.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in Deb’s name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716.

Condolences may also be sent via the website www. walkerfuneralhome.com.

ANTHONY SIMANSKI

Anthony “Tony” Dean Simanski was born September 6th, 1957 in Lake City, Minnesota to Dennis Charles Simanski and Katherine Ann (Petrich) Simanski. Tony was raised with his family in Southern California. He graduated from Montgomery High School in Imperial Beach, California in 1975. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Navy serving his country from 1975 until 1979 in the Seabees.

After Tony was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, he worked in construction and masonry.

Tony found his home in Gillette in July of 1981, while working in the oilfield as a roustabout. He married Mary Skinner on October 25, 1985, in Gillette. He pursued his career in welding at the Northeast Wyoming Vo-Tech and graduated in August, 1987. The pride and joy of his life arrived March 17, 1986 as a daughter, Lacey Rae Simanski. After 17 years of marriage, the couple divorced. Tony worked for Von’s Welding then L&H Welding until 2000 as a welder. For the past several years Tony was employed at Sears and Roebuck as an assembler and delivery technician.

Tony enjoyed football,

fishing, the outdoors, camping, watching college basketball, cribbage, cards, playing pool, snow skiing, bowling, darts, horseshoes and music. He was a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan. His favorite car was his 1973 Road Runner.

His greatest passion was his daughter, Lacey Rae and her various accomplishments. Tony was an unconditionally loving stepfather to Jamie and Jeremy Skinner priding himself in their achievements. Tony had a deep and unfailing faith in the Lord and was known for having a generous and selfless heart, never afraid of lending a hand to a stranger.

Tony is survived by his daughter, Lacey Simanski of Gillette. Stepsons, Jamie Skinner of Gillette, and Jeremy Skinner of Boise, Idaho. Mother, Katherine Ann Simanski of Lake City, Minnesota. Sisters, Kathy Newman of Red Wing, Minnesota. Denise Bargsten (Stanley), of Lake City, Minnesota, and Corinna Potvin (Bud), of Ramsey, Minnesota. Brother, Glen Simanski, of Dickinson, North Dakota and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Charles Simanski; grandmother, Geneva Thoner; grandfather, Laverne Simanski; grandfather, Herbert Petrich; and grandmother, Edna Petrich.

A memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Phil Jones Thursday, January 24th, 2013 at 11:00am at Roadway Alliance Church in Gillette.

EMMA CULEY

Mass of Christian burial for Emma Jean Culey was celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette, WY with Father Raymond Canete as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Gillette-Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2012 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church.

Emma Jean L. Culey, age 81 passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2013 the Campbell County Memorial Hospital of natural causes.

Walker Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

“If you receive help in any form from someone, always be surprised instead of expected.

Always plan on having to do everything yourself, as this will create your individual responsibility, but cherish the help you receive and never forget it.”

– Nicholas De Laat

Danae Mock, Matthew Michael Mordecai, Jennifer Alysse Morkemo, Mitchell R. Nedved, Morgan Lynn Pearson, Jessica R. Porras, Scott Gordon Ratliff, Kyle M. Rhoades, Wesley Richardson, Kahly Royce, Jaime Rose Scherer, Sarah Jean Scott, Bridget L. Simmons, Julionna Skinner, Cinnamon Jean Smith, Jed A. Storie, Hannah Marie Thorfinnson, Derek A. Thrall, Daniel James Tryon, Travis L. Vliem, Stephen Michael Wadsack, Gregory Ryan Waetzig, Lindsey Marie Waetzig, Hayley R. Wasserburger, David Wayne Wiley, Katelyn Renae Young, and Taylor Olivia Young.

Rozet: Ashley Glyn Clark, Tory James Corcoran, Blair Vernon Gauthier, Kody Dawn Knighten, and Carly Delsa Temple.

Wright: Nora R. Bohne, Joseph L. Greger, Kyle Thomas Huseth, Nathan Scott Huseth, Amanda Leann Johnson, Duncan C. Jones, Cameron Bryce Thomas, Shannon M. Thomas, and Schelbi Wilson.

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Where is this picture taken?

Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County?

Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer

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Community

Campbell County Observer

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Women’s issues survey results press conference to be held Feb. 22 Submitted by Matt Cox - Wyoming Business Council The Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues (WCWI) will present the results of the Wyoming Women’s Issues Survey completed by the University of Wyoming at a press conference in the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 at 9 a.m. In addition to WCWI board members and stakeholders, legislators and the general public are invited and encouraged to attend.

About the Survey: The WCWI commissioned the survey to pose questions to Wyoming women about health and child care, domestic violence, education, and to address issues such as wage disparity and the number of women in non-traditional careers.

WCWI is a 13-member council with representation from each of the nine judicial districts and four at-large

members plus an ex-officio member from the Business Council. Members are volunteers appointed by the Governor; activities in the areas of employment practices, educational opportunities, home and community and legal rights and responsibilities are funded by the State Legislature.

The Wyoming Business Council is the fiscal agent and supporting agency for WCWI.

Catholic Schools Week - Raising the Standards - John Paull II Catholic Schools Week Schedule Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27- Raising the Standards in our Parish Have families at each mass get up and present their top 10 list of why they chose JPII. Students will lecture, usher, alter serve, sing, greet and hand out bookmarks.

Invite all families to come with students in uniform.

Serve coffee and donuts/cookies and punch after each mass.

Monday, January 28- Raising the Standards in our Community…

Students to Primrose/take cookies to police, sheriff’s office, and fire department/write thank you not es.

• 5:30- Taco dinner for all families • 6:00- Start with Safe Side Video and share safe schools program • 7:00- Public Open House and Night of the Notables Tuesday, January 29- Raising the Standards in Our Nation School Mass Present a Living Rosary in the Gym

Wednesday, January 30- Raising the Standards in our School Rec Center something fun for the kids, 1pm to 2:30pm Student Recognition Awards Principals Lunch at Council of Community Service at noon Casual uniform for students

Call for your free estimate!

307-696-7465

Thursday, January 31 - Raising the Standards in Vocations Mini Career Fair, 9am to 10:30am Have parents/ community members share how they chose their professions and how they use the skills God gave them in their careers.

Prayer time for an increase in religious vocations.

Friday, February 1- Raising the Standards in Our Faculty, Staff and Volunteers Teachers out front to hand out morning treats for parents, 8am Lunch will be provided for teachers, with lunch duties covered by parents.

We've Got You Covered!

What you need to fight the flu and common cold

While last year’s cold and flu season was mild, experts say this year could bring you a wallop of sniffles and sneezes.

While there is no cure for the cold or flu, despite what mom says about her soup, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide relief for the most common symptoms. And these guidelines can help you better navigate the cold and flu aisle:

Sneezing Got You Down?

OTC antihistamines can provide relief from sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers congestion and upper respiratory discomfort.

Constant Cough

Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, basically tell your brain to stop coughing.

One commonly used cough suppressant is dextromethorphan, which relieves cough symptoms but doesn’t speed recovery.

If you’re producing mucus, however, don’t take a cough suppressant. Instead, look for an expectorant, a medicine that helps thin the mucus in the lungs and soothe an irritated re-

spiratory tract.

All Clogged Up!

Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (PSE) relieve a stuffy nose and congestion by actually narrowing the blood vessels in nasal passages so you can breathe more easily.

PSEs are now located behind the pharmacy counter because they are an ingredient that can be used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine (meth).

Rest assured though, PSE has been safely used for decades.

If you’re clogged up, consider treating your symptoms and doing your part to keep your community safer at the same time. Ask your pharmacist about new Nexafed 30mg pseudoephedrine HCl tablets, the next-generation PSE that provides the same effective cold and allergy relief from standard PSEs, but with technology that disrupts the extraction and conversion of pseudoephedrine into methamphetamine.

Stop the Pain

If your symptoms include muscle aches or high fever, consider an analgesic or painkiller. Most OTC analgesics fall in to two categories: acetaminophen or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs). Both medications can reduce fever and ease aches and pains from the flu or cold.

Scratchy Throat

Help ease throat pain with cough drops or throat spray. While not a cure-all, cough drops or hard candy can help provide relief from a dry, tickling cough. Also consider taking a warm shower or using a vaporizer to increase the moisture of indoor air.

No matter what your symptoms are, it’s important to get some rest and stay hydrated. Doctors recommend six to eight hours of sleep every night to fight and prevent illnesses and keep the immune system healthy.

If you have any questions or doubts about which medications may be best for you, talk with your pharmacist. And if symptoms worsen or last for more than two weeks, be sure to see your doctor.

More tips on how to prevent and treat a cold or the flu can be found at www.

CDC.gov.

Don’t needlessly suffer this season. With the right treatment, you can help alleviate your cold and flu symptoms.

Campbell County Observer

Featured Crime Burglary (Jan. 8 - 11)

Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving four burglaries that occurred between 01/08/13 and 01/11/13. Unknown suspect(s) burglarized business located at 1502 W 2nd St, 212 N Butler Spaeth, 1311 Energy St, and 820 S Burma Ave. After forcing entry into the business the suspects took 4 tires with alloy rims, Genisys OTC car diagnostic scanner, two additional vehicle diagnostic scanners, $150 cash, approximately $150 in loose change, a Sony 8mm camcorder, fruit rollups and a box of rubber gloves.

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.

CampbellCountyObserver.net 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 (PP-1) Volume 3 Issue 4 The Campbell County Observer is published

by Patriot Publishing L.L.C. in Gillette, WY every Friday.

5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Postmaster: Send address changes to 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Writers

Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Sandra Boehler (Charities/Fundraisers/Veterans Events) SandraBoehler@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Bill Stone - Advertising Sales/Marketing BillStone@CampbellCountyObserver.com Dale Russell - Sales/Marketing DaleRussell@CampbellCountyObserver.com Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com

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Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com Amanda Wright (Government/Politics Reporter) AmandaWright@CampbellCountyObserver.com James Grabrick (Where is This?)

JamesGrabrick@CampbellCountyObserver.com

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Community

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Sportsman Corner

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FRESH RAW MILK Free information on

By Karl Milner - Wyoming Mountaineers What a year we are having, first Wyoming Game and Fish released the news that the price of hunting license fees are going up and then there have been several tragedies involving guns and that opened the flood gates of gun control. Let’s look at both of these issues.

Is Wyoming Game and Fish just a bunch of crabby game wardens acting as hunter and fisherman Nazi police? NO! That is not the case at all. Here is what Game and fish really is, it is a group of Wyoming residents protecting the Wyoming Wildlife resources so all the residents of Wyoming and non-resident visitors to Wyoming can enjoy wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing. Plain and simple they are the protectors of OUR resources, they are game wardens, wildlife biologists, specialist in different areas such as herpetologist, they are administrators, and even commissioners making sure the laws are fair and correct.

Some of that money is even used to pay for the materials used in your hunter education classes. I have spent a lot of time with the people from Game and Fish and truth be known, they are really great people who are very passionate about their profession, none of them want to arrest you or torment you in any way. If you are doing something wrong that warrants your arrest or ticketing then you deserve what you get, this is my wildlife as well and it is my opportunities you are destroying. They are all paid to do this and they are all very dedicated and very good at protecting our recourses. They represent all of us, whether or not we are hunters and fishers, in our state and federal legislators.

All of the work they do is for the residents of Wyoming and visitors to Wyoming.

So, why the price hike and is it fair? In a nut shell Wyoming’s wildlife employees and projects cost money and this money comes from two basic sources. The sales of hunting and fishing license and taxes, so who does and should pay more is now the question. In order to receive funding from taxes that money needs to come from somewhere, the typical place is tax hikes, both federal and state taxes.

In the case of Wyoming that could mean the implementation of a state income tax.

And what about those people that don’t use the wildlife in any way? The people that think hunting is a game you buy at Cabalas, or the people that think beyond city limits are huge bands of wild Indians that scalp you.

Is it fair for them to pay additional taxes? Not really so that leaves the sportsman flipping the bill, and this comes in the form of price increases. Inflation has been increasing all around us and Wyoming Game and Fish has done a really great

job keeping our prices low, the time has come though that if we want our wildlife we need to pay a little more to keep it. Believe me when I say this, the increase on these fee’s is really pretty small compared to what the states around us are planning to do or have already done.

Gun control, according to our current leaders it is defined as take all guns away from the people. According to the United States Constitution it is as follows: The Second Amendment (Amendment II) to the United States Constitution is the part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, along with the rest of the Bill of Rights. The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess and carry firearms. As the amendment is written it states: A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. Due to the recent tragedies the house, the senate, and the president are forced into making a decision regarding the second amendment and its wording.

They do this in a measure called gun control. The Constitution of the United States (the document that governs the Bill of Rights) starts out “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

This being the case, is gun control aimed at “We the People” or rather at “Those the Government”? The original intention of the second amendment was to prevent the government from becoming out of control and saying who could say what, you could go to jail without a trial be held there indefinably or held until you paid an unreasonable bail, the governments army can force their way into your home and stay there, they can at any time search your home and take your property, or institute un-fair taxation. You can read the bill of rights at http://www.archives.gov/ exhibits/charters/bill_of_ rights_transcript.html and the constitution at http:// www.archives.gov/exhibits/ charters/constitution_transcript.html.

