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The Campbell County Observer

Volume 1 • Issue 17

July 29 - August 5, 2011

www.campbellcountyobserver.net

June 17 - 24, 2011

“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”

“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”

Photos by Nathan Kobielusz of Basin Radio

Riders are back-to-back district champions

By Ted Ripko, Basin Radio Sports In what started out as a heated contest in the 2011 North District American Legion Championship game at Roughrider Stadium Saturday, ultimately turned out to be a blowout. Gillette (44-22) won its 2nd consecutive North District Championship by beating Sheridan (29-22) for the 5th time this season, 23-11 in 7 innings.

For the 2nd consecutive night the Riders found themselves down early only to come from behind and run away with the

game. Sheridan grabbed an early 2-0 after the 1st. Gillette responded with their 1st 3 runs of the game in the top of 2nd to take their 1st lead only to watch it evaporate in the bottom half of the inning when Sheridan scored 2 more runs to take a 4-3 advantage heading into the top of the 3rd.

That’s when Gillette grabbed the lead back and never relinquished it again. From the top of the 3rd on Gillette outscored the Troopers 19-8. Gillette’s biggest inning was in the top

of the 6th when they scored 7 runs.

Drake Kelley asked for the ball to start the game on the mound, but struggled early and would be pulled heading into the top of the 3rd inning after giving up 4 runs and 7 hits.

Riders Manager didn’t want to take any chances, so he called on Dalton Cowen to take over on the mound. Cowen would end up earning his 3rd win of the season after firing his way through 4 innings of 7 hit ball while striking out 5 Troopers.

Cowen not only pitched the Riders to victory, but he also made his presence felt at the plate. Cowen went 5-6 with 5 RBI, including a grand slam in the top of the 5th inning. He also scored 4 of Gillette’s 23 runs.

Drake Kelley once again had a big night at the plate as he drove in 5 runs as well, 3 on a bases clearing double in the 6th inning. Kadison Wass was another Rider who took advantage of Sheridan’s pitchers as he went 5-6 with 3 RBI. And playing in his final game for Gillette before heading off to the Air Force on Monday, Robert Markve made the most of

his only at bat of the night when he rocketed a pitch to the gap in left centerfield and ended up with his 2nd triple of the season. He would later score on a sacrifice fly by Kelley.

With the win, Gillette earned the #1 seed out of the North for the 2011 American Legion AA/A State Tournament in Cheyenne beginning on Wednesday, July 27.

The Riders open up State against Torrington (20-30) at 4pm at Power Field, home of the 2-time defending state champion Cheyenne Post 6.

Gillette is 2-0 against Torrington this season, outscoring them 25-12 in those two games.

Continued on Page 2

Retraction

Last week, we had mis-spellings. All of them were not Editor Keary Speer’s fault, but Nick De Laat’s, the owner.

They were all names, mostly for the Roughriders. They played a great game and the owner covered it. However, he forgot to go over editing of the names after the initial editing had been done. Also, in our public servant article, which we pride ourselves on, we spelled the Sheriff’s name wrong. We would like to extend our greatest apologies to the Sheriff for this mistake. The owner sat down with the sheriff, which he granted the time when he has none, for the article and the owner forgot to change the name.

This is our third retraction, but a big one. We apologize for the lack of quality and will work hard to make sure these mistakes will not happen again. Thank you for the e-mails pointing these mistakes out. We love that feedback, which retains the quality of the product we are producing for our community.

From Owner/editor Nicholas De Laat.

For subscriptions/home deliveries go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net

Community District Champs...

Cont. from Page 1 The Tigers got to State by beating Rock Springs 7-6 in the 1st round of the South District Tournament, then they lost to Wheatland 23-2, then they rebounded to beat Green River 15-13 and ultimately lost to Laramie in the 3rd place game 16-6.

For all of the match ups at this year’s State Tournament go to http://trib.com/sports/highschool/article_3961cc7c-b629-11e0-b750001cc4c03286.html You can hear every game the Gillette Roughriders play at State on News/Talk 1270AM KIML and online at http://network1sports. com/school/info/9511/23597#menus the 1st round of the South District Tournament, then they lost to Wheatland 23-2, then they rebounded to beat Green River 15-13 and ultimately lost to Laramie in the 3rd place game 16-6.

For all of the match ups at this year’s State Tournament go to http://trib.com/sports/highschool/article_3961cc7c-b629-11e0-b750001cc4c03286.html You can hear every game the Gillette Roughriders play at State on News/Talk 1270AM KIML and online at http://network1sports. com/school/info/9511/23597#menus

STINSON CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C.

War on Fossil Fuels

NYC Mayor donates $50 million to fund Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign Responding to yesterday’s announcement regarding New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s commitment to donate $50 million from his charitable foundation to the Sierra Club, today policy experts from the National Center for Public Policy Research warn these funds will greatly increase the prospects of ending coal as an energy source, bringing higher energy prices to an already sluggish economy.

“By funding the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, Mayor Bloomberg is fueling President Obama’s war on fossil fuels which will have a devastating impact of our economy, especially to states that derive most of their energy from coal. Bloomberg’s donation will greatly enhance the Sierra Club’s propaganda campaign that misleads and frightens the public about coal,” said Tom Borelli Ph.D., director of the National Center’s Free Enterprise Project.

The Sierra Club is currently running a print advertising campaign in Washington D.C’s Metro commuter rail system that graphically portrays children as victims of air emissions from coal-fired power plants. The Beyond Coal campaign aims to reduce coal-fired electricity generation by 30 percent by 2020.

“With Bloomberg’s cash infusion the Sierra Club can expand their campaign nationwide and bring political pressure on utilities and target elected officials who are trying to reign in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attack on the coal industry. I’m concerned that elected officials and CEOs will buckle under the media pressure and

sheepishly run away from coal use.”

“The timing of the donation is not a coincidence.

This weekend the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on an Appropriations bill that cuts EPA’s budget and prevents the agency from pursuing its most harmful regulations against the coal industry.

I’d bet that Bloomberg’s funded ads appear in the Congressional districts of the Representatives that are leading the effort to stop the EPA’s anti-coal agenda,” added Tom Borelli.

“Billionaire Bloomberg is a classic limousine progressive who can afford electricity at any price. Unfortunately, hardworking Americans and especially those on fixed incomes can’t - rising utility bills have a big impact on their budget by draining their disposable income,” said Deneen Borelli of Project 21.

Utilities such as American Electric Power, Duke Energy and Southern Company recently announced they are closing coal-fired power plants because of new EPA regulations.

“Obama’s war on coal is already having an impact on utilities. Since coal provides about 45 percent of our nation’s electricity, the campaign to end its use is going to be especially harmful to states such as Indiana that derives more than 90 percent of its electricity from coal. In addition to the expected layoffs announced from the closing of the power plants, the cost of meeting new EPA requirements for the remaining coal power plants will be passed on to consumers. Bloomberg’s support of the Sierra Club is

only going to accelerate the political pressure to end the use of coal,” added Deneen Borelli.

The National Center for Public Policy Research is a conservative, free-market non-profit think-tank established in 1982. It is supported by the voluntary gifts of over 100,000 individual recent supporters. Its 2010 revenue was over $12 million. It receives less than one percent of its revenue from corporate sources.

Contributions are welcome and appreciated.

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Campbell County Fair Schedule of Events Friday, July 29

-9 a.m.: Fabric & Fashion Modeling & Judging(PACT), Heritage Center

Saturday, July 30

-8 a.m.: Supreme Cow Contest, Fair Scale Barn

Sunday, July 31

-12- 6 p.m.: Jr. Horse Check-In -2-7 p.m.: Camper Check-In -7 p.m.: Joe Nichols in Concert with Special Guest Danny Gokey, Wyoming Center

Monday, August 1

-8 a.m.: Jr. Horse Halter, Showmanship & Performance, Morningside Park Arena

Tuesday, August 2

-8 a.m.: Jr. Horse Performance, Morningside Park Arena All Jr. Horses released following show- NO Exceptions -2- 8 p.m.: Barns Open for Equipment Drop-off &Herdsmanship Decorating Only (All Items Left at Your Own Risk) -5 p.m.: Energy Hall Set-Up, Energy Hall -6 p.m.: Team Penning & Ranch Sorting, Wrangler Arena -7 p.m.: Style Show, Heritage Center

Wednesday, August 3

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Dirt Road Work.

Blading and Hauling.

-7 a.m.: Barns Open for Livestock Drop-Off -7 a.m.-7 p.m.: Poultry Due, Central Pavilion -8 a.m.-7 p.m.: Trade Show SetUp, Wyoming Center -9 a.m.- 3 p.m.: 4-H Interview Judging, Energy Hall -10 a.m.: FFA Projects Due, Energy Hall -12 p.m.: Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goats Due, East Pavilion -1 p.m.: FFA Projects Judged, Energy Hall -4 p.m.: Campbell County Jackpot, Wrangler Arena -4- 8 p.m.: Open Class Energy Hall/Mini Corner Entries Due, Energy Hall -5 p.m.: Jr. & Open Wool Due, Central Pavilion -6 p.m.: Cat Show, Central Pavilion

2

-6 p.m.: All Jr. Livestock Due [Beef, Swine, Sheep, Meat Goats, Rabbits, Market Goats], Central & East Pavilions -6:30 p.m.: Market Goat WeighIn, Central Pavilion -7 p.m.: Campbell County Talent Competition, Heritage Center -7 p.m.: Dairy Cattle & Dairy Goat Show, East Pavilion -7 p.m.: Market Lamb Weigh-In, Central Pavilion

Thursday, August 4

-8 a.m.: Market Beef Weigh-In, Fair Scale Barn -8- 11 a.m.: Floriculture & Garden/Mini Corner Entries Due, Energy Hall -9 a.m.: Market/Breeding Meat Goat Show, East Pavilion -9- 11 a.m.: Open Class Poultry & Entries Due, Central Pavilion -10 a.m.- 7 p.m.: Trade Show/ Kids Corral Open, Wyoming Center -10 a.m.: Wool Judged, Central Pavilion -11 a.m.: PRCA Permit Steer Roping, Morningside Park Arena -12 p.m.: Swine Weigh-In, Central Pavilion -1 p.m.: Jayne Harris Memorial PRCA Steer Roping, Morningside Park Arena -1 p.m.: Open Class Exhibits Judged, Energy Hall -1 p.m.: Poultry Show, Central Pavilion -2 p.m.: Rabbit Meat Pen WeighIn, Central Pavilion -4 p.m.: Open Horse Show Cattle Classes, Wrangler Arena -7 p.m.: Williams and Ree Comedy Concert, Heritage Center

