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The Campbell $1. County Observer
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Volume 1 • Issue 33
November 18 - 25, 2011
www.campbellcountyobserver.net www.EZRocking-Ranch.com
June 17 - 24, 2011
“If it doesn’t have to do with Campbell County, we don’t care!”
Local Foods Grass Fed Beef and Draft Horses Come to our website for all our available products. www.EZRocking-Ranch.com Owned by local Campbell County Rancher.
Photos by Campbell County Observer Photographer Clint Burton
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Veterans Day Parade another Success We have other parades in town, including homecoming and 4th of July, but last Friday was a very special one. The homecoming parade is for students and alumni, and the 4th of July is for celebrating our great and worthy independence. The Veterans day parade is a little different, as instead of a celebration it is a “thank you.” It honors the men and women who have sacrificed more than any civilian can ever dream about (watch movies…play video games), and it honors them publicly in celebration form. This year, there were 41 floats. The Wyoming National Guard was there, along with many other businesses in town. On the Eldridge Excavation/Campbell County Observer float (and we can write about it because it is our paper) there were 20 children who received a speech on why they were in the parade and got to meet the veterans that would be riding in the float with them. There were two Vietnam Vets, a Korea Vet, a Desert Storm Vet, an Afghan Vet, an Iraq Vet, and a Kosovo Vet. There was also active duty U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Christopher with that particular float, being the only full active duty serviceman in the parade. He will be leaving the recruiting office and Gillette to go back to normal military operations in a couple months, so it was great seeing him in the parade. Overall, it was a great parade and one that honored the people it was intended for. You heard many “Thank a Veteran,” or “Thank You,” quotes being yelled out from the parade and the crowd. I personally saw many people in attendance to, what I believe, may be (though not the largest) is the most important parade in Gillette. Linda Eldridge did a wonderful job putting it together, and will be doing the honor again next year. Special thanks to Mrs. Eldridge, as a veteran I am very proud to have been part of the day’s festivities.
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Commissioners seek more details on Wright Red Center expansion
The Campbell County Commissioners decided to hold off making any decisions about expanding the Wright Recreational Center to ensure everybody is on the same page. “The memorandum of understanding is between the Town of Wright, Campbell County, the Recreation Board, and the school district,” explains Campbell County Commissioner Chris Knapp. “Since the school district is adding on lockers and the Town of Wright wanted to add some things on, we wanted to be sure that everybody is on board
and 100 percent in agreement before going forward with construction.” There will be a meeting in Wright on November 22 to discuss all the features that will be included in the Wright Rec Center expansion. “The concern that the commission had was as we start that we don’t have items that come up mid-construction or features that are wanted mid-construction,” Knapp says. “We want to know everything up front, what everybody agrees is the features for the Rec Center and that way there’s no
stalling of the project or no overruns of the project as we go forward.” Following the meeting in Wright, Knapp says the commissioners will review the issue again during their next regularly scheduled meeting in December. A commissioned study determined that the Wright Recreational Center needed more space. Knapp says those interested can view the preliminary schematic designs for the rec center’s expansion by contacting the Campbell County Commissioners.
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Community
Photos by Campbell County Observer Photographer Clint Burton
Students perform during the Hillcrest 5th and 6th grade music program.
Campbell Co. Fire Dept. November 9, 2011
- At 6:30 AM to 5307 Hessian Street in Sleepy Hollow Subdivision for a report of a smoke haze in the residence. The problem was found to be with the electric forced air furnace. The furnace was shut off until a service technician can take a look at it. Natural ventilation was utilized to clear the smoke haze out of the home. - At 7:28 AM to the intersection of Dove Road and South Highway 59 for a three vehicle traffic accident with injury. A semi-truck rear-ended a pickup pushing it into another pickup resulting in injuries to two persons who transported by ambulance. - 7:31 AM to North Highway 14 16 for a 1 vehicle accident involving a deer, the vehicle was leaking anti-freeze, no injuries. - At 1:41 PM to 3500 Little Powder River Rd. for a report of a structure fire, upon arrival the owner had the fire out. The owner was burning grass and debris around several buildings, he returned 2-3 hours later and found the exterior corner of his office building on fire. He was able to use a portable fire extinguisher to bring the fire under control. - At 2:21 PM to 114 Four J (Council of Community Services) for an automatic fire alarm, upon arrival it was determined to be a false alarm and all units returned to service.
November 10, 2011
- At 4:13 p.m. to Twister Drive for an EMS assist. - At 4:47 p.m. to the area of McManamen Lake for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and found a small fire burning in the wooded area of the park. Three juveniles were found at the scene and they admitted to starting the fire. The fire was extinguished and the juveniles were ticketed for illegally burning within city limits.
- At 5:38 p.m. to mile marker 115 on eastbound I-90 for an EMS assist. - At 5:48 p.m. to the intersection of Mohan Road and HWY 59 for a 2 vehicle collision. CCFD contained hazardous fluids leaking from the involved vehicles. - At 5:58 p.m. to Echeta Road at the Oriva Hills turnoff for a 1 vehicle rollover. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a single patient, the driver, ejected from the vehicle and lying in a field next to the roadway. The driver was transported with injuries to CCMH-ER. - At 6:48 p.m. to 4100 Windmill Drive for an unknown type of fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a small grass fire that also involved some wood panels. The fire was extinguished and the origin and cause of the fire investigated. CCFD was unable to determine the cause of the fire but believed it was an escaped controlled burn conducted earlier in the day. - At 8:33 p.m. to the area west of the Peaceful Valley Road and Echeta Road intersection for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and found a small grass fire burning inside the railroad right-of-way. The fire was extinguished and the cause was determined to be sparks from a passing train.
November 11, 2011
- At 12:01 p.m. to the area of Dry Fork Mine along the railroad tracks for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a fire burning inside the railroad right-of-way. The fire was extinguished and contained to 4.2 acres. The fire was started by sparks from a passing train. - At 12:10 p.m. to the area of 12665 North HWY 59 for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found an approximately 10 acre fire. Firefighters at-
November 13, 2011
tacked the blaze and contained it to 94 acres. The fire was started by the landowner who was burning weeds. - At 12:32 p.m. to the area of the KFX Fuels plant on North Garner Lake Road for a grass fire. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a fire burning within the railroad right-ofway. The fire was extinguished and contained to 3 acres. The fire was started by sparks from a passing train. - At 9:38 PM to Whitetail for an EMS assist.
- At 12:17 AM to E HWY 1416 for a medical assist. - At 7:49 AM to 3711 Blue Avenue for a fire alarm. Responding fire units cancelled when it was learned from the homeowner to be a false alarm. - At 4:18 PM to the 500 block of Rohan Avenue for a medical assist.
November 14, 2011
- At 7:04 AM to the 300 block of Fairview Rd. for a 1 vehicle rollover. No injuries reported upon arrival of CCFD units. - At 5:25 PM to the 1000 block of Hitt Dr. for an EMS assist. - At 5:38 PM to the 600 block of 4J Ct. for an EMS assist. - At 9:01 PM to the 700 block of Frontier Dr. for an EMS assist.
November 12, 2011
- At 2:36 AM to Warren Ave. for an EMS assist. - At 3:43 AM to Garner Lake Rd. and the railroad tracks for a coal dust fire on the tracks inside the tunnel under the road. Crews applied water and foam to prevent the embers from starting a grass fire. - At 10:14 AM to Sammye Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 12:26 PM to Church Avenue for an EMS assist. - At 1:06 PM to West 8th Street for an EMS assist. - At 5:43 PM to the intersection of HWY 59 and Boxelder Road for a 2 vehicle collision. No one was injured in the collision and CCFD disconnected the involved vehicles electrical systems. - At 6:18 PM to Gap Road for an EMS assist. - At 8:58 PM to 2300 South Douglas HWY for an automatic fire alarm activation. CCFD responded to the scene and upon arrival found a smoke detector activated at the back of the store. Store employees advised the alarm was caused by dust stirred up during stock moving. CCFD assisted with resetting the alarm. - Due to a relatively mild fall the grass and sage brush remain extremely dry and we urge everyone to use caution before open burning is conducted.
November 15, 2011
- At 12:42 PM to the 3500 Block of South Highway 59 for a medical assist. - At 2:25 PM to the address of 1500 South Butler Spaeth Road, Hillcrest School, for a Gas Smell inside the building. School staff evacuated everyone out of the building for safety concerns. CCFD, School maintenance staff and Gas officials found that it was sewer gas that was isolated to the east end of the building and was quickly ventilated. The cause of the source is under investigation
by school officials. School staff and students were allowed back into the building after everything was ventilated so that they could gather personal belongings. - At 7:50 PM to 1907 South Douglas Highway (Common Cents Service Station) for a natural gas odor. Firefighters traced the odor to the Flying J Service Station propane filling station. Propane was venting through a vent tube at the filling station. The gas dissipated without incident. - At 8:17 PM to Hopi Circle for a medical assist.
We are thankful for you!
P.O. Box 699 • 2900 South Douglas Hwy • Gillette, WY 82717 Phone (307) 685-2702 • Fax (307) 685-2710 Toll Free (888) 685-2702 • www.thebank-gillette.com
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
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Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer
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Community Operation Christmas Child By Keary Speer This time of year there are so many ways to do good things that it is hard to choose just one. You can give to a veteran, a senior, a hungry family, a needy child and there are countless ways to do so! You do not have to look hard to find someone in need and an organization to help them. First Baptist Church on Gillette Avenue is doing their best to spread the Christmas cheer to a global level by participating in Operation Christmas Child. This amazing program helps get gifts, on Christmas, to children in other countries who would otherwise have nothing. They have been operat-
ing since 1993 to bring gifts to children in 130 different countries and it is fairly simple to participate! First, a special shoebox can be picked up at the church itself, or you can even use a shoebox of your own. Then, you choose whether you want to send your box to a boy or a girl in one of three age groups. Next, you fill the box with things both practical (i.e. toothbrush/toothpaste, socks, underwear, school supplies) and/or fun (candy, toys, accessories). Then, you may either wrap the box or leave it be and drop it back off at the church with $7 for shipping purposes. You are encouraged to leave a pic-
ture in the box of you and your family with a letter to the child. In a lot of cases the children will write back! What better way is there to show your children the meaning of charity with actual evidence of the child they have helped? The boxes are due in the third week of November in order to be shipped to the children in time for Christmas. So, if it is your prerogative to do something charitable this year, please consider Operation Christmas Child at the First Baptist Church. There they can tell you inspirational stories of the children that have been helped and further aid you in the entire process.
