June 28 july 5, 2013 by C.C. Observer

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Volume 3 • Issue 26

June 28 - July 5, 2013

2013 July 4th This JuneWeek’s 17 - 24, 2011 “If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!” Information Highlights

www.campbellcountyobserver.net

Let the 4th of July bring out the kid in you!

• Gun Maker Targets 2014 Opening.....Page 4

6 a.m. - 9 a.m. Volunteer Fireman Pancake Feed (106 Rohan Avenue) 7 a.m. Universal Athletics Firecracker 4 Mile Run/Walk (Bicentennial Soccer Fields) 9 a.m. Registration for Activities at Bicentennial Park 10 a.m. Parade (2nd Street to Osborne Avenue) 12 - 2 p.m. KOOL 105.3 hosts a live band (TBD) (Located North of the concession building) Noon - ? Free Hot Dog Feed Begins Kids Games Begin (Goat Roper Field) Chalk It Up Begins Mud Volleyball Begins (North side of Bicentennial Park) Firemen Water Fights Begin Fitness Challenge (Softball Field 3) 10:00pm Fireworks Display Begins (At Cam-Plex)

overnor Matt Mead has appointed Richard Crandall to lead the Wyoming Department of Education. Crandall is 311 S. Gillette Ave • Gillette, WY a CEO of a company that provides nutritional servic307-685-8055 es to schools and is a State Senator in Arizona. He previously chaired both Arizona’s Senate and House LESS Education Committees and m o ch.c g-Ran in was the school board presck o R ww.EZ ident for Arizona’s largest Small Showroom • Great Productsw • Low Prices school district in Mesa. impressed Free “Richard information on me with his strong background way in education policy and inLaya ble! a l novation. His work with the i a v

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“I am looking forward to getting to know the people of Wyoming. I plan to listen and learn from citizens about what is important to them in regards to education. This will offer me the opportunity to learn about the possibilities and challenges here. I appreciate the care Governor Mead took in making this decision and I appreciate the opportunity he has given me,” Crandall said. Crandall has an MBA from Notre Dame. Crandall will replace Jim Rose who has served as

interim Director and Director of the Wyoming Community College Commission. “I thank Jim for stepping forward and taking on this extra workload. He has done an extraordinary job bringing needed stability to the Department of Education and has provided leadership to support students, teachers, parents and school boards across Wyoming,” Governor Mead said. “I commend the Board of Education for their search. The Board sent me three strong candidates.”

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Digital Learning Commission, a national panel established by former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, has given him special insight into classroom instruction and uses of technology,” Governor Mead said. “Richard’s philosophy of supporting our students and schools with a bottom up approach matches well with our culture. He will bring fresh ideas to Wyoming to compliment the great things that are happening in our local schools and to offer solutions where we need improvement.”

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seven charges for a poaching incident that occurred northeast of Hudson on Oct. 15, 2012. They unlawfully killed two bull moose and two cow moose. The four—Phillip “Rocky” Hurtado, 73, Arapahoe; Phillip “P.J.” Warren, 31, Arapahoe; Sammy Edlund, 30, Gillette; and Danielle Najera, 28, Gillette—all pleaded guilty to one count of taking an antlered moose during a closed season, one count of wanton destruction, and one count of entering closed property without permission. Each was ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution, and $20,500 in suspended ﬁnes. Edlund’s hunting privileges have been revoked for 20 years in

Wyoming and 38 states with reciprocity, while Hurtado, Warren and Najera had their hunting privileges revoked for life. With credit for time already served, each was sentenced to 360 days jail time. Edlund, Hurtado and Najera will serve seven days in jail and have 353 days suspended. Warren will serve nine days in jail and have 351 days suspended. Each defendant was also given two years probation. If they violate any law during their probation, they are subject to all suspended penalties. Jason Hunter, Lander regional wildlife supervisor, said: “this effort would not have been possible without the cooperation of the public, Tribal Fish and Game, the Fremont County Sher-

iff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fremont County Prosecutor Ember Oakley was instrumental in the successful prosecution.” Like several investigations, this investigation started with an anonymous tip. Poaching reports may be made to the “Stop Poaching” hotline: 1-877-WGFD-TIP (1-877-943-3847) or 1-307-777-4330 (out-of-state calls only).Violations may also be reported to regional ofﬁces or online at gf.state. wy.us/wildlife/enforcement/stoppoaching/submitTip.aspx. If you have any questions, please contact Lander Education and Information Specialist Rene Schell or Hunter at 307-332-2688. (Contact: Rene Schell, 307-332-2688)

It’s Donating Time Again

The Campbell County Observer is now taking donations for our Readers Choice Scholarship. The Observer is hoping to raise $1,000.00 this year for a scholarship that will be given to a student from Wright (Panthers) or Gillette (Camels). Students will be presenting the Observer with an essay, which the readers will vote on their favorite and the most deserving. The only conditions are that the student must graduate from either Wright High School or Gillette High School and will be attending Gillette College in the fall. The scholarship will be put in their account at Gillette College by the Campbell County Observer. “We are the local newspaper, we take our community that we live and work in very personal. So we decided to do everything we can to keep the money local,” said Observer owner Nicholas De Laat. “And, community college attendees do not get the ﬁnancial help from scholarships at the same level as the kids going to Universities.” Observer owner Candice De Laat stated that “The money is donated by community, given to a young adult from our community, and spent on further education in our community…for our community. This is what we are all about, from the owners to the workers of our company.” The Campbell County Observer has donated over $68,000.00 in money, advertising, and product to help

local charities so far in 2012. “And this in only our second year in business!” said Mrs. De Laat. “The more we grow, the more we give.” She does not, however, want to discount the most important part of giving to these local charities. “Our customers and subscribers are the glue that holds everything together. If you want to thank someone for all the giving, thank them. They deserve it most!” To donate to the Campbell County Observer’s Readers Choice Scholarship go to their website at www.CampbellCountyObserver.net or call (307) 670-8980.

Sunday Liquor Rules Might Be Relaxed

At the June 24th, 2013 Gillette City Council Workshop Session, City Council President John Opseth had a question for City of Gillette Attorney Charlie Anderson. Opseth wanted to know about the Sunday rules for liquor service in Gillette. “The question was whether state statute allows for the sale of alcohol on Sundays to be treated the same as every other day of the week,” Ospeth said.

Community

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Campbell County Observer

It’s not a crime for a man to fish and golf all summer long However, we’ve heard that wives are gathering at the capital to pass a law to that effect! So come see us. We’ll send you home with the gift that keeps you legal, and lets her know you’re thinking of her even as you’re sinking another birdie putt.

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UW’s Holbrook Receives Oceanography Honor niversity of Wyoming Professor Steve Holbrook has received one of the Oceanography Society’s most prestigious honors. Holbrook, UW Department of Geology and Geophysics faculty member, is the 2013 recipient of the Walter Munk Award for Distinguished Research in Oceanography Related to Sound and the Sea. The Oceanography Society has presented this award every two years since 1993 to recognize significant original contributions to the understanding of physical ocean processes related to sound in the sea; significant original contributions to the application of acoustic methods to that understanding; and outstanding service that fosters research in ocean science and instrumentation. A media release from the Oceanography Society calls Holbrook “the father of the new field of ‘seismic oceanography.’” “His use of low-frequency seismic reflection profiling to image the water column has provided quantitative and novel insights into the structure and dynamics of internal waves, eddies and mixing processes,” the release says. “With his innate

and relentless curiosity, he has provided unprecedented views of the internal workings of the ocean. His generous collegiality has also been a stimulus to the formation of an interdisciplinary seismic oceanography community.” During the course of his career, Holbrook has studied topics as varied as continental breakup, volcanism and continental growth, physical oceanography and methane hydrates -- on research cruises in such far-ﬂung places as Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Newfoundland, Alaska, Costa Rica and New Zealand. Seismic oceanography, which he developed, is considered a new type of research in the world of seismology. Holbrook was elected a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2012. Holbrook played a key role in securing a ﬁve-year, $20 million grant award from the National Science Foundation to UW’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The grant, the largest in UW’s 126-year history, will support wide-ranging research of regional water issues. As part of the grant, the Wyoming Center for Environmental Hydrology and

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Geophysics (WyCEHG), a multidisciplinary center, was established at UW in July 2012. Holbrook is serving as co-director of the center. The Munk Award is presented jointly by the Oceanography Society, the Office of Naval Research and the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy. Holbrook will receive the award during the 166th meeting of Acoustical Society of America in San Francisco in December, and he will also be recognized during the Ocean Sciences Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, in February. He will give presentations at both meetings. The Oceanography Society was founded in 1988 to disseminate knowledge of oceanography and its application through research and education, to promote communication among oceanographers, and to provide a constituency for consensusbuilding across all the disciplines of the field.

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Community

Campbell County Observer

What the Bible Says About Bitterness and How to Overcome It By Pastor Duke Jesus ﬂat out told us that offenses would come. (Luke 17:1) There is no way to avoid them. So the question is how do we deal with them and not allow bitterness to set in. Bitterness is a very destructive force and the Bible warns us to stay away from those bitter feelings. So I felt that it might be a good idea to share with you what I have learned about bitterness and how to avoid it. I have had many experiences in my life where I could have allowed a root of bitterness to take hold in my heart. In fact, at times I had to really struggle with bitterness that was trying to creep into my life. Because of what people have said or done to me, I have had many opportunities to get bitter and allow that bitterness to jade my relationship with other and more importantly with God. So here are a few things I have learned about this destructive force called bitterness.

Feeling that God has let you down. Since bitterness is tied to unforgiveness, many people will start to blame God for everything wrong in their life. They will feel that God has let them down. I know in my own life, shortly after going through divorce, I was really angry at God and blamed Him for how things turned out. What I didn’t realize at the time was that this feeling that He had let me down was directly related to my unforgiveness of my ex-wife and the unforgiveness I had towards myself and my own failure. When I dealt with the unforgiveness area, then I no longer had the bitterness towards God. Remember what Jesus told us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer? Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors? Our relationship with God is directly inﬂuenced by our level of unforgiveness we are holding against others.

What is Bitterness? Bitterness is deﬁned as: unpleasant, angry, hostile, sour, and resentful. When we are offended and refuse to forgive, and receive God’s comfort, it is just a matter of time until bitterness sets in. Bitterness is the emotional state where a person is hurting and angry and they want everyone else to feel the pain that they are feeling. It is because of that need to make people feel their pain, that they end up lashing out at everyone else, either passively or aggressively. It is like the person who has been hurt by church people. They more than likely were unjustly hurt, but because they have allowed that hurt and pain to inﬁltrate their heart, they lash out at all church people or Christians just because they are part of the larger group even though they never personally did anything to hurt them. Instead of going to God and receiving the comfort that is available in Him, they refused to be comforted and still harbor the pain. There are many examples of bitterness in the Bible. The children of Israel were bitter because of what they had suffered in Egypt during their captivity. They responded to every situation they were in after that from a bitter perspective. You can see this by reading the things that they would say. Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. A murmuring and complaining attitude is proof of a bitter heart.

How Do You Overcome Bitterness? Learn to accept your trials rather than curse them. I know that this is easier said than done, but trials are put into our lives to test us, not to punish us. There is a big difference. When we view our trials as tests, then we can see the purpose in those trials. They are no longer seen as undeserved acts of vengeance against us. Everybody in this life goes through trials. No one is exempt. So learn to view these trials as opportunities to grow and learn the faithfulness of the Lord rather than try to avoid them at all costs. Learn to be quick to forgive. You cannot go through life without somebody sometime offending you. The question is, are you going to take it to heart or are you going to learn to forgive quickly. I am speaking from experience here. It is not always easy for me. Some of the hardest things I have had to forgive is when people have made deep and personal promises to me and then broke their word and didn’t even say they were sorry. I had a choice to make. I could either forgive, or I could get bitter. I chose to forgive even though with some of them I had to make that choice daily for weeks on end until my heart lined up with my choice. Learn to be transparent with others and ask for help. We are not meant to walk alone on this planet. We are called to be part of a body. That means that we should be able to go to others in our church or group of believers and ask for their help with this. Of course that means that our church has to be healthy enough to handle people being transparent and asking for help without judging them. Go to someone you trust to pray for you and encourage you as you are overcoming bitterness. “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” - James 5:16 It is in the context of this type of relationship that James is talking about. When you confess what you are struggling with and what you need to work on, that healing can happen and you can be free of bitterness controlling your life. You can overcome bitterness. The reason I know is because I did and if God will do it for me, He will do it for you! Blessings! Pastor Duke

The Bible’s warning against bitterness “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become deﬁled;” - Hebrews 12:15 - New King James Version (NKJV) Many people worry about the outward things in Christianity and morality but fail to look at the inward things. This verse explicitly says that bitterness will deﬁle us. That means that it will make us unclean on the inside. The Bible is very clear that bitterness is something to be avoided at all costs. It will totally destroy your relationships with your family, friends, and even with God. I have known more than one dear friend of mine that has allowed bitterness to drag them away from their relationship with God and the joy of their salvation. They have become cynical, depressed, and miserable people because of it but they will not face that they refused to be comforted and consoled by Jesus just because someone disappointed them or some church taught them things that went beyond what the scriptures teach. What are the symptoms of bitterness Feeling others have more than you. One of the symptoms of bitterness is when you always think that others have it better in life than you, or are considered more special than you. In the book of Acts, there was a guy named Simon the sorcerer and he saw that God was using Peter to touch people with the power of God and he wanted to buy this gift. Instead of understanding that God uses each of us in unique and different ways, he thought that Peter was blessed by God more and wanted to buy that blessing. Read what Peter said to this man. “But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” - Acts 8:20-23 - New King James Version (NKJV) Do you see how bitterness poisoned his soul? He was looking at Peter through the eyes of bitterness? Feeling that others owe you Bitterness is tied to unforgiveness. Remember the parable of the unforgiving servant? Even though he had been forgiven a million dollar debt, he could not forgive a 20 dollar debt. This was because of bitterness. He was angry and consumed with the fact that he was owed something. Bitter people think that others owe them something and they are going to exact a price out of them no matter what. The result of this is that they become bound up or tied up in their own lives and can’t see beyond what is right in front of them. They are tortured in their hearts, always keeping people in prison in their hearts and always dwelling on the pain and the price they are owed.