Friday, August 5

-9 a.m.: Sheep Show/Jr. Llama & Alpaca Show to follow, East Pavilion -9 a.m.: PRCA Slack, Morningside Park Arena -10 a.m.- 7 p.m.: Trade Show/ Kids Corral Open, Wyoming Center -3 p.m.: Pocket Pet Show, Plaza Tent -5 p.m.: Mini-Animal Show, Plaza Tent -4- 6 p.m.: Open Class Rabbit Entries Due- Paperwork Only, Central Pavilion -7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo, Morningside Park Arena

Saturday, August 6

-6- 10 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, Plaza Tent -8 a.m.: Open Horse Show, Wrangler Arena -8 a.m.: Jr. Rabbit Show/Open Rabbit Show to follow, Central Pavilion -10 a.m.- 7 p.m.: Trade Show/ Kids Corral Open, Wyoming Center -10 a.m.: Swine Show, Central Pavilion -10 a.m.: Fiddle Contest, Energy Hall -11 a.m.: Pioneer Dinner, Heritage Center -12 p.m.: Open Rabbits Due, Central Pavilion -12 p.m.: Sheep Lead Entries Due- Paperwork Only, Fair Office -1 p.m.: Dachshund Races hosted by Campbell County Humane Society, Wyoming Center -5 p.m.: Free BBQ sponsored by Friends of Methane, Plaza Tent -5:30 p.m.: Sheep Lead, East Pavilion -7 p.m.: PRCA Rodeo, Morningside Park

Sunday, August 7

-8 a.m.: Church Services, Free Stage Tent -9 a.m.: 4-H & Open Dog Show, Wyoming Center -10 a.m.- 6 p.m.: Trade Show/ Kids Corral Open, Wyoming Center -10 a.m.: Jr. Beef Show, East Pavilion -11 a.m.: Youth Rodeo, Wrangler Arena -2 p.m.: Demolition Derby, Morningside Park Arena -6 p.m.: Release All Exhibits Release all non-sale animals after Beef Show, but not before 5 p.m.

Monday, August 8

-8 a.m.: Round Robin Showmanship, East Pavilion -10 a.m.: Awards Program [4-H & FFA Horse, Poultry, and Energy Hall Awards Only], Free Stage Tent -4 p.m.: Sale Buyer’s Dinner, Central Pavilion -6 p.m.: Youth Livestock Sale, Central Pavilion

Community You never intended to give marriage a try You intended to DO marriage. So did she. This anniversary, celebrate what you’ve done, what you do, and what you will always do.

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Campbell County Centennial Ranch Ceremony

· Soup, Sandwich, Salad · Coffee Bar / Expresso · Meeting Room

Campbell County Fair – August 6th at 4:30 p.m.

The Campbell County Historical Society would like to invite the public to attend a special ceremony honoring 33 Centennial Ranches in Campbell County. The ceremony will be held prior to the free barbeque and pro rodeo at the Campbell County Fair on Saturday, August 6th at 4:30 p.m. in the Free Stage Tent in the Cam-Plex plaza.

Working ranches are the foundation of our rural communities and in this centennial year, we would like to honor the hard work and longevity of these 33 ranch families.

From the Powder River in the northwest to Teckla in the southeast and from Rockypoint in the northeast to the Pumpkin Buttes in the southwest, these ranches and their owners have been stewards of our land for a century or more. Here is a list of the honorees: Brennan Ranch T-Chair Ranch Pumpkin Butte Ranch Christensen Ranch Clabaugh Ranch Collins Ranch Daly Ranch Fitch Ranch at Echeta 2 Heart Ranch Hall Ranch Innes Ranch Kretschman Ranch Little Buffalo Ranch T7 Ranch Maycock Ranch Mooney Ranch Morse and Harris Family Ranch

Have Not Ranch Oedekoven Ranch Pahasha Ranch Parks Ranch Parks Evans Ranch Paul Rourke Ranch Sorenson Ranch Swartz Ranch Thar Ranch Underwood Ranch Wright Ranch Barlow Ranch Bridle Bit Ranch John Hines Ranch Kuhbacher Ranch West Cross V Ranch

In her new novel, “Yellow Star,” Wyoming author Judy A. King takes readers to 1864, where fourteen-year-old Promise Amrose has already experienced more in her short lifetime than most other young people.

Abandoned by her father at a young age, and after the loss of her mother, Promise sets out from Philadelphia to Fort Laramie (Wyoming) in Indian Territory with her aunt Hattie to find a father who never knew her.

While on their way to Fort Laramie, Promise is kidnapped by stagecoach robbers but is later saved and adopted by the Lakota tribe and given an Indian name: Yellow Star, Giver of Light.

Because of tensions arising between the Indian tribes and the white man, Yellow Star is sent to live with Ben Reed, a friend

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of Father Fox. From there, she begins her long, arduous journey through the Black Hills—sacred land to the Indians—with Ben and her dog, Moon.

Readers learn if Promise will survive the rugged terrain and seemingly endless struggles in order to fulfill her mission and find her father in this exciting novel.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available at bookstores nationwide and can be ordered through the publisher atwww.tatepublishing. com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble. com or amazon.com.

King and her husband reside in Newcastle, Wyoming, the gateway to the Black Hills of South Dakota. She enjoys reading, drawing, and walking with her dog, Mya.

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Community Outdoor learning facility gets closer to being a reality

Steel Stallion Ball

By Sandra Boehler

On Saturday June 23, the Wyoming Biker Association held their 9th Annual Steel Stallion Ball giving away a 2011 Dyna Wide Glide motorcycle as the grand prize. The group raises money to aid chronically ill children in North East Wyoming.

They hold two main events each year as fundraisers, The Steel Stallion Ball and Jaydens Auction. The event started with serving a rib eye dinner, cooked by members, with all the trimmings. After dinner was served tickets were drawn giving several nice door prizes that were donated by area businesses and individuals. WBA also gave away (3) $250.00 & (3) $500.00 cash prizes to six lucky tickets drawn. The last ticket drawn was the winner of the motorcycle. This year’s lucky winner was Rob Fogelberg. He was a very excited man to be the holder of that ticket. Wyoming Biker Association

would like to thank all those who attended the event and helped to support our organization. Without your support we could not assist the ill children of our local area who

need our help. Thank you to all who donated their time to make this event another successful year. Hope to see you all at our Jayden’s Auction November 19.

Kid’s Corner added to Wyoming Air National Guard air show

The Wyoming Air National Guard’s free Military Air and Ground Show is back this year, on July 27, with an amazing display of military air and ground power.

The free air show is focused on the family and will feature a Kid’s Corner which will include the Fry Fun Farms Petting Zoo, United States Air Force Academy Falconry Team, climbing wall and bouncy houses complete with a racecar jump, rocket ship jump, 18-foot slide, hot air balloon combo, and all-star hoops basketball.

Gates open at 8 a.m. at the Wyoming Air National Guard base, 217 Dell Range Blvd for the public to view the many static displays. Only shuttle bus traffic will be allowed on to the base due to security and parking restrictions. There is no parking available on the base. The shuttle bus route has been revamped this year to ensure speedy and regular access to the show.

Pedestrian foot

traffic will still be allowed through the main gate. All visitors must bring an ID, be aware that bags will be searched and cannot have glass containers or pocket knives on the installation.

Shuttle buses will leave continuously from the Frontier Mall’s north side, between Dillard’s and Sears.

The Frontier Mall is located at 1400 Dell Range Blvd.

At 9:45 spectators will be able to view the Thunderbirds’ ground demonstration before they take off for their show over Laramie County Community College. The show is not visible from the Guard Base.

Aerial events over the base will begin with the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Wings of Blue parachute jump at noon.

More than 10,000 people annually attend the Wyoming National Guard’s event.

Event organizers anticipate a similar crowd for the upcoming show, which ends at 4 p.m.

This year’s attendees will also be treated to a variety of aerial acrobatics and military flybys.

“Aerial events include a fiery demonstration courtesy of an A-10 Warthog around 3 p.m.,” said Maj. Ryan Hendrickson, air show director. “The public should expect several large explosions during the show.

Rest assured that they are a professionally orchestrated part of the show.”

Static aircraft currently scheduled for display throughout the day include a T-6 Texan; T-44 Pegasus; T-1 Jayhawk; A-10 Warthog; F-16 Fighting Falcon; P-51 Mustang; UH-1; UH60; C-5 Galaxy; C-130 H3 Hercules Modular Airborne Firefighting Platform; MiG 17 Fresco; Stearman; TBM Avenger; DC-3, Flagship Detroit; CAF Strip Wing; Extra 300, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

The Wyoming Air National Guard Air Show schedule of events is as follows: • 8 a.m.: Air Show gates

open, static displays and vendors all day • 8:30 a.m.: Shuttle buses begin running • 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.: various flyovers and aerial demonstrations • 4 p.m.: Air Show gates close

“Governors have a vital role in homeland security and I look forward to representing these leaders and bringing a state perspective to the national debate.”

The Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety addresses homeland security, the National Guard and homeland defense, criminal justice and public safety, and veterans’ affairs. Governor Mead’s term as chair will run from July 2011 to July 2012. He was reappointed to the NGA’s Natural Re-

Thank you to Paul Wallum of the Basin Radio News Network for information provided for the article.

Hold the Date! e2e Gillette, August 24, 2011 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Clarion Inn & Convention Center 2009 S. Douglas Hwy. Gillette, WY 82718

e2e welcomes Fred Dowd, Senior Partner at Dowd-Rudkin, LLC.

“Work Smarter, Not Harder”

We have all heard this phrase before but can this really be accomplished? Fred Dowd, Senior Partner at DowdRudkin LLC, will tackle this topic as well as share experiences from his remarkable career in investment management. He has developed some creative techniques to help employees balance their work and family life while increasing productivity.

Fred is an accomplished money manager who ranked in the top 2% nationally from 1985 to 2005 only behind the likes of Warren Buffett. Recently, Mr. Dowd started a “boutique investment” firm with Reed Rudkin, recent UW College of Business graduate, in Buffalo, WY. Their goal is work closely with clients to build wealth using Mr. Dowd’s proven approach.

Governor Mead appointed to Leadership Position with NGA The incoming chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Dave Heineman, of Nebraska has asked Governor Matt Mead to serve as co-chair of the NGA’s Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety. The committee is co-chaired by a Republican and Democratic governor.