Museum’s Christmas Family Day is Dec. 10
The Campbell County Rockpile Museum kicks off its Family Day series with an old-fashioned Christmas crafts day on Saturday, December 10, 2011. Join us from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to make handmade yarn & spoon dolls, clothespin airplanes, pinecone ornaments, holiday sachets, and much more. This event requires a reservation and space is limited. It is open to interested children age preschool to 12 years old and their parents. All Rockpile Museum Family Day events require children to be accompanied by an
adult. Call 682-5723 to reserve your spot today. Santa Claus is coming to the Museum All community members are invited to stop by the museum from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on December 10th for refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus. The Campbell County Rockpile Museum is located at 900 W. Second Street in Gillette, Wyoming. For more information call Penny at (307) 682-5723 or visit rockpilemuseum.com.
SWEDE’S SPECIALTIES with a full range of Beer and Wine Making Supplies, Weather Instruments and lots of good gift ideas for Christmas!
Be Thankful for all your blessings this Thanksgiving! Swede wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Judging will take place from Nov. 28 through Dec. 4 hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Residents participating should have their lights on during this time. Volunteers from the Senior Citizen Center will judge the contest. The City will be divided into five areas, and three prizes will be awarded in each area - 1st place ($100), 2nd place ($75) and 3rd place ($50). There will be no Citizen’s Choice Award this year.
See Swede for all your beer and wine making supplies and specialty gifts! Free bag decapper with purchase of wine ingredient kit from white to red!
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No judging schedule will be available. Winners will be announced at the City Council meeting on December 19, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. Winners may choose to receive a gift card or a credit on their utility bill. For more information contact Public Information Officer Joe Lunne at 307686-5393.
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Win Free Travel for Two from Gillette-Campbell County Airport Enter by completing a simple online survey at www.iflygillette.com
Gillette-Campbell County Airport is giving away four round-trip tickets (that’s two each to two lucky winners) as part of its ongoing effort to provide customers with the best possible travel experience. For a chance at the prize, members of the flying public simply need to complete a five-minute survey, offered online today at www.iflygillette.com. The survey will be available through Dec. 14. On Dec. 15, two winners will be chosen randomly and will each receive two roundtrip SkyWest Airlines tickets for service to Salt Lake City or Denver. Details and the survey are online now at www.iflygillette.com. About Gillette-Campbell County Air-
port: The Gillette-Campbell County Airport is located in Northeastern Wyoming in a major energy producing part of the country known as the Powder River Basin. Gillette is at the hub of this basin, and the Airport serves the commercial service and general aviation needs for a large portion of this corner of the state. The Airport sees approximately 56,000 passengers come through yearly and is currently served by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Great Lakes Aviation to Denver, Salt Lake City, Rock Springs, Wyoming and Williston, North Dakota. The Gillette-Campbell County Airport and tenants currently employ approximately 260 people in the surrounding area.
New book measures Presidential qualifications and candidate rankings Author Jamin Soderstrom asked one simple question: Would you hire your president? Is Donald Trump more qualified to be president than Barack Obama? What about Rick Perry? Sarah Palin? Hillary Clinton? The critical question voters must ask every four years is: Who is actually “qualified” to be president? That’s the focus of Jamin Soderstrom’s new book, Qualified (published by iUniverse). Soderstrom’s book takes an innovative approach to presidential politics by creating resumes for all 43 presidents using eight constitution-based categories. “As the book came together it became clear that party affiliation, powerful speeches, and ideological stances on particular issues were far less important than a candidate’s overall resume qualifications when it comes to predicting presidential success,” says Soderstrom. The ultimate results of the book’s analysis are striking. Qualified proves that
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To submit ideas or article requests go to www.campbellcountyobserver.net or email us at Newsandideas@CampbellCountyObserver.com
Holiday Lighting Contest The City of Gillette is proud to announce the 2011 Holiday Lighting Contest. The contest, which began in 1988, encourages citizens to decorate their homes for the holidays. The City of Gillette will again sponsor the Annual Holiday Lighting Contest. Judging will take place beginning November 28th and continue through December 4th, between the
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more qualified candidates become more successful presidents. But it doesn’t stop there. It also creates resumes for 17 current or potential candidates and shows who is qualified, who isn’t, and what Barack Obama’s re-election chances are as an incumbent in 2012. Soderstrom acknowledges that there are other “intangible” considerations American voters will look to when choosing their leaders, but for him a smart decision should always start with the candidates’ resumes. “Likeability and political agreement are great, but they shouldn’t trump basic resume qualifications,” he says. “If a candidate can’t perform the job successfully once elected, his or her intangible personal characteristics simply don’t matter.” In the end, Soderstrom argues that it is nice for candidates to have five-step plans for solving our nation’s problems, but it is necessary for them to have enough relevant experiences and abilities to actually deliver positive results.
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Community Recluse Holiday Bazaar a Hit
My wife and I loaded up the kids and took a long-needed drive to the beautiful northern part of Campbell County to find a somewhat hidden event going on. Driving up to the new Recluse Town Hall, we were astonished to find many cars parked. I had to go in to see what was going on, and as soon as we walked in the door we were met by a friendly smile. Lorraine Amende, of Recluse, told us what was going on, and introduced us to many of the people at the event. It was the First Holiday Bazaar at the new Recluse Town Hall. It was being sponsored by the Ladies Club, and had over one hundred people in attendance. The Ladies Club was serving lunch while people looked at the offerings of the around 35 venders. “We started talking about it in August,” said Ladies Club President Amber Loetscher, “In that short of time we got many venders from Gillette, Recluse, Arvada, Wright, and more.” Amber also noted that this year was so much of a success, that the Ladies Club already plan to hold another Holiday Bazaar next year. “We would love for people to come to any function that Recluse has, come up and see our new Town Hall,” stated Lorraine Amende. For more information you can go to www.reclusetrust. org
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Wyoming Department of Health: Say “Yes” to Organ Donation Submitted by Kim Deti - Wyoming Department of Health A Wyoming Department of Health representative is urging residents to make sure they are signed up and included on the state’s organ and tissue donor registry. “The simple act of checking “yes” when asked about organ and tissue donation on your driver’s license form can have a dramatic impact on the lives of many others,” said Cherame Serrano, Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares program coordinator with the Wyoming Department of Health. “One donor can help save up to eight lives through organ donation and help heal more than 100 people through tissue donation.” In 2010, Wyoming was 4th in the nation with 59.6 percent of individuals with driver licenses and ID cards joining the donor registry. “We’re proud Wyoming historically has a high donor designation rate and has been in the top ten for many years,” Serrano said. “We’d like to see our rates go even higher.” Residents can check their licenses to see if they are included in the registry. Wyoming licenses issued in recent years have a small red heart symbol in the upper right hand area to indicate donors. Serrano said about 145 Wyoming residents are waiting for transplants and anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history. How to become a designated organ donor in Wyoming: • Sign up with the Wyoming Department of Transportation when you apply for or renew a Wyoming driver’s license • Register on-line at http://www.do-
natelifewyoming.org/ • Request and return a mail-in registration form. Forms can be requested by calling 307-777-3527 or by mail from Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares, 6101 Yellowstone Rd, Suite 259B, Cheyenne, WY 82002. “If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased,” Serrano said. There is no cost to the donor or the donor’s family for organ or tissue donation. When Wyoming residents register to be an organ and tissue donor, they make an advanced directive that will be honored at the time of death if they are eligible to be a donor. “If you are eligible to be a donor, your family will be informed of your decision to be a donor at the time of your death and they’ll be asked to provide information about your history,” Serrano said. Serrano noted all major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and an open casket funeral remains possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Those wishing to only donate certain organs and/or tissue may list restrictions when filling out the registration form and restrictions are recorded in the donor registry. Together with a number of partner organizations, the Wyoming Department of Health’s Wyoming Cares/Wyoming Shares Program helps promote organ donation in the state.
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“One must picture the United States of America the same as ones family. You have your bad apples,and some get led astray. Our job is to be there and point to the virtuous path. As a matter of fact, the United States is a big family, so let’s start getting involved as such.” - Nicholas DeLaat
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The Campbell County Observer and our sponsors wish you a Safe and Happy
Give Thanks!
We are thankful for you!
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Happy Thanksgiving
Phone: (307) 682-3913 Fax: (307) 686-7131
Community Letters to Santa
Photo by Campbell County Observer Photographer Clint Burton
Sage Valley students perform wonderfully during their recent concert.
Make a Lasting, Positive Impact This Holiday Season:
Give Family and Friends Gifts from the Arbor Day Foundation
Celebrate the holiday season with friends and loved ones this year and give back to the Earth at the same time with the help of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. Send holiday greetings and plant a tree – all at the same time – by using the Foundation’s Give-A-Tree cards. Give-A-Tree cards are unique in that every card plants a tree in one of our National Forests in honor of the recipient. By sending Give-A-Tree cards, you are helping to replant forests that have been devastated by wildfires, insects and disease. Give-A-Tree holiday cards come in 20 varieties. This year, an option is available to customize Give-A-Tree
cards, including using your favorite picture in a Give-ATree photo card. When you give the gift of Arbor Day Specialty Coffee, you’re helping to preserve the Earth’s precious rain forests. Arbor Day Specialty Coffee is shadegrown under the canopy of Latin American rain forests. Unlike sun-grown coffee plantations, this traditional shade-grown method gives the coffee a delicious, rich flavor and helps preserve the rain forest as part of the Foundation’s Rain Forest Rescue program. The Foundation’s Trees in Celebration program allows the giver to honor loved ones while at the same time making a positive impact on the environ-
Click2Gov back online
City online bill pay back in action!
The City of Gillette’s online bill pay, or Click2Gov, is back online. The system had been offline since Sunday, November 13th while the IT division installed a new server. For security purposes, all customer credit card and check information was deleted during the installation, and online bill pay customers will now have to re-enter their credit card or check information to pay their bills. Customers’ usernames and passwords are still current - please log-in using your existing account username and password.