Currently it seems like the government is going to ban guns, limit what guns you can purchase or poses, limit how much ammunition you can have, and determine how much ammunition your gun can hold. Is this against the second amend-

ment? What would happen if the government said you can’t own a gun that you as a “well-regulated militia” can’t defend yourself or your property against the out of control government.

The answer is simple; the government would take over your life and every aspect of your life. If history repeats itself then we better study the history of the united states before the revolutionary war and see what led up to the inclusion of the second amendment. We better look at what started the revolutionary war, wasn’t it when the government tried to take guns away from the people?

With the current gun control to legally purchase a firearm from a dealer you fill out paperwork and are administered to a background check to make sure the guns aren’t sold to felons or crazies like those that have committed these horrific crimes like the recent shootings. In all these shootings however the guns were not purchased legally by the suspect and to top it off the people that should have been held accountable have not been. At columbine the parents knew of the kids activities with guns and explosives prior to the crime being committed, at the theater shooting who let the guy in and didn’t they see or suspect he was carrying guns? And look at the range manager in Colorado who wouldn’t let the theater shooter practice there because something was “wrong” with him. In the Sandy Hooks shooting, who released the locks letting the criminal in the door, to top that off the guy was mentally unstable and there were firearms in the same house he lived in? In all these cases and many more cases that aren’t as popular guns were placed into the hands of people that didn’t belong having guns and a string of events happened that could have prevented the crimes.

Gun control isn’t the answer, education is. Teach gun safety in our schools, in our communities, and moreover place well trained and armed officials into the places we need them the most, our schools and daycares. It strikes me as odd that they are going to tell me I can’t defend myself, my family, or

my property from criminals and the tyranny of the government because bad guys committed a crime that ignorant people selling guns and lazy people failed to protect a group of innocent people. Going back to “We the people of the United States” you can do something about this. Contact you representatives in the white house and tell them how to vote on gun control. Be kind, polite, and forceful. Stand your ground on gun control but don’t be rude or threatening (I suppose reminding them that they are elected won’t hurt). They can be reached at the following: http://lummis.house.gov/ contact/ http://barrasso.senate. gov/public/index.cfm?

FuseAction=ContactUs. ContactForm http://www.enzi.senate. gov/public/index.cfm/ contact?p=e-mail-senatorenzi .

Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease; in this case it has been the anti-gun lobby getting the attention so e-mail these people several times a day, every day and your voice will be heard.

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4

Community

Campbell County Observer

Ultra Petroleum’s $2 Million gift supports UW Energy Research Submitted by the University of Wyoming A $2 million gift commitment from Ultra Petroleum Corp. will support and enhance the University of Wyoming’s energy research and academic program, the university announced today (Tuesday).

Ultra’s gift, which will be doubled to $4 million by the state of Wyoming’s matching program, exemplifies the energy industry’s ongoing and significant partnership with the state and UW. State matching funds have been transformational in elevating UW’s partnership with the energy industry to benefit Wyoming’s economic future.

“Ultra Petroleum proudly supports the University of Wyoming in its efforts to further the university’s energy research and educational programs. This is the second financial contribution we’ve made, illustrating our commitment to continuing our partnership with the state of Wyoming and the university,” says Michael D. Watford, chairman, president and CEO of Ultra Petroleum.

In 2009, Ultra committed $1 million to fund the Ultra Petroleum Visiting Chair of Energy, the first of its kind at UW in the sciences and engineering disciplines.

These gifts build upon Ultra’s commitment to collaborate with UW to advance the state’s and UW’s energy agenda.

“The Wyoming Legislature and I set aside $15 million to match donations from industry to the School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming. I thank Ultra and the other companies that have chosen to invest in Wyoming through gifts to UW. The joining of resources promotes leading research and provides amazing opportunities for students in Wyoming,” Governor Matt Mead says.

The governor has called a special announcement at

10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, in the Wyoming State Capitol Rotunda to recognize Ultra Petroleum and to share news of another significant corporate partnership to support UW’s energy programs.

This vital public-private partnership with Ultra Petroleum will support research into the extraction of energy resources from unconventional reservoirs.

Research efforts within this program include reservoir geomechanics and hydraulic fracturing, characterization and flow, drilling and completions, and improved recovery. More specifically, this program will focus on increasing faculty expertise, research facilities and outreach.

“Governor Mead continues to travel with UW’s energy leadership team to talk face-to-face with Wyoming’s energy industry partners,” says Ben Blalock, UW Foundation president. “These conversations involve requests for financial support, but, even more importantly, requests for partnership involvement in research and teaching.

These major announcements highlight the remarkable success of this significant UW initiative.”

In addition to these two gifts, the university announced a commitment of $1 million from Marathon Oil in April 2012.

UW is committed to the continued advancement of its energy-related teaching, research and outreach programs through corporate partnerships. The goal of UW’s strategic plan for energy programs includes commitments totaling $15 million from corporate partners to take advantage of state matching funds.

Additional public-private partnerships are being pursued.

“Ultra Petroleum continues to show its dedication in partnering with UW and

Wyoming to further UW’s efforts to become a national leader in energy research and education,” says UW President Tom Buchanan.

“This is an exceptional example of how industry, the university and the state can create vital and meaningful public-private partnerships.”

This fundraising effort supports the construction of the Energy Engineering Research Facility (EERF), a new facility that will provide the necessary space and infrastructure to house and support large-scale research related to energy development, conversion and conservation. Space within this research-focused facility will be designed so that it can quickly be converted to house a variety of projects.

The EERF is tied to the work of the Governor’s Energy, Engineering, STEM Integration Task Force, which recently released its strategy for creating a “Tier 1” engineering program at UW. UW’s strategic plan for energy programs focuses on three areas: unconventional reservoirs, climbing the value chain, and renewable resources. Unconventional reservoirs include oil shale and coal-bed methane that are produced using unconventional methods. “Climbing the value chain” means adding steps in Wyoming’s chain of natural gas production and coal production to mitigate boom-and-bust cycles. Research into renewable resources includes increasing efficiency so that such resources are more cost effective.

Ultra Petroleum Corp. is a leading independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Ultra’s core properties are located in the Pinedale Anticline and Jonah natural gas field of southwestern Wyoming,

and in the Marcellus shale in Pennsylvania. The company’s holdings in Wyoming are unconventional deposits that, for decades, were known for their great potential despite frustrated attempts to tap into these vast reserves.

In addition to the EERF, there are two other newly constructed or soon-to-be renovated facilities related to energy research on the UW campus. Renovation and expansion of the College of Engineering and Applied Science Building will accommodate growth in enrollment and research related to undergraduates and graduate students, and the faculty members who support them. The newly constructed Energy Innovation Center houses the School of Energy Resources and the Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, as well as a drilling simulation laboratory and a 3-D visualization laboratory, among other things.

January 25 - February 1, 2013

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Warden’s Corner Ice fishing has gained popularity in the last several years and is a great way to get you and your family outside in the winter. The fishing lake at Dalby Memorial Park and Panter Pond at the rest area in Wright are great places to take a young angler for their first ice fishing experience. Whenever you are around ice you should be familiar with its dangers and risks. Ice can be weak and not consistently thick as you cross a lake. Pressure ridges, springs and other water sources can weaken ice, even if it appears as strong as other parts of the lake. Taking precautions such as wearing a float coat, having ice picks to pull yourself out if you break through and having ice cleats for your boots will keep you safer on the ice. Keep in mind that you only have a few minutes in water that cold before hypothermia sets in.

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January 25 - February 1, 2013

Comics

6

Campbell County Observer

Campbell County Observer

Comics

January 25 - February 1, 2013

To submit a quote of the week go to www.CampbellCountyObserver.net

Solutions from last week

We want to get it Write.

Oops we mean Right.

The Observer strives to make news reports fair and accurate.

If you have a question or comment about news coverage, Contact us at nicholasdelaat@campbellcountyobserver.com

7

Community

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Spring Planting is near: Join the Arbor Day Foundation in February and receive 10 free Blue Spruce trees

Joining the Arbor Day Foundation is an ideal way to get in the mood for spring planting. Anyone from Wyoming who joins the Foundation in February 2013 will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees to plant when the weather turns warm.

The free trees are part of the nonprofit Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

“The blue-green hue and distinctive shape of Colorado blue spruce trees will help beautify Wyoming for many years to come,” said John Rosenow,

founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “The trees will also add to the proud heritage of Wyoming’s existing Tree City USA communities.”

The Tree City USA program has supported community forestry throughout the country for more than 35 years.

The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between March 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6- to 12inch trees are guaranteed to grow, or

they will be replaced free of charge.

Members also receive a subscription to the Foundation’s colorful bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book, which contains information about planting and care.

To become a member of the Foundation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to TEN FREE COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE TREES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by February 28, 2013, or visit arborday.org/february.

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UW Fall Semester President’s Honor Roll

The University of Wyoming lists the following students from Campbell County on the 2012 fall semester President’s Honor Roll.

The President’s Honor Roll consists of regularly enrolled undergraduates who earned a 4.0 (“A”) grade point average for the semester. To be eligible, students must have been

enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours taken for letter grades.

For more information about the University of Wyoming, visit www.uwyo. edu.

Gillette students are: Jeffrey Brian Austin, Madeline Marie Carlson, Lindsey Erin Carter, Nicole Lee

Clikeman, Matthew Patrick Doherty, Randee Renee Gelatic, Matthew A. Gross, Alexis Lorraine Lunberg, Gretta Shea Macdonald, Whitney L. McGee, Nicole Jean Mehlberg, Carrie Saur, Emily Suzanne Schroeder, Sheree Elizabeth Small, Heidi Louise Solomon, and Sadie A. Wilson

UW continues with Staff Reduction plan

The University of Wyoming so far has eliminated 42 non-academic staff positions and is holding open 12 faculty positions as initial steps to prepare for anticipated state budget cuts in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The reductions, which will be made over a two-year period, have started now, before Gov. Matt Mead and the Wyoming State Legislature take final action on UW’s budget, to avoid employee layoffs when any reductions take effect.

“This is prudent action on the part of the university, but each of these eliminated positions represents a loss of UW’s capacity to accomplish its mission,” UW President Tom Buchanan says. “The individual units that have lost these positions may feel the impacts sooner than others but, before long, every UW stakeholder will feel them.”

After asking UW and state agencies last year to prepare for budget reductions of up to 8 percent, the governor has recommended that state operating funds for the university be cut by 6 percent starting in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Legislators are considering the governor’s proposal -- which would cut higher education by a smaller percentage than many other agencies -- in the current legislative session.

The plan developed by the university in response to the governor’s request

calls for a reduction in nonpersonnel expenses of 14 percent, with just a 3.5 percent cut in personnel expenses. Still, a 3.5 percent reduction for personnel ultimately will result in the elimination of an estimated 100 non-academic positions and 24 faculty positions.

“We appreciate the fact that the governor has proposed, and that legislators are considering, a smaller reduction for higher education than some other parts of state government,” Buchanan says. “At the same time, a 6 percent reduction is substantial, and it can only be accomplished by trimming our budgets for salaries and wages.”

As a first step, UW’s Office of Academic Affairs last summer used the existing faculty central position management process to hold in reserve $1 million of the $3.57 million in annual faculty and academic professional salaries vacated in the 2012 fiscal year.

This amount equates to 12 unfilled faculty positions.

A second $1 million cut in the budget for academic personnel -- representing 12 additional faculty positions -- would be required to meet an 8 percent reduction in state funding.

On Oct. 3, in the first of a series of quarterly meetings to strategically eliminate some vacant non-academic staff positions, UW’s vice presidents reviewed 84 vacant jobs and identi-

fied 28 of those positions to hold open. The second quarterly meeting on Jan. 10 resulted in a reduction of 14 additional staff positions. Together, the loss of the 42 non-academic positions will save the university $1.24 million annually.

The eliminated staff positions are scattered across numerous campus units, including Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Athletics, Information Technology, the President’s Office, the Office of Research and Economic Development and Student Affairs.

“By planning and acting ahead, and making careful choices about which positions to fill and which to eliminate over an extended period, we are trying to minimize the impact of these reductions on students and our core academic mission.

However, it’s impossible to make cuts of this magnitude without impacting our teaching, research, service and outreach,” Buchanan says. “The effects of the cuts also will take the form of reduced effectiveness in instructional support, reduced student services and reduced capacity to maintain the physical plant.”

The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for early April 2013, when the vice presidents will aim to identify positions to be eliminated to save $375,000 in non-academic salaries.

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Community

Campbell County Observer

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Rewriting American History: Unknown ancient civilization entered North America before the Clovis culture Submitted by University of Oregon Scientists have added a new and dramatic chapter to the history of the peopling of the Americas striking a deadly blow to the “Clovis First” theory that has dominated pre-historic American archaeology for so long.

It has long been debated who were the first humans to enter the North American continent.

Were they humans who founded what is known as the Clovis culture over 13,000 years ago?