“It is an honor to serve in this capacity and I appreciate very much that Governor Heineman would consider me for this position,” Governor Mead said.

Jodi Crago-Wyllie, Director of the Campbell County School District Science Center, has been one of the many people working on a vision for the last three years to bring an outdoor learning campus to Gillette.

“This last year we’ve been just promoting the programs, trying to get people interested, and now we are actually teaching programs for the first time,” CragoWyllie says.

Katie Brunson is leading the charge on those teaching efforts, which take place on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 at McManamen Park.

“We have different organizations within the city that are coming in and offering their expertise,” Brunson explains. “This Thursday, July 28, we have the Conservation District coming in, along with Wyoming Game and Fish personnel, and they will be teaching families all about wildlife and animal identification. On August 4, we have Dennis Brown the D.A.R.E. Officer coming in and teaching creepy crawlies in the water, followed by some tree facts, identification projects. We have geocaching 101, and we’re ending on August 25 with birding, hiking, and mist netting by the Audubon Society.”

Brunson notes these events are free to the public.

“We would like families of all ages and sorts to come in and enjoy, just to see some of the programs that we will be offering actually at the campus when it is up and going,” Brunson adds.

As far as an outdoor campus facility becoming a reality, Crago-Wyllie says they have been working with the Rapid City architectural firm ARC International for the last year and a half.

“They actually built Outdoor Campus West in Rapid City that opened their doors three weeks ago,” CragoWyllie describes. “They are helping us with conceptual, and we are working now on a home – finding land – for Outdoor Campus, and soon after we will be staring our capital campaign.”

“We’re beginning our capital campaign in order to complete Phase I of development, which once we have a site we’re looking at site development, and we plan on phasing the development of the outdoor campus into three pods,” Brunson says. “And so Phase I will consist of Pod I along with the parking lot and a little bit of landscape work.”

Brunson and Crago-Wyllie also have been working on informing the public about their vision for the Northeast Wyoming Outdoor Campus. They are hosting public information meetings on the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakeway Learning Center in Gillette.

You can also get more information on their website at www.newoc.org or check them out on Facebook.

Crago-Wyllie says that they have been working to revitalize the Trash for Trees program in Campbell County.

“Well Trash for Trees is a summer long program,” says Crago-Wyllie. “Please collect trash with your family, with your business, with your organization, and every Saturday morning from 8:30 to noon we have trash drop off at the Gillette College off of Sinclair.”

Crago-Wyllie says they will have their culminating event on September 17, when people will be awarded their trees, shrubs, bulbs, and seeds. There will also be a hotdog feed that day.

“We just want to get out and remind people to get out and clean up our community,” Crago-Wyllie concluded.

For any questions, call Katie Brunson at 605-6616256. Call ahead to register.

sources Committee, which has jurisdiction over agriculture, energy, the environment, and natural resources issues.

Governor Mead also continues to serve on the Council of Governors. This group of ten governors is chosen by the President to advise the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the White House Homeland Security Council on matters related to the National Guard and civil support missions.

Hot hors d’oeuvres and a hosted bar will be provided.

To learn more and to let us know if you can attend: Please call 307-766-6395 Event fee included with e2e membership.

For e2e membership information contact WTBC at 307-766-6395 or visit http://www.uwyo.edu/wtbc/join.html

4

Community Road Construction Update Boxelder Road (Highway 59 to Fox Park Avenue)

Boxelder Road will be restricted to one lane in each direction on Boxelder Road from Highway 59 to Fox Park Avenue from Monday, July 25th through Thursday, July 28th while contractors apply a reclamite flush seal to the road for preventive maintenance. This treatment re-seals the surface so moisture does not soak into the asphalt.

The contractor will begin placing pavement marking tabs on Sunday, July 24th. Residents of Fox Park will need to exit at Mint Avenue during this time. Drivers are asked to reduce speed and observe posted traffic control information - please observe the warning signs of fresh oil and loose gravel, as braking distances may be longer. The Streets Division thanks the community for your understanding during these preventative treatment applications.

2nd Street

2nd Street will be restricted to two lanes (right lanes heading east and west on 2nd Street) at the alley between Ross Avenue and Warren Avenue from Thursday, July 21st and Friday, August 5th. This construction is for work related to the Stonepile Creek Sanitary Sewer project.

East 2nd Street (in Interstate Industrial Park) East 2nd Street will be closed Wednesday, July 27th through Monday, August 8th while crews install a box culvert. This closure is for work related to the City’s Industrial Park Drainage project. Traffic will be detoured to Conestoga Drive.

Boxelder Road (Highway 59 to Fox Park Avenue)

Boxelder Road will be restricted to one lane in each direction on Boxelder Road from Highway 59 to Fox Park Avenue from Tuesday, July 26th through Friday, July 28th while contractors fog seal the road for preventive maintenance. Drivers are asked to reduce speed and observe posted traffic control information.

Alley Closure

The alley between Ross Avenue and Warren Avenue from 1st Street to 2nd Street will be closed from Tuesday, July 12th through Tuesday, July 26th while crews install sewer line associated with the Stonepile Creek Sewer Interceptor Phase IIB project.

This project is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

Par Drive

Par Drive will continue being under construction from Tuesday, July 13th through Friday, August 5th for construction activities, including: asphalt pavement repair, asphalt overlay and subgrade prep. This project is part of the 2011 Pavement Management Schedule A, and is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax.

1st Street Closure (Stonepile Creek Sanitary Sewer Project Phase IIB)

The intersection of 1st Street and Burma Avenue will be closed Friday, July 15th through Friday, July 29th for the installation of sanitary sewer as part of the Stonepile Creek Sewer project. This project is funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax. *Once the work at this intersection is complete for the Stonepile Creek

Sewer Project, the intersection will remain closed for contractors to complete work on the city’s Quiet Zone project - which will last until approximately mid to late August.

Enzi Drive Widening

Beginning July 5th, traffic on Enzi Drive will be dedicated to the outside lanes of Enzi until July 30, 2011. Traffic control designs will accommodate 12’ lanes and the speed limit will remain 20 mph. Pay attention to signs, watch for trucks, construction equipment as well as workers and flaggers.

Trucks and trailers are encouraged to use an alternate route.

This project, funded by the Optional 1% Sales Tax, will be ongoing throughout the Summer of 2011. This will widen Enzi Drive to five lanes from the Enzi Drive/West 4J Road Intersection to just south of the Enzi Drive/Shoshone Avenue intersection.

The project will also relocate the traffic signals at the Enzi Drive and Slate Street to the intersection of Enzi Drive and Sinclair Street - which will include a new entrance and exit to CCHS South Campus on Sinclair Street.

Highway 50 (Skyline Drive) Widening

This is a WYDOT Project (Project Number: 0007162) and is scheduled for completion on September 30, 2011. The project includes the reconstruction of 2nd Street from Echeta Road to Decker Court and reconstruction and widening of Skyline Drive from 2nd street to Lakeway Road. The project also includes the installation of part of the second Madison Pipeline from Lakeway Road to Westover Road.

The Campbell County Observer Staff

Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jenna Flanery - Layout/Design Owen Clark - Ad Design OwenClark@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken McCoy - Distribution Manager Pattie Ladd - What’s Going On PattieLadd@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Writers

Sandra Boehler (Charities/Fundraisers/Veterans Events) SandraBoehler@CampbellCountyObserver.com Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com Elizabeth Albin (Wright) ElizabethAlbin@campbellcountyobserver.com Lin Stephens LinStephens@CampbellCountyObserver.com Josh Uzarski (Science) JoshuaUzarski@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken De Laat (About Nothing) KennethDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com “Juice” (Political Cartoonist) Juice@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Wyoming unemployment rate falls to 5.9 percent in June

By Bill McCarthy of the Cowboy State Free Press Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 6 percent in May to 5.9 percent in June.

Wyoming’s unemployment rate has been steadily decreasing since December 2009, when it was 7.7 percent. It is significantly lower than a year ago at 7 percent and the current U.S. rate of 9.2 percent, according to the Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

Seasonally adjusted employment fell slightly from May to June – down an estimated 413 individuals, or 0.1 percent.

Lincoln County posted the highest unemployment rate in June – 7.3 percent.

It was followed by Fremont and Big Horn counties – both 6.7 percent – and Laramie County – 6.6 per-

cent.

Sublette County reported the lowest unemployment rate – 3.3 percent – a position it has held for 13 consecutive months. Three other counties had unemployment rates lower than 5.0 percent – Campbell, 4.4 percent; Niobrara, 4.8 percent; and Converse, 4.9 percent.

From May to June, most unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and decreased.

Teton County’s unemployment rate dropped from 9.2 percent in May to 5.2 percent in June as the summer tourist season got into full swing.

Lincoln County’s rate fell from 8.6 percent to 7.3 percent, Park County’s rate fell from 6.1 percent to 5.1 percent, and Carbon County’s rate fell from 6.6 percent to

5.8 percent.

From June 2010 to June 2011 unemployment rates decreased in every county.

The largest decreases occurred in energy-dependent counties. Uinta County’s jobless rate fell from 7 percent to 5.3 percent, Campbell County’s rate fell from 5.9 percent to 4.4 percent, and Sweetwater County’s rate fell from 6.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

Total nonfarm employment increased to 298,700 in June, a gain of 6,900 jobs – 2.4 percent – from its year-ago level. Despite the increase, employment was still down 9,400 jobs – or 3.1 percent – from June 2008.

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Entry forms and tickets available at: Thunder Basin Ford Rain or shine at the Basins Radio Knights of Columbus Hall Cummins Rocky Mountain Mike‛s Hardware 4905 Hitt Blvd. Gillette, Wyoming

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To subscribe to the Cowboy State Free Press go to www.thewyonews.net

Gates open at 1pm, People‛s Choice Award at 2pm

Entry forms on the web at www.smokinontheprairie.com contact Randy Lang at (307) 689-6245

Sheriff’s Office investigating report of horse shot to death

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a report of a horse being shot to death just southeast of Gillette near Coal Train Road.

“The mare was in a coral with another horse on the south side of their barn,” explained Campbell

County Sheriff Bill Pownall.

“Apparently the shot came from a southeastwardly direction.”

Sheriff Pownall says the horse was killed sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Monday.

According to the sheriff, the paint horse was shot

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This incident is still under investigation, and there are no suspects. The owners of the horse said the animal was valued at $7,500.

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President approves Declaration for Wyoming

Wyoming has received a federal disaster declaration from President Obama.

