March 1-8, 2013 by C.C. Observer

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Council will look at Utility Rates

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At the February 25th Gillette City Council Workshop, Director of Utilities Kendall Glover led a discussion on utility rates. Glover updated the council on the impact to the city’s enterprise fund rates that the ﬁnance department has identiﬁed. Glover said that the utilities department takes an overall recommended percentage increase and analyzes it with a typical residential costumer to arrive at what the monthly fees should be after the percent increase is determined. For solid waste, the council was presented with the recommendation of a 45 cent increase per month for trash service. For the typi-

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cal residential consumer, a $1.43 for waste-water fees was the recommendation. Power rates were recommended to rise per month an additional $2.80. “All told, that represents about a $4.50 to $5.00 increase a month for the three enterprise funds, and the increase is needed to cover revenue requirements which are at a shortfall, primarily because of our (City of Gillette) costs rising.”---Glover Glover said last year’s rate increases totaled about $4.60. Glover noted that an increase in water rates was not being recommended this year but could likely be revisited next year. A 60 cent per month increase was recommended for households that take advantage of the city’s yard waste program. A public hearing to receive public comment to revise the utility rates with be held at the March 4th Gillette City Council Meeting. The ﬁrst of three readings for the ordinance will follow directly after that public hearing.

Photo by Observer photographer James Grabrick

Jackalope Jump

The 2013 Jackalope Jump was another success! Make sure that you join the jump for next year. Contact Phil Grabrick for information. All proceeds go to the special Olympics.

Local Educator named Peabody Energy Leader in Education Tyler Harti is recognized for his dedication to students and awarded $1,000

Tyler Hartl of Hillcrest Elementary School was named a Peabody Energy Leader in Education for the 2012-13 school year, and awarded $1,000 for his compassion and commitment to students. As a physical education teacher, Hartl builds students’ health and ﬁtness while focusing on their brain growth and development. He encourages his students to take P.E. to “grow their brains” and urges them to use it as a doorway to learning. He believes in building healthy, active learners who understand how their movements will help them in the

classroom. Hartl created Hillcrest’s character education program to supplement their Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). His program molds the climate and culture of the school to create positive teaching of behaviors and expectations. He collaborates with his fellow teachers to implement and support programs such as Action Based Learning Labs and Ready Bodies/Learning Minds. The Peabody Energy Leaders in Education program rewards dedicated education professionals—from teachers and coaches to librarians

and counselors—who inspire and motivate youth to succeed. Award recipients are selected throughout the school year by a committee of top educators and business leaders. “Tyler Hartl is a true leader in education who helps students get active and outdoors,” said Vic Svec, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for Peabody Energy. “Peabody created the Leaders in Education program to give outstanding educators like Tyler the recognition they deserve.”

Governor: Yellowstone Winter Use Plan a win for Wyoming and a win for the country Governor Matt Mead said that the Final Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park is a positive step forward. The National Park Service unveiled the plan this morning. Wyoming has had cooperating agency status in this planning process and was fully engaged in representing the state. The Final Winter Use Plan gives tour operators ﬂexibility based on public demand. This ﬂexibility is related to the number of snowmobiles and snowcoaches that can enter the park each day and travel along roads, as well as to the use of new technologies. Governor Mead also felt that it was important that non-commercial guided access be allowed and the Final Plan allows

such access. “The winter use plan has been a high priority in Wyoming for many years and has continued to be a high priority in my administration. We worked hard to represent the interests of our state and the communities that host millions of visitors to Yellowstone each year,” Governor Mead said. “I want to thank the local cities and counties for their work and the citizens who participated in this process. This plan strikes a balance that I support and worked to achieve. It will have long-term beneﬁcial impacts on the economy and the people of Wyoming. “Snowmobiling in Yellowstone was an experience I enjoyed growing up in Wyoming and it created a special

bond with the Park for me. I think that allowing non-commercial guided access will generate lasting memories of Yellowstone for generations to come,” Governor Mead said. “Yellowstone is an iconic place and because of that millions come to the area each year, making the Park an important part of our state’s economy. I am glad Wyoming’s voice was heard in this process.” Governor Mead thanked the Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, Dan Wenk, and Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar for being responsive to the ideas from Wyoming people. The Governor said he pledges to continue to be engaged with the Park Service as this plan is ﬁnalized and implemented.

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Community

March 1 - 8, 2013

Fur Kids Foundation hosts spay day event

Who: Fur Kids Foundation, with support from Animal Medical Center of Wyoming What: Spay Day Drawing: Those interested in spaying or neutering their dog or cat can enter to win one free procedure from February 1-25 at Animal Medical Center. Only one registration per pet, per owner is available. Last registration available at 5 pm on February 25. The winners will be announced at noon on February 26 at Animal Medical Center—need not be present to win. Winners will schedule their pet’s operation to be done at Animal Medical Center on a separate day. When: February 26 at noon Where: Animal Medical Center, 200 E. Lakeway Rd. Need more: “The 2011 City Animal Control Report states that nearly 1,300 animals were euthanized in the local Animal Shelter. Many times, the animals in shelters are

Campbell County Observer

Winter studs

the offspring of family pets,” says Sheryl Martin, Fur Kids Foundation president. “Fur Kids Foundation wants to educate pet owners on the healthy benefits of spaying or neutering their pets, which could also help reduce the number of animals that are euthanized in our local shelter.” While spaying and neutering is a proven way to reduce pet overpopulation, the procedures also help to keep cherished family pets healthy. Spaying your female cat or dog helps prevent uterine infections and cancers, as well as breast cancer. Neutering a male pet helps prevents testicular cancer as well as helps to improve some behavior issues such as reducing their probability for roaming or fighting, and urine-marking in inappropriate places. Learn more about the health benefits of spaying or neutering your pet at furkidsfoundation.org.

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CAM-PLEX Heritage Center to present Fiddler on the Roof

Please join the CAMPLEX Heritage Center staff for the presentation of Fiddler on the Roof on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. Fiddler on the Roof, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness. In the little village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor milkman is trying to keep his family’s traditions in place. Yet, times are changing. When Tevye’s daughters want to make their own matches, he must choose between his own daughters’ happiness and those

beloved traditions that keep the outside world at bay. Yet it is Tevye’s love of his family, pride, and faith that help him face the dangerous forces in Anatevka which threaten to destroy the very life he and his fellow villagers are trying to preserve. Fiddler on the Roof is ﬁlled with a rousing, heartwarming score, including “Tradition,” Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “ If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Relive the tradition! For more information go to www.pratherentertainmentgroup.com Due to generous grant funding and local sponsorships, tickets are only $30

for Adults, $25 for Youth/ Senior/Military, $20 for Groups of 10 or more.For more information, contact the CAM-PLEX Ticket Ofﬁce at 307-682-8802 or visit our website at www. cam-plex.com.

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

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Campbell County Observer

March 1 - 8, 2013

Study says fewer Wyoming students drinking and smoking Submitted by Kim Deti - Wyoming Department of Health Reports from a new survey show Wyoming continues to see overall signiﬁcant declines in junior high and high school students saying they use alcohol and tobacco. Administered for the Wyoming Department of Health by the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center (WYSAC), a University of Wyoming department, the 2012 Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA) student survey provides detailed state- and county-level data on substance abuse issues, risk factors and protective factors affecting Wyoming youth. The survey indicates 17 of the 19 participating counties saw substantial reductions in alcohol use and 15 of 19 had substantial reductions in tobacco use among Wyoming junior high and high school students. “Over the last several years, together with many community partners, our department has focused on alcohol misuse and abuse issues such as underage drinking and tobacco

use as prevention priorities and we are pleased to see some positive results,” said Keith Hotle, Chronic Disease and Substance Abuse/Suicide Prevention Unit manager with the Wyoming Department of Health. “Not surprisingly, at the state level, alcohol remains the most commonly reported used substance in all grade levels,” Hotle said. Current (past 30 days) alcohol use in the 8th grade has decreased from 24 percent over 2006-10 to 18 percent in 2012, and for 10thgrade from 38 percent in 2006-10 to 32 percent in 2012. Self-reported binge drinking has also declined from 2006-10 averages of 14 percent to 10 percent in 2012 for 8th grade and from 24 percent to 17 percent for 10th grade. “Smoking data is similarly encouraging,” Hotle said. From 2006-10, cigarette use sometime during the lifetime was reported at an average rate of 12 percent for 6th grade and 48 percent for 12th grade. Results for 2012 describe an

8 percent rate for 6th grade and 43 percent rate for 12th grade. Hotle noted in 2012 Wyoming youth in middle school reported an average rate of current prescription drug misuse (past 30 days) at 1 percent, while high school youth reported an average misuse rate of 4.5 percent. “This is an issue many communities are concerned with,” he said. Eric Canen, the study’s principal investigator and senior research scientist with WYSAC, said it was interesting that Wyoming students consistently overestimate how often and to what degree most students in their schools use drugs and alcohol. “For example, the odds of perceived methamphetamine use by most students were 92 to 213 times greater than the odds of actual methamphetamine use, depending upon the grade level,” Canen said. The Wyoming Department of Health uses data from the PNA to monitor changes in important youth substance use trends.

Community agencies also use the data to set priorities for their efforts and sometimes to seek out additional funding. “Unfortunately, there are holes in the data for four counties, Canen noted. “In 2012, six school districts chose not to participate or had response rates too low to be included in the survey results. Continuing to provide this important information requires the cooperation and participation of schools throughout Wyoming.”

Art and Soul of Magic Valley returns to Twin Falls, Idaho

The 3rd Annual Art & Soul of Magic Valley will return to Twin Falls, ID, offering artists a chance at $10,000 cash top prize or 14 other cash prizes, totaling $20,000. Art & Soul of Magic Valley will be April 19-May 4, 2013. This unique Art and Community event offers fun, festivities, excitement and voting! Artists’ works are seen by thousands of locals and visitors in the public voting contest. Once again, public

voting is free and will determine the winners. Businesses, public ofﬁces and public spaces become galleries for hundreds of pieces of art work displayed in multiple “neighborhoods throughout the city.” Artists submit an entry and $50 fee. Sponsors (Individuals, Groups, Clubs, Businesses etc.) pay $100 and select the artist they wish to sponsor. Venues (businesses, institutions, public ofﬁce, public places

etc.) pay $100 and select the art work they wish to display. An artist must have both a sponsor and a venue to be entered in the contest. For more information, contact the Magic Valley Arts Council at 208-734ARTS (2787) or the Art Guild of Magic Valley at 208-421-1311 You may also ﬁnd more information at www. magicvalleyhasart.com

Campbell County Observer

Featured Crime Burglary (Feb. 16-19)

Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a burglary that occurred at the Fishing Lake that occurred between 02/16/13 and 02/19/13. Unknown suspect(s) entered the football equipment storage garage at the Fishing Lake by removing a swamp cooler. Some football pads were found outside the window where the swamp cooler was located. It is unknown at this time if any items were taken during the burglary. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.

CampbellCountyObserver.net 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 (PP-1) Volume 3 Issue 9 The Campbell County Observer is published by Patriot Publishing L.L.C. in Gillette, WY every Friday. 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Postmaster: Send address changes to 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 Candice De Laat - Owner/Publisher CandiceDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Writers

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

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

Keary Speer - Editor KearySpeer@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Bill Stone - Advertising Sales/Marketing BillStone@CampbellCountyObserver.com Kimberly Jones- Sales/Marketing KimberlyJones@CampbellCountyObserver.com Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Amanda Wright (Government/Politics Reporter) AmandaWright@CampbellCountyObserver.com James Grabrick (Where is This?) JamesGrabrick@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Weekly Weather Forecast Saturday,

Sunday,

Monday,

Tuesday,

Wednesday,

Thursday,

Friday,

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

51/38

52/31

38/28

38/26

45/30

46/30

46/31

Precipitation: 20% Wind: W at 12 Sunrise: 6:38 Sunset: 17:51 Moonrise: 23:49 Moonset: 8:54 Day length: 11h 13m

Precipitation: 10% Wind: WSW at 11

Sunrise: 6:36 Sunset: 17:52 Moonrise: none Moonset: 9:38 Day length: 11h 16m

Weekly Weather Forecast Sponsored by

Precipitation: 50% Wind: NW at 21 Sunrise: 6:35 Sunset: 17:53 Moonrise: 0:56 Moonset: 10:30 Last Qtr: 14:54 Day length: 11h 19m

Precipitation: 10% Wind: NNW at 13 Sunrise: 6:33 Sunset: 17:55 Moonrise: 1:57 Moonset: 11:28 Day length: 11h 22m

Precipitation: 10% Wind: SSW at 15 Sunrise: 6:31 Sunset: 17:56 Moonrise: 2:51 Moonset: 12:33 Day length: 11h 25m

Precipitation: 20% Wind: WNW at 13 Sunrise: 6:29 Sunset: 17:57 Moonrise: 3:39 Moonset: 13:42 Day length: 11h 28m

Precipitation: 10% Wind: NW at 12 Sunrise: 6:27 Sunset: 17:58 Moonrise: 4:19 Moonset: 14:53 Day length: 11h 31m

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Community

March 1 - 8, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Chamber hosts Mini-Golf tournament

The winning team was Rusty’s Taxidermy. Congratulations guys! Two other Chamber members took home a prize as well. The players and the judges voted on their favorite hole. Players’ Choice was awarded to Aloha Scuba & Travel and Judges’ Choice was awarded to Rehab Solutions. For more photos of this event, visit our visit the chambers Facebook page.

Welcome to the World! Dustin John Heying Jr (DJ) was born February 7th at 5:37 pm in Gillette Wyoming. He weighed 5lbs 1.4 oz and measured 18” long. The proud parents are Dustin and Debra Heyingowners of Selectel Wireless in Gillette.

