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The Campbell County Observer

www.campbellcountyobserver.net

June 17 - 24, 2011

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

May 3 - 10, 2013

Liu named Wyoming Excellence Chair in Climate Science at UW

An internationally recognized scientist in climate modeling, aerosol-cloud reactions and aerosol modeling is the newest endowed chair at the University of Wyoming.

Xiaohong Liu has been named Wyoming Excellence Chair in Climate Science and professor in UW’s Department of Atmospheric Science. Liu will begin his appointment at UW Aug. 1. He currently is senior research scientist at the Atmospheric Science and Global Change Division of the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest

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National Laboratory, located in Richland, Wash.

The 2006 Wyoming Legislature established the Excellence in Higher Education Endowment, which included a $70 million endowment for the creation of senior faculty positions for highly distinguished scholars and educators at UW. The legislation states that the endowed positions must expand university instruction and research in disciplines related to economic and social challenges facing Wyoming.

The UW Wyoming Excellence chairs are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their fields.

“He was chosen for his exceptional research on modeling of atmospheric aerosols, and their direct and indirect effects on global and regional climate,” Al Rodi, head of the UW Department of Atmospheric Science, says of Liu. “His work on cloud microphysics and cloudaerosol interactions has been implemented in several major climate models for the assessment and projection of climate change.”

Because Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region receive a significant amount of their water resources from snowpack, the region is vulnerable to climate change, Liu says.

He adds he is interested in the impact of human activities on snow packs, rainfall and snowfall; and climate extremes due to greenhouse gases and forest

fires.

“The Yellowstone highperformance computer at the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center provides the access to the tremendous resources for simulating the complex cloud and precipitation processes, and for exploring the climate change at both the regional and global scales,” Liu says.

“As a modeler, the University of Wyoming, with its strengths in atmospheric measurements, offers me the opportunity of close collaboration with observers to effectively improve the climate models.”

Liu edits the journal “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics” and has served as a guest professor at Nanjing University in China and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing, China, where he advises doctoral students.

He has received numerous awards and honors, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Exceptional Contribution Program Award and Outstanding Performance Award; the World Meteorological Society’s Young Scientist Award and its Mariolopoulos-Kanaginis Award (honorable mention) for papers in atmospheric environmental research; the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow at Fraunhofer Institute for Atmospheric Environmental Research, GarmischPartenkirchen, Germany; and was elected into the

Photo by M. Wang

Xiaohong Liu has been named Wyoming Excellence Chair in Climate Science and professor in the UW Department of Atmospheric Science.

“100 Talent Program” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Liu has secured more than $33 million in grant funding for research, according to his vita.

Liu is a member of the American Geophysical Union, the American Meteorological Society and Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.

He received his doctorate and master’s degree in atmospheric science, and his bachelor’s degree in atmospheric physics, all from Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.

“The addition of Dr. Liu to the UW faculty, as one of

the Wyoming Excellence chair holders, represents an even stronger commitment by the Department of Atmospheric Science to the university’s partnership with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR),” says Myron Allen, UW provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It also represents a bright future for the College of Engineering and Applied Science in computational science and engineering -- one of the areas of teaching and research emphasized in UW’s strategic plan.”

National Travel and Tourism week highlights benefits of travel in Wyoming

National Travel & Tourism Week events across Wyoming continue to gain momentum with communities proclaiming the importance of tourism on their local economies. The first week of May is annually recognized throughout the US to champion the power of travel. The Wyoming Office of Tourism will kick it off with an open house at the Northeast Wyoming Welcome Center on Thursday, May 2. Communities throughout Wyoming will take time to recognize “Rare and Exceptional Achievements in Customer service and Hospitality, also known as the “Reach Awards” in Riverton on May 7. The culminating event will take place on

May 10 in Yellowstone National Park with Governor Matt Mead signing the National Travel & Tourism Proclamation while paying tribute to the collaborative efforts in ensuring Yellowstone National Park opened as scheduled. A listing of statewide events is attached.

Diane Shober, Director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism says this year is by far the biggest statewide celebration with a lot to be thankful for, “Tourism is an export economy that impacts every person in Wyoming, contributing $3.1 billion in travel expenditures, $128 million annually in state and local tax revenues and employing over 30,000 people

and we are continuing to see growth across the board.” Shober went on to explain the distinction from a national level, “The importance of tourism is more evident than ever.

The establishment of the Travel Promotion Act has made way for global marketing efforts through the Brand USA campaign and has allowed states to be more competitive in the marketplace. Although we continue to see growth we cannot rest on our laurels.

We must continue to engage Wyoming’s tourism industry through promotional efforts, developing new product and enhancing excellence in customer service.”

Kristin Phipps, Sr. In-

Subscribe online at CampbellCountyObserver.net

dustry Services Specialist of the Wyoming Office of Tourism says the event continues to expand “We have seen an increase in participation from smaller communities such as Torrington and Pinedale as well as expanded efforts in Rock Springs in Sheridan.” Phipps went on to say, “This week allows us to pay tribute to all facets of the travel and tourism industry and recognize the outstanding job that Wyoming does in not only welcoming visitors but also influencing their decision to stay longer which contributes to Wyoming’s economy.”

Community

May 3 - 10, 2013

Campbell Co. Fire Dept.

April 24, 2013

- At 01:28 a.m. to West 12th St for an EMS assist.

- At 02:52 a.m. to Quarter Horse Avenue for an EMS assist.

- At 08:15 a.m. to Fairview Road for a one vehicle rollover. The driver of the vehicle was transported to CCMH with injuries and no fluids were found leaking from the involved vehicle.

- At 13:13 p.m. to Carey Avenue for an EMS assist.

- At 13:22 p.m. to West Sinclair Street for an EMS assist.

- At 6:52 p.m. to Edwards Street for an EMS assist.

April 25, 2013

- At 6:28 AM to 501 S. Burma (CCMH) for an automatic fire alarm, prior to arrival all units were cancelled as it was a false alarm.

- At 6:37 AM to 10750 S. Highway 59 (Interstate Power Systems) for an automatic fire alarm. Prior to arrival all units were cancelled as it was a fire alarm.

- At 7:34 AM to 411 ½ West 6th St. for a carbon monoxide detector activation. Crews found moderate levels of carbon monoxide. The propane service was shut down to the appliances in the residence and the owner was asked to contact a professional repair company.

- At 12:40 PM to Sunflower Lane for an EMS assist.

- At 2:27 PM to Timothy Ct. for an EMS assist.

At 5:03 PM to 269 Yellowstone Cir. for an EMS assist.

- At 6:37 PM to Rohan Ave. for an EMS assist.

- At 8:21 PM to Sierra Circle for an EMS assist.

- At 9:13 to Echeta Rd. , 4 miles west of Gillette for a one vehicle rollover with injuries.

April 26, 2013 - At 08:07 a.m. to East Boxelder Road for an EMS assist.

- At 8:55 a.m. to 69 Franklin Avenue for a carbon monoxide (CO) detector activation. No CO was found inside the residence and CCFD determined the detector malfunctioned.

- At 3:31 p.m. to 512 Granite Court for an EMS assist.

- At 5:27 p.m. to 325 East Boxelder Road for a vehicle into a building.

Upon arrival to the scene a Jeep Cherokee was found in the parking lot

next to the garage unit it had crashed into. No one was injured in the crash and total damage to the vehicle and building was estimated at $10,000.

- At 6:34 p.m. to South Douglas HWY for an EMS assist.

April 27, 2013 - At 1:03 AM to West Boxelder Road for a medical assist.

- At 4:26 AM to the area of the Bell Road for a bon fire. CCFD was requested by law enforcement to extinguish the fire after a large party was broken up.

- At 6:53 AM to the 2500 block of Meadow Lane for a medical assist.

- At 7:29 AM to 5301 Raven Street for a residential fire alarm. Responding fire units were cancelled when it was learned that cooking had caused a smoke detector into alarm mode.

- 9:59 AM to Bentley Court for a medical assist.

- At 4:18 PM to an area east of 2503 Ledoux Avenue for a child stuck in a mud pond. The child was stuck in the mud up to his waist. The child’s mother was able to get him out prior to the Fire Department’s arrival.

- At 7:30 PM to 15 American Lane for a residential fire alarm. Responding fire units were cancelled when it was learned that cooking had caused a smoke detector into alarm mode.

- At 9:01 PM to 300 block of West 9th Street for a medical assist.

April 28, 2013 - At 10:14 a.m. to Rocking T Drive for a person trapped under a vehicle.

CCFD was cancelled en route when it was determined the person was just working on their vehicle.

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- At 10:22 a.m. to the intersection of Lakeway Road and Four J Road for a 2 vehicle crash. Upon arrival it was determined no one was injured.

CCFD assisted with traffic control and contained fluids leaking from the involved vehicles.

- At 1:12 p.m. to the area of Dry Fork Mine on Garner Lake Road for a grass fire. Upon arrival a 1 acre was fire was found that had been extingusihed by mine personnel. The fire was started by a passing train and was contained to the area between the tracks.

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April 29, 2013 - At 6:41 AM to the 1100 block of Buckskin Drive for a medical assist.

- At 6:59 AM to 10750 South Highway 59 (Interstate Power System) for a fire alarm that turned out to be a false alarm.

- At 10:55 a.m. to the area of Westover Road, by the dump, for electrical wires arcing in the area. There was no fire and electrical technicians were on site to find the cause. It was unknown as to the cause of the arcing.

- At 11:02 a.m. to 1299 Raymond Street for an automatic fire alarm activation. This was a false alarm due to employees activating a drill in the building.

- At 11:21 a.m. to the address of 912 West 8th Street for a medical assist.

- At 1:07 p.m. to the1200 block of Ship Wheel Lane for a possible Carbon monoxide detector activation inside the residence.

This activation was caused by a faulty battery. There was no Carbon Monoxide inside the residence.

- At 2:36 p.m. to the 500 Block of Running W Drive for a medical assist.

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Campbell County Observer

What was the American battle cry over a diverted war with England in the Oregon Terrority?

“Fifty Four-Forty or Fight!”

During the Oregon Territory Dispute, many newspaper editors in the United States clamored for President Polk to claim the entire region as the Democrats had proposed in the 1844 campaign. Headlines like “The Whole of Oregon or None” appeared in the press by November 1845. In a column in the New York Morning News on December 27, 1845, editor John L. O’Sullivan argued that the United States should claim all of Oregon “by the right of our manifest destiny to overspread and to possess the whole of the continent”. Soon afterwards, the term “Manifest Destiny” became a standard phrase for expansionists, and a permanent part of the American lexicon. O’Sullivan’s version of “Manifest Destiny” was not a call for war, but such calls were soon forthcoming.

In his annual address to Congress on December 2, 1845, Polk recommended giving the British the required one-year notice of the termination of the joint occupation agreement. In Congress, Democratic expansionists from the Midwest, led by Senators Lewis Cass of Michigan, Edward A. Hannegan of Indiana, and William Allen of Ohio, called for war with the United Kingdom rather than accepting anything short of all of Oregon up to Parallel 54°40′ north. (54°40′ was then the southern boundary of the Russian claim to Alaska.) The slogan “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight” appeared by January 1846, driven in part by the Democratic press. The phrase is frequently misidentified as a campaign slogan from the election of 1844, even in many textbooks.

Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations attributes the slogan to William Allen.

The calls to war were fueled by a number of factors, including traditional distrust of the British and a belief that the U.S. had the better claim and would make better use of the land, but most did not want a third war with the British in 70 years. Moderates warned that the U.S. could not win a war against the world’s greatest power, and that negotiation could still achieve U.S. territorial goals. Although the debate in the U.S. was not strictly divided along party or sectional lines, many who clamored for the 54°40′ border were Northerners upset that Polk, a Southern slave owner, had been uncompromising in his pursuit of Texas, a cause deemed favorable to Southern slave owners, but willing to compromise on Oregon. As historian David M. Pletcher noted, “Fifty-Four Forty or Fight” seemed to be directed at the southern aristocracy in the U.S. as much as at the United Kingdom.

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Community

Campbell County Observer

May 3 - 10, 2013

Governor Mead:

LYNNCO TRAINING

Two decade plan for federal land use in five counties must be the best possible Governor Matt Mead has provided comments on the proposed Lander Resource Management Plan (RMP), which is being finalized by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Once finished, the RMP will guide the use of 2.4 million acres of public land and more than 2.8 million acres of federal mineral estate for approximately 20 years. Five Wyoming counties are within the planning area. Governor Mead supplied his comments to the proposed RMP and its accompanying Final Environmental Impact Statement by letter to Donald Simpson the State Director of the BLM. “I appreciate that the BLM worked with Wyoming and the counties on this plan,” Governor Mead said. “This RMP will guide management on a large expanse in Wyoming. Therefore, it needs to be the best document possible. Its impact will be felt for two decades in counties, towns, and cities within the planning area and in the state as a whole.”

In creating and implementing a plan for sage-grouse core areas, Wyoming is the first state to have a conservation plan for the greater sage-grouse.

Wyoming’s goal is to make sure the species never needs to be put on the

Endangered Species List. About 70% of the planning area for the Lander RMP is sage-grouse core area.

The Lander RMP is the first resource management plan in the country to outline the BLM’s plan to manage greater sage-grouse habitat.

It is particularly significant that the BLM has adopted Wyoming’s core area strategy as the basis for its management plan. Although the proposed RMP is generally consistent with this strategy, Governor Mead’s comments suggest ways to improve it so the state’s innovative and award-winning approach is properly incorporated in the final RMP. In his letter to the BLM, Governor Mead wrote: “Wyoming and its partners have expended considerable resources in developing a management plan that conserves greater sage-grouse, protects multiple-use and supports our economy and traditional way of life. These efforts have led other western states and the BLM to consider adapting this concept to broaden conservation efforts for the greater sage-grouse across its range.”

Governor Mead’s comments also focus on issues regarding state pri-

macy. The Governor’s comments urge the BLM in this RMP to recognize Wyoming’s primacy related to air and water quality. “The BLM does not regulate air or water quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency delegated that responsibility to the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The State is prepared to continue its leadership in this area and I feel it was important to point that out to the BLM,” Governor Mead said.

“The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is drafting regulations for baseline water testing and this is something the BLM should acknowledge in the Lander RMP.” The baseline water testing initiative is part of Governor Mead’s energy strategy which will be released soon.