This is due to flooding, landslides and severe storms that occurred during May, June and July.

“I can’t thank the local counties and emergency managers enough for their dedication to protecting Wyoming’s communities,” Governor Matt Mead said. “This was a record breaking spring in terms of snowpack and flows in our rivers. We averted a single major disaster, but cumulatively Mother Nature did inflict damage on public infrastructure. The efforts of our citizens, entire communities, the Wyoming National Guard and Office of Home-

land Security deserve our applause. Without this effort the costs of this spring would have been much higher.”

This news means Wyoming will recoup some of the money spent on mitigation. The mitigation effort included proactive work by the Wyoming National Guard to protect communities. It also means several counties can receive federal assistance for repairing and replacing facilities damaged during the flooding, landslides or storms and for any other emergency work. The counties included are: Albany, Big Horn, Carbon, Crook, Fremont, Goshen, Johnson, Lincoln, Platte, Sheridan,

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Sublette, Teton, Uinta, Washakie, and Weston, and the Wind River Indian Reservation.

“This is good news. We appreciate the president’s approval of financial assistance to help our communities that were impacted by heavy rain, snowpack, flooding and landslides,” Guy Cameron, director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. “I applaud Governor Mead for his proactive approach to this flood season and early deployment of the National Guard to assist local communities as well as seeking federal financial assistance to aid those communities damaged by the flood season.”

For orders and inquiries contact: Morning Rose Marketing Owen C. 307.680.1302 or e-mail doclarke12@yahoo.com

Shirts can be purchassed at Monogramming Plus, Downtown Gillette

5

Community

SUBSCRIPTION SELLING CONTEST

What’s Going On? Friday, July 29

-Senior Center Garage Sale, 8 a.m.- 3p.m., Call 686-0804 for more info.

-QuickBooks Pro 2010- For Windows: Advanced, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 or www.k2technologies.net -Norco Road Show & Open House, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Norco Inc. 811 Edwards St., 682-8250 -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Teens You Are Here: Japan, 2-4 p.m., CCPL -Kid’s Triathlon, 5:30 p.m., Rec. CenterLap Pool, $10, 682-8527 -Gillette Community Theatre Summer Melo-Drama “Bulldog Saves the Day…or I Was the Teacher’s Pitt”, 7 p.m., Suite Escapes, 211 S. Brooks Ave., 257-5161 -Movies in the Park, 7:30 p.m., Grown Ups, Camplex Park Shelter #3, $5- Children 4 & Under FREE -Earl Ware & Haywire @ Jakes Tavern

Saturday, July 30

-Senior Center Garage Sale, 8 a.m.- 3p.m., Call 686-0804 for more info.

-Farmer’s Market, 8 a.m.- 12 p.m., Gillette College -Trash to Trees, 8 a.m.- 12 p.m., Gillette College Tech. Center -Gillette College Road Rally, 9a.m., Gillette College Tech. Center, Call 686-0254 ext.

1304 or 689-5026 -Teen Chess Club, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -Gillette Riders Organization Community Picnic in the Park, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dalbey Park- Fishing Lake, Pat Mueller Shelter, FREE -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -4th-6th Grade Wii Play Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -AVA- Photo Essay, 2 p.m., 682-9133 -Car Racing; CLMA/WDRA, 7 p.m., Gillette Thunder Speedway -Bush Hawg @ Jakes Tavern

Sunday, July 31

-ABATE Meeting @ Jakes Tavern -Joe Nichols Concert, 7 p.m., Camplex Wyoming Center. Special Guest Danny Gokey.

Tickets $40, 682-8802. Kicks Off the Campbell County Fair -Deadline for Outdoor Hall of Fame Nominations; http://www.wyomingwildlifefoundation.org for more info.

-CCPL- CLOSED

Monday, August 1

-Centennial Event: Centennial Art Gallery, M-F 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Aug 1st- Sept 1st, Camplex Heritage Center -Campbell County Fair, Aug 1st-7th(See What’s Going On at the Campbell County Fair for schedule) -AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls, Ages 8- 12, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., $60 fee, 682-9133 to pre-register -AVA-Life Drawing Series, Every Monday

Get a jump on your summer tan!

from Aug. 1st-Sept. 23rd, $40 fee, 7-9 p.m., 682-9133 to pre-register

Tuesday, August 2

Win a Disney Cruise!!!

-Campbell County Fair -HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab, 688-1222 for more info.

-AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls, Ages 8-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 682-9133 -Story Time, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -Pre-Registration Deadline for Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! Road Race Big O Tires/Lyle Cottrell Memorial 1.8 Mile, Gillette Rec. Center 682-8527 or Wright Rec. Center 4640198, Race Starts @ 6:15 p.m. @ the Gillette Rec. Center -AVA-Adult Beginner Painting, 6:30 p.m., 682-9133 for more info.

1st Prize Disney Cruise!!

2nd Prize New Bike 3rd Prize 1 hour fun time at Mac & Roonie's

Wednesday, August 3

-Campbell County Fair -Children’s Immunization Clinic, 8-11:30 a.m., Public Health -AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls, Ages 8-12, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., 682-9133 -Senior Center- Healthy Cooking Demo, 9:30 a.m., 686-0804 -Story Time, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Children’s Immunization Clinic, 4-7 p.m., Public Health

Sell 100 or more subscriptions and receive $100 Sign up for the subscription contest on our website at www.campbellcountyobserver.net or call 307-670-8980

Thursday, August 4

-Campbell County Fair -HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab, Call 688-1222 for more info.

-AVA-Kidz Summer Art Camp for Girls, Ages 8-12, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., 682-9133 -Senior Center- The Lodge Bus, 9 a.m., 686-0804 -Toddler Time, 18 months-3 yrs., 9:30 a.m., CCPL -Story Time, 3-5 yr. olds, 10:30 a.m., CCPL -AVA-Painting with Nancy! Six Week Course on Thursday Evenings, 6:30-8 p.m., $125 fee(all supplies included) 682-9133 to pre-register -Families & Jammies, Birth-6th Grade, 6:30 p.m., CCPL -Prenatal Series, 7-9 p.m., Series of 4 Classes begins First Thursday of Every Month, 688-2200 for more info. & to Register

Sign-up between June 1st and June 30th Contest starts the day you sign-up and ends August 22, 2011 Prizes will be awarded on August 27, 2011 Disney Cruise sailson onJanuary January 26th, Disney Cruise Sales 26th,2011 2011

Joke of the week

Dear Ma and Pa: I am well. Hope you are too. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer that the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before all of the places are filled.

I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but I am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay... practically nothing. Men got to shave but it’s not so bad... there’s warm water.

Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie, and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you ‘til noon when you get fed again. It’s no wonder these city boys can’t walk much.

We go on “route marches,” which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it’s not my place to tell him different.

A “route march” is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks.

The country is nice but awful flat. The sergeant is like a school teacher.

He nags a lot. The captain is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don’t bother you none.

This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don’t know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don’t move, and it ain’t shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don’t even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes.

Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain’t like fighting with that ole bull at home. I’m about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I’m only 5’6” and 130 pounds and he’s 6’8” and near 300 pounds dry.

Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join up before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding on in.

Your loving daughter, Alice

Friday, August 5

-Campbell County Fair -BACA- Wright -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Cody Canada & The Departed with Walker Williams Band @ Jakes Tavern -Senior Center Summer Soiree, Carry In Dinner 5 p.m., Dancing 6-9 p.m., Musician Eddie Prazma, $5 per person or $7 per couple, 686-0804 -AVA-Uncorked! 7-9 p.m., $35 Class Fee, 682-9133 for more info.- MUST BE 21 TO ATTEND -Movies in the Park, 7:30 p.m., Cars, Camplex Park Shelter #3, $5- Children 4 & under FREE

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As he was drilling a batch of recruits, the sergeant saw that one of them was marching out of step. Walking up next to the man as they marched, he said sarcastically: “Do you know they are all out of step except you?” “What?” asked the recruit innocently. “I said -- they are all out of step except you!” thundered the sergeant. The recruit replied, “Well, sarge, you’re in charge -- you tell them!”

An older couple had a son, who was still living at home. The parents were a little worried, as the son was still unable to decide about his future career. They decided to do a small test. They took a 10 dollar bill, a Bible, and a bottle of whiskey, and put them on the front hall table, and hid, pretending they were not home.

The father’s plan was: “If our son takes the money, he will be a businessman, if he takes the Bible, he will be a priest, but if he takes the bottle of whiskey, I’m afraid our son will be a drunkard.”

So, the parents waited nervously, hiding in the nearby closet. Peeping through the keyhole they saw their son arrive. The son saw the note they had left. Then, he took the 10-dollar bill, looked at it against the light, and slid it in his pocket. After that, he took the Bible, flicked through it, and took it.

Then, he grabbed the bottle, opened it and took a whiff, to get assured of the quality. Then he left for his room, carrying all three items. The father slapped his forehead, and said: HONEY! Our son is going to be a politician.”

What do you call 25 skydiving I.R.S. agents?

Skeet.

6

Community Suicide Prevention Walk This August 27th will mark the second annual walk to prevent suicide in Gillette. With the support of the “Wyoming Out of the Darkness” walk, which takes place in Sheridan, this walk will be held in the parking lot adjacent to Twin Spruce Junior High. Registration with begin at noon

followed by a short presentation and refreshments to start the walk.

This walk, put on by Charles “Eddie” Edwards, will go to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The length will be 1.7 miles with a drink break in the parking lot of Pokey’s BBQ.

Write for your community newspaper!

If you would like to participate in this charity event, then call Charles at (307) 685-2741 before August 6th. T-shirt orders must be in by that time. Mark your calendar and arrive to show your support for a just cause.

Little League Games Band Concerts Plays Local Events If you are at one of your kid’s events and think it should be published, write an article, submit pictures with captions, and send it in to: OpenArticles@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Wyoming ARNG hosts monthly memorial for veterans in July

A state-wide effort to help bring closure to families who lost a veteran began in June 2010 with monthly memorial services conducted by the Wyoming Army National Guard’s Honor Guard Team, in partnership with the Wyoming Veterans Commission.

The next ceremony will be held in Casper, at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery, July 29, at noon, with participation from the Natrona County United Veterans Council,

other individual veterans, and the Wyoming Army National Guard Honor Guard.

The public is encouraged to attend.

The goal is to provide military honors to a larger number of deserving Wyoming veterans.