UW names 24th President:

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Current Oklahoma State Provost Robert Sternberg will assume UW Post July 1

An eminent psychologist and scholar who currently serves as provost and senior vice president at Oklahoma State University has been named the 24th president of the University of Wyoming. Robert J. Sternberg was offered a contract by a unanimous vote of the UW Board of Trustees Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 26) and has accepted the position. He will take office July 1, succeeding retiring President Tom Buchanan. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to come to Wyoming and help the university continue moving toward its goal of becoming even more widely recognized as one of the top land-grant institutions in the country,” Sternberg says. “Of all the places in the country, Wyoming is the one where my wife and I most wanted to go.” “We believe Dr. Sternberg is a great fit for UW and Wyoming, and that he will build on the excellent leadership provided by President Buchanan,” says Board of Trustees President Dave Bostrom. “Collectively, we’ve agreed that this is the most important decision we will make during our tenure on the Board of Trustees, and every action we have taken has been made to ensure a successful outcome to this process.” The terms of Sternberg’s contract are still being finalized, but it will be a threeyear contract with an annual base salary of $425,000. At Oklahoma State, Sternberg has served as the university’s chief academic officer, with oversight of its various colleges and campuses comprising about 35,000 students and 1,600 tenure-stream faculty members. He also is vice chairman of the board of the OSU Center for Innovation and Economic Development, which fosters startup companies based upon innovation by faculty members. He notes that Oklahoma State and UW are both land-grant institutions in states where the energy industry plays a key role, and he believes his experiences at Oklahoma State will help him in his new post at UW. “Oklahoma State and Wyoming are probably two of the most similar universities in the country. Both value and appreciate the deeper meaning of the land-grant mission, and that’s something I fully embrace,” he

says. “What is exciting to me is that UW is an institution that wants to not only educate students in the abstract, but truly to prepare them for the challenges they face when they go out into the job market -- and to educate future leaders who will make a positive, meaningful and enduring difference to the state and the world.” Sternberg’s priorities for UW include a focus on student retention and graduation; hiring and developing outstanding faculty; education outreach and economic development efforts around the state; collaborations with business and industry, government and community organizations; promotion of the arts and humanities; enhancement of student life; development of ethical leadership; financial controls; and broad participation in and transparency of university governance. “As president, I see my job as, first and foremost, forming, developing and strengthening relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, diverse donors, legislators, business leaders and other key stakeholders in the state that will lead to even greater success,” Sternberg says. “My style of leadership is to help in posing problems, and then to let stakeholders collaborate in solving the problems.” Bostrom says the trustees are confident that Sternberg will step in and provide strong leadership at a critical juncture in UW’s history, with a number of significant efforts already under way -- including a project to lift the College of Engineering and Applied Science to “tier 1” status, as directed by the Legislature, and to continue building programs focused on research and workforce preparation in collaboration with the energy industry. “He fully understands the relationship and importance of energy of all kinds to the state and the university,” Bostrom says. “He will be fully involved in the efforts to achieve the goals set forth.” Sternberg says he’s looking forward to traveling around Wyoming to become more familiar with its people and issues facing the state. He has a particular interest in helping students better prepare for and succeed in college, and he wants to strengthen UW’s connection to the entire state education system -- from preschool through

K-12 schools to community colleges. Sternberg notes that he’s a first-generation college student whose parents didn’t finish high school. He was able to attend Yale University as an undergraduate because he earned a National Merit scholarship and received other assistance from the university. He graduated summa cum laude from Yale with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1972. Sternberg received a Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University in 1975, then returned to Yale and served in various capacities, including professor of psychology, education and management, and director of graduate studies in psychology. He became dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University in 2005, leaving that position in 2010 to take his current job at Oklahoma State. Before and after entering university administration, Sternberg achieved prominence in the field of psychology. He is best known as a psychologist for his work on enhancing the teaching-learning process. “I believe that if students are not learning, teachers are not really teaching,” he says. At Oklahoma State and Tufts, Sternberg directed efforts to improve teaching and student success, and those projects boosted student retention rates. He also has continued teaching one course per semester as a dean and provost to maintain a connection with students -- and because he enjoys teaching. Sternberg and his wife, Karin, have 2-year-old triplets. He also has two adult children. Mrs. Sternberg is a native of Germany who also holds a Ph.D. in psychology, as well as a master’s in business administration. The two met when she was on a fellowship to the U.S., and she has a particular interest in encouraging internationalization through study-abroad programs and exchanges. The family loves the outdoors and is looking forward to hiking and skiing in Wyoming’s mountains and open spaces, Sternberg says. “For us, Wyoming is a dream come true,” he says. Arrangements are being made for Sternberg to visit the UW campus in the near future.

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Campbell County Observer

Devil’s Tower National Monument tourism creates $14 million in economic beneﬁt A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 395,203 visitors in 2011 spent nearly $14.8 million in Devils Tower National Monument and in communities near the park. That spending supported 220 jobs in northeast Wyoming. “Devils Tower National Monument is a wonderful place to relax, walk the trails and learn about America’s ﬁrst national monument,” said superintendent, Reed Robinson. “The people in our nearby communities are invested in the park. Whether they visit the park, own or work at a business that serves local or the traveling visitors or provides services for the park and our employees, there is a positive economic impact on our local and our national economy.” The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by Yue Cui, Ed Mahoney, and Teresa Herbowicz of Michigan State University for the National Park Service. The report shows $13 billion of direct spending by 279 million national park visitors. The spending occurred in communities within 60 miles of a national park site and supported 252,000 jobs, most of which are also in the communities near national park sites. The visitor spending had a $30 billion impact on the entire U.S. economy. According to the report, most visitor spending supports jobs in lodging, food, and beverage service

(63 percent) followed recreation and entertainment (17 percent), other retail (11percent), transportation and fuel (7 percent) and wholesale and manufacturing (2 percent.) To download the report visithttp://www.nature. nps.gov/socialscience/products. cfm#MGM and click on Economic Beneﬁts to Local Communities from National Park Visitation, 2011. The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state. To learn more about national parks in Wyoming and how the National Park Service works with Wyoming

communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go tohttp://www.nps.gov/wyoming To learn more about Devils Tower National Monument call 307-4675283, visit us online atwww.nps.gov/ deto or on Facebook at Devils-Tower-National-Monument-Ofﬁcial-NPSSite. Devils Tower National Monument is located, 33 miles northeast of Moorcroft, WY, 27 miles northwest of Sundance, WY via U.S. 14, 9 Miles south of Hulett via WY24, and 52 miles southwest of Belle Fourche, S.D. via S.D. Highway34/WY24.

March 1 - 8, 2013

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New website allows realtors, economic developers to list commercial properties Submitted by Kim Kittle - Wyoming Business Council The Wyoming Business Council is rolling out a new website that showcases information about available commercial properties around the state. The free site, www.wyomingsites.com, was developed to help companies interested in relocating to Wyoming ﬁnd properties that match their needs, and to give communities an additional place to showcase commercial sites they have available. The website is an upgrade to the old available properties database, which will be phased out, and uses geographic information system (GIS) programming to help increase capabilities for mapping and property comparisons, and to provide more complete information about available properties. Brandon Marshall, business recruitment and development manager at the Business Council, said the upgrade will help economic developers better match the needs of site selectors who often check websites for available property and community information early in their selection process. “Many states are already using GIS technology on their websites,” said Marshall. “This is giving them a leg up in the site selection process. Our move to a GIS-based

database for available properties is an important step in literally and ﬁguratively putting Wyoming on the site selection map.” In addition to information about commercial properties, the site includes any form of data used by counties and the state, such as community demographics. Local economic development organizations will have usernames and passwords to distribute to realtors so they may load their commercial properties to the site. Information may be loaded through a onetime data feed or an ongoing property data feed. Once properties are loaded, realtors have administrative capabilities to manage them. Renewal notices for properties are sent every 30, 60, and 90 days. “We believe this new system is mutually beneﬁcial to all parties – local economic developers, realtors and the state – and hope many people will take advantage of it,” said Marshall. For more information about the new website, or to obtain a username and password for access to the site, please contact Marshall at brandon.marshall@wyo.gov, or 307.777.2820.

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March 1 - 8, 2013

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Comics

March 1 - 8, 2013

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Solutions from last week

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Community

March 1 - 8, 2013

Obituaries

New Women’s Council survey indicates growing concerns about family issues Upward trends in the number of women reporting child care, family issues, caring for elderly relatives and housing as serious problems for women in their communities are indicated in the Wyoming Women’s Issues Survey released this morning in the State Capitol Rotunda. Employment is the only issue with a significant downward trend. In other key findings, 40 percent of respondents cited cost of child care as the main concern for women experiencing problems related to child care, a little more than one-fifth reported ever being a victim of domestic violence - similar to the earlier surveys, health care continues to be the most common issue with which women say they personally experience problems, and of the 18 percent who WCWI Survey News Conference report problems with substance abuse, 60 percent name alcohol as their biggest concern. The third survey commissioned by the Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues since 2004, Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center research scientists Brian Harnisch and Nanette M. Nelson completed 832 telephone interviews in late 2012 and wrote the technical report early this year. Fellow research scientist Tyler Hopkins and WYSAC Director Bistra Anatchkova assisted. At the request of WCWI, questions about Wyoming’s gender wage differential were added to the current version of the survey. “According to a recent analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the National Partnership for Women and Families, fulltime working women in Wyoming are paid 67 cents for every dollar paid to men - a yearly gap of $17,249. Nationally, women working full-time are paid 77 cents for every dollar paid to men,” Carma Corra, WCWI chair, said during the news conference. “Because Wyoming has the largest gender wage gap in the nation, I am contacted periodically by reporters from major newspapers, and once, by someone in the federal government, asking for reactions and reasons. Yet, I’m not sure the majority of women in our state are even aware a gap - the largest in the nation - exists. We want to know what Wyoming women perceive are issues for women and also what problems they have personally experienced.” More than one-third of respondents said they are personally paid less than male colleagues for the same job and more than half said they know of other women in the state who are paid less than male colleagues for the same work. Only 30 percent of respondents said they were previously aware of the gap. While 10 issue categories emerged as those personally experienced by respon-

dents, 13 categories were reported as a serious problem for women in their communities. Those personally experienced, ranked from most common to least common are: substance abuse, 74.4 percent; child care, 69.3; domestic violence, 67.5; health care, 64.3; family issues, 64.2; employment, 64.0; caring for WCWI Survey News Conference elderly relatives, 62.7; housing, 54.6; child custody or child support, 53.4; education, 50.7; sexual assault, 48.4; discrimination, 41; and transportation, 36.3. Issues personally experienced as problems include: health care, 32.2; child care, 27.7; domestic violence, 22.4; employment and wages, 21.9; substance abuse, 18.3 percent; children’s education, 17.3; discrimination, 16.1; education, 15.2; elder care, 15.2; transportation, 6.3; and housing, 5.8. “We are in the process of evaluating the past activities of the Women’s Council and planning for the future,” Corra said. “This survey and its previous iterations will help us to see significant and meaningful trends in issues that affect women and they will also help us to direct our energy where we can do the most good. Our hope is that government agencies and other women’s organizations will also use this survey as a planning tool.” Launched during WCWI’s fall quarterly meeting in Riverton in October, the planning process will continue tomorrow, Feb. 23, at 9 a.m. at the Business Council office at 214 West 15th St. in Cheyenne. WCWI meetings are open to the public. The full 102-page report is available for electronic delivery upon request. It can also be accessed through WCWI’s website athttp:// wyomingwomenscouncil.org/ and the Council’s Facebook page. Contact Chava Case at the Wyoming Business Council at 777-2823 or chava.case@wyo.gov for assistance. Individuals who spoke at today’s news conference included, from WCWI: Jan Torres of Rock Springs, who represented WCWI in the collaboration, Suzan Campbell of Laramie, Sherrill Helzer of Torrington and Corra of Cheyenne, and from WYSAC: Harnisch and Nelson, both of Laramie. The Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues is a 13-member council with representation from each of the nine judicial districts and four at-large members plus an ex-officio member from WBC. Members are volunteers appointed by the Governor; activities in the areas of employment practices, educational opportunities, home and WCWI Survey News Conference community and legal rights and responsibilities are funded by the State Legislature.

MARY ELLIS

Memorial services for Mary Elaine Ellis was held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Blanche Beck Memorial Chapel in Pioneer Manor Nursing Home with Sue and Bill Todd and Martha and Carl Reimer as celebrants. Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Elaine Ellis, age 84, of Gillette, Wyoming died at Pioneer Manor on Monday, February 25, 2013 of natural causes. Mary Elaine Ellis was born on November 7, 1928 in Upton, Wyoming the daughter of Charles and Alfreda (Phoenix) Harney. She was raised and educated in the Newcastle, Wyoming area graduating from Newcastle High School. Elaine married William Ellis in December of 1946. Together they raised their ﬁve children: Billy, Donald, Larry, Joan and Wanda. She worked at Jack and Jill, Montgomery Wards and co-owned with, her husband Ellis Tire Store. Elaine enjoyed horseback riding, growing ﬂowers in her garden, canning, making jelly, and baking. Her most precious hobby was taking care of her family and friends. Elaine also loved spending time at the Manor with her special friend Charlotte. She was the secretary of resident council at Pioneer Manor. Elaine is survived by her sons: Donald Ellis of Gillette, Wyoming and Larry Ellis of Upton, Wyoming;

Veterans assistance in Campbell, Crook and Weston counties A state of Wyoming veterans service officer from the Wyoming Veterans Commission will conduct community outreach services in Wyoming cities throughout March. Brian Yeager is available to meet with veterans and their families to discuss state and federal veterans’ benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs claims, or VA healthcare. Yeager can also help veterans and their families apply for benefits, file claims or request healthcare.

His ofﬁce is staffed in Gillette, at 551 Running W Drive, Suite 100, and he will also be available at the following locations: * Sundance - March 5, at the Crook County Courthouse, 309 E. Cleveland St., from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. * Newcastle - March 12, at the Department of Workforce Services, 2013 W. Main St., from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. * Upton - March 19, at the Upton City Hall, 725 2nd St., from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Campbell County Observer

During periods of inclement weather, please check with the staff at the outreach locations to ensure the veterans service ofﬁcer will be available. Yeager, a former U.S. Marine, is available to meet with veterans and their families from Campbell, Crook and Weston counties in addition to the scheduled outreach. Please contact him at 307-696-5048 for more information, or to schedule an appointment.

daughters: Joan (Jerry) Mcoy of Gillette, Wyoming and Wanda (Dwayne) Butcher of Gillette, Wyoming; sister, Dora Jean Billings of Gillette, Wyoming; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son, Billy Ellis, brothers: Delbert and Raymond Harney. In lieu of ﬂowers memorials are suggested to beneﬁt Pioneer Manor. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Elaine’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

BONNIE MARQUISS

Memorial services for Bonnie Marquiss will was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor Doug Rumsey of Antelope Valley Baptist Church ofﬁciating. Interment followed at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Bonnie Marquiss, age 86, passed away from natural causes at her home in Sheridan, Wyoming on February 22, 2011. Bonnie was the adopted daughter of Worth and Winnie Lynde of Gillette, Wyoming. She was born at the Reynolds home in Sheridan, Wyoming and went to live with the Lynde’s seventeen miles south of Gillette at ten days of age. Bonnie attended rural schools her elementary years and took the ﬁrst two years of high school through correspondence classes. She went to Gillette her junior and

senior years and graduated from Campbell County High School. After graduation she taught at the Sturt School for one year--she had a lot of fond memories of teaching and of the pupils she taught. On June 13, 1945 she married Don Lewis Marquiss of Gillette. They lived on the Little Buffalo Ranch for a short time, and then bought the McKune ranch where they lived and raised their family. They were very active in the development of the Columbia breed of sheep. After retiring from the ranch they lived in Buffalo, Wyoming, then Dayton, Wyoming, and for a short time in Sheridan, Wyoming. Bonnie devoted her life to being a caring and loving wife and mother. She was always willing to help others and loved people. She loved to sew, cook, care for her home, doing yard work, grow flowers, taking care of young livestock. She loved having her family close and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took care of her parents in their later years. Bonnie was always active in the communities where she lived, made friends easily, and valued all her many friends greatly. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 67 years, Don Marquiss of Sheridan, Wyoming, her sons: Duke (Ginger) Marquiss of Fort Collins, Colorado, Bob (Pam) Marquiss of Bozeman, Montana, and Rocky (Lisa) of Gillette, Wyoming; her daughters: Teresa (Lenard) Seeley of Osage, Wyoming, and Donelle Marquiss of Sheridan, Wyoming, sister, Evelyn McClure of Casper, Wyoming, thirteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and one son (David). In lieu of flowers, memorials to benefit “The Curtis Foundation” and condolences may be sent in Bonnie’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W 5th St, Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the website www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

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Community

Campbell County Observer

March 1 - 8, 2013

Northern Rockies Skies for March

A monthly look at the night skies of the northern Rocky Mountains, written by astronomers Ron Canterna, University of Wyoming; Jay Norris, Challis, Idaho Observatory; and Daryl Macomb, Boise State University. Most ancient astronomers, shepherds and farmers knew the night skies as well as they knew the back of their hands. Every season had its own constellations and every major constellation could be used as a guiding indicator to very prominent stars and celestial features. Recognizing the stars and constellations soon became second nature. Here are a few guidelines to help you become more aware of the locations of prominent winter/ spring constellations and stars. First, you must find Orion, which is so unique in form that it is very difficult to miss. Right after sunset this month, it is located to the south on the meridian about 45 degrees above the horizon. Remember there are the four stars -Betelgeuse, Bellatrix, Rigel and Saiph -- surrounding the three major stars of Orion’s belt. To locate Sirius, draw an imaginary line through the three belt stars to the southeast. In the opposite direction, to the northwest, you will find Aldebaran in Taurus (see map). You also will see Jupiter close to Aldebaran this month. Now draw an imaginary line from Rigel through Betelgeuse to the northeast and you will come to the

twins, Castor and Pollux, in Gemini. An imaginary line from Bellatrix through Betelgeuse to the east will land on Procyon, one of the sun’s nearest neighbors. Finally, trace an imaginary line from the belt stars through Bellatrix to the north and you will run into Capella, the third-brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere. Planet Alert: Besides Jupiter, you can see Saturn, which rises around midnight this month.