Another part of that strategy is the establishment of corridors for CO2 pipelines. Governor Mead thanks the BLM for adopting a strategy for right-of-way corridors in the proposed RMP. “Establishing functional corridors across federally-managed lands in Wyoming is a high priority for the State,” Governor Mead wrote in his letter to the BLM. The corridors outlined in the proposed RMP align with the State’s strategy.

Lane closure announcement

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For more information contact Acting Public Information Officer Michael Foote at 686-5228 or MichaelF@gillettewy.gov.

Facebook post came from Lanker-Simons’ computer, while the computer was in her possession.

“This episode has sparked an important discussion reaffirming that the UW community has no tolerance for sexual violence or violence of any type. The fact that the Facebook post apparently was a fabrication does not change the necessity for continued vigilance in assuring that we have a campus where everyone feels safe,” UW spokesman Chad Baldwin says. “It’s important that this event does not undermine the progress that has been made in this area.”

Many campus safety resources are available through the UW Dean of Students Office, the UWPD and the UW Counseling Center. Questions about

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those resources may be directed to: Megan Selheim, STOP Violence Program Coordinator, Dean of Students Office, Dept. 3135, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie WY 82071-2000, 118 Knight Hall, 307-7663296.

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UW Student cited in Facebook Post investigation

A University of Wyoming student has been cited for interference with a police investigation in connection with a post on a non-university-affiliated Facebook page that included a reference to sexual violence.

Meghan Lanker-Simons received the citation as a result of false statements she made to the UW Police Department. The UWPD investigation concluded that she was responsible for the post on the now-dismantled “UW Crushes” Facebook site in which she ostensibly was targeted as a potential victim of sexual violence.

The citation followed a police interview of LankerSimons and a search of her computer equipment pursuant to a search warrant. UW police obtained substantial evidence verifying that the offending

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Campbell County Observer

CampbellCountyObserver.net 5105 Tarry St. Gillette, WY 82718 (PP-1) Volume 3 Issue 18 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

Anne Peterson - Advertising Sales Manager AnnePeterson@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Bill Stone - Advertising Sales/Marketing BillStone@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Falica Valdez FalicaValdez@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Kimberly Jones- Sales/Marketing KimberlyJones@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Amanda Wright (Government/Politics Reporter) AmandaWright@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Owen Clarke - Ad Design OwenClarke@CampbellCountyObserver.com

James Grabrick (Where is This?)

JamesGrabrick@CampbellCountyObserver.com

Clint Burton - Photographer ClintBurton@CampbellCountyObserver.com

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Community

May 3 - 10, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Business Council seeks public review, comment on use of funds for state programs

A public review period will open next week to collect comments on how U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds were utilized in the state.

HUD requires the public be provided an opportunity to review and comment on the Performance Evaluation Report (PER), a report on funding used for the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

The performance report will be available for comment May 1 – 15,

2013.

The plan may be accessed via the Wyoming Business Council website at http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/ program/community-developmentblock-grant/1293. Digital and hard copies are available upon request.

People requiring special formatting, assistance, or non-English accommodations should contact Julie Kozlowski at Julie.kozlowski@wyo.gov or at (307) 777-2812 to request alternative formats. Wyoming Relay Service is also available during regular business hours at 711.

Written comments are encouraged and may be submitted to Ko-

zlowski through the Wyoming Business Council Website, or sent to the Wyoming Business Council at 214 W. 15th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

The mission of the Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. The Business Council, a state government agency, concentrates its efforts on providing assistance for existing Wyoming companies and start-ups, helping communities meet their development and diversification needs, and recruiting new firms and industries targeted to complement the state’s assets. For more information, please visit www. wyomingbusiness.org.

Training workshop set for program that shapes rural communities’ futures

The Wyoming Rural Development Council (WRDC) is holding a workshop to train new Community Assessment team members.

The free workshop will be held May 29 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Oil and Gas Commission Building, located at 2211 King Boulevard, Casper, Wyo. Lunch is provided by the WRDC. Anyone with an interest in learning the history of Wyoming’s communities and a desire to maintain and shape the future of rural Wyoming is invited to attend and become a team

member.

“Volunteering on Community Assessment resource teams is a very rewarding experience,” said Mary Randolph, Wyoming Main Street/ Rural Development director. “We encourage people to take part in the training and help shape our rural communities.”

Common topics for Community Assessments include: agriculture, community volunteerism, economic development (new and existing businesses, job growth, etc.), education, infrastructure (streets, water, electri-

cal systems, etc.), health and social services, housing needs, planning, town beautification, town communications, youth activities, and recreation.

To date, the WRDC has conducted 132 Community and County Assessments since the inception of the program in June 2000.

Download a registration form at: http://www.wyomingrural.org.

For more information on the training workshop or the Community Assessment program, please contact Jo Ferguson, 307-777-5812, jo.ferguson@ wyo.gov.

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Keyhole Fishing Report

By Mike Smith Empire Guesthouse & RV This past weekend brought out the fishermen to Keyhole. With temperatures in the 70’s and everybody suffering from cabin fever we saw quite a crowd this weekend.

The Northeast Wyoming Walleye Association held its Spring Walleye Tournament this weekend. They had 19 teams entered this year and caught and released 98 walleye over 15”. One just under 30” and weighing over 11 lbs was also caught. Top 3 winning teams were: 1st: Shane Sparby - Dar-

rin Schots with 24.84 lbs 2nd: Scott Appley - Frosty Williams with 23.68 lbs 3rd: Gene Dittus - Darin Rudland with 19.88 lbs This was one of the better tournaments as far as catches we’ve seen in a while attesting to much improved fishing at Keyhole.

Small-mouth bass fishing has been great with lots of fish two pounds and better being caught. Bank and boat fishermen alike have been doing well on them with jigs and minnows and fishing minnows fished under a slip bobber. The

same can be said for northerns also. Most have been a little short, but some over 30” are being reported.

Crappie still haven’t shown up yet, but it shouldn’t be long and they’’ll move into the shallows to spawn. Water temperatures are in the mid 40’s and a little warm up should get them started.

DrakeAaronand Zane Linder of Rozet Wy caught these small-mouth bass while fishing with their grandpa and grandma Mr and Mrs Linder of Rozet on April 27th, 2013.

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It’s Donating Time Again

The Campbell County Observer is now taking donations for our Readers Choice Scholarship.

The Observer is hoping to raise $1,000.00 this year for a scholarship that will be given to a student from Wright (Panthers) or Gillette (Camels).

Students will be presenting the Observer with an essay, which the readers will vote on their favorite and the most deserving.

The only conditions are that the student must graduate from either Wright High School or Gillette High School and will be attending Gillette College in the fall. The scholarship will be put in their account at Gillette College by the Campbell County Observer.

“We are the local news-

paper, we take our community that we live and work in very personal. So we decided to do everything we can to keep the money local,” said Observer owner Nicholas De Laat. “And, community college attendees do not get the financial help from scholarships at the same level as the kids going to Universities.”

Observer owner Candice De Laat stated that “The money is donated by community, given to a young adult from our community, and spent on further education in our community… for our community. This is what we are all about, from the owners to the workers of our company.”

The Campbell County Observer has donated over $68,000.00 in money, ad-

vertising, and product to help local charities so far in 2012. “And this in only our second year in business!” said Mrs. De Laat. “The more we grow, the more we give.” She does not, however, want to discount the most important part of giving to these local charities. “Our customers and subscribers are the glue that holds everything together. If you want to thank someone for all the giving, thank them. They deserve it most!”

To donate to the Campbell County Observer’s Readers Choice Scholarship go to their website at www.CampbellCountyObserver.net or call (307) 6708980.

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Community

Campbell County Observer

May 3 - 10, 2013

Obituaries

STEVE HUGHES

Mass of Christian Burial for Steve Hughes was held at 10:00 a.m., May 1, 2013 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church with Father Cliff Jacobson officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery.

Stephen Fay Hughes, age 66, of Gillette, Wyoming beloved husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend passed away Friday, April 26, 2013.

Steve was born November 19, 1946 in Pittsburgh, California to Woodrow F. and Ethel M. (Carlson) Hughes. The family moved to Gillette in 1947. He spent his life in Gillette, graduating from Campbell County High School in 1964. He attended Chadron State College and served 6 years proudly in the Army National Guard.

He later earned his Associates Degree from Gillette College. At the age of 14, Steve, started working for “Ostlunds” and later purchased the business, and created Landmark. Landmark is where he remained his entire working life. The business continues to be an anchor of the downtown business area. Steve was united in marriage to Mary Katherine Hays on June 16, 1970. Together they raised their seven children: Julie (Scott) Rankin, Jason Hughes, Kimberly Hughes, Angela (Justin) Dahl, Kayla (Kelsey) Hurd, Paul (Mandy) Hughes, and Michael (Laura) Hughes.

Steve was an active and faithful member within his community. He enjoyed working, coaching, talking, laughing, joking, etc. He was an active member of Saint Matthews Catholic Church and an honorable supporter of John Paul II. He was a member of the

Jaycees, the Moose, Eagles, the American Legion and other service organizations. As a City Councilman and County Commissioner, he prided himself in improving this community for his family, friends and the future generations. He will be missed by many and remembered always by those of us who loved him.

Steve’s impact on his family and this community cannot be measured. He spent most of his mornings enjoying coffee with his buddies, while trying to solve the world’s problems. He put his heart and soul into everything that he did, and will always be remembered for his passion for sportsGo Camels, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Atlanta Braves! His purpose was to serve his family and others and he did. His proudest accomplishment were being a part of the Gillette Community, working hard, laughing hard, loving Mary, raising his seven special children and welcoming his beautiful grandchildren: Alisa, Chloe, Rylie, and Lacie Rankin, Jacob (Jackson), Lucas & Taylor Rossiter, Abigail & Joshua Dahl, Maddox and baby Hurd, Olivia Hughes, and Kinley Hughes.

Steve is survived by his wife Mary; his seven children; twelve grandchildren; sisters: Jody (Tom) McGee, and Cindy Dunn; stepsister, Lamora Parker and stepbrother, Bill Throne.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Hughes.

Memorials and condolences may be sent in Steve’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

AND THEN THERE WAS ONE

Cecil and Janice “Teensy” Fieldgrove. He was raised on the family’s ranch on Little Powder River until the age of ten, when the family moved to a ranch near Garner Lake, north of Gillette.

Rusty graduated from Campbell County High School in 1977. He attended Sheridan College, Casper College and Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He was very active in high school rodeo and was the 1977 Wyoming State Calf-Roping Champion.

In 1980, Rusty married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Morrison. The couple raised their four children at their ranch near Clearmont, Wyoming for 24 years before moving to Sheridan. For the last 11 years, Fieldgrove was employed by Reimler Contract Seeding, Inc. Rusty is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; son, Josh Fieldgrove of Thorton, Colorado; daughter, Jade Fieldgrove of Sheridan; daughter, Jessi Franzen of Riverton; and daughter, Jennae Fieldgrove of Sheridan, and one grandchild, Lowell. He is also survived by his mother, Janice Fieldgrove of Buffalo; and brother, Ryan Fieldgrove of Buffalo. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Fieldgrove.

Propose with the diamond that tells her this love is forever.

307-686-6666

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

It’s Heartworm Prevention Time We recommend that dogs in Campbell County receive heartworm prevention every month May through October.

Heartgard Plus a monthly pill

Stop By to Pick Up a Box OR Call to Have a Box Mailed to You for an Additional $4.00

RUSSELL CHARLES “RUSTY” FIELDGROVE 1959-2013

Animal Medical Center

Russell Charles “Rusty” Fieldgrove, a long-time rancher and cowboy in Campbell, Johnson, and Sheridan Counties, passed away at his Sheridan home on the evening of April 27, 2013. He was 54 years old.

Rusty Fieldgrove was born on March 24, 1959, in Sheridan, Wyoming, and was the oldest son of

200 East Lakeway • 307-682-1507

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Where is this picture taken?

Answer from last week

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5

May 3 - 10, 2013

Comics

Campbell County Observer

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

6

Campbell County Observer

Comics

May 3 - 10, 2013

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

Solutions from last week

We want to get it Write.

Oops we mean Right.

The Observer strives to make news reports fair and accurate.

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

7

Community

May 3 - 10, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Featured Crime Burglary (April 20)

Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a burglary that occurred at the Little League Park located at 900 Edwards St. between 4/20/13 at 1 PM. and 4/20/13 at 2PM. Unknown suspect(s) forced their way into the concessions stand with a hammer and a long metal rod.

Once inside, the suspects took approximately $300 worth of food and miscellaneous items.

If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.

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8

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Tax revenues suffer from sluggish Wyoming economy A Commentary by Amy Edmonds and Sven Larson - Wyoming Liberty Group Recent employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that the private sector of the U.S. economy has increased its number of employees by 3.4 percent since 2011.

This is weak for a recovery, and you would expect that a low-tax state like Wyoming could beat that.

Not so. The very same BLS numbers also show that there has been no net growth in private-sector employment in Wyoming since mid-2011.

These numbers come on the heels of bad GDP data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). Wyoming is the only state that experienced a shrinking gross domestic product (GDP) two years in a row during the 2009 to 2011 bottom of the recession.

This means that businesses that are dependent on the state’s economy are effectively competing on markets without growth - hardly an environment for job creation.

A static economy depresses business expectations and discourages bank loans and investments for the future.

Another reason why businesses are not growing is that state and local governments have been growing at alarming rates. Again using BLS data, Wyoming has suffered from a steady increase in government employment since 2007 and tops the nation in government workers per 1,000 private employees.

Government gets in the way of the private sector by offering artificially inflated salaries and benefits packages to talented workers who might otherwise seek employment with private tax-paying businesses.

A large government sector also interferes with the private sector when it imposes higher taxes. This past October the Tax Foundation reported that Wyoming no longer is a top-three

tax-friendly state. In the past year Wyoming has seen both its fuel tax and its state sales tax increase, which together drain at least $200 million per year from Wyoming taxpayers.

This all adds up to a slowly increasing but nevertheless harmful pressure on the private sector. By our calculations, we estimate the latest tax increases alone could cost our state up to 4,000 private sector jobs by 2016, compared to a scenario with the old sales and fuel tax rates.