Or did other, totally unrelated peoples precede the Clovis immigrants?

The Clovis culture has been seen as the cradle of North American indigenous culture.

Now new international research shows that people of another culture and technology were present concurrently or even previous to those of Clovis. The sensational results are published in the international journal Science.

Evidence that a non-Clovis culture was present in North America at least as early as Clovis people themselves and likely before is presented by an international team of researchers from the USA, the UK, and Denmark.

The team Archeological excavations at the Paisley Caves in south-central Oregon were led by Dr. Dennis Jenkins from the University of Oregon.

Dr. Loren Davis of Oregon State University mapped the stratigraphy and studied the site formation processes.

Dr. Paula Campos and Professor Eske Willerslev from the Centre for GeoGenetics at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, profiled the many DNA finds from the caves.

Dr. Thomas Stafford, Jr., also from Centre of GeoGenetics, was in charge of the radiocarbon geochronology and biogeochemistry.

The evidence The evidence for a pre13,000 year old non-Clovis culture in North America includes obsidian and chert artifacts known as Western Stemmed projectile points, and DNA-profiling of dried human excrement - more accurately known as coprolites. Both obsidian projectile points and coprolites were excavated from sediments in the Paisley Caves.

Previous investigations found that human coprolites in the caves predated the Clovis culture by over 1,000 years; however, critics questioned the interpretations by saying that the cave strata had not been sufficiently examined and that no Clovisage stone tools had been found with the coprolites.

Critics also questioned whether or not younger DNA could have been washed down through the cave’s sediments, thereby contaminating non-human coprolites with more recent human DNA. If true, evidence for preClovis human presence would have been bogus.

The new study refutes every one of the critics’ arguments and uses overwhelming archaeological,

stratigraphic, DNA and radiocarbon evidence to conclusively state that humans and ones totally unrelated to Clovis peoples - were present at Paisley Caves over a millennium before Clovis.

Rocking the theoretical boat The new results severely contrast with the “Clovis First” theory for early peopling of the Americas.

The Clovis First hypothesis states that no humans existed in the Americas prior to Clovis, which dates from 13,000 years ago, and that the distinct Clovis lithic technology is the mother technology of all other stone artifact types later occurring in the New World.

This theory has been predominant since the first evidence of human presence in America was found in 1932 at the Clovis type locality in Blackwater Draw, just outside the village of Clovis in New Mexico. But now this praised and respected foundation of American prehistory has been overthrown.

Dr. Jenkins says of the paradigm shifting results: “One of the central questions has been whether the technological evolution of hunting tools such as dart and spearheads can be attributed solely to the Clovis culture and the knowledge that these people brought from the Old World. During our excavations in the Paisley Caves we’ve found a completely different type of dart points. But these new points are of a completely different construction from those found in the Clovis culture. As our radiocarbon dating shows, the new finds are as old, or possibly older than the Clovis finds, which proves that the Clovis culture cannot have been the ‘Mother technology’ for all other technologies in America. Our results show that America was colonized by multiple cultures at the same time. And some perhaps even earlier than Clovis.”

Human excreta rewrite history It’s not the first time that the partners Dr. Jenkins from the US and Professor Willerslev from Denmark rewrite American prehistory.

In 2008, the two researchers presented a DNA-profiling’s and radiocarbon dating of coprolites moving the first human settlements in North America back in time by one thousand years, from 13,000 to 14,340 years ago.

As if that was not enough, the team showed through DNA analysis of ancient human excrement that these people originated in Asia and were the probable predecessors of modern indigenous Americans.

With the new results the international team has added an important piece to the puzzle of who peopled the Americas - the final continent on Earth to be colonized by humans.

Professor Willerslev says of the new results: “Our investigations constitute the final blow to the Clovis First theory. Culturally, biologically and chronologically the theory is no longer viable. The dissimilar stone

artefacts, as well as the DNA-profiling of the human excrement, show that humans were present before Clovis and that another culture in North America was at least as old as the Clovis Culture itself.

Or to put it differently: Either America was populated several thousand years before Clovis by people who created ‘mother’ technologies to the two very different styles of Clovis tools and Western Stemmed Tradition tools. Or else there must have been two earlier migrations into North America of which one must have predated the Clovis immigration by at least one thousand years. Both assumptions would explain our findings, but trying to distinguish which is more likely is very premature.”

Dr Paula Campos, a former postdoc at Willerslev’s lab in Copenhagen, now at Science Museum, University of Coimbra, Portugal, elaborates the point: “When we published the first DNA results from the Paisley Caves four years ago it caused an outcry.

Many archaeologists felt that our results must be wrong. They considered it an established fact that Clovis were the first Americans.

People would come up with any number of alternative explanations to our data in order to repudiate our interpretation. Today we demonstrate that our conclusions were right.”

Thomas Stafford, also of the Centre for GeoGenetics in Copenhagen, and Loren Davies of Oregon State University agree: “Critics said that the stratigraphy in the Paisley Caves is diffuse and chaotic and that this explains the finding of human coprolites older that Clovis. This couldn’t be more wrong.

The stratigraphy is well developed, clear and ordered correctly top to bottom.”

Tom Stafford elaborates: “No other archaeological site in the US has been as

thoroughly and exhaustively dated as the Paisley Caves.

We’ve completed more than 141 new radiocarbon measurements on materials ranging from coprolites to wood and plant artefacts, fossil plants and mummified animals, to unique, water soluble chemical fractions from sediments and the coprolites themselves. We have used 14C dating to physically and temporally dissect the Paisley Caves strata at the millimetre l level.

At present, we see no evidence that geologically younger, water-borne molecules - DNA in particular have moved downward and contaminated deeper, older coprolites. The aDNA and 14C data are iterative and corroborate each other. Our conclusion is that humans were present in North America at least one thousand years before Clovis and that these earlier peoples probably had no technological or genetic similarity to the iconic Clovis Culture. The Clovis First debate has ende.

The theory is now dead and buried.”

Photo by Jim Barlow

Archaeologist Dennis Jenkins of the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History holds a human coprolite dating to about 13,000 years ago and found in Oregon’s Paisley Caves.

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Community

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Campbell County Observer

AIA Wyoming announces winter conference at Laramie County Community College AIA Wyoming will host their winter conference “AWARENESS” January 31-February 2, 2013 at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The conference is open to all members and the public

and will feature seminars on architectural awareness, community perception, preservation, marketing and education.

Registration includes reception, all seminars, lunch, dinner program and tours. AIA Wyo-

ming promotes architecture within Wyoming’s communities for both the professional and public. For more information on AIA Wyoming and to register for the conference, visit www. aia-wyoming.org.

Will Meeks named Assistant Regional Director for refuges of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mountain-Prairie region The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) has announced the selection of Will Meeks as the new assistant regional director for Refuges in the Mountain-Prairie Region, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The Mountain-Prairie Region includes Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas.

Meeks, who has more than 18 years of experience working for the Service, has held various positions during his Service career including private lands biologist, refuge wildlife biologist, refuge manager, branch chief, deputy division chief and project leader. He

currently serves at the project leader of the Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) in Bismarck, N.D., where he has distinguished himself as the leader of a sciencesupport organization.

Prior to assuming the role of Project Leader for HAPET, Meeks gained invaluable experience working in Headquarters as both the deputy division chief for Natural Resources and Conservation Planning, and as branch chief for the Branch of Wildlife Resources. Meeks also directed the Planning Branch of the Refuge System, which included Comprehensive Conservation Plan development as

well as land acquisition planning efforts in support of America’s Great Outdoors initiative.

Meeks has also served as deputy refuge manager at Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Alaska and refuge manager at Lostwood NWR. Meeks’ career has exposed him to almost every facet of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including experience with a remote Alaskan refuge and with wetland management districts in the Dakotas, the Refuge fire program, the new Inventory & Monitoring program, as well as the Service’s planning and land acquisition efforts.

Weekly Trivia Question Which was the last state to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment?

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Joke of the week Submitted by Don Stranton A politician’s wife died and went to heaven. As she stood in front of Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates, she saw a huge wall of clocks behind him.

She asked, “What are all those clocks?”

Saint Peter answered, “Those are Lie-Clocks.

Everyone on Earth has a Lie-Clock.

Every time you lie, the hands on your clock will move.

“Oh,” said Hillary, “whose clock is that?”

“That’s Mother Teresa’s. The hands have never moved indicating that she never told a lie.”

“Whose clock is that?”

“That’s Abraham Lincoln’s clock. The hands have only moved twice telling us that Abe only told 2 lies in his entire life.”

“Where’s my husband’s clock?” Hillary asked.

“Bill’s clock is in Jesus’ office. He’s using it as a ceiling fan.”

Campbell Co. Fire Dept.

January 12, 2013

- At 12:02 PM to 215 Primrose to assist the Gillette Police Department with a smoke detector activation, the residence was vacated by renters. There was no obvious signs of fire or smoke.

All units cleared.

- At 12:46 PM to El Camino and 6th St. for a two vehicle accident with no injuries.

- At 3:22 PM to 2675 Ledoux Ave. for a fire alarm activation, upon arrival it was determined that a fire sprinkler had frozen and burst in the entryway to the apartment. Crews isolate the water supply to the sprinkler system and drained it. A company was contacted to fix the broken line.

- At 8:59 PM to Prairie Wind School for a report of sparks coming from the smoke stack. School officials and maintenance staff were consulted and it was determined that this was normal for this type of boiler system.

- At 10:59 PM to 2nd and Brooks for a vehicle vs. tree with injuries.

January 14, 2013

- At 1:19 AM to 7129 Robin Drive (Village of Gillette Apartments) for a fire alarm.

A fire sprinkler pipe froze and broke causing the alarm. The fire sprinkler system was shut off.

- At 8:44 PM to Coal Train Rd. for an EMS assist.

January 16, 2013

- At 5:15 a.m. to Cheryl Avenue for an EMS assist.

- At 6:34 a.m. to the area of 9th Street for a fire in the back yard of a residence.

CCFD responded to the scene and found an unauthorized controlled burn being conducted at 812 East 9th Street. The homeowner was advised of the city ordinance prohibiting open burning and extinguished the fire.

- At 10:20 to Homestead Lane for an EMS assist.

- At 1:37 p.m. to 601 Running W Dr. for an automatic fire alarm, all units were cancelled en route.

- At 2:15 p.m. to Lincoln and Gurley for a report of a vehicle fire, upon arrival we found a propane truck with hot brakes. The brakes had locked up due to a safety feature on the truck.

- At 3:27 p.m. to S. Emerson for an EMS assist.

January 17, 2013

- At 2:44 a.m. to 201 Worley Court for a structure fire.

Upon arrival crews found a fire burning in the rear portion of the mobile home; the fire was brought under control and extinguished in approximately 1.5 hours. There was one civilian fatality and damage is estimated at $40,000.

The cause is under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

- At 7:16 a.m. to 244 Alcott Rd for an EMS assist.

- At 8:59 a.m. to South Emerson Avenue for an EMS assist.

- At 9:12 a.m. to 5669 HWY 450 for an EMS assist. CCFD was cancelled en route.

- At 4:28 p.m. to 701 Granite Street for an automatic fire alarm. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival was informed by the homeowner that the alarm was caused by burnt popcorn.

January 19, 2013

- At 1:27 a.m. to the 1800 block of East Warlow Drive for a medical assist.

- At 1:29 a.m. to Moran Ranch Road for a medical assist - At 3:38 a.m. to 1404 Preamble Lane for a medical assist – cancelled en route by alarm company.

- At 3:50 a.m. to 1404 Preamble Lane for a medical assist – cancelled en route by alarm company.

- At 5:00 a.m. to the 2400 block of Dogwood Avenue for a medical assist involving a fall from a roof of a three story building.

- At 5:12 a.m. to North Highway 59 near the intersection of Little Powder River Road for a medical assist.

- At 6:45 p.m. to K Court for a medical assist.

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January 11, 2013

- At 12:05 AM to 501 South Burma Avenue for an automatic fire alarm (AFA) activation. CCFD cancelled en route to the call when it was determined the alarm was caused by a power outage.

- At 11:15 AM to the address of 2105 Rodgers Drive for an automatic fire alarm activation. This was a false alarm due to a malfunction in the system and technicians were on scene working on the system. There was no fire and all fire units cleared without incident.

- At 8:24 PM to the 1200 block of Green Avenue for a medical assist.

- At 9:23 PM to the 700 block of Express Drive to assist the Gillette Police Department look for a juvenile who had ran away from home. The person was found okay at approximately 10:50 PM. - At 10:44 PM to the 1900 block of Utah Street for a medical assist.

January 13, 2013

- At 6:12 AM to S. Carey Ave. for a medical assist.

- At 10:54 AM to the 200 block of East Flying Circle Drive for a medical assist.

- At 11:16 AM to 2590 Wolff Road for a fire alarm caused by a hallway smoke detector activation. Responding fire units were cancelled when it was learned to be a false alarm.

- At 6:59 PM to 605 South Garner Lake Road (Weatherford) for a fire alarm. A tamper switch activation on the fire sprinkler system activated causing the fire alarm.