The service opens with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, the reading of the names of the Wyoming veterans who died during the month, a rifle volley, the playing of “Taps” and the folding of the U.S. flag.

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The Wyoming Army National Guard provides free military honors for veterans’ individual services; however, some veterans, for one reason or another, never receive the honors due.

Veterans’ organizations interested participating in future services should contact the Wyoming Army National Guard’s military funeral honors office at 307-772-5136.

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Post Office in Recluse may close As more customers choose to conduct their postal business online, on their smart phones and at their favorite shopping destinations, the need for the U.S. Postal Service to maintain its nearly 32,000 retail offices — the largest retail network in the country — diminishes. To that end, the U.S. Postal Service announced today that it will be taking the next step in rightsizing its expansive retail network by conducting studies of approximately 3,700 retail offices to determine customer needs. As part of this effort, the Postal Service also introduced a retail-replacement option for affected communities around the nation.

“Today, more than 35 percent of the Postal Service’s retail revenue comes from expanded access locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, office supply stores, retail chains, selfservice kiosks, ATMs and usps.com, open 24/7,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. “Our customer’s habits have made it clear that they no longer require a physical post office to conduct most of their

postal business.”

For communities currently without a postal retail office and for communities affected by these retail optimization efforts, the Postal Service introduced the Village Post Office as a potential replacement option.

Village Post Offices would be operated by local businesses, such as pharmacies, grocery stores and other appropriate retailers, and would offer popular postal products and services such as stamps and flat-rate packaging.

“By working with thirdparty retailers, we’re creating easier, more convenient access to our products and services when and where our customers want them,” Donahoe said. “The Village Post Office will offer another way for us to meet our customers’ needs.”

With 32,000 postal retail offices and more than 70,000 third-party retailers — Approved Postal Providers — selling postage stamps and providing expanded access to other postal products and services, customers today have about 100,000 locations across the nation where

408 S. Douglas Hwy (Next to Pokey’s) 307-682-7828 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

they can do business with the Postal Service.

“The Postal Service of the future will be smaller, leaner and more competitive and it will continue to drive commerce, serve communities and deliver value,” Donahoe added.

This affects individuals close to our community.

One of the locations set for closure is Recluse, WY. The list of offices being studied and additional information, including video, audio sound bites, b-roll and JPEGs, can be found at http://about.usps.com/ news/electronic-press-kits/ expandedaccess/welcome. htm.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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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

Thank you to the volunteers that helped with the Shoe Shuffle 5K Run April 30th, 2011, to raise money for 6th graders needing running-shoes for their track meet.

Volunteers included Roger Peabody, Rick Mansur, Linda Rexroat, Joy Mentzel, Kelly Kalkhoff, and Sonny Roberts.

Also I would like to thank the donors of cash for shoes - Kiwanis, Wyodak Resources, M&K Oil, SLS West, State Farm (Todd Butzine), Quality Auto, Me and You Cleaning Crew, James Edwards, Peggy & Rodney Seppala, Joy & Gregg Mentzel, Linda Rexroat, Maria & Rick Mansur, Roger Peabody, Betsy Altenburg, Barb Roosa, Beth Bernston, Jessica Wernes, and Gregg Blikre.

Thanks all for making this a very successful fund raiser. We have ordered 49 pairs of shoes for this year. We have a start for next year’s shoes!

Be a part of your community newspaper.

To join our team e-mail CampbellCountyObserver @gmail.com

7

Community What’s Going On In Government?

Monday, August 1

-City Council Workshop, 6:30-7 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -City Council Pre-Meeting, 7-7:30 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -City Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall

Tuesday, August 2

-Mayor’s Art Council Meeting, 5-6 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers

Wednesday, August 3

-Joint Powers Lodging Tax Board, 5 p.m., George Amos Memorial Building

Thursday, August 4

-Gillette Public Access Commission, 12:15 p.m., 1st Floor Conference Room, City Hall

Sales Repfor Print Wanted Advertising.

For Your Information

The photograph from the last “Where is this in Campbell County” is of the Pine Tree Community Hall. Community halls are a combination dance hall, meeting hall, polling station, and community church all rolled into one. Pine Tree, itself, probably was not a full blown town as we know it, although it may have had a post office nearby at some point. It is mentioned in a “History of Wyoming” almanac, circa 1918 as being one of the communities in Campbell County. The intersection of highway 50, 387 and Archibald road is called Pine Tree Junction.

State veterans service officer conducts outreach in August A representative from the Wyoming Veterans Commission will conduct community outreach meetings in Wyoming cities throughout the month of August. Gerald Swan, the state veterans service officer, will meet with veterans and their families to discuss state and federal benefits, claims and healthcare.

Veterans or family members who have questions about eligibility or need assistance in filing claims, obtaining benefits,

training and education or medical treatment, are encouraged to attend.

The meetings are scheduled for the following locations and dates: * Powell - Aug. 5, at Northwest College in room 104 of the Science and Mathematics Building, 231 West 6th St., from 9 a.m. - noon * Worland - Aug. 9, at the Washakie County Court House, 1001 Big Horn Ave., from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Desirable Qualifications:  Self Motivation  People Person  Previous Local Sales Experience e-mail CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com or call 670-8980 to apply

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

* Thermopolis - Aug. 23, at the Hot Springs County Museum, 700 Broadway St., from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. * Basin - Aug. 30, at the Big Horn County Court House, 420 W. C St., from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Swan also will be available to meet with veterans and their families by appointment or home visit. To schedule a meeting, he can be reached at 307-250-3890.

For Subscriptions visit our website at www.campbellcountyobserver.net/subscriptions

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8

Public Pulse Campbell Co. Fire Dept.

July 19, 2011

Dear Editor: President Obama asking for a debt limit increase is akin to a drunk requesting more whiskey. The solution to drunkenness is not more whiskey nor is the solution to unsustainable spending higher taxes and more debt. The solutions for the respective problems are to stop drinking and ending the wasteful spending. There is no crisis. The sun will rise on August 3.

We have the tax dollars to service the debt, ensure seniors get their social security checks and fund the necessary and legitimate functions of government.

To claim otherwise is nothing less than 1933 NAZI style fear mongering that resulted in the ascendency of the Fuhrer. The historical tide of common sense Tea Party conservatives swept into office in 2010 that gave birth to the Republican Majority in the House only materialized because the average American was and is tired of the business as usual shenanigans that are robbing us of our liberties and placing our children and grandchildren in the bondage of insurmountable debt. The new House Majority has already betrayed its voters once this spring by passing a budget with anemic spending cuts. Will they betray us again? House Speaker John Boehner is desperate to make a deal, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wants to give Obama the power of debt dictator.

Therein lays the answer.

Congress will betray us again by passing the whiskey bottle to Obama, which is in essence passing the debt buck to future generations. Some will stand for the principles upon which they were given the House Majority, but most will fail to rise to the occasion unless the wrath of their constituents is unbearable and scorches them into doing the right thing. This is not the time for a last minute

Letters to the Editor

Neville Chamberlain style debt appeasement to the spending dictator. Now is the time for an open honest debate amongst the people regarding the necessary and legitimate functions of government framed in the spirit of 1776. This is our country, our government, and our debt vote. Let everyone know that we must accept nothing less than the Cap, Cut and Balance.

Let our representatives know anyone of them who votes for anything less can expect a position at the back of the long Obama unemployment lines.

Otto D. Schlosser From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Otto, I am inclined to agree with you on the subject.

I do not know how there are so many in support of this when it seems clear that it will not work. When budgeting one’s own expenses, you would never ever consider spending more money as a solution to your own debt problems.

Conveniently, I believe, as do many others, that the Presidential speech made on Monday was intentionally made too late. With one week left for this problem to be “solved,” there is not much we, as the people, can do. We will just have to see what happens on the 3rd.

Dear Editor: Well, the national finals are done and the room rates have come down. Is this going to happen to the pyrotechnecnics when they come to town? What about when the rodeo wants to come back. Let’s just push all of these people away so that nothing will come to Gillette.

Kirk Dickenson From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Kirk, I understand your frustration with the fluctuating room rates around the “big event” seasons. I understand that they were well above $100 per night! If

you are a resident of Gillette just hoping to have some family come visit around those times then you can just forget about it! It is a sacrifice that we are being forced to make in order for our town to host these sometimes elaborate events. However, on the upside, it does put our town on the map. Without these events, we may not even be able to have the Cam-plex, and think of all the other events that we, as community members, enjoy out there year round.

We have the crawfish boil, the pumpkin festival, the beer and wine tasting and let’s not forget that Willy Nelson is coming to town!

These bigger events fund our more local ones and for that I, personally, am willing to sacrifice.

Dear Editor: We are in the dog days of summer and no-one is paying attention to politics.

Of course, when the boats, RV’s, and four wheelers need to be run, selfishness kicks in. But by the time the election comes around, they complain. There is so much to do here, including watching your politicians, finding a candidate you like, and planning to get that candidate in.

Mark Dalei From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Mark, Perhaps our paper’s owner, Nick Delaat, is better suited to answer this letter. I am one of those people that every political person hates! Even when the important things are going on, I am clueless and uninvolved. Frankly, I get upset just because Presidential speeches mess with my DVR’d TV shows!

However, maybe if there were not a “slow time” in politics I would have a harder time avoiding the important things and it would force more people to get involved. Being that our owner in fact is somewhat of a politician, I think we do a fair job of keeping current with our local politics. Our local columnist, Glenn Woods, keeps us in the know as well. If you have such a passion for politics, please, feel free to submit an article to us and, perhaps, you’ll get yours published! Maybe then our readers will be better off for it too.

Dear Editor: I like how you are getting Wright stories in. I have always enjoyed your newspaper but have always been upset about how everything is about Gillette.

We are a huge community and are left on the backburner of everything. Great articles you wrote about the car show, Wright days, and more. Thank you very much.

Johna Berkley From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Johna, Thank you for your kind words! We are indeed striving to be a Campbell County community paper and, yes, Wright is a big part of that. The challenge has been getting writers to the area and, of course, the number of events in Wright pale in comparison to the number of events in Gillette. However, we have brought on a new writer, or “wrighter,” (haha) whose main focus is anything and everything Wright. Her name is, Elizabeth Albin.

Please feel free to contact us with any events going on in the area and we would be happy to put someone on it.

- At 12:02 AM to 4600 Overdale Drive (Bell Nob Golf Course) for a one vehicle traffic accident that hit the gate to the golf course.

- At 8:02 AM to the area of 2600 East 2nd Street for a roof collapse with one injury.