In other words, if the private sector would have added 4,000 jobs at the old tax rates, it will add no new jobs at all under the new tax.

The aforementioned BLS data indicate that this standstill scenario is already unfolding.

One of the many consequences of a stagnant state economy is that government will have less money to spend. Again, we can already see the first signs of this: in a Memorandum published April 25, 2013 the Wyoming Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG) reports that by the end of the first quarter of 2013 the state’s sales and use tax revenues are almost a full percent below forecasts.

Coupled with decreased projections from severance taxes and federal mineral royalties (FMRs), in large part due to the federal government’s recent move to take 5.1 percent of those payments from March through July, stable state revenue sources are all showing underperformance.

The Memorandum outlines large “anticipated, but not forecasted, capital gains generated from the PMTF (Permanent Mineral Trust Fund),” which are indicating potentially substantial financial gains by July 2013.

The Memorandum suggests that these gains “may need to be ac-

cessed to insure the overall CREG forecast is met.”

While it is certainly suitable to contemplate the overall pace of the CREG forecasts, policymakers will need to look long and hard at any suggestion that unpredictable capital gains payouts generated from the PMTF are an appropriate funding source for ongoing government expenditures.

Supplanting mineral revenues with capital gains from the PMTF is not a wise public policy decision. And moreover, using those capital gains dollars to grow government is a recipe for real disaster. Historically, Wyoming hasn’t profiled capital gains because they are not certain. We have had years of capital losses, not gains, so supplanting FMRs with capital gains could pose serious financial risks.

The continued concerns over the federal government’s taking of federal mineral royalties conspires with sluggish sales and use tax revenues into a gathering storm on the state’s fiscal horizon. The problems, again, originate in a general stagnation in the state’s private sector, but slow sales tax revenues in energy-rich counties like Sublette and Campbell County tell us that the natural resources sector is not doing very well either.

Therefore, state legislators should think twice about the long term effects of a stalled private sector, including the energy sector.

Our lawmakers have had many opportunities over the past year to address weaknesses in the Wyoming economy. So far they have been reactive at best, passive at worst. It is time for them to step up to the plate.

That entails, among other things, facilitating growth and job creation in the private sector via reduced regulation and taxation.

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: Should Wyoming’s Mythical Creature be the Jackalope?

The Sides: Nick (Newspaper Publisher) is debating against the bill, and Glenn (CCO Columnist and Radio Personality) is debating for the bill.

Nicholas: So there is a bill that is sponsored by: Representative(s) Zwonitzer, Dn., Brown, Campbell, Cannady, Davison, Gingery, Goggles, Harvey, Teeters, Throne and Zwonitzer, Dv. and our own Senator Von Flatern from Campbell County. The bill was written by Representative Dan Zwonitzer. The bill reads: AN ACT relating to the official mythical critter of Wyoming; declaring the jackalope as the official mythical critter; Now, you like to joke about our local myths around here about the jackalope, so I figured you would be for this bill.

Are you?

Glenn: You know Nick, I’ve been here for three years now. I’ve never seen one. Have we hunted so many that they are endangered? I’ve seen plenty of them stuff and mounted as hunting trophies. You’ve seen them I’m sure.

You should hear the hunting stories people tell me. They always have the same funny smirk on their face when they tell the story. I’ve seen plenty of the does around. Personally, I’m against naming the Jackalope as “MYTHICAL.” We will never get it on the endangered list if we call it “Mythical.” I’m afraid we are hunting them out.

Nicholas: That’s funny, do you think we should shut down the drilling rigs when the jackalopes are in mating season? Anyway, my problem with this is the time wasted on this bill. There were over 300 bills introduced during this session. Some very good ones have failed (like HB105 for example) and some very bad ones have passed (the fuel tax for example). Don’t you think the time of our part time legislature could have been better used than this useless piece of legislation that has nothing to do with our economy, rights, land, etc…

Glenn: First off, I’ve not lived in Wyoming less time than you, but even I know that if you spot a Jackalope hole you are likely to find oil. Jackalopes populate around oil rigs.

More oil rigs, more Jackalopes. Any oil rig worker will tell you that they see them all the time. Funny, they always have that same weir smirk on their faces when they tell me this. Anywho – If the legislators are just offering up a bill for fun, why not? Let them have the occasional laugh.

It’s not like it’s going to a committee for commission for discussion. Add to that, the Jackalope is part of Wyoming heritage. So let’s honor it.

Nick: Ok, we already have a state flag, motto, nickname, seal, slogan, mammal, bird, reptile, fish, flower, grass, tree, dinosaur, fossil, gemstone, sport, song, and coin. What’s next, a state rug, paint color, or type of lawn?

How about a state roof, I mean seriously. Talk about a waste of time, and the tax payers and voters should be insulted at this. We elected and pay these people to create just laws, protect our freedom, and protect a free market economy. What does an official state mythical creature have to do with any of these categories? Couldn’t their time be better used, or if there is really nothing to be done that is important, can’t they go home before they do more damage?

Glenn: I’m looking back here and I’m seeing that we actually do NOT disagree, but for two different reasons. I don’t want this to bill because I don’t want the Jackalope declared a myth. Did you know you can get a Jackalope hunting permit from Douglas Wyoming? I say kill the bill.

Then write a new one. Declare it endangered – like the oil wells.

Nicholas: You’re right, oil wells are becoming an endangered species, so I say write a bill trying to ad them, and probably coal in the future, to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife endangered species list. We can also try to ad productive workers, tax payers, real conservatives, producers, and humans with common sense (though my father always told me that there is nothing common about sense). But I still have to say, STOP WASTING THE TIME, RESOURCES, MONEY, AND INTEGRETY OF THE VOTERS! Glenn: Well, I’m off. See you Monday. A rancher in Douglas has told me that his land is infested with Jackalope. I’m off to try to photograph one of them in the wild. Apparently I have to head out into the snow at 3am wearing nothing but underwear, pink fuzzy socks, and a mongoose hat while making duck calls noises while flapping my arms. He said it attracts them. He had that same smirk on his face. The same smirk on your face right now. See you Monday Nick.

Nicholas: No, I will see you tonight (Friday) for our weekly man cave, where we get together with certain local leaders to save the world one cigar at a time. By the way, I wouldn’t take that call unless the rancher is going snipe hunting! By the way, you have made a valid point without saying it and I finally understand, so I will have to concede this debate. The point I think you are trying to make is that the longer our government is wasting time is this silliness, the less time they have to screw up our rights, economy, and individual wealth and property as they so inevitably do. So let’s hope this debate lasts a long time!

Glenn: I love snipe.

Nicholas: Bring one over; I’ll help you skin it!

What Our Readers Thought?

Should Wyoming’s Mythical Creature be the Jackalope?

No - 52.6% Yes - 47.4% Results are from 1,203 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.

9

May 3 - 10, 2013

What’s Going On? Friday, May 3 • Consignment Event (Children’s) Rhea Lana’s, Fri, May 3, 9am – 7pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Wyoming Center Frontier Hall • John Paul II School Springfest, Fri, May 3, 5pm – 11pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Wyo Center Equality Hall • Campbell County Public Library, One-on-One Computer Classes, Beginning • Internet • Email, Call Pat at 687-9228 Saturday, May 4 • Team Roping-National All Amateurs, Sat, May 4, 9am – 10pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - East Pavilion • Consignment Event (Children’s) Rhea Lana’s, Sat, May 4, 9am – 4pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Wyoming Center Frontier Hall • Campbell County Public Library, One-on-One Computer Classes • Fundraising Event-Girls Fast Pitch Association, Sat, May 4, 6pm – 11pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Central Pavilion • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 10:00am, Teen Dungeons & Dragons • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 1:00pm, Teen Open-Play Gaming • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: 1:00pm, WiiPlay Saturdays (4th-6th Grade) • Campbell County Public Library, One-on-One Computer Classes, Beginning • Internet • Email, Call Pat at 687-9228 Sunday, May 5 • Consignment Event (Children’s) Rhea Lana’s, Sun, May 5, 9am – 7pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Wyoming Center Frontier Hall • Symphony-Powder River, Sun, May 5, 3:00pm – 4:30pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Heritage Center Monday, May 6 • CCSD Art Gala, Mon, May 6, 6:00pm – 8:30pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Energy Hall • Artist Reception-Jason Linduska & Rede Ballard, Mon, May 6, 7pm – 9pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - HC Gallery • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 4:00pm, Teen Dungeons & Dragons • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 7:00pm, Teen Writers’ Group Tuesday, May 7 • CCSD Art Gala, Tue, May 7, 6:00pm – 8:30pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Energy Hall • CCSD Scholarship Night, Tue, May 7, 7pm – 9pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Heritage Center • String Gala-District Elementary, Tue, May 7, 7pm – 9pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY - Wyo Center Equality Hall • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: Story Program Break @ CCPL • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 4:00pm, Teen Card Club • Campbell County Public Library, 6:30pm, Adult Anime Club (Age 18+) Wednesday, May 8 • CCSD Art Gala, Wed, May 8, 4pm – 6pm, 1635 Reata Drive Gillette, WY Energy Hall • Campbell County Public Library, One-on-One Computer Classes, Beginning • Internet • Email, Call Pat at 687-9228 • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: Story Program Break @ CCPL • Campbell County Public Library, WBL: 11:00am, WBL Storytime

Thursday, May 9 • Convention-NAIFA WY State (Nat. Assoc. of Financial Advisors, Thu, May 9, 9am – 9pm, Wyo Center Frontier Hall • Young Authors Celebration, Thu, May 9, 7pm – 9pm, Heritage Center • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: Story Program Break @ CCPL • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 7:00pm, Teen Anime Club Friday, May 10 • Convention-NAIFA WY State (Nat. Assoc. of Financial Advisors, Fri, May 10, 9am – 9pm, Wyo Center Frontier Hall • Rodeo-Gillette High School, Fri, May 10, 3pm – 6pm, Morningside Park • Ranch Sorting-Thar’s, Fri, May 10, 5pm – 9pm, East Pavilion • Graduation-Gillette College, Fri, May 10, 7pm – 9pm, Heritage Center • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 10:00am, Teen Dungeons & Dragons • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 1:00pm, Teen Open-Play Gaming • Campbell County Public Library, 1:00pm, WiiPlay Saturdays (4th-6th Grade) Saturday, May 11 • Gillette High School Rodeo, Sat, May 11, 7:30am – 6:00pm, Morningside Park • Ranch Sorting-Thar’s, Sat, May 11, 9am – 12pm, East Pavilion • Pre-PAW Workshop (Performing Arts), Sat, May 11, 1pm – 3pm, HC Backstage • Banquet-Mule Deer Foundation, Sat, May 11, 5pm – 11pm, 1635 Reata Drive, Gillette, WY - Wyo Center Equality Hall • Rotary Ball, Sat, May 11, 5:30pm – Sun, May 12, 1:00am, Energy Hall Sunday, May 12 • Rodeo-Gillette High School, Sun, May 12, 7am – 10pm, Morningside Park • Ranch Sorting-Thar’s, Sun, May 12, 9am – 8pm, East Pavilion • Campbell County Public Library, One-on-One Computer Classes, Beginning • Internet • Email, Call Pat at 687-9228 • Campbell County Public Library, Gillette - Main Library - Closed • Campbell County Public Library, Wright Branch - Closed Monday, May 13 • Secondary Orchestra Concert and Awards, Mon, May 13, 7pm – 9pm, Heritage Center • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: Children’s Book Week • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: New Teen Volunteer Sign Up • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 4:00pm, Teen Dungeons & Dragons • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 7:00pm, Teen Writers’ Group Tuesday, May 14 • Wyoming Reads, Tue, May 14, 10am – 11am, Energy Hall • Barrel Race-RCM, Tue, May 14, 5pm – 10pm, East Pavilion • Choir Concert-Twin Spruce Jr. High, Tue, May 14, 7pm – 9pm, 1635 Reata Dr. Gillette, WY Heritage Center • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: Children’s Book Week • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: New Teen Volunteer Sign Up • Campbell County Public Library, Kids: Story Program Break @ CCPL • Campbell County Public Library, 9:00am - 8:45pm, Test Proctoring • Campbell County Public Library, Teens: 4:00pm, Teen Card Club • Campbell County Public Library, 6:30pm, Adult Anime Club (Age 18+)

May 3 - 10, 2013

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

Subsidair: Tiny Wyoming airline tops in federal support

By Gregory Nickerson - Reprinted with the permissions of WyoFile.com With its modest fleet of 38 turboprop aircraft, Cheyenne-based Great Lakes Airlines poses no major challenge to big national carriers like United, Delta, and Southwest.

But with the help of Congress, Great Lakes soars above all others in the amount it receives in federal assistance – $58 million in the last year alone — making it the most subsidized air service in America.

In 2012 filings with the Security Exchange Commission, Great Lakes reported that 42 percent of its total revenue comes from the controversial Essential Air Service program (EAS) under the federal Department of Transportation. Between 2001 and today, this number has risen from as low as 19 percent to as high as 50 percent.

Even before the current federal spending sequestration era, Congressional conservatives — most notably Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain — have repeatedly tried to kill the $212 million Essential Air Service program, describing it as a conspicuous waste of money during a time of mounting national debt.

“To put it bluntly, the Essential Air Service is not ‘essential,’” McCain said regarding his defeated proposal to eliminate the subsidy in 2011.

Under sequestration, the political pressures on Great Lakes and other Essential Air Service recipients are likely to increase.

Great Lakes was incorporated in 1979, the year after Congress deregulated airlines, and in 1985 the company took on its first subsidized EAS route. By the 2000s, Great Lakes had embraced a business model built largely on federal subsidies granted for flying to small towns that other airlines refused to serve. That model may be threatened by sequestration under the Budget Control Act, making the company’s already tight margins even tighter. “(Sequestration) is likely to hurt the company,” said Rob Godby, an economics professor at the University of Wyoming.

“They are flying the cheapest fleet, and minimizing costs for fuel and personnel.

These things are stretched to the limit, and something is going to have to give.”

Others say Great Lakes already weathered its toughest time between 2000 and 2002, when the company lost millions during an industry-wide slump caused by a recession, high fuel prices, and 9/11.

Airline consultant Nate Vallier says that if EAS were discontinued, Great Lakes could still survive by greatly reducing its flights and relying more on profitable routes to remain in business. He also predicts the subsidies would be replaced by federal airport block grants and locallysponsored revenue guarantees.