June 28 - July 5, 2013

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CampbellCountyObserver.net 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 (PP-1) Volume 3 Issue 26 The Campbell County Observer is published by Patriot Publishing L.L.C. in Gillette, WY every Friday. 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Postmaster: Send address changes to 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Nicholas De Laat - Owner/Editor NicholasDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com Maria Case - Advertising Department MariaCase@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 James Grabrick (Where is This?) JamesGrabrick@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Rachel Davis RachelDavis@CampbellCountyObserver.com Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jeff Morrison - Editor/Local History Contributor JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Weekly Weather Forecast

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June 30

July 1

July 2

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July 5

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Rain: 0% Wind: ESE at 10

Rain: 0% Wind: N at 11

Rain: 30% Wind: NNW at 14

Rain: 40% Wind: N at 13

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Community

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Firearms Manufacturer Targets July 2014 Opening hen executives of HiViz Shooting Systems decided to move their headquarters and manufacturing facility from Colorado, the first state on their minds for a new home was Wyoming. They “did talk with several people and other states and locations,” said Megan Overmann Goetz, board chairwoman of the Laramie Economic Development Corp. “But because of the great relationship and expediency that LEDC and the [Wyoming] Business Council was able to offer and how we worked with the company, they moved forward with Laramie.” Since Thursday afternoon’s announcement that the Fort Collins-based firearms accessories manufacturer was moving to the Cowboy State, more details about the company and its move emerged. While a handful of firearm and firearms accessories companies in Colorado and Connecticut have threatened to move as state legislatures tighten gun laws, HiViz is the first company to choose a new home and

announce it publicly. Mass shootings in both states prompted the new laws. HiViz didn’t return calls and messages from the Casper Star-Tribune so the newspaper gave Overmann Goetz a list of questions. She got answers from the company and relayed them back Friday. “The timeline is still evolving and the company’s plan is to start moving in around the ﬁrst of July 2014,” she said. Construction of the company’s facility, which is going to cost at least $2 million, could begin this summer. The company and the city of Laramie plan to apply for a grant from the Wyoming Business Council to pay for construction. If the grant is approved, HiViz would rent the facility from the city. The company employs about 14 people, who will have to decide whether to move to Laramie or commute from Fort Collins. An additional 10 people could be hired locally, since the company plans to expand once it’s in Wyoming, Overmann Goetz said.

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The company makes light-gathering sights, recoil pads and accessories for the shooting industry. CEO Philip Howe started HiViz in 1996. Today, they sell products in more than 30 countries. HiViz’s customers are diverse, Overmann Goetz said. Businesses buy HiViz products. Products are for sale at “big box” retailers such as Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. A small percentage of HiViz’s sales are from the company’s website or from telephone orders, she said. Wyomingites who enjoy shooting and hunting are likely familiar with HiViz, Overmann Goetz said. HiViz will add to Laramie’s manufacturing sector, which includes companies such as Delta Nu Inc., which recently announced it will expand its Laramie facility. It produces scientiﬁc analytical equipment, Overmann Goetz said. “We’re really hoping this translates into other companies looking at Laramie,” she said.

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Outer Space Rocks Lying in Fields

Monday - Friday: 7am - 5:30pm Saturday: 7am - Noon

Submitted by Calvin Duszynski ave you found an odd looking rock? Every year many meteorites hit earth and a good majority of them land in farmer’s or rancher’s fields. Most of the time they go unnoticed due to either remote locations or mistaken identity, especially in the farming lands of North America. In cases where the stones are smaller, these rocks normally get turned into the ground with combines and in the case of larger pieces get simply picked up and put into rock piles or tossed into rock gardens due to the unique shape or texture. Most reported finds are from plowing when a rock is turned up and some are found by Ranchers moving cattle from pasture to pasture and come across these unusual rocks. Nearly every month, eye witness accounts from the Northern States document people seeing meteorites flying above in the skies and falling somewhere close by where they are waiting to be discovered.

Despite the number of meteors that fall to the earth each year, there are currently only 12 in Wyoming, 13 in South Dakota, and only 10 in North Dakota and 6 in Montana. This is compared to 137 known meteorites in Kansas alone. Meteorite collector, Calvin Duszynski, is on a mission to change these numbers by reaching out to the Farming and Ranching communities to educate them on what to look for, and to give them a place and person to turn to for assistance in identify these odd looking rocks! There are 2 different types of stones or rocks to be looking out for: 1. Stone Meteorite - These generally will be black or brown in color and may have small or low depressions in the stone similar to a golf ball. The key indicator to them is most of them will have a different colored exterior than interior and most of the time a magnet will have light at-

traction to it. 2. Iron or Stony Iron Meteorite - These will be much heavier than any ordinary rock and can have a black metallic finish on the outside, or in most cases will have a rusted appearance to them. They will have larger or deeper dimples similar to a golf ball and these will have a very strong magnet attraction to them. Duszynski is offering rewards, sometimes in the thousands of dollars, for these space rocks to individuals who find and sell him these stones that they find lying around out on their land. If you have found a rock similar to either description or know of a location of one please send photos to Calvin Duszynski @ oddrock@shaw.ca or call (403) 463-8552 for identification and possible purchase.

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Featured Crime Burglary

Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a burglary that occurred at the Lock-N-Load Storage located at 2201 East Boxelder. The burglary occurred between May 27 2013 and June 07 2013. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into the storage locker and stole a water softener and a reverse osmosis water ﬁlter that were new and still in the original boxes. A red Craftsman tool box and a red Stanley tool box containing an assortment of hand tools. Some of the tools will have the initials EW on them. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.

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Community

Campbell County Observer

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Governor and Trade Delegation Look to Expand Markets in Alberta overnor Matt Mead and Wyoming business leaders wrapped up a visit to Alberta Canada this week. The last leg of the Governor’s trade mission revealed a number of opportunities for Wyoming companies in that province. Governor Mead also met with provincial ofﬁcials from Alberta and Canadian companies doing business in Wyoming. “Like Wyoming, Alberta is a leading energy producer. Our state and that province both lead in supplying fuel and power for North America. We saw how companies from our state can grow their operations in Canada and I saw technologies like oil sands in-situ mining as well as industries that add value to energy resources. It was a productive trip,” Governor Mead said. “I want to express my thanks to leadership from the Province of Alberta and the Canadian government for hosting us. I also thank the businesses that traveled to Canada as part of this trade mission. They are great companies with a lot of potential for even more growth.” The companies on the Alberta leg of the trip were High Country Fabrication from Casper, Trihydro Corporation and Western Re-

search Institute, both from Laramie. Trihydro’s President and CEO, Jack Bedessem, traveled with Governor Mead. Trihydro Corporation is an engineering and environmental consulting ﬁrm that has been headquartered in Laramie, Wyoming for almost 30 years. “The discussions in Alberta highlighted the similarities in business culture and philosophy, as well as the common goal of environmentally responsible and sustainable development. Wyoming and Alberta clearly share some unique challenges and connections that provide opportunities in both directions,” Bedessem said. “All aspects of this trip were very informative and forward-looking. I hope that Wyoming will continue fostering the development of these trade relations - they are essential for the future of our businesses.” High Country Fabrication was represented on the trip by Engineering Manager, Ben Schrader. High Country Fabrication is a custom manufacturer of pressure vessels, reactors, columns, reboilers, scrubbers, shell and tube heat exchangers and other equipment. “Our travels in Alberta were eyeopening with respect to the level of organized planning

and development underway to advance opportunities around the Province’s energy resources. High Country Fabrication exports a signiﬁcant amount of process equipment into Alberta and it is a very important market for our business. The trip provided valuable insight into Alberta’s energy development activities and will help us to further align our business strategy to enhance our relationships in the Province,” Schrader said. Western Research Institute (WRI) was represented by CEO, Don Colllins. WRI is a Laramie-based research institute that focuses on energy technologies, primarily in asphalts and heavy oil. “This trip allowed us to fully understand the current technologies and complications around processing oil from the area. WRI currently has a joint research project with MEG Energy, headquartered in Calgary, with in-situ mining operations in northern Alberta. This trip was beneﬁcial in growing cooperation between MEG Energy and WRI as well as the State of Wyoming. It also helped us understand where other technologies and research can be implemented in Western Canada and potential opportunities

to collaborate with other institutes.” The visit to Alberta included a stop at Canada’s Heartland, which is the largest hydrocarbon processing facility in Canada. “This is an impressive facility, which companies and the Province carefully planned to add value to oil and natural gas,” Governor Mead said. Governor Mead also visited the oil sands near Fort McMurray, Alberta. The oil produced there is shipped all over North America. “This is a vast oil play in an area that is signiﬁcant for the local First Nations and for its wilderness. I saw that the development is being done responsibly and that techniques are being employed to reduce the footprint of the production,” Governor Mead said. Several facilities in Alberta use in-situ mining to produce oil.

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Submitted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department display unnatural aggression and does not pose an elevated threat to people.” Game and Fish personnel conducted an extensive search for the bears and set traps in the area for three nights after responding to a report of a man being injured by a grizzly bear with two cubs on his rural property southwest of Cody. “Although capture efforts were unsuccessful, Game and Fish personnel located and followed tracks and other sign that indicate the bears have left the location of the incident and moved into rugged terrain outside

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Grizzly Bear Trapping Suspended The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will suspend efforts to trap a female grizzly bear and two cubs involved in an incident that injured a Cody man 21 miles outside of Cody, WY on June 20. “Trapping efforts have been suspended because the bear has moved into a more remote location and is no longer in the area of the incident or near any homes,” said Cody Region Wildlife Supervisor Alan Osterland. “Our primary concern is for human safety. Based on the circumstances of the encounter, we feel that the bear did not

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of human development,” Osterland said. “The bears had not received any food rewards and were not localized. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and respond to any reports of bears in the area or incidents of human-bear conﬂicts.” Bears can act aggressively towards humans in defense of their personal space, food source, or their cubs. To avoid encounters with bears, make noise to alert a bear of your presence, travel in groups, and carry a readily accessible defense such as bear spray.

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Women Coal Miners of the Powder River Basin

hard work and sacrifice that these miners make to support their families and provide energy for our state and our nation. Here in the Powder River Basin, women began employment at the coal mines soon after Belle Ayr Mine opened in the early 1970s. At first, the small percentage of women employees were mostly in clerical and administrative positions, but the number of women miners working in production soon increased as the other large mines opened in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Most figures today state that women make up about 20 percent of all production crews in the coal mines of northeast Wyoming.

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On July 9th, the Campbell County Rockpile Museum is opening its newest exhibition titled Women Coal Miners of the Powder River Basin. Featuring the photographs of Colorado artist Annalise Shingler, this exhibit tells the story of a handful of women miners from Gillette and Campbell County. This display highlights some of the women miners that have made a life of digging coal. Some women are trailblazers that have worked for 30 or more years in mining while others are just beginning their careers. Others are from families with multiple generations working in the coal mines. With this exhibit the Rockpile Museum hopes to shed some light on the

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June 28 - July 5, 2013

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Campbell County Observer

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Campbell County Observer

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June 28 - July 5, 2013

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June 28 - July 5, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Campbell Co. Fire Dept. June 19, 2013

Little Miss Wyoming Forty-two girls age 0-15 from around the state of Wyoming gathered in Sheridan last weekend to compete in the Little Miss Wyoming Scholarship Pageant. Six girls represented Gillette, two of whom took home titles. Alayla Merchen, age 2, won Tiny Miss Wyoming, and Samantha Taylor, age 16, won Teen Miss Wyoming. All state winners will be available for events and appearances.

Gillette-Campbell County Airport Reports May Passenger Trafﬁc

Gillette-Campbell County Airport today announced air passenger traffic for May and the first five months of 2013. In May, the airport served 4,279 arriving and departing passengers, which represents a 21.7 percent decrease versus May 2012, when 5,464 passengers traveled through GCC. In the first five months of 2013, GCC has welcomed 22,333 passen-

gers, falling 13.4 percent behind last year’s year-to-date-total of 25,785. About Gillette-Campbell County Airport: The Gillette-Campbell County Airport is located in Northeastern Wyoming in a major energy producing part of the country known as the Powder River Basin. Gillette is at the hub of this basin, and the Airport serves the commercial service and general aviation needs for

a large portion of this corner of the state. The Airport sees approximately 56,000 passengers come through yearly and is currently served by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Great Lakes Aviation to Denver, Salt Lake City, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. The Gillette-Campbell County Airport and tenants currently employ approximately 260 people in the surrounding area.

May 2013 Passenger Totals

May 2013 4,279

May 2012 5,464

% Change -21.7%

2013 Y-T-D 22,333

2012 Y-T-D 25,785

% Change -13.4%

UW Professor Excavates Significant Fifth Century Mosaic in Galilee niversity of Wyoming Religious Studies Professor Paul Flesher was part of an excavation team that unearthed a pair of stunning mosaics decorating the floor of a late Roman (fifth century) synagogue at Huqoq in Israel’s Lower Galilee. During summer 2012, a mosaic showing Samson and the foxes (Judges 15:4) was discovered in the synagogue’s east aisle. This summer, Flesher and others found another mosaic that shows Samson carrying the gate of Gaza on his shoulders (Judges 16:3). Adjacent to Samson are riders with horses, apparently representing Philistines. Although Samson is not described as such in the Hebrew Bible, in both scenes he is depicted as a giant, reflecting later Jewish traditions that developed about the biblical judge and hero. Although biblical scenes are not uncommon in late Roman synagogue mosaics, only one other ancient synagogue in Israel (at Khirbet Wadi Hamam) is decorated with a scene showing Samson (the episode in which he smites the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass). “The discovery of two Samson scenes in the Huqoq synagogue suggests that it was decorated with a Samson cycle -- the first such cycle known in Israel,” Flesher says. “Those who know the Samson story in the biblical book of Judges may recall that the Philistines are never depicted with horses,” he says. Flesher points out that this portrayal comes from the Targums, which are Jewish translations of the Bible into Aramaic. An expert in these translations, Flesher says, “Huqoq’s image provides clear indication that the Targums and the synagogue images draw upon a common set of ancient understandings of Scripture’s meaning.” Another portion of mosaic discovered in the synagogue’s east aisle preserves a scene that includes several male figures and an elephant. Below this is an arcade, with the arches framing young men arranged around a seated elderly man holding a scroll. The strip below this shows

a bull pierced by spears, with blood gushing from his wounds, and a dying or dead soldier holding a shield. This mosaic differs in style, quality and content from the Samson scenes, Flesher says. It might depict a triumphal parade, or perhaps a martyrdom story based on 1-4 Maccabees, in which case it would be the ﬁrst example of an apocryphal story decorating an ancient synagogue. He says apocryphal books were not included in the Hebrew Bible/Jewish canon of sacred scripture. Professor Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill directs the Huqoq excavations, and Shua Kisilevitz of the

Israel Antiquities Authority is co-director of the project, primarily sponsored by UNC. In addition to the University of Wyoming, other sponsoring institutions are Brigham Young University, Trinity University in Texas, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Toronto in Canada. Students and staff from UNC and the consortium schools are participating in the dig. The mosaics have been removed from the site for conservation, and the excavated areas have been backﬁlled. Excavations are scheduled to continue in summer 2014, and UW students will have the opportunity to take part.

the roadway. Floor dry was applied to the oil. - At 9:20 AM to Chukar for an EMS assist.

- At 7:39 a.m. to Maverick Drive for an EMS assist. - At 12:31 p.m. to Vanscoy Drive for an EMS assist. - At 2:40 p.m. to the Wyoming Center for an EMS assist. - At 8:41 p.m. to East 9th Street for an EMS assist. - At 11:02 p.m. to the Van Buggenum Road for an EMS assist.

June 24, 2013

- At 11:55 AM to Sierra Circle for an EMS assist. - At 4:49 PM to 1680 Warlow Drive for a tree smoking after being hit by lightening. CCFD personnel found the top of a pine tree smoldering. Crews extinguished the ﬁre. - At 4:47 PM to mile marker 90 on South Highway 59 for a grass ﬁre.

June 20, 2013

- At 2:40 PM to Sierra Circle for an EMS assist. CCFD units cancelled enroute. - At 4:20 PM to 307 4J Road for a propane odor. The odor had dissipated and no flammable gas readings were detected on the gas monitor. - 5:39 PM to Boxelder Road (just east of South Douglas Highway) for a two vehicle rear-end traffic accident. There were no injuries. Firefighters applied an absorbent material to the anti freeze that spilled onto the roadway.