Employees had shut the fire sprinkler system off due to a dripping fire sprinkler head.

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January 9, 2013

- At 8:28 AM to the 900 block of W Warlow for a medical assist.

- At 11:04 AM to the area of Shoshone Ave & S Hwy 59 for a natural gas line that had been cut accidentally by a contractor. CCFD crews secured the area and clamped off the line.

- At 2:37 PM to 415 Range Circle (Wright) for a gas smell in the residence. A small gas leak was found at a gas piping union near the hot water heater. The gas company fixed the leak. There was no fire.

- At 2:40 PM to the area of 600 block of Running W Drive for a fire alarm activation. This was a false alarm and all units were cancelled.

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January 21, 2013

- At 12:24 AM to 332 Sierra Circle for a mobile home fire.

All the occupants of the home were able to evacuate safely.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to part of the living room and bathroom. The home suffered smoke damage. The fire started when blown-insulation in the attic fell down in a concealed wall space next to a fireplace that was being used. Preliminary fire damage estimate to the 1978 era mobile home that measured sixteen feet by seventy feet is $45,000.

- At 5:51 AM to 2009 South Douglas Highway (Mountain Mudd) for an arcing electrical outlet.

- At 11:21 AM to Sierra Circle for an EMS assist.

- At 2:02 PM to Stetson Dr. for an EMS assist.

- At 4:55 PM to North Highway 59 for an EMS assist.

- At 9:29 AM to Desert Hills for an EMS assist.

- At 10:18 PM to 3rd St. and Douglas Highway for a two vehicle accident with no injuries.

January 22, 2013

- At 1:28 AM to Echeta Rd. near Red Rock Dr. for a one vehicle rollover with injuries.

The patient was transported to CCMH. - At 10:58 AM to the intersection of South Highway 50 and Force Road for a two vehicle accident with injuries.

The roadway was shut down for a short period of time until emergency crews could get everything taken care of.

- At 1:29 PM to the WalMart parking lot for an antifreeze leak form a vehicle which was caused by a vehicle engine malfunction.

- At 2:52 PM to Hwy 59 MP 85.4 for Semi-tractor trailer accident with injuries. The patient was transported to CCMH. - At 5:31 PM to 1338 Hilltop Drive for a fire alarm. Responding fire units were cancelled when it was learned to be a false alarm.

- At 8:10 PM to the 1100 block of Church Avenue for a medical assist.

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Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Bold Republic Weekly Now THAT’s what I’m Talking About!

By Glenn Woods There I was, at my desk in my radio studio here in Gillette, when he came walking in…

Sounds strange when I say it that way, doesn’t it?

Well, don’t worry. I won’t tell you who “HE” is yet, but I will tell you why he made my day.

This gentleman is one I can add to a list of people who have had enough, and are already setting themselves up to run for political office, two years from now.

He’s a local business man, like the others who have come to speak with me. In this case this gentleman in question is thinking about running for Gillette City Council.

I’ve been beating the drum for several years now. “Do you find yourself complaining about government? Great. Now what are you doing about it? We can see now that those in government are not interested in listening to what we have to say, or in changing their ways. So, what are you going to do about it?”

The gentleman in my studio is not the only one.

There are a couple of ladies that have started a movement to fight something called “U.N. Agenda 21.” Quite a name huh?

Yeah well it’s as about as bad as it sounds. Look it up online if you have not heard about it. So these ladies have organized a meeting and have had some legislation written that has been offered to our state legislators in Cheyenne.

If you would like to learn more about Agenda 21, what it is, and what is being done to prevent it

from coming to Wyoming, please attend the meeting that is being held at the City of Gillette Library, Saturday the 26th, at 9am.

Nick De Laat, the owner of this newspaper, Taylor Haynes, and yours truly will be speaking.

Add these two ladies to the growing list of local people who have just had enough and are taking action to change the direction of our government, for the better.

People talk my ear off about “Taking America Back.” Every time I hear that I have to ask, “Back to what?” It’s just like when I hear people say that they want to “MOVE FORWARD.” You know how that line drives me nuts. Forward to what? Forward like Thelma and Louise when he shot out over the cliff and crashed in a fireball in the canyon below?

We need to be specific here about where we are taking America back to.

How about just taking it back to a time when government was less involved in our lives and we were freer. That is a “BACK” that I can go for.

Those folks who want to talk to me about “Taking America Back” are many, but they do not tend to be the people who get involved in politics. They have their jobs, and their families. They hate politics, and, frankly, I don’t blame them. Little secret here. I hate politics too. I only got involved in it because I saw the problem but also saw that no one was showing up to do anything about it.

Then I realized that --- no

one else was coming.

So, let’s review: Government, even in a free state like Wyoming, does nothing but get bigger and more intrusive in our lives in every way, every day. Those who are in government are stupid elitist snobs who believe that they are above us. They want to be in charge. They want to make the rules and insist that we live by them whether we like it or not.

They want to be in government for life.

We, the people, just want to live our own quiet little lives, and be left alone. But “THEY” won’t leave us alone.

Folks, it’s just going to keep getting worse until WE the people do something about it. We need more people like that young man who came to my studio asking how is can start running NOW for city council, even though the election is not for another two years.

We need more people like these two fine ladies who want to stop U.N. Agenda 21 from changing the way that they live.

They have never organized anything in their life. They have never been politically involved in anything. But, WOW, look at them go.

If you are still sitting at home, or at the bar, wherever, complaining, wondering when someone is going to show up and do something about it, by now you must have realized that someone else ain’t coming.

Ok, maybe you are not the type to run for office yourself, or start an organization. Fine, but you can support someone, or sup-

port a political organization. Maybe with money, or maybe with a little bit of your time.

Nothing will change. We will never “TAKE IT BACK” or “MOVE FORWARD” or however you want to say it,

until good people like you get to work.

Over the past few weeks I’ve met many who have had enough and are looking for a way to help. There is a big fat smile on my stupid fat face.

Will you join us? -- If you don’t have the nerve to call my radio show then how about you write a letter to the editor. I’d like to hear from you. --- We have a lot to do. Let’s start from there.

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Shoshone Avenue lane closure

The north lane in the westbound direction of Shoshone Avenue at the intersection of Shoshone Avenue and Highway 59 will be closed from Friday, January 25th through Thursday, February 4th for crews to verify waterline depth and replacement of a panel. Traffic Control [PDF]

Metz Drive lane closure

The east lane of Metz Drive at 1402 Metz Drive will be closed from Wednesday, January 23rd to Tuesday, January 29th to connect a service line.

For more information contact Public Information Officer Joe Lunne at (307) 686-5393.

Commissioners agree to open-agreement

At yesterday’s Campbell County Board of Commissioner’s meeting, an agreement to open-cut Garner Lake Road was approved.

Public Works Director Kevin King said the request for the open-cut came from the City of Gillette. King said the request to opencut Garner Lake Road just south of the City’s Field of Dreams site came after a drainage analysis.

“Their drainage analysis on that particular section showed that they needed to lower one of the three existing culverts across Garner

Lake Road that flows south into Donkey Creek.”---King The other option to consider was to re-bore a new culvert underneath the road adjacent to the existing three culverts. King said a cost analysis of the options showed the option to open-cut and lower a culvert would save about $100,000 for taxpayers.

Before the vote that approved the open-cut, Commissioner Gary Becker said the agreement was a good example of leaders from the City of Gillette and Campbell County working

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The City of Gillette’s Engineering Division and Utilities Department announce lane closures for Shoshone Avenue and Metz Drive.

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Lane Closure information for Shoshone Avenue and Metz Drive

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together to save the taxpayers money.

Campbell County typically does not grant requests for the open-cutting of roads. Commissioner Chairman Dan Coolidge said this request was a unique situation and he does not anticipate the commissioners granting requests for the open-cutting of roads in the future.

King said he agreed that the open-cut method was the best option in this situation and also agreed this request was unique.

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Public Pulse

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Wyoming should cut, re-prioritize spending to avoid fuel tax hike A Commentary by Maureen Bader - Wyoming Liberty Group & Lee Schalk - National Taxpayers Union Fuel tax hike proponents in Wyoming have not-socleverly disguised a tax hike bill as a highway funding bill. While a number of Wyoming’s roads may need repair, will the proposed 71 percent spike in the state gas tax rate patch all of the cracks and potholes today and in the future? Not likely, as long as the state continues to increase spending on non-essential programs instead of focusing on the roads and highways that keep Wyoming’s economy strong.

Wyoming already has enough money for roads.

Over the past decade, Wyoming legislators have doubled general fund spending from $1.5 million to $3.2 million and total spending from $4 billion to $8 billion. Already overburdened taxpayers should not be forced to contribute an additional dime-per-gallon of gasoline to fuel the state’s inability to prioritize spending.

Prioritized spending that avoids unnecessary government programs and requests is critical for the long-term fiscal health of Wyoming. But instead of developing a viable long-term funding plan for highway fixes during the spending run up, policymakers have depended on “one-time” appropriations for road repairs, ranging from $40 million to $190 million. This indicates a systemic problem that yet more money will not repair.

For WYDOT, prioritized spending means that fuel

tax dollars should be spent exclusively on highways, but a close look at the 2013-14 WYDOT budget reveals that millions in tax revenue will be set aside for other undertakings. For example, $2 million will be spent on the Recreational Trails Program, and a University Technology Transfer will receive about $62,000 per year. WYDOT should be commended for cutting expenditures on equipment, buildings, travel, and training in its current budget, but Wyomingites should know that the extra dollars they’ll be forced to spend on fuel are not automatically pumped into roads.

Additionally, lawmakers must recognize that Wyoming’s transportation system is in better shape than all but one of its six neighboring states, a feat accomplished in spite of a gas tax rate currently ranked second lowest in the nation. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, among Wyoming’s six neighboring states, only Montana received a better road condition rating, despite all of them imposing a significantly higher gas tax rate. Clearly, there is no evidence to suggest higher taxes guarantees better highways.

While highway spending and budgets vary from state-to-state, the takeaway is that Wyoming should not be so eager to match the fuel tax levels of its neighbors. The low tax rate gives Wyoming

a distinct advantage for businesses, workers, citizens, and even tourists. A 10-cent boost would cause its tax advantage to disappear, and Wyoming’s ranking would erode from second to 27th nationally.

State officials must also consider the economic effects of a 10 cent-pergallon tax increase. Some proponents of the gas tax hike insist that few would even notice a pennies-onthe-dollar increase, but the additional dime-pergallon will undoubtedly raise costs for shippers and retailers. While many have been led to believe that these businesses will shoulder the higher cost of fuel, consumers should expect this tax to be passed along to them, as the price of every product or service delivered by a motor vehicle will reflect the higher tax rate. The Energy Information Administration affirms that the “pass-through” cost hap-

pens fast, in as few as two months. Finally, the worst outcome would be the loss of an estimated 500 private sector jobs per year, according to the Wyoming Liberty Group.

Legislators managed to raise the gas tax by a nickel in 1998. If the 2013 proposal passes, an even higher rate would likely be sought in the near future unless elected officials practice some fiscal discipline. As Wyomingites, and all Americans, face soaring health care costs and lousy “Fiscal Cliff” deal tax hikes in 2013, now is an especially bad time for state leaders to grease the gears of the government spending machine.

Lawmakers should address highway repairs by trimming wasteful expenditures and properly allocating existing transportation dollars, instead of following in Washington, D.C.’s tax-and-spend footsteps.

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Public Pulse

Fuel Tax

Dear Editor, I don’t like having to stop my daily routine which cost me time and money to speak out and be in the public eye. At times we all have to do things out of our comfort zone. I am disturbed the publisher- Editor of the News Record would be calling on passing a Fuel Tax. She does not reflect my views or opinions at all. It seems that is the first thing that comes to mind when in need of money: Tax and Regulate.

Just like our Politicians in Washington DC. In January the majority of small Businesses got hit with Tax increase. In a few years we will all be hit again by health care. I hate to think that you’re favor of crippling small business. You also need to know all coal oil and gas and RR will be affected as well. They alone use hundreds of million gallons of fuel, not to mention gas. Is this the way we want to reward them with higher taxes along with those citizens that’s already on fixed incomes? I would think not. It seems to me Gillette is first to raise its fuel prices and last to drop them, we would be impacted worse in Campbell County than the rest of the state. If we need to restructure our spending then let’s get it done.

I think we need to keep in check the DOT’s spending and accountability. DOT should not be doing work in city limits of towns and taking on responsibility of the County surrounding towns. DOT job is to fix Highways and Bridges. If they need more revenue the state should review the spending of the counties and Cities. Gillette and Campbell County has spent money like Drunken Sailor’s for years. Take about half of their money away and the same as any others that’s on the money train. I see a lot of money going in to our education system millions to UW and Studebaker. They are supposing too be the elite of education in Wyoming and if we have to bail them out with State aid on a regular basis they need to be restructured too. As long as UW and others have been around they should be self-sustainable Creating revenue with in. I fear in the long term Wyoming is going to mirror California and others with tax and spend politic YS if they can’t learn wants verses needs that should be the main driver of every legislator in Cheyenne.