“If EAS goes away I think the communities will get involved, and Great Lakes will morph into their ninth life,” said Vallier. In the past other airline consultants credited the company’s resilience in tough times to the leadership of company owner Doug Voss.

Great Lakes officials, who describe their EAS revenue as “public service,” declined to speak with WyoFile. Yet the company’s SEC filings show they are keeping an eye on sequestration of EAS funding.

“We depend on Essential Air Service revenue to justify a substantial portion of our capacity,” the report stated. “If, and how (sequestration) will affect the EAS program and our public service revenue, is unknown at this time.”

Given the current debate over the federal budget, Great Lakes airlines does face uncertainties about the EAS program. Yet changes in the program may enable towns like Laramie, Worland, and Cody — the only places in Wyoming served by EAS — to create more effective local subsidies that demand better prices, schedules and reliability.

In the meantime, Great Lakes will likely continue its nimble adaptations to the challenges of the air industry.

Essential Air Service in Wyoming

The EAS program arose following deregulation of the airlines in 1978. Prior to that, certificates issued by the FAA required airlines to provide a certain standard of service to small towns. Many Wyoming residents remember flying on large, comfortable airliners from places like Sheridan and Cheyenne before deregulation.

After deregulation, the airlines concentrated their flying around more profitable hubs, leaving rural towns with less desirable air service.

In order to fix the problem, Congress created the EAS subsidy to ensure small towns would still receive some service.

Over time the program grew in size, as local communities and airlines became a constituency demanding the continuation of the program, and politicians obliged in hopes of pleasing their voters. (Click herefor more data on the EAS program.)

Historically, Wyoming’s GOP Senator Mike Enzi has joined with Democrats in Congress to keep EAS subsidies flowing on the principle that the payments

benefit smaller communities that would not otherwise have access to passenger air service.

Sen. John Barrasso (R) did not cast a vote on a 2012 bill that modified EAS, and when the Associated Press approached him about McCain’s 2011 amendment to eliminate the program, Barrasso avoided an answer, saying, “I’ll have to see it first.

I haven’t seen the amendment” But Barrasso’s predecessor in the Senate, U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas, was a longtime EAS supporter.

Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R) voted against both an increase and a decrease in EAS funding last year, but told a Bloomberg reporter that she’d be interested in seeing the EAS cut.

Enzi last went on record in 2007 with his support of the program, saying, “Without federal support through Essential Air Service and airport improvement programs, many rural communities would have no commercial air service and extremely limited general aviation.”

Enzi’s staff declined to provide a comment to WyoFile for this story. Staff for Sen. Barrasso and Rep. Lummis did not respond to requests for comment.

Today, only three Wyoming towns, Cody, Worland, and Laramie, are among the 117 communities in the EAS program nationwide. But even those subsidies are modest.

Great Lakes has only one EAS route in Wyoming, which serves Worland on a subsidy of $1,987,148 ($337.55 per passenger).

Great Lakes’ competitor SkyWest serves Cody with an EAS subsidy of $352,058, or $6.39 per passenger.

Until last fall, Great Lakes flew into Laramie for a subsidy of $1,635,346 ($120.87 per passenger), but SkyWest now operates that route.

None of these rates compare to the $1,637 per passenger received by Great Lakes in 2012 for flying to Ely, Nevada.

After several years as the poster child of Essential Air Service excesses, the Ely route was cancelled from the program in 2012.

Wyoming’s main benefit from EAS appears to be that Great Lakes, which moved here in 1999 from Spencer, Iowa, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, has its corporate headquarters and some of its repair facilities at the Cheyenne airport.

How that happened is a case study in government efforts at diversifying business in the state.

Headquarters because of its location and marginally better weather.)

The Wyoming Business Council helped complete the lease deal with Great Lakes, in collaboration with airport manager Jerry Olson and the Cheyenne Airport Board.

The lease granted favorable rates that would be raised to a much higher level if Great Lakes failed to live up to promises of maintaining a spare airplane for use in Wyoming, and that it provide service to Jackson, Cody, and Casper if other carriers pulled out. Great Lakes also had to provide non-stop service to Denver, and stable air service in Wyoming.

The original monthly rent for the headquarters building was set at $3,800, a number chosen because that’s exactly what Great Lakes paid to rent its facility in Spencer, Iowa. Wyoming beat out at least two other states trying to lure Great Lakes because it offered to build a facility with input from the company, and because it did so using grants, rather than long-term loans.

The Wyoming legislature, meanwhile, did its part to entice Great Lakes to Cheyenne, by granting the tax exemption for aircraft parts in W.S 39-1-105 (a)(viii) (J). Gov. Jim Geringer told the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle that the exemption wouldn’t hurt revenue, since sales tax wasn’t being collected for airline parts prior to the passage of the exemption. In 2003 the legislature introduced a bill to expand the aircraft sales tax exemption to any plane maintained in Wyoming, not just those scheduled for regular service. Rep. Pete Illoway (R-Cheyenne) and Sen. Hank Coe (R-Cody) were among the sponsors of the bill.

From start to finish, the deal to bring Great Lakes to Cheyenne took about eight months, with the final agreement signed on May 26, 1999.

The deal required collaboration from multiple entities, including Great Lakes and the airport, the county, the city, the Business Council, the legislature, the State Land and Investment Board, the Department of Transportation, the Treasurer’s office, and the Governor’s office.

Even as the company committed to coming to Cheyenne, some had doubts.

After losing money in 1996 and 1997, Great Lakes made money in 1998 and 1999. Coverage in the Casper Star-Tribune questioned the wisdom of attracting a company that had recently been in the red, and tried to verify how many jobs would be created by moving Great Lakes.

The paper correctly noted that Great Lakes hadn’t fully committed to moving its

headquarters from Spencer, Iowa.

Governor Geringer came out against the naysayers.

“I get really irritated with the Casper paper,” Geringer said in a quote printed in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. “They don’t seem to have a sense of how to conduct business in the state.”

Casper-Star Tribune editor Dan Neal responded by saying, “Our role isn’t to help the state conduct business, it is to tell people what we see happening in front of us.”

Continued on Page 11

(Source: Wyoming Tribune Eagle articles by Jessica Lowell)

Landing Great Lakes

In 1999, Wyoming was finishing up a decade of lackluster economic growth, made all the more painful by the fact that the rest of the mountain West had boomed.

The editorial page of the WyomingTribune Eagle described the mood of the era: “For years, this state has been seen as the forgotten child in the Rocky Mountain region when it comes to economic development. Cities in Colorado, Utah, Idaho and Montana, even our good neighbor to the east, Nebraska, have enjoyed economic success that Wyoming could only dream about. While these states were booming, Wyoming was almost busting.”

In response to the state slump, the legislature created the Wyoming Business Council, tasked with economic development for the state. It was the Business Council that enticed Great Lakes to come to Cheyenne by offering a variety of incentives, ranging from tax breaks on airline parts to building a $4.4 million headquarters and offering favorable terms on the lease.

Reporter Jessica Lowell of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle was the first in the media to hear of the Great Lakes move in 1999.

She was sitting in a meeting of the Senate Revenue Committee when she heard discussion turn to an unexpected topic: tax exemptions for airlines parts. Sen. Hank Coe (R-Cody) revealed that the exemption was part of a package to lure the maintenance facilities for Great Lakes Airlines to Cheyenne.

In April 1999 Lowell published her first story on Great Lakes. From that point on she reported in-depth on the process of luring Great Lakes to Cheyenne, creating a detailed record of the company’s performance.

According to Lowell’s reporting, the $4.4 million in taxpayer-funded incentives paid for a 24,500 square foot hangar, a ramp and a 20,000 square foot building to house the airline’s corporate headquarters. In return Great Lakes offered to relocate 40 full-time maintenance jobs for a total of 200 employees to Cheyenne.

When completed, the facilities belonged to the Cheyenne Airport Board, and were leased to Great Lakes. So while the state didn’t directly pay Great Lakes, it set up a brand new home at a very cheap price to the company, all within striking distance of Denver International Airport, which carried an increasing volume of the airline’s business. (Cheyenne was chosen over Laramie and Casper for the Great Lakes

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A 19-seat Great Lake aircraft taxis at Denver International Airport. A large portion of the company’s revenue comes from Essential Air Service subsidies.

The Essential Air Service revenue as a percent of gross revenue for Great Lakes Airlines.

For Great Lakes, Essential Air Service revenue forms a substantial portion of gross revenue.

Campbell County Observer

Public Pulse

May 3 - 10, 2013

Tiny Wyoming airline tops in federal support...

Continued from page 10 Company owner Greg Voss confirmed that Great Lakes had promised to move its maintenance facility and Denverbased management to Cheyenne, but not necessarily its entire headquarters. The company wanted to maintain flexibility of having its Spencer headquarters in case business expanded in Chicago.

As time went on, Great Lakes brought more of its operation to Cheyenne. In December of 1999 the company leased 60 percent of the airport-owned building that housed online company Preston University. Great Lakes needed space during the time the hangar and headquarters were being built.

The company also moved its pilot training program to Cheyenne in 1999. In February of 2000 it moved its accounting staff from Spencer to Cheyenne. Early in 2001 the company moved maintenance for its fleet of 30-seat Embraer Brasilias to Cheyenne, which brought another 20 jobs. By that time Great Lakes had moved its headquarters from Iowa to Cheyenne.

When Great Lakes moved to Wyoming, it flew to every airport in Wyoming except Jackson, Cody, and Casper. Shortly after signing its deal it took on service to Casper.

Throughout the negotiations with Great Lakes, the editorial pages of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle expressed confidence in the move, saying, “There’s nothing negative about bringing Great Lakes to Cheyenne. When it lands, the company’s move means about 200 jobs will be on board, paying an average of $30,000 annually.

And there will also be spin-off jobs.”

The capture of Great Lakes from its original headquarters seemed to prove the success of the Wyoming Business Council strategy, and a sign of hopeful change.

“Could this be the open door Wyoming has been waiting for? Only time will tell.

Many economic development officials say Great Lakes’ move to Cheyenne could be the catalyst that pushes the state to new economic heights. Let’s hope it is,” intoned the Cheyenne newspaper.

So, how did it turn out?

In the end, it wasn’t aviation but the natural gas boom in the Powder River Basin and Upper Green River Basin that resolved Wyoming’s budget woes. The high hopes for Great Lakes as an economic savior came down to earth, yet the company has held its own.

Great Lakes has managed to turn a profit while continuing to serve marginal markets. And certainly it has an economic impact. On a recent visit to Cheyenne, WyoFile counted around 200 employee cars in the parking lots of the Great Lakes building and the Preston Building, nearly the exact number expected in 1999.

To keep flying in the turbulent air of the small-market air service is no small feat.

Companies like Great Lakes survive only by cutting every cost possible, from flying small planes, to paying its pilots minimal wages, and maximizing usage of its fleet.

With all those costs controlled, the company has very little wiggle room.

Yet despite a difficult period of debt restructuring with aircraft leaser Raytheon in 2007, the company hasn’t lost money since 2002. Between 2005 and 2008, the company’s gross revenue grew by more than 10 percent each year. In 2012, Great Lakes brought in a record $137 million in gross revenue, though the net profit stood at just $2.9 million.

Part of Great Lake’s modest growth has come from increased reliance on the EAS subsidy that began after the arrival of CEO Charles “Chuck” Howell. Every turboprop aircraft the company owns is relatively cheap to fly, and they all meet the guidelines for bidding on Essential Air Service contracts. That means the company is often “the last man standing” when it comes to competing for EAS routes, according to airline analyst Nate Vallier.

By being a strong competitor within its niche, Great Lakes has built a regional network that stretches across much of the central U.S. Having the headquarters in Cheyenne has brought economic activity that Wyoming’s own passenger base could never support on its own.

Great Lakes’ survival in the difficult air service business speaks for itself.

Whether the company has “stabilized” air service in Wyoming is still up for debate.

It’s no secret to Wyoming residents that the company has challenges with customer satisfaction.

Passengers on Great Lakes Airlines routinely report delayed or cancelled flights. The system is so tightly scheduled that a mechanical issue that grounds one plane can have a ripple effect across the network, causing delays that last for days, completely scrapping an individual’s travel plans.

Rob Godby, an economist at the University of Wyoming, told WyoFile he once hosted a visitor who bought a ticket to

fly out of Laramie to Denver. The flight to Denver originated in Worland, and would stop in Laramie to pick up passengers.

But when Godby took his visitor to the Laramie airport, the plane never arrived.

Great Lakes employees explained that the plane, “forgot to land.”

Stories like these abound across the state. During the course of reporting, WyoFile heard people refer to the airline as “Great Mistakes.”

Among economic development leaders in Cheyenne, the feeling toward Great Lakes is palpably different. “We are thrilled to have them here,” said Randy Bruns of Cheyenne LEADS, an economic development corporation. While he acknowledges the company’s reliability problems, he is troubled by the attitude some Wyoming residents take toward their in-state airline.

“I think instead of celebrating and helping an industry that’s here now, we’ve sometimes beat up on them. To me that’s not the way you treat an industry that’s here,” Bruns said.

But for residents who have missed a connection because of a flight delay, it’s hard to be forgiving.

“It only takes one experience like that for people to decide, ‘I’m not going to try that airline for another five years or forever,’” Godby said. “If everyone seems to have one bad story, that undermines the whole purpose of the subsidy in the first place.”

So while the airline has stabilized its finances and managed modest growth, it has not necessarily attracted a loyal customer base in Wyoming. Many airline passengers opt to drive to out-of-state airports rather than pay the high prices for tickets to Denver and risk a flight cancellation.

The industry term for passengers bypassing local flights is “leakage.” In Sheridan, leakage of passengers to airports in Billings, Casper, Rapid City, and Denver is more than 70 percent. Leakage in Cheyenne is about 90 percent.

“I wouldn’t blame it on the airlines,” said Severin Bornstein, a professor of business at University of California Berkley who served on the Future of Aviation Advisory Committeethat reported to Congress.

“There are a lot of places that are getting subsidies where it is more convenient to drive 60 or 90 minutes to the airport instead.”

Ironically, it seems that the Essential Air Service subsidy designed to boost air service in rural areas has resulted in service that people don’t want.