Featured Crime Burglary
Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving a Burglary that occurred at the American Legion between the hours of 00:38 am and 10:02 am on 10-13-11. An unknown person(s) forced entry into the American Legion causing approximately $500 in damage. Approximately $14,000 in cash was taken during the burglary. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400 or the High School Crime Stoppers at 682-4185. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.
ment. Trees in Celebration include a certificate for the recipient, and for each dollar donated a tree is planted in a damaged forest. Give special friends a membership to the Arbor Day Foundation, and they will also receive 10 free trees. A membership costs $10, and includes many great benefits, including 10 free trees that will be shipped at the right time of
year for planting. “The holidays are a time for thinking about others, and as you do, take a moment to think about what you can do to protect the beauty and splendor of the Earth,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We encourage everyone to give gifts that will have a lasting impact on the world for generations to come.”
Crime Stoppers needs your help in solving an arson that occurred at 408 S Gurley on 10/18/2011 at approximate 0250 hours. It is believed the fire was started in the mud room of the residence. Damage to the residence is in excess of $7,000. If you have information that can solve this or any other crime please call Crime Stoppers at 686-0400 or the High School Crime Stoppers at 682-4185. You can remain anonymous and may earn up to $1,000 in reward.
write a letter to Santa. Send the letter to our office and they will get a response from one of Santa’s little helpers! The funniest, cutest, most inspirational letters will get published in the newspaper in the month of December, as well. I, and anyone who wants to help, can personally guarantee that each child receives a heartfelt response so that they know they are being thought of this holiday season and keep the magical feeling alive for at least one more year. Be sure they ask questions and get creative with their letters! Sent the Letters to: Santa Claus, ATTN: Campbell County Observer, 707 W. 3rd Street, Gillette, WY 82716 If you would like to include a self-address and stamped envelope it would be greatly appreciated but not required. Otherwise, if necessary, the letters can be e-mailed to kearyspeer@campbellcountyobserver.com but be sure to include a return mailing address!
Malpractice award shatters all time Wyoming high A malpractice suit against the Campbell County Memorial Hospital was won in favor of the victim, Louis Prager, quickly becoming the largest awarded malpractice suit in Wyoming’s history. In 2008, Prager, while working for Conquest Energies Co., was involved in a rollover incident. He was taken to the hospital because of neck pain and
was discharged later. He had to return on his own because of worsening pain in his neck upon which they realized it was indeed broken. Because of the permanent nerve damage suffered by Prager, he now has been awarded $9 million. The previous malpractice high of Wyoming was a mere $1.5 million.
How do you expect the Gillette Pronghorn Mens Basketball season to turn out? 25-year-old Levi Coy and 21-year-old Christina Oien were each arrested on felony burglary charges, along with 23-year-old Auston Coy (not pictured).
Witness helps police nab burglary suspects
Winning Record 68.63% (105 votes) In the National Championship 20.92% (32 votes) Losing Record 3.92% (6 votes) Visit www.campbellcountyobserver.com to vote in our Poll of the Week
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By Paul wallem - Basin Radio News Gillette police detained three burglary suspects Monday afternoon on felony charges. According to Gillette Police Lieutenant, Brent Wasson, police made the arrests after receiving a tip from a local citizen who says he witnessed the burglary. “A witness observed two men entering a vehicle that did not belong to them in the 1300 block of Eagle’s Nest Circle,” Wasson describes. “That witness followed the vehicle that the two men left in, and kept an eye on the vehicle, relaying its location to police until they were able to stop it.” Police arrested 25-year old Levi Coy, a 23-year old Auston Coy, and a 21-year old Christina Oien, all from Gillette.
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Featured Crime Hickey Arson
If I were to be “good” at anything, it would be the Holidays. I love to cook and can seriously rock an apple pie, which bodes well for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I decorate like a maniac, watch all the classic movies, start listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween and bake to my heart’s content. I am certain that my love for the Holidays was passed down to me by my mother and I am equally as determined to pass on the love to my children to keep the cycle going for generations. Everything about this time of year was made magical and, to me, still is and there is nothing more magical than Santa Claus. I, and the Campbell County Observer, want to continue to share this magic with children all over the area for no other reason than to spread the Holiday spirit and make memories for these children to always cherish. That is why we are going to do “Letters to Santa.” If you have, or know of, any children you can have them
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BRN Photo by Paul Wallem
The Bricks for Vets Committee just secured the last financing required to purchase the United We Stand sculpture that currently resides in front of Gillette City Hall. The Group says it will be permanently placed at Lasting Legacy Park.
Bricks for Vets receives final approval By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News
Gillette Church of Christ hosts Youth Rally
Last Saturday, kids from all over came together to learn and play. The Church of Christ (Gillette) held a youth rally designed to educate children on myths of the bible, while having fun doing it. So much fun, in fact, that Erik Bishop thought it was “Awesome. It is lots of fun, and I learned a lot.” Friday through Sunday, kids started rolling in from Billings, Colorado, South Dakota, Jackson, Lander,
Casper, and more to experience the weekend. Most of the learning this weekend was designed to teach the children “Myths” of the bible, and disproving them, kind of like the T.V. Show Mythbusters. “It is a great way to approach it, and it gives you a lot to think about,” said. Colter Keffeler. Saturday night, however, was time to stop the classroom talk, wind down, and blow off some steam. After dinner, the kids had much to do in-
cluding basketball, football, fun on the go, ping pong, and more. Watching the children, (middle school and high school age) one could see a slight glow from all of them as they relaxed and had fun throughout the night. The Church of Christ (Gillette) and its affiliates put on many events for children that includes meeting friends, learning, and more. If you are interested, go to their website at www.gillettechurchofchrist.com
The Bricks for Vets committee successfully completed the final hurdle in their quest to purchase the $60,000 United We Stand statue and place it in a permanent home at Lasting Legacy Park. During Tuesday’s Campbell County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners approved the Bricks for Vets’ funding request in the amount of $15,000. “All five county commissioners voted yes,” explains Bricks for Vets committee member and Gillette City Councilmember Everett Boss. “It just says worlds to our committee, Bricks for Vets, how special out community is.” The $15,000 from Campbell County combined with a $15,000 donation from the City of Gillette is enough to secure the $30,000 grant from the Marna Kuehne Foundation. That grant required the committee to match the funds in order to receive them. “We’re going to put these United We Stand statues on a pedestal where the bricks will be from people who have bought the bricks to honor their fathers, their sons, their daughters, their grandfathers – whatever the case may be – this is the anchor for us,” Boss says. However, Bricks for Vets has other plans for the area in addition to the statue. According to Boss, they recently erected plaques memorializing two local soldiers who were killed fighting the War on Terror. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Zorn was killed on Nov. 16, 2009 while on his third tour of duty in Iraq. Marine Lance Corporal Jacob Allen Ross was killed on March 24, 2010 while on duty in Afghanistan. “We want to make this our special place for veterans,” Boss describes. “Lasting Legacy Park is our memorial for all vets.” In the end, Boss says he’s very excited to have finally secured the funding to keep the United We Stand sculpture forever in Gillette after two years of hard work.
Missouri fugitive arrested near Wright
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By Paul Wallem - Basin Radio News Authorities say they arrested a 37-year old man in Wright who was wanted out of Missouri on a probation violation on an original charge of involuntary homicide. The arrest, according to Campbell County undersheriff Scott Matheny, came after the sheriff’s office received a tip from a caller about the location of Maurice Grimes. According to the caller, Grimes was living in a fifth wheel camper on Lawver Road near Hilight Road north of Wright. “Two of our deputies went to Lawver Road and located a fifth wheel camper and located Grimes and confirmed he had an arrest warrant out of Missouri,” explains Matheny. Grimes was arrested without incident and transported to the Campbell County Detention Center where he was booked in as a fugitive from justice. Matheny said he will release additional information related to the warrant and original charges out of Missouri if the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office receives it.
Where is this picture taken? Answer from last week Rawhide Buttes
Sheriff Deputies say Maurice Grimes was wanted out of Missouri on a probation violation stemming from an original charge of involuntary homicide. Grimes was arrested Monday on Lawver Road north of Wright, WY.
Gillette-Campbell County Airport reports October passenger traffic Gillette-Campbell County Airport recently announced October and year-todate passenger traffic. Ten months into 2011, the airport continues to outpace 2010 numbers; Gillette-Campbell County has served 51,290 passengers through October, making a 10.7 percent increase over the first 10 months of 2010. During the month of October 2011, the airport served 5,256 arriving and departing passengers, a decrease of 9.9 percent versus October of last year, which was the airports busiest passenger traffic month of 2010. About Gillette-Campbell County Airport: The Gillette-Campbell County Airport is located in Northeastern Wyoming
Passenger Totals
in a major energy producing part of the country known as the Powder River Basin. Gillette is at the hub of this basin, and the Airport serves the commercial service and general aviation needs for a large portion of this corner of the state. The Airport sees approximately 56,000 passengers come through yearly and is currently served by Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Great Lakes Aviation to Denver, Salt Lake City, Rock Springs, Wyoming and Williston, North Dakota. The Gillette-Campbell County Airport and tenants currently employ approximately 260 people in the surrounding area.
October 2011
October 2011
October 2011
% Change
2011 Y-T-D
5,256
5,833
-9.9
51,290
2010 Y-T-D % Change 46,316
10.7
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Community Warden’s Corner
I have received many questions in the last few weeks regarding the use of nontoxic shot for hunting game birds on Game and Fish Department walk-in areas. The answer depends on the species of game birds you are hunting. If you are hunting waterfowl such as ducks and geese you need to use nontoxic shot no matter where you hunt them. On the other hand, if you are hunting upland game birds such as pheasants and partridge you do not need to use nontoxic shot unless you are hunting on the Springer or Table Mountain Wildlife Habitat Management Areas. However, if you plan to hunt both waterfowl and upland game birds you must use nontoxic shot for both because you cannot possess lead shot while hunting waterfowl.