June 25, 2013

- At 1:22 AM to 2300 South Douglas Highway (Walmart) for a fire alarm. Dust from construction caused a smoke detector to initiate the fire alarm. - At 8:17 AM to Fourth St. and Gurley for a two vehicle accident with injuries and fluids leaking. - At 9:30 AM to 2601 E. 2nd St. for a report of a natural gas leak in the building, upon arrival the building was checked and crews did not detect any flammable gas. Source Gas was contacted to do a shut in test. - At 10:14 a.m. to the 4500 block of Running W Drive for an EMS assist. - At 11:54 AM to the 3800 block of Chippewa for a fire alarm activation. It was an unintentional activation and units were cancelled enroute. - At 1:43 PM to the 200 block of Gillette Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 5:07 PM to mile marker 130 West bound I-90 for an oil spill from a blown engine on a passenger car. Crews covered the spill with floor dry. - At 7:37 PM to 212 S. Gillette Ave. to assist a building owner who had burnt some food and needed assistance ventilating the building. - At 8:23 PM to 410 N. Miller (BOCES) for an automatic fire alarm, it was determined to be accidental and all units cleared.

June 22, 2013

- At 8:51 a.m. to 4906 Pumpkin Court for an electrical short in a ventilation fan. Upon arrival to the scene CCFD disconnected power to the fan and advised the homeowner to have the unit ﬁxed. - At 11:08 a.m. to Dubois Lane for an EMS assist. - At 1:24 p.m. to Gallery View Drive for an EMS assist. - At 1:28 p.m. to East 7th Street for an EMS assist. - At 10:40 p.m. to westbound I-90 at mile marker 126 off ramp for a vehicle ﬁre. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined the car had overheated causing steam to be mistaken for smoke.

June 23, 2013

- At 6:24 AM to the 300 block of 4J Road for a medical assist. - At 8:18 AM to the area of Shoshone and S. Highway 59 for approximately a half gallon of motor oil spilled in

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Name Address Phone Number Photo Courtesy UW Religious Studies

Professor Paul Flesher of UW’s Dpartment of Religious Studies poses with the newly discovered Samson Mosaic on the ﬂoor of the Late-Roman synagogue at Huqoq, Galilee. The mosaic depicts Samson carrying off the gates of Gaza.

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Campbell County Observer

Enzi: President to Use EPA as Weapon Against Coal uring a speech on climate change, President Obama today announced plans to move forward on regulations for new and existing power plants. The president’s announcement is part of a broader agenda to end the use of coal and other fossil fuels in the United States, according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who called the speech shortsighted and naïve. Enzi noted that the president’s plan won’t lower energy prices, generate jobs, or get our economy back on track. It amounts to a national energy tax that the country simply can’t afford. “Today the president conﬁrmed that his plans are not about providing cheap and affordable energy but about moving forward with an agenda that will force higher energy costs on American families,” said Enzi. “When the price of energy goes up, it’s the consumer that pays. This means higher costs on basic necessities that most

Americans rely on every day, like electricity, food, gasoline, clothing, heat, and air conditioning. “The EPA under this Administration has a long history of pushing regulations that advance one of President Obama’s main policy objectives: putting coal out of business. This is just another example of a government agency being used as a political weapon and acting outside of the authority Congress originally intended. “In Wyoming, energy and energy production are part of our heritage and our local communities. Mineral royalties help pay for our schools and help create scholarship opportunities for those attending college. The energy industry employs thousands across our state and the nation and helps drive our local economies. The president should open federal lands to “all of the above” energy production instead of picking winners and losers. The president doesn’t

have to like coal, but trying to put it out of business isn’t practical or reasonable. We should be focused on developing technology that will not only provide us with abundant American energy, but can also help us do it in ways that beneﬁt the environment.”

Enzi also said that President Obama should visit Wyoming sometime to talk with energy workers out in the ﬁeld. “He’ll leave with more insight into how his policies are affecting the country then he ever could back in Washington.”

Wyoming Unemployment Rate Falls

The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.8% in April to 4.6% in May (not a statistically signiﬁcant change). It remained signiﬁcantly lower than the current U.S. unemployment rate of 7.6%. Seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents increased slightly, rising by 983 individuals (0.3%) from April to May. Across all of Wyoming’s 23 counties, unemployment rates followed their normal pattern and fell from April to May.

Typically, job gains are seen in many sectors in May, including construction, professional & business services, leisure & hospitality, and government. The largest unemployment rate decreases occurred in Teton (down from 9.0% to 6.4%), Lincoln (down from 6.8% to 5.3%), and Johnson (down from 6.1% to 4.9%) counties. The highest unemployment rates were found in Teton (6.4%), Lincoln (5.3%), and Fremont (5.2%) counties. Niobrara County posted the lowest unemployment rate (3.1%). It was followed by Sublette (3.2%), Converse

(3.2%), and Albany (3.4%) counties. From May 2012 to May 2013, unemployment rates decreased in every county, possibly suggesting modest improvement in the state’s economy. The largest declines were seen in Teton (down from 9.3% to 6.4%), Lincoln (down from 7.9% to 5.3%), and Laramie (down from 6.0% to 4.5%) counties. Total nonfarm employment (measured by place of work) fell from 291,600 in May 2012 to 290,700 in May 2013, a decline of 900 jobs (-0.3%).

June 28 - July 5, 2013

DWS Warns of Possible Job Search Scam The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is warning job seekers using the Wyoming At Work system of an email scam operated by a company posing as AEB International. The Department encourages job seekers to fully research employers before submitting an application. The recipients of the fraudulent emails are asked to deposit a check sent by the scammers into the jobseeker’s bank account. The jobseeker is then instructed to send a Money Gram to a third party to purchase equipment. DWS is working with law enforcement to identify the culprits. If job seekers have questions about employers they are interested in working with, contact a local Workforce Center or call 1-877-WORK-WYO. Powder River Regional Coal Team Moves Cloud Peak Coal Lease Forward The Powder River Regional Coal Team (RCT) held its annual public meeting in Casper, Wyo. yesterday. The RCT provides a forum for public discussion on federal coal management issues in the Powder River Basin. RCT members include the Governors of Wyoming and Montana, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Directors from Wyoming and Montana and the BLM Deputy State Director of Minerals and Lands in Wyoming along with number of ex-ofﬁcio members from other federal and state agencies, county governments and Native American tribes. At the meeting, the RCT discussed an update on U.S. Geological Survey coal inventory work, an update on progress in processing existing coal applications for coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, the status of a potential exchange of preference right lease applications in New Mexico for competitive bidding rights in Wyoming, updating the data adequacy standards for evaluating coal lease applications, and status reports on BLM land use planning efforts for Wyoming and Montana portions of the Powder River Basin. The RCT also unanimously recommended that the BLM Montana begin processing the Spring Creek Lease By Application tract adjacent to the Spring Creek Mine in Big Horn County, Mont. BLM will begin preparation of an environmental impact statement to determine whether to offer the tract, or alternative conﬁgurations for a future competitive lease sale. The EIS process will include multiple rounds of public involvement and is expected to take several years.

Sage Grouse/Sharp-Tailed Grouse Hybrid Spotted in Crook County Nature provides many ways to keep life interesting for its followers. Erika Peckham experienced first-hand the way nature makes life interesting when she focused her spotting scope on a male sage grouse/sharp-tailed grouse hybrid in northern Crook County. She was monitoring a sage grouse lek, or courtship ground, early the morning of May 10. “I knew immediately I was looking at something pretty unusual,” said Peckham, Wyoming Game and Fish Department wildlife biologist. “It exhibited physical attributes and courtship behaviors of both species, but it didn’t represent either species very well.” The bird’s head looked a lot like a sharptailed grouse, but the tail displayed traits of both species. The hybrid had an inflated chest similar to a sage grouse; however it was dark brown opposed to the trademark white of a sage grouse. Both native species inhabit the area, along with many other areas of eastern Wyoming and some of the sagebrush area northeast of Baggs in south-central Wyoming. The most recent, and only other official, sighting of this hybrid in Wyoming was in Sheridan County in March 1979. Peckham was alerted to another unusu-

al grouse occurrence by the rancher who hosts the lek in his pasture. In late summer 2011, the rancher told Peckham there was a sage grouse roosting with the resident flock of sharptails in the shelterbelt around his home. He took Peckham to investigate. From what she saw as the bird flushed and flew off, the Gillette biologist agreed that the bird in question looked like a sage grouse. “I certainly can’t say that the bird at the ranch was the same bird on the lek or had anything to do with it – but it makes you wonder with the sightings being only 5 miles apart,” she said. “In my years spent working with sage grouse I have never seen them roost in trees. If nothing else, it further illustrates that there is a certain amount of interspecies contact occurring in this area.” Sage grouse/sharp-tailed hybrids are uncommon. The most recent documented sighting was in May 2012 in southwest North Dakota. A specimen collected in the same county in 1984 was donated to the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian discovered the rooster’s sex organs were undersized and the bird was likely sterile. “This is to be expected,” Peckham said. “Nature has a built-in mechanism for tak-

ing care of occurrences like this. The offspring of an inter-species mating are oftentimes sterile.” South Dakota documented a hybrid in 2008 and two hybrids were observed in southeast Alberta in both 1999 and 2000. The Alberta hybrids were captured and DNA analysis showed they were the offspring of sharp-tailed sires and sage grouse mothers. In May, Peckham and the rancher witnessed the hybrid rooster chase a male sage grouse off the lek and act considerably more aggressive than the sage grouse – but the hybrid was not seen in the act of breeding. The most common hybridization in game birds is probably wild mallards with other ducks – wild and domestic. Whitetail-mule deer crosses are fairly common, with estimates as high as 3 percent in areas where the species overlap. Other grouse hybrids, including blue/sage, sharp-tailed/ prairie chicken, ruffed/sharp-tailed and ruffed/spruce have also been documented in North America. Ring-necked pheasant/ blue grouse and pheasant/prairie chicken hybrids have also been documented. Peckham appreciates the wildlife management help she gets from landowners in

Enzi: NSA Not the Only Federal Agency Gathering Information On You

The National Security Agency’s (NSA) invasion of privacy is being committed in the name of national security, but there are others being committed under the guise of consumer protection, according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. “I do not believe the government should be able to capture and store your phone and Internet records without a legitimate warrant, and for whatever use the federal government wants,” Enzi said. “The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and Patriot Acts were designed to authorize speciﬁc information on suspected terrorists and not to cast a wide net on American citizens. There is another story that is being missed, however. There is another agency unreasonably searching your records and invading your privacy.” Enzi said the Consumer

Financial Protection Bureau is collecting data on as many as 10 million Americans from banking to mortgage loan information. Banks are being ordered to provide records on credit card add-on products including credit monitoring and debt cancellation, in addition to data on checking-account overdrafts. “Congress has less control over this agency than the National Security Agency because authors of the bill that created the consumer bureau gave it funding not through Congress, but through the Federal Reserve,” Enzi said. “The NSA claims it is protecting you from terrorists. The consumer protection bureau claims it’s protecting you from banks. At what point does ‘protection’ become power or control?” Enzi believes congressional committees in the Senate and the House and

the area. “In northeast Wyoming, which is predominantly private land, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some great landowners who have allowed access to their ranches,” she said. “Without their willingness to work with Wyoming Game and Fish we would miss out on documenting things, like this hybrid grouse.” Anderson said when it comes to providing liquor on Sundays, the City of Gilllete’s ordinance is currently more restrictive than Wyoming State Statute. Opseth said he has spoken to the other council members about bringing a possible ordinance change forward. “The majority of the council that I have talked to wants to bring that issue to debate to amend the city ordinance and treat Sundays the same as every other day. And that is just as far as sales and bar openings or whatever, but we will let Charlie come up with his amendment and debate it from there. We’’ll then see what happens.”---Opseth The time frame for when the ordinance change may be considered will depend on the schedule of the City Attorney’s ofﬁce, but Opseth noted the issue could come before to council for consideration as early as July.

What’s Going On? Friday, June 28

• Teen Open-Play Gaming 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 29

• Camplex QuinceneraErica, Sat, June 29, 4pm – Sun, June 30, 12am, Central Pavilion. For more information, call Sandra Loza at 689-8026

members from both parties should be asking tough questions about federal agencies’ sweeping seizures of Americans’ personal information. “Knowledge is power.

How much power do you want the federal government to have over you?,” Enzi asked. “Our founders were clearly concerned about this question and I think we should be too.”

• Horse Progress Show, 12pm – 7pm, Wrangler Arena. For more information call 4-H Extension Ofﬁce at 6827281 • “Teen Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m., Teen OpenPlay Gaming, 1 p.m., WiiPlay Saturday, 1 p.m. • 4th-6th grade

Patriot Publishing is a small publishing business starting up right here in Wyoming. We not only publish the Campbell County Observer and calendars, but anything in print. We will soon also have a monthly publication that we think you will enjoy. If you have a book and can’t get a major company to publish you, we are a new and American-owned publisher that may print your work. Please feel free to contact us at anytime with your idea.

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Students Explore Science Concepts at UW Energy Summer Institute How much weight can a cockroach pull, and how much strength does it take to pull a marshmallow apart? Those were among the questions explored by students attending the annualEnergy Summer Institute, sponsored by the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources and taught by fellows in UW’s Science Posse program. The weeklong science camp is designed to ignite students’ imagination related to challenging energy problems facing the world. Participating students are incoming sophomores and juniors in high school. “The Energy Summer Institute gives students an opportunity to learn about higher education and what UW offers, and they have fun doing it,” says Don Roth, SER deputy director for academics and Science Posse director. “It connects what they learn in the classroom with relevant applications, and this inspires them to further learning. The program also provides Science Posse fellows the opportunity to share their passion for science and education.” The students learned about potential and kinetic energy and thermo energy, and they used computer labs for projectile motion analysis and to perform efﬁciency calculations and predictions. They also took part in projects involving tensile strength testing, soil sampling, boosting energy with light and circuit boards, and other projects. Megan Candelaria, a graduate coordinator with the Science Posse, says the roach tractor pull required students to examine how much weight a cockroach can pull and explain what that means in terms of energy and energy consumption.

In the marshmallow project, students tested the tensile strength of marshmallows by systematically pulling them apart until they broke. “They learned that the tensile strength of a material is the maximum amount of tensile stress (force) that it can be subjected to before failure -- in our case, pulling apart,” Candelaria says. Another popular project required students to construct potato launchers and to use computer software to model the launchers’ behavior. They got to test their work by launching potatoes on a vacant ﬁeld, often achieving distances approaching 300 feet. The students compared the results of the actual propulsion experiment with their computer models. Students participating in the UW Energy Summer Institute, listed by hometown, are: Afton -- Chelsey Humpherys. Arvada, Colo. -- Kori Straub. Belvidere, Ill. -- Jonah Cummings. Broomﬁeld, Colo. -- Richard Li. Denver, Colo. -- Jemima Ajibade. Erie, Colo. -- Isaiah Moreno. Fort Worth, Texas -- Sagi Rahul. Gillette -- Brandon Myers. Greeley, Colo. -- Erick Miller. Guernsey -- Forest Foos. Hartville -- Natalie Blaise. Lakewood, Colo. -- Kathryn Cox. Lander -- Nathan Womack. Laramie -- Rachel Huang and Josef Nelson. Loveland, Colo. -- Paul Zaczek. Rockford, Ill. -- Noah Saunders. Saratoga -- Nina Ford. Worland -- Brittany Morton.