“We are wasting money paying money to fly planes that are nearly empty,” Bornstein said. “I think as a general policy subsidizing rural communities, this is probably one of the least efficient ways to do it.”

And even though most of Great Lakes’ routes in Wyoming aren’t subsidized, the company as a whole has adapted to serve EAS markets, with consequences to reliability.

“The subsidy helps bring service where it wouldn’t occur otherwise, but it tends to make businesses less reactive to the market itself and more reactive to the subsidy and the incentives it creates,” Godby said.

“You try to minimize your cost, not maximize attractiveness to new demand.”

However, not all subsidies are created equal. A major problem with EAS is that it doesn’t encourage local communities to build relationships with the air service provider.

“If you are taking a subsidy to do something and you are not actively involved in managing it, then you end up getting what you pay for,” said Nick Wangler, a consultant for the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission.

Wangler helps manage the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission’s Air Service Enhancement program, which provides revenue guarantees to airlines.

So far the program has provided funds to eight local air service groups, which then set performance benchmarks in collaboration with the airlines. If the airline fails to reach the passenger targets it estimated, the local community pays for the lost revenue. That relationship creates an incentive for the local community to promote air service.

At the same time, the revenue guarantees require companies to maintain competitive fares, schedules that match with connecting flights at hubs, and a high standard of reliability.

Since 2009-2010, the state has appropriated $3 million per biennium toward the program. The total spent on Air Service Enhancement since 2003 stands at $21 million. “That’s brought in 2 million passengers to the state and an economic impact of $256 million. It’s a payback of 12 to 1,” Wangler said.

Wangler has compared Wyoming’s air market from 1997-2003, before the ASE program, and from 2004-2012.

In the period before the program, he said Wyoming’s traffic was down 2 percent. Then from 2004-2012 it went up 36 percent. During the same time U.S. domestic traffic growth has risen from 8

percent to 9 percent.

Wangler added that in 2003, Wyoming passengers paid 37 percent more than other domestic flyers. Today they only pay 8 percent more. “It’s becoming more affordable to fly from Wyoming,” Wangler concluded.

The key to that success is active management of the state program. Wangler says he speaks with air service providers every week to address any issues. Those relationships create accountability.

Interestingly, Great Lakes hasn’t made a revenue guarantee with a Wyoming community since 2005. Many of its Wyoming routes, like the Sheridan-Denver flight, operate without a subsidy.

In Laramie, airport Manager Jack Skinner says his community may not need the EAS subsidy at all.

“In my opinion, there is enough business there that it could stand on its own without the subsidy. I know the margins are tight on the airline industry. If you have a reliable product that is on time, people are going to use it and you can fill

11

those planes,” he said.

While the EAS program isn’t perfect, Skinner says he believes its still a good program. “It provides small communities like Laramie to be connected with the rest of the world,” he said.

Industry observers like Vallier say the days of the current EAS program are numbered. Soon, perhaps five years from now, the program may cease to exist, and could be replaced by grants to local airports, which will allow communities to make more decisions about how money is spent.

For Great Lakes, the potential elimination of EAS won’t kill the airline, but it will bring about major changes.

“They’ll still be around, there is no doubt about that,” Vallier said. “They have weathered so many storms … and somehow (Doug Voss) has made it work.

Who knows how he does it, but he’s been able to do it.”

Great Lakes’ share of the total EAS program is about 27 percent. The carrier had 32 EAS routes in 2012, largely because of its success in bidding for the routes.

Frontier Airlines flew large jets into Cheyenne in the era before airline deregulation. Other Wyoming towns enjoyed similar quality of service, which airlines generally lost money on. After deregulation, jet service concentrated in hub airports, giving rise to the Essential Air Service.

The Great Lakes headquarters is a $4.4 million publicly-funded building leased from the Cheyenne Regional Airport. Even with its favorable lease, the company pays about $250,000 a year in rent according to airport manager Dave Haring. The Wyoming Air Guard pays about $236,000 in rent.

The Great Lakes network in 2012. Cheyenne’s location as corporate headquarters provides easy access to the Denver hub, where most Great Lakes flights connect.

Public Pulse

May 3 - 10, 2013

Almost everything you need to know about Citizens United vs. FEC

By Steve Klein With help from Oyez, this blog post serves as my goto all-I-have-to-say end-ofstory post about Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. As controversy continues years after the Supreme Court’s decision—with commentary continually indicating few understood, much less read, the opinion in the first place—it’s here I would like to illustrate exactly what was at stake in the case.

In its decision, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions could express political opinions without fear of suppression or even burdensome political committee requirements (a burden the FEC still arbitrarily applies to grassroots groups). Specifically, the FEC had banned the broadcast of Hillary: The Movie over pay-per-view since Citizens United was a nonprofit corporation. In this excerpt, Justices Alito and Kennedy nail down that constitutionally, if the FEC can ban the broadcast of a pay-per-view movie, it can probably ban books as well. That’s right: the United States government argued it could ban books.

For the hubbub about the Citizens United decision undermining democracy, this excerpt should put such rhetoric to rest. Free distribution of books, movies, and other messages are the sign of a healthy society, nothing less: Justice Alito: What’s your answer to Mr. Olson’s point that there isn’t any constitutional difference between the distribution of this movie on video demand and providing access on the Internet, providing DVDs, either through a commercial service or maybe in a public library, providing the same thing in a book? Would the Constitution permit the restriction of all of those as well?

Mr. Stewart: I think the— the Constitution would have permitted Congress to apply the electioneering communication restrictions to the extent that they were otherwise constitutional under Wisconsin Right to Life.

Those could have been applied to additional media as well. And it’s worth remembering that the pre-existing Federal Election Campaign Act restrictions on corporate electioneering, which

have been limited by this Court’s decisions to express advocacy— Justice Alito: That’s pretty incredible.

You think that if a book was published—a campaign biography that was the functional equivalent of express advocacy—that could be banned?

Mr. Stewart: I’m not saying it could be banned, I’m saying that Congress could prohibit the use of corporate treasury funds and could require a corporation to publish it using its PAC— Justice Alito: Well, most publishers are corporations. A publisher that is a corporation could be prohibited from selling a book?

Mr. Stewart: Well, of course the statute contains its own media exemption, for media— Justice Alito: No, I’m not asking what the statute says.

The government’s position is that the First Amendment allows the banning of a book if it’s published by a corporation?

Mr. Stewart: Because the First Amendment refers both to freedom of speech and of the press there would be a potential argument that media corporations—the institutional press—would have a greater First Amendment right, but that question is obviously not presented here.

That—the other two— Justice Kennedy: Well, suppose it were an advocacy organization that had a book. Your position is that under the Constitution the advertising for this book or the sale for the book itself could be prohibited within the 60-90 day period—the 60-30 day period?

Mr. Stewart: If the book contained the functional equivalent of express advocacy, that is, if it was subject to no reasonable interpretation— Justice Kennedy: And I suppose it could even— is it the Kindle where you can read a book? I take it that’s from a satellite, so the existing statute would probably prohibit that under your view.

Mr. Stewart: Well, the statute applies to cable, satellite and broadcast communications, and the Court in McConnell has addressed this question—

Justice Kennedy: Just to make it clear, it’s the government’s position that under this statute if this Kindle device—where you can read a book which is campaign advocacy within the 60-30 day period—if it comes from a satellite, it can be prohibited under the Constitution and perhaps under this statute?

Mr. Stewart: It can’t be prohibited, but a corporation could be barred from using its general treasury funds to publish the book.

It could be required to use, to raise funds to publish the book using its PAC. Justice Kennedy: If it has one name, one use of the candidate’s name, it would be covered, correct?

Mr. Stewart: That’s correct.

Justice Kennedy: If it’s a 500 page book and at the end it says “And so vote for X,” the government could ban that?

Mr. Stewart: Well, if it says “vote for X,” it would be express advocacy, and it would be covered by the pre-existing Federal Election Campaign Act provisions— Justice Kennedy: No, I’m talking about under the Constitution—what we’ve been discussing—if it’s a book.

Mr. Stewart: If it’s a book, and it is produced— and delete to one side, the question of— Justice Kennedy: Right, right, forget the— Mr. Stewart: —possible media exemption—if you had Citizens United, or General Motors, using general treasury funds to publish a book that said at the outset, for instance, “Hillary Clinton’s election would be a disaster for this”— Justice Kennedy: No, no, take my hypothetical. It

doesn’t say at the outset. It runs—here is a—whatever it is. “This is a discussion of the American political system,” and at the end it says “Vote for X.” Mr. Stewart: Yes. Our position would be that the corporation could be required to use PAC funds rather than general treasury funds.

Justice Kennedy: And if they didn’t you could ban it?

Mr. Stewart: If they didn’t we could prohibit the publication of the book… using the corporate treasury funds.

Campbell County Observer

Head to the

Lake

Salt Lake City

I have to hand it to Oyez, hosted by Chicago-Kent College of Law. The site features, among many resources, audio clips and transcripts of oral arguments at the United States Supreme Court. Visitors can even clip audio excerpts and download them from the website to share, as I’ve done here. In addition to providing legal education to one Benjamin Barr (Class of 2001), Oyez will always leave me impressed with ChicagoKent.

GARAGE SALE

8 11:3 to 0 am

CCW Garage Sale St. Matthew’s Parish Hall Saturday, May 11th

book your weekend getaway now:

iflygillette.com iflygillette.com

May classes at AVA

12

Public Pulse

Campbell County Observer

We voted differently and that is okay

May 3 - 10, 2013

Weekly Constitution Study

By Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commissioners Ryan Lance and Tom Drean The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission recently granted its approval for an oil and gas company to inject produced water into a part of the Madison formation that, by all accounts, contains relatively clean water. The Commission’s approval was based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved rule, which says that produced water can be injected into an otherwise clean water formation if that clean water “is situated at a depth or location which makes recovery of fresh and potable water economically or technologically impractical.”

The Commission heard extensive testimony ranging from the cost to drill a water well to a depth of 15,000 feet to the modeling that showed how the injected water might spread from the point of injection. The Commission collected comments from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), pursuant to its rules. The Commission also recently received comments from the EPA, again, consistent with its rules.

Contrary to some reports, the DEQ, an agency with scientific expertise, ultimately determined that it did not object to the application submitted by the company to inject water into the Madison formation. And now, with the Commission having received comments from the EPA, Commission staff has been directed to review those comments and determine if they have concerns that would merit

further review by the Commission or the submission of additional information, potentially including modeling by the company.

But to the crux of the matter that has received a fair bit of attention in the public and press: we voted differently. We were both provided with the same information and we came to a different conclusion and we think that is perfectly reasonable and acceptable. There was no sense of hostility or anger or even disappointment among the Commission after the vote was taken. There is none today as we can each see very good reason for the other Commissioners’ votes and respect those votes and the reasoning behind them. Even so, the looming question of whether a “nonscientist” on the Commission could reasonably have disagreed with a scientist persists.

Despite the perception that the science surrounding this matter was cut and dried, we believe that the decision was not a slam dunk either way.

Thoughtful people – geologists, engineers, DEQ scientists and staff, lawyers, teachers, electricians or anyone else – could reasonably conclude that the Commission should move forward with the permit but also could reasonably conclude that it should not. In our view, the Legislature deliberately and wisely set up the membership of the Commission to include a variety of expertise and experiences. Such diversity is aimed at ensuring that

issues are looked at from all sides – with the expertise of the Commission staff to provide a backdrop of technical support before, during and after the Commission issues a decision.

Because so much is at stake when the Commission exercises its judgment, we do not simply make the decision and walk away. We continue to collect data and factor it into our evaluations and deliberations. We task staff with the review of technical information submitted by the company to ensure that we are able to monitor the effects our decision has on the health and safety of the public and the environment. Further, we retain the full and unquestioned ability to call the company back before the Commission to answer questions and present additional data. Should new and additional information and data indicate a need to reconsider and perhaps alter our decision, we will do so.

In the coming weeks, Commission staff will continue to evaluate the Commission’s decision – particularly as we work to address the comments submitted by the EPA. If, during that review, staff deems that new information needs to be requested or additional modeling needs to be done, we will support them and their diligence and do what it takes to safeguard the state and its people.

Despite our different votes, we agree that we have to get it right and we are committed to doing so.

Letters to the Editor Casper Star shows bias again

Dear Editor, As I read the article in the Casper Star (Wyoming Republican Party leaders considered asking 3 GOP legislators to quit party) and the copy in the Billings Gazette I was disappointed in how they intentionally sensationalize things.

First off no one considered demanding that anyone resigned from the party.

If you read the resolution I put forth it was merely mentioned that 3 of the legislatures consider removing themselves. My resolution as I stated was to get some discussion going about the issue at the state party level (which it did) and the result was the resolution that we passed in Buffalo. When Speaker Lubnau says that none of the legislature had a chance to talk to us about this subject that is absolutely not true. Several members of the legislature were sitting in the meeting in Cheyenne when the resolution was presented as was also Kari Gray from Governor Mead’s office.

We tabled the resolution so that everyone had a chance to do their own research into the subject and come back more informed on the subject. Speaker Lubnau or any of the other members of the legislature could have requested to address the committee at the meeting in Buffalo. To my knowledge we have never told anyone that we would not allow them to address us.

As for Sen Coe’s statement that this was offensive and done by a fringe group is something that I find offensive. First off I am not

a member of these groups per-se but I am a lifelong conservative and republican. I also do not see the groups he mentioned aas being “fringe” groups since most of what they stand for is found in The Republican Party platforms and resolutions. I also think that when the legislature will not listen to the people who elect them that it is the place of the party to call them on it and let the people know we do not agree with the way they conducted themselves on this issue.

Karl Allred Evanston, Wy

Support girls fastpitch

Dearest Council Members and Mr. Napier, It is in my deepest regrets to have to contact you on this matter once again. The powers of those unknown have once again obviously influenced the mind set of our City Administrator and Council.

Our fine city is in great support of many things, girls fastpitch should also be one of them. As more and more girls play fastpitch, more and more space is lost for our meaning.

EVEN THOUGH BOYS BASEBALL GETS ANOTHER FIELD. Once again our fine young ladies get NOTHING. Tell me how this is fair?

Tell me what to tell all our girls? They are not important? They don’t matter?

They read the paper, they see the baseball field being planned. What do I tell them? You don’t have an answer, do you.