Wyoming Students benefit from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Grant The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation awarded $33,250 to the University of Wyoming during the past academic year for education and research programs and for scholarships for entering freshmen from Wyoming communities. Rocky Mountain Power and the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation have gifted $685,476 to UW since 1991. “The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation allocates grants to organizations that best serve community interests,” says Lilisa Hall, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation. “The University of Wyoming does a great job preparing young adults for future success in the real world.” “Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is happy to help provide educational opportunities to young adults because the success of Wyoming students is essential to ensuring that our communities continue to thrive,” says Matt Grant, Rocky Mountain Power customer and community manager. “College students represent a part of the future of Wyoming and we’re investing in them by providing scholarships and program funding to the University of Wyoming.” The grant also supports other campus programs,
including the College of Engineering and Applied Science Senior Design Symposium, Environment and Natural Resources, UW Art Museum, UW Center for Volunteer Service and the UW/Casper College Center, among others. “The University of Wyoming greatly appreciates the generous support of the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation,” says Tammy Aagard, interim director of Student Financial Aid. “Our longstanding relationship with this exceptional organization has benefitted numerous students in support of their educational goals at the University of Wyoming. We look forward to partnering with this group in support of students for many years to come.” Local Rocky Mountain Power Foundation scholarship recipient for the 201112 academic year is: Gillette -- Hannah Thorfinnson. About the University of Wyoming Foundation: The University of Wyoming Foundation is an inde-
pendent, nonprofit corporation dedicated to securing, managing, and stewarding private gifts in support of the University of Wyoming’s missions in teaching, research and public service. As the state’s premier four-year institution of higher education, private support from alumni and friends has never been more important. About the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation: The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The founda-
Rocky Mountain
tion was created in 1988 by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 1.7 million customers in six Western states as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. For more information, visit http:// www.rockymountainpower. net/about/itc/foundation. html .
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What’s Going On? Friday, November 18
-Children’s Book Week, CCPL -Mesa Drive @ Jakes Tavern -Ring Wars, All Day, Camplex Wyoming Center -Roper Barrel Futurity, All Day, Cam-plex East Pavilion -Christmas Wreaths on Display, 11/18-12/22, Mon.Fri., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center -Senior Center- Hobby Harvest, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. -Festival of Trees, 11/1811/20, 9 a.m., Cam-plex -K2 Special Seminar: Create Your Holiday Newsletter, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., K2 Technologies, 686-3025 -Up in the Arms Gun Show, 3-7 p.m., Cam-plex Central Pavilion -Kids Night Out, 6-9 p.m., 1st-5th Grade, Rec. Center, $12, 682-8527 -AVA- Uncorked!, 7 p.m. -Open MIC Night, 7 p.m., Brother’s Coffee
Saturday, November 19
-Jayden’s Auction @ Jakes Tavern -Mesa Drive @ Jakes Tavern -Children’s Book Week, CCPL -Roper Barrel Futurity, All Day, Cam-plex East Pavilion -Up in the Arms Gun Show, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Cam-plex Central Pavilion -Festival of Trees, 11/1811/20, 9 a.m., Cam-plex -Teen Dungeon’s & Dragon’s, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -4th-6th Grade WiiPlay Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Festival of Trees Auction, 7 p.m., Cam-plex
Sunday, November 20
-Children’s Book Week, CCPL -Senior Center- CLOSED -Roper Barrel Futurity, All Day, Cam-plex East Pavilion -Up in the Arms Gun Show, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Cam-plex Central Pavilion -Festival of Trees, 11/1811/20, 9 a.m., Cam-plex
Monday, November 21
-Senior Center- Medicare Part D, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. -AVA- Little Tikes, 1 p.m. -PAD Meeting, 4 p.m., CCHS- S Music Room -CCSD Secondary Orchestra Concert, 7 p.m., CCHS North Auditorium
Tuesday, November 22
-HealthCHECK Testing, 7-11 a.m., CCMH Lab, 6881222 -Zip Printing Holiday Open House, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. -Visually Imparted, 1 p.m., Senior Center, Pat Edwards 257-2949 -AVA- Pre-School Art, 2 p.m. -AVA- Grade School Pottery, 4 p.m. -Teen Card Game Club, 4-6 p.m., CCPL -AVA- Pottery with John Werbelow, 6:30 p.m. -Sunflower 1st Grade Music Program, 7 p.m., Sunflower Gym -WJSH State Drama Performance, 7 p.m., Town Hall
Wednesday, November 23
-Early Release- 1 p.m. Secondary, 1:30 p.m. Elementary -Children’s Immunization Clinic, 8-11:30 a.m., Public Health -K2 Focused Seminar: Dynamic Data-Presenting Pivot Tables, 8:30a.m. -12:30 p.m., K2 Technologies, 6863025 -Storytime, All Ages, 11 a.m., WBL -Early Release Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -CCPL- CLOSED 5-9 p.m. -AVA- Pottery with John Werbelow, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 24
HAPPY THANKSGIVING -Senior Center- CLOSED -CCPL- CLOSED -NO SCHOOL -19th Annual Turkey Trot 5K, 7 a.m., Cam-plex, Entry Forms @ the Rec. Center
Friday, November 25
-Senior Center- CLOSED -NO SCHOOL -Blues Baby Band @ Jakes Tavern -Pinnacle Bank Shop Local Drawing, 1708 W. Hwy. 14/16, 682-0089
Drawing, 12 p.m., Aloha Scuba & Travel -4th-6th Grade WiiPlay Saturdays, 1-4 p.m., CCPL -Teen Open-Play Video Gaming, 1-4 p.m., CCPL
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Sunday, November 27
-Senior Center- CLOSED -CCPL- CLOSED -Thar’s Ranch Sorting, All Day, Cam-plex East Pavilion -ABATE & UMF Meetings @ Jakes Tavern
We accept all 102 E. Lakeway Rd. (307) 686-5757 major credit cards. Hrs: mon 12:30-5:30 Tue-Fri 9-5:30 Sat. 9-4
Monday, November 28
-AiE “Charlotte’s Web” for 3rd Grade, 12:45-1:45 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center -AVA- Little Tikes, 1 p.m. -Senior Center- Medicare Rep, 1:30 p.m. -Library Board Meeting, 4 p.m., CCPL -Adult Book Discussion, 5 p.m., WBL -Teen Volunteer Book Sale, 5 p.m., CCPL -Charlotte’s Web, 6:30 p.m., Cam-plex Heritage Center, 682-8802 for Tickets
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Saturday, November 26
-Senior Center- CLOSED -Blues Baby Band @ Jakes Tavern -Thar’s Ranch Sorting, All Day, Cam-plex East Pavilion -Holiday Shopping Mall, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Brother’s Coffee -Teen Dungeon’s & Dragon’s, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., CCPL -Gillette is the Place to Bee Holiday Promotion, First
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Public Pulse
Cartoon submitted by Wyoming Liberty Group
The Face of Health Care Freedom Submitted by Sven Larson - Research Fellow Wyoming Liberty Group
This is the story of two baby boys, Daylon and Hugo, born on opposite sides of the medical Berlin Wall. Daylon, born on the west side of that wall with a deadly skin disease, was saved by health care freedom, private charities and entrepreneurial ingenuity. Hugo, born on the east side of the medical Berlin Wall, suffers from the exact same disease but has been sentenced by the government’s health care bureaucrats to die a slow, painful death. Let us first visit Daylon’s family in California. Daylon is the fifth child of Brian and Jennifer Edling. He was born with an unusual, deadly but curable skin disease called epidermolysis bullosa, or EB. To top it off, Daylon suffered from the worst form of EB, called EB Herlitz. There was almost no chance that he would survive his first year. But thanks to the excellent work of charitable organizations and largely privately funded research at the University of Minnesota, the Edlings could see to it that their son underwent a bone marrow transplant, a relatively new procedure that so far has had excellent results: Daylon was born with junctional Herlitz epidermolysis bullosa, or
EB, a disorder that causes his skin to blister or tear at the slightest touch. His parents, Brian and Jennifer Edling, were told that he, like most EB babies, would die before his first birthday. The Edlings moved their entire family from their home in California to Minnesota when Daylon became part of clinical trials conducted at the University of Minnesota. His family stayed for six months at the Ronald McDonald House. And, funding for the research being done at the University of Minnesota has been provided in part by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Both agencies are members of and receive funding from Community Health Charities. Now 20 months old, Daylon is experiencing for the first time the hugs and kisses of his mother and father. In other words, private donations for charitable causes saved another life. Now over to the other side of the medical Berlin Wall, where the family of little Hugo lives in Sweden. Hugo is being denied the very same treatment that saved little Daylon’s life. From the Swedish daily newspaper Expressen (with my translation): Expressen.se has written
numerous articles about Hugo, who suffers from the unusual disease Epidermolysis bullosa, EB, Herlitz, and his parents’ fight to have him treated. In the U.S., the conditions caused by EB have improved significantly because the children undergo a bone marrow transplant - but in Sweden, experts at the Academic Hospital of Uppsala have concluded that the treatment is far too risky. But Hugo’s parents are ready to do everything so that their son can get help. “We feel that it is worth the risks. Many people think that ‘do you really want to take the risk that Hugo dies during surgery?’. But Hugo will die anyway. We want to take whatever chance there is [to save him]. There is simply no point in sitting here, waiting for him to die” Hugo’s mom has told Expressen.se. Since virtually 100 percent of the babies die without treatment, and ten percent die undergoing surgery, it is nonsense that the operation is too risky. The decision by the Swedish hospital is more likely driven by cost concerns. In their calculations the medical bean counters have decided that the entirely tax-paid hospital, run completely and
harshly by government bureaucrats, should not waste its scarce resources on a procedure that does not have 100 percent success. In calculating the potential benefits of a treatment method, tax-paid health care bureaucrats use so called Quality Adjusted Life Years, QALYs, where the cost of the treatment is measured against the risks involved and whatever benefits the government thinks will come out of the treatment. Part of the benefits list is the potential for the patient to become a productive taxpayer in the future. In their QALY calculations the Swedish government-employed health bureaucrats concluded that Hugo and other children with the same formerly terminal, now treatable disease would not be worth the money. The same politicians who adopted QALY as the guideline for health care decisions have also made sure to monopolize the entire health care system. Thereby they leave patients who are denied treatment without any options. Once Obamacare has been fully implemented, families like the Edlings in California will have to suffer the same fate as
Governor Mead to sign proclamations for GIS Day and Geography Awareness
Governor Matt Mead will proclaim GIS (Geographic Information System) Day and Geography Awareness Week on November 16th. This is coincides with events hosted by the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and by the Wyoming Geographic Alliance on Wednesday emphasizing the importance of geography. “GIS has become a critical component of several of our state agencies,” Chief Information Officer
Flint Waters said. It has been estimated by some analysts that as much as 90% of data have a location component. According to Chief Information Officer Flint Waters, “GIS has become an essential function of several State Agencies. We are taking steps to ensure that agencies are able to share geographic information and that it is available to the public.” Public events recognizing GIS and geography awareness are scheduled to take
place in the gallery between the Herschler Building and the Capitol Building in Cheyenne between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Everyone with an interest in how geography is used in education and in government business decisions is welcome to attend. The proclamation signings will take place in the Governor’s Formal Office at 2:30 PM. GIS Day activities include presentations on how GIS is used in legislative redistricting, mapping network
infrastructure, and general mapping technologies. Additional activities will include posters, geography themed games, and a one-day geocaching route within the Capitol complex. Geocaching is a treasure hunt using a GPS device. To learn more about GIS Day Activities please visit the following website: http://www.wyoming.gov/ loc/04222011_1/news/Pages/GISDayInCheyenne. aspx
Governor Mead calls on Attendees on Business Forum for Ideas to Help Wyoming Lead Governor Matt Mead spoke this morning at the Business Forum bearing his name, it continues tomorrow. The forum focuses on the success of Wyoming businesses and new opportunities to diversify the State’s economy. Attendees are leaders in international, national and Wyoming business. Governor and the Wyoming Business Alliance/Wyoming Heritage Foundation partnered in sponsoring the forum emphasizing the role of business in jobs and the economy. In his speech today Governor Mead said, “I am committed to creating a business environment for Wyoming that is even better than the one we have right now, a climate that is conducive to growth and economic development. I am open to new ideas and new strategies and this forum is a good place for me to hear those ideas and strategies.” Governor Mead noted that there is a lot of uncertainty nationally and globally about the economy. He said that part of the reason he wanted to hold this Business Forum was to examine factors from outside of the state that impact the people that live here. Governor Mead added that the other reason he wanted to hold the forum is that he is an optimist. “I am an optimist and as has been said about me I am fiercely competitive especially when it comes to Wyo-
ming. I believe we can achieve great things and I have steadfast confidence in Wyoming businesses and people. I know we not only have the vision for a better future, but we have the ability to reach a better future.” Governor Mead said he believes Wyoming can lead in many areas and one of them is education. He said there are opportunities for students. “The economic engines that drive our state economy demand workers with knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Recognizing these realities I am initiating an effort to increase the number of STEM trained individuals in our state.” The speakers at the forum include many successful executives from Wyoming companies as well as Herb Allen, President and CEO of Allen and Company, James Wolfensohn, former President of the World Bank, Foster Friess, Founder of the Brandywine Fund, Hank McKinnell, former CEO and Chair of Pfizer, Rich Walje, President of Rocky Mountain Power, and John Schopp, Vice President, North Rockies and New Ventures, Encana Oil and Gas. One of the Wyoming companies featured at the Business Forum, Green House Data, announced today that it is building a new 25,000 square foot data center in Wyoming. “I speak regularly about the
potential for the data center industry in Wyoming and Green House Data is proof that there is more than potential, there are real advantages to operating a data center here,” Governor Matt Mead said. “I am pleased the state was able to support this company and that after a thorough review of locations Wyoming remained the best fit for this new data center.”