UW Photo

Noah Saunders of Rockford Ill., left, and Brandon Myers of Gillette examine the potato launcher they built during the Energy Summer Institute at the University of Wyoming. They launched potatoes in a propulsion experiment in which they used computer software to model the launcher’s behavior.

BLM Announces Public Review of the Hank Unit Uranium ISR Mining Project EA

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Buffalo Field Office (BFO) announces the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) on the Hank Unit of the Nichols Ranch uranium in situ recovery (ISR) mining project for public review. The Hank Unit project area is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Gillette, Wyo. The Hank Unit encompasses approximately 2,250 acres with proposed disturbances of about 155 acres. BLM administered surface lands are approximately 303 acres with 35 acres of proposed disturbance. Proposed facilities within the Hank Unit include well fields for injection, production and monitoring, wellhead houses, a satellite processing facility, an access road network and pipeline system. Final reclamation and abandonment of the site is included in the plan. Uranerz Energy Corporation filed

a Plan of Operations to use BLM surface within the Hank Unit of their Nichols Ranch In-Situ Uranium Mine for which, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a Material License in July 2011. The BLM has prepared an EA to analyze the environmental effects of in-situ mining on public lands. The 30-day public comment period runs from June 24 through July 24, 2013. The EA is available for review at the BLM-Buffalo Field Ofﬁce, 1425 Fort Street, Buffalo, WY and on the project website atwww.blm.gov/wy/ st/en/info/NEPA/documents/bfo/nichols-ranch.html. Comments should be addressed to Thomas Bills – NEPA and Environmental Coordinator, BLM - Buffalo Field Ofﬁce, 1425 Fort Street, Buffalo, WY, 82834. Comments may also be emailed to NicholsRanch_Uranium_WY@blm.gov. For more information, please con-

tact Thomas Bills, NEPA and Environmental Coordinator, at (307) 6841133. The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2012, activities on public lands generated $4.6 billion in revenue, much of which was shared with the States where the activities occurred. In addition, public lands contributed more than $112 billion to the U.S. economy and helped support more than 500,000 jobs.

Local Sage Grouse Group to Convene The Southwest Sage Grouse Working Group will participate in a meeting Wednesday, July 17, at the Green River ofﬁce of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, beginning at 9:00 A.M. The role of the group is to develop and set in motion local conservation plans to

beneﬁt sage-grouse and, whenever feasible, other species that use sagebrush habitats. The group has been meeting since September 2004 and has completed a conservation plan, which was approved in September 2007. The public is invited to attend and observe the group

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Donkey Creek Festival Gillette Campus – June 28-30, 2013

progress. The Game and Fish supports the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anyone needing auxiliary aids to attend this meeting should call (800) 843-8096 (instate only) or 307-8753223. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations.

Pioneer Memories - Farley’s By Dora Jean Billings rom the time I was quite young, I loved to go to Farley’s. Once, Shirley Sunstrom and I rode our bikes from Newcastle to Farley’s 28 miles. From Newcastle to Pedro about 7 miles, to Osage, 7 more miles, and then out to Farley’s, it was 14 miles.

We were tired, but it was fun. We called Shirley’s mom to tell her where we were. Uncle Fred is going to take us home tomorrow with his load of grain. My mom was already there. She had been helping to cook for the thrashing crew. We slept in the bedroom right above the dining room

on a big feather mattress bed. I always loved the ride there. There were lots of choke cherry bushes and others, it was beautiful. (Articles that appear in Pioneer Memories are submitted by residents of the Pioneer Manor in Gillette.)

Native Gillette Anthropologist to Speak

Bring your family and friends to northeast Wyoming’s festival of music and more; the Donkey Creek Festival at Gillette College in Gillette, WY! Hang out on the lawn and listen as musicians from across the country entertain, visit the art booths and food vendors, and check out the other activities. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or beach blanket, sunscreen, a ﬂoppy hat to block the sun (... or your Cowboy Hat - it is Gillette after all), blankets and warm clothes (if you come for the evening performances.) The festival is not just jazz any more! Musicians at the festival represent a wide range of styles and there is something for just about everyone. Plus, there are artist booths, food vendors, and other activities. Gillette is a fun place to be with your family and friends for part (or all) of this summer weekend! Please contact Gillette College at 307.686.0254 with questions. Friday, June 28 5:00 PM Artist, food & beverage booths open 6:00 PM Kendl Winter 7:00 PM Crushed Out 8:00 PM Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside

The Campbell County Rockpile Museum will ofﬁcially open the exhibition beginning at 6:00 p.m. on July 9th. A special presentation by Dr. Jessica Smith Rolston will begin at 7:00 p.m. Rolston, a native of Gillette, has her PhD in Anthropology and is currently completing a book titled Mining Coal and Undermining Gender: Rhythms of Work and Family in the American West. She will discuss the history of women’s participation in the northeastern Wyoming mining industry and their integration into a nontraditional workplace through kin-like social relationships. She will also discuss workplace egalitarianism, gendered patterns of communication, and the challenges women miners have managing both home and work responsibilities.

Saturday, June 29 10:00 AM Artist, food & beverage booths open Noon Kendl Winter 1:00 PM Freddie Rodriguez & the Jazz Connection 3:00 PM Big Swing Trio 5:00 PM Jalan Crossland 7:00 PM Screen Door Porch 9:00 PM Pickwick Sunday, June 30 Noon Artist, food & beverage booths open Victor and Penny 1:45 PM Los Bohemios 3:00 PM The Slide Brothers 5:00 PM The California Honeydrops 7:00 PM Hot Club of Detroit

Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse

June 28 - July 5, 2013

WOGCC Issues Final Reports Well Bore Integrity – Final Report

The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC or Commission) will develop a report that includes its technical and regulatory analysis along with assumptions and recommendations concerning the integrity of all oil and natural gas exploration and production wells within 1320 feet of the fourteen (14) domestic wells evaluated for water quality and palatability concerns. In developing its report, the WOGCC will solicit additional, relevant data from the WDEQ, SEO, EPA, USGS, BLM, Tribes, and the operator in order to complete its technical and regulatory analysis. The WOGCC will contract with an expert or experts to review and comment on the Commission’s analysis of well bore integrity in those wells. Specifically, the WOGCC will determine if records and test results demonstrate that wellbore construction is adequate to protect those water supply wells within 1320 feet of the oil and natural gas wellbores. The report will consist of a comprehensive review of the following, if available: • location (Q/Q, STR); • distance to water well; • lease type (fee, tribal); • API #; • date completed; • operator; • surface casing and cement; • mud system; • total depth; • production casing and cement; • cement bond log results; • bradenhead test results; • mechanical integrity tests; • gas analysis from bradenhead and tubing; • subsequent remedial work; and • other data in the WOGCC records that are deemed pertinent. Of particular interest is whether the available bradenhead test results for the Pavillion Field confirm hydraulic isolation, consistent with the June 2, 2011 “Pavillion Bradenhead Testing Procedure,” approved by WOGCC sundry. The expert or experts will assist the WOGCC staff in preparation of a final report that summarizes the results of the well bore integrity review and, specifically, includes an evaluation of the available data and addresses compliance with WOGCC regulatory requirements. The WOGCC and expert or experts may identify data gaps, including the need for additional testing and analysis and/or investigation. If the WOGCC and expert or experts identify data gaps, then, to the extent feasible and consistent with applicable law, the WOGCC will work with the well operator to obtain the additional information in advance of issuance of the WOGCC’s final report. This information and work will be summarized in WOGCC’s final report. Any recommended work which cannot be completed in a reasonable timeframe will be identified in the WOGCC’s final report, including a scope of work. WOGCC will consider the following criteria in the selection of expert or experts: • Expertise in petroleum engineering and hydrogeology. • Individual(s) with both industry and academic experience. • Professional Engineer preferable. • Regional expertise (geologic, etc.). • No conflicts with (financial or other) with State, EPA or Encana. WOGCC will solicit and consider candidate expert or experts submitted by the EPA and Encana. EPA and Encana will be provided an opportunity to review the WOGCC’s draft final report and provide comment prior to issuing its report. WOGCC plans to finalize this report no later than December 31, 2013. The WOGCC reserves its rights to require any action consistent with its authorities under existing statutes, rules and regulations.

Pits – Final Report

The WOGCC will develop a report that includes its technical and regulatory analysis along with assumptions and recommendations concerning the status and reclamation of pits in the Pavillion Field. In developing its report, the WOGCC will solicit additional, relevant data from the WDEQ, EPA, BLM, Tribes, and the operator, in order to complete its technical and regulatory analysis. The report will summarize the results of records evaluated, identify historical pit locations, and outline site investigations and/or reclamation of pits conducted to date. The WOGCC will determine if the site investigations and/or reclamation was sufﬁcient to protect those water supply wells within 1320 feet of the pit locations. The WOGCC will contract with an expert or experts to assist in its review and analysis of the current body of information available for pits in the

Pavillion Field. The expert or experts will be selected using the same process and have similar expertise as that identified for the Domestic Water Wells – Final Report and Palatability Study (see below). WOGCC staff may identify data gaps, including the need for additional testing and analysis and/or site investigations and/or reclamation. If the WOGCC identifies data gaps, then, to the extent feasible and consistent with applicable law, the WOGCC will work with the well operator to obtain the additional information in advance of issuance of the WOGCC’s final report. This information and work will be summarized in WOGCC’s final report. Any recommended work which cannot be completed in a reasonable timeframe will be identified in the WOGCC’s final report, including a scope of work. EPA and Encana will be provided an opportunity to review the WOGCC’s draft final report and provide comment prior to issuing its report. WOGCC plans to finalize this report no later than December 31, 2013. The WOGCC reserves its rights to require any action consistent with its authorities under existing statutes, rules, and regulations.

Domestic Water Wells – Final Report and Palatability Study The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) will contract with an expert or experts to assist the WDEQ in its review of the current body of information available for the domestic water wells in the Pavillion Field. This review will consist of an evaluation of the data, conclusions and recommendations developed from the well bore integrity and pits final reports and a comparison of currently available analytical results for each domestic water well in the Pavillion Field to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) primary maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCLs), and WDEQ Water Quality Rules and Regulations, Chapter 8, Quality Standards for Wyoming Groundwaters. These standards and rules and regulations are provided in Attachment A. The review will evaluate, in particular, the domestic water wells commonly labeled as PGDW05, PGDW14, PGDW20, PGDW21, PGDW23, PGDW30, PGDW32, PGDW33, PGDW41, PGDW42, PGDW44, PGDW45, PGDW49, and LD02. Water quality in these wells exceeds standards for one or more constituents. In its review, the WDEQ will solicit additional, relevant data from the SEO, WOGCC, EPA, USGS, BLM, Tribes, and the operator, in order to complete its evaluation. Based on its review, the WDEQ may identify domestic water wells where additional testing and analysis is necessary. For these wells, WDEQ will undertake two (2) additional rounds of water quality sampling (pre- and post- irrigation season within a twelve (12) month period) to determine domestic well water quality and identify other parameters that might cause palatability or toxicity issues. Each domestic well also will be evaluated for well construction and integrity issues (including down-hole video), maintenance history and other proximate and pertinent features (e.g., septic systems). The following standards and protocols will be used to guide the sampling efforts: • The domestic well sampling will follow the WDEQ, Water Quality Division, Guideline for Sampling and Testing Well Water Quality (Attachment A) consisting of testing for Tier I, II, and III constituents. o The Tier III constituents will include analyzing for “indicator” chemical compounds, including bacteria, and other microbial activity, as appropriate. Note that some of these indicator type compounds do not have water quality standards, but may be useful in evaluating palatability issues, along with many of the Tier I and II constituents. o All laboratory analysis will be conducted by well-respected, appropriately certified (e.g., NELAC) commercial laboratories chosen by WDEQ and in accordance with WDEQ Water Quality Rules and Regulations, Chaper 8, Quality Standards for Wyoming Groundwaters, Section 7 (Attachment A) and in accordance with an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP); o Constituent detection limits used by commercial laboratories will be as specified in the analytical methods utilized and as defined by WDEQ Water Quality Rules and Regulations, Chapter 8, Quality Standards for Wyoming Groundwaters, Section 8 (Attachment A) and as defined by an approved QAPP; and o Data qualifiers, blank contamination, and other QA/QC related issues will be handled in accordance with established US EPA National Functional Guidelines (2009).

WDEQ and the expert or experts will work with each individual landowner that allows sampling to determine the causes and sources of palatability issues and/or well contamination. In the event that the WDEQ is denied access to a well by the landowner, sampling and palatability consultation will be withdrawn and not included in this study. • EPA MCLs, SMCLs, and Quality Standards for Wyoming Groundwaters are similar and largely overlap, but all of these standards will be utilized to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. Exceedence of standards, plus other palatability-related data, will be used to guide the investigation as to the palatability issues for that well. • Oil and natural gas activities will be further investigated as a possible source of domestic water well palatability if oil and gas related volatile/ semi-volatile organic constituents, including VOCs and SVOCs in DRO and GRO ranges, exceed MCLs, SMCLs or Quality Standards for Wyoming Groundwaters. • If domestic well analytical results exceed standards for constituents determined by WDEQ to be associated with sources of contamination other than oil and gas activities or determined to be natural in derivation, then WDEQ will determine next steps with the landowner or as otherwise required in accordance with Wyoming law. The expert or experts will assist the WDEQ in preparation of a final report that summarizes the analytical results relative to standards and, specifically, include a discussion of impacts on palatability associated with constituents and sources identified and appropriate responses. The WDEQ and expert or experts may identify data gaps, including the need for additional testing and analysis and/or investigation. The WDEQ will determine which wells may benefit from further evaluation using exceedances of the standards listed above as a trigger for evaluation and testing. Further work may or may not include additional sampling of domestic wells and/or construction of groundwater monitoring wells, as appropriate. Any recommended work will be conducted consistent with WDEQ standard procedures. This information and work will be summarized in WDEQ’s final report. Any recommended work which cannot be completed in a reasonable timeframe will be identified in the WDEQ’s final report, including a scope of work. In its final report, the WDEQ will summarize its rationale and criteria used in the selection of domestic water wells for further testing and analysis and also include its rationale and criteria for any determinations made regarding additional testing and analysis and/or investigation. WDEQ will consider the following criteria in the selection of an expert or experts: • Expertise in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and toxicology. • Individual(s) with both industry and academic experience. • Regional expertise (geologic, etc.). • No conflicts with (financial or other) with State, EPA or Encana. WDEQ will solicit and consider candidate expert or experts submitted by the EPA and Encana. EPA and Encana will be provided an opportunity to review the WDEQ’s draft final report and provide comment prior to issuing its report. WDEQ plans to finalize this report no later than September 30, 2014. The WDEQ reserves the right to require any action consistent with its authorities under existing statues, rules, and regulations.