In short if a fuel tax is passed at 10 cents a gallon we will all pay that plus ten times at the pump.

In services freight living expenses on and on forever. Hold your Legislators accountable. Along with your City and County leaders after all they get their money from the state.

State money is what is keeping our Airport open and has for years casting millions. That too could be going to DOT one of many projects for special Interest. Instead of inform structure I am a small Business man been here all my life and can’t imagine running any business like Gillette of Campbell County.

I am truly sorry if I hurt any ones feelings out there. I am 53 years old and missing out on being politically correct most of my life. Instead we were tough if the shoe fits the year. Be responsible and accountable for your actions and decisions. That is what being a leader is all about. Not popularity contest we left that behind when we get out of school. (I believe in smaller government and less taxes).

Sincerely, Bill Fortner – Gillette, WY

Letters to the Editor

Fiscal problem

Dear Editor, The essence of our country’s fiscal problem is that the government spends too much. This problem is only poised to get worse, given that of all the new jobs in America last year 70% were government jobs. Our government now lays claim to 40% of the entire economy and they are demanding more. How ironic is it that Communist China’s government consumes less of their economy than our own government.

Let’s make this mess easier to understand; to do that we need to drop eight zeros from the Federal Budget to make it resemble an annual family budget. The income is $21,700. The spending is $38,200 so we have to borrow $16,500 from the credit card company and the current outstanding balance on the credit card is $142,710. And the elected officials on both sides had a conniption fit over the possibility of cutting $385 from the budget.

It would be gross negligence to increase the credit card limit in the scenario laid out above, yet that is exactly what President Obama will ask the congress to do in a few short weeks. To allow this fiscally reckless administration another penny of debt would be beyond negligent; it would be an affront to our children and grandchildren and a yoke on their futures.

Contrary to the deceitful mistruths of the President current revenues are sufficient to meet our obligations and fund the necessary and legitimate functions of government. We don’t need to raise the debt ceiling to send out Social Security Checks, fund Medicare, pay and supply our troops. If the EPA’s and other government agencies’ budgets as well as Obama’s travel budget get cut I think we will survive.

The American people didn’t need bloated government to build the greatest nation to grace God’s earth. Free people unimpeded by government pursuing their own individual hopes and dreams built our nation. The choice is either ever growing wasteful government spending and economic stagnation or liberty and opportunity for our children and grandchildren. We can’t have both.

Let us not be counted as selfish fools who senselessly darkened our descendant’s futures.

By Otto Schlosser – Former Candidate for Wyoming Senator From Editor Keary Speer: I am on the same page as you!

When put in single-family terms of a budget, everyone should understand the ridiculousness of America’s spending situation.

When my family was hard up, however, we were constantly being hassled by whomever it is that we owed. They need more of that. We took responsibility, cut things back where we needed to, got extra jobs and worked longer hours until we got our heads above water. How on earth is the solution to keep spending frivolously and borrowing from other people? It might take time, but we should all be willing to allow the government to cut out the fat and live on hamburger helper until they get the entire population’s head above water!

Are we ugly Americans?

Dear Editor, Are we ugly Americans?

Unfortunately this is a common vision about us overseas. My exgirlfriend’s father served in Hitler’s army during the 2nd world war. He told me that he was hoping to get captured by Americans rather than Russians. Those days even our enemy respected us for being good people. Today this vision has been reversed.

New Year’s Day a group of American soldiers entered a mosque that is located in Incirlik US airbase in Turkey. They broke the mosque’s windows, ripped apart Quran and tipped over the Altaf. Mosque has been decommissioned some time for repair.

The Turkish government and Turkish military hid the incidents until they became news. Now they are dancing around the issue. They were worried about the incident might spark an anti-US way of thinking.

This is an insult to the Turkish nation more than to Islam. Punishing the people who did it won’t solve the problem. The root of the cause is mentality. The US gov-

ernment is wholly responsible for their training therefore; US government is accountable for this incident.

Military personnel are ambassadors for the United States.

They have no right to act or react irresponsibly and destroy US (my) image. The burden is on the US government, which should give proper training to these kids while they are in their hands.

I am Turkish citizen as well as a proud US citizen. I have been all around the world. When I came to the States, I found out that American people are a most loving nation. Unfortunately the US government is failing to represent us properly around the world. We need to act swiftly and keep our government responsible, otherwise we have to deal with consequences.

I would like to end this with Albert Einstein quote. The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything?

Karahan Mete – New York City, NY From Editor Keary Speer: I feel that me being an Armenian is a conflict of interest for this letter.

House Bill 0169

Dear Editor, It is imperative that the citizens of the state of Wyoming cease to assume that because they live in one of, if not the, most conservative states in the Union, they need not ride herd on who is elected on the local and state level, and on the proceedings taking place in the state legislature. Please understand the following case in point, and act upon it rapidly and appropriately as conservatives desiring to be good stewards of the freedom and its accompanying responsibilities left to these generations as a gift from Almighty God and the United States’ Founding Fathers.

The case which citizens must be aware of and act upon is House Bill 0169 (HB0169), which challenges Wyoming’s founding morals by changing the wording of the definition of marriage. Currently defined as a civil contract “between a male and a female person”, HB0169 amends Wyoming’s laws to read that “marriage is a civil contract between two (2) natural persons.” This bill embodies a subject that is not merely one of differing opinions among political parties, but is a subject that questions the very basic fundamental moral codes on which this unparalleled nation was built.

Although some of the readers of this may have been misled to believe otherwise, the United States of America was irrefutably founded on Biblical principles by mainly God-fearing men; anyone confused on that subject needs simply to read history. The people of this country, today and for the past two hundred and thirtyseven years, have enjoyed unprecedented freedom because they have shared a common moral code, based on the Ten Commandments, that results in citizens acting in a moral and self-responsible manner needless of direction from the government. However, as those key morals erode, increasingly more moral issues will be forced to fall under the government’s jurisdiction, because there exists no common code. Marriage is an institution established by God, and the audacity with which any puny human thinks that he or she may redefine that institution is incredulous, which leads us to the “representatives” who are cosponsoring HB0169.

It is severely disappointing to read through the sponsors of House Bill 0169 and discover that of the seven representatives sponsoring the bill, four are Republicans- ostensibly the conservatives! Equally disturbing, and hitting even closer to home, is the fact that one of the sponsors is Campbell County’s own Sue Wallis, Representative of House District 52. In April of 2012, Republican delegates from all over the State of Wyoming convened at the Wyoming Republican State Convention, where a resolution defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman was passed in the Resolutions Committee and adopted by the convention (Platform of the Wyoming Republican Party, p. 13, April 12, 2012, http://wygop.org/).

Sue Wallis was present at that convention as a Republican run-

13

ning for re-election. What does it benefit citizens on the local level who participate in established proceedings in an attempt to voice their concerns and opinions, only to be ignored and disregarded by their elected official when the time for critical action arrives?

This is an appeal to Wyoming citizens to remain vigilant by putting overwhelming pressure on the Wyoming Legislature during this session to resoundingly defeat HB0169. Also remember Sue Wallis’ blatant betrayal of her Republican constituents when election time comes again.

Amity Kissack Christian first, American second, And Republican only as long as the party stands for what means the most.

Freedom-Destroying Bills

Dear Editor, I’ve wanted to write this email for quite a while now but I’ve been a little overwhelmed at what to say. I’ve finally concluded on this: First, those of you who are active politically already know that there are a lot of freedomdestroying bills that are being pushed through our state legislature. Second, those of you who are not active politically need to know that there are a lot of freedom-destroying bills that are being pushed through our state legislature. I will give you a few examples, two bad bills and one good one: 1) SF104 - A bill to allow the Governor to appoint a Director of Education and give that position powers that the WY State Constitution delegates to the Superintendent of Public Instruction which is an elected position.

- bottom line - taking the vote away from the people to decide on who will be in charge of education in the state and giving that power to the Governor (there are many arguments that would say this isn’t the real issue but I believe it to be the real issue) - one example (of many) of a possible shady thing - instead of the bill being introduced in the House Education committee it is instead being introduced in the appropriations committee - why not the House Education committee?

- on a positive note - one Senator who sponsored the bill and voted for it in committee has responded to gentle and persuasive comments from his constituency and voted against the bill when it came to the floor (we can make a difference!)

2) HB104 - A bill that would stop all Federal Gun Control (A Freedom Promoting Bill) -bottom line - Our God-given right to self-defense is protected in the 2nd amendment of the Constitution. “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” is not conditional. Also, gun control laws only work on those who obey laws. Murderers, by definition, don’t obey laws.

- one example of a possible shady thing - the speaker of the house has said that he will hold the bill up until the very last day possible. The natural result is that the bill has less of a chance of making it through the process before the session ends. Intentional? That is for you to decide.

3) HB69 - A bill to increase the fuel tax in Wyoming - bottom line - Does our state government have a revenue

problem or a spending problem?

- Our State government has increased spending 100% in the last 10 years. So, their solution is to bring in more revenue through an increased fuel tax to support such spending. Does that make sense? Or, would it be wiser to decrease spending?

These are just three bills of many, many that you may want to be aware of. It is extremely disappointing to see such things happening in our state legislature. So, what do we do? We must become active ourselves.

In this case, if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. Legislators have no way of knowing that the people they represent want freedom unless they hear from you. It may surprise you, as it did me, but not many people make their voices heard. Your voice is very powerful. Some legislators have said that when they hear three constituent’s voice concerns about a bill they consider it a high priority.

Will you be one of those voices?

(For those of us who are new to the process you can find out who your Senator and Representative are at this site: http://legisweb. state.wy.us/LSOWEB/LegInfo. aspx and email them a simple message to please support or oppose a certain bill - make sure the subject line on your email does so. You don’t even have to have much explanation. The shorter the better and always remember to be respectful.) I firmly believe that we are in the majority. But we must be vocal otherwise legislators feel justified in continuing their onslaught of bigger government solutions to problems caused by bigger government. It is only natural for government officials to yield to the temptation of thinking government is the solution.

My job and the purpose of The John Birch Society is to continually educate and activate as many people as possible about true principles of liberty. Everyone has their role to play and I feel strongly that my role is to use my time and energy to educate and increase the number of people who are aware and willing to do something about our problems.

Jeff Hymas – John Birch Society, Wyoming

Misused funds

Dear Editor, Last year you began hearing that Cindy may have misused funds. The Legislature ordered an external audit of the nearly 20 million dollar budget in question.

All of the $19,536,390 in expenditures reviewed in this audit was found to be appropriate department expenditures (100%). The following quotes and attached audio clip address the referenced audit.

Question from Senator Von Flatern: “Percentage wise, is this a pretty good audit? It strikes me that it’s not that far out of place with only $36,000 or 0.2% not being found. Is that good or bad?”

Answer from Pam Robinson (Wyoming Department of Audit, CPA, Public Funds Administrator): “Senator, I would say that it was a pretty good audit. To have less than 1% findings is pretty unusual.”

The effort to discredit Cindy continues and these stellar audit results are not being shared -instead the old saying “if you say something enough times it becomes reality” is at work here.

By Cheri Steinmetz

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

Why is it?

ing ish

From Editor Keary Speer: I am the worst at politics. That’s Nick’s area! However, it is I who has the responsibility of responding to the letters of the editor this week. First of all, I can jump on anybody’s bandwagon who disagrees with the Gillette News Record! Petty, I know, but I not-sosecretly smile when I hear people stand against them. Second of all, my husband is a conductor/ engineer on the railroad and I am against anything that would affect us negatively in that light. I am sure many of the people who live here realize that and would agree since it is the majority’s livelihood and if that majority left than it would affect the rest of them too! It is a scary reality for our residents that our future could be bleak so it takes outspoken people, like yourself, to help others realize that.

January 25 - February 1, 2013

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Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Hunting with Suppressors SF-132 passed committee this week without any amendments Hunting with Suppressors SF-132 passed committee this week without any amendments with a 4 to 1 vote.

Senators Barnard, Burns, Christensen and Driskill voted aye, while Senator Craft voted against the bill.

In opposition, namely the Game Wardens Association who also lobbied to kill the previous introduction in

the house, again worked feverishly to kill the bill.

There was also continued resistance from Representative Kathy Davison (Republican-Lincoln/Sweetwater/Uinta) the chair of the house committee, as she decided to show up in the senate committee to argue against the bill.

The bill, named SF-132, would repeal provisions prohibiting the possession of silencers, suppressors or automatic weapons in the game fields and forests. If passed signed by the Governor, the bill will take effect on July 01, 2013

Every week, the Observer prints one article, paragraph, or section of either the U.S. or State Constitution for your information.

On the Contrary...

On the Contrary is a column in debate format originated by the Campbell County Observer. The opinions expressed in this debate do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the writers of this column, the Observer staff, or of the Observer itself. To show two sides of a debate, many times one of the guest columnists or regular writers may be playing devil’s advocate. This article is not to push political agenda’s or opinions, but to show both sides of the debate.

To become a guest for “On the Contrary” email us a request at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com

The Issue: Should HB54 be passed this legislative session?