Governor orders flags be flown at half-staff Governor Matt Mead had ordered both the U.S. flag and the State of Wyoming flag be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise Saturday, November 12, 2011 to sunset on Monday, November 14, 2011 in honor of former Wyoming Attorney General and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge, James Barrett who passed away November 7, 2011. Judge Barrett was appointed Wyoming Attorney General in 1967. He was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit in 1971.
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Hugo’s family in Sweden. Federal bureaucrats will gradually seize full control over our health care system, first through a war of attrition on private insurance, then through a centralization to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services of all major forms of health care decisionmaking. Distant bureaucrats will decide what health care people can get. Just like in Sweden, their concern will be cost containment, not your health care. As Obama put it during his campaign for Obamacare, government will advise you to take a pain killer instead of asking for treatment. So long as America’s health care system is driven by private enterprise, charity and volunteerism, and human ingenuity we will always break new paths to cure more diseases and save more lives. But if we replace health care freedom with socialized medicine – which eventually will become a copy of the Swedish system – then we will also have to accept all the downsides that come with that system: more deaths in hospitals, more denials of health care and slower if any advancements in medical technology.
Joke of the week Submitted by Swede
Little Johnny’s neighbor had a baby but it was born without ears. Little Johnny’s dad said they were going over to visit the new baby and mother, Dad told little Johnny if he said anything about the baby not having ears he would get a bad whooping. Little Johnny said, “Ok” and they went over to see the new baby. Little Johnny looked down in the crib and said what pretty hair the baby had and what a pretty nose it had. Then he said, “I sure hope those eyes are 20-20 or it will have a devil of a time wearing glasses.”
Think about these... Submitted by Linda Eldridge
As you open your pockets for the next natural disaster, please keep these facts in mind: • The American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans salary for the year was $651,957 plus expenses • The United Way President Brian Gallagher receives a$375,000 base salary along with numerous expense benefits. • UNICEF CEO Caryl M. Stern receives $1,200,000 per year (100k per month) plus all expenses including a ROLLS ROYCE . Less than 5 cents of your donated dollar goes to the cause. GO “GREEN” INSTEAD AND PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT WILL DO SOME GOOD: • The Salvation Army’s Commissioner Todd Bassett receives a small salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization. 96 percent of donated dollars go to the cause. • The American Legion National Commander receives a$0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! • The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! • The Disabled American Veterans National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! • The Military Order of Purple Hearts National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth! • The Vietnam Veterans Association National Commander receives a $0.00 zero salary. Your donations go to help Veterans and their families and youth!
Public Pulse Letters to Editor
Bold Republic Weekly Occupy Rozet! By Glenn Woods
“Honestly,” I grumbled. I let my foot sweep forward and my toe kicked a piece of railroad track gravel down into the ditch. I wondered if I could be fined for something like that. The usual Wyoming breeze prevented me from lighting up a nice fat cigar I had brought with me. There is no point in trying to enjoy the flavor when the wind just takes it away. The truth was I only wanted to light it to annoy the guy I had been sent here to interview. He saw it and right away commented that tobacco offended him and that I was not being social conscious, ---or something. “I’m just saying that I hardly think this is the place,” I said. “I mean, ROZET! …REALLY?” “I don’t see your point,” he said. He looked up at me from his cross legged squatting position on the ground, his right hand shielding his eyes from the sun. “THIS IS ROZET!” I screamed. “ROZET WYOMING! HOW IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT…. WHY HERE? WHAT IS HERE TO PROTEST?” “You media types,” he sighed. “Always so high strung.” “You hippie types,” I said. “ALWAYS SO HIGH! Do you realize how far they made me drive just to cover this story? And what do I find? One lonely college student, a smelly tent, squatting in the dust of Rozet.” Truth was I had no idea which smelled worse, him or the tent. “So,” he shrugged, “you just going
to criticize me or are you going to interview me, since you came all this way.” I let out a long sigh. “FINE! First question. What are you doing here. Why Rozet?” “Money,” he said. “Money?” “Yeah I was heading to Occupy San Francisco but I ran out of money in Rozet. I felt my hand slap my forehead. I let it slip down across my face until it rested over my mouth. “I was traveling with a pocket full of cash,” he went on, “but then the truck driver that I had thumbed a ride with stopped here last night and I lost all my cash to those fascist capitalist pigs,” he let his thumb drift over this shoulder. I let my eyes follow. I smiled, but I tried not to laugh even though I could hear the rhythmic beat of dance music thumping from within. “They took it all, and it’s not right. That stuff should be free, like everything else in this world. We need to end the money system man. --- Fascist.” “Those were not fascist, those were strippers.” “There’s a difference?” “Yes. This difference being that those girls don’t know what a fascist is. But they will dress like one if you pay them enough.” “Well, anyway they took all my money so I might as well just sit down and protest THE MAN, right here. It’s a good a place as any, I figure.”
“So,” I chuckled. “If you plan to protest the ‘1%’ here in Rozet, then that means you plan to protest those girls that took your money? After all, I think the argument can be made that THEY ARE the 1% here in this town.” “Nothing else?” “You could protest the post office.” He sighed and hung his head. “I need money if I am going to move on.” His begging looked up at me. “Yeah, well ---- get a job.” “WORK?” “Yes, work. Welcome to WYOMING!” (It felt good saying that.) “I’ve never worked before. Where is the local government office? I need food stamps and…welfare… and….” “No government office here. You have to do it like everyone else in Wyoming. You have to actually W O R K!” “What is there to do in THIS town?” I pointed to the bar and smiled an evil smile, then, slowly, I lit my cigar, letting a large puff of smoke hit him right in the face. “I hear they need a busboy. OR, you could try shaking your money maker.” Disclaimer: As a political columnist, Glenn is given free reign to create stories for political entertainment purposes. This story is an example. Though very entertaining and ideologically the truth, there was no actual interview or hippie protesting in Rozet.
To listen to Glenn Woods morning radio show tune in to 1270am KIML Gillette Monday through Friday from 6 - 10 a.m. www.boldrepublic.com
What’s Going On In Government? Saturday, November 19
-NEWY Municipal Leader’s Group, 8:30 a.m., Greater Hulett Community Center
Monday, November 21
-City Council Pre-Meeting, 6-7 p.m., 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -City Council Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Tuesday, November 22
-Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall
Wednesday, November 23
-Senior Center Luncheon, 12 p.m.