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Public Pulse

June 28 - July 5, 2013

They Are All Wrong

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

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

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

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

Wyoming Economic Outlook Survey Data Worland attendee that “health insurance and costs and unknown impacts to businesses and employees” must be addressed. Regulations came in at 21% and Dodd Frank/tax code at 16%.On regulations a Casper citizen stated “prevent federal agencies overstepping into state jurisdiction: OSHA, FDA, EPA, and DOI.” Regarding state issues there were nearly thirty issues mentioned, the most for the three questions. A signiﬁcant and pronounced response related to the economy—22% commenting on the need for new businesses, jobs for our youth, and economic diversiﬁcation. As one person in Cody put it “shipping kids and talent to other states” is wrong. The consistency of federal and state regulations ranked second in the responses—14%. A Riverton individual commented on “the citing and permitting morass for mineral development—delay is the deadliest form of denial.” Healthcare and income for local government each scored 10%. An individual in Worland said “infrastructure is crumbling and there is less money for cities, counties and towns.” With respect to local issues by far and away the biggest issue raised was the economy—growth attitudes, downtown business survival, maintain existing businesses and jobs for youth. These accounted for 50% of the concerns. As a Sheridan resident wisely

Enzi Named “Hero of Main Street”

The National Retail Federation and Wyoming Retail Association today recognized U.S. Senator Michael B. Enzi as a ‘Hero of Main Street’ for his support of the American retail industry, the nation’s largest private sector employer. This year’s inaugural award recipients – 136 Member of Congress in all – were recognized by NRF for their support and sponsorship of the Marketplace Fairness Act (S.336, S.743, H.R.684), which seeks to level the playing field between online and local retailers so sellers and merchants can compete fairly in the marketplace, no matter their distribution channel. Sales tax fairness, or efairness, is a top priority for NRF, WRA, our members and the broader retail community. “The Wyoming Retail Association applauds the tireless efforts of Senator Enzi, a former Wyoming retailer himself, along with the bi-partisan group of senators that have continued to fight for main street retailers in Wyoming and across the nation,” WRA Executive Director Chris Brown said. “Congratulations Senator Enzi and to all of the recipients of the award. We thank you for your continued commitment to a level playing field for all retailers to operate on.” “Today we salute a dedicated group of public servants and advocates for their outstanding support of the retail industry,” NRF President and CEOMatthew Shay said. “These ‘heroes’ have all demonstrated a unique understanding and commitment to policies that will ensure a growing and thriving Main Street. NRF is pleased to acknowledge Sen. Enzi for his unmatched leadership on the Marketplace Fairness Act.” The ‘Hero of Main Street’ awards were created by the National Retail Federation in 2013 to recognize Members of Congress for outstanding support of the retail industry’s public policy priorities. These ‘heroes’ have publicly supported policies and initiatives – defined by NRF – that recognize the important contributions of the retail industry, and have worked to encourage a vibrant, sustained and healthy retail sector. The awards will be announced annually during National Small Business Week.

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Joke of the week

By Dave Bell Wyoming Business Alliance/Wyoming Heritage Foundation Chair etween Monday, April 29 and Friday, May 10 the Wyoming Business Alliance held twelve economic outlook forums across the Cowboy State. Eight hundred and two business leaders attended these sessions. The sessions featured three out of state experts: Scott Anderson, Chief Economist, Bank of the West, San Francisco; Howard Benson, Founder and CEO of National Community Development Services, Atlanta; and Esther George, President and CEO of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. Two Wyoming economists joined them— Anne Alexander, University of Wyoming and Bill Schilling representing the Wyoming Business Alliance. A Wyoming Business Alliance Chairman’s Survey was distributed at these meetings. We asked three questions: 1.) What federal issue is of most importance to your business? 2.) What state issue is of most importance to your business? 3.) What local issue is of most importance to your business? In terms of federal issues the national debt and spending was the number one issue—23%. A Jackson resident observed “the lack of cooperation between parties in Washington and sequestration.”The debt issue was followed by health care at 22%, as expressed by a

Campbell County Observer

observed, “increase employment and with that renew confidence even more than the economy.”Next in line was taxes and local government spending at 10%. This was best pointed out in Pinedale where someone said “town, county and local government finances and funding” is the issue. My overall observation for all twelve sessions that I attended is that Wyoming citizens are nervous about the future. Given burning issues like energy and trickle down economics to local communities, and national healthcare; endless regulations at the federal and state level; and persistent questions regarding economic diversification Wyoming’s economic health barometer is mixed. Wyoming shines by comparison to most states. We have no debt but we also don’t have the revenue luxuries of a few years ago. Belts are being tightened by businesses, individuals, and state and local government. Now is the time, in the words of Howard Benson to rekindle Wyoming’s economic burners. The Wyoming Business Alliance’s first economic outlook forum took place in 1996, leading to the creation of the Wyoming Business Council. The twelve this year had tremendous participation; strong sponsorships; and effective local chamber, economic development, and civic association support

The Fourth of July weekend was approaching, and Miss Pelham, the nursery school teacher, took the opportunity to tell her class about patriotism. ‘We live in a great country,’ she announced. ‘One of the things we should be happy is that, in this country, we are all free.’ Trevor, who was a little boy in her class, came walking up to her from the back of the room. He stood with his hands on his hips and said loudly, ‘I’m not free. I’m four.’

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

June 28 - July 5, 2013

IRS Agents “Accidentally” Discharged Guns 11 Times, Possible Injuries By Elizabeth Harrington Reprinted with the express written consent of CNS News Special agents at the IRS accidentally shot their firearms 11 times between 2009 and 2011, and at least three of the cases “may have resulted in property damage or personal injury.” Agents actually fired their guns accidently more often than they intentionally fired them in the field, according to an audit by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). The report also found that the agency, which is now training with AR-15s,does not always provide remedial training to agents who fired their weapons due to “negligence.” The September 2012 audit examined whether IRS special agents, who execute search warrants for those suspected of violating U.S. tax laws, are being properly trained and reporting incidents when weapons are fired. “When performing their duties, special agents carry firearms and are authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves and the public,” the report explains. “Special training agents not properly trained in the use of firearms could endanger the public, as well as their fellow special agents, and expose the IRS to possible litigation over injuries or damages,” it warns. According to the audit, “there were a total of eight firearm discharges classified as intentional use of force incidents and 11 discharges classified as accidental during FYs 2009 through 2011.” In other words, agents were more likely to accidentally fire their weapon than to fire it intentionally. Accidental discharges are defined in the report as “instances where a special agent did not intend to discharge the firearm but, either through a voluntary or involuntary

action, the firearm did discharge.” Accidents are supposed to be reported to the National Criminal Investigation Training Academy (NCITA), which manages the firearms training program for the IRS Criminal Investigation unit. However, four of the 11 incidents were not properly reported. “In three of the four accidental discharges that were not reported, the accidental discharges may have resulted in property damage or personal injury,” the report says. The details on these incidents, however, are redacted from the report. A TIGTA spokesperson told CNSnews. com that the audit could not disclose the information due to privacy laws. “It would have identified an individual by name and that’s not allowed under the privacy act,” they said. Furthermore, the audit details that agents who accidentally fire their guns do not receive special follow- up training. “We found that the four visited field offices did not always provide remedial training when an accidental discharge occurred due to special agent negligence,” the report said. The review was performed at field offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. between August 2011 and April 2012. Special agents for the IRS are required to have handgun training four times a year, shoot a minimum of 75 percent on a qualifying test, participate in firearms “building entry” exercises, and attend briefings on safety and how to shoot a gun from a moving vehicle. In addition, they are mandated to receive shotgun training twice a year. Agents are also now training with AR-

AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File 15s, according to Rep. Jeff Duncan (RS.C.), who toured a federal law enforcement facility last month. “I think Americans raise eyebrows when you tell them that IRS agents are training with a type of weapon that has stand-off capability,” Duncan told Politico. “It’s not like they’re carrying a sidearm and they knock on someone’s door and say, ‘You’re evading your taxes.’” The TIGTA audit found that the ﬁrearms training and requirements for the Criminal Investigation division “generally met or exceeded those of other Federal law enforcement agencies.” “However, we found that some special

Bold Republic Weekly Still Missing the Point on CINDY HILL!

agents did not meet all of the firearms training or qualification requirements,” it said. TIGTA gave several recommendations to the IRS, including that the agency enforce its rules that agents must surrender their firearm if they fail training, or face other consequences. A spokesman for TIGTA said there are no plans for a follow-up report at this time. “Typically, we like to give the IRS some time to respond to the recommendations and take action and we usually try to circle back in the future,” they said. “But I don’t think we’ve enacted any specific plans at this point.”

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By Glenn Woods

ernor Mead’s ofﬁce and continuing to attack Cindy Hill in the papers, week after week, is doing nothing to distract the people from the issue. Talk to anyone about this, and read the opinion section of any of these newspapers, and you will see what I am talking about. The people want their vote back. So, the question that I have for Governor Mead, as well as Speaker of the House Tom Lubnau, the members of the House and Senate, and the newspapers in Wyoming is: When are you going to address this? At some point, like it or not, the question that is being asked must be answered. WHERE IS OUR VOTE? How soon do we get it back? It needs to be soon. There is an election coming. If the question cannot be answered by those who took the people’s vote, then some politicians must lose their jobs in this next election. What was taken must be restored to the people. Can I be any clearer? This issue is no longer about Cindy Hill. We have all read enough about Cindy Hill. Make your case and see if you can impeach her, or don’t. Whatever. Get on with it. Now about our vote! Did I mention that we are a little upset about losing our vote? If the powers that be are sick of hearing that we are upset about losing our vote, then I suggest you get busy restoring it, while you still have a jobs.

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in these stories about Cindy Hill, and a lot of nonsense. And all of it misses the point. If Governor Mead, and members of the State House and Senate, think that they have a case against Cindy Hill, then by all means, present it and impeach her. The people of Wyoming would support such a move --- IF the case against her can be made. But what has not been addressed by the politicians, or the press, has to do with what was taken from the people of Wyoming during this entire ﬁasco. OUR VOTE! WHERE IS OUR VOTE? Where is the front page, above-thefold news story covering how the people of Wyoming have been deprived of their vote for the person who will truly head Wyoming public schools? Frankly, I don’t see that the people of Wyoming are buying that they still have a say in who is in charge of state run schools. We know that Cindy Hill’s new position is not a decision-making position. We know that when we vote, next time, for Superintendent of Public Instruction, we will be voting for an almost powerless position. The people of Wyoming are not interested in casting a ballot that does not matter. They want to vote for the person who will actually be in charge of the schools. They are not really concerned if that choice makes the Governor, or the legislators, happy. Filing a 185 page report from Gov-

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Over the past several weeks, I’ve been presented with several newspaper cover stories on the Cindy Hill issue here, in Wyoming. The stories were front page, above the fold, and, in some cases, continued to on to a full page article inside the newspaper. For those who may not be aware of the Cindy Hill issue, -- briefly: Mrs. Hill is Superintendent of Public Instruction for Wyoming Schools. She is accused of possible misuse of public funds by shifting funding from one project to another without oversight or approval, and for not following state legislator mandates; effectively running the office her way and ignoring state constitutionally-mandated, legislative oversight. A report, just released by Governor Matt Mead’s office, also offers more personal attacks on Mrs. Hill’s character. Cindy Hill is said to have threatened people by waving a knife while cutting a cake, and apparently made workers cry, and also ran a hostile workplace. The 185-page report was released Tuesday by Gov. Matt Mead. The report is detailed and appears damning. But it must be pointed out that much of it is also hearsay. True, or not, it is doubtful that the bulk of it would stand up in court. So we have the report and we have the coverage by the press. Having read the accounts in the newspapers, and having now read the report, I would wager that there is some truth

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Obama Orders New Rules on Coal-Fired Plants Reprinted with the expressed written permission of FoxNews.com Editor John Rotherfurger sions, and one-third of greenhouse gases overall, come from electric power plants, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Energy Department’s statistical agency. It’s unclear to what extent the plan can rein in the use of coal overall. While it may curb coal within the U.S., federal stats show the U.S. is shipping much of it overseas -- to be burned -- anyway. Coal exports from the U.S. hit a record 13.6 million short tons in March, according to the Energy Information Administration. Obama was laying out a broad vision Tuesday, without detailed emission targets or specifics about how they will be put in place. Instead, the president launched a process in which the Environmental Protection Agency will work with states to develop specific plans to rein in carbon emissions, with flexibility for each state’s circumstances. Obama raised climate change as a key second-term issue in his inaugural address in January, but has offered few details since. In his February State of the Union, he issued an ultimatum to lawmakers: “If Congress won’t act soon to protect future generations, I will.” The poor prospects for getting any major climate legislation through a Republicancontrolled House were on display last week when Speaker John Boehner responded to the prospect that Obama would put forth controls on existing power plants by deeming the idea “absolutely crazy.” “Why would you want to increase the cost

of energy and kill more American jobs?” said Boehner, R-Ohio, echoing the warnings of some industry groups. Sidestepping Congress by using executive action doesn’t guarantee Obama smooth sailing. Lawmakers could introduce legislation to thwart Obama’s efforts. And the rules for existing power plants will almost certainly face legal challenges in court. The Supreme Court has upheld the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, but how the EPA goes about that effort remains largely uncharted waters. Even if legal and political obstacles are overcome, it will take years for the new measures to be put in place, likely running up against the end of Obama’s presidency or even beyond it. White House aides say that’s one reason Obama is ensuring the process starts now, while there are still more than three years left in his ﬁnal term. Under the process outlined in the Clean Air Act, the EPA cannot act unilaterally, but must work with states to develop the standards, said Jonas Monast, an attorney who directs the climate and energy program at Duke University. An initial proposal will be followed by a months-long public comment period before the EPA can issue ﬁnal guidance to states. Then the states must create actual plans for plants within their borders, a process likely to take the better part of a year. Then the EPA has another four months to decide whether to approve each state’s plan before the implementation period can start.