- At 2:41 PM to the 800 block of Ratcliff Drive for a medical assist.

- At 6:44 PM to 1198 Olmstead Road for a lightningcaused grass fire that was contained to approximately quarter of an acre.

- At 7:52 PM to North Highway 59 (1 mile south of Montana State Line) for a lightning-caused grass fire that was contained to less than one acre in size.

- At 8:12 PM to the intersection of South Gillette Avenue and Tonk for a twovehicle traffic accident – contained spilled anti-freeze.

- At 8:55 PM to 650 North Highway 14-16 (Foothills Theaters) for a fire alarm.

Smoke from the popcorn machine caused a smoke detector to go into alarm.

The fire panel reset without incident.

July 21, 2011

- At 11:02 AM to 3 El Camino Court for a fire alarm that turned out to be a malfunction of a smoke detector.

- At 5:31 PM to the 1100 block of 4th Avenue for a medical assist.

- At 7:33 PM to behind 210 West Juniper Lane for a grass fire next to a power pole. The fire was contained to less than a quarter of an acre. The fire damaged a fifty foot section of vinyl fence.

The fire was started by a power-line electrical short that caused a partial electrical outage in the neighborhood. City Electrical Division was dispatched to correct the problem.

- At 7:54 PM to 1801 Four J Road (Campbell County Children’s Center) for a burnt electrical odor. The building only had partial electrical power and is related to previous mentioned fire call on West Juniper Lane.

July 22, 2011

- At 7:18 AM to Longhorn Ave. for an EMS assist.

- At 1:21 PM to 319 S. Gillette Ave. for a report of a gas smell, nothing found.

- At 4:24 PM to Grandview Ct. for an EMS assist.

- At 6:54 PM to the East Pavilion at CAM-PLEX for an EMS assist.

July 23, 2011

- At 1:47 PM to West Interstate 90 (by Wildhorse Exit) for a medical assist.

- At 7:39 PM to the 1400 block of Michelle Street for a medical assist.

July 24, 2011

- At 4:11 AM to 3202 Lonigan Circle for a vehicle fire that also damaged a camper and house. The fire gutted the pickup cab and heavily damaged the engine compartment. The Pickup is a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 extended cab pickup. A 2010 Palomino 5th Wheel Camper was parked thirty inches away from the pickup and suffered fire damage to the side of the camper, breaking a window in the camper and started some bench cushions inside the camper on fire. The pickup was parked thirty two inches away from a garage attached to the house (part of the house is built over the garage). The overhead garage door and vinyl siding on the garage/house was damaged by fire. Firefighters were able to make a quick extinguishment containing the fire to the outside of the house and limiting fire damage to the camp trailer. The property is insured and owned by Josh Hall. His son was sleeping in the room above the garage and was awakened by an explosion noise and was able to wake everyone else up. There were no injuries to report. The fire originated in the pickup cab and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Preliminary fire damage is $55,000 to the pickup, $10,000 to the Camp Trailer and $20,000 to the house/ garage.

- At 5:28 AM to South Highway 59 (by mile marker 93) for a medical assist.

- At 10:37 AM to E. Sunset for a hazmat investigation, nothing found.

- At 11:08 AM to Camel Plaza for a vehicle that was leaking transmission fluid.

- At 7:07 PM to Pioneer Manor for an EMS assist.

- At 8:06 PM to 2501 Dogwood Ave. for a fire alarm, a juvenile pulled the alarm, no fire.

- At 8:19 PM to Ivy Creek Rd. for a grass fire less than 5 acres in size.

July 25, 2011

- At 12:15 PM to the area of Ivy Creek Rd. for a reported grass fire. Landowners had the fire extinguished prior to the arrival of firefighters. The fire was estimated at less than 1 acre.

- At 3:56 PM to the area of Timber Creek Rd. and Highway 51 for a report of railroad ties on fire. Fire units arrived and scene and found 2 areas of smoldering railroad ties.

- At 10:16 PM to the 900 block of Camel Dr. for an EMS assist.

The Sports Bar Cruz Nights are back!

We have a “Celebrity Chef” each Wednesday!

The Chef DRINKS FOR FREE!!!

Please allow us to care cab you home for this one.

SPORTS BAR

Open Articles

Bike groups that host one large event each year with The Sports Bar will have two separate evenings to raise money. The final Cruz Night will be donated to our favorite “non bikers” charity, The Boys and Girls Club of Campbell County.

You may submit your open articles the following ways: Mail your article to 5105 Tarry St., Gillette, WY 82718 or E-mail your article to: OpenArticles@CampbellCountyObserver.com This is our open article section where the public may submit any article that they would like to see printed. This can be poetry, cooking, vacations, recipes, hunting/fishing stories, politics, philosophy, news, theory, or anything that you believe that the local news is missing and should be recognized. This article is subject to editing by our staff. This section is for fact, not opinions. We will not print submissions about politics (though policies are ok), religion, or self advertisement. This is your chance to be a local journalist, or to submit your ideas to your community. Limit of 1000 words.

July 20 - Second Brigade July 27 - CMA Aug. 3 - BACCA Aug. 10 - Elite Flys Aug. 17 - UMF Aug. 24 - WBA Aug. 31 - Boys & Girls Club of Campbell County

1400 n. us hwy 14-16

To be in compliance with county ordinances we ask that patrons do not “burn out” when approaching the highway,!!!

9

Public Pulse Bold Republic Weekly

About Nothing

By Ken DeLaat

The Beverly Hillbillies In the year 2011

By Glenn Woods The year is 1962, Jed Clampett, is a simple mountain man who has in his humble home two kids, his daughter and his nephew in addition to his grandmother. Jed works tirelessly to support them.

Off in the woods, searching for food, he fires a single shot from an old flint lock rifle, and misses.

The bullet penetrates the ground and from the hole it makes black oil comes bubbling up. Jed is RICH! His friends congratulate him. He moves his family to Beverly Hills California to live the American Dream in a big mansion.

But what if this had happened just yesterday and not back in 1962?

A neighbor, not used to the sound of a gunshot would have panicked and called the authorities. The hills would have been overrun by armed game wardens and S.W.A.T style assault teams. There would have been a 3 day standoff at the cabin. If he and the family survived it Jed would be arrested for discharge of an unregistered, illegal, firearm. Did he have a hunting license? I’m betting not.

What was he hunting? Was it restricted, our of season, or endangered?

Animal rights activist descend on the area. They are FURIOUS! Let’s not forget the press.

They need their nightly villain to fill air time. Reporters would soon fill the hills searching for other odd mountain people who actually shoot guns and hunt and kill innocent endangered animals with firearms and feed their children this un-inspected non-government approved food. And what about the children?

Look at those homemade cloths. Nothing is store bought. Why, these weirdoes are completely selfsufficient. How strange is THAT? Listen to his nephew Jethro speak. It’s obvious the children are home schooled.

Now, about that oil spill

Jed just caused: Here comes the EPA, the Interior Department, and a host of environmental groups. Jed will be fined, sued, and forced to pay for the cleanup and land reclamation.

He will spend years in court and in jail and lose everything in the fight.

OH, and let’s not forget the press. They are not done with Jed. Not by a long shot. They are now showing Jed as that gun toting extremist living in the hills that caused the eco’ disaster. They will gleefully report that his children have been turned over to the state so they can be raised properly.

Will Jed ever be able to capture and sell the oil he has discovered on his land?

Once again here comes the BLM, EPA, the Interior Department, and a host of environmental groups. Any of these groups alone are enough to block Jed from leasing the drilling rights to any oil company. Even if he were to make the deal these companies will face years of permitting procedures before they are allowed to drill. If they ever are allowed to drill. Because of this Jed and his family will continue to live in poverty and will have no choice but to sign on to the government dole in order to survive, as will their children, for generations to come. If he is ever allowed to see his children again.

But, this might be for the better.

If Jed were allowed to sell the drilling rights, and become a rich man, he might have thought of moving to Beverly Hills. His neighbors, once his friends, would envy and curse him, because these days “rich” is evil.

In Beverly Hills Jed would have been finically wiped out by a combination of Federal, State, County, and City taxes, which is ok because being “RICH” is “EVIL!” And let’s not forget the press. They are not done with Jed. Not by

a long shot. Some backwoods, gun clinging, Bible hugging, flat head, home schooling, hillbilly oil tycoon just bought a home in Beverly Hills. It is obvious that someone so “lucky” is not paying his “fair share” in taxes.

Then the Hollywood NUT JOBS would have shown up, with their guilt trips on the Clampett’s excessive lifestyles. Their big screen TV, their old clunker that they should have tuned in for a hybrid, and so on.

Even thought those same Hollywood nut jobs live just up the road from Jed in mansions just as big and ride around in limos and private jets.

Wishing to live in her old traditional ways Granny will try to raise livestock and grow crops in the back yard of their Beverly Hills mansion. But local ordinances will prohibit her from growing crops on her own property. Then, here comes PETA, to defend the animals Granny intended to raise and slaughter for dinner. PETA will try to take the animals. Granny will cry THEIF and chase PETA off with her gun. Soon after S.W.A.T. will arrive on the scene and, after the inevitable three day stand off, if she survives it, they will drag her off to prison.

Let’s not forget the press, once again. They will want a perp’ walk from Granny.

They need something good to fill the time on the nightly news.

At one time Beverly Hills California would have been the American Dream. But these days Jed would be much better off moving to Texas, where the there is no state income tax, and wealth is celebrated as an achievement.

Yes, there was a time when a good man like Jed Clampett could have lived the American Dream.

But we have allowed the inmates to take over the asylum, and a good man like Jed could not become successful, even if he tried.

I’m currently finding myself in one of those awkward situations where knowing what direction to take is not clear. Not that such decisions are ever abundantly clear to me but generally one has a good idea of how to respond to a new dilemma and, right or wrong, the option is exercised with minimal debate. My current conflict has arisen quickly and leaves me significantly time pressured to make a move due to its rapid growth that seems to have infiltrated nearly every aspect of life itself.

No, not the new swine flu scares. I guess technically it is the H1N1 flu which is a good deal less than dramatic than the image of germ ridden hordes of feral pigs marching through health systems across the country having illegally immigrated under the guise of providing pork barrel supplies to politicians. Besides, who thought up the H1N1 name anyway? There has to be a person somewhere who coined this catchy little roll off your tongue title. What was it the intent? I mean is it like those sometimes hard to figure out personalized license plates and stands for Hon-None?