Nicholas DeLaat

Glenn Woods

The Sides: Glenn Woods (Newspaper columnist and Radio Talk Show Host) is for the passing and Nicholas DeLaat (Newspaper Publisher) is against the passing.

Nicholas: HB-54 is a bill that basically does two things.

First, it would eliminate the GED (General Educational Development) and Replace it with a High School Equivalency Certificate. We will just call it a HSEC I guess. Second, it would qualify people with the Equivalency certificate for scholarships including the Hathaway Scholarship.

Here is how the introduction of the bill reads.

AN ACT relating to high school graduation requirements; replacing the general educational development (GED) equivalency diploma with the high school equivalency certificate; imposing duties on the Wyoming community college commission; granting rulemaking authority; and providing for effective dates.

Now you agree with this bill. Why? Glenn: I tell you Nick, this is a GREAT CIGAR! Oh, and about that bill, sorry. I’ve met many people over the years that have made the mistake of dropping out of school before they were ready. A bone headed mistake, to be sure. But after having life kicked them around for a while they came back, a little older, and a lot wiser for their mistakes. I watched them knuckle down and study for the test. The way I see it, they chose to leave high school and take up the school of hard knocks. Some of these people that I know are better educated than those who stayed in school. If they can pass the test, then give them the credit that is due.

Nick: Your right, great cigar, a Romeo and Julieta. Yes people, we are smoking a cigar in my garage (which is about to be further taxed by our legislators if a bill passes, but that is a different issue) while we write this article. But you’re right, let’s give credit where credit is due. These people did make a mistake and dropped out or got kicked out. The credit should go to the students that bucked up, did the right thing, and stayed in school. People with GED’s can still go to college after taking certain entry courses. A GED does not stop them from doing so. But what you’re agreeing with is having people that made that mistake being put in the same category as people who did not. Now you know much about my life and I have made plenty mistakes that I have to live with that I cannot reverse. I can move on and do the best I can, but I shouldn’t be labeled in the same category as someone that has never made those mistakes. They can be proud, and are further along in life because of the better decisions they have made. When you preach individual responsibility like both of us do, you also have to preach accountability.

Glenn: Lagloria Cobana – dark wrapper and a thick full bodied smoke with...oh…right...education… In life, it is not if you are smart as much as HOW are you smart.

I’m dyslexic, as you know. That and my teachers, back in school, bored me to no end. I’m surprised that I graduated at all. But I’m a smart guy. Stop laughing…I am too. I love to learn and for me the learning never stops. That’s part of the reason you and I get along so well. Always with our nose in books about history or science, I learned more my first year out of school that 4 years in school. For some, today’s public schools are not a proper fit. They must go out and find their own way. If, later, they can come back and pass a state test to prove that they have learned, on their own, what had been deemed by experts that they need to know, then pass them.

Nick: Right, and I agree. There are many instances where I can hold my own in political debates with current politicians, philosophical conversations with college professors, and history talks with teachers. I did this by not only reading, but applying what I have read. Now I graduated from High School and went straight into the military, a proud accomplishment, but I still kick myself many times for not going to college as my parents wished. Because of this I am behind in life. My thirst for knowledge includes even reading many college business books (hey, I own a business), but the learning is the hard way because I didn’t spend the money or take the time to go to college and get taught myself. It is like you are always just a step

Weekly Constitution Study

behind. Now, does that mean that I should be able to learn all of this, test out, and get a College equivalency degree, say to become a doctor?

Glenn: A doctor? That depends; can they pass the exam to get into medical school? If they can – let em in. I mean, come one, Bill Gates is a collage dropout.

Nick: Ok, how about an architect, or a lawyer. Why not become a Judge or an engineer. Hey, there is also nuclear physics and bio-chemistry. My point is that these professions need a college education, business and entrepreneurship does not. There is also the point that I have to respect the fact that they dished out mountains of debt (usually) and years out of their life where they could be making money to learn their profession. Just like degrees, diplomas should be earned squarely. But bringing up the GED people, you are bringing down the people who earned their diploma. Hey, should everyone have a rank or a combat medal in the military whether they earned it or not? Or give them an honorable discharge when they can’t even complete boot camp? Remember no child left behind, or what I call it no child gets ahead? I am just saying you deal with your decisions and what you earned (or didn’t) and move forward from there. Nothing should be given just because we feel sorry for these people, or feel that they need an equal chance. You mess up, you suffer the consequences, and you go forward. I believe that it is insulting to the High School Grads to give the same certificate to people who didn’t bother.

Glenn: But Nick – everything that you just name requires taking a test to get into that school of higher learning. They would still have to take those tests too. We both know that many young people with high school diplomas could not pass those tests. So, what if a self-educated person could pass that test and get into those schools when someone who stayed in high school could not? If they can prove that they have the knowledge to get into the school, I personally don’t care where they got that knowledge from, as long as it was not from the back of their hand or by peeking at the answer sheet from the person sitting next to them.

Nick: The only way I can agree with you would be to eliminate all schooling and make it an option only and just take tests for all diplomas/degrees, or any other certifications. I would not like to fly on an airplane that was repaired by a mechanic that took a test by reading books but never touched a wrench or had some years of instructors teaching them hands on how to weld, wire tie, and more.

Though you know that I think we have a failing education system, I don’t believe this would be a step in the right direction, but the wrong. We have to have a system set up of earning goals and achieving awards for accomplishing those goals. So I’ll tell you what. I will read a bunch of law books specifically only studying for the bar exam, and then represent you when you are falsely accused of murder. Or hey, I will only study for the medical licensing test and give you my first open heart surgery. What do you think?

Glenn: OK – I’ll take your premise and when I’m done burring your argument YOU will owe me one of those fine Romeo’s . Let us say that I never went to school at all, for whatever reason. BUT, like Abraham Lincoln, I am SELF TAUGHT! I then show up at a law school, take their test, and pass it with flying colors. Would you then let me into the school and let me pursue a law degree?

Nick: Yes, you could then get into school to earn your degree. Just like GED people now can. They can take the test to get into college, where a Diploma you just apply. That is the advantage with the diploma. I have no problem with GED people testing to get into college, but I have a problem with them having the same level certification as the High School kids that earned that upper more prestige.

Glenn: I don’t. If they can prove themselves, just like anyone else, let them have it. I don’t care where or how they got the knowledge. They got it.

Nick: I think this if the first article where we haven’t come to an agreement, and have left each other at a stalemate. I think we need to agree to disagree, and let the readers decide for themselves.

Glenn: Can I still bum that Romeo?

Nick: Here you go!

What Our Readers Thought?

Should HB54 be passed through this legislative session?

Yes - 49.4% No - 51.6% Results are from 963 votes counted. To vote on the next “On the Contrary” subject, go to our website at www.

CampbellCountyObserver.net and click on the “polls” page.

US Constitution Article II, Section 2 The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Sponsor our “Weekly Constitution Study” for only $30.00 per week!

January 22, 2013 Delivered via regular mail and email: comments@eisgatewaypacificwa.gov The Honorable John McHugh Secretary of the Army 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20301-1400 Lt. General Thomas P. Bostick Army Chief of Engineers and Commanding General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 441 G Street NW Washington, D.C. 20314-1000 Dear Secretary McHugh & Lieutenant General Bostick, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the scope of the proposed environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Gateway Pacific Terminal and modifications to the Custer Spur of the BNSF Railway (project). I support this project. It will enhance infrastructure and business activity, produce jobs and economic growth, and increase the country’s global competitiveness in all ways. I support a thoughtful thorough environmental and economic impact analysis of this project under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

I am troubled by suggestions that this project and other proposed terminals be lumped into a single analysis - a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS). A single PEIS that includes Asia, world-wide greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and similarly broad and diverse areas will result in less informed decision-making.

Expanding the breadth of the EIS will divert resources away from analysis of the environmental impacts of the terminal and rail spur to matters not relevant to this project. Coal is one of the many commodities that would pass through the terminals. Advocates for a broad PEIS could be ascribed a motive that targets coal. The environmental review mechanism should not dictate a result, but an ill-advised broad PEIS that looks only at coal would do just that. It would stifle valuable coal exports by purposely including review elements that are not relevant and are aimed at a preordained conclusion.

NEPA does not require a PEIS for this type of project and engaging in a PEIS would be contrary to the intent of NEPA. This is a crystallized project, in a specific place, with defined paremeters and operations. I have every confidence in the Corps of Engineers and other co-lead agencies to conduct a full and focused EIS for the Gateway Pacific Terminal and Custer Spur Project.

I support this project and an EIS for this project. I oppose a broad PEIS, a proposal with numerous faults, not the least of which is a destined outcome - targeting only one export commodity.

Sincerely,

Weekly Trivia Question Who is considered the “financier” of the American Revolution?

Look in next week’s paper for the answer ** Sponsor our American History Quiz for only $40 per week. That’s 2 ads per week! **

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Matthew H. Mead Governor MHM:mdm cc:

The Honorable Mike Enzi, U.S. Senate The Honorable John Barrasso, U.S. Senate The Honorable Cynthia Lummis, U.S. House of Representatives

Sports PublicReport Pulse

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Gillette Edge girls placed first and second at Rushmore Soccer Club Winter Classic 2013 Submitted by Audra Stumbaugh Gillette Edge Girls bring home a first and second place this weekend at the Rushmore Soccer Club Winter Classic 2013 in Rapid City, S.D. The U-14 girls went 3-0 in their preliminary rounds, outscoring their opponents 11-4 in total, to advance to the medal rounds. They then won their semi-final in decisive fashion 4-2. In the championship game they went up 2-0 before ultimately losing a thrilling match in triple overtime 2-3. The team members are Delaney

Hallcroft, Kylie Hatzenbihler, Traelyn Knez, Megan Phillips, Emily Jones, Kennedy Schomer and goalkeeper Christina Lacek. The team is coached

by Mike Jones.

The U-12 girls’ team of Sarah Cole, Chantel and Mercedes Cunningham, Emma Jarvis, Alyssa King, Grace Roswadovski, Alyssa Stumbaugh, Taegan Wandler, Desarae Wilson and Bree Zipperian coached by Kristina Roswadovski went 3-0 in their preliminary rounds. They beat the Green

Machine team from Pierre, S.D. 3-1 in the semi-finals and came out on top in the championship game over the Maquina Verde team from Pierre, S.D. in an exciting over time of 2-1!

The U-10 girls where 2-1 scoring a total of 15 goals and missed going on to the semi-finals by two points! The U -10 boys gold and silver,U14 boys and 19 boys silver also participated in the event.

Campbell County Observer

“I think someone should explain to the child that it’s ok to make mistakes. That’s how we learn.

When we compete, we make mistakes.”

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/ week for only $50/week!

Weekly Sports Trivia Answer from Last Week How many teams currently in the NBA are original teams from the beginning 1949 inaugural season?

Eight

The Boston Celtics and the New York Knickerbockers are the only two original NBA teams that still play in their original cities.

Eight of the seventeen teams that were in existence in 1949 are still in existence today: - Boston Celtics - New York Knicks - Philadelphia Warriors (now known as the Golden State Warriors) - Ft. Wayne Pistons (now known as the Detroit Pistons) - Minneapolis Lakers (now known as the Los Angeles Lakers) - Rochester Royals (now known as the Sacramento Kings) - Tri-City Blackhawks (now known as the Atlanta Hawks) - Syracuse Nationals (now known as the Philadelphia 76ers)

ORIGINAL LOGOS

Basketball Season is here!

Games have started for the rec center basketball league, which involves learning about the game, tough competition, and a ton of fun for these boys.

Buffalo Invite The Bison hosted a small wrestling tournament in Buffalo. Sheridan placed first with 189.5 points, Cody took second place (137.0), Campbell County placed third (128.5), Laramie placed fourth (103.5), Glenrock placed fifth (92.0), Newcastle placed sixth (51.0) and Buffalo placed seventh (51.0).

Our best source for news is you.

Girls Basketball Standings Each game is becoming more important now that the season is half-way complete.

Here are the latest girls basketball standings, as of January 20th.

4A East: (Conference record listed first, then overall record) Sheridan 2-0, 13-1 Gillette 2-0, 11-2 East 1-0, 13-1 Central 0-1, 9-5 Laramie 0-2, 10-4 South 0-2, 4-11

2A Northeast: (Conference record listed first, then overall record) Tongue River 3-0, 14-0 Big Horn 4-1, 8-7 Sundance 3-1, 8-7 Wright 1-3, 6-10 Moorcroft 0-6, 2-13

Visit our website for contact information.

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Pistons

Nationals

Knickerbockers Lakers

Blackhawks

Celtics

Warriors

Royals

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Sports PublicReport Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Lingle Dogger Invitational

Bayard NE and Lingle Ft. Laramie tied for first place with a score of 170.00.