Well I am writing to let you know we ARE not done

fighting. We will continue with letters to the editers, we will continue to fill YOUR chambers with supporters.

Why are these girls not as important as the boys?

Why can’t we have even 1 field?

The Recreation Center just started thier season last night. We now have 7 teams with no game field.

The 2 practice infields are great, don’t get me wrong.

We have only had to take 2 girls to the ER this year from sprained ankles, in the out-field, that is pasture land. So, we stay in the infield, and hope we don’t need to practice out-fielding. Who hits the ball that far anyway? Right...........

Mayor Murphy, and supporting Members, we appreciate all your support, and hard work for these fields. PLEASE, PLEASE, DON’T GIVE UP NOW! Mr. Napier has been a spear head for this project, and to hear he is now willing to toss it under the bus, well, it was a hard blow, and hard to explain to 100 girls and their parents.

We have at least 2 girls going to college to play Softball this Fall. Moving on to a higher education with scholarship money, money they didn’t have to further their education.

This is not a lost cause. 2 teams have already been traveling to Northern Colorado to play, this is where our 18u girls get noticed by Collage Recruits. Mostly because we can’t get the teams here. You may ask why? Well, because we have no where to play.

Don’t let these girls down now. Their hopes have

been set so high, there dreams have been getting closer and closer. With all the challenges our children face these days, having a place to be safe, learn, BELONG,be a part of a group, should not be one of them. Choices are limited.

More Student Athletes move on to upper management and higher level jobs than non-student athletes.

Furthermore, 80% of Fortune 500 female executives identify as being former athletes. (http://www.thedailymuse.com/job-search/ how-jocks-rock-the-jobhunt/#.) Adding to that, contrary to popular belief, college athletes graduate at a much higher rate than other students. (http:// www.outsidethebeltway. com/why-athletes-graduate-at-higher-rate-than-other-students/) Not all kids are created equal, nor are all sports. A student athlete has the opportunity to get athletic, as well as academic scholarships. This helps more kids go to college, which helps our community. 75% of those graduates will come back to our community, giving back, and adding value to our City.

Times are hard, for ALL. We have to help where we can.

Our volunteer coaches and organizations do their part to help these girls. All we are asking is that OUR Community do there’s. The first step is YOU! I thank you for your time, and thank you for your continued hard work for all our citizens.

Jim West

What’s Going On In Government?

Monday, May 6

• Gillette City Council Pre-Meeting 5/6/2013 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM • Gillette City Council Meeting 5/6/2013 7:00 PM

Tuesday, May 7

• Gillette City/County/Town of Wright Luncheon 5/7/2013 12:00 PM • Gillette Mayor’s Art Council Meeting 5/7/2013 5:00 PM • Gillette Planning Commission Meeting 5/7/2013 7:00 PM

Wednesday, May 8

• Campbell County Joint Powers Fire Board 5/8/2013 6:00 PM

Thursday, May 9

• Gillette Parks & Beautification Board 5/9/2013 5:30 PM • Campbell County Public Land Board 5/9/2013 7:00 PM

Monday, May 13

• Gillette City Council Work Session 5/13/2013 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday, May 14

• Gillette Board of Examiners 5/14/2013 12:30 PM • Gillette City Council Work Session 5/14/2013 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM • Gillette City Council Work Session 5/14/2013 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 15 • Gillette Public Works & Utilities Advisory Committee 5/15/2013 5:30 PM

Saturday, May 18

• Gillette NEWY Municipal Leaders Regional Meeting 5/18/2013 8:30 AM • Gillette Stop & Drop 5/18/2013 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Monday, May 20

• Gillette City Council Pre-Meeting 5/20/2013 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM • Campbell County High School Champs Reception 5/20/2013 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM • Gillette City Council Meeting 5/20/2013 7:00 PM

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

U.S. Constitution Pre-amble We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

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Tuesday, May 21

• Gillette Planning Commission Meeting 5/21/2013 7:00 PM

Thursday, May 23

• Gillette Senior Center Luncheon 5/23/2013 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM • Gillette Parks & Beautification Board 5/23/2013 5:30 PM

Tuesday, May 28 • Gillette City Council Work Session 5/28/2013 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

13

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Public Pulse

May 3 - 10, 2013

Campbell County Observer

Bold Republic Weekly When is it THEFT?

By Glenn Woods

Let’s say Bob is walking down the street and he sees a homeless person. Bob wants to help the homeless person. Bob likes to help those in need.

Good for Bob. So Bob reaches for his wallet to pullout some money. Good for Bob. But Bob sees that he only has a couple of dollars in his pocket. That’s not enough to help this guy.

Bob see’s you walking by. He stops you and asks if you might help by donating a few more dollars out of your wallet. You agree.

--- GOOD FOR YOU! But what if you, you have second thoughts and you decide that just giving this guy cash is not a good idea. You worry that the homeless man might just spend it on drugs. Or perhaps you needed that money for something else.

Something very important that you needed. So you tell Bob that you would rather not hand the homeless man money from your wallet.

So, Bob, being the good citizen that he is, pulls a gun from his pocket and points it at you. Bob demands that you take the money from your wallet and give it to the homeless man or he is going to shoot you and take it from you.

What Bob is doing now is called armed robbery.

--- BAD BOB! Bob can go to jail for what he is now doing.

But what if Bob does not rob you directly?

What if Bob points to his friends across the street and tells you that if you do not pay up THEY will come with their guns and clubs and drag you off and lock you up in a small room and then raid your bank ac-

count for the money.

You turn around and see that Bob is pointing to CITY HALL! “But you have more than enough money!” Bob says.

“You don’t need all that cash in your wallet, or your bank account. Why can’t you give a little to help that homeless person?”

Of course what Bob does not understand is that how much money you have is not the point. Taking money from someone, anyone, by force, is theft. The reason that the thief needs the money makes no differnece. It also does not matter whether Bob uses his own gun or gets someone else, like the government, to use theirs. Theft is theft.

This is why I am such a tightwad when it comes to spending taxpayer’s money.

When government says that it needs money to provide a few basic services, like police and fire, roads and bridges, and so on, I say fine. But not for too much else beyond that.

They problem comes when those at city hall begin to think that they have the right to take the money you worked so hard to earn for every little pet project they can dream up. In each case you will hear the most wonderful excuses for why they need the money and how their pet project will benefit the community.

We can argue over if these projects will benefit the community or not. But that is not the point here.

The money is not theirs to spend.

I’ve actually had folks in government, at various levels, say to my face, “Have you ever tried to ask people for money? It’s almost impossible to get it. Projects

like these will never happen if we had to ask for the money.”

That brings us back to Bob. We now see Bob standing on a hilltop, looking across his hometown, thinking, ‘If we could just start this project it would help bring business into the city. That means jobs, but the project would be too darn expensive and too hard to put together. It will be difficult to raise the money to get it started and even tougher to get people to cooperate to build the project.”

A week later Bob is at the local city council meeting pitching his idea. Rather than trying to convince people to join him and rather than trying to raise the capital himself, he wants the city to pick up the project.

If the city council takes Bob’s idea and passes it then everybody in town will have to put up with the project and pay for it no matter if they wanted it or not. This takes away the individual’s choice to say if he or she wants to be a part of the project or not. Everyone is forced to play along.

At first we thought Bob was a good person because Bob wanted to help a homeless man. At first we might have thought that Bob was a good person because he wanted to help his community grow.

But now we see that

though his intentions are good, Bob has no problem taking from people through the threat of force just to get what he thinks is a good thing.

Bob is not asking you for your money.

Bob is not asking you for

Randy the Builder 307-682-7598

Your home town builder building dreams since 1971.

your cooperation.

Bob is taking it from you.

He has not just taken your money; he has taken your freedom to choose. In the end we see that Bob is not a good person after all.

NDY A R L L CA NTH’S O M S I FOR TH M O! PRO

Radio Talk Show Host and Newspaper Columnist www.boldrepublic.com

PublicReport Pulse Sports World of Sports It doesn’t matter which sport you love to follow, you must appreciate the fact that the level of play in every sport steps up when the playoffs arrive. With the NBA Playoffs in full swing it’s time now for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the NHL. If it seems like the NHL season just started, well that’s because it did after the owners locked out the players to begin the season and teams were forced to play a shortened 48 game regular season in just 100 days. So, who is going to win it all? I must admit that I haven’t watched all that much hockey this past season, so I have asked for some help from the Head Coach and General Manager of the Gillette Wild Junior Hockey Tier III, who knows a lot more about the NHL than I do.

Winkler just wrapped up his 2nd season at the helm of the Wild and he has had guided the team to the playoffs in each of those seasons. Overall Winkler has been a head coach for 20 years in Wyoming, Montana, Virginia and Missouri. He also played hockey up to the collegiate level where he was a member of the team at Norwich University. Winkler also spent 3 years as an intern with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Win-

By Ted Ripko - Local Sports Authority kler’s resume speaks for itself. the past few weeks just trying to reckon with in the years to come, That’s why I turned to him for his qualify for the playoffs,” said Win- but not this season,” added Winexpert opinion on who will win it kler. If you remember back to last kler. He doesn’t give the Wild all in the NHL this season. season’s Stanley Cup Champi- much chance at all against ChiThe 1st games of the 1st round ons, the LA Kings, they were cago as he sees the Blackhawks of the playoffs began on Tues- also playing with their season on sweeping their way into the 2nd day, April 30th and the line as they headed into the round and the Isles have only there are some playoffs as the #8 seed from the a little more chance against the very intriguing West. Winkler also thinks that the Pens with Pittsburgh winning in 5 match-ups in the Senators will be dangerous in the games. opening round. 1st round because they are going The Vancouver, San Jose 1st “The (New York) to see some players return tot he round match-up is a series that Rangers against ice who have missed time recent- could go either way. “This one is the (Washington) ly with injuries. “If the Senators a toss up, but ultimately because Capitals is the can get back to full health, they’ll of the Sharks struggles in the most interesting surprise the Canadians,” added playoffs I don’t see them taking match-up as both Winkler. This is his upset of the down the Canucks who are very teams play at a 1st round with Ottawa sneaking dangerous with the Sedin brothhigh tempo and should provide by Montreal in 7 games. ers,” said Winkler. Vancouver in the most exciting hockey,” said While the Kings marched their 6 games over San Jose.

Winkler. “Also, don’t forget about way to the title last season as The match-up of Toronto and Anaheim and Detroit, as you can an 8 seed, Winkler doesn’t see Boston in the East Conference never sleep on the Red Wings,” that holding true this season. is a #4 vs #5 series and even he added. 6 games is how far This year the Minnesota Wild are though this is the 1st trip to playWinkler believes the Rangers the #8 seed from the west and offs in quite some time for the and Caps will go with Washing- the New York Islanders from the Maple Leafs, Winkler doesn’t see ton advancing to the conference east. “The Wild struggled just to them advancing out of the 1st semifinals. If the Red Wings can get into the playoffs as they just round. “Boston to me is a team take down the Ducks, it would be stumbled their way into the 1st that could pull off some surprises an upset with Detroit a #7 seed, round,” said Winkler. For the Is- in the postseason,” said Winkler. but this is not the series Win- landers, Winkler sees them as “When you have the community kler see a possible upset as he a dangerous team, but in the fu- behind you like the Bruins have believes the Ducks will win in 6 ture, not now. “If New York was following the tragedy at the Bosgames. playing anybody besides Pitts- ton Marathon they’re going to be If not Detroit in an upset, than burgh in the 1st round I would’ve tough to beat,” added Winkler, who? Well, Winkler likes what picked them to pull off the upset, “having the 7th man at home can he sees in the #7 seed Ottawa but the Penguins are just to deep really spur on a team.” Winkler Senators from the Eastern Con- with playmakers like (Evgeni) likes the bruins to eliminate Toference. “Montreal has been Malkin, (Jermone) Iginla and the ronto in 5 games. struggling of late and Ottawa possible return of Sidney CrosThe series that is most near is a scary team because they by,” said Winkler. “The Islanders and dear to Winkler’s heart will have been in survival mode over are young and will be a force to be his hometown St. Louis Blues

14

against the Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings. “This is what I like to call the Winkler versus (Nick) Adamek series because I am from St. Louis and Adamek is a Kings fan.” said Winkler. Adamek is the assistant Head Coach for the Wild and the Head Coach for the Gillette Wild midget team.

In a perfect world Winkler would love to see the Blues duplicate what the Kings did last season by losing just 4 games while rattling off 16 victories on their way to the Cup, but even he knows that will be an uphill battle. However he does see St. Louis getting by the Kings in 6 games.

If not taking his hometown Blues to win it all, then who?

Winkler doesn’t go out on a limb when he believes both #1 seeds from each conference will meet in the Stanley Cup Finals. “The two best teams all season long will get a chance to square in the finals because of the number of stars on each team,” said Winkler. “Having that kind of talent on each team will be tough to overcome,” added Winkler. “With both the Hawks and Pens being loaded from top to bottom that will give them the advantage to win it all,” Winkler concluded.

I have to disagree with Winkler on this year’s champion. I like the Blackhawks to have a fairly easy trip to the finals and to bring home the Cup to the Windy City.

Sports Report

Campbell County Observer

May 3 - 10, 2013

Weekly Sports Trivia Answer from Last Week What year did the first baseball Spring Training take place?

1870

Submitted by Jessica Van Woerkom

The Gillette Blue Jays hit the road this last weekend to play in the Berthoud Blaze Invitational, in Johnstown Co. The 10U team despite their efforts were not able to pull a win in the four games that they played. They made some amazing plays and never gave up. Head coach Jim West said, “These young girls played outstanding against the very competitive Northern Colorado teams.

Saturday was the first time that the girls had been able to get on the field in almost a week! We have three weeks to practice, before heading back down to Colorado for the Triple Crown Spring Fling.”

The 18U won against The Sting on Saturday 11-1, Colorado Heat with a score of 12-3 on Sunday.

What’s Going On In Sports?