Astronomical Instruments: Herschel’s 40-foot Telescope (Best URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/40-foot_telescope)

The great German-English astronomer William Herschel -- discoverer of Uranus and cataloguer of binary stars and nebulae -- built hundreds of telescopes on commission and for his own research. Assisted by his sister, Caroline, he realized his dream of building the world’s largest telescope of the time over a four-year period (1785-1789) in Slough, England, located 20 miles west of London. In that era, telescope sizes were usually designated by their focal length. The 40-foot telescope’s mirror size was 49.5 inches (1.26 meters). The Herschelian design tilted the primary mirror to send light out a side of the top end of a supporting tube, which eliminated light loss incurred by reﬂection of a secondary mirror that is present in the more familiar Newtonian design. The 40-foot tele-

scope may have been used to discover Enceladus and Mimas, the sixth and seventh Saturnian moons. Due to its mirror’s properties, not much else was discovered with the 40-footer. Up to that time, objective mirrors of reflecting telescopes were made of speculum metal -- about two-thirds copper and onethird tin -- a brittle alloy that was then polished, resulting in a surface with about 67 percent reflectivity in the visible spectrum. These mirrors, subject to quick tarnishing effects in humid air, required continual repolishing and, therefore, frequent refiguring as well. Additionally, the metal mirrors were thick and suffered differential stresses as they cooled during the night, resulting in highly distorted stellar images. The 40-footer was the world’s largest telescope

for 50 years, until it was exceeded by Lord Rosse’s 72-inch mirror, the Leviathan of Parsonstown, built by William Parsons in 1845. The 40-footer was dismantled (for fear of structural collapse) in 1839 by Herschel’s son, John. A 10-foot tube section in the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, remains, and one of two original mirrors is on display in London’s Science Museum. By the mid-1800s, front surface silvering of thinner and lighter glass mirrors was under way. Due to heating and cooling, glass suffers much less distortion than metal. Silver reﬂects 90 percent in the visible, tarnishes more slowly, and is easily removed from the glass when the time comes to resurface the mirror. Thus, the era of speculum telescope mirrors abruptly ended.

Joke of the week Submitted by Connie Fink

“How to Install a Southern Home Security System”

1. Go to Goodwill and buy a pair of size 14-16 men’s work boots. 2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine. 3. Put 4 giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines. 4. Leave a note on your door that reads: Hey Bud, Me and Marcel, Donnie Ray and Jimmy Earl went for more ammo and beer. Be back in an hour. Don’t mess with the pit bulls. They got the mailman this morning and messed him up bad. I don’t think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell from all the blood. Anyway, I locked all 4 of ‘em in the house. Better wait outside. Be right back.

Suicide Prevention Webinar Series slated for March

The Wyoming Department of Health and the Prevention Management Organization of Wyoming invite state residents to join a free, three-part webinar series called “Suicide Prevention Essentials for Wyoming” planned for March. Keith Hotle, Chronic Disease and Substance Abuse Prevention Unit chief with the Wyoming Department of Health, said each webinar will be available online and open to the public. “Unfortunately, Wyoming has a serious suicide problem,” Hotle said. “It’s a tough reality conﬁrmed by three decades of statistics that place our state among those with the highest per-capita suicide rates.” Hotle noted suicide is a public health issue with broad implications for Wyoming: • The burden of suicide largely falls on middle-age men, who account for nearly 40 percent of all suicide deaths. • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Wyoming youth, who have a suicide rate twice the national average. • Fewer older residents die by suicide as compared with other age groups, but their death rate is more than double the overall state rate. • The Native American suicide rate is 25 percent higher than for white

Wyoming residents. “In short, suicide impacts persons of all ages and races in Wyoming, and no group remains unaffected,” adds Hotle. “We’re encouraging residents who engage with those vulnerable to suicide--youth, the unemployed; aging populations; military and veteran populations; and those with mental, emotional, behavioral or physical illnesses--to participate in the series,” Hotle said. Webinar series details include:

PART 1: Suicide Prevention: Why Wyoming? Why NOW?

The “back story” about who, what, when, where, how and why. What do the latest research and surveillance data tell us? State priorities, emerging issues and goals. With Terresa Humphries-Wadsworth, state suicide prevention coordinator; Keith Hotle, Chronic Disease and Substance Abuse Prevention Unit chief from the Wyoming Department of Health; and Erica Mathews, youth advocate for prevention, Wyoming Department of Health. WHEN: Wed., Mar. 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. REGISTER ONLINE: https:// www2.gotomeeting.com/register/518363178

PART 2: Suicide Prevention: WHY do people die by suicide?

Environment, mental/emotional/addictive disorders and experience all play a role in why people die by suicide. Find out more in this compelling webinar. With BJ Ayers, survivor and southeast regional coordinator for suicide prevention; Humphries-Wadsworth; and Rodney Wambeam, senior research scientist with Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center. WHEN: Thu, Mar. 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m. REGISTER ONLINE: https:// www2.gotomeeting.com/register/872579954

PART 3: Suicide Prevention: WHAT must we do to save lives?

Promoting wellness to prevent suicide. Starting early. Programs and interventions with impact, and how to best move forward. With Elly Stout with the National Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC); and Humphries-Wadsworth. WHEN: Wed, Mar. 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m. REGISTER ONLINE: https:// www2.gotomeeting.com/register/865685706 Webinars will also be archived online as recorded podcasts, but live participation is encouraged because presenters will answer questions from attendees.

Host an Exchange Student

World Heritage Student Exchange Program, a highly respected, non-proﬁt, public-beneﬁt organization, is seeking local host families for high school boys and girls from Scandinavia, France, Germany, Italy, Thailand, China, South Korea, and the former Soviet Republics. Students are already awaiting word on their host families for the 2013-2014 academic school year. Host families provide room, board, and guidance for a teenager living thousands of miles from home. Couples, single parents, and families with or without children in the home are all encouraged to apply. The exchange students arrive from their home country shortly before the 2013-2014 school year begins and each World Heritage student is fully insured, brings his/ her own personal spending money and expects to bear his/her share of household responsibilities, as well as being included in normal family activities and lifestyles. If you are interested in opening your home and sharing your family life with a young person from abroad or helping others become host families, please call Area Coordinator Courtney Wade at 866-939-4111 or email at Courtney@World-Heritage.org. Please also visit our website at www.whhosts.com.

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Public Pulse

March 1 - 8, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Bold Republic Weekly About those HOLLYWOOD FAKES By Glenn Woods For the record, no, I do not watch the Academy Awards. I don’t know much about movies, or actors, or Hollywood gossip, so you can imagine that that is was a bit odd that something on this past week’s Academy Awards actually caught my attention, and caused me to go on an hour long onair rant. Daniel Day Lewis, the actor who played Abraham Lincoln won an Oscar for best actor. Yes I saw the movie, and as much as I am a cynic about awards I must say that he deserved it hands down. Upon receiving the award Mr. Lewis, who has won more than one Oscar, said, “I believe that I have won more than my fair share.” THAT – is what got me going. I’m sure you have heard about those schools where children are not allowed to bring anything into the class that the other children do not have, because having more of anything might hurt someone’s feelings. Let’s not forget that every student today who tries out for a sport will be allowed on the team and all will be allowed to play the game no matter if they stink or not. No one is allowed to keep score, and at the end of the game EVERYONE gets a trophy. Add to that a president,

one these Hollywood types fully support, who said, “At some point I believe that you’ve earned enough money,” and “I believe that it’s good for the nation if you spread the wealth around.” Finally, I’ll remind you that these anti-gun actors, producers, directors, and writers, who have made massive amounts of money making hard core gore, death action movies are almost all hard core manmade Global Warming believers. So they leave their massive mega energy guzzling mansions and walk past their ﬂeet of expensive gas guzzling vehicles to the gas guzzling limousine that takes them to the red carpet where they are surrounded by a small army of gun toting body guards. Not everyone is allowed inside. This is for the elites only. Most everyone who is outside is left outside. That must make those poor people feel really small. Once inside everyone among the elite take their seats by order of how important they are. That’s right, they do not spread out the seating just to make if fair. The lesser talent sits in the back, those who have won in the past sit toward the front. The few who might win this year are right up front.

So why is it that not everyone in the room gets paid that same amount of money no matter what their job is? What happened to “spreading the wealth?” Why are some allowed to make over $20million a movie while others will never come close to that? What happened to, “At some point I think that you have made enough money?” Why is it that most in that room will never get a shot at starring in a blockbuster movie, while a few others get all the best movies? Whatever happened to allowing everyone a fair chance no matter if they suck or not? MOST IMPORTANT: Why is it that only a few people in that room will actually win an Oscar? Why doesn’t everyone get an Oscar, like in those games at school where no one keeps score and everyone gets a trophy? The answer to all of this is simple: These liberal snobs do not live the liberal life, in any way shape or form, that they profess to live, and that they demand that the rest of us live. They are true hard core capitalist through and through. Personally, I think we should call them out on being such hypocrites, but at the same time congratulate them on

everything that they should not be ashamed of. We should all strive to be the best as what we do. Only the proven best should be allowed the top spot in anything we do and they should get paid based on how much money they bring in to the company

that has hired them. Only the one single person who has proven himself to be the best should win the trophy. Those in the back of the room should applaud their success, and look toward their hard work as an example of the excellence and heights that they could

achieve if they work hard enough. I would have little to complain about with these Hollywood types if they were more honest about who they are, and most of all if they were more honest with themselves.

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U.S. Representative Lummis introduces real savings solution for Washington Wyoming’s Congressman Cynthia Lummis offers a common-sense way to save $35 billion in federal workforce costs

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo) introduced H.R. 824, the Federal Workforce Reduction Through Attrition Act. The measure cuts billions from the budget by gradually reducing the size of the federal civilian workforce by ten percent. The bill limits new federal hires to one employee for every three that retire or leave service, saving $35 billion over ﬁve years without forcing any current federal employees out of the job. “It’s no accident that we’ve racked up $16 trillion in debt; Washington simply doesn’t know how or when to stop spending, growing and borrowing,” Rep. Lummis said. “Here’s a solution that requires nothing more than the federal government doing what any business, state or local government would do to cut costs— limit new hires. “Instead of blindly ﬁlling empty desks, my bill forces agencies to take a step back, consider which

position are crucial, and make decisions based on necessity rather than luxury. “Job creation should be taking place on Main Street America, not in a federal government that’s been ballooning ever since President Obama took ofﬁce. It’s time for the federal government to get leaner and smarter under an attrition policy, not bigger and more bloated under a stimulus policy.” BACKGROUND: From January 2008 to November 2012, the federal government has grown by an estimated 215,700 civilian, non-postal employees while the private sector has shed millions of jobs as a result of the recession. The SimpsonBowles Commission recommended using attrition to achieve a ten percent reduction in the federal civilian workforce. In making its recommendation, the Commission stated, “Washington needs to learn to do

more with less, using fewer resources to accomplish existing goals.” Highlights of the Federal Workforce Reduction Through Attrition Act: • Limits new federal hires to one employee for every three that retire or leave service. • Requires a net 10 percent reduction in the federal civilian workforce within three years. • In the event of noncompliance with the hiring ratio, the bill institutes a hiring freeze until compliance is met. • Allows waiver of the requirement only by the President due to a state of war, national security, or an extraordinary emergency threatening life, health, safety, or property. • To ensure positions are not simply backﬁlled by service contracts, the bill prohibits increases in service contracts unless a cost comparison demonstrates savings to the government.

Senator Enzi Dept ceiling cannot be another credit line

The last time the debt ceiling was raised it was with a warning to cut and a promise it would be done. It wasn’t. Senator Enzi believes there should have been dollarfor-dollar reductions in spending for every dollar the debt ceiling was raised; an end to emergency “deals” to avert a shutdown of the federal government; and provisions to ensure the United States does not default on its debt. Those were all amendments to the debt ceiling increase bill that Enzi voted for but were defeated in the Senate in late January. Enzi also voted against the ﬁnal passage of the bill (H.R. 325). “The Senate hasn’t passed a budget in almost four years. This will be the ﬁfth year that we’ve overspent by more than

$1 trillion. Why? Because we’re addicted to spending money we don’t have and refuse to honor the limits we’ve put on ourselves,” said Enzi. The bill contains a No Budget, No Pay provision that requires both the House and Senate agree to their own budget for ﬁscal year 2014 by April 15 of this year or compensation for members of Congress will be suspended until a budget resolution is passed or the end of the 113th Congress in early 2015 if the budget doesn’t get done earlier. Senator Enzi is a cosponsor of the Senate version of the No Budget, No Pay Act, but said this one good provision was not enough to compensate for the overall ﬁscal irresponsibility of the measure.

“To take an oath is to take a trust of the highest honor. The problem is that breaking it has no consequences anymore, as most people do not understand the true meaning of Honor.” –Nicholas De Laat Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/ week for only $50/week!

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Weekly Constitution Study

Every week, the Observer prints one article, paragraph, or section of either the U.S. or State Constitution for your information. Wyoming Constitution, Article 7, Section 12. Sectarianism prohibited.