Thursday, November 24
-HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Monday, November 28
-Parks & Rec. Quarterly Meeting, 4 p.m., Parks & Rec. Board Room -City Council Work Session, 6 p.m., 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall -Wright Town Council Workshop, 7 p.m., Council Room, Town Hall -Wright Town Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Council Room, Town Hall
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Dear Editor, My husband and I loved your float in the parade, and we thought that it was the best one! I liked how you had the servicemen, veterans, and kids thrown all in one. It is good to see you getting involved in the community; you are truly the communities’ newspaper. Nick, thank you for your service. Suzie Welsh From Editor Keary Speer: Dear Suzie, Thank you so much for writing in! Being a part of the community is what we are all about. It would be hard to say we were a paper all about the community if we did not take part in it, right? It is so great that after almost 8 months of printing we feel like we have been accepted as a positive feature by so many. Obviously, there was a passion for this particular event given Nick’s history (we all thank him for his service) but expect to see us as a part of many more functions to come. I am glad you enjoyed the parade! Dear Editor, I read both your newspaper and the Newsrecord. I like how you reported on their Treat Street, and the article looked great. I have noticed though, that they never print anything about the Observer. They have been copying much of your content, and I wrote them a letter to the editor that they refused to print. Do you know why this is? John Lasher via. Facebook From Editor Nicholas De Laat: Treat Street was a great community event that the Advertiser (owned by the Newsrecord) has been putting on for years. Since we are Campbell County’s community newspaper, it is our duty to report on this event, and Keary had a great time at it!! I don’t think they copy our content, but I am sure that they have implemented some of our ideas. Any business that finds a better way of doing things (like publishing better content) and doesn’t use that idea is not a very smart business. As far as the letters are concerned, I would suggest that they did not print it because they didn’t have the room. I know our paper has to pull content out every week, and sometimes it is a hard choice on which content to keep and which to pull. But I don’t believe that they pulled your letter just because it is about the Campbell County Observer. Thanks for being a loyal reader! Dear Editor, Do you know what is going on with this re-districting stuff? It doesn’t seem like a hot issue around here, and I figured that if there was anyone to ask, it would be you. Jeremy Gracey via. E-mail From Editor Nicholas De Laat: You can find all the information on the State
Legislature website, which I will also print below. There are two people in Campbell County that would know all the information you need, and that is Representative Blikre and Senator Hines. They are both on the Redistricting committee, and they will both take the time to respond to e-mails or chat with you if you make an appointment. http://legisweb.state. wy.us/lsoweb/Redistricting/ LegilativeRedistricting.aspx Dear Editor, There are way too many police in Campbell County. We are just wasting our money. That is why they constantly pull you over for nothing but to create revenue. As if they don’t make enough? When you have this many, they are not here to protect and serve, but to tax and enforce. Charles Gurnsley From Editor Nicholas De Laat: I agree that you can have too many of any government agency. They are funded by tax dollars and I am always for minimizing how many taxes I have to pay. I am not sure if the local police qualify for being “too big” or “too many,” but I will look into it. Here are some initial facts about City of Gillette Police Department that I found that should be thought about: 1. 30,340 people served in Gillette area. 2. 19.22 square miles served. 3. 55 sworn staff (up only 7 since 2005) 4. 34,458 calls for police service in 2010 5. 4,100 of those calls were crimes 6. $40,000 for prisoner care 7. Number of sworn staff per capita – 1.81 These basic numbers say that we are right on track. 34,458 calls in one year is a lot for only 55 people to handle. That is an average of almost 2 calls per day, per police officer, 24/7/365. Add in time for training, paperwork, prep, processing, time for dealing with arrests, that is a lot to ask in one shift. I would say that, based on these figures I found, that we are just about perfect with the amount of Police Officers, and that they are doing a great job.
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Sports Report Gillette Pronghorn Update Submitted by Ruth Benson
Team Roping Competition
A Team Roping Competition was held at the Camplex. Results will be printed in next week’s paper.
Photos by Campbell County Observer Photographer Clint Burton
The Cloud Peak Energy and First National Bank Pronghorn Classic will be held Friday and Saturday, November 18th & 19th. Pronghorn Basketball Poster Signing after this Friday’s Men’s Basketball Game – Bring the kids! Pronghorn Booster Club Member Appreciation Night this Saturday. Free Booster Club Member Hospitality Room before, during and after the Pronghorn Women’s and Men’s Basketball Games. Also, pick up your Pronghorn clothing, tickets, calendars and posters this Saturday at South Campus from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mark your calendars. More details to come!
Pronghorn Men’s Basketball
This past weekend, the Pronghorn Men’s Basketball Team split their games on the road, beating the Colorado Kings 80-72 on Friday night. Unfortunately they lost to Air Force Prep 93-79 on Saturday night; the Pronghorns had beat Air Force Prep the weekend before. The Colorado Kings are an all-star team from the Colorado SpringsPueblo area. Air Force Prep is also from the Colorado Front Range.
The Pronghorns Men host Lake Region State College from Devils Lake, ND this Friday night, and Colorado Northwestern Community College from Rangely, CO on Saturday at the Cloud Peak Energy & First National Bank Classic. Pronghorn games are played at South Campus. The Men’s games begin at 7:30 pm each night.
Pronghorn Women’s Basketball
The Lady Pronghorns had a difficult weekend on the road, losing two games, one to the defending national champion Northern Idaho College 68-48. The other to the College of Southern Idaho 81-57. The Women’s Gillette College Basketball Team will host Colorado Northwestern Community College this Thursday at South Campus beginning at 7:00 pm. They are also playing in the Cloud Peak Energy & First National Bank Classic hosting Lake Region State College on Friday night at 5:30 pm and Ogalala Lakota College at 5:30 Saturday evening. All Pronghorn games are played at South Campus.
“300” Game
Here is the list of bowlers that have shot a 300 and eight hundred since league started at Camel Lanes this year: Dave Smith, Phil Plotke, Mike Divis, Rick Taylor, Jeremy Biley, Cal Winland, Richard McCabe, and Cameron Brown.
Youth
Casey Maxted has had several and was the youngest in the state when he bowled his 1st 300. Justen Geer (300) - this is his 1st one and he is the 2nd youngest kid in the state to bowl one.
What’s Going On In Sports? Friday, November 18
-WJSH WR Weight Certification, 5:30 p.m., CCHS North Campus -Gillette Wild vs. Billings, 7:30 p.m., Cam-plex
Saturday, November 19
-Gillette Wild vs. Billings, 7:30 p.m., Centennial Ice
Thursday, November 24 -HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Friday, November 25
-Gillette Wild vs. Missoula, 8 p.m., Cam-plex
Leave Your Mark on Campbell County...
Monday, November 21
-WJSH State Drama Performance, 7 p.m., Town Hall
Tuesday, November 22
-WJSH State Drama Performance, 7 p.m., Town Hall Photo by Clint Burton - Campbell County Observer Photographer
Shava Schaedler signs national letter of intent On the tails of being part of her fourth consecutive state swimming and diving team championship, Campbell County High School standout, Shaya Schaedler, signed her national letter of intent Tuesday night at the Aquatic Center to attend Washington State University for the 2012-13 school year. Needless to say, Schaedler is very excited. “I’m really super excited,” Schaedler exclaimed shortly after Tuesday’s signing. “I just couldn’t ask for anything better. I’m ready to move on with my life and go to college.” Schaedler was nearly speechless about her opportunity to compete in the Pac 12 next year. Despite her talents, however, she understands it won’t be easy. “The fact that Tom Jager
By Ted Ripko - Basin Radio Sports
saw the potential in me, it’s really humbling, and I mean it’s just an honor to be under such a great,” she says. Jager will be Schaedler’s head coach next year. He is currently in his first season at the helm of the Cougars. Jager knows Schaedler has an incredible upside, and he is very impressed by her strength and power. “Swimming is about power,” he explains. “She’s just a strong kid and that really translates for her in the water.” Jager continued by saying Schaedler will just continue to get faster and faster as she progresses at Washington State. “The more we got to know her and the more we got to talk to her, the more we liked her and thought she would be a great fit for
Washington State,” Jager says. In the meantime, Schaedler still has the last half of her senior year of high school to think about. In that regard, she plans a strong finish to her career as a Lady Camel. Despite embarking on a new beginning, Schaedler will likely see at least one familiar face on the campus of Washington State. Former Lady Camel basketball standout, Jordan Kelley, signed her national letter of intent to play for the Cougars roughly one year ago. Schaedler says she originally intended to consult with Kelley about attending Washington State, but their conflicting schedules didn’t permit that to happen. “I actually was supposed to see her while I was out there but she was away traveling on the trip,”
Schaedler says. As it turned out, nonetheless, Schaedler didn’t need much help deciding that Washington State was the place for her. “I fell in love with the campus right away,” she describes. Among her many swimming accolades, Schaedler is the 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 state champion in the 100 backstroke, 200 Medley Relay, and 400 Freestyle Relay. She holds the Wyoming High School individual state records in the 100 backstroke, 200 freestyle, and 200 IM. She also holds the Wyoming High School relay state records in the 200 medley, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle. She was awarded the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American for the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 seasons.
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Sports Report
Spirit Arena Open Skate begin
It is that time again. Spirit Arena is open to the public for open skate!! Come down and have a great time! Hours for Public Skate are Fridays from 8:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and children over 13 and $4.50 for children 12 and under. Skate rental is available for $3.
Photo by Nathan Kobielusz
Alex Ward had 10 points against CSI.
Pronghorn Women Look to Rebound from Turnover Packed Weekend By Vic Wright - Basin Radio The Pronghorn women had a tough go of it this past Friday and Saturday when the team traveled to Twin Falls, Idaho to participate in the CSI Coca Cola Invitational. The women lost to the College of Southern Idaho 81-57 last Friday and 68-48 to North Idaho College last Saturday. It’s tough to win games when you lose in the turnover battle, especially when the margin is not a close one. Against CSI, Gillette College committed 30 turnovers, compared to CSI’s 16. Last Saturday against NIC, it was just as bad- 32 turnovers to 16 for NIC. Some numbers in other categories were close percentage wise for Gillette College. In the game against CSI, the Pronghorns were way better from the line, making 60 percent of its free throws; CSI only made 37.9 percent. However, Southern Idaho had 29 attempts versus the Pronghorns 15 tries. Southern Idaho was 28.6 percent from beyond the arc and 49.2 percent from the floor. Gillette was 13.3 percent and 39 percent in the same categories respectively. In the match up against Northern Idaho, the Pronghorns looked to be close on paper if you quickly looked at the percentages for field goal percentage (37 percent for Gillette versus 36.9 percent for NIC), 3-point percentage (25 percent versus 27.8 percent) and free throw percentage (50 percent versus 53.6 percent). Yet, North Idaho had more attempts in all three categories as well, affecting the score on the scoreboard. Scoring for Gillette College was thin in both games. Against CSI, Alex Ward and Iesha Greer each had 10 points, the high for the team. Four players for CSI had double digits with one scoring 19 points, two scoring 15 points and one scoring 14 points. Greer led the Pronghorns with 11 points against NIC, where NIC had two players in double digits. It was a tough weekend, but it came at a great time in the season to turn it into a learning experience for the young team. The Pronghorns will be playing three games at the South Campus in as many days this week. The team will take on Colorado Northwestern Community College on Thursday, Lake Region State College (ND) on Friday and Ogalala Lakota College on Saturday. Catch Thursday and Friday’s games on News/Talk 1270 KIML and online athttp://www.network1sports.com/station/ kiml#menus. Thursday’s game will be at 7pm and Friday’s game will be at 5:30pm.