Friday, May 3 • Rough Riders V/JV 5:30 am (PB) Prep/JR Riders 4:30

• Campbell County High School GIRLS GOLD, Friday 4/12/13 Sheridan Invite (JV/V) Sheridan

Sunday, May 5 • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 9:00 a.m. Friday 4/5/13 Queen City Classic at Spearfish • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 1:00 p.m. Friday 4/5/13 Kelly Walsh Mini Invite Casper • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 3:00 p.m./ 5:00 p.m. Friday 4/5/13 Cheyenne Central (JV/V) Cheyenne • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 1:00 p.m. Friday 4/5/13 Kelly Walsh Mini Invite Casper • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 9:00 a.m. Friday 4/5/13 Queen City Classic Spearfish • Campbell County High School GIRLS GOLD, Friday 4/5/13 Worland Invite (JV/V) Worland

Monday, May 13 • Rough Riders, V/JV 4:30 pm (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 • Campbell County High School Spring Soccer, 4:00 p.m. Friday 4/12/13 Sheridan (V) at Sheridan • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 9:30 a.m. Saturday 4/13/13 Rapid City Track O Rama at Rapid City • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 1:30 p.m. Saturday 4/13/13 Green River (V) Green River • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 11:00 a.m. Saturday 4/13/13 Natrona (JV2) Gillette • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 9:30 a.m. Saturday 4/13/13 Rapid City Track O Rama Rapid Cityer

Monday, May 6 • Rough Riders, V/JV 5:30 am (PB), V/JV 4:30 pm (Field) • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 10:00 a.m./ 12:00 p.m.

Saturday 4/6/13 Cheyenne East (JV/V) Cheyenne

Tuesday, May 14 • Rough Riders, V/JV 5:30 am (PB), V/JV 4:30 pm (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 • Campbell County High School Spring Soccer, 11:00 a.m. Saturday 4/13/13 Natrona (JV2) at Gillette

Tuesday, May 7 • Rough Riders, RIDERS @ Sturgis, JV 4:30 pm, Prep/JR Riders 6:30 Wednesday, May 8 • Rough Riders, V/JV 4:30 pm (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 Thursday, May 9 • Rough Riders, V/JV 5:30 am (PB), V/JV 4:30 pm (Field) Friday, May 10 • Rough Riders, V/JV 4:30 (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 Saturday, May 11 • Campbell County High School Spring Soccer, 3:30 p.m. Thursday 4/11/13 Sheridan (JV) at Gillette • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 5:30 p.m. Thursday 4/11/13 Sheridan (JV) Gillette Sunday, May 12 • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 6:00 p.m. Friday 4/12/13 Sheridan (V) Sheridan • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 6:00 p.m. Friday 4/12/13 Sheridan (JV2) Gillette

Wednesday, May 15 • Rough Riders, V/JV 4:30 pm (Field) Thursday, May 16 • Rough Riders, V/JV 5:30 am) (PB), V/JV 4:30 (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 4/16/13 Gary Benson Memorial Invite Sheridan Friday, May 17 • Rough Riders, V/JV 4:30 pm (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 2:00 p.m. Tuesday 4/16/13 Gary Benson Memorial Invite Sheridan Saturday, May 18 • Campbell County High School GIRLS GOLD, Thursday 4/18/13 Gillette Invite (JV/V) Gillette Sunday, May 19 • 4:00 p.m./ 6:00 p.m.

Friday 4/19/13 Cheyenne South (JV/V) Gillette • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 4:00 p.m./ 6:00 p.m. Friday

4/19/13 Cheyenne South (JV/V) Cheyenne • Campbell County High School GIRLS GOLD, Friday 4/19/13 Douglas Invite (JV/V) Douglas Monday, May 20 • Rough Riders, V/JV 5:30 am (PB), V/JV 4:30 pm (Field), Prep/JR Riders 6:30 • Campbell County High School Spring Soccer, 10:00 a.m./ 12:00 p.m.

Saturday 4/20/13 Laramie (JV/V) Gillette • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 10:00 a.m. Saturday 4/20/13 Dan Hansen Invite Sheridan • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER, 10:00 a.m./ 12:00 p.m.

Saturday 4/20/13 Laramie (JV/V) Laramie • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 10:00 a.m.

Saturday 4/20/13 Dan Hansen Invite Sheridan

There is nothing as magical as spring training for a northern baseball fan: that sudden rush of warm air when departing from the three-hour airplane ride, the realization for the carbound that the snowline is firmly in the rear-view mirror and the outside temperature is fast approaching short-sleeve territory.

Spring training is almost as old as baseball itself. The best evidence points to spring training first taking place in 1870, when the Cincinnati Red Stockings and the Chicago White Stockings held organized baseball camps in New Orleans. Other baseball historians argue that the Washington Capitals of the National League pioneered spring training in 1888, holding a four-day camp in Jacksonville.

The specific origins really don’t matter. By 1900, spring-training was firmly established as a baseball ritual, with most American and National League teams heading out of town so players could train and managers could evaluate. Small Florida and Arizona communities were suddenly known across the nation because of the allure provided by majorleague baseball. St. Petersburg. Fort Lauderdale.

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Tuesday, May 21 • Rough Riders, JV VS. Douglas, Varsity 4:30 pm, Prep/JR Riders 6:30 Wednesday, May 22 • Rough Riders, RIDERS vs.Wheat, JV at 4:30 Thursday, May 23 • Rough Riders, V/JV5:30 am (PB), V/JV 4:30 pm (Field, Prep/JR Riders 6:30 • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 1:00 p.m. Tuesday 4/23/13 Camel 9/10 Invite Gillette • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 1:00 p.m. Tuesday 4/23/13 Camel 9/10 Invite Gillette Friday, May 24 • Rough Riders, Varsity/ JV, SPRING CLASSIC, Prep/JR Riders 4:30 Sunday, May 26 • Campbell County High School Spring Soccer 4:00 p.m./ 6:00 p.m. Friday 4/26/13 Cheyenne East (JV/V) at Cheyenne • Campbell County High School Boys Track, 4:00 p.m. Friday 4/26/13 Wyoming Track Classic Casper (KW) • Campbell County High School GIRLS SOCCER4:00 p.m./ 6:00 p.m.

Friday 4/26/13 Cheyenne East (JV/V) Gillette • Campbell County High School GIRLS TRACK, 4:00 p.m. Friday 4/26/13 Wyoming Track Classic Casper (KW)

15

Weekly Sports Trivia Answer from Last Week Who was the first baseball player to bat as a Designated Hitter?

Ron Blomberg New York Yankees on April 6, 1973

The rationale for the designated hitter rule is that, with a few exceptions — most notably Babe Ruth, who began his career as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox — pitchers are usually weak hitters who ordinarily perform once every four or five games. The designated hitter idea was raised by Philadelphia Athletics manager Connie Mack in 1906, though he was not the first to propose it. The rumors were that he grew weary of watching Eddie Plank and Charles Bender flail at pitches when at bat. Mack’s proposal received little support and was even lambasted by the press as “wrong theoretically”. The notion did not die. In the late 1920s, National League president John Heydler made a number of attempts to introduce a 10th man designated hitter as a way to speed up the game, and almost convinced National League clubs to agree to try it during spring training in 1929. However, momentum to implement the DH did not pick up until the pitching dominance of the late 1960s. In 1968, Denny McLain won 31 games and Bob Gibson had a 1.12 ERA, while Carl Yastrzemski led the American League in hitting with a .301 average. After the season, the rules were changed to lower the mound from 15 to 10 inches and change the upper limit of the strike zone from the top of a batter’s shoulders to his armpits. In addition, in 1969 spring training, both the American League and National League agreed to try the designated pinch hitter (DPH), but they did not agree on the implementation. Most NL teams chose not to participate.

On March 6, 1969, two games utilized the new DPH rule for the very first time. Two newly formed expansion teams, the Montreal Expos and the Kansas City Royals, would participate in one such game, and the New York Yankees and Washington Senators in the other. On March 26, 1969, Major League Baseball nixed the idea for the time being. Like other experimental baseball rule changes of the 1960s and ‘70s, the DH was embraced by Oakland A’s owner Charlie O. Finley. On January 11, 1973, Finley and the other American League owners voted 8–4 to approve the designated hitter for a three-year trial run.

On April 6, 1973, Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees became the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history, facing Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Luis Tiant in his firstplate appearance.

Classifieds

May 3 - 10, 2013

Toys (ATV’s Boats, Etc.) BOAT FOR SALE. 18ft 120 port jet outboard bass tracker for sale. Call 307-680-5947 2008 Harley Dyna Super Glide, custom 19k miles blue $9,680 Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100 16ft Sea Nymph Fishing Boat, 50 hp outboard Merc, trolling motor, just serviced at wyoming marine $2,500 O.B. O 307-299-4662 or307622-0825 2013 Custom Harley Hardtail Bobber all new $9,500. Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100 International Tractor 300 Utility For Sale. $2000 Artic Cat 4X4 2001For Sale. $2000 Call Bill 307 - 660 – 8563 94 Mazda MX3 for sale. $1500 obo. 307-670-2037 1988 Honda Gl1500 for free if interested contact me at ( james.bernard10@live.com) 2010 Polaris 550 eps with less than 100 miles, books for $8,000. make and offer.

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

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

Asking $5,500 or best offer.

Price:$5,500obo. Contact: 307-670-2037 1981 Harley Davidson FXBSturgis, 1st dual-belt drive to commemorate Hill-Climb @ Sturgis, Jack-Pine Gypsies rally started in ‘41, 50th anniversary model. 12K on straight-up original paint, new Moetzler’s driven-by beefed Shovel, 102hp at wheel. Perfect in every aspect, serious inquiries only, loan is $15K and value of over 25K. Ben 680.7464, 3-other older bikes and this has to go to the right person!

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

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

Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.

Toy Parts & Accessories Stock pipes for Sportster.

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

Four 16 inch rims, five hole, with caps.$90 307 - 670 1887 Harley Accessories for sale.

Call 307-670-8980. Ask for Tammy.

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

Guns for Sale

Guns for Sale

Chinese Type 53 Carbines 7.62X54R. These guns have been fully restored and are excellent shooters. They are a shorter model of the Mossin Naugant making them easy to carry through the brush and trees. Large caliber with plenty of take down power for the largest and most dangerous game.

Ammo is still available and still very reasonably priced.

This gun comes with a fold down bayonet permanently attached. Adjustable sights on an elevation ramp rear sight makes this package very versatile. permanently attached floor plate magazine holds 5 rounds with one additional one in the chamber. Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today.

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.

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.

1903 Springfield. 30o6 Cal. U.S. Military. $700 obo. Call (307) 682-7864 A friend of mine called the other day and tells me he has 2 friends that are looking for some AR-15’s do I have any?

I told him yes I do, They are M4 style scope ready models and priced at $695.00.

Great, he says, They will be right over. They never showed up so a few days later I asked him if his friends were still interested. He told me nope, they bought them online for $1500.00. So, here they come with UPS, I still made my $15.00 for the transfer but while they were there they looked at the rifles I had in stock and discovered they were the same models they ordered with the same features and they could have bought 2 from me for the same price they paid for one they ordered. Don’t let this happen to you, Any gun, Any models, Any features can be ordered or built for a lower cost. Call for a free quote.

Call Wyoming Mountaineers (307)299-2084 to get yours today.

Get a piece of history. Mosin Nagant Russian M91/30 Surplus Rifle. Very good to Excellent condition 7.62X54 Caliber. These are a very accurate rifle shooting 4” groups at 1000 yards. Open sights are adjustable to yardage with a push of a button.

Great gun for hunting deer or elk very cheap ammo available for target practice.

Comes with military issue sling, sling pouches, bayonet, and cleaning tools. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad.

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.

Campbell County Observer

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

Come See Us For ALL Your Spring Time Projects!

32 ft. Wildcat by Forestriver, sleeps 10, 1 slide,4 bunks 307-680-6625

New Home • Remodel Garages • Pole Barns Cabinets • Decks

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

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

Bish’s Trailer & Auto Sales

5th wheel camper for sale.

Call Skip (307) 680-0073

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

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.

CAR HAULER • GOOSENECKS • CUSTOM 701 Metz Drive • 307-689-0202 SPRING SPECIALS!

Call for Information

HELP WANTED Advertising Sales/Marketing Specialist    

20% Commission plus gas allowance Monthly Individual & Team bonuses Fun Work Enviroment Set Your own hours

Send resume/cover leter to campbellcountyobserver@gmail.com

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

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

Before you buy, make a call to get a quote. We can order any gun you are looking at and just may be able to save you a ton of money. Call for a free quote. $15.00 FFL Transfer Fee on all internet purchases. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 299-2084 and mention this ad.

Gunsmithing Special of the week. Electrolysis Barrel Cleaning. Increase the accuracy of your firearm, get ready for hunting season or a summer of shooting fun.

Most cleanings complete overnight and your gun is ready the next day. Call Wyoming Mountaineers 2992084 and mention this ad.

Men & Women’s Apparel Plus Sized Women’s & Big & Tall Men’s

Handcrafted Accessories 307-363-4360

116 Gillette Ave

COMING SOON!

To Advertise in this special supplement call 307-299-4662 today!

DON'T MISS OUT!

The Campbell County Observer Presents The Second Annual

SUMMER FUN GUIDE! 16

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 307-2572306.

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

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

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

For Sale. 3br Townhouse.

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

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

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

Townhouse 680-1449

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

307-680-9180.

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 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.

Services Homeowners and renters insurance for house, trailer, or apartments. Call Elizabeth Jones Agency 307-682-6520 RV Winterization starting at $99.95 at YOUR house. Call Randy at 307-660-3091 (b340-tfnh) Spring Cleaning Special! Any purchase over $200 prior to 5-31-13 Will have the choice of: Free couch cleaning (up tp 8ft. long) or Free 1 year warranty on oil/water based spots. www.pineridgeclean. com 307-660-7856 find us on Facebook

Merchandise

Pets

1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 687-1087

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.

Large Underground Tank. 307-680-8838

Fuel

Large and Small Band Saws call for info. 307-680-8838 18v Dewalt tools - sawzall, hammer drill, one battery and one charger. $150 obo. call (307)299-1382 Exterior door with window, interior light fixtures, and computer supplies. E-mail Corsair115@yahoo.com 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

Autos, Trucks and Vans ‘76 Electra-Glide would consider trade on Pan or Knuck if ya know of anyone, ‘81 sent it to LA-S&S, 11.5to1 and dual-plugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464.

2008 Dodge Charger AWD Hemi, loaded Black $18,000 books for $22,500 Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100.