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Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

March 1 - 8, 2013

Wyoming: The story behind the score By Bill McCarthy -- Cowboy State Free Press (Sister Company of the Campbell County Observer) Booming coal, naturalgas and oil industries have brought prosperity and a high population growth rate to this starkly beautiful state, but there are still only 568,000 or so hardy souls living here, and they’re spread over 97,093 square miles. “Wyoming remains the most western of states in spirit — largely unsettled, relatively few people, and a thin veneer of civilization stretched over a forbidding and beautiful land,” says the Almanac of American Politics. What that rugged landscape yields politically, is, first and foremost, a cultural penchant for individual privacy. Whether you believe the myth of the independent, stoic cowboy who wants to be left to his own devices is good for society or bad, it is ingrained in the culture of Wyoming. That culture is perhaps best illustrated in a joke that Wyoming Senate President Jim Anderson once told on the Senate floor. Why don’t Wyoming drivers use turn signals? Because it’s nobody’s darn business where they are going. The independent, libertarian streak here also promotes a hefty distrust of government, especially a government run by “professional politicians.” Folks here want their government run by real people, and Cowboy State lawmakers argue passionately that invasions of privacy will discourage citizens from running for office. That argument makes for some rough edges in defining what is open for public discussion. Consequently, Wyoming income disclosure laws for elected officials, judges and lobbyists are weak or nonexistent. Other benchmarks of transparency and openness don’t fare much better. And so the Cowboy State gets a grade of F and a numerical score of 52 from the State Integrity Investigation,ranking it 48th among the states. Getting to know you Wyoming is the least populated state in the union. People here like to say that the Cowboy State is really a city with very long streets. That small population means the political and business elites in Wyoming are conspicuous members of their communities. While there is a traditional skepticism of government in generic terms, constituents feel like they know their citizen lawmakers, said former State Auditor Rita Meyer. And often they do because campaigning for elective office in Wyoming is very much a door-todoor, chicken-dinner, faceto-face activity. Meyer said that elected officials become acutely aware that the public is watching both elected officials and state employees. And many folks here prefer

that kind of ethics oversight to a bunch of intrusive laws. Constituents, say Meyer, looks for such tell-tale signs of corruption as changes in lifestyle. “Our constituents know us, and part of any public official’s job is to continue to build trust through transparency,” Meyer said. “It’s more important to hire the right people than to have a lot of rules.” The skepticism of intrusive government frequently extends to news media outlets. Letters to the editor in the state’s largest newspapers frequently express the idea that state and local government works better when some aspects of decision-making are secret. In October, the Cheyenne-based Wyoming Tribune Eagle responded to a common reader complaint about the newspaper challenging local government to produce sensitive records. “We live in a republic in which we elect leaders to make decisions and the public judges the actions of those leaders,” wrote a reader. The Tribune Eagle responded that Wyoming residents need to realize that they have a responsibility to play a role in the process of government. “Certainly, trust is important,” editorialized the newspaper. “But even President Ronald Reagan knew that is not enough. Recall his words: ‘Trust, but verify.’ ” There is some good news on the transparency front. For example, Wyoming’s budgeting process is widely accessible. It involves the governor, department heads and Joint Appropriations Committee operating mostly in open sessions. And the Legislature has started broadcasting and providing recordings of the audio of Appropriations Committee hearings and discussions on the Internet. Open records? In addition, workers in state and local offices generally want to fulfill the requirements of the state’s Public Records Act of 2003, said Jim Angell, the executive director of the Wyoming Press Association. Bruce Moats, a Cheyenne attorney who specializes in Wyoming open records and open meetings law, said Wyoming has a to-the-point law that the state Supreme Court has said favors openness. But there are ominous attempts to fiddle with it. “Most of the time when they add language to open records law it is for exemptions,” Moats said. In 2006, for instance, members of the Legislature —dominated by Republicans —overrode a veto from Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal and exempted themselves from much of the open records law. So draft legislation is secret, as is communication with staff and constituents, right up until the time lawmakers

file a bill for introduction. More recently, the taxpayer-funded Wyoming Association of Municipalities has been lobbying the Legislature for changes. The association has been pushing to weaken the openrecords law by exempting e-mails sent to members of city councils, school boards and other elected bodies. The municipalities association also pushed the Legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee to consider a so-called “deliberative-process exemption” to exempt documents used in initial policy discussions. The language considered by the Joint Judiciary Committee drew complaints last fall. The Casper Star-Tribune’s editorial board said in September, “Some Wyoming legislators apparently believe that government can only work well when citizens don’t know what’s going on.” “The deliberative process exemption under consideration would be a disaster,” adds Angell of the Wyoming Press Association. The Judiciary Committee trimmed proposed legislation of the controversial changes to public records and open meetings laws for the 20-day March budget session. Committee members said they would take another look at the proposals during the longer general session next year, however. Most denials of open-records requests, Angell said, occur because the clerk in an office confronted with a request for records does not understand the law. And most are resolved when the law is understood. But Angell and Moats believe the state open-records law needs some tweaking and government employees need more training about what the law entails. While state-level entities tend to comply with law, Moats and Angell said, employees in smaller government entities often are untrained. Wyoming has a variety of boards and commissions dealing with matters like irrigation and managing property and resources that are subject to open-records and open-meetings laws, but ignorant of its nuances. For example, the joint citycounty board that oversees the development of a former Amoco oil refinery site near Casper took an illegal e-mail vote in July 2009 to make emergency repairs to a flooded golf course. The board’s rules allowed for such a vote, but it did not comply with the Wyoming open-meetings law, requiring public notice. Other violations appear deliberate. In 2010, the mayor of the small town of Mills pleaded no contest to illegally holding an unannounced town council meeting to hire a fire chief. Wyoming scored poorly on disclosure rules in the State Integrity Investigation, which didn’t surprise good government advocates like Dan Neal, executive director of the Equality State Policy Center, a nonprofit legislative monitor. While sympathetic to the problem of recruiting people to run for office, Neal said, the state leaves itself open to corruption with the current requirements. “Taxpayers need to know who is trying to influence government and how and why for the democratic process to work,” said Neal. Annual financial disclosure reports for state officials and judges omit such items as investments, board affiliations and the economic interests of spouse and dependents. Lobbyists only have to file spending reports itemizing “each loan, gift, gratuity, special discount or hospitality paid or given” of $50 or more that benefits

state officials, lawmakers or employees. Lobbyists are required to reveal the sources of their funding, but not the amounts, when they register. There is no disclosure of operational expenditures, and lobbyists have resisted past efforts to require it. There is no restriction on lobbyists’ donations to political campaigns. Individual limits on contributions to candidates for elective office are easily circumvented, as well. Individuals can contribute no more than $1,000 to a candidate for a primary election and $1,000 for a general election. But political action committees can donate an unlimited amount to a candidate. In 2006, Casper developer Mick McMurry and his wife, Susan, formed a political action committee supporting a single county candidate. The PAC allowed the developer to legally donate more than $11,000 to the candidate. That loophole still exists, and a legislative committee has been unable to agree on a solution to the problem. The desire to protect officials from unnecessary embarrassment affects the way Wyoming handles ethics complaints against judges, as well. Wyoming is among just a few states in which laypersons participate in deciding ethics complaints against judges. Three attorneys, three judges and six laypersons serve on the state’s Commission on Judicial Conduct and Ethics. Commission members and testifying witnesses who disclose even the existence of a proceeding against a judge may face contempt charges. Supporters of the policy argue that public disclosure of investigative proceedures dangerously undermines the integrity of the courts in the public square. The problem is that the tightly enforced secrecy prevents the public from adequately assessing the commission’s performance. The good times stop rolling Wyoming’s prosperous energy industry kept the state budget in surpluses for at least five years in the first decade of the 21st century. The taxes from energy, particularly natural gas, delayed the national recession’s effects on Wyoming for about a year. By 2009, however, falling energy prices meant Wyoming politicians had to make some difficult choices and stateagency budgets were cut by about 10 percent. The weakness in energy prices continues. As lawmakers arrived to begin the legislative session in February, revenue forecasts had them looking at 5- to 8-percent cuts for the 20132014 biennium budget. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said Feb. 7 a projected 75-cent reduction in natural-gas prices per thousand cubic feet would drop state revenue about $113 million for the 2013-2014 biennium. “We have to start out with the premise that we have to be fiscally conservative now, to make sure that we don’t put ourselves in a hole down the road,” said Mead, a first-term Republican. This belt-tightening is constraining critical oversight functions in places like the Wyoming Department of Audit. The agency audits other state agencies and local governments – including school districts. It also audits tax and mineralroyalty revenue and regulates state banking and financial institutions. All with 116 employees. The Department has lost four positions over the past four years. That may not seem like a lot, but the number

of personnel is decreasing while the responsibilities are increasing. “Wyoming’s oil and natural gas production has continued to grow in order to meet worldwide demand,” says the department’s strategic plan for 2009-10. “The risk factor for compliance increases significantly with the increased oil and gas activity.” And the southeast portion of the state is preparing for more drilling still as companies in Wyoming tap into the same geologic features already fueling a boom in northern Colorado. “I think any department director would like to have more people,” then-Department of Audit Director Michael Geesey said, “but we have to do the best we can with what we have.” Geesey said technology and office efficiencies will make up for fewer employees; he has since left the Department to become Executive Director of the Wyoming Banking Association. And it’s not as if there’s no proven need for the audits. In January, Sweetwater County sheriff’s investigators arrested the treasurer of an improvement district, alleging she stole almost $150,000 from the district over three years, according to the sheriff”s office and press reports. The 39-yearold woman posted $10,000 bond in late January and awaits trial on a felony charge that could mean up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She has not yet entered a plea. In a recent document, the agency said compliance with reporting requirements for local governments decreased from 75 percent to 67 percent over the last three years, even as the agency has been increasing its assistance provided to towns and medium-sized special districts. The report says, there is still a need for additional training, investigation, audits and enforcement actions. Other state regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Engineer’s Office, have also seen budget cuts that could diminish regulatory enforcement. At a forum on the use of hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” held at the University of Wyoming, one reporter said, “Across the board, regulatory officials

admitted they don’t have enough staff to do the amount of field inspections and enforcement as they’d like.” Former state Rep. Pete Jorgenson, a Democrat from Jackson who retired in 2010, said that even in the boom times there is reluctance to regulate. Despite Wyoming’s budget surpluses, Jorgensen said, “I watched, for eight years, DEQ (Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality) request for more inspectors, and those were defeated with the obvious desire not to know what’s going on.” Managing the money Wyoming does not face the steep deficit problems in its retirement system that many states do. The Joint Appropriations Committee has led a bipartisan effort to rebuild from losses in the 2008 economic crash and to make the system sound for the future. The state Retirement System Board board is not immune from state politics, but when Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal shook it up with four new appointments in 2010 there was no great cry from Republicans. Wyoming is fortunate to have a $5 billion Permanent Mineral Trust Fund built on royalties from energy-generating minerals. It is managed by the state Treasurer. Both the retirement system and the mineral trust fund use private-sector money managers. To protect competitive advantages in the market place, private money managers have contracts with state officials allowing them to keep secret the specifics of how the taxpayers’ money is being invested. State Treasurer Joe Meyer recently said that the secrecy of the money managers puts elected officials and state employees overseeing the funds in a difficult situation. He urged legislators to consider ways of making those types of investments more transparent. But he admits there are no easy answers. Some here argue the money managers should just be trusted. Wyoming’s cultural commitments to individualism and “small government” run by citizens and not professional politicians are intended to maximize freedom. Adherence to those lofty ideals, however, may be putting the state at risk.

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Community Public Pulse

March 1 - 8, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Governor submits nominees for Boards and Commissions to Senate

Governor Matt Mead has sent the Wyoming Senate his list of nominees for various state boards and commissions. He also asked the Senate to consider his names for Agency Directors. This includes Todd Parﬁtt, Department of Environmental Quality, Harry LaBonde, Water Development Commission, Jeff Vogel,

Department of Audit, and Kara Brighton and Bill Russell, Public Service Commission, Dean Fausset, Department of Administration and Information, Flint Waters, Chief Information Ofﬁcer, and Terry Adcock State Mine Inspector. Governor Mead says, “Serving on a board or commission take hours

and days away from being with family and from being in an individual’s home community. I am grateful to those willing to serve. I also thank the people who have stepped forward to lead state agencies this year. We have a great cabinet in place.” The Senate has ﬁve days to approve or reject the appointments.

U.S. Senator Barrasso discusses Hagel, Sequestration on CNN’s “State of the Union” U.S. Senator John Barrasso (RWyo.) appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” this morning to discuss sequestration and the Hagel, Lew and Brennan nominations to the President’s Cabinet. Key excerpts of the interview: Chuck Hagel Nomination to be Secretary of Defense: “…if anyone saw his testimony, it was very unsettling, it was weak and it was wobbly, and, you know, you want competence and conﬁdence in the person that is going to be Secretary of Defense, and what we saw was a lot of confusion by this nominee. So, what we’re doing is just asking for some information, a little more time to get some more of the speeches that he’s given, to see what he said because he said one thing on one day when it’s popular and then at another time says another thing. The Defense Department—this is a very, very important job. This is the number one employer of the United States, and we need to have somebody there who can manage that, do it well and give conﬁdence to our military. “This is a nomination that’s being rushed through by the Democrats. There really shouldn’t be a rush in something of this importance. All we’ve asked is for another week, we’ve asked a number of questions, they’ve continued to obstruct. This President said we have the most transparent Administration in the history of the country. Then why are they trying to hide and not allow us to get some information so we can vote a week from now?” On How Effective Hagel Would be as Defense Secretary: “I have grave reservations. I think he’s been wrong about Iran, wrong

about Israel, wrong in Iraq, wrong with nuclear weapons, absolutely I plan to vote against him. “I think he’s going to be less effective because of the fact that the President nominated him. There were a lot of Democrats on Capitol Hill that don’t believe he was the best choice, and I’m sure the White House is very disturbed with how poorly he did during his confirmation hearings. I think it is going to impact him as he tries to limp across the finish line to get confirmed. “The Cabinet is chaos right now because of so many resignations. I think we have another seven or eight to confirm.” On John Brennan’s Nomination to be CIA Director: “He’s had his hearings, it’s not yet come up for a vote, they want to do that because there are questions by both Democrats and Republicans— questions about drones, questions about Benghazi, lots of questions both sides of the aisle. So, they’re not making kind of a political statement on him because Democrats have legitimate questions that they want answers to. “I still want to review the hearing. They have classified hearings and then those that are not classified. I’ve seen the public. I want to read some of the other information.” On Jack Lew’s Nomination to be Treasury Secretary: “Jack Lew, again, a long history public service, but they have to ask and answer questions regarding his time on Wall Street, the large bonus payment that he got not too long before the big bailout of the group that he was working for on Wall Street, his investments in the Cayman Islands for which the President criticized Mitt

Romney. So, we need an Administration that doesn’t say, you know, do as I say, not as I do. You know, Tim Geithner, the former Treasury Secretary, I voted against him because he hadn’t paid his taxes. American people deserve answers to these questions because the Treasury Secretary, Candy, works not for the President or for Congress, works for the American people.” Sequestration: “Let me be very clear, and would I say this to the President as I say it to you—these spending cuts are going to go through on March 1st. Their taxes are off the table. I’ve read the Democrat proposal that even Chuck Schumer said is just a chess piece. The Republican party is not in any way going to trade spending cuts for a tax increase. “I think there are much better ways to do these budget cuts, and I welcome that sort of discussion with the President, but the cuts are going to occur. We’re talking about 2.5% of what we spend this year, and this is just the ﬁrst year of ten years of cuts, so you have to be realistic about this. Families all across the country, Candy, have had their budgets cut by larger than that as a result of the economic downturn. “I believe the President has a lot of authority that he can decide where, how this works, and, yeah, he can make it very uncomfortable, which I think would be a mistake on the part of the President, but when you take a look at the total dollars there are better ways to do this, but the cuts are going to occur.”

February 20, 2013

February 21, 2013

- At 12:56 am to the 700 block of West 6th Street for a medical assist. - At 2:42 pm to the 800 block of Rodeo Street for a Carbon Monoxide and natural gas check in the residence. A small amount of CO was found in the residence by ﬁre crews and Source Gas ofﬁcials were called to the residence to assist in determining the actual cause of the source of the possible leak. There were no reported injuries or illnesses during this incident.

February 22, 2013

- At 3:50 a.m. to Doe Ct. for an EMS assist. - At 4:25 a.m. to Eagles Nest Dr. for an EMS assist. - At 5:46 a.m. to Night Train Road for an EMS assist. - At 1:26 p.m. to the 2500 Block of Dogwood Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 7:47 p.m. to Warlow Drive for an EMS assist. - At 8:56 p.m. to HWY 59 near Perkins restaurant for a 2 vehicle collision. Upon arrival to the scene 1 person was injured and transported to CCMH-ER. CCFD contained ﬂuids leaking from the involved vehicles and disconnected the electrical systems.

- At 11:55 to Quincy Avenue for an EMS assist.