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ly, the White House is hesitant to say they’re having a war on coal. On the other hand, a war on coal is exactly what’s needed,” he said. Schrag is a geochemist and the head of Harvard University’s Center for the Environment. He also sits on a White House advisory panel. Republican lawmakers bristled at that remark. “It really encapsulates the attitude this administration holds in regard to states like mine,” Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents coal-heavy Kentucky, said Tuesday. The industry, as well, issued similar warnings on Tuesday. Advocates of the industry argue that it has made strides toward making coal more environmentally friendly. According to the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE), 10 clean-coal technology plants have launched since 2011. Another five are under development or scheduled to come online. Group President Robert M. “Mike” Duncan said EPA regulations have played a big role in the closure of nearly 290 coal plants so far this year. “Further regulation could force even more plant closures,” he said in a statement, claiming the industry is evolving to expand clean-coal technologies -- provided the federal government allows it to. Obama took a confrontational tone during part of the speech. Toward the end, he said: “We don’t have time for a meeting of the flatearth society.” He listed a string of proposals. Among them, he said he is directing his administration to allow enough renewables on public lands to power 6 million homes by 2020, effectively doubling the capacity from solar, wind and geothermal projects on federal property. Obama also called for $8 billion in federal loan guarantees to spur investment in technologies that can keep carbon dioxide produced by power plants from being released into the atmosphere. In taking action on his own, Obama is also signaling he will no longer wait for lawmakers to act on climate change, and instead will seek ways to work around them. The linchpin of Obama’s plan, and the step activists say will have the most dramatic impact, involves the limits on carbon emissions for new and existing power plants. The Obama administration has already proposed controls on new plants, but those controls have been delayed and not yet finalized. “This is the holy grail,” said Melinda Pierce of Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy group. “That is the single biggest step he can take to help tackle carbon pollution.” Forty percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emis-

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resident Obama pressed ahead Tuesday with his climate change agenda, calling for new regulations on coalfired power plants and setting a new condition for the approval of the controversial Keystone pipeline. “We need to act,” Obama said, in an address at Georgetown University. Even before he spoke, the president’s proposal drew condemnation from the coal industry and lawmakers whose states rely on that industry for jobs. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, a Republican from West Virginia, said the proposal “could deliver an unrecoverable blow to coal-rich states” like hers. But Obama claimed climate change is having “profound impacts” on the planet and must be addressed. He called for the U.S. to lead the world in a “coordinated assault” on the issue. Going around Congress and unveiling what was likely to be his most controversial plank, Obama said he was ordering the Environmental Protection Agency to create the first-ever carbon emissions limits for existing power plants. He said that while other toxic chemicals like mercury are regulated, power plants can dump “unlimited amounts” of carbon pollution. “That’s not right, it’s not safe. And it needs to stop,” Obama said. Further, Obama weighed in for the first time in months on the contentious issue of the proposed Canada-to-Texas Keystone pipeline. As the State Department reviews the stalled project, Obama said it should only be approved if it doesn’t significantly boost emissions. “Our national interest will be served only if this project does not significantly exacerbate the problem of carbon pollution,” he said. “The net effects of the pipeline’s impact on our climate will be absolutely critical to determining whether this project is allowed to go forward.” Supporters who say the pipeline would have a minimal impact said the comment should signal “speedy approval.” The State Department, though, is still proceeding with its evaluation. In the near-term, lawmakers appear to be most focused on his call for new power plant regulations. An adviser’s comment ahead of the speech caused additional turbulence for the administration, as critics seized on it to claim the administration was unfairly targeting the coal industry. Ahead of the speech, White House climate adviser Daniel P. Schrag reportedly told The New York Times that a “war on coal” is needed. “The one thing the president really needs to do now is to begin the process of shutting down the conventional coal plants. Political-

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Move, Drive and Create By Maria Case hris Paulk, his wife Amber and their son left Alpena, Michigan and moved to Gillette in 2009. Paulk said, “The economy in Michigan, where we lived, was washed out. I worked as a ﬂooring installer in my home town and owned my own store.” With the economy on a downturn, Paulk and his family decided to move west to Wyoming where he heard there were jobs. In his ﬁrst week, in Gillette, he met a man from Michigan and he and his family stayed with this man for two weeks. He then rented a room listed in the newspaper. Both Paulk and his wife got employment almost immediately. Within three weeks both of them had paychecks. He saved for six months and then in 2010 they opened their retail store called Carpet Express Direct. Paulk commented that he got along well with the ranchers, but it took a while to make friends with the locals. “People are friendlier now, than in the beginning,” Paulk said. “They probably are friendlier because they now have less work hours.” Paulk said, “It was easier to start the store in Wyoming than it was in Michigan.There were too many regulations in Michigan. We have good customer service here.” When asked about the differences in the store, Paulk said, “It’s more upbeat here and there are more rushes, but there

is a lack of patience when people are waiting.” Paulk also has flooring material that is very interesting. He buys and sells lumber from a company named “Centennial Woods.” This company redeems lumber from Wyoming snow fences and replaces the worn lumber with new boards. The removed wood is then reused for outdoor undertakings and flooring projects. The Wyoming wind naturally dries out the wood. When dried, the wood has an antique look. According to Centennial Woods, it takes seven years to get the product ready for use. Barn wood is a heavy grained wood with texture and coloring of a weathered wood that is very popular with consumers. Centennial Woods has a three year contract with the Wyoming Department of Transportation for maintenance and reclamation of snow fences. Per Centennial Woods, WYDOT determines the maintenance schedule for the snow fences. Typically it’s around 15-20 years, but sometimes longer. Paulk is looking at a possible franchise in the future. He already has expanded to Buffalo, and has a warehouse in Spearfish. Paulk and his family travelled a long way to come to Wyoming, but his move and his drive to create his own business out here has resulted in a nice store with new friends.

1. Advertise to Reach New Customers. Your market changes constantly. New families in the area mean new customers to reach. People earn more money, which means changes in lifestyles and buying habits. The shopper who wouldn't consider your business a few years ago may be a prime customer now. Remember...20% of families will move this year, 5 million people will be married and 4 million babies will be born*. 2. Advertise continuously. Consumers don't have the loyalty they once did. You must advertise to keep pace with your competition. The National Retail Merchants Association states: "Mobility and non-loyalty are rampant. Businesses must promote to get former customers to return and to seek new ones. 3. Advertise to Remain With Shoppers Through the Buying Process. Many people postpone buying decisions. They often go from store to store comparing prices, quality and service. Advertising must reach them steadily through the entire decision-making process. Your name must be fresh in their minds when they ultimately decide to buy. 4. Advertise Because Your Competition is Advertising. There are only so many consumers in the market who are ready to buy at any one time. You'll need to advertise to keep regular customers and to counterbalance the advertising of your competition. You must advertise to keep your share of customers or you will lose them to the more aggressive competitors. 5. Advertise Because it Pays Off Over a Long Period. Advertising gives you a long-term advantage over competitors who cut back or cancel advertising. A five-year survey of more than 3,000 companies found...Advertisers who maintain or expand advertising over a five-year period see their sales increase an average of 100%. Companies, which cut advertising, averaged sales decreases of 45%. 6. Advertise to Generate Traffic. Continuous traffic to your business is the first step toward sales increases and expanding your customer base. The more people who contact your business, the more possibilities you have to make the sale and sell additional merchandise or services. For every 100 items that shoppers plan to buy, they make 30 unanticipated "in the store" purchases, an NRMA survey shows. 7. Advertise to Make More Sales. Advertising works! Businesses that succeed are usually strong, steady advertisers. Look around. You'll find the most aggressive and consistent advertisers in your market are the most successful. 8. Advertise Because There is Always Business to Generate. Your doors are open. Staff are on the payroll. Even the slowest days produce sales. As long as you're in business, you've got overhead to meet and new people to reach. Advertising can generate customers now...and in the future. 9. Advertise to Keep a Healthy Positive Image. In a competitive market, rumors and bad news travel fast. Advertising corrects misleading gossip, punctures "overstated" bad news. Advertising that is vigorous and positive can bring shoppers into the marketplace, regardless of the economy. 10. Advertise to Maintain Employee Morale. When advertising and promotion are suddenly cut or canceled, your staff may become alarmed and demoralized. They may start false rumors in an honest belief that your business is in trouble. Positive advertising boosts morale. It gives your staff strong additional support.

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Letters to the Editor

To Wyoming Speaker of the House Representative Tom Lubnau

Speaker Lubnau, the press (those that were included in this email for trust issues) and fellow legislators, I did get through the report, minus the missing parts???, and still have my same thoughts. The majority of the legislature have taken away much of the superintendents staff, responsibilities, and ﬁnances with SF 104. I found many same people voicing their opinion in many of the 18 items mentioned in the large report. Mr. Speaker had previously corresponded with us all in response to Representative Gingery’s email with some of the same thoughts in that email, plus the 32 page white letter he, Representative Throne and Representative Stubson wrote and Representative Burger sent to all of us. In this email Mr. Speaker gave three options, leave things as they are or do nothing (remember we have done volumes

with the superintendents responsibilities so to do nothing means we have already done a lot), get another special committee with much more time and money to do what has already been done plus try to gather more information, or call a special session the examine the volumes already gathered and decide what we should do. Or a fourth option is to turn over all of the information to a prosecutor to file any charges against the Superintendent that they would find in all the correspondence and reports. Again like Representative Madden mentioned in an email to all of us, how beneficial would proceeding with more gathering information, taking lots more time, and spending lots more money be to the people of Wyoming? So I would suggest we go with option one or turn the information over to a prosecutor to do what the facts warrant. Wyoming Representative Allen Jaggi Representative HD#19 Printed with Representative Jaggi’s verbal permission.

Dear Editor, America was founded as a Christian nation. John Winthrop warned the colonists of the dangers of forgetting this goal. “… [W]e are entered into covenant with Him for this work…[F]or we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us; so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword through the world.” God has blessed America with freedom and prosperity because our forefathers honored Him. But we have forgotten God lately and He has withdrawn His help from us as we have withdrawn from politics and we are now in great danger of becoming a story and a byword through the world. We have allowed the conﬁscation of our wealth and asked for government programs even though God tells us to work for our bread and leave an inheritance for our children. We have allowed the removal of prayer and the 10 Commandments from the schools. We have failed to protect the lives of 54 million unborn babies since 1973, even though God tells us to protect the weak and defenseless. God has now visited tyranny upon us as judgment and a warning to repent of our apathy. Business owners are now given a choice between buying abortion pills for their employees or losing their livelihoods. Bakers are now given a choice between making wedding cakes for homosexual partners or losing their businesses. The IRS is harassing groups who want to preserve our great conservative values. I hope no one is naïve enough to suppose that the NSA wire-tappers are any less prone to abuse their power. These are tyrannies that our founders never would have wished upon us. Christ died to make us free. We can either keep covenant with God as Winthrop urged and be free to rule ourselves or we can be ruled by tyranny. We look back in history and wonder how the Christians in Germany could be silent while 6 million Jews were murdered and everyone suffered so horribly during WWII as a consequence. Are we in America any different today and will we also pay a heavy price? Many in America expect Christ to return and rapture us out of here at the last minute. God’s people have been expecting Him to return any minute

The Second Amendment’s Enduring Relevance Submitted by Steve Klein, Wyoming Liberty Group bama). Of course, coming so quickly on the tails of the IRS and DOJ scandals, it’s very difficult for many (myself included) to believe law, oversight and other safeguards will prevent these programs from being abused if indeed they’re even lawful in the first place. The implication of these scandals on gun rights is self-evident. It is hard to say when acts of tyranny become an irredeemable tyrannical regime, and thus justification for revolution. I still believe we are far from that given the changes we can make with our other freedoms, but we must always have the option. Even with a well-armed citizenry government oversteps, and with the recent callousness by numerous federal agencies the Second Amendment is as relevant as ever. None of this is to say that Newtown was not terrifying. But tyranny is far worse, and there are numerous public policies, some proposed right here in Wyoming, that can prevent mass shootings while respecting the right to bear arms. By ignoring recent events in discussions of Newtown and the resulting anti-gun efforts, gun-control advocates reveal a severe case of myopia that thankfully dooms their cause politically if not in principle. Nevertheless, their continuing rhetoric reveals just how far they’re willing to take the fight, and that the enduring principles of the Second Amendment will need enduring advocates.

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Anne Peterson

advertising sales manager annepeterson@campbellcountyobserver.com (307) 299-4662

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exempt status. Despite continuing efforts by some to sell the “real” scandal as anything but the one the IRS and President have already acknowledged, Congressional investigation continues and paints the IRS as, at best, completely insensitive to political speech and association. In the following days, we learned that the Department of Justice obtained more than two months of information from more than 20 telephone lines at the Associated Press in a leak investigation, and named Fox News reporter James Rosen a “co-conspirator” in another leak case in order to subpoena his phone records. These both marked a seriously overbroad targeting of journalists, and by extension the free press, on the flimsy justification that the DOJ needs to do this to keep the federal government clean. Naturally, the DOJ stands by its work. Finally, the most controversial revelation came early this month with news that the National Security Agency is indiscriminately collecting telephone records of millions of foreign and domestic calls. The NSA also has a program, Prism, that “allows officials to collect material including search history, the content of emails, file transfers and live chats” from Google, Facebook, Apple and other major companies. This unfortunately is garnering bipartisan defense in Washington (and even from Miss Ala-

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ast Friday marked the six month anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Despite a quick call to action by President Obama following the shooting, federal efforts at gun control amounted to little more than increased demand for guns and ammunition nationwide. Following the failure of a bill to require universal federal background checks for ﬁrearms purchases in the Democrat-controlled Senate, anti-gun rhetoric only became more ignorant and juvenile from certain corners. A number of pundits marked the Newtown anniversary with opinion pieces, some with cautious (nonetheless exaggerated) optimism for gun control at the state level, others repeating the same righteous indignation against any support for gun rights. What’s most telling is that these articles all assume that the gun-control debate is taking place in a vacuum, and recent events are overshadowed by Newtown. This is simply not true. Just days after President Obama urged the graduating class at Ohio State University to “reject these voices” that claim “tyranny’s always lurking just around the corner,” the Internal Revenue Service scandal broke, showing that the IRS targeted Tea Party and other advocacy groups for invasive scrutiny and extensive delays when they applied for tax-

now for 2000 years. I hope Christ returns today also, but let’s not put all our eggs in that basket. Eschatology is filled with imagery and open to many different interpretations. To understand the Bible properly we must not ignore an explicit teaching in order to support something the Bible implies. I don’t know for sure under what circumstances Christ will return, but I do know that some of His last words were, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). And He told Peter in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The kingdom of evil will not be able to withstand the advance of God’s kingdom. Look what Christianity has accomplished through the centuries – hospitals, universities, literacy and education for the masses, capitalism and free-enterprise, separation of political powers, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, elevation of women, benevolence and charity, higher standards of justice, and high regard for human life. We Christians can endeavor to make the world a better place and be assured that God will bless our efforts! Ultimately Christianity will continue to advance freedom and prosperity for the world but can you see how we Christians in America are now in danger of losing all that we’ve gained for our children? Even if we do expect to be here for only a short time we are still to work to better our country in the meantime. We read in Jeremiah 29:1-14 of that prophet telling the exiles in Babylon to build houses, plant gardens, marry, multiply, and seek the welfare of that city, even though they would return to Jerusalem in 70 years. They were not to just wait it out. It’s the government’s job to protect our rights, not provide goods and services. Trading freedom for security may profit us for a time but in the end we lose both. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:39). Being a Christian means much more than just looking forward to going to heaven after we die. We have also been drafted into God’s army. We are fighting a war against the forces of evil that began with Adam’s fall in the Garden of Eden. A soldier must expect to die on the battlefield if he is to be any good. Jesus said if we’re not willing to take up our cross and follow Him we are not worthy of Him. We are blessed with jobs that will provide for us with only 40 hours on the timeclock. What are we doing with the rest of our time? What will future generations say about how we lost our freedoms? But we don’t have the strength to fight this tyranny that we have allowed to develop. We must be on our knees asking Him to be merciful to us. We need devotion, courage and wisdom to support Godly men to lead our government. We need Him to give us the discipline to put aside our recreations and remind our lawmakers to vote in ways that honor Him. We are finished as a free and prosperous nation without God’s blessings. Gary Dawson Gillette