If not, the being who first mouthed this mundane moniker needs to be stopped before he (she) is allowed to name anything else.

But no, the issue is not the (hopefully to be renamed later) flu.

It is twittering.

It is as if this phenomena is about to leave me in the dust, unable to catch up to the world. Everywhere I read, hear about, see on the tube, etc. is about twittering. They are even talking twit in the comics for pity’s sake. Sporting events are featuring twittering with participation by broadcasters, even players have been admonished for twittering in the locker room during a game. (I’d pay to see a Bobby Knight reaction to finding one of his players twittering during a game. My hunch is the admonishment would be significant).

I remember resisting becoming computer savvy. I fought it off for a while but then kind of embraced the whole concept once I saw that in spite of my protestations about the distinct advantages of writing longhand or via typewriter (there are none) becoming friends with computers simplified my life significantly. I just resisted it because it was new and unknown to me. Now the typewriter sits next to the abacus I held onto during my initial reluctance to utilize calculators.

Cell phones and I became acquainted later than most and I still have it off more often than not. I mean the notion of being available to anyone with a phone at any time is a bit disconcerting to one who has always felt a tad adversarial toward phones of any kind. Prior to caller ID or answering machines I would go days at a time not answering the phone if alone in the house. It was just, I don’t know, kind of freeing in a way. These days I carry a

To listen to Glenn Woods morning radio show tune in to 1270am KIML Gillette Monday through Friday from 6 - 10 a.m.

Subscribe Now Mail this form, along with payment, to our office at 5105 Tarry St. Sleepy Hollow (Campbell County), WY 82718

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cell but refuse to ever have one of those strange holster devices on my belt. These tend to allow one to be able to draw it out quickly I imagine. Sort of like a Ma Bell gunslinger able to answer calls for grocery list additions at a moment’s notice. I also refuse to ever wear the ear sets that enable you to share the most humdrum moments of your life (“yeah, hi, I’m cleaning the bathroom right now.”) with others without lifting a finger (or phone for that matter).

With each of these world altering innovations I had a bit of time to absorb the changes. I could gradually inch along my technological pathway and somewhat ease myself into acclimating them into my life.

Twittering seems different. For one thing if I am correct in my assumption of what gets twittered it is like texting but different. I do not text. I find it grammatically annoying being that I am somewhat of a syntax snob. The USA Today newspaper even has a crossword type puzzle based on popular text spellings.

I do not do them.

But I imagine twittering must be something more since you are connected (again, presuming my presumption is accurate) to a multitude of people who are privy to your messages. Then there are tweets. They are, I assume, responses to twitters or related in some apiarian manner.

If this is correct, I said recently to Tim, one of my more brutally truthful acquaintances, the twitterer is assuming there are a whole lot of people out there who give a rat’s behind what they are thinking, doing, or saying.

“One would make that assumption, yes.”

Well, I for one cannot imagine what anyone would possibly see enlightening or entertaining to learn in some chopped up protracted version of language the various mindless meanderings of one who feels compelled to share these with anyone willing to read them.

“You don’t get the concept.”

What concept? Unless there is some magic I am missing I cannot see what would compel one to engage in the whole exchange. It is not like there is any real substance to what they are saying.

“Well for once I agree with you.”

You do?

“Yes. The whole notion of people actually interested in the ramblings of others and reading them regularly seems a bit twisted and wrong.”

You mean like in twittering and tweeting?

“Well, that too, but I was thinking of it in a broader sense.”

What do you mean?

“You know, like people who read your column.”

12 Weeks - $12.00 26 Weeks - $25.00 52 Weeks - $50.00

Name Address Phone Number

Come see us at

Home Team Associates

We give you the personal confidence of locally owned and locally operated.

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

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(307) 687-7070 2800 S. 4J Road Gillette, WY 82718

Patriot Publishing is a small publishing business starting up right here in Wyoming. We not only publish the Campbell County Observer and calendars, but anything in print. We will soon also have a monthly publication that we think you will enjoy.

If you have a book and can’t get a major company to publish you, we are a new and Americanowned publisher that may print your work. Please feel free to contact us at anytime with your idea.

10

Sports Report National High School Finals Rodeo wraps up in Gillette After 13 performances of amazing rodeo action, new champions were crowned at the 63rd Annual National High School Finals Rodeo (NHSFR) on Saturday, July 23rd in Gillette, Wyoming. A total of 1,461 students from the United States, Canada, and Australia competed in this year’s NHSFR. Performances were featured throughout the week of July 17th, with the top 20 athletes in each event qualifying for the championship round on July 23rd.

Event champions and All-Around winners include: All- Around Cowboy: Garrett Smith of Rexburg, Idaho; AllAround Cowgirl: McKenna Wagner of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Bareback Riding: Blaine Kaufman of Pretty Prairie, Kan.; Barrel Racing: Rachel Primm of Washoe Valley, Nev.; Breakaway Roping: Brandi Hollenbeck of Hutchinson, Kan.; Bull Riding: Tyler Bingham of Honeyville, Utah; Tie-Down Roping: Garrison Cannon of St George, Utah; Boys Cutting: Hunter Hightower of Bluff Dale, Texas; Girls Cutting: Paige Hadlock of Ogden,Utah; Goat Tying: Hayden Segelke of Snyder, Colo.; Pole Bending: Heather Hassler of Madisonville, Texas; Saddle Bronc Riding: Shade Etbauer of Goodwell, Okla.; Steer Wrestling: Noah Lassa of Merrill, Wisc.; and Team Roping: Marcus Banister of Brighton, Colo. and Brit Ellerman of Fort Lupton, Colo.

In addition, the state of Texas took top team honors at this year’s NHSFR, with Utah, Oklahoma, Idaho, and New Mexico rounding out the top five. Dakota Passey of Alberta was also crowned the new 2011-2012 NHSRA Queen. Passey is the first Albertan to win the title sinceTrish Kostelansky won the coveted crown in 1985.

A comprehensive list of results and final overall standings may be found by visiting www.nhsra.org or by visiting www.nhsra.ihigh.com and clicking the appropriate links along the left- hand column. For more information on the NHSFR and the National High School Rodeo Association, contact NHSRA Media Director, Mike Hausmann, at mike@nhsra.org The National High School Rodeo Association is one of the fastest growing youth organizations in the nation, with an annual membership of over 12,500 students from 41 states, five Canadian provinces and Australia. The Association sanctions over 1,100 rodeos each year. The NHSRA is governed by a national board of direc- tors, which consists of one member from each state or province. A staff at the national headquarters in Denver,Colorado,handlestheday-to-dayoperations. Formoreinform ationontheNHSRA,visittheasso- ciation’s official website located at www.nhsra.org.

Susan Heusinkveld accepts a baseball by KIML morning talk show host Glenn Woods. The baseball was signed by the entire Gillette Roughriders team including the coaches. Susan won the baseball by answering the quiz question “When was the spitball banned?” The answer was that in 1920 after a player got killed by a shot in the temple, the owners decided to ban the pitch. Pitchers already throwing the spitball were grandfathered in and threw well into the thirties. Many players have been caught by the “Spitter” since, though it is an illegal pitch.

Susan won the prize by listening to the live broadcast of the game on Saturday live at Roughrider Stadium. The show was done by Ted Ripko (play by play announcer) and Nick De Laat (color announcer). She was the only contestant to email the right answer in. Glenn Woods, presenting the ball to Susan, was working on a van at the time. The owner of this newspaper thought that the picture would be a great photo opportunity in his coveralls. The van is now parked where he is living down by the river.

To listen to all of Ted and Nick’s live local sports broadcasts tune in to KIML Gillette for the games for football, basketball, and baseball.

“The Spitball was only banned because those damned owners greedily sold out to the home run.”

- Ty Cobb

What’s Going On In Sports?

Friday, July 29 -Roughriders @ Wyoming State Tourney, Cheyenne, TBA -Rustlers @ JR Regional, Sheridan, TBA

Sunday, July 31 -Roughriders @ Wyoming State Tourney, Cheyenne, TBA -Rustlers @ JR Regional, Sheridan, TBA

Saturday, July 30 -Roughriders @ Wyoming State Tourney, Cheyenne, TBA -Rustlers @ JR Regional, Sheridan, TBA

Wednesday, August 3 -Roughriders @ Northwest Regional Tourney, Billings, MT, TBA

Thursday, August 4 -Roughriders @ Northwest Regional Tourney, Billings, MT, TBA

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

Friday, August 5 -Roughriders @ Northwest Regional Tourney, Billings, MT, TBA

Classifieds Help Wanted

Homes for Sale

Campers & Motor Homes

Toys (ATV’s, Boats, etc.)

Cook needed at Lu La Bells. Motivated and Energetic. Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells.

Home for sale by owner in Western Way. Asking $239,000 for the 1,800 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an unfinished basement and a two car garage. Fully fenced, large landscaped yard with a sprinkler system. Home is within walking distance to the new recreation center and the new elementary school that is being built. Please contact me at 307-670-1209 if you are interested.

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

Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.

Local journalists wanted. Always wanted to try? Must be 16 yrs of age. Contact us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com Advertising Sales for our weekly paper.

Great commission rate, set your own hours. Contact us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com Contributors wanted for weekly newspaper. Need a doctor, a Politician, a lawyer, and more to contribute an article a month.

E-mail CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com for more information.

Sports writers, event writers wanted. Gillette, Write, Recluse, Rozet. Call 6708980.

Home Appliances/ Furnishings Small washer. Needs new belt, $25. Email USSailorPatriot@gmail.com Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967.

Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs.

Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967

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 307-756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com

Toy Parts & Accessories Stock pipes for Sportster. 500mi. Stock pices for Dyna Wide Glide. 1500mi. Email baxtersmom62@gmail.com for info.

Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 670-1925.

Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees. All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 660-1007.

Pets Welsh Corgi Puppies. 3 females, and two males. 682-2598

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.

Autos, Trucks and Vans 1981 Harley Davidson FXB-Sturgis, 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!

2006 Cabella’s “Lowes Sun Cruizer” 20 ft.

Pontoon 95 HP Mercury Outboard Motor (less than 50 hrs). Good Condition. Call 680-2982 or 696-7512.

Lost & Found FOUND: one large trampoline. Currently located at 5350B M&M circle. If yours, please pick up any day any time. If not yours, do not trespass.

Wanted to Buy

Sporting Goods

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

Like new Horizon Elliptical. $300 obo. Call 299-7058 for more info.

Newspaper vending machines. Contact us at: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com

Personals

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

2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532.

‘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 dualplugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464.