February 23, 2013

- At 12:17 AM to 214 West Redwood Street for a structure fire. Upon arrival to the scene light smoke was found in the kitchen area of the residence and it was determined to becoming from the refrigerator. The refrigerator was unplugged and the homeowner was advised to have it repaired. - At 2:33 AM to Badger Avenue for a medical assist. - At 3:11 AM to Fairway Drive for a medical assist. - At 11:50 AM to the 200 block of South Emerson Avenue for a medical assist. - At 1:13 PM to South Highway 59 (by Haight Road Intersection) for a two vehicle traffic accident with a reported fire. There was no fire, steam was mistaken for smoke. Firefighters extricated an injuried driver from a heavily damaged pickup by cutting the roof off the vehicle and rolling the dash up. Traffic in both directions on the Highway was temporary stopped during the incident. - At 4:02 PM to mile marker 164 on North Highway 59 for a one vehicle traffic accident with one injury. - At 8:37 PM to 3602 South Douglas Highway for a power pole on fire. After the power lines were de-energized firefighters extinguished a fire at the top of the pole. - At 10:56 PM to South Highway 59 (1/2 mile south of Shoshone) for arcing powerlines on a powerpole.

February 24, 2013

- At 3:33 a.m. to Jane Court for a medical assist. - At 7:17 a.m. to HWY 50 for an EMS assist. - At 9:58 a.m. to the area of Garman Road and Oil Drive for a structure fire. CCFD responded to the scene at 3723 Garman Road and found a single wide mobile home approximately 50% involved in fire. The fire was attacked and brought under control in approximately 30 minutes. No one was injured in the blaze and damage is

Monday March 4 • 7 PM - City Council Meeting • Elected Ofﬁcials Luncheon - Chambers - 12PM to 1PM • Campbell County Directors meeting, Chambers 1:30PM to 3PM Tuesday, March 5 • 9am-County Commissioners Meeting • Mayor’s Art Council Meeting 5PM City Hall, 3rd Floor • County Commissioners Meeting 5PM • Campbell County Board Brieﬁng, 8Am to 9AM Wednesday, March 6 • Joint Powers Lodging Tax Board - 5PM 412 S. Gillette Ave, George Amos Memorial Building Tuesday, March 12 • Board of Examiners 12:30PM Community Conference Room, 2nd Floor, City Hall

Wednesday, March 13 • Campbell County Join Powers Fire Board - 6PM Fire Dept’s Community Room, Station One, 106 Rohan Ave. Thursday, March 14 • Campbell County Public Land Board - 7PM CamPlex Boardroom • Parks & Beautification Board 5:30PM - Community Conference Room, 2nd floor of City Hall Monday, March 18 • 7 PM - City Council Meeting Tuesday, March 19 • 9am-County Commissioners Meeting g-Ranch.com in ZRock • Campbell www.E County Board Briefing, 8Am to 9AM

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Campbell Co. Fire Dept. - At 2:43 p.m. to the address of 3201 Echeta Road for a smoke smell in a residence. It was found to be an overheated electrical outlet in the kitchen area. There was no ﬁre and the damage consisted of the outlet itself. Electricians were called to the residence to pinpoint the exact cause of the electrical malfunction. There were no reported injuries during the incident. - At 2:56 p.m. to 2100 Big Wood Drive for an automatic ﬁre alarm activation. Upon arrival to the scene it was determined that the alarm was caused by burnt food. - At 4:03 p.m. to Winland Court for an EMS assist. - At 4:27 p.m. to Sky Hi Court for a CO detector activation. Upon arrival crews found that the CO detector was malfunctioning.

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estimated at $50,000. The origin and cause investigation is not yet complete but investigators do not suspect it was set intentionally. - At 1:58 p.m. to East Boxelder Road for an EMS assist. - At 10:38 p.m. to 99 Raymond Street for an automatic ﬁre alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival determined that steam from a shower caused the alarm. CCFD reset the system and the building was reoccupied.

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February 25, 2013

- At 3:31 a.m. to 160 Peaceful Valley Drive for an unknown type of fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a mattress burning in the driveway of the residence. The occupant of the home advised that her ex-husband was disposing of the mattress and she was unaware of the reporting requirements for a controlled burn. CCFD advised her of them and extinguished the fire. - At 11:17 AM to the 700 block of West 6th Street for a medical assist. - At 3:09 PM to the 3200 block of Echeta Road for a medical assist. - At 5:18 PM to the 1000 block of Country Club Road for a medical assist. - At 7:57 PM to 1308 Estes Lane for a fire alarm. Responding fire units were cancelled when it was learned to be a false alarm.

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February 26, 2013 - At 6:41 AM to North Highway 14 16 for one vehicle rollover with no injuries. - At 6:46 AM to South Douglas Highway for an EMS assist. - At 8:08 AM to Fawn Ct. for an EMS assist. - At 4:27 PM to Overland Trail for an EMS assist. - At 5:27 PM to Slate St. for a two vehicle accident with ﬂuids leaking from a vehicle. Floor dry was applied to the hazardous substance. - At 9:41 PM to East Highway 14 16 for an EMS assist.

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Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Approaching March 6 deadline for Enzi

What’s Going On?

U.S. Senate Summer 2013 Page Position application

Next Wednesday, March 6, is the deadline for Senate Page positions for the summer session in Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi is urging Wyoming high school students to apply. Summer Page eligibility is limited to high school students who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date the session begins. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. “The page program allows students to have a front row seat in the U.S. Senate, and to learn how their federal government operates,” Enzi said. “The program will provide experiences that participants will carry with them forever.” Page duties consist primarily of delivering correspondence and legislative material at the Capitol. Other duties include pre-

paring the Senate chamber for sessions and carrying bills and amendments to the appropriate people on the Senate ﬂoor. Pages live in Webster Hall located near the Capitol and receive a stipend to cover the cost of the residence. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. The summer session is split into two sessions. Summer session I is from June 10 – June 28, 2013. Summer session II is from July 8 – August 2, 2013. The application due date for both sessions is March 6. Applications and additional information can be found by going to www.enzi.senate. gov. Further questions can be directed to Dianne Kirkbride in Senator Enzi’s Cheyenne ofﬁce at 307-772-2477 or Dianne_ Kirkbride@enzi.senate.gov.

Governor appoints new Sixth Judicial District Judge Governor Matt Mead has selected Thomas Rumpke as the new Sixth Judicial District Judge for Campbell County. Rumpke will ﬁll the seat vacated by Judge Dan Price II who is retiring. Rumpke currently works in the Tort Litigation Division of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Ofﬁce. As a Senior Assistant Attorney General in this Division, Rumpke has engaged an active, extensive trial and

litigation practice. His ﬁrst job out of law school was with retired Wyoming Justice Robert Rose. Rumpke also worked for the Wyoming Department of Revenue and was in private practice. “I had a strong pool of applicants and I am pleased to appoint Tom Rumpke. He has the diversity of legal experience necessary to serve Wyoming well,” Governor Mead said. “His

courtroom experience and his representation of many interests at trial were noteworthy – they stood out.” “I am honored with the trust that Governor Mead has placed in me by appointing me to this position. I look forward to working diligently to ensure that the people of the Sixth Judicial District receive fair and prompt resolutions to their legal matters,” Rumpke said.

Letters to the Editor Fiscal Cliff Only Turns Into The Blame Game, Or Taking Credit Game

Dear Editor, By the time this letter is read, the “fiscal cliff” may have already been avoided or is happening. I do not have a “crystal ball”, but I believe that either way the government, and the tax payers go, it will be a lose-lose situation. I say this because the 16 trillion dollars; national debt; must be paid if I am not mistaken. People say that this national debt will be passed on to our children. These people also say that in order to pay this huge debt off, it would cost each one of us over 40,000 dollars. If this “fiscal cliff” is avoided, either the Democrats or the Republicans will take the credit for it. Is this something to feel good about ? I think not. If we are being told the truth, that this debt must be paid off, how in the name of fiscal responsibility will this debt ever be paid off ? If the “fiscal cliff” takes place, the two parties will be pointing fingers like the little brats that they have turned out to be ! Again, is this something to be glad or sad about ? I will end by saying, “The piper or the Grim Reaper must be paid.” Timothy ( Tim ) Monroe Bledsoe

Anti-Second Amendment Legislators Among Us

Dear Editor, Why are some “Republican” politicians grumbling, acting like little children, and placing blame for their actions on others? It’s simple, this is how a politician behaves when they don’t want to listen to their real boss, you. Of course, this isn’t the ﬁrst time Wyoming lawmakers whined about hearing from their constituents through emails, and it certainly won’t be the last. But as you know, during this year’s session, they went too far. They did more than just complain! The Senate dug their heels in and said NO on much needed pro-gun legislation. Truly; a left-wing movement in the Wyoming legislature has reared up and showed its ugly head! It is as if the Wyoming Senate is in lock step with that of the Colorado legislature. The clear danger is that anti-gun legislation in Wyoming may be knocking at our door. unless you and I do something about it! The Cowboy State could suffer the same fate as Colorado and be under the control of the left-wing anti-gun politicians in both parties. Here’s what you need to know about what actually happened during the 2013 general session: As our pro-gun legislation reached the bottleneck, the anti-gun politicians started spewing their venom at us! You see, WyGO works feverishly to report legislator’s unfriendly actions on pro-gun legislation. We report on ya or na votes on any amendments, which most are crafted to weaken or gut the bill. Through emails and direct mail we tell our members when a legislator is an enemy to the Second Amendment.

March 1 - 8, 2013

And if there’s anything I’ve learned during my time fighting for gun rights at the Capitol it’s this: Cockroaches hate it when you turn lights on. The hard truth is the current Republican leadership in both houses despises how we keep tabs on every anti-gun move as our legislation travels through the process! In just one example this year, house leadership Speaker Tom Lubanu and Majority Leader Kermit Brown (both Republicans) enforced rules limiting our ability to video-record in the public gallery. Yes, Lubnau and Brown don’t want you to know what’s really going on! The Senate also attempted to remain behind a veil of secrecy refusing to vote on HB-105 in committee. Finally Senate floor leader Phil Nicholas (RepublicanAlbany) failed to release HB-103 and HB-104 to the floor for a vote, killing this crucial pro-gun legislation. This is why Wyoming Gun Owners MUST now shift to being a full time, year round, grassroots organization. In years past it was feasible to operate as a “part-time” gun rights group. But after witnessing the defiant leadership in both houses, truly the left-wingers in the Republican Party it’s now evident we must implement changes to our game plan. Of course, I don’t want you to forget there are a few “Republican” pro-gun champions fighting for YOU in Cheyenne -- Representative(s) Allen Jaggi (Uinta), Kendell Kroeker (Natrona) and Keith Gingery (Teton) who have labored tirelessly to dodge every obstacle thrown at them so that WyGO’s freedom defending legislation can be advanced. Remember, Wyoming Gun Owners is the state’s premiere level gun rights organization. There is simply no other grassroots organization taking action in the legislature at this level. But you and I won’t be able to hold back the anti-gun forces under our current parttime organizational model. This is why I’m asking 2 things of you: 1. If you haven’t done so already -please join Wyoming Gun Owners, 2. Please tell others about WyGO and how crucial it is for Wyoming to have a full-time -- no-compromise -- gun rights organization. Thank you for your help and support and please join me in accomplishing the task of building Wyoming Gun Owners into Wyoming’s ONLY full time gun rights organization. To Liberty, Anthony Bouchard – Wyoming Gunowners Association.

Friday, March 1 • AVA Little Tikes, 18 mths to 6 yrs 10AM to 11AM $7.00 • Women of Ireland - Heritage Center - 7 PM $30/25 • Kohr & Calwell Barrel & Pole Clinic - Barn 3 - 10 AM - 8 PM. Pre-registration required. • Grease Monkeys - Jakes Tavern Saturday, March 2 • AVA Saturday Tikes, 10 AM to 11AM $7.00 • Chuckle for Charities - Energy Hall - 6 PM to 10 PM $60 • Kohr & Calwell Barrel & Pole Clinic - Barn 3 - 8 AM - 8 PM. Pre-registration required. • ACTRA Spring Fling East Pavilion - 9 Am to 9 PM FREE to Spectators • Grease Monkeys - Jakes Tavern Sunday, March 3 • ACTRA Spring Fling East Pavilion - 9 Am to 9 PM FREE to Spectators Monday, March 4 • Life Drawing 7 PM to 9 PM, Class Fee $40 Tuesday, March 5 • AVA Homeschool Art. 2 3 PM $12.50 • AVA Learn The Guitar, 4 PM to 5PM - $50 per Month Session • Chamber Event - Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Re-Opening and Robbon Cutting. 4 PM to 7PM • Wagonwheel K Grade Program - Heritage Center - 6:30 PM Wednesday, March 6 • VA Crazy Fun Drawing, 4 PM to 5 PM - $12.50 Thursday, March 7 • Gillette Challenger League Games (Special Needs Chirldren Games) Wyo Center Frontier Hall - 6 PM to 7 PM • Chamber Event -NEWCA OSHA Seminars: First Aid for Industry. 1 PM to 5 PM Friday, March 8 • AVA Little Tikes, 18 mths to 6 yrs 10AM to 11AM $7.00 • AVA Uncorked, Must be 21 to attend class. $35.00 • The Chipper Experience! - Heritage Center - 7 PM $10/$5 • Ladies Night Expo Central pavilion - 3 PM to 9 PM • WBA Meeting - Jakes Tavern • Valley Pool Tournament at Jakes Tavern Saturday, March 9 • AVA Van Gogh Kiddos! 10 - 11:30 AM - $25.00 • Rancher’s Round Up Banquet - Energy Hall - 6 PM to 12:30 AM open to the public • RCM Barrel Race - East pavilion - 10 AM to 8 PM • Valley Pool Tournament at Jakes Tavern Sunday, March 10 • Valley Pool Tournament at Jakes Tavern • Spring Stake Conference (LDS Church Meeting) - Wyo Center Equality Hall - 10 AM to 12 PM - free to the public • RCM Barrel Race - East pavilion - 10 AM to 8 PM Monday, March 11 • Life Drawing 7 PM to 9 PM, Class Fee $40 • Gillette Challenger League Games (Special