Christian Duty to Fight Tyranny

Dear Editor, The war on freedom is hitting much closer to home, Platte County Wyoming to be exact. Like you, I am outraged at the actions of President Obama, Harry Reid and Dianne Feinstein’s attempt to repeal the Second Amendment. And just as in Washington D.C. -- the control freaks are at work right here in Wyoming. Remember during the last session when state “educators” stormed the capitol in Cheyenne -- demanding that our pro-gun legislation was killed in committee? Well now they are scheming at the “local” level to rob you and me of our Godgiven rights. The Platte County School Board and its “Republican Majority” are using “truancy” as a way to strip away constitutionally protected rights. In Wheatland, WY this 9 year old boy was placed on probation for missing 19 days of school -- even though his mother had approved the absent days (sick days and family emergencies) with the school. Under the probation orders -- minor children may not “own” any ﬁrearms -- and must agree to random urine analysis. But the state statute reveals this is a misdemeanor and the parents could receive 10 days in jail and/or a $25 ﬁne. But as if using the same playbook of the Obama administration -- the “local control”

freaks made truancy their latest crisis, so they could now violate citizen’s rights. All involved have Ignored current law -- since one must first be convicted of a “felony” in order to strip rights to possess firearms. Of course this is how the anti-gun crowd rolls -- all the players are in unison with every step maneuvering to crush civil liberties. To drive their point (control) home, the bad actors will even railroad unsuspecting young children through a system that begins with an overzealous prosecutor, and ends with a heavy handed judge. But let’s not forget, it all started with the Platte county school board’s policy...”Turn them over to the authorities” they say. The “elected school board” should be ashamed of themselves -- so far not one single school board member has lifted a finger to stop this egregious trampling of parental rights. If fact, there are a dozen other families lined up to face the same judicial force. Like in this photo, a young Wheatland couple challenged with the day to day struggles of caring for their severely handicapped little girl -- could now follow the same path and loss of rights. It seem that in the eyes of the Platte County School Board nothing else matters, not even breathing tubes and stays in critical carethat this family has recently endured. Just as maddening are the “Lawyers” that claim we must remain silent because these children are now “in the judicial system”. This is the same way the “controlprogram” rolls in many others states -- by treating rights including the Second Amendment with outright contempt. But we will not be silenced... Last week I personally attended the school board meeting and witnessed their “appointed-bureaucrat-superintendent” running the show --so now the elected board members need to hear from you! Did I mention that the Superintendent of Platte County Schools was appointed in 2012. And...that he applied in Wheatland after his former employer, a Minnesota School, failed to renew his contract that same year. Please contact Platte County Schools today at(307)322-3175 and demand the school board ends this assault on Godgiven rights. By Anthony Bouchard Wyoming Gunowners Association

Time To Push EPA Back

Dear Editor, I am a proud member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and organization that works to advance the fundamental principles of free-market enterprise, limited government, and federalism at the state level through a nonpartisan public-private partnership of America’s state legislators, members of the private sector and the general public-and I wanted to share with you their latest report. Well timed with the President’s recent climate change agenda announcement, the American Legislative Exchange Council released a report this morning which sheds light on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ongoing usurpation of regulatory control from the states. Titled “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Assault on State Sovereignty,” the report highlights the most recent examples of how the EPA has consolidated and centralized environmental regulation and implemented especially onerous regulations that have placed undue burdens on states. Painting a clear picture of regulation without representation in his speech yesterday, President Obama through executive order called for additional EPA regulations to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants—a move that will severely threaten states’ ability to generate affordable and reliable power for citizens. ALEC’s latest report takes this issue head on by detailing the growth of EPA’s power at the expense of the states’ rightful authority. The time is ripe to push back against an unaccountable administration that is stopping at nothing to circumvent Congress to achieve a radical climate and energy agenda. Wyoming StateRepresentative Sue Wallis HD 52 Campbell County

Second Amendment Attacks In Platte County

June 28 - July 5, 2013

The Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Enzi: Farm Legislation Falls Short

enator Enzi voted against the Senate farm bill this month, stating that it is a step backward for agriculture policy and doesn’t go as far as the 2012 farm bill. “While there were provisions in the farm bill that I support, the good did not outweigh the bad,” said Enzi. “With America more than $17 trillion in debt, we need to be ﬁnding ways to do more with less, and that includes

the farm bill. When the Senate negotiated this bill last year, we were able to end all direct subsidies to farmers and move toward a more efﬁcient federal crop insurance program.” Enzi believes that the bill could be improved by eliminating target prices for certain agriculture products, and do more to eliminate the waste in the food stamp program. The legislation also contains burdensome conditions

on federal crop insurance which will negatively impact Wyoming farmers. The Senate passed the farm bill on June 10th by a vote of 66-27. The farm bill will now go to conference committee where House and Senate negotiators will reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill after the House passes their version.

Enzi: Reform Begins With Stronger E-Verify As the Senate works on an immigration reform bill this month, Senator Enzi voiced his appreciation of the bipartisan efforts of those who have worked on the bill, but voted against the procedural motion to consider the bill due to concerns over its size, among other problems. “The immigration reform bill in the Senate is over 1,000 pages. It’s easy for people to ﬁnd something they don’t like or, similar to the health care bill, miss details that turn out to be important,” Enzi said. “Sometimes when

you try to do it all, you get nothing. Most of us do want immigration reform, but we should work on the parts that we can get done and leave the rest for another time.” Enzi opposes amnesty, and in addition to border enforcement and security, wants guest worker programs that work, “from sheep herding to high tech engineers.” He also believes that an effective EVeriﬁcation system could ensure that businesses are hiring legal workers. If people who are here illegally can’t get

a job, they likely won’t stay, and word of mouth will help discourage others from breaking the law in the future. The immigration system could also be improved by keeping better track of those who come into the country legally, but don’t leave. “We should welcome those who have come to our country for the right reasons and in the right way, but people need to earn their legal status and should not be rewarded for breaking the law,” said Enzi.

Without a Warrant You Might Want to Move to... Montana

ill Wyoming Lead The Way For Individual Rights or Lie In Bed With The Fed? Several states are in the process of considering legislation that would require a warrant for law enforcement to track an individual’s location based on their cellphone, social media and/or GPS devices, but Montana has officially become the first state in the country to enact such a law. “Perhaps Montanans, known for their love of freedom and privacy, intuitively understand how sensitive location information can be and how much where you go can reveal about who you are. (Are you going to gay bars, a mosque, a fundamentalist church, a gun store, an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting, a political protest?),” ACLU Advocacy & Policy Strategist Allie Bohm wrote.According to the ACLU, even the public policy director of the state’s chapter of the advocacy organization was surprised that Montana was first. Earlier this month, Maine was poised to be the first state to enact such a warrant requirement, but its legislation is currently on hold after a fiscal note was added, the ACLU reported. In May, Texas’ legislature passed a similar bill, but the ACLU noted it too was stalled. Here’s what happened: [...] despite a successful effort on the part of Rep. Hughes, Sen. Hinojosa, the ACLU of Texas, and the Texas Electronic Privacy Coalition to get location tracking legislation added as an amendment to another bill requiring a warrant for access to electronic communications content,

a similar amendment was not added to the companion bill in the other chamber. With time running out in the legislative session, rather than conference the two bills, both chambers simply passed the amendment-less version. In bad news, that means that they left location tracking for next session (which in Texas is in 2015). In good news, Texas is the ﬁrst state in the nation to provide protections for electronic communications content regardless of its age, and all of the foregoing about the importance of having a ﬁrst state with a law on the books for other state legislators to look up to and model after applies here, too. Cellphone searches are a completely different issue. In May, Florida ruled cellphone searches by law enforcement required a warrant. Whereas, a New Jersey bill recently proposed the opposite, suggesting police be allowed to search cellphones of people involved in accidents to see if the device might have been a factor.

“New Yorkers love it when you spill your guts out there. Spill your guts at Wimbledon and they make you stop and clean it up.” - Jimmy Connors Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/ week for only $50/week!

Classiﬁeds Autos, Trucks and Vans ‘76 Electra-Glide would consider trade on Pan or Knuck if ya know of anyone, ‘81 sent it to LA-S&S, 11.5to1 and dual-plugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464. 2008 Dodge Charger AWD Hemi, loaded Black $18,000 books for $22,500 Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100. 2006 Dodge Mega Cab 4x4 Laramie 102,000 miles $16,000 307-689-7290 2002 Oldsmobile Aurora. Black. Leather interior. Good condition. 87,400mi. Power everything. Front wheel drive. New tires. Call Charlene 307-660-7316. 1993 Chrysler LHS for sale or trade. Needs tie-rod and alignment. Runs good. $1,500.00 OBO. Email KevlarGrease@gmail.com 1994 Plymouth Voyager for sale or trade. Runs/ looks great. 188,000 miles. $2,000.00 OBO. Email KevlarGrease@gmail.com 2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532. 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 1/2 Ton Pickup. New tires, ext. cab, long bed. 148,000 mi. One owner. 307-6700858 or 303-250-4096 97’ Chevy Long Box Extended Cab. ¾ Ton, selling for Parts. $1,000 OBO. 307680-7431 1982 Chevy Ventura Van. 350 Engine, 400 Turbo newly rebuilt transmission. Interior in GREAT shape, has a working electric wet bar and built in cooler in back. Carb. needs re-jetted, other than that there are no problems. Must see. Asking $3,500 or best offer. Price:$3,500obo. Contact: 307-670-8980

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

Camping/Fishing Camper spot for rent $300 per month in Silver Hills 307680-8838 Minnows, crawlers, leeches, ﬁshing tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire Guesthouse & RV Park 307756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.) 1981 Harley Davidson FXBSturgis, 1st dual-belt drive to commemorate Hill-Climb @ Sturgis, Jack-Pine Gypsies rally started in ‘41, 50th anniversary model. 12K on straight-up original paint, new Moetzler’s driven-by beefed Shovel, 102hp at wheel. Perfect in every aspect, serious inquiries only, loan is $15K and value of over 25K. Ben 680.7464, 3-other older bikes and this has to go to the right person! International Tractor 300 Utility For Sale. $2000 Artic Cat 4X4 2001For Sale. $2000 Call Bill 307 - 660 – 8563.

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.)

Miscellaneous

Chopper - Custom built frame, s&s engine, carb, etc. 80ci. Evolution engine. Wide glide front end. Low. Torn apart down to frame. Have all parts, could be built in two days with under $200.00. Asking $5,500 or best offer. Price:$5,500obo. Contact: 307-670-2733 2013 Custom Harley Hardtail Bobber all new $9,500. Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100 2010 Polaris 550 eps with less than 100 miles, books for $8,000. make and offer. Call Steve Terry at 307-2992992 16ft Sea Nymph Fishing Boat, 50 hp outboard Merc, trolling motor, just serviced at wyoming marine $2,500 O.B. O 307-299-4662 or307622-0825

Have you heard the Buzz lately? Bring your catch by the Empire Guesthouse for photographs which may be published in this newspaper with our ﬁshing reports. Along with that, the Guesthouse staff will be awarding monthly prizes for those that let us photograph them and their catch. It doesn’t have to be a trophy to enter and there will be special prizes for those 12 and under. Carp shooters are also welcome to enter. Check with the Guesthouse for more details.

Reid Drilling, Inc. • Mineral Exploration Drilling • Coring • Monitor Wells

Force is all-conquering, but its victories are short-lived.

~ Abraham Lincoln

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Send resume/cover leter to campbellcountyobserver@gmail.com

Be a part of the best up-and-coming business in the area!

Made Fresh Daily

Cinnamon Rolls for pickup or delivery. Call Sandi 307-670-2724

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Classiﬁeds

Campbell County Observer

Help Wanted

Child Care

Services

Guns for Sale

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

Child Care in Sleepy Hollow. Room for 2 children. $20 per day per child. Call 307-2572306.

Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520

Licensed daycare now open. Spots available full-time and before and after school. Close to Rozet school and the post ofﬁce. Monday through Friday 6:30am to 6pm. Ages 3 and up. Call 307-299-1915

RV Winterization starting at $99.95 at YOUR house. Call Randy at 307-660-3091 (b340-tfnh)

Wyoming Mountaineers now offers easy payment plans on any in stock ﬁrearm. Your debit card is your line of credit. Purchase any ﬁrearm that is in stock making 4 payments weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Processing fee and payment plan fee apply. Call Wyoming Mountaineers for more details. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad.

Looking for CDL to work in North Dakota full time. Call 307-670-3629. Hiring Newspaper Journalist. Government/Politics. Work at Home. Must be able to perform advanced research, and write unbias. Must be able to attend government meetings and conduct interviews professionally. Pays per article/Part Time. Please send Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Sample to CampbellCountyObserver@ gmail.com. Hiring Newspaper Sports Writer. Must be able to attend Campbell County Sports games at all levels and various sports. Can write in a bias/home team manner. Must also be able to take photographs of covered games, get information from coaches, and retrieve stats. Much of the work is performed Home. Pays per article/Part Time position. Please send Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Sample to CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com.

In a Pinch?? Back up Daycare service call 307-6807948

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

Summer Job - Age 14 and up. Newspaper Subscription Sales. Pays $5.00 for every 6-month subscription sold and $10.00 for every year subscription sold. Perfect for summer money. Extra bonuses for 100 subscriptions sold (Pizza Party at Godfathers with friends/family) and more. Email the Campbell County Observer at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com

Spacious & new, 1, 2, &3 bdrm affordable apartments available now! Call 6858066. Washer and dryer in every unit. Private sunny patio or balcony. Special move-in rate, 1 bdrm: $694, 2 bdrm: $777, 3 bdrm: $888. Move in now and deduct $ 200 off ﬁrst month while special lasts. Call Konnie or Celeste at Highland Properties 685-8066.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED: We are looking for an Ofﬁce Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve,scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Ofﬁce applications email resumes to akeelahanderson001@gmail.com IF INTERESTED

Merchandise

Personal Assistant needed to organize and help. Basic computer skills needed, must be good with organization. I am ready to pay $600.00 per week. Interested person should contact: deans995@ gmail.com Bl-32-2V Full Time Flooring Installers wanted. Must have experience. Bring resumes in to Carpet Express Direct on Hwy. 59 next to the Prime Rib Restaurant. State Wide Sales people. Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper. Call 307-299-4662

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

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

Fuel

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

Spring Cleaning Special! Any purchase over $200 prior to 5-31-13 Will have the choice of: Free couch cleaning (up tp 8ft. long) or Free 1 year warranty on oil/water based spots. www.pineridgeclean. com 307-660-7856 ﬁnd us on Facebook Want To Get in Shape?Like to have Fun? Learn The Graceful moves of American Oriental Belly Dancing! The 3rd Sunday of every month. Call Leanna Tabatt 307-6808457 Looking to buy a new computer? Why waste the money? “Your Computer Store” has refurbished towers and laptops rebuilt right here in our store. Plenty of memory, disc space, and advice. Come by and see our inventory at “Your Computer Store,” where YOU come ﬁrst! 802 E. Third St next to Ice Cream Land “Did you see this? Than it worked. Go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net to list your ad today!” Powder River Mechanics. We have the cheapest labor rates, but the best quality repairs in town. We offer full services on Foreign and domestic vehicles, ATV’s, Snowmobiles, motorcycles, jet ski’s, boats, and more. Let us put you on a Preventative maintenance schedule so your vehicles run miles past your warranty. Call for an appointment. 307-6967713. Avenue Mall - Over 30 vendors, come check us out! 217 Gillette Ave. Mon-Fri. 9AM to 7 PM, Sat. 9AM- 5 PM, Sun. 10 AM - 4 PM Computers have become like cars, and they need repaired. Want the best quality repair work in N.E. Wyoming? Bring your computer to “Your Computer Store.” Quality work at a quality price. “Your Computer Store,” where YOU COME FIRST 802 E. Third street next to Ice Cream Land. Auto insurance preferred and SR-22’s. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 Motorcycle and ATV insurance. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520

Guns for Sale Before you buy, make a call to get a quote. We can order any gun you are looking at and just may be able to save you a ton of money. Call for a free quote. $15.00 FFL Transfer Fee on all internet purchases. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad. Gunsmithing Special of the week. Electrolysis Barrel Cleaning. Increase the accuracy of your ﬁrearm, get ready for hunting season or a summer of shooting fun. Most cleanings complete overnight and your gun is ready the next day. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. With the current controversy of gun control you can expect changes. One of these changes will be permanently attached low capacity magazines. Make your current guns compliant to this regulation. Call for quotes on all your gunsmithing needs. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today. Chinese Type 53 Carbines 7.62X54R. These guns have been fully restored and are excellent shooters. They are a shorter model of the Mossin Naugant making them easy to carry through the brush and trees. Large caliber with plenty of take down power for the largest and most dangerous game. Ammo is still available and still very reasonably priced. This gun comes with a fold down bayonet permanently attached. Adjustable sights on an elevation ramp rear sight makes this package very versatile. permanently attached ﬂoor plate magazine holds 5 rounds with one additional one in the chamber. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today.