1994 Ford Ranger. Black. With Topper.

Runs Good. 85k Miles. 2300 obo. Call 307-299-0223

Heavy Equipment/Trailers 6x10 trailer. Great shape, fits your biggest Harley. $1,400 obo. 299-4967.

11

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

- LIMITED TIME ONLY Free Classified Ad - 10 words or less (Private ownership only - No businesses)

For more details visit www.campbellcountyobserver.com or call (307) 670-8980

To place a classified ad, email us at Classifieds@CampbellCountyObserver.com Include name, phone, e-mail and physical address.

For more information go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net

Our Roots The First Cattle Drive

By Jeff Morrison The Powder River Basin has seen many booms over the years. Thanks to its abundant natural resources, Northeast Wyoming has made a huge impact on the world energy market and will likely continue to do so for many years to come.

But the first large-scale commercial enterprise in our area happened long before the coal mines were dug, before the crude-oil wells were drilled, and before coal-bed methane became a household word. It was the beef cattle industry.

Starting in the late 1870s and continuing into the first decades of the 20th century, thousands upon thousands of cattle were driven through our part of the state to establish ranches in Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming. In turn, thousands of cattle were driven and/ or shipped via rail out of our area to eastern beef markets in places like Chicago and Omaha. Large scale cattle drives from Texas to railheads in Kansas had already been in full swing for a decade before the great drives began making their way north to Wyoming and Montana. The high-tide of cattle moving came in the mid-1880s. It was estimated that 260,000 cattle had been moved north in 1883 alone.

But the very first of the Texas to Montana cattle drives happened in 1866 in the midst of one the most violent of conflicts between Indians and white men known as Red Cloud’s War. Nelson Story, the man who led the drive, had no idea he was pioneering an industry. In fact, when he bought 1,000 head of longhorns in Texas, he had no intention of driving them to Montana at all.

Nelson Story was born in 1838 in Ohio. He and his wife migrated north from Colorado to the gold fields of Bannack and Virginia City, Montana in 1863, where he staked a claim that eventually made him a small fortune. In the meantime, he made money hauling supplies by pack mule, and his wife, Ellen, sold baked goods to the miners.

By 1866 Story had netted $30,000 in gold which he determined to convert to cash money. Leaving Ellen in Bozeman with a preacher and his wife, Story travelled east and converted his gold into $40,000 cash. The bulk went into a bank and $10,000 went with Story to Texas to buy cattle.

His original plan was to buy what cattle he could in Texas, drive them north to a railhead in Kansas and sell them for a hefty profit

before returning to Montana. Cattle droving from Texas to Kansas had yet to come into its own; at this date in mid-1866, Story would be one of the first to trail a sizeable herd north.

Charles Goodnight, with partner Oliver Loving had only recently trailed a herd from central Texas to Fort Sumner, New Mexico earlier that year. It would be two more years before Goodnight would drive a herd all the way to Cheyenne, Wyoming, completing what would become known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail.

History disagrees about just how many cattle Story bought with his $10,000.

Some accounts say as many as 3,000 head, although his grandson, Malcolm Story, put the total at 1,000 longhorns, with a trial crew of 27 cowboys, plus a small wagon train loaded with small goods to be taken back to Montana and sold there. The trail drive left Fort Worth and headed north, through the Indian Territory that would become Oklahoma and on toward Kansas.

Near Baxter Springs, Kansas, the trail drive came to a halt. Jayhawkers- former Union raiders, turned organized cattle thievesgave Story the ultimatum of turning his herd over to

them or returning to Indian Territory. Story, known for his stubborn resolve, decided he would take his herd to Montana, instead. Such a thing had never been attempted. The very fact that a herd would have to cross several hundred miles of hotly contested Indian hunting grounds was enough to make the task nearly impossible and had a greater chance in ending in failure of the most deadly kind than it did in success. Nelson Story was no fool; he knew very well what risks he was facing. But ever the shrewd businessman, Story also knew that beef in Montana would bring a price ten times more than his investment.

Story gave the Jayhawkers the slip and turned his herd northwest, reaching Fort Laramie in eastern Wyoming without much incident. Fort Laramie, a major trading post long before becoming a military fort, was the unofficial commercial center of all things going west. Emigrants on their way to California, Utah, Oregon and the Montana gold fields used the fort as their final chance to resupply before heading into the wild, and the fort sold a bit of everything, including beef.

The post commander saw Story’s arrival as an opportunity to buy 1,000 head of cattle cheap and, citing the recent Indian uprising that was wreaking havoc up and down the Bozeman Trail, tried to persuade Story to sell him the cattle. Story declined to sell and bought Henry repeating rifles from the sutler instead.

There were two alternative routes Story and company could have chosen.

One would call for them to continue west on the Oregon Trail until reaching

Utah before turning north through Idaho into western Montana. The other would call for a turn north onto Bridger’s Trail, which ran up through the Big Horn Basin. Either one would have been much safer than taking the Bozeman Trail.

But the Bozeman road was shorter, had better grass and more water than the alternatives. So, shortening his stay at Fort Laramie, lest the post commander get the idea of using force to buy the cattle, Nelson Story, 1,000 head of Texas longhorns, 15 wagons and 27 cowboys, armed to the teeth, set out for Virginia City. Somewhere near the site where Fort Fetterman would be established the next year, Story turned the herd north, into a war zone, and made Wyoming history.

Near Fort Reno, on the banks of the Powder River, due west of North Pumpkin Butte, the inevitable happened. The Sioux stole part of the herd and stampeded the rest. After rounding up what had been stampeded the crew went in search of the stolen cattle. The Indians got the worst of the fight that followed. Although the Indians continued to harass the drovers, only one death occurred during the drive; that of a night herder who was found riddled with enough arrows to “look like a rotary hair brush”.

At Fort Phil Kearney, Colonel Henry B. Carrington, citing the Indian danger, forbade Story and his herd to continue. He also ordered Story to park his herd about three miles away from the fort for sanitary reasons.

Colonel Carrington woke up a couple mornings later and discovered Story and his herd were gone. Carrington, perhaps reflecting that if he sent his hot-head-

ed young captain, William Fetterman to force Story and his 27 heavily armed cowboys to return something bad might happen, decided to let it pass.

As Nelson Story’s herd left in the night, it passed unremarkably over a long finger of ridge where, a month later, Captain Fetterman would lead a force of 81 men to their deaths by a very well planned and executed ambush. Carrington, himself, would be relieved of command five days later.

As for Nelson Story and his herd of Texas longhorns – he continued on to the Paradise Valley near modern Livingston, Montana without further incident by either Indians or the United States Army.

Story started a successful ranching business with his herd and an equally successful store in Bozeman with his wagons of small goods. He would later get into the flour mill business, open a bank and dabble heavily in real-estate in Los Angeles, California. A mere 28 years old when he trailed his cattle north, Story died in 1926 at the age of 87. His descendants still live in the Gallatin Valley today.

As for his pioneer cattle drive to Montana; he proved it could be done, but it was years before anyone tried it again. It was not until the threat of Indian wars died out in 1877 that cattle droving to Wyoming and Montana began in earnest. The modern town of Story, Wyoming is, of course, named after him. Story’s drive to Montana, along with Goodnight and Loving’s drive to Colorado in 1867, became the inspiration for Larry McMurtry’s novel, Lonesome Dove.

Victoria Woodhull

By Mike Borda

Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Michelle Bachman; These names for many of us invoke a vision of powerful women who vied for some of our nation’s highest offices. However, there is another woman we should remember. Her name is not one we are taught in schools, or one we hear on the news.

However, in many ways it is just as important. That name is Victoria Woodhull, and 139 years ago, she ran for President of the United States of America.

Born Victoria California Claflin in September 23, 1838, Woodhull lived a very modest childhood.

Her father, accused of being a conman and criminal among other things, did not have the means or motivation to supply Victoria or

her nine brothers and sisters with a privileged upbringing. It was, perhaps, for this reason that she married a doctor, Canning Woodhull, in 1853 at the age of 15. After giving birth to her son the next year, she began making a living by performing in various fashions, including a brief stint as a fortuneteller.

She would have a daughter.

She divorced Woodhull in 1864 after learning he was an alcoholic, later marrying Colonel James Blood in 1866. The couple moved to New York City in 1868, where she quickly became friends with the city’s elite, namely railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt. It was with Vanderbilt’s help that Woodhull and her sister became the first female stockbrokers in the country.

“In our personal ambitions we are individualists. But in our seeking for economic and political progress as a nation, we all go up or else all go down as one people.”

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Their success in this new field allowed them to publish their own journal, named Woodhull and Claflin’s Weekly. In that age, women in positions of power did not sit well with the men in charge, and those men made their opinions clear: National newspapers, while acknowledging the success of the sisters, even went so far as to characterize them as prostitutes.

However, as we have seen before, doubt and cynicism often make the greatest motivators.

This was the case for Woodhull as well. In response to the criticism, they began using their publication to stretch the boundaries of social discussions of the day, writing opinion essays on free love, vegetarianism, and women’s suffrage. In a famous move, Woodhull was also the first editor to publish an English version of the Communist Manifesto from Karl Marx.

The popularity that Woodhull found with her publication drove her to become a leader in the National Woman Suffrage Association, giving her colleagues such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Soon after these developments, she finally had her biggest moment. A new political formation, the Equal Rights Part, nominated Woodhull for President on May 10, 1872. Never before had a woman run for President, and although she was not take especially seriously by the public, the ideas she put forward were the most important things. She campaigned on equality, freedom,

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and justice. Her Vice-Presidential nominee, although he never accepted the position, was the famous former slave, Frederick Douglass, making hers one of the first attempts at a multi-racial ticket.

While the legal qualifications of her nomination are still in question, since women did not have the right to vote at the time, many historians consider her run for President unconstitutional and invalid, there is no doubt this was an historic moment in American politics.

Although she garnered no actual electoral votes, it is still unknown how many popular votes she received. The impact must have been far reaching, however, because the backlash Woodhull incurred was far too substantial to

have been from purely her publications. Days before the election, she, along with her husband and sister, were arrested for publishing “obscene” literature. It would not be the last time.

After being arrested on seemingly random charges eight times in the coming months, she could not stand the political or monetary pressure of constant scrutiny.

After divorcing her husband, and later remarrying, she moved to England in 1878, never stopping her campaigning for women’s rights.

Although Victoria Woodhull died in 1927, her impact has not died. It is because of women like her that today we are closer than ever to truly having equality in America.