Gillette College Men’s Basketball set to play two at South Campus
After going 1-1 this past weekend at the US Air Force Academy Prep Tournament in Colorado, the Gillette College Men’s basketball team is set to take on Lake Region State College (LRSC) and Colorado Northwestern Community College this weekend at the South Campus. The Pronghorns got past the Colorado Kings, an all-star team out of the Colorado Springs area, 93-79 last Friday, but wasn’t able to get their second win in as many Saturdays against Air Force Academy Prep, losing 80-72. In the game against the Colorado Kings, Tony Lowry Jr. had his best outing of the season with 21 points to lead Gillette College. Ezekiel Odonkor keeps showing how much he has improved from last season under the basket, as the center scored 15 points and had 11 rebounds. Kash McKinney put down 14 points as Lucas Reller and James Hunter also scored double digits with 11 and 10 respectively. George Edwards scored nine points, Matt Strickland had seven, Kalen Foreman contributed with four and Asante Smiter made two free throws. Edwards led the Pronghorns in the loss against the Air Force Academy Prep team with 25 points. McKinney and Reece Maxwell both scored 13 points, with Hunter sinking eight points. Reller made six points as Odonkor, Strickland and Lowry Jr. had two points each. Smiter made a bucket from the charity stripe. The Pronghorns are back home Friday and Saturday to compete in the Cloud Peak Energy and First National Bank Classic at the South Campus.
Twin Spruce Warrior wrestlers place fourth at Douglas Invitational Twin Spruce Warrior wrestlers competed in an invitational tournament hosted by Wright on Nov. 10. Anthony Johnston (seventh grade), Mike Essen (seventh grade), Tyler Anthoney (seventh grade), Pedro Mendez (eighth grade), Logan Bulkley (eighth grade), Travis Gammon (eighth grade) and Corbin Vassar (eighth grade) placed first in the tournmanet. Sixth graders Jesse Austin, Tanner Potter, Wyat Bulkely, and Colter Adams placed second while Kolter Izatt, Alvin Ross, Zane Fichter, Fathan Dixon, Daniel Olson, and Gabriel Guzman placed third. Seventh graders placing second in the tournament included Tucker Gorton, Paul Vincent, Colton Galambas, Travis Tatkenhorst, Hayden Niehoff, and Coy Rumfelt. Esragel Gonzalez, Omar Noyola, Jeremy Hullinger, Logan Guerro, Kurt Kremer, Devon Belt, Jose Ramirez, Allen Hack, Andrew Coleman, Cody Switzer, Xavier Smith, and Rhys Wandler placed third. Eighth graders Skyler Lewis, Tyson Keith, and Troy Fisk placed second. Brandon Day, Brandon Meyers, Don Munn, Randy Carrillo, Taylor Chope, Brett Brumley, Colton Sills, Laura Mckinny, and Rocky Riglar placed third. Twin Spruce Warrior wresters placed fourth in team points at the Douglas Middle School invitational tournament - one of the best tournaments in Wyoming showcasing schools from North to South… Sheridan to Cheyenne. Logan Wagoner was the champion in the 110 lb. weight class, while heavyweight Blake Grififn placed second. Wrestler placing third in the tournament include Wyatt Rising (95 lbs.), Mason Bonar (105 lbs.), Lane Barbour (133 lbs.) and Colby Chandler (171 lbs.) placed third. Johnny Ross (127 lbs.) and Daniel Gould (152 lbs.) placed fourth. On Tuesday, Nov. 15 the Twin Spruce Warrior Wrestling Team traveled to Douglas to dual Cheyenne McCormack, and Douglas in non-conference action. Against McCormack, the Warriors won 18 out of 24 matches. Earning victories were Esrael Gonzalez, Kaleb Gossel, Michael Cunningham, Hunter Rawlins, Logan Wagoner, Jeremiah Mills, Logan Bulkley, Skyler Lewis, Lane Barbour, Dylan
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Kirkpatrick, Zach Clark, Ethan Allard, Colby Chandler, Blake Griffin, Tucker Gorton, Travis Tatkenhorst, Dallas Hartman, and Wyatt Bulkley, Against Douglas, the Warriors won 21 out of 28 matches. Earning victories were Esrael Gonzalez, Michael Cunningham, Hunter Rawlins, Wyatt “Bad Moon”Rising, Mason Bonar, Logan Wagoner, Skyler Lewis, Lane Barbour, Dylan Kirkpatrick, Zach Clark, Ethan Allard, “Cowboy” Colby Chandler, Blake Griffin, Tucker Gorton, Alvin Ross, Dallas Hartman, Tyler Anthoney, Travis Tatkenhorst, and Ivan “Drago” Herrera. It was the first time the Warriors have ever dualed a team from Cheyenne.
Readers on the Road Pat and Greg Kogel, along with Jerry Hight (in back) took a copy of the Campbell County Observer to Artesian, South Dakota.
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The Campbell County Observer welcomes “Readers on the Road” submisisons. Take a picture of yourself and your family holding the Campbell County Observer while you are somewhere out of the county and submit it to us at 5105 Tarry St., Gillette, WY 82718 or by email at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com.
Our Roots Articles of Confederation By Mike Borda We all know the laws that govern this country were set by the Constitution. The Constitution sets the rules by which we all live in America. However, before there was the Constitution, there were the Articles of Confederation. These were the original laws that governed our newly forming country. The Articles began as an attempt to define our burgeoning country while the Revolutionary War was still in its infancy. It was written in between 1776 and 1777, but was not ratified until 1781. In order to be official, it needed to be ratified by each state individually, which was what delayed the process considerably. Many of the states did not agree with each other on key issues, such as westward expansion, making it uncertain that the Articles would even pass at all. However, in the end the states felt that regardless of the Articles’ imperfections, the country needed to be unified to continue winning the war. Here, in brief, are the outlines of the Articles of Confederation: 1. The name of the confederacy will be “The United States of America.” 2. Each state remains sovereign. 3. Confirms that the states are allied, but not a nation or official government. 4. Established free travel through the states. 5. Each state gets one vote in the Congress of the Confederation. 6. The federal government alone had the power to talk to other countries or declare war. 7. The sates will determine military ranks of their officers if an army is formed.
8. Funds spent will be paid for by the states. 9. Determined that the United States could declare war, manage currency, and allowed Congress to be the judge on inter-state disputes. 10. The states convened a government amongst themselves if Congress is away. 11. Determined that nine states had to approve the admission of any new state. Also allowed Canada (Quebec) to enter the United States if it so chose. 12. The United States would accept all war debt accrued before its formation. 13. The Articles will stay official until the Congress and all of the states change it. (Original text: http://www.usconstitution.net/articles.html) These were remarkable laws for the day. Even as introductory as these were, the set the tone for the way our country formed. However, there were problems. In the view of many leaders, the states held too much power, including the ability to each make their own money. And while these problems eventually brought down the Articles of Confederation in favor of the new, more improved Constitution, the tone it set was very innovative. The Articles of Confederation, while only in existence for eight years, proved essential in allowing us the freedom we would eventually fold into all aspects of our society. For that alone, it should never be forgotten, no matter how far we have come in the years since.
Who’s Brand is this in Campbell County? Find out in next week’s Campbell County Observer
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Classifieds Help Wanted
Homes for Sale
Autos, Trucks and Vans
Wanted to Buy
Cook needed at Lu La Bells. Motivated and Energetic. Days Only. Apply at Lu La bells.
Home for sale by owner in Western Way. Asking $239,000 for the 1,800 sq. ft. 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an unfinished basement and a two car garage. Fully fenced, large landscaped yard with a sprinkler system. Home is within walking distance to the new recreation center and the new elementary school that is being built. Please contact me at 307-670-1209 if you are interested.
1981 Harley Davidson FXB-Sturgis, 1st dual-belt drive to commemorate Hill-Climb @ Sturgis, Jack-Pine Gypsies rally started in ‘41, 50th anniversary model. 12K on straight-up original paint, new Moetzler’s driven-by beefed Shovel, 102hp at wheel. Perfect in every aspect, serious inquiries only, loan is $15K and value of over 25K. Ben 680.7464, 3-other older bikes and this has to go to the right person!
I Buy Militaria. Swords, uniforms, bayonets, medals, guns/parts, field gear. 6827864
Local journalists wanted. Always wanted to try? Must be 16 yrs of age. Contact us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com Advertising Sales for our weekly paper. Great commission rate, set your own hours. Contact us at CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com Contributors wanted for weekly newspaper. Need a doctor, a Politician, a lawyer, and more to contribute an article a month. E-mail CampbellCountyObserver@gmail. com for more information. Sports writers, event writers wanted. Gillette, Write, Recluse, Rozet. Call 6708980. State Wide Sales people. Print Advertising Sales for new State-wide newspaper. Call 307-299-4662 Delivery Driver wanted. Retired? Want a little walking around cash? Work one day per week delivering the Campbell County Observer to people’s homes. Contact the Campbell County Observer at (307) 6708980. Website/ad designer wanted. Must be familiar with building/maintaining websites and website advertising design. Commission and base salary pay. Call the Cowboy State Free Press at 307-670-8980
2008 Hyundai Sonata LMTD, 40,000 mi. $13,500, Call 307-660-2532.
Tri-level house for sale 4 bed 2 bath $209,000 (307) 670-1925.
‘76 Electra-Glide would consider trade on Pan or Knuck if ya know of anyone, ‘81 sent it to LA-S&S, 11.5to1 and dualplugged to run regular-gas, had burn-out time at Hog-Jam! Ben 680.7464.
Gorgeous land home package set up in Wright. 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, hickory cabinets throughout, front porch, central air, and much more. Financing available. For a personal showing call (307) 6870333
1939 HA Selmer Trumpet $750 OBO. 6871087 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/ My First Computer hardly used. Asking $15. Call 605 - 545 – 1188 Five roasts and twelve pounds of hamburger for a flat rate. $150.00. All ranch raised beef. This is an approximate savings of 10% on the total. Contact Jason Walker at 307-686-0577
WILL PAY CASH FOR CAMPERS. Call Scott (307) 680-0854. Manual Transmission for 93’ Chevy Pickup 4wd. Must be in good shape. Call 257-2306.
Personals Interested in founding a Sherlock Holmes Society in Gillette? Contact gillettesherlockians@gmail.com for info.
2003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS (White) with 137,000 mi; $6500. Call 307 - 689 – 0966
40+ Acres 2 miles south of Wright 1999 Atlantic Oak Modular. $250,000 OBO Call 307 - 680 – 2374
1983 Ventura (Chevy) for sale. WORKING WET BAR. Closet, fold down rear seat bed, caption swivel chairs. Great shape. Needs carburetor adjustment. Newly rebuilt Transmission, 400 Turbo. $4,000.00. Call 307-670-2037.