Shoshoni placed third (152.50), Wright placed fourth (124.00), Southeast placed fifth (101.00), Torrington JV placed sixth (98.50), Saratoga placed seventh (94.00), Rocky Mountain placed eighth (83.00), Natrona County placed ninth (81.00), Morrill NE placed 10th (78.00), Burns/Pine Bluffs placed 11th (77.50), Cheyenne East JV placed 12th (75.00), Scottsbluff NE JV placed 13th (62.00), Hanna placed 14th (58.50), Kimball NE placed 15th (42.00), Banner County NE placed 16th (26.50), Gerine NE JV placed 17th (15.00) and Cheyenne Central JV placed 18th (12.00).

Coach’s and Media Boys Basketball Rankings

By Kevin Koile - wyopreps.com #1’s remain the same in the newest beginning of the season, and that doesn’t Coaches and Media boys basketball carry much weight. poll… and there are 2 #1 vs. #2 games Gillette remains #1 in 4A with 17 of the this Saturday.

18 #1 votes. Riverton took the other and Burlington, Lovell, Star Valley and is 2nd with Laramie still third. Evanston’s Gillette are again tops. The Huskies and weekend puts them fourth with Natrona Braves are unanimous, the other two fifth. South’s fifth place ranking was short share the top votes this week. lived going oh and 2 at home to open In 2A, Lovell got 21 of 25 top votes conference play. #2 Riverton play at #5 and still ranks #1. Wyoming Indian and Natrona on Thursday.

Lusk each got 2 of the other #1 ballots 3A has Star Valley a unanimous #1. and go 2nd and 3rd. Big Horn moves up Lyman moves into the two spot with a spot, but Moorcroft doesn’t fall. The Wheatland dropping to fourth after losing Rams and Wolves are tied for fourth this to Glenrock for the first time since 2005. week. Lovell is about to go through the Rawlins remains third while Douglas is meat-grinder, as far as their schedule in the top five at #5. The other #1 vs. #2 is concerned. Starting Friday, they play game mentioned earlier, is a battle for 5 games in a 9-day stretch. First off is first place in the west, when SV visits Lyhome vs. Rocky Mountain…a team that man. Meanwhile. #3 Rawlins plays at #4 gave Wyoming Indian all they could Wheatland on Friday. handle 2 weeks ago. Then Saturday, 1A has Burlington with all 18 top votes. it’s #1 at #2, when the Bulldogs travel to Ten Sleep is a solid second followed by Ethete to play the Chiefs. Last time the 2 Little Snake River and Encampment. teams played in the heart of the reserGuernsey-Sunrise pushes Cokeville out vation, WIHS forgot to come out of the of the rankings as the Vikings are fifth. locker room for the 2nd half and got run There are no matchups scheduled this out of their own gym, although they did weekend in 1A, pitting ranked team vs. get some pay-back in last year’s state ranked team, however there is one interchampionship game. Lovell did beat class game of note on Friday, when 1A Wyoming Indian, back at the beginning of Guernsey travels to 2A Moorcroft. the season, but that’s just it…it was the

Championship 103 TC Garvie, Lingle Ft Laramie Dec CJ Sidrow, Morrill NE, 4-2 113 Connor Wilkenson, Shoshoni T-Fall Nathan Martinez, Wright, 16-0 120 Thatcher Spiering, Saratoga M-Dec Tyler Lindquist, Rocky Mountain, 15-2 126 Daniel Huxtable, Shoshoni Fall Merritt Hageman, Lingle Ft Laramie, 0.41 132 Lionzo Escobedo, Saratoga Dec Lane Hageman, Lingle Ft Laramie, 7-0 138 Kodiak French, Wright Fall Brody Lay, Lingle Ft Laramie, 1.29 145 Wyatt Hageman, Lingle Ft Laramie T-Fall Alex Ferguson, Wright, 15-0 152 Jake Jones, Rocky Mountain Dec Trenton Applegate, Bayard NE, 9-3 160 Benjamin Loya, Torrington JV Fall Allen Denton, Bayard NE, 4.27 170 Evan Ponce, Torrington JV Fall Tristan Hunter, Bayard NE, 4.15 182 Wyatt Somsen, Southeast Dec Austin Willey, Bayard NE, 9-4 195 Tanner Willey, Bayard NE Fall Colten Stees, Southeast, 1.42 220 David Gifford, Banner County NE Dec Riggen McIntosh, Lingle Ft Laramie, 4-2 285 Justin Irene, Hanna Fall Jackson Reifschneider, Torrington JV, 2.17 Consolation 103 Cristian Barraza, Scottsbluff NE JV Fall Trenton Smith, Wright, 2.43 113 Brevan Davis, Natrona County Dec Courtland Muhr, Scottsbluff NE JV, 9-7 120 Trenton Eldridge, Cheyenne East JV Dec Hunter Mason, Saratoga, 5-4 126 Kaleb Dooley, Cheyenne East JV Fall Justin Mohr, Kimball NE, 1.19 132 Tyler Clemetson, Shoshoni Fall Brandon Bowers, Bayard NE, 4.20 138 Tate Stinson, Saratoga Fall Keenan Schmidt, Scottsbluff NE JV, 0.43 145 Paul Kelly, Shoshoni Dec Tyler Hamilton, Natrona County, 12-9 152 Chase Cushman, Southeast Dec Austin Barnes, Lingle Ft Laramie, 6-1 160 Julian Preston, Southeast Fall Kaleb O’Connor, Burns/Pine Bluffs, 2.31 170 RJ Seaman, Hanna M-Dec Alex Minge, Shoshoni, 13-0 182 Wyatt Bergeson, Torrington JV M-Dec Travis Jinks, Southeast, 12-1 195 River Schroeder, Burns/Pine Bluffs Dec Rocky Trevino, Bayard NE, 1-0 220 Patrick Forster, Shoshoni Fall Tanner Wyse, Southeast, 0.50 285 Chris Wurm, Bayard NE Fall Jose Martinez, Torrington JV, 2.56 5th Place 103 Bradley Bifano, Saratoga M-Dec Rowdy Keller, Kimball NE, 11-3 113 Michael Bowman, Rocky Mountain Fall Orion Smith, Wright, 0.34 120 Connor Coughenour, Natrona County Fall Jordan Arnold, Rocky Mountain, 2.07 126 Mark Ballou, Shoshoni Fall Chris Kimzey, Burns/Pine Bluffs, 4.58 132 Matthew Unrein, Morrill NE Fall Phillip Ash, Cheyenne East JV, 2.40 138 Dalton Mizel, Cheyenne East JV Dec Garrett Zwiebel, Morrill NE, 11-6 145 Rylie Richardson, Hanna Dflt Lane Kizzire, Bayard NE, ING 152 John Sayaloune, Gering NE JV Dec Brandyn Banville, Burns/Pine Bluffs, 14-7 160 Travis Willhoite, Bayard NE Fall Ian Davidson, Rocky Mountain, 1.41 170 Garett Story, Burns/Pine Bluffs Dflt Ryan Jarvis, Torrington JV 182 Bridger Berry, Natrona County Fall Cecil Brockman, Burns/Pine Bluffs, 2.22 195 River Schroeder, Burns/Pine Bluffs M-Dec Thomas Grubbs, Banner County NE, 9-0 220 Zaine Gallegos, Bayard NE Fall David Baker, Southeast, 2.10 285 Jose Martinez, Torrington JV Fall Matthew Hessler, Morrill NE, 0.52

Bozeman upsets Wild on home ice It took 34 games, but it finally happened as the Bozeman Icedogs finally got their first win of the season and it came at the expense of the Gillette Wild on Saturday night at Spirit Hall Ice Arena.

One night after the Wild dominated the Icedogs 11-3, Gillette fell to Bozeman 3-2.

With the game scoreless after the first period Bozeman got on the board first thanks to a power play goal from Tyler Elson at the 17:31 mark of the 2nd period.

The Icedogs made it 2-0 midway through the 3rd period when Jason Henry got the puck by Wild goalie Nick Vittori, who stopped 26 of the 29 shots he faced. Trent Dillinger finally got the Wild on the scoreboard on a power play goal assisted by Taylor Motsinger and Boris Knyazev, but just over 2 minutes later Bozeman got the eventual game winning goal on another power play goal as Jason Henry scored his 2nd goal of the game.

Motsinger got the Wild within one when he scored an unassisted goal with 5 minutes remaining, but that would be the last goal of the game as the Icedogs and their

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goalie Jude Hull held the Wild scoreless the rest of the way. Hull ended up stopping 51 of the 53 shots he faced.

On Friday night in Gillette’s blowout win over Bozeman they scored 7 2nd period goals to bury the Icedogs. Gillette got two goals apiece from Trent Dillinger and Tyler Cavan while Boris Knyazev, Darren Banks, Alex King, Matt Rose, Tyler Johnson, Taylor Motsinger and Blake Reynolds all scored once. Brendan Kruckenberg earned the win between the pipes as he stopped 16 of the 17 shots he faced before Sean Kelley came in for him early in the 3rd period.

Next up for the Wild is their toughest stretch of the season so far as they’ll have 3 road games in 3 days, including games against the top two teams in the America West Hockey League. 1st off on Thursday, January 24th they’ll be in Cody to take on the 2nd place Yellowstone Quake, then on Friday it’s a trip to Helena to battle the 1st place Bighorns and then the Wild will close out the weekend on Saturday at the Billings Bulls.

Classifieds

Campbell County Observer

Help Wanted Cook needed at Lu La Bells.

Motivated and Energetic.

Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells.

Looking for CDL to work in North Dakota full time. Call 307-670-3629.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED: We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve,scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to akeelahanderson001@gmail.com IF INTERESTED Powder River Roofing, a growing company in N.E. Wyoming, is hiring full time roofers. Call 307-696-7465 for an interview.

Personal Assistant needed to organize and help. Basic computer skills needed, must be good with organization. I am ready to pay $600.00 per week. Interested person should contact: deans995@ gmail.com Bl-32-2V Full Time Flooring Installers wanted. Must have experience. Bring resumes in to Carpet Express Direct on Hwy. 59 next to the Prime Rib Restaurant.

Exciting new career. Unlimited income potential. Think you can sell? Call 307-2994662. We offer commission, fuel allowance, and much more. Sell in the Bighorn, Casper, Powder River, and Black Hills Area.

Are you a friendly outgoing individual? Do you connect with people casually? Are you looking for supplemental income? Do you need to be in charge of your own hours?

We are looking for an independent contractor for commissioned based ad sales.

For more information call Sandra at 307-689-0028 or email at campbellcountytidbits@yahoo.com State Wide Sales people.

Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper.

Call 307-299-4662

Child Care Child Care in Sleepy Hollow. Room for 2 children. $20 per day per child. Call 307-257-2306.

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.) BOAT FOR SALE. 18ft 120 port jet outboard bass tracker for sale. Call 307-680-5947 International Tractor 300 Utility For Sale. $2000 Artic Cat 4X4 2001For Sale. $2000 Call Bill 307 - 660 – 8563 94 Mazda MX3 for sale. $1500 obo. 307-670-2037 1988 Honda Gl1500 for free if interested contact me at ( james.bernard10@live.com ) 2010 Polaris 550 eps with less than 100 miles, books for $8,000. make and offer.

Call Steve Terry at 307-2992992 Chopper - Custom built frame, s&s engine, carb, etc.

80ci. Evolution engine. Wide glide front end. Low. Torn apart down to frame. Have all parts, could be built in two days with under $200.00.

Asking $5,500 or best offer.

Price:$5,500obo. Contact: 307-670-2037 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!

Custom Harley Soft tail. Being built, need to sell now.

Almost finished. Chopper, built in Sturgis, SD. Asking $5,500 and will help you build it. HAVE ALL PARTS! Call 257-2306 Boat for Sale with trailer.

Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.

Toy Parts & Accessories Stock pipes for Sportster.

500mi. Stock pices for Dyna Wide Glide. 1500mi. Email baxtersmom62@gmail.com for info.

Rare find.

1969 Pontiac Motor. 390 HP and 470 ft. torque stock from factory.

Aluminum edelbrock intake goes with motor. Best offer takes it home. 307-6220825 (a1-39-tfnh) 1999 Vortec 350 Intake and heads. Make offer. 307-6220825 (a1-39-tfnh) Four 16 inch rims, five hole, with caps.$90 307 - 670 1887 Harley Accessories for sale.

Call 307-670-8980. Ask for Tammy.

Campers & Motor Homes 1997 32ft. Class A Motor Home. Sleeps 6, Only 31,000 Miles. Asking $17,000. Call (307) 660-7520.

Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees.

All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 6601007.

5th wheel camper for sale.

Call Skip (307) 680-0073

Camping/Fishing 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

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

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

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) 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.

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

For Rent 2 Bedroom Duplex, with one car garage, washer/dryer, no pets. $700rent/$700deposit.

307-689-0202 Room for Rent. Nice Room for Rent for one responsible person. $480.00 per month.

689-9358.

Services Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 RV Winterization starting at $99.95 at YOUR house. Call Randy at 307-660-3091 (b340-tfnh) Powder River Roofing is N.E. Wyoming’s top quality roofing, with the highest safety standards in the area. Call for your FREE estimate today for metal/wood/shingle removal, install, and repair.

(307)-696-7465. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

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 Powder River Mechanics.