2006 Dodge Mega Cab 4x4 Laramie 102,000 miles $16,000 307-689-7290

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

1993 Chrysler LHS for sale or trade.

Needs tie-rod and alignment. Runs good. $1,500.00 OBO. Email KevlarGrease@gmail.com

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.

2 AKC Registered Bulldog Puppies for free, THEY ARE MALE AND FEMALE. IF INTERESTED CONTACT ( james.bernard10@live.com)

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

For more information go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net

Sales Repfor Print Wanted Advertising.

Desirable Qualifications:  Self Motivation  People Person  Previous Local Sales Experience

2 AKC Registered Tea Cup Yorkies Puppies for free.

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

e-mail CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com or call 670-8980 to apply

Business Opportunities Looking for investor in local business. Call for Details.

307-257-2306.

Made Fresh Daily

2002 Oldsmobile Aurora.

Black. Leather interior. Good condition. 87,400mi. Power everything. Front wheel drive. New tires. Call Charlene 307-660-7316.

1994 Plymouth Voyager for sale or trade. Runs/ looks great. 188,000 miles. $2,000.00 OBO. Email KevlarGrease@gmail.com 2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351 2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532.

2000 Chevy Silverado 4x4 1/2 Ton Pickup. New tires, ext. cab, long bed. 148,000 mi. One owner. 307-6700858 or 303-250-4096 97’ Chevy Long Box Extended Cab. ¾ Ton, selling for Parts. $1,000 OBO. 307680-7431 1982 Chevy Ventura Van. 350 Engine, 400 Turbo newly rebuilt transmission. Interior in GREAT shape, has a working electric wet bar and built in cooler in back. Carb. needs re-jetted, other than that there are no problems.

Must see. Asking $3,500 or best offer. Price:$3,500obo.

Contact: 307-670-8980

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

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Health problems? Try doTERRA certified pure essential oils. 307-680-0363. www. myvoffice.com/healingisbelieving

Cinnamon Rolls for pickup or delivery. locally-p Call Sandi 307-670-2724 www.Wyom

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Home Appliances/ Furnshings

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Cow Shares

Whirlpool Large Capacity front load washer and dryer with bottom drawer excellent condition asking $700 for pair 307-680-7948 3 Propane Refrigerators 307-680-8838. D4-12-4h Three antique pressedbacked oak chairs. Excellent condition. $85 each. 6820042

Heavy Equipment/ Trailers

Call 682-4808

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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

l a i c e p S Call 682-4808

Cow Shares

5-31-13 Any purchase over $200 prior to 5-31-31

www.EZRocking-Ranch.com .com -Ranch will have the choice of: ing ZRock

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Free couch cleaning (up to 8” long) or See our other foods spots. at Free 1 Year Warrantylocally-produced on oil/water based www.WyomingGrassFed.com

PINERIDGE Cleaning & Restoration ds l Foo Loca d Beef e F s s Gras aft Horse r 307-660-7856 e and D

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

307-689-0202 Office and Retail space for rent Marlins 685-4452 or 685-8100 For Rent Single Bedroom House in Silver Hills 307680-8838. C2-12-4h Room for Rent. Nice Room for Rent for one responsible person. $480.00 per month.

689-9358.

1952 Chevy Dumptruck, hauls 5 tons of coal $1500 307-682-1172

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ing-Ra ZRock www.E

Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967

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!

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

May 3 - 10, 2013

Com for all o ducts. ro able p anch.com avail ing-R ck o R Z www.E

Suffering From? local her. c ed by Own unty Ran o bell C

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• Autism • Stress • Rage • ADHD • ADD • ODD • OCD

• Need Mental Clarity • Suicidal Tendencies • Anxiety & Pain • Fibromyalgia • Depression • Migraines • Bipolar

Ask about our l!

10 Day Free Tria ! fe Li Could Change A

Stop by

Health Corner 101

“Water & Wellness Store” Alternative Health Monday-Friday 10:30-5:00 Sat 10:30-3:30

500 O-R Drive, Ste 4 Southview Center (Down from Haggerty’s)

307-689-6709 307-689-1998

email: healthcorner101@yahoo.com

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

HOME OF THE ADULT DAYCARE CENTER

Produce for Sale

302 E 2nd • Gillette • (307) 682-9442

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

Bud / Bud Light (Cans or Bottles) $2.50 ea

17

Our Roots

May 3 - 10, 2013

Governor:

Amistad

Wyoming approaches coal mining milestone

By Mike Borda

During the years of the slave trade, millions of Africans were forced to board ships that carried them to their doom. Taken by men with superior firepower, the slaves had no choice in the matter. However, some took matters into their own hands. They knew that their only chance at changing their destinies was to do everything they could to regain freedom.

In 1839, the slave trade was still extremely active. At this time, one of the main routes that brought slaves to America travelled through Cuba. These were mostly West African natives captured by Spanish traders.

In one case, 53 men were captured and put aboard a Portuguese ship bound for Cuba.

Once there, they were put aboard a smaller ship, the schooner La Amistad (Amistad means “friendship” in Spanish).

After boarding the Amistad in chains, the slaves settled in for their voyage in the coming days. However, the leader of these men, known as Cinque (although his real name was Sengbe Pieh), did not plan on going to America in those chains. Three days into the trip, the slaves found a file below deck and removed their shackles. Using rudimentary weapons, the men filed up the stairs and killed the captain.

Although two slaves were killed in the uprising, they managed to capture the ship.

The only crew that remained was the two Spanish traders and a cabin boy. Cinque then ordered the traders, Don Pedro Montez and Don Jose Ruiz, to navigate the ship back to Africa. However, it would not be

Campbell County Observer

that easy.

Montez and Ruiz pretended to be sailing east, but in fact headed north up the American coastline. They eventually reached Long Island, New York where American forces took the ship and its occupants into custody. Since at that time slaves were not treated as equals, the men were considered cargo and imprisoned pending a trial.

During the ensuing trial, the American public became captivated. Abolitionists rallied in favor of the slaves, while traditionalists defended the Spaniards. The case even became international. The Spanish government wanted the case brought to them, while Britain demanded that the slaves be released (due to a treaty that had with Spain, which the traders had violated).

After a very tough and public deliberation, the United States court decided that the slaves were illegally imprisoned while in Africa. Since they were forcibly enslaved, they had the right to rebel. Effectively, they were set free. The following year, after private groups had raised enough money, the men were sent back to Africa.

The acts of Cinque and his men are an example of the American spirit, even though they were not by Americans. These men knew what was happening was wrong, and they took action. With a favorable decision by the United States Court system, they were some of the few slaves to regain their freedom. It is truly a tale we should not forget.

“History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.”

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower Sponsor the Quotes and get 4 small ads/week for only $50/ week!

Governor Matt Mead announced today that Wyoming will mine its ten billionth ton of coal in May. “This is a significant achievement for our state and country. Coal mining has provided thousands of jobs in Wyoming over the last 150 years, all the while fueling America’s economy,” Governor Mead said.

“Coal has helped make America great because it is an affordable and reliable source of energy. It keeps the lights on in our homes and powers America’s industries.”

Since 1987, Wyoming has been the nation’s largest producer of coal. “Coal is the largest source of electricity in America and Wyoming proudly produces 40% of the nation’s coal.

The importance of this industry to the country cannot be overstated,” Governor Mead said. “Here in Wyoming, coal has paid for the construction of our new schools, greatly benefiting our education system and local communities.”

The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) researches the state’s coal production and geology as part of its mission. The WSGS’s coal geologist reviewed historical records dating back to 1865 when

Wyoming was still a territory. He also looked at current production data from the Wyoming State Mine Inspector and calculated a total of 9,855,067,896 short tons of coal have been mined in the state through January 1, 2013.

Using historical data, the state has been able to determine its energy contribution to the nation from coal.

That contribution is huge.

Wyoming through its coal resources has provided nearly 176 quadrillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) in energy to the country.

“This is enough energy to power the entire nation’s electricity grids for more than eight years,” said Chris Carroll, state coal geologist with the WSGS. “Our estimates for recoverable reserves show we can continue to produce this valuable resource long into the future, as well as expand into other potential international and economically viable markets.”

Wyoming’s North Antelope Rochelle and Black Thunder Coal Mines accounted for 20% of the U.S. coal production by tons in 2012. In 2012 Wyoming mines produced 401 million tons, with a total value of $4 billion.

“The mining industry is

proud to have provided coal to Wyoming and the rest of the nation so that millions of people can have energy for manufacturing, clean water, refrigeration and heat,” said Marion Loomis, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association. “The industry looks forward to supplying power from Wyoming coal - affordably, reliably - for the next 100 years.”

Wyoming is rich not only in coal resources, but also in the high quality of those resources.

“Wyoming’s coal is the lowest sulfur and ash sub-bituminous coal in the country, which means it does not require washing or preparation prior to shipping to power plants,” Chris Carroll said.

The quality of Wyoming coal is among the reasons it represents a major export for the state.

The WSGS has launched a new website on Wyoming’s Coal Resources as a clearing house of information for the public to access, including current production numbers, maps with layers of information and links to all the state’s mines and coal fields (via Google Earth), as well as educational pages, photos and historical records.

Cow Camp

By Jeff Morrison

With the sudden passing this week of my brother-in-law and friend, Rusty Fieldgrove, I find myself reflecting on more recent history than what you are accustomed to reading in my articles. I beg your indulgence while I reminisce a bit about Rusty, his father, Cecil, and the ranch he loved…

For those of us who grew up in Powder River Country, you don’t have to dig very deep to find our country roots. Most of us have been around a sheep or cow pen at one time or another and can recall the sight of a new-born calf, the sounds of a roundup, and the smell of branding. But Rusty was a cowboy his whole life – something that has become a rarity these days.

He was born in 1959 and was the oldest son of Cecil and Teensy Fieldgrove. For the first ten years of his life, they lived on a ranch on Little Powder River, and then moved to their ranch on Garner Lake. In 1980, Rusty married my sister, Mary Jane. A few years later they decided to move the operation to a place they called Cow Camp.

Up until then, Cow Camp was pretty much what the name implies. It had been the northern range of what was once a much larger ranch belonging to Rusty’s great grandfather, Herman A. Luddecke. It was located in the high, rugged hills that separate Clear Creek and Crazy Woman Creek between Ucross and Clearmont. The steep ridgelines and deep ravines provided excellent winter pasture and some of the best range grass in Wyoming. It was a remote and wild country, and riding out into the interior of the ranch was like turning back the clock a hundred years or more.

My first sight of the place came the summer before the big move, during haying season. A tiny two-bedroom house, a low-roofed barn that consisted of two stalls and a tack room, a couple of unpainted sheds, a corral, and a row of rusting gasoline tanks on stands defined the ranch yard. One could almost believe the place was just another deserted homestead if

it weren’t for the large flock of top hat chickens scurrying here and there, laying eggs in every conceivable nook and cranny.

Cecil moved a trailer house in for himself, his wife, and Rusty’s brother, Ryan, to live in. It actually had more floor space than the house that Rusty and Mary Jane would live in for 24 years, raising four children along the way. New corrals were built and the barn was expanded to include a calving shed and stanchion. The relatives who had been living on the place moved out, but left the entire flock of utterly useless chickens behind. A few months later Rusty and Mary Jane moved in, and I came along as the hired hand.

During that spring and summer we made several improvements and upgrades on the place, and in some ways it felt like we were homesteading.

An addition was built onto the house which doubled the floor space and provided another bedroom, a work room and a large porch. Rusty and I painted the buildings red with white trim, which gave a much homier look to the place.

Rusty and I shared a love of history, and there was plenty of that to be seen on the ranch.

The long valley that ran most of the length of the ranch provided a natural trail from Clear Creek over the divide at Tick Ridge and down another long valley to Crazy Woman Creek at the Tipperary Ranch. Over the many years it had been used by buffalo, Indians, freight wagons, sheep herders, and cattle drives. A set of tipi-rings (circles of rocks used to hold down the bottom of the tipi hides) indicated where an Indian encampment had been located. Hidden among the sagebrush in the bottom of the valley was an old stone marker with a faded inscription that read, “Johnson County Trail – 1914.” And high on the top of Tick Ridge was an ancient medicine wheel which overlaid part of what appeared to have been an even older medicine wheel.

Herman Luddecke secured the range that made up his cow camp by buying out several fail-

ing homesteads. In the 1980s, the remains of those homesteads dotted the ranch, and provided a glimpse into another era of history. One such homestead appeared to be a tworoom shack. It had belonged to a man who worked on the railway that connected Buffalo to the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy line in Clearmont. Rusty told me that every day this man would walk five miles to the railroad tracks and return the same way at night. A closer inspection of the shack revealed that the second room was actually a stable with a built in feed bunk for his milk cow.

The most curious and wellpreserved homestead site was a place we called Rattlesnake.

Here, the homesteader had attempted to dig a large waterwell by hand. At some point he had given up and began using it as a grain silo. We used it for a garbage landfill. Rusty told me the well was probably about fifty feet or so deep, which meant that, located on the side of a

ridge as it was, the poor homesteader needed to dig another fifty feet down to reach the water table.

Due to the ruggedness of the terrain, the ranch was mostly open range with few dividing pastures. The steep ridges provided natural barriers that helped confine cattle to whatever part of the range we drove them to. To conserve the water level of the reservoirs, we tried to maintain a certain number of cattle in each valley. This meant checking the number of cattle in each valley every day and moving the excess numbers to the next valley.

This we did on horseback, spending many, many hours in the saddle. Because of the size of the ranch, we split up and each rode our list of reservoirs alone. This often resulted in one person having to drive 20 – 30 head of reluctant cows away from water and over a ridge they didn’t want any part of crossing. And then, once on top of the ridge, the smell of

water in the next valley would cause them to “stampede” down the other side – which was okay, until you counted the cattle in that valley and realized you needed to round them up again and move them to the next valley. On more than one occasion they reached the top of the ridge only to scatter down both sides of the divide. But as annoying as this could be, we considered ourselves blessed to be able to live out a cowboy’s dream of putting in a day’s work from the back of a saddle.

I have countless fond memories of that year at Cow Camp.

Little did I know it would be the last I spent as a cowboy. I returned to college and my life took a different career path that kept me away from the ranch and turned me into a permanent townie. Now days it’s a rare privilege to be invited to saddle up and take a ride. But I totally understand why Rusty loved being a cowboy.

The Local “Our Roots” Column is sponsored by

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

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

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

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