Needs Chirldren Games) Wyo Center Frontier Hall - 6 PM to 7 PM • Gillette Little League Baseball Tryouts - Central Pavilion - 5 PM to 10 PM Tuesday, March 12 • AVA Homeschool Art. 2 3 PM $12.50 • AVA Learn The Guitar, 4 PM to 5PM - $50 per Month Session • Gillette Little League Baseball Tryouts - Central Pavilion - 5 PM to 10 PM Wednesday, March 13 • AVA Crazy Fun Drawing, 4 PM to 5 PM - $12.50 • If you give a Mouse a Cookie…and other Story Books - Heritage Center 6:30 PM $6/$4 • Babe Ruth Baseball Tryouts - Central Pavilion - 5 PM to 10 PM Friday, March 15 • AVA Little Tikes, 18 mths to 6 yrs 10AM to 11AM $7.00 • Eastside RV’s Summer Fun Show - Central Pavilion - 9 AM to 7 PM • Gillette College Rodeo East Pavilion Barn 3 - 7 PM to 10 PM FREE • Whisky 18 at Jakes Tavern Saturday, March 16 • AVA Saturday Tikes, 10 AM to 11AM $7.00 • Eastside RV’s Summer Fun Show - Central Pavilion - 9 AM to 7 PM • Northeast Wyoming Contractor’s Home Show (NEWCA) - Wyo Center - 9 AM to 5 PM Free • Gillette College Rodeo East Pavilion Barn 3 - 7 PM to 10 PM FREE • National Turkey Federation Banquet - Energy Hall - 5 PM • Gillette’s Got Talent Heritage Center - 7 PM $5 • Pilots for Christ Auction with Whisky 18 at Jakes Tavern Sunday, March 17 • UMF Meeting at Jakes Tavern • Eastside RV’s Summer Fun Show - Central Pavilion - 10 AM to 5 PM • Northeast Wyoming Contractor’s Home Show (NEWCA) - Wyo Center 10 AM to 4 PM Free • Gillette College Rodeo - East Pavilion Barn 3 - 10 PM to 4 PM - Free Monday, March 18 • Life Drawing 7 PM to 9 PM, Class Fee $40 Tuesday, March 19 • AVA Homeschool Art. 2 3 PM $12.50 • AVA Learn The Guitar, 4 PM to 5 PM - $50 per Month Session • Gillette Challenger League Games (Special Needs Chirldren Games) Wyo Center Frontier Hall - 6 PM to 7 PM

brew Festival - Wyo Center - 7 PM to 12 AM • St. Jude’s Beneﬁt with the Younger Brothers at Jakes Tavern Saturday, March 23 • Acting Classes - Heritage Center Green Room - 10 AM to 4:30 PM - Must pre-register • 4H 3D Shoot - Barn 3 - 9 AM to 4 PM • Children’s Festival Central Pavilion - 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM • Where the Best Begins Event (A Preacher in the Patch) - Energy Hall - 7 PM to 9:30 PM • Top Guns Team Roping - East Pavilion - 12 PM to 7 PM • St. Jude’s Beneﬁt with the Younger Brothers at Jakes Tavern Sunday, March 24 • Top Guns Team Roping - East Pavilion - 11 PM to 7 PM • Where the Best Begins Event (A Preacher in the Patch) - Energy Hall - 7 PM to 9:30 PM • 4-H Horse Clinic - Barn 3 - 12 PM to 7 PM Monday, March 25 • Life Drawing 7 PM to 9 PM, Class Fee $40 • Paintbrush 1-2 Grade Program - Heritage Center 6:30 PM Tuesday, March 26 • AVA Homeschool Art. 2 3 PM $12.50 • AVA Learn The Guitar, 4 PM to 5PM - $50 per Month Session • Lakeview - 6th Grade program - Heritage Center 6:30 PM Wednesday, March 27 • AVA Crazy Fun Drawing, 4 PM to 5 PM - $12.50 Friday, March 29 • AVA Little Tikes, 18 mths to 6 yrs 10AM to 11AM $7.00 • Frank Thompson Bull Dogging School - East Pavilion 8 AM to 8 PM PreRegister • Method Systems at Jakes Tavern Saturday, March 30 • AVA Saturday Tikes, 10 AM to 11AM $7.00 • Frank Thompson Bull Dogging School - East Pavilion 8 AM to 8 PM PreRegister • KOOL 105.3 Bounce Fest - Central Pavilion 1 PM to 4 PM $10 • Method Systems at Jakes Tavern Sunday, March 31 • Frank Thompson Bull Dogging School - East Pavilion 8 AM to 8 PM PreRegister

Wednesday, March 20 • AVA Crazy Fun Drawing, 4 PM to 5 PM - $12.50 • AVA Early Release Party, 2-5 PM. $20.00 Friday, March 22 • AVA Little Tikes, 18 mths to 6 yrs 10AM to 11AM $7.00 • AVA Uncorked, Must be 21 to attend class. $35.00 • Fiddler on the Roof (Musical) - Heritage Center - 7 PM $30/$25 • Where the Best Begins Event (A Preacher in the Patch) - Energy Hall - 7 PM to 9:30 PM • Rotary Wine & Micro-

1-888-824-2277 1-307-682-2277 810 E.Z. Street, Gillette, WY Directly Across From Walmart

Tax Returns... use them here! Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse

March 1 - 8, 2013

A Wyoming Lottery Corporation would be shrouded in darkness A Commentary by Maureen Bader - Wyoming Liberty Group If a soul is left in the darkness, sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but he who causes the darkness - Victor Hugo With spending out of control, governments are looking for revenue from pretty much anywhere. A lottery is the latest great hope for a jackpot in Wyoming. But like many hopefuls, it is unlikely to fulfill its supporters’ overblown promises and could end up costing Wyoming taxpayers. Worse still, the government corporation the current lottery bill would create would be exempt from the Public Records law. This means it will be next to impossible to find out what it is up to. During testimony before the Senate Travel committee on the pros and cons of the latest lottery bill, lotto promoters talked about eye-popping revenues. What they left out was the fact that governments won’t be spending the revenue from the lottery, but rather what is left over once prizes are paid out and lottery corporation costs are covered. Tom Jones, from Scientific Games, a company that runs lotteries, said the revenue generated by a Wyoming lottery would be between $80-90 million. However, Mike Moser from the Wyoming State Liquor Association, said revenue would be $21 million. Although this massive revenue discrepancy raised a few eyebrows, left unsaid was that most of the revenue goes to prizes. In North Dakota, a state with a similarly sized population and a lottery system comparable to what is envisioned by Wyoming’s current lotto proposal, total revenue in 2011 amounted to $23 million, close to Mr. Moser’s estimate. However expenses

totaled $17 million, with 70 percent going to prize expenses, 6 percent to retailer commissions, and 24 percent to operating expenses. That left N. Dakota’s government with $6 million to spend. A Wyoming lotto corporation is designed to be self-funding and never take money out of the state general fund. But we’ve heard that one before. The Game and Fish Department was supposed to fund itself from the revenue it generated from license fees, but has come to the legislature for general funds over the past few years with its hat in hand, and that hat gets bigger every year. It asks for a handout from the general fund, even though, right on its website, it still says “there is no general fund appropriated from the State for the Game and Fish [sic].” Worse still, a Wyoming lotto corporation would have the ability incur debt. During his testimony, Mr. Moser said that if the lottery “loses its shirt” it goes out of business. However, if it has debt, what happens to that? A bailout, perhaps? But anyway, when does a government organization ever disappear no matter how badly it performs? For example, the Ofﬁce of the Consumer Advocate, which is supposed to protect consumers, was to sunset (government-speak for be shut down) on July 1, 2013. It managed to extend its mandate to 2023 even though Cheyenne Light Fuel and Power, which it is supposed to be protecting consumers from, overcharged thousands of residents about a million dollars over an eight year period - about the same amount of time the consumer advocate has been around. Government organizations are like a fungus; they

never go away, they just grow and grow. Although overblown promises may entice the mark, a bigger problem with a Wyoming lotto corporation came out during testimony. Its activities will be exempt from public scrutiny. Wyoming’s Public Records Act defines what government information the public may access. Seems a Wyoming Lottery Corporation is subject to the Public Records Act except when it, and it alone, decides that something is confidential. This includes trade secrets, systems or procedures, or bids or contractual data, among other things. Meetings where these confidential items are discussed will be confidential, and how confidentially was decided will also be confidential. It’s bad enough that the legislature recently passed a bill keeping information on the search and selection of presidents of the University of Wyoming and community colleges secret. But creating corporations and extending secrecy privileges to them, even on meetings devoted to discussing what is secret, has no place in a government organization. If the Wyoming government is unable to cut spending and is so desperate that it would do anything for more revenue, it can still get a piece of the gambling action by setting the rules of the game and taxing private gambling businesses. Let’s leave the games of chance to those playing with their own money.

Campbell County Observer

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Statement from the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Wyoming Governor Matt Mead recently signed House Bill 23 into law, which abolishes sentences of life in prison without parole for children in that state. The Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth applauded Governor Mead for his actions on this issue, which means Wyoming will no longer sentence people to die in prison for crimes that were committed when they were younger than 18. Under Wyoming’s new law, which will be effective on July 1, children in the state who are convicted of ﬁrst degree murder will be eligible for parole or can have their sentences commuted to a term of years. By passing this new law, Wyoming takes a step for-

ward in demonstrating that our society can hold young people accountable for serious crimes without discarding them for the rest of their lives. This bill is the step in the right direction in recognizing that children are categorically different from adults, and must be treated accordingly when sentenced. In 2005, the Supreme Court prohibited the death penalty for children younger than 18, acknowledging that youthfulness is an important factor in determining whether a punishment is cruel and unusual. Then in 2010, the Supreme Court struck down the practice of sentencing children to life in prison without parole when their crimes did not result in a death. And in

June 2012, the Court ruled in Miller v. Alabama that mandatory sentences of life without the possibility of parole for children are unconstitutional. “Everyone is better than their worst act, particularly children,” said a campaign spokeswoman who wished not to be named for this article. “We encourage policymakers throughout the country who are working to implement the Miller v. Alabama decision to think holistically about how their state can hold young people accountable in a manner that reﬂects their unique ability to change and focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.”

Governor Mead’s Bill Signing for Feb. 27 Please be advised that Governor Matt Mead is expected to hold a formal bill signing on Wednesday, February 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Governor’s Formal Ofﬁce. Legislators and members of the public are welcome to attend. This list of bills is subject to change. If you would like to listen to the event by phone please call or e-mail Renny MacKay. Bills to be signed at the formal ceremony: Bill Number Enrolled Act Sponsor 1. HB0100 HEA0041 Stubson 2. HB0025 HEA0046 Wallis 3. HB0084 HEA0048 Moniz 4. HB0098 HEA0050 Moniz 5. HB0128 HEA0059 Moniz 6. HB0090 HEA0049 Larsen 7. HB0131 HEA0052 Jaggi 8. HB0092 HEA0056 Reeder 9. HB0095 HEA0058 Blake 10. HB0081 HEA0061 Nat Res Fund 11. HB0225 HEA0067 Sommers 12. HB0031 13. HB0109

HEA0068 HEA0069

Byrd Wallis

14. HB0151 15. HB0190

HEA0073 HEA0074

Piiparinen Walters

16. HB0052 17. HB0094 18. HB0133 19. SF0064

HEA0076 HEA0077 HEA0078 SEA0042

Lubnau Reeder Connolly Coe

20. HB0018

HEA0082 Corporations

21. SF0029

SEA0058

Christensen

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Title Vehicle registration fees-assistive devices. Simulcasting of pari-mutuel events. Livestock fence repairs. County fees. Illegal possession of wildlife parts. Recreation liability-activities. Game fish-definition. Interference with emergency calls. Railroad crossings-on-track vehicles. Large project funding. Transfer of ownership of livestock and brands. Printing of state directory and constitution. Interstate shipment of state inspected meats. Uniform trust code-notice of claims. Public defender-fee schedule and indigency standard. Workplace safety initiatives. Immunization by pharmacists. Human trafficking. Wholesale malt beverage distributors-limitations. Telecommunications-internet protocol enabled services. Hitchhiking.

Formal signing taking place by 3:00 pm today: 22. HB0215 HEA0079 Patton State investments for a public purpose. 23. SF0023 SEA0050 Minerals Challenge loan program-natural gas vehicle infrastructure. 24. SF0052 SEA0052 Minerals Natural gas state vehicles.

Monday - Friday 9 am - 9 pm • Saturday 9 am - 5 pm 14

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

March 1 - 8, 2013

On the Contrary...

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

Nicholas DeLaat

Glenn Woods

The Issue: Is a free speech zone legal?

The Sides: Nick is debating that it should be legal, and Glenn is debating that is should be illegal. Nicholas: Glenn, you had a caller on your show last Monday that said that the President recently signed an executive order creating an amendment against the ﬁrst amendment. I then called in and told you that I would research the story, since I hadn’t heard of it. As it turns out, that story is false, but an executive order has been signed by President Obama creating a “speech free zone.” Would you like to explain this new executive order? Glenn: While you can joke and say it is an amendment to the ﬁrst amendment, it is not. Not really. What the president signed gives power to the Secret Service to “protect” the president from “unruly people” by setting up “Speech Free Zones.” Not Free Speech Zones but Speech Free Zones. This means that you cannot, in the areas set up by the Secret Service, protest the President in those areas. That might mean no signs, no calling out. It depends on how the Service chooses to set it up. Nicholas: Well lets break this down to why this would be signed. As you know, our country is more polarized currently than it has been since the Civil War according to the U.S Center for Social Studies. We have both heard the comments of “I hope he gets shot” or “If I could, I’d

kill him.” Now, I am playing the devil’s advocate on this debate column, but I want to put this out there. I will never condone the killing of any of our elected government officials. It is not just a step backwards in the constant evolution of the oldest and most successful republic in the world, but an attack on our republic itself. When I hear this, I believe this person is too ignorant to talk to and all political discussion stops immediately. You don’t like the policies if a person elected to an office, vote them out. Any ignorant statements of violence toward these people means that any of the future opinions this person says is completely invalid. That said, there are a lot of crazies out there. Regan, Ford, Lincoln, Kennedy, and many more have been shot by crazies. Because of the current national polarity, is it possible that the President is just better protecting himself or his family? That is completely understandable, as if I were president my wife and children would still come before the position. Selfish, I know…but I love my wife and children more than anything else in the world, so they are number one priority. Glenn: Good points Nick but free speech is not crazy. By that I mean, people can say crazy things, but words can’t kill a man. Believe it or not I’m actually going to agree with something that out Secretary of State John Kerry said this past week while in Germany: “People have the right to be STUPID!” That is why the founding fathers put that little part in the constitution that reads “SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED!” That means, for good reason, there is no compromise here. Let crazy stupid people yell crazy stupid things. It is their right as a free people. I’d rather be a stupid crazy free man than a smart slave. Nicholas: I agree, you also have the ability to write letters to the editor, get on news, blogs, internet, and more. You can even write the president (yea, I know what you’re going to say, but just for the sake of argument let’s just pretend in our fantasy world that he would actually read it). There is another part of the first amendment, the petition, that you can also use. Now let’s say the president is walking with his two daughters, and people are yelling obscenities. I would want that stopped too, those little girls don’t deserve those kind of attacks. Words hurt! You know the way some people act around here, even at local meetings. There is a professional way to present your arguments to authorities, and there is the dis-respectful/ imbecilic way. As you know with the freedom of speech, you can’t yell “fire” in a crowded theater. Glenn: People have the right to be jerks and disrespectful. They also have the right to lose their reputation in the community after such a disgusting display. Give jerks all the rope they want and they will hang themselves. Now, if someone yells threats at those kids, or the President or First Lady or any other elected official, I will support a full investigation, fines, and jail time. Nicholas: Let’s bring up another part of this executive order. Part of free speech and the First Amendment the

PublicReport Pulse Sports Former Gillette Wrestler Tyler Cox wins wrestling weekly honors again University of Wyoming 125-pound sophomore Tyler Cox, was named the Co-Western Wrestling Conference Wrestler of the Week after he beat a highly ranked opponent by major decision last week. The ﬁnal weekly conference award was announced Tuesday February 26th by the league. Cox, currently ranked 18th in the nation by Amateur Wrestling News, picked up a big win for the Pokes on Feb. 21 in the dual between UW and Air Force. The sophomore used three takedowns, a reversal, four near-fall points and 2:48 of riding time en route to his 13-4 major decision at 125 pounds over 11th-ranked Josh Martinez. The win gave UW a 4-0 lead,

By Kevin Koile - wyopreps.com which proved to be critical in the narrow 17-16 victory over the Academy. Cox also avenged an earlier season loss to Martinez with the victory. Cox improved to 8-2 this season versus WWC opponents and now has won 29 matches this season, which includes 16 by bonus points. The conference honor is Cox’s second of his season and second of his career. It marks the ﬁfth time this season a UW wrestler earned the accolade. In addition to Cox, Air Force Academy 157-pound junior Josh Kreimier was named the co-wrestler of the week. The Western Wrestling Conference, which is in its seventh year of competition, is comprised of six

schools including the Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, South Dakota State, Utah Valley and Wyoming. Information Courtesy: University of Wyoming Athletic Department

Final 3A/4A Rankings By John Gabrielsen - wyopreps.com Final 3A and 4A basketball rankings are out. The teams will settle it themselves over the next two weeks. All year long the top teams in the 4A girls and 3A boys have been beating each other. the 4A girls has a new #1 heading into regionals. Sheridan outpointed #2 Natrona for the top spot this week. The Lady Broncs took 6 #1 votes, The ﬁllies received 5. East got

a couple and ranks third with Gillette Fourth. Four of the top ﬁve ranked teams will compete at the East Regional in Gillette. Other number ones stay the same in the Douglas Girls, Gillette boys and Star Valley boys. In 4A, Riverton and Laramie boys are separated by a mere six points. In the 3A boys, Lyman is back at #2 after their one point

win over Rawlins, Powell returns to the poll in the number five spot. There is a tie in the 3A girls. Torrington is now on the charts tied with Lyman for the fifth position. See the complete voting breakdown of the final poll of the year here as teams head to regionals in GIllette and Green River for 4A and Powell and Worland in 3A.