We have the cheapest labor rates, but the best quality repairs in town. We offer full services on Foreign and domestic vehicles, ATV’s, Snowmobiles, motorcycles, jet ski’s, boats, and more.

Let us put you on a Preventative maintenance schedule so your vehicles run miles past your warranty. Call for an appointment. 307-6967713.

Avenue Mall - Over 30 vendors, come check us out! 217 Gillette Ave. Mon-Fri. 9AM to 7 PM, Sat. 9AM- 5 PM, Sun. 10 AM - 4 PM 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

Merchandise 1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 687-1087 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 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/ Five roasts and twelve pounds of hamburger for a flat rate. $150.00. All ranch raised beef. This is an approximate savings of 10% on the total. Contact Jason Walker at 307-686-0577 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

Wanted to Buy I Buy Militaria. Swords, uniforms, bayonets, medals, guns/parts, field gear. 6827864

Autos, Trucks and Vans ‘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.

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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4.

New BF Goodrich Tires, Runs good. $1,200.00. 307299-4662. (a141-tfnh) 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 1952 Chevy Dumptruck, hauls 5 tons of coal $1500 307-682-1172 1986 Toyota Tercel 4x4. $1050.00.

Call 307-2995918

Miscellaneous 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 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.

ACE will reduce your appetite and give you energy. The natural way to lose weight. www.facebook.com/AcePill 660-2974

Homes for Sale Home for sale by owner in Western Way. Asking $239,000 for the 1,800 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an unfinished basement and a two car garage. Fully fenced, large landscaped yard with a sprinkler system.

Home is within walking distance to the new recreation center and the new elementary school that is being built. Please contact me at 307-670-1209 if you are interested.

For Sale. 3br Townhouse.

1.5 bath. 307-680-1449 (c139-tfnh) Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 6701925.

40+ Acres 2 miles south of Wright 1999 Atlantic Oak Modular. $250,000 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 Great House - 4 bedroom, 2 bath, computer room, huge island kitchen, fireplace.

Must see! call 307-687-0333 C1-23-tfn 3 bedroom 11/2 bath C1-39-tfnh

Townhouse 680-1449

FSBO 2,688 SF home on corner lot with fenced back yard. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, upgraded kitchen, finished walkout basement, oversized garage. $259,000.

307-680-9180.

Wanted: Old Batteries. Call 307-670-1675. D4-30-8P

Personals

WILL PAY CASH FOR CAMPERS. Call Scott (307) 680-0854.

Interested in founding a Sherlock Holmes Society in Gillette? Contact gillettesherlockians@gmail. com for info.

17

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Guns for Sale

Guns for Sale

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 ($85 per 440 rnds) Comes with military issue sling, sling pouches, bayonet, and cleaning tools. Retailing as high as $175.00 on sale with this ad $145.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad.

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.

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. These guns are selling fast at the remarkable price of $175.00 with mention of this ad. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today.

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.

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.

Tonneau Cover for sale!

Cover will fit any pickup with an 8' bed, long wheel base - $125.00

Call 307-689-4189

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.

This week only $25.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad.

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. If you find that smoking great deal on the internet we transfer guns for only $15.00 per gun. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad.

Colt AR-15, Sporty Target.

Pre-ban, INCREDIBLY LOW SALE NUMBER. Great condition $1,500. (307) 6894339. D1-32-2V 1903 Springfield. 30o6 Cal. U.S. Military. $700 obo. Call (307) 682-7864

Home Appliances/ Furnshings Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967 Three antique pressedbacked oak chairs. Excellent condition. $85 each. 6820042

Pets Basset Hound pups for sale; 9 weeks old; need shots.

Rust and White and Tricolor $250.00; One Lemon and White female $300.00.

Transportation cost additional if I deliver @ 25 cents per mile. Serious Inquiries Only!

Please call 307-382-9282.

2 AKC Registered Tea Cup Yorkies Puppies for free.

They are male and female. If interested contact james.bernard10@live.com D7-45-3H

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

2002 Jaguar x type 3.0 v6 22mpg cty 34 hwy 135000 hwy miles all maintenance current. New coils, plugs wires. Call Chris at Carpet Express Direct.

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

Our Roots

January 25 - February 1, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Abigail Adams

By Mike Borda

The founding fathers are wellknown among us all for what they contributed to the early days of our country. Names such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams are taught every day across America’s schools.

However, among all these great men were also great women. One such woman was Abigail Adams.

Though she never held an office of power, she influenced our country’s course greatly through her poise and wisdom as the shining example of political feminism.

Born on November 11, 1744 in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Abigail Smith belonged to a reputable family. Her father, the Reverend William Smith came from a lineage of religious leaders, dating back to the earliest American colonists. While many families were struggling before the Revolution, the Smiths were seen as leaders, and had the respect of many in the community.

However, even with this respect Abigail was, like most girls of that era, unable to attend school. This did not deter her, however. She used her family’s home materials and gave herself a custom edu-

cation incorporating many of the liberal arts, along with her father’s religious texts.

It was in fact this knowledge that would eventually capture the eye of her future husband, John Adams.

She wed John Adams, at that time an up and coming lawyer who had recently graduated from Harvard, on October 25, 1764. While they first lived on the Adams’s family farm, they later moved to Boston when John became active in political activities.

Their marriage was put to the test early on, when John would leave for months at a time to serve in his various political functions. Since he was a member of the Continental Congress, an elected office, he was required to spend many months away from home drafting the foundations that would become our government. In this time apart, Abigail had to deal with many hardships. By 1772 she had given birth to five children (their second, John Quincy would later go on to be the 5th President of the United States), and along with being a single mother she also struggled with unstable income and rations that were put in

place during the War. However, they endured, and upon America’s victory, she became the first Second Lady of the United States when John Adams was named our first Vice President.

Eight years later, she became First Lady. Abigail showed the fierceness we see in many of the First Lady’s of today, becoming extremely active in the political happenings of the day. She wrote letters to the papers, argued with her husband’s rivals, and even earned the joking title of “Mrs. President”.

When Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams in 1804, Abigail’s four years in the spotlight were over. The couple retired to their home, and focused their attention on their children. Although she never lived to see her son inaugurated, there is no doubt that she influenced him greatly.

Abigail Adams died on October 28, 1818. While she never held an elected position, there is no doubt that her vigor and energy helped set the stage for future women of politics.

“Let us all take more responsibility, not only for ourselves and our families but for our communities and our country.”

- President William J. Clinton Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/ week for only $50/week!

The Long Arm of the Law

By Jeff Morrison For those of my generation who grew up watching Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and a whole host of other TV Westerns, it would be easy to conclude that the Old West was largely populated by criminals, kept in check by the lightning fast draw of the local town marshal. Those desperados lucky enough to survive the marshal got to look forward to a quick trial in the local saloon, by a circuit judge who would, of course, sentence them to “Death by Hanging.” As entertaining as this portrayal was for youngsters growing up in the 1960’s and 70’s, the reality of law and order in the West was quite a bit different.

While the wide open frontier of 19th Century America did, indeed, attract its fair share of lawless individuals, most of the crimes committed were nonlethal, and a very low percentage involved gun-play, including the arrests that followed. When a gunfight did occur, it was typically a brutal, one-sided affair that was over in seconds. Since neither of these scenarios looks good on film, Hollywood invented the showdown in the street at high noon.

But the movies and television are not entirely to blame for our skewed perception of the West.

Newpapers of the day would report on literally anything going on in the area, but the arrest and subsequent fining of a chicken thief typically received little more than a passing sentence; sandwiched in-between the local Church Social and the announcement that Farmer Smith was away visiting relatives in the next county. Only the truly sensational crimes got more than a paragraph in most journals.

Likewise, Historians tended to ignore the petty and mundane crimes and focused on the most infamous instead. As a result, an interesting chapter in rural criminal justice has been forgotten.

When “white” America began migrating west of the Mississippi, it would have surprised most pioneers to discover that law and order already existed among the various tribes of Indians they encountered. The Cheyenne had four to six “military societies” of warriors who dedicated themselves to maintaining the law of the tribe, as well as organizing hunts and presiding over ceremonies. One of the societies would be chosen by the Council of Forty Four to assume these duties for a period of time, after which a different society would be chosen.

As the wagons rolled west, the military was sent, not only to protect the emigrants from marauding Indians, but from

marauding white-men as well.

Everywhere a fort, camp, or cantonment was established, a military reservation was declared as encompassing all land within an established distance of the post.

Within the reservation, marshal law prevailed. As a result, most of the brothels, gambling dens and saloons could be found just outside of the military boundary.

From time to time, a post commandant would decide to extend the boundary in order to make it more difficult for the enlisted men to go AWOL and walk to the nearest “Hog Ranch.”

Communities in Wyoming began cropping up near military posts, then as end-of-track towns as the various railroads pushed through. Some began life as a mining camp or trailtown for passing drovers to resupply and blow off steam after a cattle drive. As a result, most modern Wyoming communities can boast of having a “wild and wooly” past. The only hope these communities had of not ending up a forgotten ghost town after a few years was to establish some form of community order, which included law enforcement.

Wyoming was originally divided into only five counties, with the county seats all being in the south, along the Union Pacific railway. Needless to say, this made patrolling the county on a regular basis a bit difficult. As more and more towns sprang up in the north, the elected sheriff of a county would appoint deputies to live in and preside over the more remote areas of his county. Meanwhile, the towns in question often elected or appointed a town marshal on their own, with the abilities to hire his own deputies.

Even small communities seemed to have a large number of deputies. The reason was because the duties of the sheriff included brand inspecting. Every herd of cattle bought and sold, shipped and driven to and from the state had to have the brands inspected. A large herd could keep two or three deputies busy for a few days. The first sheriff of Campbell County, Lew Butler, was uniquely qualified for the position due to the fact that he had worked as a cattle buyer for many years.

Often the town marshal was also the deputy county sheriff, and answered to both the county sheriff and the town council, while his deputies answered only to him. Malcolm Campbell, who later became the first elected sheriff of Converse County, began his law enforcement career as an appointed Albany County deputy sheriff and the town marshal of Fetterman.

His brother served as his deputy marshal.

To further confuse the jurisdictional rolls of law enforcement, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, having little faith in the local lawmen to enforce rustling laws, hired their own enforcers they called “Stock Detectives.”

Although the WSGA insisted these men were not merely hired thugs, they hedged their bets by arranging to have as many of them as possible appointed as United States Marshals by federal judges who also happened to be members of the WSGA. A U. S. Marshal had the power to appoint “Special Deputies” to assist in their duties, and before long, every WSGA stock detective was either a U. S. Marshal or Special Deputy.

Added to this mix was a variety of private officers and agencies hired by the mines, stage-lines, and railroads. Local lawmen often relied on these groups to provide information, posse members, and an extra gun when needed. A typical posse might have to cross many jurisdictions in pursuit of criminals, so in the typical Wyoming posse one would find a mixture of deputies, marshals – both federal and local, Pinkertons, and stage guards. Interestingly enough, one would NOT find many weakkneed, greenhorn townies as portrayed in many a popular Western movie.

But not all law enforcement agencies cooperated with each other. The WSGA stock detectives had a knack for alienating themselves local law officers. In 1892, the association created an army of stock detectives and “Special Deputies” and launched an invasion into Johnson County to eliminate a large list of “rustlers.” Among the list was Red Angus, the sheriff of Johnson County. He responded by deputizing most of the able-bodied men in Buffalo and besieging the invaders for three days before the U. S. Army came to their rescue.

Several Wyoming lawmen, both famous and infamous, were stock detectives at one time or another. Frank Canton, Joe Lefors, and Tom Horn were all employed by the WSGA in the 1890s. Canton left Wyoming, tainted by his involvement in the Johnson County War, but he gained notoriety as a fearless lawman in Oklahoma. Lefors was also part of the invasion, but became the first lawman to lead a successful posse into the Hole-in-the-Wall. Horn, who did not participate in the invasion, was later hanged for murdering a 14 year old boy. He was arrested by Joe Lefors.

Lawmen of the day typically came in two varieties: the seasoned professional and the rank amateur. A larger community usually had one or two of the former, along with a half dozen of the latter. The professionals generally had a knack for getting into gunfights and surviving, which made them a perfect

choice for upholding the law in a rough and tumble environment. Unfortunately, quite a few of them gained their gunfighting experience working the other side of the law. After his death in 1949, it was discovered that Frank Canton was born Josiah Horner, and had been wanted for murder in Texas all the years he had been a lawman in Wyoming.

Even the rank amateurs could be a criminal’s worst nightmare.

Malcolm Campbell became nationally famous after he captured Alfred Packer, the “Colorado Cannibal.” On another occasion, he and his brother cornered a violent fugitive at the Hog Ranch Saloon across the river from Fetterman. Campbell called for the criminal to come outside and give himself up. Predictably, the man chose to come out shooting and was promptly gunned down by the rifles of the Campbell brothers.

To be Continued…

The Local “Our Roots” Column is sponsored by

· Auto · Preferred · SR22’s · Home · Renters · Life · Health 18

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

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

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