Get a piece of history. Mosin Nagant Russian M91/30 Surplus Rifle. Very good to Excellent condition 7.62X54 Caliber. These are a very accurate rifle shooting 4” groups at 1000 yards. Open sights are adjustable to yardage with a push of a button. Great gun for hunting deer or elk very cheap ammo available for target practice. Comes with military issue sling, sling pouches, bayonet, and cleaning tools. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. A friend of mine called the other day and tells me he has 2 friends that are looking for some AR-15’s do I have any? I told him yes I do, They are M4 style scope ready models and priced at $695.00. Great, he says, They will be right over. They never showed up so a few days later I asked him if his friends were still interested. He told me nope, they bought them online for $1500.00. So, here they come with UPS, I still made my $15.00 for the transfer but while they were there they looked at the rifles I had in stock and discovered they were the same models they ordered with the same features and they could have bought 2 from me for the same price they paid for one they ordered. Don’t let this happen to you, Any gun, Any models, Any features can be ordered or built for a lower cost. Call for a free quote. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today.

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

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Heritage Christian School

Auction

June 29th 5-8pm , 510 Wall Street Court, Gillette. Household goods,furniture, antiques, children’s items, school surplus and much more! Concessions and bake sale will also be available. (307)686-1392 to donate items. New or gently used items only. Pick-up of large items available!

Weekly Sports Trivia Answer Who had the fastest serve in tennis?

Michael Sangster (Possibly)

Michael Sangster was renowned for his fast serve. His fastest serve was recorded at 154 miles per hour in 1963. Although it was considered by many to be a world record at the time, Sangster’s record remains unofﬁcial since it was not timed with precise modern technology. In order to return his serve, players had to retreat to the back of the court. In one match at the US Open, Rod Laver retreated so far back that he became entangled with the backstop netting

Weekly Trivia Answer

Which signer of the Declaration of Independence later became the only Supreme Court Justice to be impeached?

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

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

Property Management Administrator Property Management Administrator to assist the property management department with administration duties and inspections. Building relationships with clients and handling the marketing, advertising, and front desk duties. This role would suit a Property Manager looking to take a step back or an Administrator with Certificate of Registration looking to progress into Property Management. Send resume. (allan.bridges@aol.com)

1903 Springﬁeld. 30o6 Cal. U.S. Military. $700 obo. Call (307) 682-7864

Samuel Chase

Samuel Chase (April 17, 1741 – June 19, 1811) was an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court and earlier was a signatory to the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of Maryland. Early in life, Chase was a “ﬁrebrand” states-righter and revolutionary. [2] His political views changed over his lifetime, and, in the last decades of his career, he became well known as a staunch Federalist and was impeached for allegedly letting his partisan leanings affect his court decisions. Chase was acquitted by the Senate

Our Roots

June 28 - July 5, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Shimonoseki Battle

“Republicans believe every day is the Fourth of July, but the democrats believe every day is April 15.” - Ronald Reagan

By Mike Borda If I were to ask anyone what military conflict America was involved in during 1863, nearly everyone would know that the answer is the Civil War. Oddly enough, however, we were also involved in a military engagement on the other side of the world at the same time. This battle was not between the Confederacy and Union, though. This battle was between America and a local Japanese warlord, and would impact the relationship between our two countries for decades to come. In the years prior to 1863, Japan had increasingly become influenced by foreign powers. America, along with many of the more powerful European nations, had in effect taken trade control over Japan. It was the buying and selling of foreign goods that kept economies afloat and brought money to the isolated Japanese islands. However, in 1863 Emperor Komei decided that he did not welcome the foreign powers anymore, and demanded that the local Shoguns drive out the “invaders”. Because obedience to the emperor was such a strong cultural trait for the Shoguns, they followed the order. One of the local Shoguns, Lord

Mori of the Choshu clan, acted quickly. They attacked the American merchant ship Pembroke, which was located in the Shimonoseki Strait. After attacking ships from several other nations, word reached American officials in Japan of the attack on the Pembroke on July 10, 1863 – a mere 5 days after the Battle of Gettysburg had ended back in America. Realizing they were essentially alone on the other side of the world, the American officials decided that they had to retaliate. The American naval ship in the area, the USS Wyoming, was sent out under the command of Commander David McDougal. Two days later, the Wyoming reached the Shimonoseki Strait. When they arrived, the battle started almost immediately. Guns from the shore opened fire on the Wyoming, but inflicted no major damage. McDougal decided to go on the offensive, and attacked three Choshu ships still anchored near shore. Midway through the battle, disaster almost struck. The Wyoming ran aground, almost ending the battle there. However, they were able to free themselves and continue fighting, inflicting

Cowboys on Strike! By Jeff Morrison In the spring of 1886, the Powder River basin witnessed an event never before seen in Wyoming and never to be repeated: a labor strike by cowboys. Beef cattle were a boom industry in the 1880s, although cattle ranching had been an established institution in Wyoming as early as the 1860s. In Powder River country the cattle industry began in 1879 when Moreton Frewen, an Englishman backed by investors from the old country, established the 76 ranch a few miles upriver from the site of old Fort Reno, near modern day Sussex. The next few years saw a veritable ﬂood of cattle and cattle speculators invade the Powder Basin. Thanks to some optomistic publicity, extolling the unlimited supply of grass on the free range, describing Wyoming winters as mild and predicting annual proﬁts from 25% to 40%, anyone with money and a desire to earn more began organizing ranching enterprises and driving herds onto the high plains. Actual prior experience running a cattle ranch was seen as unnecessary – after all, how hard could it be to turn cattle loose on the open range to eat? For many ranch managers, arriving from places like Pennsylvania, New York, and the British Isles, their knowledge of cattle was roughly the same as their knowledge of the back side of the moon. The same went for their knowledge of the west and the cowboys therein. Moreton Frewen, although enthusiastic and energetic, never really learned the business end of running a ranch. Others, such as Horace Plunkett, a younger son of the sixteenth Baron Dunsany in Ireland, not only learned the business end, but became pretty competent cattlemen as well. And yet Plunkett still looked down on his cowboys with disdain. By and large the feeling was mutual. Most of the cowboys came from Texas, following the big herds north and staying on the northern range to work the ranches that were created. One exception was Oscar H. “Jack” Flagg. Although he did come to Wyoming in 1882 with a herd of Texas cattle, he was born in 1861 in West Virginia. He was a typical cowboy: tough, independent and outspoken. The cattle barons, most of whom were accustomed to their hired help tugging their forelocks and averting their eyes, where taken aback at the average cowboy looking them in the eye and voicing their blunt opinions openly. Unlike most of his colleagues, Flagg was well educated and articulate, which became an even bigger headache for the cattle barons. Cattle ranching in the 1880s had a vastly different method of operation than the ranches of today. The systematic removal of Indians from the plains left the northern plains in general, and the Powder River basin in particular a real-estate void, populated by next to no one and owned by

the federal government. As such, anyone was free to use the land, and thanks to the Homestead Act of 1862, anyone could own 160 acres of it. In 1879, no one had seriously considered farming the Powder Basin, so the vast grassland remained open range. This was perfect for the needs of the cattle speculators, who turn cattle loose to wander the range freely by the thousands. Although most ranches observed an imaginary boundary, there were no fences aside from small areas used for holding and sorting pens. This guaranteed that cattle from various ranches would intermingle on the range. Since bulls were turned loose with the cattle, calving occurred all year long, and this made branding a never-ending chore. Cattle were marked with brands to distinguish ownership and facilitate sorting the various herds in the fall for driving to market. Inevitably calves were missed with the branding iron and the range was full of half-grown unbranded cattle, called mavericks. Most were already weaned from their mother by the time of discovery, and establishing ownership became next to impossible. It could also be deadly if a dispute over ownership became heated. In an effort to organize communal roundups, solve ownership disputes and set acceptable standards in the cattle business, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association was born. Under the watchful eye of the Association, roundups were conducted in the spring to gather cattle off the range, sort them out for branding, and arbitrating the dispensation of all mavericks gathered. This usually involved an impromptu auction where the maverick went to the highest bidder. The Association, run by the cattle barons, became a law unto themselves, and had the ﬁnal word on everything related to the cattle industry, from who could bid on mavericks, to who could attend a roundup, to who was allowed to work on a ranch. No one could employ a cowboy who owned cattle of his own, nor could anyone employ a cowboy who owned his own brand. This mandate was based on the assumption that the cowboy in question was undoubtedly branding mavericks for his own herd on the sly. Disobeying the Association meant being blackballed, which included being barred from the roundup. For a blackballed cowboy, this meant permanent unemployment. For a cattle baron it meant being put out of business. Many historians contend that the winter of 1886-1887, in which cattle died in the hundreds of thousands all over the northern plains, ended the boom years of the cattle industry. The truth is, most of the mega-ranches were already on their way to bankruptcy due to ownership ignorance and mismanagement. The open range had become overstocked with cattle and the grass was

significant damage to the enemy. They left the battle after sinking one Choshu ship and severely crippling the other two. The crew of the Wyoming was not immune to the fighting, with four deaths and seven men wounded. It was widely considered a victory for the Americans, and in effect all foreign powers. They showed that they could impose their will, even when the Japanese had run out of patience. Eventually in 1864, America joined forces with the other European powers and fought together against the Choshu for control over the Shimonoseki Strait, easily defeating the Japanese to regain power, and creating a great rift between the isolationist Japanese and the foreign powers desperate for control of a new market. While domestic fighting raged here in America, forces stationed overseas still saw action, influencing our relationship with the rest of the world no matter what the outcome of our American Civil War would be. Halfway around the globe, our troops still showed that they held American ideals in their hearts.

eaten down to nothing. The lack of grass, combined with a few hard winters and the utter lack of feeding hay meant inferior beef sold at market, which drove the price down. Stockholders, expecting their 25 – 40% profits meant that the cattle market was also overstocked, which cause prices to fall even further. The incredibly silly practice of buying cattle based on book-count, an optimistic guessing formula based in fantasy mathematics, rather than an actual head count left huge discrepancies on the books, which stockholders were beginning to look at with more scrutiny now that profits were low. And then came the cowboy strike of 1886. Panicked by the falling profits since 1884, the Association called on their resident financial expert to look for ways to boost their sagging bottom line. The expert, none other than Horace Plunkett, had two bright ideas. “Wages,” he had once said, “must come down very much lower.” His other idea was to “abolish free room and board at ranch houses.” This was referring to the time-honored tradition of grub-riding, where seasonal cow hands would wander from ranch to ranch during the off-season, doing odd jobs and chores in return for a few nights stay in the bunkhouse and free meals. Plunkett thought they should be charged 50 cents per meal for that privilege, even though one could eat cheaper at a restaurant in town. The shock came just as the spring roundup on the south fork of Powder River was getting under way. It has been speculated that the strike may have been organized by the Knights of Labor, but at least one cowboy in attendance was an apt rabblerouser and agitator in and of himself. Jack Flagg, working for the Bar C had decided to put his foot down, and found his fellow cowboys were in the same frame of mind. The cowboys informed their employers that they were not gathering any cattle unless everyone on the roundup crew was paid $40 per month. One of the owners attending this roundup was Horace Plunkett, the architect of their angst. “They were not cordial at all,” Plunkett wrote of his own cowboys in his journal on the way to the roundup. “They have been talking of shooting me all winter because I have been made the scapegoat of the attempt to reduce wages.” Plunkett apparently suffered from selective memory. The “reps”, cowboys representing other ranches from adjoining roundups, on hand to pick

up any of their strays off their main range, were told to return to their respective roundups until they were paid the same wage as well. This caused the strike to spread to other roundups. In the end, the owners gave in. As Jack Flagg later explained, “They were caught at a disadvantage; work had to be shoved forward, they had to brand their calves and gather beef, and as they had no time to get more men, they were obliged to comply with the demands of the strikers and restore their wages.” The only non-compliance came from Joseph M. Carey, owner of the CY outfit on the North Platte, and president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association. His reps returned with the news that Carey absolutely refused to restore their wages. Jack Flagg and the rest of the boys may have sympathized with their dilemma, but they weren’t allowing exceptions. The CY reps were told to cut their horses out of the picket-line and leave. They were not allowed to take the CY cattle that had been gathered on their absence with them, however, and those cattle were left wandering the range when the roundup was over. The cowboys had won the battle, and eventually won the war, but this victory was shortlived. According to Jack Flagg, “as soon as they could get men to fill their places, the strikers were either fired or compelled to have their wages reduced.” Later Flagg would admit the firings

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307.670.8980 had less to do with participation in the strike and more to do with the ﬁred cowboys having bid on mavericks. He was one of them. Although the owner of the Bar C protested, the Association was not in a forgiving mood as far as Jack Flagg was concerned, and he was blackballed. This was a decision that ultimately blew up in their faces. Flagg, with four other partners, started the Hat ranch. They branded mavericks with a vengeance and Flagg made such a nuisance of himself that his name was listed on the famed “execution list” of the Johnson County regulators. Flagg not only survived the Johnson County War of 1892, but a few days after the shooting stopped penned an account of the range war and all the mayhem in the preceding years leading up to it. It was published in the Buffalo Bulletin in serial installments that spring and summer. It is a very well written, accurate account from the perspective of the “rustlers”. As it turned out, Jack Flagg was a very good writer, and started his own paper that summer called the People’s Voice, which later became the Buffalo Voice. Horace Plunkett returned to Ireland in 1889 never to return to Powder River. In one of history’s great ironies, Plunkett devoted the rest of his life to bettering the lot of the Irish farmer through organizing farmer co-operatives and stressing the importance of the farmers “self-reliance”. For this he was knighted.

Sir Horrace Plunkett: His high-handed ruthlessness in cutting wages not only caused the cowboy strike of 1886, but nearly got him killed at the hands of his own cowhands.

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