Basketball Standings for Feb. 24

right to protest. Speaking against the government or a group is protesting with words. Now the Westboro Baptist Church made a name for themselves nationwide for protesting military funerals. There was an executive order by President Bush establishing a distance between the protesters and the funeral. What’s the difference? I fully support that executive order. Glenn: AH well played Nick. I cannot call the people at Westboro what I want to call them in your newspaper. But I think people get what I mean. Still, as sick as I am with that Westboro does, they have the right to do it. But then they have to live with the consequences of their actions. Free speech does come with a price, the price of your reputation and the price of being ostracized by the community. Nicholas: Well, president Obama is not the first president to do this. President John Adams, my favorite founding father, made the giant mistake of the alien and sedition acts. Look up similar acts by Lincoln, Bush, Roosevelt, Henry, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and more. It’s not the first time. Glenn: Did you know that John Adams and I share a birthday? I’m glad I don’t share his hairline. John Adams spent the rest of his life saying that he regretted limiting the first Amendment the way that he did. Other Presidents have done it. It has been repealed every time, as it should be this time, and the sooner the better. Nicholas: I hate playing the devil’s advocate, and I am going to have to concede this debate. Your right. Back in the early days of our government, people could just walk into the White House and ask for a meeting with the president (literally up until Truman’s Administration). Granted the world and our nation has greatly changed since those days, but I do believe that if people want to say what’s on their mind to our president, they have every right to do so. If they act stupidly, then they will be ignored, kind of like those people who walk down the street with pants hanging down to their knees. I am happy they do this, because they are informing me that they are stupid without me having to waste my time talking to them to find out. President Obama was wrong with this executive order plain and simple.

What Our Readers Thought? Is a free speech zone legal?

No - 91.4% Yes - 8.6% Results are from 728 votes counted. To vote on the next “On the Contrary” subject, go to our website at www. CampbellCountyObserver.net and click on the “polls” page.

Gillette Wild fall to Great Falls

The Gillette Wild Junior hockey tier III (28-13-4) team was unable to sweep their weekend series from Great Falls (13-29-1-1) as they fell to the Americans 3-2 on Saturday night at Spirit Hall Ice Arena. Gillette got on the scoreboard first when Taylor Motsinger scored on a power play at the 11:32mark of the first period. Alex King and Ronnie Wilshusen assisted on Motsinger’s league leading 45th goal of the season. Then Great falls went on to score 3 unanswered goals in the 1st and 2nd periods to take a 3-1 lead. Gillette’s Steve Patafio found the back of the net on an assist by Taylor Motsinger on another power play with under 3 minutes remaining in the 2nd period, however that was the last goal of the game as both goalies stopped every

shot that came their way. The American’s Erik Powell stopped 29 of his 37 shots in the 3rd period as the Wild just couldn’t get another puck past him. For Gillette Sean Kelley was saddled with the loss as he only faced 22 shots while making 19 saves. The Wild will have their ﬁnal regular season home game on Thursday against Billings before heading back out on the road to close out the regular season at 1st place Helena on Friday and last place Bozeman on Saturday. Thursday’s game will also be Family Appreciation Night where an entire family can get in for $20 and the 1st 350 fans to get into the arena will receive a free team poster. For more on the Gillette Wild go to www.gillettewildhockey.com

Weekly Sports Trivia Question Who holds the record for scoring the most goals of any NHL game? Look in next week’s paper for the answer ** Sponsor our Sports Quiz for $40 per week. That’s 2 ads per week! **

By Kevin Koile - wyopreps.com

Boys

(Conference Record listed ﬁrst, then overall record) 4A East: Gillette 10-0, 20-2 Laramie 8-2, 18-4 Central 4-6, 9-11 Sheridan 4-6, 9-13 South 2-8, 9-14 East 2-8, 5-17 Central wins coin ﬂip tiebreaker vs. Sheridan for #3 seed. South gets #5 seed over East due to head-to-head sweep.

2A Northeast: Big Horn 7-1, 21-5 Moorcroft 5-3, 18-8 Tongue River 4-4, 12-13 Wright 4-4, 10-16 Sundance 0-8, 2-19

Girls

(Conference Record listed ﬁrst, then overall record) 4A East: Sheridan 9-1, 20-2 East 8-2, 20-3 Gillette 7-3, 16-5 Laramie 4-6, 14-8 Central 2-8, 11-12 South 0-10, 4-19

2A Northeast: Tongue River 8-0, 25-0 Big Horn 6-2, 16-10 Wright 3-5, 13-14 Sundance 3-5, 12-14 Moorcroft 0-8, 4-20

“Thus so wretched is man that he would weary even without any cause for weariness... and so frivolous is he that, though full of a thousand reasons for weariness, the least thing, such as playing billiards or hitting a ball, is sufﬁcient enough to amuse him.” - Blaise Pascal Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/ week for only $50/week!

PublicReport Pulse Sports

March 1 - 8, 2013

Campbell County Observer

What’s Going On In Sports? Monday, March 4 • BullDogs 9-12 traveling team tryouts. 5-6:30 PM 9 yr olds, 6:30-8PM 10 yr olds

Friday, March 15 • Riders Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 5:30 AM (PB) - Varsity/JV 4:30 PM (Field)

Tuesday, March 5 • BullDogs 9-12 traveling team tryouts. 5-6:30 PM 11 yr olds, 6:30-8PM 12 yr olds

Monday, March 18 • Rider Baseball Practice - Vasity/JV 5:30 AM (PB)

Thursday, March 7 • Camel Basketball, girls and boys, State Tournament – Casper Friday, March 8 • Camel Basketball, girls and boys, State Tournament – Casper Saturday, March 9 • Camel Basketball, girls and boys, State Tournament – Casper Monday, March 11 • Riders Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 5:30 AM (PB) Submitted by Laura Laporte

Acacia Barrett, Nicole Gay, and Carmen Gay Congratulate Brandon Gay after last week’s RingWars ﬁght in Gillette at the Camplex.

Gillette Edge Soccer Club offering two programs for spring season

Is your child ready to step up their game in soccer? If so, Gillette Soccer Club is here for you!! Gillette Edge has 2 programs for the Spring 2013 Season accepting boys and girls ages 6 to high school. The GSC Competitive program accepts players who have reached the age of 8 by August 1st and is open to all players who wish to excel their game. Teams are formed based on age and playing ability as shown at player evaluations. Players are grouped to foster individual and team growth. The Ultimate goal of the GSC is keep players competing and excelling in the sport and having the oppor-

tunity to continue their play throughout junior high, high school, college and beyond! The GSC Rec+ program is open to all boys and girls from 6 to 8 years old. This is our bridge program to start players who truly enjoy and wish to excel in their game at an early age. This is a fun introduction to competitive soccer. Gillette Soccer Club was started in the 1980’s and is the largest soccer club in Northeast Wyoming. We pride ourselves on providing a quality soccer environment involving both the recreation+ and competitive player. Our coaches are quality trained vol-

unteers, most of whom have ﬁrst – hand experience as a previous player. The Spring season runs April 1- July 31. The GSC will also be hosting our annual training camps, the Mini Kickers program in April and May for the preschoolers, the Challenger British Camp in June and Tetra Brazil in August. Camp registration information is available on our website. Player Registration ends February 28, 2013….player scholarships are available, check out our website for more information. www.gilletteedge. com Or call Dan King at 307-6863025

2013 Gillette Bulldogs tryouts for 9U-12U Divisions The Gillette Roughrider American Legion baseball program will be holding tryouts for the Bulldog traveling baseball team. This team will consist of Little League baseball players between the ages of 9 and 12 years of age and the Bulldogs will play in 3 to 5 tournaments this summer. Tryouts will be Monday, March 4th and Tuesday, March 5th at the Volunteer Fieldhouse at

Roughrider Stadium. WHO: All Little League players ages 9-12 for the upcoming season. WHY: Bulldogs Baseball is a competitive travel program set up in addition to Little League Baseball. Players will play in 3-5 tournaments, depending on age class. WHEN: Monday March 4 5:00-6:30 9 year olds 6:308:00 10 year olds Tuesday March 5 5:00-

6:30- 11 year olds 6:308:00- 12 year olds WHERE: Volunteer Fieldhouse at Roughrider Stadium. WHAT TO BRING: Tennis shoes, bat, glove, $25.00 nonrefundable tryout fee. Parents show up 15 minutes early to ﬁll out paperwork. TO SIGN UP: Contact Doug Evans at 689-4410 or digger1@bresnan.net

Submitted by Jannie Miller Jeffries-Schoolboy 98 lb, and Dalton Macy-Schoolboy 105 lb. Brady Carlson, in the Intermediate 70 lb division, placed 2nd. Other placers include: Tanner Macy - 5th place Intermediate 65lb Seamus Casy - Intermediate 65 lb - did not place

Wednesday, March 13 • Riders Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 5:30 AM (PB) - Varsity/JV 4:30 PM (Field) Thursday, March 14 • Riders Baseball Practice-Varsity/JV 4:30PM (Field) - PREP-1st Practice 6:30PM )Field)

Wednesday, March 20 • “Rider Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 5:30 am (PB); Varsity/JV 4:30 pm (Field); PREP 6:30 pm (Field) Thursday, March 21 • “Rider Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 4:30 pm (Field); PREP (6:30 pm Field) Friday, March 22 • “Rider Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 5:30 am (PB) • Campbell County Rec Center Kids Night Out. 6PM to 9PM 1st through 5th grade Monday, March 25 • “Rider Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 4:30 pm (Field); PREP-6:30 pm (Field) Tuesday, March 26 • “Rider Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 4:30 pm (Field) Wednesday, March 27 • “Rider Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 4:30 pm (Field); PREP-6:30 pm (Field)

Weekly Sports Trivia Question Which NFL Franchise has appeared in the most Super Bowls? Look in next week’s paper for the answer ** Sponsor our Sports Quiz for $40 per week. That’s 2 ads per week! **

10 Reasons to Advertise

Peak wrestlers compete in Casper tournament On February 24, several Peak wrestlers competed in the Casper Wrestling Club Memorial Wrestling Tournament with ﬁve of the 11 wrestlers earning 1st place medals: Baran Lechner-Novice 70 lb, Josh Macy-Novice 85 lb, Warren Carr-Novice 90 lb, Trevor

Tuesday, March 12 • Riders Baseball Practice - Varsity/JV 4:30 PM (Field)

Tuesday, March 19 • Rider Baseball Practice - Vasity/JV 4:30 PM (Field)

Jared Gaskins - 4th place Schoolboy 70 lb Hunter Rawlins - 4th place Schoolboy 120 lb Parker Smith - 3rd place Cadet 120lb Up next, the boys will be competing in the Sheridan Young Guns Shootout March 1-3.

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.

Classiﬁeds

Campbell County Observer

Help Wanted Cook needed at Lu La Bells. Motivated and Energetic. Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells. “It’s just the right time.... for Avon”. By becoming an AVON representative, you help make your clients look and feel beautiful by selling them great products, while giving you the extra income to have a financially stable lifestyle. For information about this great direct selling opportunity call Sandi at 307-670-2724,an Independent Sales Representative for the World’s No#1 Beauty Company. Call today or email Sandi at wyavonlady@ yahoo.com Looking for CDL to work in North Dakota full time. Call 307-670-3629. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED: We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve,scheduling and calender maintenance,Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to akeelahanderson001@gmail.com IF INTERESTED Powder River Roofing, a growing company in N.E. Wyoming, is hiring full time roofers. Call 307-696-7465 for an interview. Personal Assistant needed to organize and help. Basic computer skills needed, must be good with organization. I am ready to pay $600.00 per week. Interested person should contact: deans995@ gmail.com Bl-32-2V Full Time Flooring Installers wanted. Must have experience. Bring resumes in to Carpet Express Direct on Hwy. 59 next to the Prime Rib Restaurant. Exciting new career. Unlimited income potential. Think you can sell? Call 307-2994662. We offer commission, fuel allowance, and much more. Sell in the Bighorn, Casper, Powder River, and Black Hills Area. Are you a friendly outgoing individual? Do you connect with people casually? Are you looking for supplemental income? Do you need to be in charge of your own hours? We are looking for an independent contractor for commissioned based ad sales. For more information call Sandra at 307-689-0028 or email at campbellcountytidbits@yahoo.com State Wide Sales people. Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper. Call 307-299-4662

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

Campers & Motor Homes 1997 32ft. Class A Motor Home. Sleeps 6, Only 31,000 Miles. Asking $17,000. Call (307) 660-7520. Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees. All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 6601007. 5th wheel camper for sale. Call Skip (307) 680-0073

Camping/Fishing Minnows, crawlers, leeches, ﬁshing tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from Keyhole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire Guesthouse & RV Park 307756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com

For Rent 2 Bedroom Duplex, with one car garage, washer/dryer, no pets. $700rent/$700deposit. 307-689-0202 Room for Rent. Nice Room for Rent for one responsible person. $480.00 per month. 689-9358.

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

Business Opportunities

Toy Parts & Accessories

Looking for investor in local business. Call for Details. 307-257-2306.

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

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

Services

Rare ﬁnd. 1969 Pontiac Motor. 390 HP and 470 ft. torque stock from factory. Aluminum edelbrock intake goes with motor. Best offer takes it home. 307-6220825 (a1-39-tfnh) 1999 Vortec 350 Intake and heads. Make offer. 307-6220825 (a1-39-tfnh) Four 16 inch rims, ﬁve hole, with caps.$90 307 - 670 1887 Harley Accessories for sale. Call 307-670-8980. Ask for Tammy.

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

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.)