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.
Spacious & new, 1, 2, &3 bdrm affordable apartments available now! Call 685-8066. 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 Camping/Fishing first month while special lasts. Call Konnie or Celeste at Highland Properties 685Minnows, crawlers, leeches, fishing 8066. tackle, boating and camping supplies. Fully furnished cabin rentals, 50 Amp Full Hookup RV sites 5 minutes from KeyHome Appliances/ hole Reservoir in Pine Haven. Empire Furnishings Guesthouse & RV Park 307-756-3454. www.empireguesthouse.com Microfiber couch with 2 recliners combined. Green. $100 Call 299-4967.
Merchandise
Newspaper vending machines. Contact us at: CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com
Sporting Goods Like new Horizon Elliptical. $300 obo. Call 299-7058 for more info.
Pets
2004 Yukon Denali XL,6.0 Motor, Loaded $14,000 OBO 660-9351
Welsh Corgi Puppies. 3 females, and two males. 682-2598
1986 Toyota Tercel 4x4. $1050.00. Call 307-299-5918
Toys (ATV’s, Boats, etc.)
Heavy Equipment/Trailers
Boat for Sale with trailer. Needs work. Call 670-8980 for info.
Toy Parts & Accessories
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
Booth Table. L-shaped. With Chairs. Seats 6. $500.00 Call 299-4967 Chest Freezer. $100. 307-299-5918
Business Opportunities
Stock pipes for Sportster. 500mi. Stock pices for Dyna Wide Glide. 1500mi. Email baxtersmom62@gmail.com for info. Harley Accessories for sale. Call 307-6708980. Ask for Tammy.
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
Health problems? Try doTERRA certified pure essential oils. 307-680-0363. www. myvoffice.com/healingisbelieving
Campers & Motor Homes 1997 32ft. Class A Motor Home. Sleeps 6, Only 31,000 Miles. Asking $17,000. Call (307) 660-7520. Large Private RV/Camper Lot for rent. Big yard, trees. All utilities available. $400 per month, $400 deposit. 1 year lease. Call (307) 660-1007. 5th wheel camper for sale. Call Skip (307) 680-0073
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Sales Repfor Print Wanted Advertising. Desirable Qualifications: Self Motivation People Person Previous Local Sales Experience e-mail CampbellCountyObserver@gmail.com or call 670-8980 to apply
Our Roots Weekly Trivia Question Name 3 Presidents to die on the Fourth of July Look in next week’s paper for the answer
Joke of the week
“The Difference Between Republicans and Democrats” Submitted by Ruth Fowler
A Trail to Nowhere By Jeff Morrison
Just as soon as gold was discovered in western Montana in the mid1860s, trailblazers, both famous and obscure, began charting roads to the area. The demand was high for a fast, yet safe and easy path to bring prospectors and their families to the gold fields and let freight wagons return to civilization with the riches they harvested once there. Such a road was never really established during the gold rush years. The first route used, which followed the Oregon trail to the vicinity of Salt Lake City before turning north through present-day eastern Idaho, while safe enough for inbound settlers had two drawbacks. It took nearly a month longer to reach Bannock and Alder Gulch than any other established trail, and it also became infested with robbers over time. Jim Bridger had established a trail that ran up the west side if the Big Horn Mountains, but even though it was relatively safe from Indian encounters, there was very little potable water and sparse grazing, which made it a livestock killer. The Bozeman trail, which was the fastest route with the best available grass and water, was hotly contested by Indians who took exception to white settlers trespassing on their best hunting grounds. A water route was also available via the Missouri River to Fort Benton, however navigating the Missouri turned out to be very hazardous, and most of the riverboats used for this purpose ended their careers as one of the hundreds of rotting wrecks along the way. By early 1865, a new trailblazing entrepreneur, Colonel James A. Sawyers arrived on the scene, determined to establish an even faster route to Montana gold. Unlike previous trailblazers, who scouted their trails alone or with one or two others, Sawyer had brought along a survey engineer, Lewis H. Smith, with a veritable army of 53 civilians 15 wagons and 45 oxen, just in his own party, 5 additional emigrant wagons, 36 freight wagons belonging to C. E. Hedges and Company, along with the army – an escort of 143 soldiers from the 5th U. S. Volunteers and a detachment of cavalry, led by Captain George Williford. Whereas Jim Bridger and John Bozeman could only profit from the trails bearing their names by convincing wagon trains to hire them to guide them across their trails, Sawyer had secured a sizable government grant just for building his road. From the onset, Sawyers had been discouraged from entering the Powder River country by the military. General Patrick E. Connor was launching his three-pronged punitive campaign to subdue the increasingly hostile plains tribes who had been making travel along the Bozeman trail exceedingly hazardous. The last thing he needed was a civilian road building crew presenting a target of opportunity for the Indians and becoming a siphon of military assets that could be put to better use elsewhere. Sawyers, perhaps because payment of his government stipend was contingent on actually building a road, was not to be put off. In June of 1865 he left the mouth of the Niobrara River in present-day South Dakota, and pointed his wagons due west toward Powder River. The expedition made agonizingly slow progress in the sand hill country of the Niobrara. By late July, Williford’s men were running desperately short of rations and the expedition had barely reached the badlands of the upper White River. Williford sent 15 men south to Fort Laramie for provisions and the expedition
struggled ahead. By August 9th the party had reached the Belle Fourche, where it was decided they should angle northwest to Powder River. Thirty two miles of waterless, rugged hills finally convinced Sawyers and Smith that this route would not make a very good wagon road and they turned the expedition back to retrace their route to the Belle Fourche. On August 13th they pitched camp on Bone Pile Creek, about ten miles south by southwest of present-day Gillette. Little did Sawyers know the real trouble was about to begin. Nathaniel Hedges, a 19 year old partner in the freight wagons, was about a mile from camp when he was surprised by a party of Cheyenne warriors and killed. The Indians drove off some horses and disappeared. After recovering the body, the expedition moved a few miles downstream and established a
more secure camp, with the wagons circled and a corral established for the livestock. It was in this corral that they buried Hedges in a shallow grave. Being concerned that the Indians would dig his body up, his grave was concealed by driving the livestock over the site until it could not be distinguished from the rest of the hoof-torn corral. The expedition was attacked the next day by a larger force of Cheyennes who attempted to drive off the livestock. The road-builders and their military escort drove the Indians off, but the warriors kept them pinned down behind the wagons for the remainder of the day. On the morning of the 15th, the expedition was greeted by the sight of 500 more Indians on the surrounding hills. They settled in for a prolonged siege. The battle ebbed and flowed throughout the morning with neither party able to inflict casualties on the other. Around noon the Indians asked the expedition for a parley. Both sides sent an interpreter to negotiate terms. One tradition has it that the interpreter for the Cheyennes was George Bent, the half-Indian son of William Bent who had established Bent’s Fort in southeastern Colorado. Sawyers, thinking to bribe his way out a bad situation, offered the Indians a wagon load of supplies, ignoring the warnings of Captain Williford. After some deliberation the Cheyenne warriors agreed to trade the wagon for safe passage. They did not, however speak for the latearriving Lakota warriors who showed up after the supplies in the wagon had been dispersed and demanded their share. The expedition was once again attacked by the disgruntled Lakotas just as it was moving once again. In the ensuing melee, troopers Anthony Nelson and John Rawze, of the Dakota Cavalry were killed, along
with two Lakota warriors. The Indians eventually withdrew. The expedition buried Trooper Nelson the same way they had buried Nathaniel Hedges, but the body of Trooper Rawze was never found. At this point, Captain Williford put his foot down and turned the expedition southwest to the newly established Fort Connor (soon to become Fort Reno) on the banks of Powder River near Pumpkin Buttes. The expedition remained within the safety of the fort until September, when it travelled north up the Bozeman Trail, this time under the protection of the 6th Volunteer Michigan Cavalry. Bad luck continued to dog Sawyers’ expedition and this time it came from a large party of Arapaho Indians who, after being attacked for no reason by General Connor four days earlier on the Tongue River, were not in a good mood and believed Sawyers’ expedition to be military reinforcements. They attacked the wagon train which once again went into a defensive circle and was besieged for 13 days. During this time expedition members mutinied and deposed Sawyers as expedition leader. The new leaders decided to turn back to Fort Connor but had only made a few miles before meeting a relief force led by Captain Albert Brown. Sawyers convinced Brown to help reestablish his leadership of the expedition before turning north once again. This time the expedition made it to Virginia City without any further encounters with angry Indians. In establishing a viable alternative route to the gold fields, Sawyers’ Road was a colossal failure. No one ever retraced the route, and for good reason: due to the rough terrain in which the trail ran, it was not a timesaver, there was very little in the way of good water for livestock and the Powder River country, as Sawyers found out the hard way, was teeming with Indians who had no wish for their hunting grounds to become a “super-highway” for white settlers heading west. Although not considered a major engagement in the annals of western American history, the battle of Bone Pile Creek is the only documented armed encounter between Indians and U. S. Army troops taking place within what is present-day Campbell County.
“No tendency is quite so strong in human nature as the desire to lay down rules of conduct for other people, and we should fight this tendency at all costs.” - President William Howard Taft
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A Republican and a Democrat were walking down the street when they came to a homeless person. The republican gave the homeless person his business card and told him come to his business for a job. He then took twenty dollars out of his pocket and gave it to the homeless person. The Democrat was very impressed, and when they came to another homeless person, He decided to help. He walked over to the homeless person and gave him directions to the welfare office. He then reached into the Republicans pocket and gave him fifty dollars.
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Sandra Boehler (Charities/Fundraisers/Veterans Events) SandraBoehler@CampbellCountyObserver.com Glenn Woods (Political Column) GlennWoods@CampbellCountyObserver.com Mike Borda (American History) MichaelBorda@CampbellCountyObserver.com Elizabeth Albin (Wright) ElizabethAlbin@campbellcountyobserver.com Lin Stephens LinStephens@CampbellCountyObserver.com Josh Uzarski (Science) JoshuaUzarski@CampbellCountyObserver.com Ken De Laat (About Nothing) KennethDeLaat@CampbellCountyObserver.com “Juice” (Political Cartoonist) Juice@CampbellCountyObserver.com Jeff Morrison (Local History Contributor) JeffMorrison@CampbellCountyObserver.com
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