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

BOAT FOR SALE. 18ft 120 port jet outboard bass tracker for sale. Call 307-680-5947

Powder River Rooﬁng is N.E. Wyoming’s top quality roofing, with the highest safety standards in the area. Call for your FREE estimate today for metal/wood/shingle removal, install, and repair. (307)-696-7465. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Want To Get in Shape?Like to have Fun? Learn The Graceful moves of American Oriental Belly Dancing! The 3rd Sunday of every month. Call Leanna Tabatt 307-6808457 Looking to buy a new computer? Why waste the money? “Your Computer Store” has refurbished towers and laptops rebuilt right here in our store. Plenty of memory, disc space, and advice. Come by and see our inventory at “Your Computer Store,” where YOU come ﬁrst! 802 E. Third St next to Ice Cream Land Powder River Mechanics. We have the cheapest labor rates, but the best quality repairs in town. We offer full services on Foreign and domestic vehicles, ATV’s, Snowmobiles, motorcycles, jet ski’s, boats, and more. Let us put you on a Preventative maintenance schedule so your vehicles run miles past your warranty. Call for an appointment. 307-6967713. Avenue Mall - Over 30 vendors, come check us out! 217 Gillette Ave. Mon-Fri. 9AM to 7 PM, Sat. 9AM- 5 PM, Sun. 10 AM - 4 PM Computers have become like cars, and they need repaired. Want the best quality repair work in N.E. Wyoming? Bring your computer to “Your Computer Store.” Quality work at a quality price. “Your Computer Store,” where YOU COME FIRST 802 E. Third street next to Ice Cream Land. Auto insurance preferred and SR-22’s. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 Motorcycle and ATV insurance. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520

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

Pets Basset Hound pups for sale; 9 weeks old; need shots. Rust and White and Tricolor $250.00; One Lemon and White female $300.00. Transportation cost additional if I deliver @ 25 cents per mile. Serious Inquiries Only! Please call 307-382-9282. 2 AKC Registered Bulldog Puppies for free, THEY ARE MALE AND FEMALE. IF INTERESTED CONTACT ( james.bernard10@live.com) 2 AKC Registered Tea Cup Yorkies Puppies for free. They are male and female. If interested contact james.bernard10@live.com D7-45-3H

International Tractor 300 Utility For Sale. $2000 Artic Cat 4X4 2001For Sale. $2000 Call Bill 307 - 660 – 8563 94 Mazda MX3 for sale. $1500 obo. 307-670-2037 1988 Honda Gl1500 for free if interested contact me at ( james.bernard10@live.com ) 2010 Polaris 550 eps with less than 100 miles, books for $8,000. make and offer. Call Steve Terry at 307-2992992 Chopper - Custom built frame, s&s engine, carb, etc. 80ci. Evolution engine. Wide glide front end. Low. Torn apart down to frame. Have all parts, could be built in two days with under $200.00. Asking $5,500 or best offer. Price:$5,500obo. Contact: 307-670-2037 1981 Harley Davidson FXBSturgis, 1st dual-belt drive to commemorate Hill-Climb @ Sturgis, Jack-Pine Gypsies rally started in ‘41, 50th anniversary model. 12K on straight-up original paint, new Moetzler’s driven-by beefed Shovel, 102hp at wheel. Perfect in every aspect, serious inquiries only, loan is $15K and value of over 25K. Ben 680.7464, 3-other older bikes and this has to go to the right person! Custom Harley Soft tail. Being built, need to sell now. Almost ﬁnished. Chopper, built in Sturgis, SD. Asking $5,500 and will help you build it. HAVE ALL PARTS! Call 257-2306 Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.

Miscellaneous Licensed daycare now open. Spots available full-time and before and after school. Close to Rozet school and the post ofﬁce. Monday through Friday 6:30am to 6pm. Ages 3 and up. Call 307-299-1915 Bring your catch by the Empire Guesthouse for photographs which may be published in this newspaper with our ﬁshing reports. Along with that, the Guesthouse staff will be awarding monthly prizes for those that let us photograph them and their catch. It doesn’t have to be a trophy to enter and there will be special prizes for those 12 and under. Carp shooters are also welcome to enter. Check with the Guesthouse for more details. ACE will reduce your appetite and give you energy. The natural way to lose weight. www.facebook.com/AcePill 660-2974

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.

Home Appliances/ Furnshings Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967

March 1 - 8, 2013

Homes for Sale

Guns for Sale

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

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.

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

For Sale. 3br Townhouse. 1.5 bath. 307-680-1449 (c139-tfnh) Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 6701925. 40+ Acres 2 miles south of Wright 1999 Atlantic Oak Modular. $250,000 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374 Great House - 4 bedroom, 2 bath, computer room, huge island kitchen, ﬁreplace. Must see! call 307-687-0333 C1-23-tfn 3 bedroom 11/2 bath C1-39-tfnh

Townhouse 680-1449

FSBO 2,688 SF home on corner lot with fenced back yard. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, upgraded kitchen, ﬁnished walkout basement, oversized garage. $259,000. 307-680-9180.

Merchandise 1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 687-1087 18v Dewalt tools - sawzall, hammer drill, one battery and one charger. $150 obo. call (307)299-1382 Exterior door with window, interior light ﬁxtures, and computer supplies. E-mail Corsair115@yahoo.com Refrigerator (white) Great condition $100 307-2995918 Blue Dual Reclining Sofa. Good shape $100 Call 6802982. Can text photo if you like. Spyder Semi-auto paint ball gun. cal..68 Special Edition. Only used twice! New $300 For you $175 plus two canisters. Call 680-1302 If you are interested in purchasing Nutrient Rich Ranch Raised Beef grown locally, call 307-340-1108. Great Jerky http://www.rberlinger.jerkydirect.com/ 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

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. Immaculate 1-2 bedroom apartments, fresh paint, and new ﬂooring. (no pets). Call for move-in special starting at $595 307-686-6488

Get a piece of history. Mosin Nagant Russian M91/30 Surplus Rifle. Very good to Excellent condition 7.62X54 Caliber. These are a very accurate rifle shooting 4” groups at 1000 yards. Open sights are adjustable to yardage with a push of a button. Great gun for hunting deer or elk very cheap ammo available for target practice ($85 per 440 rnds) Comes with military issue sling, sling pouches, bayonet, and cleaning tools. Retailing as high as $175.00 on sale with this ad $145.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. Chinese Type 53 Carbines 7.62X54R. These guns have been fully restored and are excellent shooters. They are a shorter model of the Mossin Naugant making them easy to carry through the brush and trees. Large caliber with plenty of take down power for the largest and most dangerous game. Ammo is still available and still very reasonably priced. This gun comes with a fold down bayonet permanently attached. Adjustable sights on an elevation ramp rear sight makes this package very versatile. permanently attached floor plate magazine holds 5 rounds with one additional one in the chamber. These guns are selling fast at the remarkable price of $175.00 with mention of this ad. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today. 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. 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.

Gunsmithing Special of the week. Electrolysis Barrel Cleaning. Increase the accuracy of your ﬁrearm, get ready for hunting season or a summer of shooting fun. Most cleanings complete overnight and your gun is ready the next day. This week only $25.00. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad. Before you buy, make a call to get a quote. We can order any gun you are looking at and just may be able to save you a ton of money. Call for a free quote. $15.00 FFL Transfer Fee on all internet purchases. If you ﬁnd that smoking great deal on the internet we transfer guns for only $15.00 per gun. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad.

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. 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 1996 Nissan Pathﬁnder 4x4. New BF Goodrich Tires, Runs good. $1,200.00. 307299-4662. (a141-tfnh) 2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532. 2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 1/2 Ton Pickup. New tires, ext. cab, long bed. 148,000 mi. One owner. 307-6700858 or 303-250-4096 97’ Chevy Long Box Extended Cab. ¾ Ton, selling for Parts. $1,000 OBO. 307680-7431 1982 Chevy Ventura Van. 350 Engine, 400 Turbo newly rebuilt transmission. Interior in GREAT shape, has a working electric wet bar and built in cooler in back. Carb. needs re-jetted, other than that there are no problems. Must see. Asking $3,500 or best offer. Price:$3,500obo. Contact: 307-670-8980 1952 Chevy Dumptruck, hauls 5 tons of coal $1500 307-682-1172

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

Apartment for Rent in WindRidge Appts. Water/Trash/ Washer/Dryer. Air and Heat. 3bs/2bth. Must qualify for low income housing. $740.00/ mo. Call 307-685-8066 Foothills View Apartments Hot Move In Special! Cool, Clean, Quiet Apartments. A/C, 2 Bdrm. $695 1Bdrm. $595. Showing anytime Call 307-686-6488 C3-28-2v Apartments for rent. Foothills View Apartments. Clean and Quiet. One and Two bedroom units starting at $595.00. Call for showing andmove in special 307-6866488 (c3-42-3v) Spacious & new, 1, 2, &3 bdrm affordable apartments available now! Call 6858066. Washer and dryer in every unit. Private sunny patio or balcony. Special move-in rate, 1 bdrm: $694, 2 bdrm: $777, 3 bdrm: $888. Move in now and deduct $ 200 off ﬁrst month while special lasts. Call Konnie or Celeste at Highland Properties 685-8066.

Three antique pressedbacked oak chairs. Excellent condition. $85 each. 6820042

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

Made Fresh Daily

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

Our Roots

March 1 - 8, 2013

Campbell County Observer

James K. Polk By Mike Borda

When we think of controversial Presidents, a few come to mind right away. Hoover, Nixon, and Obama all seem to generate strong feelings amongst the general population on both sides of the argument. However, in the long history of American politics, another President was considered in his day quite the troublemaker. That man was our 11th President, James K. Polk. Born on November 2, 1795 in Pineville, North Carolina, Polk was the oldest of his family’s ten children. He led a challenging yet middle-class life in his early years, going on to college at the University of North Carolina and graduating with a law degree that would serve him well in his future career. After college, he was elected to the Tennessee legislature, and in 1823 became a supporter of Andrew Jackson. Jackson would later become President of

the United States, cementing strong ties between the men. In 1825, the people of Tennessee elected Polk as one of their United States Representatives, in part because of his tremendous speaking ability. Polk rose quickly through the ranks of Congress, and in 1835 was named Speaker of the House (this occurred while Jackson was in ofﬁce). Four years later, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, although he was defeated in 1841 and 1843 during re-election campaigns. These defeats, while surprising for a man of his popularity, ultimately set the stage for an interesting rise to the top. During the election of 1844, Polk was at ﬁrst not in the running for the nation’s top spot. Instead, former President Martin Van Buren was the top pick to run for another (although non-consecutive) term. However, there were

some issues on which Van Buren could simply not sway his party. One of these issues was what to do with the Republic of Texas, which at this point had broken away from Mexico, and requested to join the United States. Van Buren favored leaving Texas on its own, a move unpopular with his fellow Democrats. Given these developments, other candidates began to emerge as possibilities, including Polk. After some campaigning by Jackson on Polk’s behalf, he was selected as the nominee. He won the election by a slim margin, and took ofﬁce on March 4, 1845. This is where his controversy began to take shape. Seen as a surprise President, not many expected Polk to assert much political force. They were sadly mistaken, however. On slavery, he favored the Missouri Compromise, which

split slave states and Free states by a line through the middle of the country. This angered both slaveholders and abolitionists, who both wanted their option to be nationwide. Polk was also in favor of expanding the country, much like his friend and mentor, Andrew Jackson. Not only did Polk take back Texas, but he also worked with the British to gain control of the Oregon Territory, consisting of what are today Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming. In addition to these acquisitions,

he also infuriated Mexico by trying to buy California in 1845. By this point the Mexican government had already lost Texas, and were feeling bullied by their American neighbors. When Polk sent troops into a disputed area along the border, he incited the Mexican-American War, which would eventually see American gain control of most of the American southwest, including California. This was not a popular move at the time, and he lost the support of many politicians, including an upand-coming young man

named Abraham Lincoln. James K. Polk was a very galvanizing figure in American politics, and it showed in his life after Presidency. The office took a great toll on his health, and within four months of leaving office, he was dead. However, his legacy was left in the form of an American stretching from coast to coast. He did all he could to expand our influence, and in doing so cemented his status as one of America’s most influential, and controversial, Presidents.

“Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body the producers and consumers themselves.” - President Herbert Hoover Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/week for only $50/week!

Lost in Gillette By Jeff Morrison Unlike most Wyoming communities, Gillette has an everchanging landscape. Travelers who come through every three years or so typically express surprise at how much the town has changed since their last visit. The oil, coal, and methane booms are often given credit for this environment of continual evolution. However, a glance at early town maps reveals that “periodic reinvention” has been a Gillette tradition since its founding. When the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad surveyed the area around Stone Pile Creek for a township, sometime prior to the actual arrival of the rails in 1891, the survey engineers tasked with planning the town had no way of knowing whether their proposed community would thrive or fail with the passing of time. But, adhering to normal practice, a detailed map was drawn, lots were platted, and a grid-work of streets and avenues was created that allowed plenty of room for future growth. Edward Gillette was a railroad survey engineer in charge of one of the crews that laid out the route ahead of the construction crews. He found an alternate route from Donkey Creek to Wild Horse Creek that saved the CB&Q thousands of dollars in construction and maintenance costs. As a reward, the CB&Q decided they would name a town after him. Appropriately, they decided this town would be placed on the very detour Gillette had established. The name was adopted in preference over two names that had already been proposed by the local population: “Donkey Town,” after the tent-city that had sprung up along the original route; and “Rocky Pile,” after the only prominent natural landmark near the new township. But when the ofﬁcial decision was made to name the town “Gillette,” no one voiced much disappointment. Indeed, the fact that the town was named in honor of Edward Gillette may have saved the ﬂedgling community from an abrupt demise later on. Townships were plotted and planned about every thirty miles along the average railroad, with supporting stations in-between the townships. The railroad, in itself, required numerous maintenance and construction buildings, as well as sidings for freight and passenger access. The decision of where these services were placed could often make or break a community. Other businesses that relied on access to the railroad tended to locate in towns where the railroad chose to place its depots, roundhouses, and switching yards. The new town of Gillette was located about half-way between New-

castle and Sheridan, which were already important railroad towns. But the lack of a steady supply of water did not lend itself to future development. In the end, the name of the town may have been the deciding factor for the railroad to choose it for the location of a roundhouse and livestock yard. After the street grid was laid out, town planners had to name the streets. The street nearest to the railway was naturally named Railroad Street. Unlike the rest of the rigidly north-south, eastwest streets on the grid, Railroad Street ran parallel to the tracks. Most of the remaining streets were named after railroad ofﬁcials. Whether by premeditated design or on a whim, the northsouth avenues all began with the letter “G,” with Gillette Avenue in the center, and the east-west streets all began with the letter “A.” Going west from Main Street the avenues were Gordon (now Warren), Girard (Ross), and Greasewood (Richards). East from Main Street were Graham (Kendrick), Gresham (Carey), Garland (Emerson), Greybull (Osborn), and Guernsey (Brooks). The streets north of Railroad were Angus (Second), Auburn (Third), Almont (Fourth), Aspen (Fifth), Albany (Sixth), and Adams (Seventh). Although no avenues were laid out east of Guernsey (Brooks), there may have been plans to continue in that direction. Years later, when the Bevins subdivision was created, two additional avenues, Green and Gurley, continued with the “G” theme. Gurley is named after Fred Gurley, who was a railroad ofﬁcial with CB&Q. Whether or not the names were coincidence or preplanned in 1891 may never be known. A map of Gillette published in 1918 by the Sanborn Map Company shows that there may have been some effort to “move” and rename some of the streets. Girard Avenue is labeled as Grand Avenue, while Aspen and Albany streets appear to have shifted one block south of their original locations. It is possible that at least part of Girard may have been called Grand Avenue for a time, however by 1927, when an updated map was published by Sanborn, it was back to being labeled Girard Avenue. The updated map also shows Aspen and Albany back in their original locations; however the locations shown nine years earlier were clearly mistakes. Had the 1918 map been accurate, it would mean that Adams Street didn’t exist until sometime later. But an article in the Gillette News published in 1911, describing the construction of the Holy Trinity Church (a building that still stands on the corner of Seventh

Street and Kendrick Avenue), it clearly describes the property as being “on the south-east corner of Adams Street and Graham Avenue.” The 1927 Sanborn map also shows that a new addition had been added north of the railroad tracks using an “L” theme, with portions of Longmont, Laramie and Lincoln. The rest of what became the Northside and Meadowlark subdivisions wouldn’t make an appearance until the early 1960s. In 1929, the recently formed Business and Professional Wom-

en’s Club decided that having all those streets use the same starting letter was confusing and a change was needed. The club proposed renaming the avenues after former Wyoming governors and numbering the streets. The name changes were approved by the city council and new street signs were ordered in the summer of 1930. The only street slated to retain its original name was Gillette Avenue, however the residents of Rockpile Avenue (a later addition to the downtown area) requested that the name not be changed. Nor were chang-

es made to the streets north of the railroad tracks. Today it’s hard to imagine the streets and avenues in the downtown area having been named anything other than what they are today. But one has to wonder if the original names really were that confusing, or were the ladies of the Business and Professional Women’s Club just wanting to make their own mark on Gillette’s history? I guess we can all be thankful they didn’t crusade to change the town name back to Donkey Town.

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